Friday Book Trailer

Once again not an actual book trailer, but the trailer for the new show Vikings on the History channel.  I'm hoping that the series is really popular and creates a demand for more Viking romances Like Johanna Lindsey's Viking trilogy.

Here is the hauntingly beautiful opening credits of the show as well.

I have tried searching for some recent romance books on the Viking era but have not come across anything of interest yet.  So I think I am off to reread about the Haardrad family again.
  

Friday Book Trailer

I happened across a book trailer for Kathleen Givens' book, On a Highland Shore, which I absolutely loved.  If you haven't read it yet, check it out.

Friday Book Trailer

I seem to be in the mood for historical romances lately, especially Viking novels.  Anyone have any recommendations for Vikings?  I've read and enjoyed books by Lindsey (of course), Diana Groe and Josie Litton.  Anyway, here is the book trailer for Johanna Lindsey's Fires of Winter. 

30 Days of Books - Day 22

Favourite Book You Own

If I have to pick just one, I'll go with Johanna Lindsey's Hearts Aflame.  It was the first historical romance book that I ever bought.  I recently purchased a second copy as the first one has been dropped in a pool and read so many times that the cover has come apart from the binding.

30 Days of Books - Day 17

Favourite Quote From Your Favourite Book

This was really hard.  There were a couple of quotes I could have picked.  Some gave insight into Kristen's personality and behaviour.  While others were very emotional but were spoilers for anyone who has not read Hearts Aflame yet.  Finally I decided to go with this:

They had sailed south, farther south than Kristen had ever dreamed of going.  She knew it was south, for each night the sky stayed darker longer, until finally the darkness was equal to the daylight.  For days now they had sailed past a beautiful land whose coastline was kissed by summer's green, but no one would tell her what land it was.

I chose this quote because I could feel Kristen's excitement building as her adventure was finally beginning.  Also, because I knew that she would soon be meeting Royce and the story would really begin.

30 Days of Books - Day 14

Favorite Book Of Your Favorite Writer

I didn't even have to think about today's book, it is Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey.  It's a medieval historical with Vikings and one of the first romances I bought.  I have to admit, I was drawn to this book at first because of the cover.  It was also this book that got me hooked on Johanna Lindsey.  This book was written before the popularity of the female warrior in historicals.  Kristen Hardraad, the heroine, is a strong woman taught to fight and use weapons by her mother.  But she is also still womanly, and enjoys her feminine side.  I find now that the heroine in historicals are too modern in their thinking and their actions.  They can do it all and want nothing to do with or listen to the hero.  Sometimes to the point of being TSTL.  I'm not asking for a heroine who is timid and lacks the ability to think for herself.  Instead, I want a heroine who is smart and strong while still being true to her time.  Kristen, in my opinion fits that description.  Oh, and Royce of Wyndham is hot!  If the Viking era is one of your favourites (it's one of mine) check out the Hardraad series.  It actually starts with Kristen's parent in The Fires of Winter and continues with Surrender My Love.  I am still waiting for more books from this family.

30 Days of Books - Day 16

Favourite Female Character

I know since my favourite male character was Jamie Fraser that it seems obvious that today's character would be Claire Fraser, but it's not.  Don't get me wrong, she is one of my favourite, but there are times when I find her a little too harsh, curt, and a bit of a know-it-all.  So for my favourite female character I have chosen Kristen Hardraad from Hearts Aflame.  She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and takes the steps to get it.  Kristen is knowledgeable in weaponry, is willing to fight dirty but at the same time can be vulnerable and willing to show her feminine side. 

Friday Book Trailer

Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey



She is his enemy and his prize -- a wild and lusty hellion to be tamed by her dashing conqueror's kiss. But though maddened with desire for the golden-haired Viking temptress, noble Royce, in conscience, cannot force his exquisite prisoner to submit. For only Kristen's willing surrender can quench the blistering fires that sear his tormented soul -- and heal a heart consumed by passion with a soothing balm of rapturous, unconditional love.

One of my all time favourite Viking romances, this book trailer has Gerard Butler as Royce (mmmm Gerard Butler).

Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover

I know they say one shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I'm going to do it anyway.  'Cause, really?  This?  This is definitely not what comes to mind when I think of Vikings.  I think helmets with horns, fur, long blonde hair and muscles or Eric from True Blood.  Never have I equated Vikings and speedos. That's all I can focus on.  Well that and the beginning of a '70s porn mustache.