Chains of Rome

Genres: Historical Romance; Ancient World Romance

Synopsis

Uncertainty. Fear. Salaria lives in their shadow, surviving the bite of the yoke upon her. As punishment, she's thrown into a world of raw brutality, of lust, and blood.
Her survival depends on the proud ex-Chieftain who offers her protection.
Tritus's hatred of Rome is surpassed only by his quest for revenge.
Forced together to survive, their hearts burn for more. But love is a luxury no slave can afford. Their lives or deaths to be decided by the whims of a fickle crowd.
Drawn together, determined to survive, they must find the strength to overcome. If they fail, they will lose more than just the fragile love they've found. The cost will be the lives they cling to so ardently.

Release date: April 9, 2021

Publisher: PBPublications

Print pages: 305

Content advisory: Graphic Violence, Sex, foul language, This is a dark romance

Sample

Her lover rose from the tangled sheets to step behind Domina. Domina simpered at the whispered words he mouthed against her ear.

The other slaves in the room shuffled back. Their poorly hid snickers drowned by the domina's laughter.

Bile scalded her throat, the bitter taste heavy on her tonge, Salaria watched Domina allow him to smooth the silk over her body, pausing at her breasts. She glanced away when he slid a hand beneath the folds of Domina's dress, and Domina moaned softly. With a giggle, Domina pushed him back, her fingers dancing across his bare skin. Taking a moment to smooth out her attire, Domina attempted to hide the babe she carried on her way out of the bedchamber.

Dominus would send her to the brothels for this betrayal. Or perhaps the mines. It would be a fitting punishment for a woman who holds no loyalty to her husband. Dominus is blind to the way she makes a fool of him all to hide her infidelity. Neither the dominus nor the gods know who sired the babe. Salaria watched Domina carefully, making no effort to hide her repugnance.

Walking by her, Domina's harsh words filled the corridor. “See yourself to the rooms below, Salaria. Do not let any see you. Should you disobey, you will be punished.”

“Yes, Domina.” Once Domina's lover had retreated along with the domina's other female slaves, Salaria hurried from the chamber. She kept to the shadows, acknowledging those she passed with a quick head tilt. Darkened corridors felt comfortable, familiar, and she ignored the whispers from the other slaves along her path. Salaria walked by the kitchens. The rich smell of roasted goat filled the air, making her stomach rumble. Voices rose above each other, pots clattered, all indications of an active household.