6/10, I picked this up from a street library and I now own it but I didn't know what to expect from this novel but I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this one a bit despite its flaws which I'll get into later on. It starts straight away with an action-packed scene with Naya who was just a genetic experiment by the way fighting off some werewolves for some reason and then it cuts to another character named Leif minding his own business and interestingly he isn't really human rather he is a Viking hence the title of the book so he has some supernatural abilities like super strength, durability and agility but most importantly is his spirit called his berserker which apparently finds his soulmate. The two main characters were apart from each other at first however they bonded eventually and it turns out Naya contributed to the Vikings by making some firewalls and other cybersecurity measures and most of them appreciated that except a few but she is on the run from people who want her back into the labs so it culminates with a battle with her and Leif winning; before that their relationship was fully complete by the way wrapping this book up nicely and there are two more books in the series however this can be read as a standalone. ( )

I was excited about the premise, but the chemistry was really non existent.

And no one should ever describe a vagina as a "wet tunnel."

Review: if this was just urban fantasy, it would be getting more stars from me. Turning it into paranormal romance wasn't playing to the authors strengths. ( )

Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley

A new twist on a "brothers" series. This is Norse Vikings and Valkyries crossed with mad evil scientists. The tragic heroine is bonded to the King. Misunderstandings, battles, running away and rescue ensue.
Sounds the same as several other series I've read, yes. It is worth reading though.
This is a fresh voice. It reads well and fast. Engaging. And while I thought the hero was ignorant in not telling the heroine more about the bond and everything it entailed, leaving this up to third parties to explain, it lends to the plot line. The heroine is smart and kicks butt if a bit insecure.

Overall and entertaining read and I look forward to the next in the series. ( )

DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: When Loki's forces descend
Immortal Vikings are humanity's only protection against the dark.

Under attack from Loki's minions, immortal warlord Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif's warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn't find her fast, he's going to lose himself to permanent battle fury.

But Naya doesn't want to be found...and he'll do anything to find her. Because they're both running out of time. ( )

I would not have guessed this was [a:Asa Maria Bradley|13754069|Asa Maria Bradley|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1430342323p2/13754069.jpg]'s debut novel... so I was surprised when I discovered that after I finished the book. Her writing was on point and the story paced very well. So kudos to this new talent who will be contributing to my TBR list in the future.

It's been a while since I have read a book based on Norse mythology, and I forgot how much I like vikings! These are not vikings in the traditional sense, but viking warriors sent to modern times from Valhalla to prevent Loki from starting Ragnarok. I loved every aspect of the mythology, particularly that Odin and Freya selected these warriors from Valhalla to go protect humans on Midgard from Loki's shenanigans. The story also had a bit of a sci-fi feel to me along with the mythology, so that kept things interesting as well.

Our H/h in this first installment of Viking Warriors are Leif and Naya. Leif is king of the band of warriors and he is having problems keeping his berserker in check. Leif was a good leader for the warriors, he cared about his people and honoring his gods' faith that he would prevent Ragnorak even if he didn't understand how. While I liked Leif, I really wanted more from him. As an immortal warrior who died, then went to Valhalla, and has come back to Midgard to live for a century... that provides a good opportunity to really delve into the history and life of Leif that I felt was missed. We know that he had a wife and kids in his first life, but I didn't feel an emotional connection there. And it would have been really cool to have some information about his time in Valhalla or things he has done for the last century on Midgard. What info we did have for Leif was good, I just wanted more.

Turning to Naya, this mysterious girl was held captive and experimented on in a lab for most of her life. We meet this kickass heroine as she is rescuing her brother from the same facility that experimented on her, so we know that family is very important to Naya. She also intervenes in a fight that Leif is losing, thereby saving his life. I like kickass heroines, particularly when they are loyal and independent. Unfortunately, I did not connect with Naya. Why - because she is a runner. And I have just had my fill of running heroines this year. So this has nothing to do with the writing (which was good), it's just that I am worn out with the running. Right now I want a heroine that will stick around and have faith and fight for her relationship.

In short, this was a entertaining and unique debut novel from Ms. Bradley. I loved the plot, but wanted a little more from my main characters. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars / 3 flames. ( )