Hearts Aflame (Haardrad Family, 2)

Vikings and Lindsey - an unbeatable combination! If you haven't yet read this delightful book, it's truly one not to be missed.

The Viking tales are some of Lindsey's best. This book is only second to it's prequel, Fires of Winter, another excellent read. I actually own the trilogy, though Surrender my Love is a little disappointing.

After having read „Prisoner of my desire" I swore never to read a Joanna Lindsey romance novel again. I was truly appalled. But the customer reviews persuaded me that I probably would like that one-and I did! Usually I don't like medieval romances but that one was different. I liked sassy and daring Kristin who is a really strong heroine and also Royce who is a true match for her. I could understand both point of views which is seldom the case when I read romance novels. It is so sweet to see how Royce and Kristen eventually admit their love for each other. The only thing I did not like was the spanking scene. It was unnecessary and didn't fit at that moment. It was as if Lindsey only brought it in because she has a liking for such scenes. The bondage scene (only a mild one) seems to be one of Lindsey's favourites, too but at least it fitted into the storyline. Nevertheless I did enjoy the book thoroughly.

I'm a big fan of Johanna Lindsey and have read many of her books because of the way she mixes real romance and eroticism with adventure. HEARTS AFLAME is the best one yet.The beautiful Viking, Kristen, stows away on ship with her brothers and clansmen to enjoy adventure before she's forced to marry one of the locals who she definitely does not love. But on this voyage, she, posing as a lad, and her crew are captured and enslaved by Lord Royce, who hates Vikings for personal reasons. Soon Lord Royce finds out the true sex of Kristen and orders her into his home as a shackled servant. But Kristen is proud, unyeilding and unashamed, vowing that her Viking father will come and rescue her and her clansmen. Royce is, against his will, drawn to Kristen and her unbreakable spirit. She proves herself to be the opposite of everything he expected.The two of them begin to want each other. Kristen readily admits it because she has been taught the normalcy of sexuality. Royce can't because to do so would only mean that he'd allowed Kristen to have power over him. The coming together of these two is nothing less than beautiful.Soon Kristen wonders that, if her father comes to rescue her, will she really want to leave this new place.

I have read a lot of romance novels of late and this is the first one I could not put down! Johanna Lindsey, this book is superb! The sexual tension and attraction between Royce and Kristen was WOW! So much action without too much history, just enough to explain what was going on. I loved that Kristen was such a strong woman, so sure of herself. She knew she wanted Royce and didn't deny it! I also loved how Kristen came from such a strong family background and the closeness she shared with her parents and brothers! And Royce, he was so gorgeous and sensual, no wonder Kristen couldn't deny herself! Johanna Lindsey, please, I beg you, write a sequel for Royce and Kristen. I did not want this book to end!