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Blind #1
Blind Allegiance
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?
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?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
154 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Violetta Rand
46Ìýbooks283ÌýfollowersRaised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.
Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.
Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 9, 2013
4 and 1/2 stars - Absorbing Viking Tale!
Book 1 in the Blind series, this is also the author’s debut novel and it’s a great first book.
Set in the early 11th Century, near the end of the Viking era, this is the story of Randvior Sigurdsson, a jarl from Norway, who has a dream when he is in the Orkney Islands (off the coast of Scotland) of a honey-haired woman. Months later, he and his men attack the castle of Noelle Sinclair’s father in Durham (northeast England today) and he claims the tawny haired beauty as his, no matter she’s English.
The story of a Viking capturing an English maiden works for me every time, and Rand did it well. She is obviously a superb storyteller and I’ll read more of hers. The chemistry between the two and the sexy way Randvior feels about Noelle was very well done. The beginning was a bit of a scramble as I tried to picture all that was going on (the castle being attacked and Nicole’s brother betraying her), but once I got past that, the story flowed smoothly and kept me turning pages. It’s a tale of conquest, treachery and betrayal as Randvior tries to do what is right in the face of so much wrong, and Nicole attempts to adapt to Viking ways for the man she loves.
There were a few things that detracted from an otherwise 5-star story. To me, historical details are important, but others might not care:
--Modern phrasing and words (“live with it,� “just a pretty face,� “zigzag,� “nerve ending,� “bodyguard,� “honeymoon,� “climatic,� “bookshelf,� etc.)—I understand the author did this on purpose, but it stopped me every time.
--The castle (most of the castles in England, including Durham castle, were built by the Normans who came with William I in 1066, and did not exist at this time. French kings built castles (to keep out the marauding Norse), but the first recorded motte castle in England was in 1051 when French castle builders constructed one for the English king in Hereford.)
--The reference to Nicole being Saxon (the Saxons were in the south in Wessex and Durham is in the northeast, or Northumbria, where the Angles lived—we now think of them collectively as “Anglo-Saxon� but at the time they were separate).
--The mention of wine in bottles with labels (until the 17th century, glass was too fragile to use for storing or transporting wines; they used wooden casks for the most part and clay jars and other pottery containers for serving).
--The mention of books: bound books as we know them today, the kind you carry around, weren’t available in the early 11th century. Although the codex had replaced the scroll, and monasteries preserved the scripture on parchment, “books� were large and had to be hand copied (the printing press came centuries later).
--The use of surnames (i.e., “Nicole Sinclair�). In Britain, surnames weren’t adopted until the 13th century. I understand the author did this intentionally, but it did throw me when I first saw it. Also, if Nicole’s father was Lord Sinclair, she would not have his title as her surname (assuming they had surnames).
Book 1 in the Blind series, this is also the author’s debut novel and it’s a great first book.
Set in the early 11th Century, near the end of the Viking era, this is the story of Randvior Sigurdsson, a jarl from Norway, who has a dream when he is in the Orkney Islands (off the coast of Scotland) of a honey-haired woman. Months later, he and his men attack the castle of Noelle Sinclair’s father in Durham (northeast England today) and he claims the tawny haired beauty as his, no matter she’s English.
The story of a Viking capturing an English maiden works for me every time, and Rand did it well. She is obviously a superb storyteller and I’ll read more of hers. The chemistry between the two and the sexy way Randvior feels about Noelle was very well done. The beginning was a bit of a scramble as I tried to picture all that was going on (the castle being attacked and Nicole’s brother betraying her), but once I got past that, the story flowed smoothly and kept me turning pages. It’s a tale of conquest, treachery and betrayal as Randvior tries to do what is right in the face of so much wrong, and Nicole attempts to adapt to Viking ways for the man she loves.
There were a few things that detracted from an otherwise 5-star story. To me, historical details are important, but others might not care:
--Modern phrasing and words (“live with it,� “just a pretty face,� “zigzag,� “nerve ending,� “bodyguard,� “honeymoon,� “climatic,� “bookshelf,� etc.)—I understand the author did this on purpose, but it stopped me every time.
--The castle (most of the castles in England, including Durham castle, were built by the Normans who came with William I in 1066, and did not exist at this time. French kings built castles (to keep out the marauding Norse), but the first recorded motte castle in England was in 1051 when French castle builders constructed one for the English king in Hereford.)
