Review: THE NORSE KING'S DAUGHTER by Sandra Hill

Viking I #10
Historical (Viking)
Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins

Sidroc Guntersson almost wooed Princess Drifa into marrying him 5 years ago. When Drifa learned his motive to court her, she let her temper get a hold of her and (accidentally) nearly killed him. Sidroc never forgave her for her actions. 
When they meet again in Byzantium, Drifa finds herself in danger, yet when she sees her guard, she knows that she is not exactly safe, for what will Sidroc demand in return for his protection.

*****

THE NORSE KING'S DAUGHTER was one of my favorite Sandra Hill books. She successfully weaved comedy and drama without missing a beat or making the story stumble.

Sidroc and Drifa both had good reason to be upset with one another, and Ms. Hill made me root for both of them. Having knowledge of Sidroc's background with his despicable father made it easy for me to understand him and his motives. He had good reason (or so he thought) to hate Drifa. Yet he couldn't deny the passion and chemistry that sparked between them.

Drifa tried to explain and apologize, for her actions (which I didn't feel to be at all out of line--she didn't mean to almost kill him. o.O) but of course, it's never that easy. I was pleased that their angst didn't go to the extent that the turn around from hating each other to loving each other wasn't so far out of the realm of believability. And I especially loved how the story played out in the end because it was such an “awww that's so sweet” moment.

Ms. Hill is one of my favorite authors to read and reread, and I will be rereading THE NORSE KING'S DAUGHTER. If you are looking for a laugh, along with some somber moments to get to the happily ever after, this is not to be missed.

Rating: 5

Review: SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE by Jacquie D'Alessandro

Contemporary

Penguin Group (USA)
368 pages

After a viscous betrayal by her own sister, Jamie Newman has had enough. She decides that a seaside get away is just the thing. But when she arrives at the cottage she's rented for the summer she finds that Paradise Found is not really an appropriate name, more like Paradise Lost. The landlord of the dilapidated bungalow is no where to be found, but Jamie is ready to pounce. 
Nick Trent isn't sure what hit him when his firecracker of a tenant finds him, though he must concede that the cottage has seen better days.

When Jamie's family drama follows her to Seaside Cove she isn't sure if she can take it anymore. Will her family finally drive her off an emotional cliff or can Nick help keep her grounded? Is it possible for summer love transition into happily ever after?

*****

Jacquie D'Alessandro's first contemporary is a definite WIN! Ms. D'Alessandro successfully combined drama, humor and an plethora of emotions in between into a spectacular storyline. She created realistic characters that seemed to spring from the pages, as I could feel their rolling emotions and picture the panorama of events and characters while I devoured this book in one sitting. SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE will definitely be put on my “keeper” shelves, as I can easily envision rereading this again and again.


In Jamie and Nick I have found two new characters to add to my favorite couples list. Neither are perfect, but they both compliment each other so well. They have fantastic chemistry, that positively sizzled. I loved Nick's laid back attitude, but I could see why it was a bit nerve racking for Jamie, until she got to know and understand him better. I also loved Jamie's neighbors, they were a hoot!


It was great watching Jamie learn to live a more relaxed lifestyle, though her family still wanted to lean heavily on her. Jamie's mom was a basket case, but I liked the twist Ms. D'Alessandro added to her storyline, it was a very uncommon issue for a romance heroine have to deal with when it comes to their mother. I really liked how all things were resolved between Jamie's family and her and Nick, it was a tiny bit over-the-top, but I really liked it!


I look forward to reading more of Jacquie D'Alessandro's books whether they are historical or contemporary. She is absolutely staying on my auto-buy list, SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE just confirmed why I love her writing so much.
 

Rating 5/5

 

Author's Website

Slow reading...for me

Well I haven't read a whole lot lately, the mood just wasnt' there.  I found myself "playing" on the internet and with my card and jewlery making supplies.  But I did mangage to get in the following, which I still need to write reviews to post on http://www.nightowlreviews.com/ :

EARLY DAWN by Catherine Anderson (very ho-hum read for me)

THE BLISS FACTOR by Penny McCall (really enjoyed this book...and that this took place in parts of Michigan that I was familiar with and could visualize)

HOW I MET MY COUNTESS by Elizabeth Boyle (great book, I can't wait until her next release in September!!!)