Defiant in the Viking's Bed. Joanna Fulford

>

      

      Consumed by revenge—and desire!

      Captured by his enemy and chained like a dog, Leif Egilsson has one thought in his mind: revenge. He’ll no longer be beguiled by the treacherous beauty of Lady Astrid, and her innocence, which he so craved, will finally be his.

      On his escape, this fierce, proud Viking is bent on making her pay the price of her betrayal—in his bed! Only, Astrid has the heart of a warrior, and she will not be tamed as easily as he believes.…

      Victorious Vikings

      No man could defeat them. Three women would defy them!

       Get swept away by Joanna Fulford’s stirring trilogy Victorious Vikings

       No man could defeat them. Three women would defy them!

      In

       DEFIANT IN THE VIKING’S BED

      proud warrior Leif Egilsson is enslaved by his

       enemies and vows his revenge on the woman

       responsible. Lady Astrid will become his slave—and will pay the price in his bed!

       The thrilling trilogy continues with Finn’s story, coming soon

      Securing ships and weapons,

       powerful Viking Finn must take a bride

       in return. The fiery Lara may have to walk

       meekly to the altar, but she’ll fight their

       unwanted attraction each step of the way!

       And concludes with Erik’s story

      When adventurer Erik is forced to reunite

       with his estranged wife, Katlin, the warrior

       will discover all her secrets—including the

       passion that still burns strong between them …

      AUTHOR NOTE

      While researching ninth century Norway I found an invaluable resource in Heimskringla. It’s good for historical background and even better for the larger-than-life individuals who inhabit its pages. Characters like Halfdan Svarti, Gandalf of Vingulmark and the berserker, Hakke, are a gift for the novelist. I’d never have invented better names than theirs, or imagined half the things they actually did.

      While I try to be historically accurate, it can be convenient to have leeway where the facts aren’t known. I deliberately departed from the source only twice: Hakke lost a hand and later fell on his sword when the wound became gangrenous. I’ve given him a swifter end, albeit for selfish reasons. The second deviation concerns the spelling of his name. Originally it was Hake, but this seemed too fishy, even for a villain, so I toned it down with the extra letter.

      Writing this trilogy was great fun: Vikings have forceful personalities and strong opinions. I’ve learned to listen to my characters and know when to back down. Trust me: it’s a mistake to argue with an axe-wielding berserker who doesn’t like your game plan.

      Defiant in the Viking’s Bed

      Joanna Fulford

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      JOANNA FULFORD is a compulsive scribbler with a passion for literature and history, both of which she has studied to postgraduate level. Other countries and cultures have always exerted a fascination, and she has travelled widely, living and working abroad for many years. However, her roots are in England, and are now firmly established in the Peak District, where she lives with her husband, Brian. When not pressing a hot keyboard she likes to be out on the hills, either walking or on horseback. However, these days equestrian activity is confined to sedate hacking rather than riding at high speed towards solid obstacles. Visit Joanna’s website at www.joannafulford.co.uk

       Previous novels by the same author:

      THE VIKING’S DEFIANT BRIDE

      (part of the Mills & Boon Presents … anthology,

      featuring talented new authors)

      THE WAYWARD GOVERNESS

      THE LAIRD’S CAPTIVE WIFE

      THE COUNTERFEIT CONDESA

      THE VIKING’S TOUCH

      THE CAGED COUNTESS

      REDEMPTION OF A FALLEN WOMAN

      (part of Castonbury Park Regency mini-series)

      HIS LADY OF CASTLEMORA

      CHRISTMAS AT OAKHURST MANOR

      (part of Snowbound Wedding Wishes anthology)

       Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

      For my former writing tutor and mentor, Paul Kane,

       who set me on my way and regularly saved me

       from myself. Thank you, Paul.

      I couldn’t have done it without you.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Chapter Nineteen

       Chapter Twenty