Friday, January 16, 2026

Guest Post: Viking She Couldn't Crave

 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.



 

 


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Guest Post: Viking She Couldn't Crave

 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 ...