Lord of Falcon Ridge

There are 4 books to the viking series. And I purposely saved this to read last because I thought I would like this one the LEAST. Was I ever wrong!!! It turns out to be the second best right behind Season of the Sun. I laugh like crazy during the parts when Chessa wanted Cleve to look good in front of the guys so she made up that Cleve made love to her 5 times during the night and that his size was beyond anything she's seen. This become the envy of the boys because they didn't think it was possible. I thought this story was cute. The heroine really liked Cleve and admired his ability and wanted him regardless of what other said. There were no abuse here between the herione and hero which is refreshing. The one thing I didn't like about the story is that they never explained how Chessa had certain power and ability and were able to see things that Cleve's father were able to see.

If you're reading romance novels, one has to adknowledge you're not reading epic literature. I loved the whole Viking trilogy. Catherine Coulter writes engaging characters with fleshed out supporting cast, and I always feel like they're a step above the rest. The romance between Cleve and Chessa is sweet, and it feels like it develops genuinely. It's not the throwing chairs at each other they cant stand each other, and somehow they end up in bed together and married sort of romance. Cleve struggles with his betrayal by Sarla and with his duty of transporting Chessa to her betrothed. His inner struggle feels genuine, because it's not overdone. He doesnt accuse Chessa of being a liar because she is a woman, he just holds himself adistance, struggling to seperate what he sees from what he wants to turn it into. Chessa only sees him as the honest, upright sort, and most importantly, beautiful. She's intelligent and the most important part of understanding Cleve and Chessa's romance is delving into everything that isnt said. The characters from the previous two viking novels are still fleshed out and Laren still tells her stories. This is my favorite of the Viking trilogy. Catherine Coulter shouldnt be the first author that you turn to if you're just looking for bawdry sex scenes or romance that borders on escapism. Her characters have depth and substance, and there's always a bit of a mystery to keep you guessing. Next to The Nightingale Legacy, this is up there on my list of favorites.

Bravo Ms.Coulter. I must admit that at first I didn't want to read this book because of low ratings other readers had given and besides low ratings-----I didn't seem to accept a scarred hero) I gave it a try though and I found that I was a fool to dislike disfigured heros) This book is much better than I thought. The hero is Cleve of Malverne from 'Lord of Raven Peak' (2nd book in trilogy) he is now friend of Lord Merrik and a Viking warrior. The heroine is Princess Chessa (she is Eze, daughter of the wizard Hormuze from 'Lord of Hawkfell Island') Cleve has a scar on a side of his face but it does not reduce the beauty of his face in Chessa's eyes. Their adventure is exciting. The secondary characters do their job well. I highly recommend all the books in Viking Trilogy. They are all entertaining read.

I like it. (Actually I like almost all of Ms.Coulter's historical romances). I don't know why others don't. It's a good viking romance though not Ms.Coulter's best. This book is not as bad as others may think.