Thrilling historical romance

Wrapper Story (Modern Rome) This is a modern day story that’s unfolding across the series and related to the main story through an archeology find. Main Story (Past Rome) When the story started, Max, a beleaguered recently freed personal slave and new slave handler, is our narrator who’s trailing along his master (Dominus) Gaius, our main character who burst into frame — aggressive, excessively confident, and overwhelming. We then meet Theo, Lucius (Gaius’s best friend and forbidden lover), Hadrian (from actual history), and our other main character Allerix, the Dacian captive, the slave for sale. The story becomes intriguing starting from there and we are thrust into the Roman high born life style, the lives of pleasure slaves and others. What follows is two threads of stories that intertwine the politically oriented life as a powerful adopted son of Trajan and that of a somewhat reluctant pleasure slave who’s considered as unnatural because of his love for a man in his former life as a Dacian prince but now able to explore his sexuality freely but at a loss of his freedom. There are hidden layers in the story that unfolds. Characters are intriguing and interesting. Dialog is sharp and smart. You really get to see multiple social strata through the eyes of multiple characters and at times you are hanging on by the seats of your pants — worried, anxious for what’s coming to some of the characters — given a glimpse of trouble looming ahead for them. The story started out a bit rough but once you get past the first two chapters, you’ll fall in love with the story and the characters. Gains grew on me though he really started out as horrid by modern standards. By the end, I had reluctantly handed my heart to him. Narration I’m a big fan of Nick J Russo and it’s great listening to him for the wrapper story who makes it easy to get into the story. Hannibal Hills is a new to me narrator. He did a great job for sure — Gaius really jumped out at you in a wonderful way. His voice for Allerix was not as pleasing to me (personal taste). I’ve read the book but the tension, the laughter, the love, all came alive with his voice narration. In the end, I really liked it. Summary Here’s the thing. This story is so true to history in its world building, characterization, and so immersive in Roman custom and culture that from a modern day perspective, it is harrowing to read at times. I cringed at how horribly slaves are treated. I wanted to fling the book away — or stopped my ear in this case. In that time and place, things were likely worse than described in the story. We are happily reading a romance with promise of a happily ever after. I cannot guess how that HEA will come about because the future seems shaky and uncertain. The story has plenty of heat, passion, laughter, friendship, and love and also abuse, cruelty, and violence. They come hand in hand. This is not a story for everyone. It’s a roller coaster of a ride — for lovers of historical romance, dark romance, kinky romance, polyamorous romance, with a bit of political intrigue and life and death situations thrown in. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Would you enjoy it? Most likely — just keep in mind that when in Rome, you should at least think or feel like a Roman. :) So, stow away your modern sensitivities briefly and enjoy the ride. Note: This story does end in a soft cliff hanger as it's the start of a 4 book series. There's so far 2 more books after this and one more to come soon (in book form).

3 people found this helpful

An action packed, steamy Historical romance!

This was an action packed, steamy erotica based in ancient Rome. The writing and imagery is authentic to the time period. This was so very steamy and well written. All the characters are well fleshed out If you like an erotic Historical romance that will transport you back to ancient Rome, give this one a go! Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo's narration was pure perfection!

1 person found this helpful

I love this audiobook!

