Saturday, September 5, 2015

The Iron Princess by Sandra Lake



Title: The Iron Princess (Sons of the North #2)
Author: Sandra Lake
Release Date: June 16, 2015
Find on Goodreads








A Sons of the North Romance novel from Sandra Lake, author of The Warlord’s Wife, who takes readers to 12th-century Scandinavia where two hearts clash in furious passion…

The daughter of a Northern warlord, Katia is known as the Iron Princess for her mettle in battle. Headstrong and defiant, she instigates sword duels on a whim with little regard for her own safety. Katia would rather die on her feet as a warrior than live as a token wife and child bearer for a husband who keeps her castled as if she were a prisoner.

Lothair is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Saxony, who was granted the title of baron, a castle and lands. Raised in an atmosphere of mistrust and deceit, he rejects the concept of husbandry and wants a life of purpose and sacrifice in the pursuit of security for the Baltic Sea.

And when fate brings the Iron Princess and reluctant baron together, Katia and Lothair discover they are kindred spirits with fiery temperaments—and insatiable desires—to match…






I did not read the first book in this series, but I went into this book with the hopes that it could be read as a stand alone book. I had no issues reading this book as a stand alone. I did not feel like I missed out on a lot. From my understanding, the main character in this book is the daughter of the woman in the first book. So, I do think this book can be read as a stand alone. However, readers might enjoy this book even more if they read the other book in this series first.

The first couple chapters of this book were really engrossing. I found the first chapters to be action packed and interesting. However, the book quickly got very slow. There was a lot of political talk in this book. I loved the historical setting, but I really had no interest learning about the politics in depth. I found those parts were slow and uninteresting for me. I enjoyed the book where there was a lot action and romance. The political conversations just seemed slow and it made the plot drag. The parts of this book that had action and romance were really addictive. I thought the author did a really good job with those scenes.

The main character in this book, Katia, was a really strong female. I loved how she stood up for what she believed in and wanted to be more than a pretty face. However, she sometimes came off as an immature brat. There were times when I wanted to tell her to shut up and just listen to those around her. She also just caused unnecessary drama with her bratty ways at times. I wish there would have been more character development with her. I also wish she didn't pick as many fights as she did with Lothair. I felt like they were constantly fighting. I love a romance were the characters hate each other at first, but then fall in love. However, the arguments in the book seemed to last the entire book. I was annoyed with both Katia and Lothair because they would tell each other half truths or just argue for what felt like no reason.

When Katia and Lothair were not fighting, I found myself really enjoying their relationship. I loved the way they met, and I also really enjoyed where their relationship left off at the end of the book. The romance was paced nicely so it did not feel like insta-love. It definitely took some time for them to completely fall in love with each other. I thought the author did great job with that. I also really enjoyed the action within this book, especially whenever Katia was kicking booty. I loved reading the scenes were Katia was showing off her sword skills.


Overall, I did enjoy this book. I think readers who enjoy historical romances will really love this book. Sure, there were things that I disliked about this book, but I did like the book as a whole. I would be interested in reading other books in this series if Sandra writes more.

3.5 / 5 Fangs


*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review.*


















The Warlord’s Wife – Released March 2015


A stunning historical romance from debut author Sandra Lake transports readers to 12th century Sweden, where a powerful Viking lord will discover a fierce heart cannot be taken by mere force.

Lida was married to the love of her life for just two months when she became a widow. Pregnant and disowned by her late husband’s family for suspected infidelity, she was forced to return to her family in shame. Eight years later, uninterested in the prospect of finding another husband, she finds herself the unwilling object of a marriage contract with a powerful warlord. In a day, she is wed, bed, and put on a ship headed for Tronscar; an unknown icy stone and steel fortress.

Jarl Magnus is pleased to have taken a strong wife who, however stubborn she may be, will surely produce sons. However, he is less pleased with his wife’s additional baggage—a young daughter. But despite himself, Magnus falls for the daughter just as hard as the mother, and Lida’s heart is warmed to see the cold, serious Jarl move surprisingly fast into the role of stepfather.

When enemies attack Tronscar, Jarl Magnus’s nerves of steel waver, as the warrior fears his love for Lida will weaken him. But when his family is threatened, he’ll go to war to protect them, discovering along the way that they have the strength to protect themselves.












Sandra Lake was born somewhere in the wilds of Sweden. Surrounded by shirtless, blond men, she learned to sail, swing a sword and skin a bear when she was only three--wait no, that was Davy Crockett...
The real Sandra was raised in rural Canada. (Close enough to Sweden) She married her childhood sweetheart (who is blond and on occasion shirtless). They are currently living happily-ever-after along with their kids and unruly husky in eastern Canada.
Her debut historical romance, THE WARLORD’S WIFE was published by Berkley Romance in March of 2015. THE IRON PRINCESS, Book 2 in the 'Sons of the North Series' was release July 2015. THE ENEMY’S DAUGHTER, Book 3 is set for release later this year.


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