Title: Viking for Hire, a novella
Author: Jo Grafford
Genre: Historical Romance/Fantasy
Pages: 89
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Published Date: February 6, 2015
ASIN: B00TAG8SOK

About the Story: Branwyn O’Tyre’s estranged brother summons her for a healing ritual. Fearing he actually plans to arrest her for witchcraft, she drinks a protection potion before he arrives.

Eirik, a Viking sea captain pretending slumber in the tavern corner, witnesses Branwyn’s magic and offers her safe passage from Exeter if she will attempt to reverse a curse that plagues him. Alas, every woman who touches him falls madly but falsely in love with him.

There’s only one hitch. If she fails, Branwyn’s heart will fall prey to the same madness…forever!

My Thoughts: I’ve read two other books from this author which I absolutely loved. Breaking Ties and Trail of Crosses, both from the Lost Colony Series based on a historical event. So I was expecting much the same on this one, but it surprised me.

Her story setting has Eirik, a Viking, offering to aid Branwyn, in protection against her religious brother ready to accuse her of witchery. As it happened Eirik was looking for this particular witch, for his crew had heard about this woman and he was in great need of her services. He had a curse to reverse. Eirik carried her off from the tavern when he saved from her brother. Follows an amusing scene with her brother and his men chasing her through the town to the ship dock.

Branwyn finally admitted she had powers and could help Eirik. They must seek some mistletoe for her potion to cure Eirik from a curse a sorceress, from spite, bestowed on him. Even though Branwyn was saved from her brother’s over zealous views, she almost lost her life on the sea when attacked by mermaids on their way to New Dorset.

This light and quick-paced read amused with good and evil witches, mermaids, a powerful attraction between Branwyn and her Viking and an exciting, dangerous trip on the seas in a Viking ship.

About the Author: Jo writes high stakes romance. Her favorite books contain layers of intrigue with alpha males and strong-minded women who are willing to risk it all for love.

From St. Louis, Missouri, Jo serves as a literacy volunteer for elementary school students. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and From the Heart Romance Writers RWA Chapter.

A typical day finds her with a laptop in hand, a diet Pepsi within reach, and a cat stretched out nearby who dreams of taking over the world.

Connect with Jo at http://www.JoGrafford.com, http://www.facebook.com/JoGraffordAuthor, and http://www.twitter.com/jografford.