A scarred warrior. A runaway bride. A lie that could start a war or ignite a passion neither of them saw coming. Freya was promised to a powerful jarl. What she chose was freedom. Fleeing a brutal arranged marriage, Freya risks everything to escape across the winter wilds—only to collapse at the feet of a scarred Northman with no intention of saving anyone. Torvik is older, colder, and sworn to no one but his blade. But when soldiers come hunting, he makes a split-second decision that changes everything. He claims her as his. A lie. A shield. A dangerous truth waiting to become something more. They seek refuge at the hall of his sworn brother, Soren, now jarl of a clan already on edge. Beneath watchful eyes and snow-heavy eaves, Freya must pretend to be what she is not—while falling harder every day for the fierce, silent man who shields her with his life and stirs heat she’s never known. And Torvik? He meant only to protect her. But now he aches to possess her—in every way. When her past comes to claim her back, he’ll stand between her and any man who dares. And when war looms and honor is tested, Freya must make her Return to the life she escaped… Or fight for the one she’s building—in the arms of a warrior who never believed he could be loved. If you love slow-burn Viking romance with steam, age gap tension, grumpy/soft pairings, and fierce, protective heroes, this one’s for you. Can be read as a standalone in the Brides of the Northlands series.