Release & Review - North of the Stars, Monica James

December 3, 2021 | Posted in:Release Day Blitz, Review

North of the Stars

Book 1: In Love and War

Monica James

England is burning.

And the cause…men are too afraid to utter in nothing but a whisper.

The Northmen.

My father is King Eanred.

And me?

I am Princess Emeline.

My father wants to protect our kingdom against the ruthless Vikings who continue to raid England, so he has betrothed me to Aethelwulf, the son of King Egbert of Wessex—the most powerful realm in all of England. Without this union, Northumbria will fall, which is why I must submit. I must do this for my people.

However, it is not in my nature to surrender. So when my father captures the most savage Viking known in our land, I do what no good, God-fearing Christian would do—I help him.

His name…Skarth the Godless.

People fear what they don’t understand, but I will not allow that to control me. Fear makes us blind to the truth, and I refuse to cower because Skarth soon becomes my teacher—in all things. And when his rival, Ulf the Bloody, shatters my world, it becomes clear the lessons have only just begun.

My soul is tarnished.

I am a sinner.

Lord, hear my prayer…

North of the Stars

Monica James @authormonicajames

Series: In Love and War Book I

Genre: Viking Historical Romance

Cover Model: Christopher Jensen @christopher88jensen

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster @lanefotograf

Cover Designer: Sommer Stein—Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Release date: December 1st 2021

Now LIVE:

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Australia

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Canada

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North of the Stars Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/an26e3kh

Sandra's Review

Vikings!!!

North of the Stars is the first novel in the In Love and War series by Monica James. I have read most of her books and this one is totally epic! I love Vikings but I don’t usually read historical romance but it’s Monica and I am obsessed with all of her words. She is as badass as her characters.

Princess Emeline was only twelve years old when she met him. She didn’t even know what she felt for him but it was different. She wanted to protect him even though she was just a girl in a world where they didn’t matter. She was only born to wed to save her kingdom when she became a woman. She knew it but she wouldn’t let any man own her. Not even him. Skarth the Godless. Most cowered in his presence but she didn’t. He was only a few years older but he was all man. She wanted him to teach her his ways. How to fight. How to win. How to never be afraid. Yes, he was a Viking, she a Saxon but they had a connection. One that only grew stronger over the years. One that was tested for they were torn apart for years. Torture to them both. Now, it was time for their revenge.

I really can’t get into the story without spoilers. I can say that this story is not a hearts and flowers love story. It’s raw, brutal, carnal, and dirty. It’s not an easy read but so worth it. Emeline is a complete badass. From a young age she is rebellious, smart, and cunning. Skarth knows this and that only builds the fire within for her. He is also a man who can be an arse. He can also make you swoon. Just trust Monica, okay? She knows exactly what she is doing and I love her for it. I need the second book like now.

Quotes:

“Break my body for it is nothing but a shell. But you’ll never break my heart, my spirit, for they belong to me.”

I will take this kingdom…and burn it to the fucking ground.

She hit me like a thunderstorm, and I’m still drowning in the rain.

Bio

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S.A., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

Stalk Me

Website: authormonicajames.com

Facebook: facebook.com/authormonicajames

Twitter: twitter.com/monicajames81

Goodreads: goodreads.com/MonicaJames

Instagram: instagram.com/authormonicajames

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