This recreation of the Viking era in Ireland shows life from the point of view of the invader and the raided. Caragh and her family are enduring a drought which has seen the end of their stores of food, and a Viking ship is spotted approaching the headland on which the ring fort sits. The elderly are told to run and hide and the rest take up any weapons they can find. Norseman Styr and his wife Elena however don't intend raiding, but settling. He's left the northlands with some trusted friends to avoid a leadership conflict and green Eire, where many of his people already live, beckons.

TO SIN WITH A VIKING shows the inevitable conflict as the weaponed, mailed Northmen land and the terrified villagers defend their homes. Styr is felled by a blow from Caragh and taken captive, while the girl's brother Brendan grabs Elena and drags her off to lure the other Norse after him. Next day Styr finds himself tightly shackled to a post but Caragh tends his wounds and shares what potage she has, reluctant to do further harm. Her father was a blacksmith and those shackles are strong. Styr needs to find his wife, and Caragh needs to prevent him killing her brother. But first, both of them need food.

The strange allegiance that arises sees Styr helping Caragh catch large fish - he is at home on the sea, while she is afraid of boats and deep water. Styr and Caragh come to trust each other, and Styr's arranged marriage to a good woman has been childless, a source of sadness to both partners. They sail to the large port of Dubh Linn, with dozens of Norse ships and mingled peoples at the market. This seems a likely place to hunt for fugitives, but Caragh starts to hope that Styr won't find his wife....

I liked the contrast between the countryside and the bustling city, with longhouses and thralls in the Viking quarter and spices, silks and ivory for sale. At that time slavery was a part of many economies and the Norse depended on it. Other details include the bronze weather vane on the Norse ship - a beautiful specimen was unearthed in recent years. The adult romance is the better for not knowing how the issue of the Norseman's wife will be resolved, and it packs a powerful punch at the end. Michelle Willingham has written other Norse-Irish tales such as Warriors in Winter and TO SIN WITH A VIKING is a fine read with a good deal of action.

Book Summary

PLAYING WITH FIRE!

Caragh Ó Brannon defended herself bravely when the enemy landed-only, now she finds herself alone with one very angry Viking....

Styr Hardrata sailed to Ireland intending to trade, never expecting to find himself held captive in chains by a beautiful Irish maiden.

The fiercely handsome warrior both terrifies and allures Caragh, but he is forbidden territory. He is the enemy...and he is married. Yet Styr harbors a secret that just might set them both free....

Forbidden Vikings

Resist them if you can!

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