--The reference to Nicole being Saxon (the Saxons were in the south in Wessex and Durham is in the northeast, or Northumbria, where the Angles lived—we now think of them collectively as “Anglo-Saxon� but at the time they were separate).
--The mention of wine in bottles with labels (until the 17th century, glass was too fragile to use for storing or transporting wines; they used wooden casks for the most part and clay jars and other pottery containers for serving).
--The mention of books: bound books as we know them today, the kind you carry around, weren’t available in the early 11th century. Although the codex had replaced the scroll, and monasteries preserved the scripture on parchment, “books� were large and had to be hand copied (the printing press came centuries later).
--The use of surnames (i.e., “Nicole Sinclair�). In Britain, surnames weren’t adopted until the 13th century. I understand the author did this intentionally, but it did throw me when I first saw it. Also, if Nicole’s father was Lord Sinclair, she would not have his title as her surname (assuming they had surnames).
July 10, 2014
I did and din't liked this book.
The main complaint is that the heroine, Noelle, changes her mind in a matter of seconds. One moment she's swooning at the hero's, Rand, attentions and the next she's furious with him. I understand that she's forced, that she's almost a prisoner and therefore she rebels, but her actions and reaction were too abrupt and almost without reason.
On the other side, I did like the overall feel of the novel. I could immagine the situations and the country.
Also, I couldn't understand Rand's reasons for loving Noelle. To me it seemed that his only reason was her beauty. And for me that's not reason enough.
So I have mixed feelings...
The main complaint is that the heroine, Noelle, changes her mind in a matter of seconds. One moment she's swooning at the hero's, Rand, attentions and the next she's furious with him. I understand that she's forced, that she's almost a prisoner and therefore she rebels, but her actions and reaction were too abrupt and almost without reason.
On the other side, I did like the overall feel of the novel. I could immagine the situations and the country.
Also, I couldn't understand Rand's reasons for loving Noelle. To me it seemed that his only reason was her beauty. And for me that's not reason enough.
So I have mixed feelings...
October 7, 2013
When I find a book with Viking's I have this desire to kidnap the author and have them write me hundreds of books with Viking heroes. A hero that is tall, barbarian, willing to take what he wants and to hell with the rest. Sometimes I come across a book that is just blah would not be put back on my TBR shelf, and then I come across a book that Oh, Wow! Where has this author been hiding?
Well, I came across an author recently that wrote such book that I could kidnap. Sadly the author is about 5000 miles (not real sure just guessing) from me so the kidnapping is out. Wonder if she will get snowed in and be able to just write Viking books for me.
Okay enough you reader are here for a review and not my jabber.
I admit this book starts out a little slow for me, but it slams my brain around the 3/4 chapter and I forced myself to stop reading so I could sleep.
I admit I do have a few problems with the book. The English names like Noelle and Brian. These names are too modern for a book set in the 11th century. Noelle and even the servants spoke in proper/modern English. This is something that was not used in the 11th century no matter how high an education. Noelle stated several times in the book that her father did not like her. I can understand this but Noelle was also able to read. Females in the 11th century did not receive any type of education.
Okay enough about what I did not like.
I can see part of myself as Lauga only wanting the best for her only child. Sadly Lauga took this too far. Lauga reminds me a lot of my ex-mother-in-law, bitter, selfish, only interested in position, and who she can screw to get what she wants. Lauga played each side but was finally caught.
My most favorite thing was how sweet, caring Randvior was. He showed more sympathy than most men today. I would love to meet Randvior, yes he had his faults but he actually cared how the female was treated and he showed her respect.
All good books need a villain. We are readers love them, hate them or have a love/hate relationship. Well, Brian went pass the hate for me. If I could have pulled the man out of the book I would. He did not have any redeeming qualities.
I would personally love to know how Noelle's father handled everything when he learned about Brian's betrayal. Sadly an author cannot put everything a reader wants in a book. (Here is where the kidnapping could come in to play J).
Other than the problems above this was a good read. For anyone interested in this book please be aware this is my preference. Please support the author and purchase a copy to form your own opinion.
Thanks for a few late nights reading Violetta. I did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading more by you in the future.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
Well, I came across an author recently that wrote such book that I could kidnap. Sadly the author is about 5000 miles (not real sure just guessing) from me so the kidnapping is out. Wonder if she will get snowed in and be able to just write Viking books for me.
