Norse Jewel

Entangled Scandalous

By: Gina Conkle

Narrated by: Braden Wright

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

Stolen by marauding Danes, Helena's desperate to escape their camp. She wants to return home, but the wolf-eyed Viking who bought her has his own plans.

Wearied of the sword, Hakan wants a quiet farmer's life, yet peace eludes the chieftain. His once tranquil homeland's in turmoil, and his new Frankish thrall vexes him for her freedom. Even worse, the fair maid lures him with laughter and smiles. Betrayal has left the warrior cold to other women, but one hot summer changes everything. Hakan's icy heart thaws to his clever thrall. Helena weaves happiness into his hard life, and she soon questions her own desires. But shadows of deceit spread across the kingdom, reaching Hakan's farm. Old loyalties call on the Viking to wield his sword again, but at what cost?

Before summer ends, master and thrall must answer the hardest question.... How much would you pay for love?

©2013 Gina Conkle (P)2015 Gina Conkle

Loved it!

Helena was captured by the Danes and sold as a slave to a Norseman Chieftain named Hakan. She was a feisty clever woman and thought he couldn't speak Frankish, so she insulted him in her own language. She was a challenge to him and soon melted his heart. This is a sweet story well written with interesting historical detail. When I closed my eyes to listen to the great narration, I was transported right there with them at every level. They both had strength, honor and thought of others above their own comfort. I loved this heart warming story.

Viking love

It's been a while since I read a Viking story and my first time listening to one. I am glad I did, it is a pleasure to listen to Mr. Wright's voice, the various characters' voices, emotions are well portrayed. I loved Hakan, a Viking warrior with a gentle heart. He saves Helena by buying her from the Danes, but she is set on returning home. She gets her wish, but once there, she wants Hakan. She is portrayed as a smart, strong woman throughout the story, but with this change of heart at the last minute after putting Hakan thru all that heartbreak, I am not sure she deserves him. But she makes Hakan happy, so there is a HEA for them. The author painted a good image of the life in that era.

A Norse Delight

What did you love best about Norse Jewel?

I loved all the characters and Braden Wright's accents were a delight to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

There were several scenes I enjoyed, You could feel the connection and the bonding between Hakan and Helena. The interaction between the secondary characters was amusing.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any of the scenes with Hakan and Helena I enjoyed, especially the barn scene. Hakan was a marvellous hero.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes I would of loved to listen to it all in one go as the sweet story kept my attention.

Any additional comments?

Braden Wright's narration, especially Hakans voice was amazing. I thought he brought Gina Conkle's wonderful Vikings to life.

First in a planned trilogy!!!!

If you could sum up Norse Jewel in three words, what would they be?

Heart-warming Viking Romance!

What other book might you compare Norse Jewel to and why?

I've loved Viking romances since I read Kathleen Woodiwiss' THE WOLF AND THE DOVE many years ago. I found NORSE JEWEL to be an heart-warming Viking love story in a fascinating historical setting. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys Viking romances.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene took place in a barn... I don't want to post a spoiler but suffice it to say that all's well that ends well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have! I know I put in more exercise time than normal walking our local bridge as I needed to listen to more of Hakan's and Helena's story!

Any additional comments?

This book was narrated by Braden Wright and his voice was the perfect choice for this tale. His accent was swoon-worthy when he voiced the male characters. He also did an awesome job with the female voices. This is the first book I've listened to that he's narrated, but I was solidly impressed and would not hesitate to pick up another book which he as narrated.

unsatisfying ending it has a cliffhanger

I actually liked the book even though I thought Helena was a special kind of stupid for wanting to go back home to her betrothed. ESPECIALLY since he didn't do anything to safeguard her when the town was invaded or try to rescue her when he realized she was taken.And ESPECIALLY WHEN Hacan did nothing but treat her with respect and kindness. Hacan was actually pretty damn sexy but I wished we got into his head a bit more other than him lamenting over his shrew of an ex-wife.

The reason I'm giving this 2 stars is because this book ends with absolutely ZERO resolution to the conflict in the story. The king, the kings son, his best friend, his scheming baby mama's boyfriend, the berzerkers, the unrest in the land, the death of his parents, the safety of his farm and sister's farm. SERIOUSLY!!! NONE OF THIS WAS ADDRESSED BEFORE THE BOOK ENDED. This book was written 2 yrs ago and I can't find any whispers of book 2. That sucks!!

story could have been a 3.5 if it actually finished.
narrator - 3 I really enjoyed his performance.

Nice historical romance.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked how the heroine kept to her guns on wanting to be a wife. I wish the ending was so cut short. I am looking forward to the next book and hope Hakan’s 2nd/best friend isn't the bad guy afterall.