Demi Winters

Hey there, dark souls! I'm Demi Winters, and I write Viking-inspired romantic fantasy that's definitely not for the faint of heart. If you're looking for soft, sweet romance where everyone plays nice... you might want to keep scrolling. But if you love morally gray characters, blood-soaked adventures, and romance that burns as fierce as a Viking funeral pyre, pull up a chair and grab your mead horn.

I grew up in Minnesota (yes, we have actual Vikings fans here, but I prefer the historical kind), surrounded by long winters and longer nights. Perfect breeding ground for someone who'd eventually write about Norse-inspired warriors and fierce shield-maidens, right? Though I started out writing what I thought I "should" write—contemporary romance with perfectly behaved characters—it never felt quite right. It wasn't until I embraced my obsession with Viking history and mythology that everything clicked.

(Fun fact: I once tried to learn Old Norse. Let's just say it didn't go well, but I can now dramatically yell "attack!" in a historically accurate way. Very useful at family dinners.)

My stories live in that sweet spot between fantasy and historical fiction, where the magic feels real but doesn't overshadow the gritty reality of survival in a harsh world. I'm fascinated by the complex social structures of Viking society, their incredible navigation skills, and yes, their reputation for violence—though I promise there's so much more to my characters than just swinging axes around. Though the ax-swinging is pretty epic, not gonna lie.

"The Road of Bones" was my debut, and wow, what a journey that was! When I first started writing about Sigrid and her accidental entanglement with the most dangerous mercenary crew in Íseldur, I had no idea how many readers would connect with her story of survival, cunning, and finding love in the most unlikely places. (Also, apparently lots of you are really into scarred, grumpy mercenary captains. I see you, and I approve.)

The follow-up novella, "Roots of Darkness," digs deeper into the world of Íseldur, following Hekla and the Bloodaxe Crew as they face a threat that can't be fought with steel alone. It's darker, more intense, and yes, the romance is even spicier. You've been warned!

When I'm not writing, you'll find me researching obscure Viking facts (did you know they used a type of navigational crystal called a sunstone?), practicing with my totally-not-sharp replica sword (my husband is very patient), or hiking in the northern wilderness. There's something about being out in nature that really helps me connect with my characters' world.

My writing philosophy? Simple: respect the history, embrace the fantasy, and never shy away from the darkness. Life in the Viking age wasn't easy, and neither are my characters' journeys. But that's what makes their triumphs—and their love stories—so powerful.

What can you expect from my books? Strong women who don't need saving (but might save everyone else), complex men who are both warriors and poets, historically inspired settings with a magical twist, and romance that develops naturally amidst life-or-death stakes. Also: battle scenes that will make your heart race, plot twists you won't see coming, and enough sexual tension to power a longship.

I'm currently working on my next full-length novel, which might involve a certain legendary sword, a forbidden romance, and consequences that could reshape the nine worlds. (No pressure, right?)

If you want to join my band of literary Vikings, you can find me on Instagram where I post writing updates, historical tidbits, and probably too many pictures of my Norwegian Forest Cat, Thor. Yes, I named my cat Thor. Fight me.

Remember: in my books, the night is dark, the stakes are high, and the love is fierce. Welcome to my world—just watch out for the axes.

Skål! Demi