Okay enough you reader are here for a review and not my jabber.
I admit this book starts out a little slow for me, but it slams my brain around the 3/4 chapter and I forced myself to stop reading so I could sleep.
I admit I do have a few problems with the book. The English names like Noelle and Brian. These names are too modern for a book set in the 11th century. Noelle and even the servants spoke in proper/modern English. This is something that was not used in the 11th century no matter how high an education. Noelle stated several times in the book that her father did not like her. I can understand this but Noelle was also able to read. Females in the 11th century did not receive any type of education.
Okay enough about what I did not like.
I can see part of myself as Lauga only wanting the best for her only child. Sadly Lauga took this too far. Lauga reminds me a lot of my ex-mother-in-law, bitter, selfish, only interested in position, and who she can screw to get what she wants. Lauga played each side but was finally caught.
My most favorite thing was how sweet, caring Randvior was. He showed more sympathy than most men today. I would love to meet Randvior, yes he had his faults but he actually cared how the female was treated and he showed her respect.
All good books need a villain. We are readers love them, hate them or have a love/hate relationship. Well, Brian went pass the hate for me. If I could have pulled the man out of the book I would. He did not have any redeeming qualities.
I would personally love to know how Noelle's father handled everything when he learned about Brian's betrayal. Sadly an author cannot put everything a reader wants in a book. (Here is where the kidnapping could come in to play J).
Other than the problems above this was a good read. For anyone interested in this book please be aware this is my preference. Please support the author and purchase a copy to form your own opinion.
Thanks for a few late nights reading Violetta. I did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading more by you in the future.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
September 14, 2013
This is Violetta Rand's debut book and, although I did have some issues with the story, the interesting characters, the passionate romance and the intriguing plot make this a very enjoyable read.
I like how Ms Rand develops the romance between Randvior and Noelle. From their first meeting, it is obvious sparks will fly between the powerful, strong, stubborn Viking Jarl and the intelligent, strong-willed and equally stubborn, Saxon lady. There is just the right amount of sexual tension and passion between them and the love scenes are deliciously sensual. Their journey is no smooth ride though. They have to overcome their own innate prejudices and the machinations of those who conspire against them.
I enjoyed the fast-paced plot with all its twists and turns and the fascinating insight it provided into the Viking world. Ms Rand’s obvious research and attention to detail brought their complex world to life.
The secondary characters also played an important role in the story, particularly Noelle’s cowardly, despicable brother Brian, Randvior’s antagonistic, scheming mother Lauga and his witty, Scottish friend Brandon who provides some much needed humour to the story. I’m hoping he gets his own book!
What stopped me from rating the book 4 stars was that some of the language was too modern sounding…‘provocateur�, ‘wrap his head around the situation�, ‘caught with his pants down�, ’infrastructure�. I am aware that it was Ms Rand’s choice to use modern language and I know this is not a problem for many readers but the choice of language is important to me. It is what helps create the right mood and atmosphere…what draws me into the story and transports me to another time and place. So, at times, I found myself pulled out of the story.
Overall, despite this criticism, I did enjoy BLIND ALLEGIANCE. I loved the characters, the romance and the adventure and definitely want to read Book 2, BLIND MERCY.
REVIEW RATING: 3.5/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
I would like to thank Violetta Rand for kindly providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my blog:
I like how Ms Rand develops the romance between Randvior and Noelle. From their first meeting, it is obvious sparks will fly between the powerful, strong, stubborn Viking Jarl and the intelligent, strong-willed and equally stubborn, Saxon lady. There is just the right amount of sexual tension and passion between them and the love scenes are deliciously sensual. Their journey is no smooth ride though. They have to overcome their own innate prejudices and the machinations of those who conspire against them.
I enjoyed the fast-paced plot with all its twists and turns and the fascinating insight it provided into the Viking world. Ms Rand’s obvious research and attention to detail brought their complex world to life.
The secondary characters also played an important role in the story, particularly Noelle’s cowardly, despicable brother Brian, Randvior’s antagonistic, scheming mother Lauga and his witty, Scottish friend Brandon who provides some much needed humour to the story. I’m hoping he gets his own book!
