A real man in paperback, darn

Viking Heat
By Sandra Hill
December 2009
4 stars

VIKING HEAT by Sandra Hill, a time travel novel, is a romance between a strong Viking and an equally determined 21st century woman.

After her brother’s death by terrorists, Joy Nelson is double dog dared into joining the WEALS; the female counterpart of the Navy SEALS by her two other brothers. On her first mission to stop slave marketing she is transported from 2009 to 955 into what she believes is the recreated village of Hedeby.

Brandr Igorsson’s learns any remaining family or friends at Bear’s Lair have been killed or taken. Under a berserker’s rage, he dispels vengeance until he faces a pregnant traumatized teenage girl: Liv, his little sister. They return home. Arnis and Erland, two adult but immature Vikings, travel in long boats for a trading voyage. Their final purchase is Joy as a bed partner for Brandr.

Joy? A slave? Never! Following the rules of Engagement proves difficult. She cares about Liv suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The teenager has sequestered herself in her chambers; so afraid and traumatized, she can’t speak. Can Joy as a psychologist heal Liv, keep Brandr from returning to his berserker ways, and get home to her time and brothers?

Sandra Hill writes strong characters with faults and fears. I rooted for them. I am more prone to accept time travel when her characters come from their time into ours. In a time of superstition, I was surprised they didn’t condemn Joy.