Blog Tour Review: The Viking She Loves to Hate by Lucy Morris

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About the Book:

Title: The Viking She Loves to Hate

Author: Lucy Morris

Page Length: 288

Publication Date: July 25, 2023

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Synopsis: Her rival

Is her most dangerous temptation!

Astrid Viggosdottir’s father has ordered a competition between her and new arrival Viking Ulrik to prove who is the better boat builder! If she loses, Princess Astrid will be duty-bound to marry a jarl. If Ulrik loses, he will be banished, leaving his motherless daughter homeless. With the stakes so high, Astrid should hate this man, but during the long hot summer, their rivalry turns to a heated passion that neither can ignore! 

Purchase Links:

Don’t forget to check out a competition over at http://www.lucymorrisromance.com/

My Review:

I’m so happy to be on the tour today for The Viking She Loves to Hate, a unique and entertaining historical romance by the fabulous Lucy Morris. Rivals-to-lovers romance is one of my favorite tropes, and the protagonists in this story have a fabulous and angst-filled rivalry. Astrid and Ulrik have explosive chemistry and tons of sexual tension, and I enjoyed every antagonistic and romantic minute of it.

Astrid loves building ships, is incredibly talented, and covets the role of master shipbuilder. Ulrik, a widower, is trying to forge a better life for his daughter, which is why moved with the understanding he would be the master shipbuilder. However, neither expected to have to compete for it. So, their relationship seems like it’s over before it even begins because if one wins the competition, the other must face the consequences of the loss. For Ulrik, this means moving again to find work. For Astrid, it means an unwanted marriage to a jarl of her father’s choosing. On top of being rivals, Astrid and Ulrik are also from different classes (she’s a princess, and he’s a builder), so their relationship has a forbidden feel to it, which only adds to the angst between them.

Even though many obstacles stand in their way, and both characters fight their feelings, their connection and feelings for each other are hard to resist. I enjoyed watching them slowly growing closer, but even more, I love how they challenge each other. Astrid is comical with her pranks and antagonizing, and Ulrik’s surprising reactions to her shenanigans are perfect. They’re the kind of couple you hope will find a way to be happy together because they are both so likable and endearing, and their intimate understanding of and feelings for each other are wonderful.

The secondary characters are great too, especially Ulrik’s daughter and the other characters who put their matchmaking skills to use to bring Ulrik and Astrid together. Astrid is well-respected and loved by the people she works with and spends time with, and Ulrik and his daughter are quickly welcomed into the community. I like the sense of community and the messages about love, life, and fulfilling one’s dreams against all obstacles. I also thought the messages about social class, women’s roles and expectations, gender disparities, and the complexities of family relationships were powerful and poignant.

I always enjoy Lucy Morris’s historical romances, and The Viking She Loves to Hate is no exception. It has great layered characters, great messages, the plot is entertaining and engaging, and the romance is super swoon-worthy!

Special thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

Rating:

5_Star_Rating_System_4_and_a_half_stars

About the Author:

Lucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama, and vibrant characters.

Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry’s chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.

4 thoughts on “Blog Tour Review: The Viking She Loves to Hate by Lucy Morris”

  1. I really like the premise of this one. Of course the trope of competition and enemies to loves pulls me in as well. I don’t think I have read a Lucy Morris book, but it sounds like I should give one a try.

    Reply

      1. I have read a couple of Melissa Oliver’s books and yes, I need to read more historical romance. I have enjoyed the ones I have read.

        Reply
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