What stopped me from rating the book 4 stars was that some of the language was too modern sounding…‘provocateur�, ‘wrap his head around the situation�, ‘caught with his pants down�, ’infrastructure�. I am aware that it was Ms Rand’s choice to use modern language and I know this is not a problem for many readers but the choice of language is important to me. It is what helps create the right mood and atmosphere…what draws me into the story and transports me to another time and place. So, at times, I found myself pulled out of the story.
Overall, despite this criticism, I did enjoy BLIND ALLEGIANCE. I loved the characters, the romance and the adventure and definitely want to read Book 2, BLIND MERCY.
REVIEW RATING: 3.5/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
I would like to thank Violetta Rand for kindly providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my blog:
November 4, 2013
Blind Allegiance combines a brutal, sexy, Viking warrior with a shy, but sassy, daughter of an English Lord. Violetta Rand captures readers attention by creating realistic feelings of an impossible love. Threads of religion, lore, architecture, and tradition are carefully woven, enabling the reader to learn about the characters and time period without deterring from the plot and love story. Many twists and turns keep the pages turning late into the night. Looking forward to Randvoir and Noelle's ongoing journey. Will definitely buy the next in Rand's series!
August 6, 2016
Very good story and characters. I would have given this a 5 star rating but the Norwegian language that kept coming into it was annoying and kept getting in the way of the story flow. I wouldn't think many people could read it so couldn't understand why it was put in throughout the book. However because it was very good otherwise I will carry on with this series.
June 30, 2013
Violetta Rand’s debut novel Blind Allegiance will keep you guessing as she weaves you smoothly through the twists and turns of her Viking story. The feisty Lady Noelle is a perfect match for Viking war lord, Randvior and they battle betrayal and differing cultures to find their happily ever after.
October 8, 2014
Fantastic writing and read!
March 23, 2014
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.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
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.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2013
This is author Violetta Rand's debut novel, the first in a series featuring Viking warriors and the fascinating Norse culture.
I loved the portrayal of the hero Randvior as a fierce Viking raider with a conscience. Rather than raping and pillaging at random, he was surprisingly deliberate, thoughtful, and merciful. I found him to be a very strong and appealing hero. The developing romance and sexual tension between the Viking and his captive English bride was also very well done.
Although there were a number of anachronistic lapses, as mentioned by other reviewers, overall I found it an engaging romance painted against a fascinating historical backdrop.
I was a Viking virgin until this book, but I am now hooked and looking forward to reading more in this intriguing new series.
I loved the portrayal of the hero Randvior as a fierce Viking raider with a conscience. Rather than raping and pillaging at random, he was surprisingly deliberate, thoughtful, and merciful. I found him to be a very strong and appealing hero. The developing romance and sexual tension between the Viking and his captive English bride was also very well done.
Although there were a number of anachronistic lapses, as mentioned by other reviewers, overall I found it an engaging romance painted against a fascinating historical backdrop.
I was a Viking virgin until this book, but I am now hooked and looking forward to reading more in this intriguing new series.
August 20, 2014
A very good plot that kept the action and drama intense. The one major complaint I have about this romance pertains to the hero himself. He is consistently portrayed as a sexy, charismatic, dangerous, intelligent and compassionate leader. However, the way in which the character's dialogue and actions are presented fail to elicit real lingering emotion for the reader. So, the hero ultimately is very dull and unbelievable in his passion and seductiveness. I think maybe his language or speech patterns did not match the type of character that he portrayed. Based on this, the story only achieved an average rating from me. I just had a difficult time becoming invested in the main characters.
September 6, 2013
The story opens up in the middle of the Viking world, full of the wonder and mystery that world brings � and the blood. As much fun as the books romance is � and it is fun, watching Jarl and Noelle slowly dancing into each others� arms � there’s a darker side to it, to give a thrilling chill as you read. As English woman and Viking man come together, there’s a sense of beautiful eventuality to its tender kiss.
3.5/5
3.5/5
October 14, 2013
First, I would like to thank the author Violetta Rand for giving me this book for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed. I love historical romances, vikings right up there with Scotsmen for me. I am looking forward to more from this author and more of this series.
March 6, 2018
This is more bodice-ripper than historical, with the protagonists practically taking about three-fourths of the book to qualify their lust love for one another.
I can only hope book 2 isn’t a letdown.
