The Best Way to Read Sandra Hill’s Viking Series
If you are looking to plunge into Sandra Hill's wildly entertaining Viking romance universe, the most important thing to know is that she split her Norsemen adventures into two distinct, yet interconnected, series. Viking Series I takes modern or medieval characters and throws them into historical settings like 10th-century Scandinavia or Saxon-ruled England. Viking Series II (frequently referred to as the Viking Navy SEALs series) turns the premise on its head, catapulting ancient Viking warriors forward in time to the modern era, where they must navigate 20th- and 21st-century technology, slang, and modern women—often while joining elite military units.
While almost all of the novels are written as standalone romances focusing on a single couple, we highly recommend reading both series in their publication order. Following the publication sequence ensures you won't spoil recurring character cameos, family connections, or the evolving, hilarious mechanics of Hill's time-travel universe.
Viking Series I: Historical Time-Travel Order
Viking Series I spans 11 novels, beginning in 1994. These stories are deeply rooted in historical romance tropes but carry a unique, comedic energy and plenty of high-stakes adventure. Here is the chronological publication order for Viking Series I:
- The Reluctant Viking (1994) - The book that started it all. Ruby Jordan, a modern woman facing marital troubles, is transported back to the 10th century, where she meets the towering Norse warrior Thork.
- The Outlaw Viking (1995) - Follows the adventures of Thork's brother, Eirik, as he struggles with outlaw status and unexpected romance.
- The Tarnished Lady (1995) - Set in the medieval period, focusing on Eirik's sister, Lady Eleanor, and her struggle for survival and love.
- The Bewitched Viking (1999) - A delightful blend of magic, humor, and passion featuring Tyra and the warrior Geirolf.
- The Blue Viking (2001) - Known for its laugh-out-loud humor, featuring a warrior cursed to turn blue when he gets angry or aroused.
- My Fair Viking / The Viking's Captive (2002) - Princess Tyra rescues a captive Viking, leading to an intense clash of wills and passion.
- A Tale of Two Vikings (2004) - Features identical twin brothers who cause absolute chaos in both the medieval and modern worlds.
- Viking in Love (2010) - A classic medieval romance centering on a battle-hardened warrior who meets his match in a fiery heroine.
- The Viking Takes a Knight (2010) - Explores the humorous dynamic of a fierce Viking warrior falling for a woman disguised as a knight.
- The Norse King's Daughter (2011) - Blends royalty, political intrigue, and passionate romance in the ancient North.
- The Pirate Bride (2013) - The final book in Series I, featuring high-seas adventure, swashbuckling action, and a fiery love story.
Viking Series II: Modern Time-Travel & Navy SEALs Order
Viking Series II (10 books) takes a wilder, more contemporary turn. The premise focuses on Viking warriors who are thrust into the present day, with several of them joining the Navy SEALs because their ancient warrior training makes them perfect candidates for special operations. Here is the publication order for Viking Series II:
- The Last Viking (1998) - Introduces Geirolf Ericsson, a 10th-century warrior who lands in 1990s America and meets a feisty modern professor.
- Truly, Madly Viking (2000) - Follows another displaced warrior trying to adapt to modern life, therapy, and modern romance.
- The Very Virile Viking (2003) - Magnus, a medieval Norseman with eleven children, finds himself transported to modern-day America, leading to massive culture shock.
- Wet & Wild (2004) - The transition to the Navy SEAL subtheme, where Norse warrior Torolf Magnusson lands in the modern military.
- Hot & Heavy (2005) - Follows the romantic exploits of a time-displaced Viking serving as a highly trained SEAL.
- Rough & Ready (2006) - Explores a Navy SEAL Viking who accidentally travels back to medieval times to save a maiden.
- Down & Dirty (2007) - Features an alpha Norse warrior navigating the complexities of modern female independence and Navy SEAL missions.
- Viking Unchained (2008) - A high-octane romance that balances military action with passionate time-travel complications.
- Viking Heat (2009) - Follows another member of the elite modern Viking squad finding love under pressure.
- Dark Viking (2010) - A slightly darker, highly sensual entry in the series, focusing on a warrior battling his inner demons and finding redemption.
Note: A late-release extension, The Caged Viking, was published in 2021, featuring a similar blend of military action and Norse mythology, and is often considered Book 11 of this sequence.
What to Know Before You Start
Sandra Hill's books are famous for their unique, lighthearted tone. While many Viking romance novels are dark and brutal, Hill embraces the comedy of eras colliding. You will find ancient Norsemen baffled by microwaves, coffee, modern slang, and contemporary gender dynamics. However, don't let the humor fool you; these books are also highly sensual, steamy historical and paranormal romances with a strong focus on family bonds, loyalty, and redemption.
If you are unsure where to start, the very best entry point is The Reluctant Viking (for a historical focus) or The Last Viking (for a modern-day culture-clash focus). Both serve as excellent introductions to Sandra Hill's signature writing style.