Blind Allegiance by Violetta Rand #booktour #authorpost

BLIND ALLEGIANCE

By Violetta Rand

 It’s a risk of a lifetime loving a man you’re supposed to hate…

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?

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Read an excerpt of the book:

“Do daughters of English lords weave?” Lauga finally acknowledged her presence. “Or are your hands too unskilled to fashion garments for Odin’s children to wear?”

At this point, Noelle would feast on what scraps Lauga was willing to throw at her. “I’m skilled in the arts of weaving and sewing. My work graces the rooms of my father’s castle. Direct me, and I will do whatever you ask.”

Lauga nodded. An imbecile could stitch a shirt. Simply voicing her accomplishments would do little to impress the ice queen. Noelle tried to keep her hands from fidgeting as she waited for her future mother-in-law to respond. Gratefully, her words had captured the interest of some of the women, because they too waited for Lauga to speak. A small victory, she’d take it.

Unable to refuse her offer, Lauga began. “The looms are occupied for the day,” she said, “but if you are capable, you may sit at that table and work.” She pointed across the room.

A linen overdress, dyed the boldest shade of purple she’d ever seen, awaited someone’s skilled hands to finish it. Noelle admired the garment, a sweet design with intricately embroidered rosebuds sewn along the shoulder seams. She sat and continued the pattern of red and yellow buds, adding a personal touch by stitching leaves on the stems of the tiny blossoms. She worked for hours, happy to use her skills.

Margaret had always warned, idle hands are the devil’s tools, and Noelle couldn’t agree more!

By late afternoon, Noelle finished the dress and several women gathered around the table to see. Humbly, she accepted their praise.

 My thoughts: 

I honestly loved this book. I stayed up way to late reading it because I didn’t want to stop! I just keep picturing Chris Hemsworth as  Randvior (in his Thor costume of course) and Olivia Wilde as Noelle. It was fantastic. Vikings and romance….how could it not work???

Please read an author post by the brilliant author of this book Violetta Rand:

What makes my main character likeable?
My hero, Jarl Randvior Sigurdsson

The words charming Viking don’t seem to mesh. But somehow in his 11th century existence, Jarl Randvior Sigurdsson manages to remain a gentleman—unless he’s provoked. A bit of background helps set the stage. While fortifying his lands in the Orkney Islands, the gods invade his dreams. A Valkyrie sends him on a raid to Durham, England. Unwilling to disobey, he invades Durham Castle in the middle of the night. During the initial battle in the great hall, he spies Noelle Sinclair courageously leading another woman away from the violence.

Randvior exercises uncommon mercy. He offers terms of surrender instead of destroying the keep. Noelle’s bravery undoubtedly inspired him.

An excerpt from Blind Allegiance describing Randvior’s charm and sense of humor…

He even considered exercising his excellent manners—taught by the best English tutors during his childhood. He could perfectly emulate the speech and behavior of the most refined English gentleman at will. What he never fully grasped was their effeminate nature.

Striking the perfect balance of likability and believability in a historical hero is one of the greatest challenges I faced. Randvior is a menace by nature. A conquering warrior with glory and wealth on his mind. He’s responsible for dozens of men and is expected to provide opportunities to obtain possessions and battle so his warriors can reach Valhalla.

Timing is everything. Randvior understands that the Viking age is nearing its pinnacle. Christianity is changing the moral and religious landscape across Europe. Former enemies are uniting under the pope’s banner to defend against raids. My hero realizes the only way to survive is to adapt. His goal is to expand trading rights and foster peace amongst his own kinsmen. Although he’s infused with every alpha male trait you can think of, he’s also highly intelligent and compassionate. He abhors abuse of women and refuses to repeat the atrocities his forefathers and peers committed. These factors alone set him apart.

How does that make him likeable and believable? Randvior is only beginning to discover the depth of his empathy as his relationship with Noelle develops. Love changes everything.

There was a need for strength and violence in those days. I don’t wander too far from the historical perspective. You can’t if you want readers to believe you’ve captured the feeling of the era. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to smack some sense into Randvior. He’s domineering and arrogant at times. It’s a delicate balance; strength and humbleness, power and moderation, passion and patience.

Sometimes his thoughts differ from his actions.

In the end, only the gods can judge a man’s heart.

from jen: And I totally agree. He was a character you could not stop reading about.

Violetta will award a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-book-tour-blind-allegiance-by.html