Monday, March 24, 2014

Blind Mercy by Violetta Rand


Title:  Blind Mercy
Series:  Blind #2
Author:  Violetta Rand
Published:  February 12th 2014 by Soul Mate Publishing
Length:  150pgs
Format:  ecopy
Genre:  historical romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★

Blurb:

The Sigurdsson family legacy continues…

A woman who prayed for a hero…

Orphaned at a young age, Rachelle Fiennes prayed for a hero to rescue her from her tragic life in England. When her only kinsman goes missing after the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Rachelle braves the aftermath of the battlefield to find him.

A man who lost everything…

Damned by the gods for surviving the bloodiest defeat in Norse history, Jarl Tyr Sigurdsson is still determined to get home. Hiding until nightfall so he can escape to his ship, his dangerous endeavor is disrupted when he’s accidently discovered by a beautiful Saxon.

Brought together by war, Rachelle and Tyr face many obstacles. Can sworn enemies find peace through love, or will fate tear them apart?

Excerpt:

Since the first day they’d met, Tyr had been embroiled in strife and violence. Standing in this holy place, he seemed vulnerable, almost normal. Only once before had she seen this level of tenderheartedness in him. The degree of compassion he showed his deceased brother when he prepared him for funeral rites still haunted her. Of course, what man wouldn’t be moved by such tragedy? This was decidedly different. Baffled by this transformation, she watched him closely.

“I thank you for this kindness.”

He embraced her. The motivation behind his touch had changed, she felt it.

“I swear on this holy ground, I’ll never hurt you again,” he said.

He’d pledged it before. Could she be foolish enough to believe again? Didn’t he understand she couldn’t get past the fact he was holding her for ransom? Could she ever really forgive him for deceiving and shaming her? Caution did little to help her cause. Jolts of lust shot through her. It felt wonderful to be touched by him; but as welcome as those feelings were, they must stay hidden forever.

“I want to believe you,” she said.

He tipped her head upward. “I make no promises I can’t keep,” he assured her. “If there’s anything I can do to ease your pain, ask me.”

She remained silent. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, a place existed where happy thoughts thrived. She pictured how it would be if he dropped on his knees and declared his love. All of this was quickly swept aside.

“I’ll leave you now,” he announced. “My men are aware of your situation and will not disturb your observances. When you are ready, they will escort you back to the house.”

My Review:

Rand is back and she thrusts us right back into the world of drool worthy Norse warriors, and English maidens with more than their fair share of spunk. This novel is much more intense and suspenseful than the first in the series, but just as enjoyable. Rand`s fantastic storytelling draws you deeply into this world, allowing you to shut out modernity for a while, living vicariously through her characters.

The main characters in this novel definitely made me giggle. They stuck to their beliefs to the point that they were blockheaded. Acted the way they felt they should while wanting to do the opposite. They It was completely charming. Having her characters speak in their native tongues makes them seem just that much more real. I quite enjoyed seeing the main characters come beyond seeing stereotypes to seeing the person within.


As a whole this was a very enjoyable novel. I read the whole thing in a single sitting and can`t wait to see what Rand comes up with next in this phenomenal new series.

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About the author:

Violetta Rand holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and a master's degree in Environmental Management. Serving as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see. 

Violetta has been "in love" with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five, she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the fictional worlds she enjoys bringing to life. 

Ms. Rand’s debut historical romance series, The Blind Series, is set in the fascinating world of 11th century Vikings. Her New Adult romance series, The Devil’s Den, is edgy and evocative, and explores the sexy world of exotic dancers.

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And now, check out a secret, hidden review of Blind Allegiance, the first novel in the Blind Series. 



Title:  Blind Allegiance
Series:  The Blind Series #1
Author:  Violetta Rand
Published:  June 26th 2013 by Soul Mate Publishing
Length:  219 pgs
Format:  ecopy
Genre:  historical romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★


Synopsis from Goodreads:

She’ll always fight for what she believes in…

Betrayed by a brother she hardly trusted before the bloodthirsty Viking, Jarl Randvior Sigurdsson, attacks her home, Noelle Sinclair is conveniently bartered as a means to save her cowardly sibling’s skin. Forced to leave her homeland and accompany the petulant Viking to the untamed wilderness of central Norway, Noelle is ever-aware of the burgeoning dangers around her—including her weakening resolve to resist Randvior.

Should Noelle surrender to his resplendent charms and seduction, or fight with every ounce of strength she possesses to get home?

My Review:

Rand is a visually descriptive author who lays this old world out before her readers in a vivid yet natural manner. I appreciate how she avoids the use of modern slang without making her writing forced and overly formal. There is a very approachable flow to the story that allows you to immerse yourself in the tale being told and travel back in time with the characters. Rand keeps her story firmly placed in the past while keeping readers enthralled in the present. She also weaves Norse mythology throughout her tale, enhancing the story even further.

This pair of main characters captured my heart and soul. They were extremely well put together and approachable. They were also stand up individuals who held true to their beliefs and morals while learning how to come together.

This novel is a clash of cultures, of religions, of civilizations, and of personalities. But it is also a tale of love and acceptance. It warmed my heart and enthralled my mind. This novel will definitely stay with me for a long while.

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2 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting and taking the time to review both books, Jonel. :)

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    Replies
    1. My pleasure! I hope there's more to come in this series.

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