I can only hope book 2 isn’t a letdown.
September 25, 2013
Viking romance with hunky, blond hero named Randvior....really, his name should have been "Randy" because his blood was always running hot!
October 8, 2016
Loved this book!
It was hard to put down and ended to quickly. I will definitely buy the other books in this series. I loved the main characters.
It was hard to put down and ended to quickly. I will definitely buy the other books in this series. I loved the main characters.
October 14, 2016
Blind Allegiance
This is a true Viking story. Rand was everything I thought of for a viking. Big, strong and faithful. Loved by his family and friends. Can't wait to read more.
This is a true Viking story. Rand was everything I thought of for a viking. Big, strong and faithful. Loved by his family and friends. Can't wait to read more.
February 4, 2019
Finding love
This story is interesting about a man who went to English land and found this young woman who he couldn't get out of his head, young woman brother sold her to this Viking. I give this story a four star rating because it is very good it keep you in the story until the end.
This story is interesting about a man who went to English land and found this young woman who he couldn't get out of his head, young woman brother sold her to this Viking. I give this story a four star rating because it is very good it keep you in the story until the end.
January 25, 2020
An okay romance.
This was my first viking romance and I must say it reminded me of highlander romance novels. But that's not a bad thing. If you like highlander romances you'll probably like viking ones too.
This was a turbulent romance, especially at first. And Noelle was so fickle in her moods and opinion of Rand at the beginning. It was a bit whiplashy. I could't always follow the scenes or feelings going on. Things would seem unresolved and left open and then it's a week later and I'm so confused if they are still mad at each other or in love. I kept getting confused in the time jumps.
There are a few explicit sex scenes that could offend readers. And some editing mistakes that just annoyed me. Is the name Sigurdsson or Sirgurdson? I saw both multiple times for the same person. Needed a couple more edits.
This was my first viking romance and I must say it reminded me of highlander romance novels. But that's not a bad thing. If you like highlander romances you'll probably like viking ones too.
This was a turbulent romance, especially at first. And Noelle was so fickle in her moods and opinion of Rand at the beginning. It was a bit whiplashy. I could't always follow the scenes or feelings going on. Things would seem unresolved and left open and then it's a week later and I'm so confused if they are still mad at each other or in love. I kept getting confused in the time jumps.
There are a few explicit sex scenes that could offend readers. And some editing mistakes that just annoyed me. Is the name Sigurdsson or Sirgurdson? I saw both multiple times for the same person. Needed a couple more edits.
October 29, 2020
A Great Book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book...the characters came alive and the plot continued to surprise me and kept me reading into the night! Thank you!
Now I will look for the next book in this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book...the characters came alive and the plot continued to surprise me and kept me reading into the night! Thank you!
Now I will look for the next book in this series!
September 17, 2018
Captivating
Strong honorable characters who strive to do the right thing as defined by their time and place. A good read.
Strong honorable characters who strive to do the right thing as defined by their time and place. A good read.
February 5, 2021
It was a nice read, at times boring but still a nice read.
July 7, 2013
Blind Allegiance is Violetta Rand’s debut novel from Soul Mate Publishing. This is the first in a series which brings to life the age of the Vikings during the beginning of the end of their tumultuous grip on Europe and surrounding lands.
In Blind Allegiance, Rand introduces Randvior, a Viking ruler raised with an atypical English education. His rearing is at odds with the brutality his culture thrives upon, but he tries to find a happy medium in which his people can thrive. His relationship with Noelle is contradictory to the wishes of his mother and a possible cause for rebellion amongst his people. Despite all this, he is determined to make Noelle his.
Noelle is an educated English woman, also an anomaly for her time. She is determined and strong-willed and not easily won over by Randvior’s attempts at seduction.
Randvior is the quintessential romance hero. He is physically and emotionally strong, but still able to be vulnerable and expresses genuine love and adoration for Noelle. Noelle’s character compliments Randvior’s, but is sometimes too stubborn to recognize her own faults. The author weaves an elaborate story that keeps you engaged and wanting to read more. Rand introduces a world thick with tradition stemming from a mythological foundation. The author is considerate with the amount of detail she uses to describe the Viking homeland instead of addling the storyline with pages of descriptive passages. It’s just enough to transport me to another world, while not boring me with redundant descriptions of the Viking’s homeland. Rand also finds opportunity to introduce secondary characters with plot lines that could easily be spun off into subsequent novels.
