Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in return for a honest review.

I have enjoyed Christina Courtenay's books based in Japan, but this is the first historical fantasy book I have read.

Maddie is at a Norse get together in Dublin with her parents, when in the evening she finds a knife on the mudflats of the Liffey which ends up being a time machine and she is transported back to 975AD.

Maddie is attacked by Salome thugs when Geir comes to her rescue. He takes her on his boat to Iceland as he cannot leave her in Dublin, completely unaware that she is from the 21st Century.

The book follows their first year in Iceland setting up a settlement Stormvik.

An enjoyable and easy read.

When love is far away in the past.

Geir is the youngest of three Viking brothers and anxious to be independent and owner of his destiny.

He settled in Iceland, a remote area where land was available to those daring to claim it, but conditions were very harsh. On his way to this new land, he met Maddie, a fierce and opinionated woman that came from the future.

Believing the Gods sent her, Geir tried his best to woo her and convince her to settle in Viking age Iceland as his wife.

I love that Geir, despite the constrictions of his time, was always very respectful and caring. Maddie was a favorite of mine from the first book in the series (she was but a little girl), and I was happy to see what a strong woman she became.

The book is standalone, but there are extra perks for those who read the previous books. Lots of lovey characters make an appearance: Hrafn, Rurik (my favorite brother), Ivan, and Maddie's parents.

Tempted by the Runes is an entrancing trip into the Viking's world with a lovely and romantic time-slip story to sweeten the way.

Another great installment in this fantastic series! I'm hoping that Ivan is next ;)

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 12/07/2021 as part of the book's blog tour*

Tempted by the Runes by Christina Courtenay

First time read by this author. I really like a time slip story and this one that covers the time of Vikings , made it , for me , even more special.
Great story of Maddie , already a lover of the Viking era due to her participation in Viking festivals , who suddenly finds herself back in that time.
The story was very well written and I will definitely look out for her other titles.

I love Christina Courtenay novels, and this is the best one yet. It concerns Maddie,and Geir, and their time travel relationship, which could become a romance, but I will say no more about that, because readers absolutely have to read the book to find out. And it is highly recommended, for lovers of romantic fiction, historical fiction and time travel. I would give it more stars if it were possible, but I can only give five stars, because I am limited to that.

The perfect Viking time-slip story
Maddie thinks she knows everything there is to know about Viking life, having taking part in Viking festivals since she was little. That is, until she finds herself in the 9th century, with real life hitting her in the face. Waking up in a proper longship on it's way to Iceland will do that to you.
Having read the three other books in Christina Courtneys Viking series, I'm happy to report that this is every bit as good. It's gripping from the start, filled with daring adventure and lovely romance - and all the details of Viking life you ever wanted to know. You can't help fall in love with Maddie and Geir as they try to figure out what's between them. The story is well-written and so well researched it's pure joy to read it. I didn't want it to end!