The shield-maiden must marry… Heir to her father's Jarldom, Rúna Isaksson will soon ascend to replace him as leader, but first she must marry a warrior from another clan to form a powerful alliance. When her father creates a contest to determine the strongest suitor, Rúna demands to compete as well-if she wins, she can choose her own husband. However, she's shocked to discover that her first love is amongst the competitors, the man who abandoned her without looking back. She must not let him win. A Viking warrior haunted by a dark past… Jorvan Eriksson has returned from seeking his fortune to claim his childhood sweetheart, but the girl he left behind has become a battle-hardened shield-maiden with no intention of forgiving him. Jorvan has changed too-he now fights a darkness that lurks in his own mind. Somehow, he must conquer his demons to out-manoeuvre the other suitors and win the Viking games for Rúna's hand. Though victory alone will never be enough. He won't settle for anything less than reclaiming the future Jarl's heart.