I would recommend Blind Allegiance to anyone who is partial to historical novels. Though the book is placed in 1000’s, Rand takes certain liberties with the language while keeping true to the culture. This combination gives Blind Allegiance the feeling of a love story that could have taken place during any age. I am glad I purchased Rand’s novel, and will definitely purchase the next.
In Blind Allegiance, Rand introduces Randvior, a Viking ruler raised with an atypical English education. His rearing is at odds with the brutality his culture thrives upon, but he tries to find a happy medium in which his people can thrive. His relationship with Noelle is contradictory to the wishes of his mother and a possible cause for rebellion amongst his people. Despite all this, he is determined to make Noelle his.
Noelle is an educated English woman, also an anomaly for her time. She is determined and strong-willed and not easily won over by Randvior’s attempts at seduction.
Randvior is the quintessential romance hero. He is physically and emotionally strong, but still able to be vulnerable and expresses genuine love and adoration for Noelle. Noelle’s character compliments Randvior’s, but is sometimes too stubborn to recognize her own faults. The author weaves an elaborate story that keeps you engaged and wanting to read more. Rand introduces a world thick with tradition stemming from a mythological foundation. The author is considerate with the amount of detail she uses to describe the Viking homeland instead of addling the storyline with pages of descriptive passages. It’s just enough to transport me to another world, while not boring me with redundant descriptions of the Viking’s homeland. Rand also finds opportunity to introduce secondary characters with plot lines that could easily be spun off into subsequent novels.
I would recommend Blind Allegiance to anyone who is partial to historical novels. Though the book is placed in 1000’s, Rand takes certain liberties with the language while keeping true to the culture. This combination gives Blind Allegiance the feeling of a love story that could have taken place during any age. I am glad I purchased Rand’s novel, and will definitely purchase the next.
April 11, 2015
Awesome read!!
Fast paced tale of "Viking Romance", danger, suspense, passion and romance. You will find no fault in this intriguing, well written tale. "Blind Allegiance", is a powerful, emotional tale, that is filled with complexity and emotions. The H/H must make many decisions about faith, family and clan mercy, while, maintaining a blossoming love story, and keeping the heroine safe from a dangerous foe. Simply, awesome! I can't wait to read the next "Viking Romance". Well written with powerful, enthralling characters and an absolute Viking storyline, with all the twists and turns, any Historical romance fan and fans of Viking Romance could possibly entertain. A keeper and a page turner. I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend to fans of Vikings, Historical romance readers, and readers who enjoy an action packed adventure filled with thrills and chills.
*Personal Buy*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed e: AprilR
Fast paced tale of "Viking Romance", danger, suspense, passion and romance. You will find no fault in this intriguing, well written tale. "Blind Allegiance", is a powerful, emotional tale, that is filled with complexity and emotions. The H/H must make many decisions about faith, family and clan mercy, while, maintaining a blossoming love story, and keeping the heroine safe from a dangerous foe. Simply, awesome! I can't wait to read the next "Viking Romance". Well written with powerful, enthralling characters and an absolute Viking storyline, with all the twists and turns, any Historical romance fan and fans of Viking Romance could possibly entertain. A keeper and a page turner. I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend to fans of Vikings, Historical romance readers, and readers who enjoy an action packed adventure filled with thrills and chills.
*Personal Buy*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed e: AprilR
November 24, 2016
Really bad
The hardest thing for me to admit is the fact I continued reading this book to the end. It's downright silly and a bit boring. From the outset I knew it was historically inaccurate, but kept reading in hopes it may get better......but it got increasingly worse. The heroine can't decide what she wants and changes her mind every chapter. The hero is a big dummy viking jarl. Half the time I spent trying to figure out what was going on....the disjointed story is so poorly laid out it makes no sense. There are several vague flashbacks by both parties that are never explained so I wonder why they were even added.. more pages, I gather. This is a lust novel pure and simple where "horndog viking jarl" meets equally horny, provacative Saxon lady. That about sums it up. Wouldn't bother with recommendations.
