In the latest of these exciting Viking tales of romance, Elena sails with her husband Styr to the shores of Eire. Their arranged marriage has been happy in all ways but one - they are childless. Among their warriors is Ragnar, who has secretly loved Elena for years, but never spoken of it. He is a true friend to Styr, even if the lady has beauty enough TO TEMPT A VIKING.

When a landing goes horribly wrong Styr is taken captive while Elena and Ragnar swim for their lives. They end up on a lonely shore at night, with Ragnar arrowshot and Elena sodden and cold. Survival is the first thing on the Norse lady's mind, and it's up to her to do the nursing and light a fire of driftwood. Next day they get to better shelter, and resourceful Elena sees to setting up a camp and getting food. She only wants to see Styr again, but of all other men to be marooned with, Ragnar she thinks is the most trustworthy. Provided he lives....

The local Irish people are living in ring forts or hide tents, hungry, beset by marauders by sea and land, with fish and a few grains as staples and wild garlic for medications. The Norse had come to settle, since their own land did not favour crops, and they have to work out how to live alongside these people, with little to offer but the ability to provide protection and their stout ocean-going ships to aid trading with towns like Dubh Linn. Could this be a benefit for both sides? Styr finds that the capable woman holding him prisoner offers other potential benefits, like marrying into her tribe. But he's already married - if he knew where his wife was.

This is the companion volume to To Sin With A Viking which I actually preferred, but both books show strong women, fierce men and tough times, with excellent historical detail like the brass weathervane on the ship's prow. TO TEMPT A VIKING will be enjoyed by readers who like their historical romances full of realism and action. Michelle Willingham has written a fine adult romance with more than a hint of danger and characters we can easily admire. I'm looking forward to her next book.