Rorik is a viking warrior intent on getting his revenge for a despicable act done by Einar, the heroine's half brother. He is however wounded and captured and Mirana (the heroine) takes care of him. She practically saves his life but he thinks she did so in order to leave for her brother the pleasure of torturing him. So Rorik is not that grateful towards her...and how!
He manages to escape and kidnaps her. He is quite aggressive and violent towards her. He keeps her chained in his bed chamber and treats her like dirt sometimes. Throughout the whole book we barely hear him tell her any sweet word.Even when he marries her he still acts the savage. In some part of the book I think he grows to love her but I didn't have any idea when this actually happened as he treats her roughly almost up to the end of the book and does not defend her much (not even when his family is abusive towards her).
When her life is in danger (which is often)we see his concern, but it is not long lived. As soon as she is safe he returns to be an ogre. After the final dangerous scene the book ends abruptly. The epilogue is odd and has nothing to do with either Rorik or Mirana (we must assume however that they are both in love and will live happily ever after) it justs hints of another book to continue the saga.
It wasnt a bad book but it lacked soul. The romance was also lacking. I would rather call it a passion/hatred relationship between the hero and heroine. Mirana was likeable, Rorik not so. Even though he suffered a lot because of Einar he shouldnt have directed all his rage and anger at Mirana. I didn't care for the subplot either involing King Sirac. Contrived and useless in my opinion. My other complaint is that there were too many strange names to remember (and several starting with E, so it's easy to grow confused).
Not the best Coulter I have read (I loved The Rebel Bride)but not the worst either (I think that dubious honor falls to Bad Jack). After reading this book I decided better not to continue reading the rest of the series...i prefer more love (rather than hatred) between the hero and heroine.

UGH!! i did not like this book at all!! i couldnt even finish it because i got so fed up with the 'hero' he was abusive, rude and i dont know how anyone could love him!! i was ready to throw this book out the window!! women were treated so badly in this book!! and there were very weird parts in this book. this was the first book i have read by this author and i dont plan to read any of her books again!!

dont waste your money on this book!!!

The main savoir of this book is the heroine. She is strong, independent and very smart. You'll be rooting for her all the way. In terms of romance, I think it's lacking a bit...I do see the chemistry between hero and heroine, but NOT enough time given to romance development so the love seem a little bit forced. Bonus are some of the supporting characters. Those of you who don't enjoy alternative sexual content and possible incest should keep away from this book.

Ughh!! I found this novel horrible. I didn't find romance in it what so ever, Rorik abused of Mirana through almost 1/2 the novel. One moment they cant stand each other and the next they are in love. The only reason I finished reading it was because I was sick in bed, couldn't sleep and decided to finish it since there wasn't anything better to do.

I mean c'mon seriously Coulter. She expends a great deal of written energy describing in detail the twisted bowel movements of several of the characters. I really don't need to know that the Hero's bowels cramp in pain every time he overindulges in red wine. All I pictured from that point on was the Dumb and Dumber sequence when Jeff Daniels explodes after writhing in agony on his date's toilet seat.

She's written better characters, plot lines, and dialogue. Skip this one, or at least don't read while eating or sitting on the throne...heh heh.