Title: Tales of Freya – Sensual Short Stories
Author: Sarah Dahl
Genre: Historical Fiction, Viking Age, Sensual Romance
Book Blurb:
A collection of sensual short stories set in the Viking Age
In this collection of adult bedtime stories, Sarah Dahl pulls back the curtain of history to depict the erotic lives of Viking men and women. Amid the stark landscapes of fjords, forests and snowcapped mountain peaks, her characters search for love and passion. Dahl authentically illuminates the sensual side of a world of battle and plunder in an alluring collection perfect for every lover of gritty Viking romance.
A warrior recovering by a river is drawn into an unforeseen skirmish with a beautiful shield maiden. An enslaved Christian monk is entranced by his captors’ pagan allure. A dissatisfied housewife finds that her home holds an unexpected and liberating secret. An injured farmer is captivated by the magic of his irresistible healer ...
In a world of crackling fires and rough landscapes, long winters and bloody raids, the immediacy of life and death ignites undeniable passions. Warriors and monks, healers and housewives – all follow the call of their hearts and bodies to indulge in pleasures that may forever change their lives.
“Vikings meets Last Kingdom with a huge dose of the 'feels'.
“Truly Norse, gritty and authentic” (previous reviews)
My Review:
Tales of Freya is a collection of sensual short stories, all taken place in the Viking Age. These stories are more than quickies, they are glimpses into the real lives of men and women. Life as a Viking isn’t easy, especially for a warrior and his shield maiden but they make the most of the time they’re given. Historically accurate, these bedtime stories are intoxicating and the characters stayed with me long after I finished reading. Here’s my thoughts on each story:
The Current: A Battle of Seduction – A Viking warrior and a shield maiden let off steam after a grueling battle. A bit of cat and mouse leads to a much-needed release to everyone’s pleasure. This is the introduction to Aldaith and Nyssa, a fierce couple whose passion cannot be denied. Loved it!
The Awakening: Embrace beyond Passion – Ingrid is a lonely housewife, especially when her husband goes off conquering, but one day encounters a man who captured her heart long ago. He lives in the shadows but offers Ingrid something her husband never could: unbridled passion. An intoxicating second-chance romance I read twice. I connected with Ingrid instantly, her loneliness apparent right away.
Monk: Captured by Temptation – Alistair is a monk captured by a Viking and taken home to help his wife, Runa, around the house. Alistair clings to his Bible and prays reverently but is curious about the robust reunion between his masters. When Runa approaches him with an offer too tempting to deny, will he go to hell or soar to the heavens? This was such a seductive tale and one I absolutely loved. It’s taboo in its own right but beautifully penned.
Bonds: Under the Armour - Viking warrior Aldaith and his shield maiden Nyssa prepare for an upcoming battle by duelling with each other in fun bedroom games. Afterwards, Nyssa confesses her feelings and Aldaith is speechless. Does he feel the same way? Is it wise to love another when you’re a warrior and a shield maiden? I’m staring to really like this couple. They’re discovering love on and off the battlefield. It’s dangerous but that only adds to the appeal of these stories.
Healer: The Gift of Dreams – Magnus is grieving the loss of his wife and can’t seem to move on. He calls on the beautiful healer, Audr, to cleanse his soul from the spirit of his deceased wife. Her methods are sensual and awakens yearnings Magus hasn’t felt in a long time. A seductive, alluring and tempting tale which touched me. It was lovely to see Magnus put his faith as well as his body in Audr’s hands. Loved it!
Tower: Unchained by Love – Myskia travels to Ireland to rescue his lover, Adisa, who’s been enslaved for months. When they reunite, it’s not what he’s expecting. She’s changed and he’s not sure if he can break through the walls around her heart. Can he show her how much he loves her or is it too late? I didn’t like this one as much as the others. I found Adisa not very likable but that could just be me.
Battles: Sacrifices for Love – Shoulder to shoulder, in life, love, and the battlefield. Aldaith and Nyssa promise this to each other but now comes the big test. Will their love distract them from slashing their enemies? Will one sacrifice their life for the other? Such a moving, emotional finale to their story. I held my breath while reading until the very last page. Best story in the set!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited Canada.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Paperback:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1790461111
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1790461111
Ebook:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KYWSC7P
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYWSC7P
Also available in Kindle Unlimited/Select.
Author Biography:
Sarah Dahl lives on the edge of the rural German Eifel and writes historical fiction (novels and short stories) primarily set in the Viking age. She was an editor in several German publishing houses and managed a translation agency. The magic of writing re-entered her life at UCD Dublin, where she sat in J.R.R. Tolkien’s office every day, while working on the ‘Dictionary of Hiberno-English’. Tolkien’s spirit must have done something to her creative muscles – it sure wasn’t the bland view from his office. She became a full-time writer soon after and still works as an editor, translates, and coaches new authors. She is interested in everyday life in bygone centuries and the human stories that may have occurred behind the hard, historical facts. Her author page is: sarah-dahl.com. You can find her newsletter at: https://mailing.sarah-dahl.com.
Social Media Links:
Author Website: www.sarah-dahl.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahdahl13
Twitter: @sarahdahl13
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sarahdahl13
Reviewed by: Mrs. N