Review: Sensual & Satisfying Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 24, 2013
Norse Jewel is set during a unique time period which adds an extra element of exotic intrigue to a surprisingly romantic and suspenseful story.  The author has created a story that flows at a nice pace allowing the main couple plenty of time to form their relationship while allowing the suspense of who's the real enemy to take many twists and turns.  While the conclusion is satisfying it does end on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more and guarantees your return visit to this vividly depicted Viking world.Helena has been stolen from her home and the future that was planned out for her.  Forced into the role of thrall her life is now in the hands of whoever's the highest bidder.  Fearing for her life she chooses the one man who shows her kindness and subtly begs him to buy her.  Lord Hakan brings her to a new world where she's fully accepted by his family and slowly starts making a place for herself where she's treated more kindly than she ever expected.  She soon starts harboring feelings for Hakan though she still plans on returning home and will use his honor to get her there.  Her mind can't ignore what her heart and soul feels for him and she soon must decide which future she really wants, her old life or her new one.  From the very start Helena shows a smart and lively spirit.  She doesn't act like you'd expect a prisoner to as she tends to speak her mind and shows subtle flashes of rebellion.  I enjoyed her spirit and was rooting for her to get whatever she wanted.  She was a kind-hearted soul who asked for very little in life and made the best of a bad situation but never lost focus of reuniting with her family.  Her affection for Hakan confused her but she never compromised her principles in her dealings with him.Hakan's parents were killed when he was young and from that moment on he was taken under King Olaf's wing.  Even though he knew who killed his parents he was barred from getting revenge.  He moved on by marrying a beautiful woman who betrayed him and uses their son as a bargaining tool to continue to make him pay.  This betrayal has left him doubting the concept of love and leads to a vow of never marrying again.  He can't help his immediate attraction to Helena though as he longs to protect her by bringing her to his homeland.  She brings him happiness and speaks with an honesty that he appreciates for its uniqueness.  He longs for the succor she provides but a lifetime of honor won't let him have her since she's a thrall.  As their relationship progresses though it seems that they're getting further apart as his promise to return her to her home gets closer.  After waging many wars to gain riches, this is the one war he longs to win.  Hakan is an honorable man who, even after being hurt by his ex-wife, still shows compassion towards women.  He's a strong-willed man who shows an unexpected romantic side in trying to win Helena over as he'll do anything to keep her close.  As more betrayals towards Hakan come to light he'll need the support of Helena as she seems to be the only person he can truly trust as his enemies are closer than he thinks.There's very few scenes involving war but its threat constantly hangs over everyone as there's a rebellion afoot.  There's numerous twists and turns that leave you guessing as to who the bad guy really is.  The majority of the story though revolves around the relationship between Helena and Hakan.  They start off as subtle adversaries hurling sarcasm at one another but admiration soon wins out and the initial attraction between them flourishes.  There's unrelenting sexual tension between them that's not culminated until the very end, but their romantic journey is still immensely satisfying.  Their interactions are sweet as their reactions to their feelings are entertaining to behold.  From start to finish I found myself completely immersed in this vividly depicted story and its storyline of love, war, and betrayal.  The ending is a bit rushed and the subtle cliffhanger is a bit frustrating, but I still found this a delightful read that has me counting down the days until the story continues.