This “Meet the Character Day” blog is part of a series
examining my romance novels. In each “Behind the Scenes” blog, I talk about why
I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal
what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. The “Meet the Character
Day” blogs are fun chats with the heroes and heroines from my romances.
Warning: blogs may contain spoilers.
Hello romance lovers! Today we’re chatting with Rothgar, the
hero from The Viking’s Witch, a historical/paranormal romance from Kelli A.
Wilkins. Before we hear from Rothgar, let’s learn more about the book.
The Viking’s Witch
Scotland, 803 A.D.
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 runs out.
Order your copy here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/%20ebook/dp/B07T15MHSW
Link to all other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o
Welcome Rothgar. Can you tell us how you came to the Orkney
Islands and met Odaria, the heroine in The Viking’s Witch?
Ja. I was sent there to look for my cousin, Orvind. His ship
had vanished and my uncle wanted me to find him. After we came ashore, I found
Odaria hiding in a gathering hall and I rescued her from an attack. To repay my
kindness, she hit me! (Chuckles.) It was a very unusual first meeting.
What’s your story/back story? What was your life like before
your author started pulling your strings?
Before Kelli brought me and my fellow Norsemen to Stronsay,
I was living a very different life. Once upon a time, I was known as “Rothgar
the Ruthless” and I was a fierce and respected warrior. However, after my wife
and son died, I gave up raiding and traveling and was considered “soft” by many
of my fellow warriors. I was content to live on my farm and tend to my animals.
I’ll admit, when Kelli gave me this mission, I was reluctant to take it. But I
resurrected my stronger side and became a warrior once again. I’m glad I did,
because sailing to Scotland and meeting Odaria renewed my strength and
self-confidence, and gave me a second chance at a happy life.
You sound very noble. How would you describe yourself?
A strong warrior who does not tolerate disloyalty or fools.
I’ll fight for a cause I believe in, but I cannot stomach excess violence or
abuse toward women. I’m a disciplined man who stands by my word, and I expect
the same from others.
What’s your goal in this story?
When the story begins, my primary goal is to rescue Orvind.
After I met Odaria, I had another goal: to protect her from her fellow Picts.
Along the way, Odaria and I decided on a common goal: to bring her home with
me.
What conflicts are you facing in the book?
I have conflicts everywhere! My fellow Norsemen are
reluctant to obey my orders; they want to raid the nearby islands instead of
searching for Orvind. The Picts refuse to cooperate and won’t tell me where
Orvind has been hidden, and they all want to kill Odaria. Odaria is also a bit
of a problem at times. She’s very headstrong and refuses to listen to me for
her own good.
What was your first impression of Odaria?
I had never known a woman like her before—soft and tender
one minute, then feisty and fighting the next. I was impressed by her inner
strength (she had just been tied to a stake and nearly burned to death), and
her ability to cope with tragic situations. Later, when she wept like a
frightened girl, I saw how vulnerable she was deep down, and my heart melted.
What is it about Odaria that makes you crazy in a good way?
She’s very strong-willed and opinionated and likes to do
things her own way, no matter what. When I first met her, this was very
frustrating and drove me crazy, because I knew what was best for her, and yet,
she fought me at every turn. Only later did I come to realize that all these
traits made me love her even more.
Who is the one person you respect and trust the most?
Odaria has proven that she’s unlike any other woman, and I
trust her with my life. I have the utmost respect for her and know that she
will fight with me, and for me, if necessary. I also have great respect for my
berserkr friend, Nordskog. His great courage and loyalty saved Odaria and me
from certain death.
Do you sometimes want to strangle your author? Thrash her to
within an inch of her life for what she put you through in the book?
Yes! Over the course of the book, Kelli put me through
several very emotional trials. I had to discipline (and battle) fellow
Norsemen, contend with the local villagers, protect Odaria, and still look for
my cousin. It was a very exhausting few days, but I know that Kelli did it all
for a good reason. She brought Odaria and I together and changed our lives
forever. We’re both very happy now and quite indebted to Kelli for all she’s
done for us. (Although she could have made things a little easier!)
Thank you for your time, Rothgar. Before you go, tell us a
little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?
On Kelli’s behalf, I’d like to invite everyone to visit her
website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com blog:
http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ and Amazon Author page:
www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins to see all her writings. She has written
several other great romances in all genres (historical, paranormal, gay,
erotica, and contemporary) that readers will enjoy.
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts today. I hope
everyone who reads The Viking’s Witch will check out Kelli’s other romances.
She’s a talented writer and creates interesting stories that are hard to put
down. (And her heroes are all very handsome, too!)
Kind Regards,
Rothgar
Earlier in October, I released Silent Sentinel. This 4,100 word mini-thriller blends a crime story with the unusual.
I released More Than I Bargained For - A Paranormal Mini-Mystery in August. This 4,500 word mini-mystery blends offbeat humor with the paranormal.
And if you like sci-fi, don’t miss Extraterrestrial Encounters, a collection of 18 out-of-this-world stories.
In case you missed it… Earlier in 2021 I released my non-fiction guide, Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing.
site: 