The hardest thing for me to admit is the fact I continued reading this book to the end. It's downright silly and a bit boring. From the outset I knew it was historically inaccurate, but kept reading in hopes it may get better......but it got increasingly worse. The heroine can't decide what she wants and changes her mind every chapter. The hero is a big dummy viking jarl. Half the time I spent trying to figure out what was going on....the disjointed story is so poorly laid out it makes no sense. There are several vague flashbacks by both parties that are never explained so I wonder why they were even added.. more pages, I gather. This is a lust novel pure and simple where "horndog viking jarl" meets equally horny, provacative Saxon lady. That about sums it up. Wouldn't bother with recommendations.
May 31, 2017
The author's mechanics of good writing were excellent. The storyline had more sex scenes than I needed to read, but the love and devotion between the protagonists was probably developed better through a few wonderful sexual encounters than through any other method. Set in the mid 15th or 16th century, Christianity had spread throughout northern England, but Odin remained the god of the North. Somehow, the author had to show the need of tolerance of each other and their different religions. Just think of how far the author could have taken the history of contentious subjects and have shown resolutions of the same. I wonder how long such a book would be?
Thank you, Ms. Rand, for a good read.
Thank you, Ms. Rand, for a good read.
March 15, 2014
Blind Allegiance grabbed me straight away. I love that when I become so involved in reading that the stress of life melts away! Noelle is a fabulous character; confident, intelligent and tough. Rand’s artfully and skillfully creates a wonderful chemistry between Noelle and Rand, a typical romantic hero, but an endearing one.
The story was well crafted and fast paced keeping me turning the pages and eager for the next. I thought that developing the imagery would be difficult but Rand again surprised me with rich detail that transported me back in time.
Truly a superb novel from Violetta Rand and the best news of all it is the first in a series! Definitely one to put on the TBR pile!
The story was well crafted and fast paced keeping me turning the pages and eager for the next. I thought that developing the imagery would be difficult but Rand again surprised me with rich detail that transported me back in time.
Truly a superb novel from Violetta Rand and the best news of all it is the first in a series! Definitely one to put on the TBR pile!
October 8, 2016
Surprisingl delight
I downloaded this book because it was free and didn't sound too bad. This isn't exactly my preferred genre. I like paranormal romance.... Or newer romance stuff. I'm not too much into the historical romance because I get a headache trying to understand the old English language and their dialogue. I'm not even into Vikings and can't speak Norwegian. But even with all that, this book was pretty good. Given all the things I didn't like about this book, the connection between the characters and the story plot was enjoyable enough to where I couldn't put this book down.
While I wouldn't put it on my "to read again" shelf, I did enjoy this book.
I downloaded this book because it was free and didn't sound too bad. This isn't exactly my preferred genre. I like paranormal romance.... Or newer romance stuff. I'm not too much into the historical romance because I get a headache trying to understand the old English language and their dialogue. I'm not even into Vikings and can't speak Norwegian. But even with all that, this book was pretty good. Given all the things I didn't like about this book, the connection between the characters and the story plot was enjoyable enough to where I couldn't put this book down.
While I wouldn't put it on my "to read again" shelf, I did enjoy this book.
October 9, 2016
A light read for a weekend to relax on. Saxon lady is taken prisoner of war by a Viking and taken with him to Norway. As usually in this kind of books they fall in love with each other in a short time. She however is totally not accepted by his mother nor his household.
Often I wondered if things were historicly correct like cabins on vikingships, or multistory strongholds in Norway in those days and the heroin certainly thinks too modern in my opinion. Also the story has moments you want to hurry it along a bit. But if you just forget about that and just read it as a romance / fantasy story it will keep you pleasantly occupied.
Part of a series.
Often I wondered if things were historicly correct like cabins on vikingships, or multistory strongholds in Norway in those days and the heroin certainly thinks too modern in my opinion. Also the story has moments you want to hurry it along a bit. But if you just forget about that and just read it as a romance / fantasy story it will keep you pleasantly occupied.
Part of a series.
October 4, 2013
Being an avid fan of historical romance, Blind Allegiance, was a welcome addition to my must read list. I wasn't disappointed. An exciting, gripping plot, attention to historical detail, memorable characters, and the intense sexual tension between Randvior, the dashing, Viking hero and Noelle, the feisty English heroine, provide an entertaing read from start to finish, and leaves the reader wanting more. Ms. Rand's tallent as an author shines through in the first book of what promises to be a great series.
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