The Viking's Witch - recap & excellent reviews (and an excerpt!)

Hi again everyone!
Before I head off into October and the land of horror and paranormal romances, I wanted to share a quick recap of my Medallion Press historical romance, The Viking's Witch. The book was released in August and has received a bunch of really great reviews!

I blogged about the book in a previous 2-part blog, so I won't go into the book's details again, but I will share the summary, fantastic reviews, and a steamy excerpt.

The Viking’s Witch

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other . . . before time is up.

 Great Reviews...

“5 stars! I enjoyed this book from the Viking era! A must read! Kelli’s writing is flawless and beautiful, her world building is amazing, and you can literally “see” this world as it was back in that era. This book was full of excitement and twist and turns that I did not see coming. Overall I loved this book, and highly recommend it.” - Michelle Lynn, ConciseReviews

“5 stars! Loved it! The Viking's Witch is a great read penned with strong characters. I was totally engrossed within the tale and cannot wait for her next book. A must read for all who love the paranormal, historical fantasy genre.” Susan P., My Cozie Corner Book Reviews

“5 stars! This was a really, really, really good book! Really enjoyed reading it, just sped right through it. Odaria and Rothgar were, from an outsider's perspective, really funny together, they kept riling each other up, accidentally, of course, but that caused some really major arguments, which really spiced the novel up. The Viking's Witch was a really good book; a fantastic read with wonderful characters, so you really should check it out! Read it!!!” - Louisa P., Words I Write Crazy

“4.50 stars! Reviewer Top Pick! The Viking’s Witch is a fantastic novel. It is extremely fast moving, and the story is beautiful and scary and all around wonderful. It’s not often that I can sit down and start a book of this length one night and finish it in its entirety the following day. This is a novel that I would recommend for anyone seeking a splendid adventure, or a scorching, heartwarming romance destined to set many hearts aflame. This is a truly fantastic book. Take a trip with a Viking and see what happens. It’s definitely worth the trip.” - Hitherandthee, Night Owl Romance Reviews

 “4.5 hearts! Ms. Wilkins crafted a wonderful story. I liked the combination of learning to love and trust each other between Rothgar and Odaria. I especially loved the berserkrs, specifically Nordskog who was their leader. This book kept me engrossed from start to finish, wondering what was going to happen and if Odaria's visions are really correct. What a great read!” -Teresa, The Romance Studio

“4 stars! I have never read a Viking era book before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I found the world building and character behaviors very believable. I was curious to see how Kelli would develop a romance within this era. Let me say she did a fabulous job. It was a page-turner that had me cheering on the main characters. The world she describes is believable and so easy to visualize.” – Vickieann, TRB: Reviews

“4 stars! I think the author played it well, creating a chance circumstance that could build on the power of Odaria and Rothgar and the love that seems to bring them together. I enjoyed the book; it flowed really smoothly. I liked that they struggled for their love, it wasn’t one of those love at first sight ordeals. Lust on the other hand... I do suggest approaching this book with caution because there is plenty of steam ready to fog up your glasses when turning the pages of this book.” - PrincessPixistixx, WonderlandReviews

“Weaving in paranormal and thriller aspects and a zinger of an ending, Wilkins presents a violent, exciting, and steamy tale sure to please historical romance readers.”
~ Judy Murray, Library Journal (August 3, 2012)

“The world she describes is believable and so easy to visualize, and the characters are all there. There is a hero and heroine, the horrid bad guy and all the secondary people to fill out the story.”
~ Vickie A. Sold, Amazon review (August 21, 2012)

 

Eclectic writer Wilkins (e.g., A Midsummer Night’s Delights; Beauty & the Bigfoot) doesn’t disappoint with her latest historical romance title, set in ninth-century Scotland. Odaria is a Pict and self-proclaimed witch. Rothgar, a Norseman seeking his missing countryman, arrives just in time to interrupt the burning of Odaria as a witch. There is an instant attraction, and Rothgar becomes Odaria’s protector. Love blooms as violence and deceit swirl around them. Surrounded on all sides by enemies, our lovers must rely on each other, but can they trust each other? The inclusion of descriptions of daily life and such graphic details as the Vikings’ use of the Blood Eagle execution technique and the behavior of the Berserker Viking warriors adds interest.
Verdict Weaving in paranormal and thriller aspects and a zinger of an ending, Wilkins presents a violent, exciting, and steamy tale sure to please historical romance readers.—Judy Murray, Monroe Cty. Lib. Syst., MI

“Ms. Wilkins has written a fun escapist romantic fantasy novel.”

~Star, The Bibliophilic Book Blog

The Steamy Excerpt:

As Odaria rubbed her temples with her fingertips, the wool blanket slipped down, exposing her breasts. She tried to cover herself, but Rothgar held her wrists.

"Let me admire you." He pulled away from her and sat back on his heels.

Although she was a bit embarrassed, she felt no need to shield herself. She trusted Rothgar like no other. Before she knew what was happening, Rothgar’s warm mouth covered her left breast. A flash of desire coursed through her, and she groaned.

He suckled her gently, then twirled his tongue around her nipple. The sensation of his mouth working against her flesh sent her senses reeling, and she longed for more. A low moan escaped her throat as he increased the pressure on her breast.

She wrapped her arms around Rothgar’s head and held him to her, arching her back as he devoured her. Her lustful feelings from this morning resurfaced, and she willed him to ease her back onto the bed and make love to her.

After a few minutes, Rothgar moved away. "I thought that would make you feel better," he said with a wink.

She smiled. "Aye. I do. I’m tingling everywhere, but it isn’t enough."

 

Rothgar stroked her cheek with his forefinger. "Then lie back. I will make you feel things you’ve never dreamed of."

 

Odaria lay on the bed and closed her eyes. Her entire body felt prickly, and her heart thundered in her chest like a drum. What would Rothgar do next? Would they make love? He was the only man who had ever sparked these desires in her. It felt natural to give herself to him.

 

She felt a slight chill as Rothgar tugged the wool blanket away from her lower half, exposing her. A tremor of fear rippled through her. "What happens now? I dunno how to do this," she whispered.

 

"Fret not, my little witch. We will not make love now. I wish to save that pleasure for tonight." He chuckled. "But I know how to give you the same pleasures of lovemaking while leaving you intact."

 

"How could—?"

 

She gasped as Rothgar leaned over her and suckled her breast again. Her skin quivered as Rothgar trailed kisses down her ribs and stomach, inching lower with each kiss. His strong hands massaged her calves, sliding upward until he rubbed her knees, then her thighs. His kisses went lower, tickling her until he reached her lower belly. She moaned and squirmed on the bed. This delightful teasing and touching was something she’d never expected. How did Rothgar know how to make her feel so weak and vulnerable?

**

 

October is just around the corner! Be sure to check out the blog and read about my horror stories and paranormal romances!

Until next time,
Kelli