Welcome to a guest post by Sarah Rodi, author of The Viking She Shouldn't Crave
Why Forbidden Love is one of my
favourite tropes
For me, there’s something irresistible
about forbidden love. It’s the spark that shouldn’t ignite, the touch that
shouldn’t linger, the longing that defies duty or danger. As a writer, I’m
drawn to that moment when two people realise they should walk away, but they
can’t bring themselves to do so.
Forbidden love heightens every feeling.
Desire becomes sharper. Stakes become higher. Choices become heavier. It forces
characters to confront who they are, what they believe and what they’re willing
to risk.
This is exactly why I wrote a story of
forbidden love for my latest historical romance, The Viking She Shouldn’t
Crave. Set in 10th century Constantinople, the bishop’s
daughter, Helena, is chosen at the prince’s bride show. Marianos must marry to
sire an heir, and Helena must wed to save her family from financial ruin, but
during their first moments alone, the prince’s charming façade drops and
Helena’s ideas of a romantic union are shattered.
Enter the Prince’s formidable Varangian
commander, Viggo. He is kind to Helena, despite his belief that she is marrying
the prince for wealth and status. As Viggo helps her to win over the prince’s
affections, she soon discovers it is not the prince’s heart, but that of his
right-hand man she cares about. Every glance becomes charged, every encounter
dangerous, and Viggo is torn between duty and desire. He must resist temptation
or risk losing his life – he also needs the wedding to take place to receive his
coin and help his pregnant sister...
What I love most about writing two
characters who are forbidden from falling in love is how it forces them to
grow. In The Viking She Shouldn’t Crave, both Viggo and Helena must
confront their pasts, their loyalties and their fears. Their connection pushes
them to evolve, to question, and ultimately, to risk everything for love.
I hope you enjoy reading my new romance as
much as I enjoyed writing it.
