Reading this book was shear torture for the first 20%. I only read it because it was sent to me to review by the New England Readers' Choice Awards. I probably would have stopped reading it if it weren't for the fact I needed to give a review. Good thing I kept reading because it did get a lot better.

The plot and historical aspect of this book were superb but the constant over-explaining and introspection annoyed and bored me. These are my two biggest complaints for any story. I wish authors would give readers a little credit. We're not stupid and can get subtle hints and we prefer them to over-explaining or making the character have paragraphs and paragraphs of introspection. It ticks me off.

The other thing that was wrong with the first part of the book was how the sexual tension was written. Instead of being sexy, it was awkward and smutty. I had to look to see if the book was listed in the erotica genre. Don't get me wrong. I like sexual tension and sex scenes but this was kind of juvenile and uncomfortable like the uncomfortable you feel when someone is making out next to you in church. It just doesn't seem right.

Thankfully, it got better. The over-explaining and introspection decreased so I was able to focus on the interesting storyline.

Safira was a high born lady who was abducted and sold into slavery in 930AD. She made a bargain with a Viking named Rurik to take her away from her master and drop her off in Paris.

Rurik was the Viking who made a bargain with Safira but he may have bit off more than he could chew. She was obviously not born into slavery or being a thrall as she claimed. His aspirations to become rich and hold lands came before a woman so he would be making a detour before he dropped her in Paris.

if the author could rewrite the first 20% of this book and edit out all of the unneeded explainations and tone down the creepy sex stuff, this would be a really good book. ( )

This is a good book. Who doesn't love a good Viking story?
It's well written. Good plot. The Hero has to choose between a promise of land for him to build a future on or the woman who he has sorted of agreed to help, who has worked her way under his skin.
( )

KEPT BY THE VIKING by Gina Conkle is an awesome Viking Romance. #1 in her new and exciting FORGOTTEN SONS series, and what a beginning!
I absolutely loved Rurik, the Viking leader, who is brave, strong, his word is his bond and Safria, a sultry Parisian thrall, who uses her wits as well as is cunning and full of secrets and surprises.

Fast paced, filled with secrets, intrigue, surprises, romance, danger, and a HEA. The characters are well developed, engaging and a force to be reckoned with. I was captivated by Safria's will to survive and her survival skills. Very impressive young lady! Rurik has strength, has a kind and gentle heart but is also strong, and a definite challenge for Safria, as she is to him. Another fascinating and captivating read by Gina Conkle. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go, lingers long after the last page. I can hardly wait for book 2.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own ( )

A solid start to a new historical romance series that is part Vikings TV show (although with less violence) and part star-crossed lovers. The fiery leading lady is Frankish, while the male lead is Viking. Includes actual historical details (events, places, and culture), which is one of the main reasons I read this author, plus a steamy romance. I look forward to the next one. For historical romance fans.

Net Galley Feedback ( )