Review: The Viking She Loves to Hate by Lucy Morris

Today, I'm delighted to share my review of an exciting summer romance – The Viking She Loves to Hate by Lucy Morris. 

If you enjoy a ’will they - won't they?’ type of story involving an unusual competition between the main characters, this one's for you. It's currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. My thanks to Rachel, and Lucy's publisher, for a copy.

The Viking She Loves to Hate

Lucy Morris

When Viking King Viggo returns from one of his many journeys, his adult daughter, Astrid, has mixed feelings, as always. She's happiest when she can be creative, and as the village's boat-builder, she has her hands full.

But Viggo has plans for her – she's the last of his daughters not to be wed. But her blatant refusal makes him devise a cunning plan. On his latest return, he brought with him boat-builder, the widowed former warrior, Ulrik, and his daughter, Frida. When Astrid takes umbrage at the arrival of this stranger who will replace her, Viggo offers a contest – which of the two builds the better boat will get their wish. Ulrik will have a place to set up home, or Astrid will remain boat-builder. But if Astrid loses, she must marry a jarl – and if Ulrik loses, he must leave again. So their competition begins...

The Viking She Loves to Hate is a fun adventure full of sizzling passion. Here we don't see big events, but rather a race against time in order to create the most amazing Viking ship. The tension between them begins early on in their task, when both search for the best oak – rare in their region – and end up slipping down a mountainside! 

Astrid is wilful and determined, but she's also aware that her dreams could come crashing down at any moment, at a mere whim of her powerful father. Not for her, the idea of a happy home with husband and children. She wants to build boats, to maintain her independence. A means to earn her own living. 

She is quite modern in outlook, but also naive at the same time, and her childish pranks on Ulrik and Frida backfire. Astrid's learning curve takes her from being a spoilt brat, who acts like a sullen teenager, to a grown-up woman taking responsibility for her actions. 

Of course, Ulrik helps her along the way, but his primary concern always remains Frida. Having taken an axe to his leg and saving Viggo through his action, Ulrik is now a shadow of his former self, uncertain how to provide for his daughter. Early on, he seems lost, uncertain, and fed up with how his life is going. Falling in love helps him see that there's more to life, but the journey there is full of ups and downs, as both Ulrik and Astrid have to complete their part of the bargain. Who will build the best ship? And who will lose the competition? Find out!

The Viking She Loves to Hate is a delightful romance, with a strong sense of interpersonal tension. There is danger from others, too, keen to destroy Astrid's independence. But ultimately, the plot revolves around the growing attraction between Ulrik and Astrid, and their realisation that things can be different. 

The Viking She Loves to Hate is another highly enjoyable historical romance from Lucy Morris. Well worth checking out.

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Blurb: 

Her rival

Is her most dangerous temptation!

Astrid Viggosdottir’s father has ordered a competition between her and new arrival Viking Ulrik to prove who is the better boat-builder! 

If she loses, Princess Astrid will be duty-bound to marry a Jarl. If Ulrik loses, he will be banished, leaving his motherless daughter homeless. 

With the stakes so high, Astrid should hate this man―but during the long hot summer their rivalry turns to a heated passion that neither can ignore!


Buy Links:

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-viking-she-loves-to-hate-mills-boon-historical-lucy-morris?variant=40177659248718

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-Loves-Hate-Mills-Historical-ebook/dp/B0BQQ4PHHP/

https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Loves-Hate-Mills-Historical-ebook/dp/B0BQQ4PHHP/

Don’t forget to check out a competition over at http://www.lucymorrisromance.com/

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About the Author:

Lucy Morris

Lucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama, and vibrant characters.

Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry's chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.

Connect with Lucy:

https://www.facebook.com/LucyMorrisAuthor/

https://twitter.com/LMorris_Author

https://www.instagram.com/lucymorris.author/