Kept by the Viking by Gina Conkle is the first book in the Forgotten Sons series. This is the story of Rurik and Safira.
Rurik was immediately wanted Safira as soon as he saw her but she was a strong women with a plan to get to Pairs. Safira cut a deal with Rurik if he for him and his fellow crew to take her to Pairs but Rurik agree to it but was really not going to honor it. Rurik had plans to go lay claim to some land in the other direction but while traveling with Safira attraction turned to love and that turned to a choice he had to make...deliver her to where she asked to go or lay claim to the land he wanted.
This book had me in just a few pages and I could not put it down until I finished it!
Absolutely loved this story!

A man with strict norms and values is torn between battle of duty and what his heart desires.

Gets a little tedious with the whole journey and everything but it's all good.

I picked up this book because I like Vikings. What I wasn't prepared for were medieval Vikings. That's likely my fault for not reading the blurb of the book properly and getting caught up in the romanticism and fantasy of the Vikings themselves. I think I prefer modern day Vikings steeped in lore and myth. My preferences run more towards paranormal romance than historical romance. On the whole, I thought the writing for the story was pretty good but I was not captured by the story. It did not excite me. I kept checking my reading status to see how far I'd read frequently, willing the time and the percentage read number to go up faster. That could have been the pacing of the story or my own impatience. I do not know which. Aside from that, I also didn't like Safira, the heroine. She's feisty and proud and provocative and much too bold. All of those are probably not bad characteristics to have but she rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't like the way she challenged and teased Rurik when it was she who imposed herself upon him to further her own ends. I didn't like the way she kept taunting him and digging into him while keeping her own secrets. I generally just didn't like her. And I've long since decided that if I don't like the heroine, I'm not going to torture myself by reading the entire book and disliking her every minute of my reading experience. It makes me cranky. I'm sorry Ms Conkle, but Rurik and Safira (mostly Safira) didn't do it for me. This didn't work for me but it wouldn't stop me from recommending it to people who enjoy this sort of story. I'm sure there are other people out there who will be more patient with Safira than I was.

The clash of cultures and battle of wills pepper this story of Rurik and Safira. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks meets the “princess”. Can these two overcome their differences to make a life together? Rurik’s loyalty to the Forgotten Sons wars with his love for Safira in a beautiful story that will frustrate you but ultimately make you love them.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Rurik and his brothers in arms are escorting Safira to Paris , or so she thinks , after being rescued by them that was the deal she made.
However they are off to Rouen and have no intention of keeping to the deal .
Sparks are flying between our H and h , will they still be flying when the truth is known or will the romance fizzle and die .
Quite enjoyable, a good read , lots of action .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review

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.

Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and give a review.

Read it in one sitting. I am a sucker for a Viking tale....oh yea. Rurik and Safira's story was poignant and a sexy dance. I enjoyed the tale as Safira enters Rurik's life as a woman who needs protection and in exchange for information he will see her home to her family in Paris. Rurik has no idea who this woman is but reluctantly agree's to a barter in xchange for what he wants....her. I found the story to just grab me and take me for a delicious ride. Five stars of entertainment! Loved it.