I actually read the book twice and just finished listening to the audiobook twice. I'm definitely hooked. Dominus is the first book in a historical Roman series, set in AD 107. One of the MCs is Gaius Fabius, a Roman general, known as a fierce warrior with a lusty appetite, dominating spirit, an overabundance of snark, and fabulous good looks. Looking for a new gorgeous pleasure slave, he purchases MC #2, Allerix, a captured Dacian, and fierce warrior in his own right, at a posh slave auction. Allerix then has to adapt to life as a pleasure slave, sort out his conflicted feelings for his new master (Dominus), and figure out how he can avenge his his conquered people. I really enjoy historical fiction, so I was seriously impressed at how vividly J.P. Kenwood paints a picture of the ancient Roman world. You actually feel transported. You can see the structures, the landscape, the gardens, the bathhouses, the frescoes on the walls, the clothing, the furnishings, the crowded city streets, and the beautiful countryside of Gaius' seaside villa. It's an interesting glimpse into the world of aristocratic Romans and their pleasure slaves of both sexes. There are a lot of characters to get to know, but they are all unique and have a part to play in the story, which has an engaging plot that really draws you in. Oh and let's not forget the sex scenes. Deliciously erotic, hot, and steamy. The audiobook features Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo. Both men are amazing! I really enjoyed how different each character sounded, which is no small feat considering the huge number of characters in the book. It was easy to tell which character was speaking at any given time and I was never confused. It took me a bit to get used to Allerix's voice, but that's just because I imagined it differently from reading the books. Gaius' voice is especially brilliant. I highly recommend this audiobook and cannot wait to listen to book two. Oh, and this ends with a cliffhanger, so you'll want to obtain book two as soon as possible. =D Grab a glass of wine, relax, and prepare to enjoy!

1 person found this helpful

Good start. I need more!

Admittedly, it took me a while to get into the story. Most of this first book sets the tone and introduces the different characters and their interactions. Of course, just as the story was starting to make sense and flaw easily (for me at least) the book finishes with a cliffhanger making me yearn for the next chapter (luckily it's already available). If you're looking for a typical romance, fluff and monogamy, this is definitely not the book for you. We find constantly horny Roman's satisfying their every want with pleasure slaves of both sexes, so a good part of the book is a description of sexual activities of some kind. There's no romance, little tenderness and definitely no mush! It's raw, sometimes violent, and highly erotic. Great narration by Hannibal Hills (new to me narrator).

1 person found this helpful

Amazing!

This story is amazing! I was hooked from the start. Be ready to want to get into the next book immediately! The characters are superb and the plot is entrancing! The narration helped me visualize the story perfectly and I enjoyed every part of it!

1 person found this helpful

When in Rome.....

......A plea for the mighty bastard, Gaius Fabius. I’ll preface that I have read all three books available in the series by JP Kenwood, this one gets the story rolling. I personally love book three, but after hearing the characters voiced, I’m positive all of them will be fantastic in audio format. The narrator is splendid in his ability to jump through each character so effortlessly. Although, I was a bit taken aback with his voice for Allerix, it grew on me, and now I find that I’m looking forward to more dialogue with him involved. What makes these stories so lovely is the immense research and detail the writer has put into the series. I applaud the intensity to which they developed each storyline with meticulous emotion and heart. To be clear, Gaius is a jerk. Totally privileged male, treating humans as property (which is literally what happened in ancient Rome). However, he becomes endearing with noticing things like the shabby sleeping quarters for his ‘beautiful boys’ and taking time to ask about the lives of those around him, regardless of societal standing. As much as we are to despise his purchase of Allerix, it is deep down a means of protection. I love this series, and am very certain the remaining books will be just as wonderful as this first book in the Audible series. Listen and enjoy, you won’t be disappointed.

1 person found this helpful

Dominus

Thank you for the Audio, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. When you see something you want, you get it. At least in Gaius case and that something was a Dacian captive but first he has to learn his identity. Gaius desire the new pleasure slave, but getting him to open up and reveal his own desire is proving to be a challenge. Will it be to late for the truth to come out? Narrators Hannibal Hills & Nick J. Russo does an amazing job with this book and all it's many different elements of characters.

1 person found this helpful

Love It!

I thought I couldn't love the book any more. Then I got to listen to it! The voices really bring the characters to life. I can't say enough about it.

1 person found this helpful

excellent!!!

Oh my God this was brilliant!!! Absolutely fantastic! It kept my attention from the beginning until the end. It made me cry and it made me laugh. It surprised me and I just fell in love with all the characters! It's such a fantastic book. Interesting plot, intriguing characters and so well written. And the narration was excellent! I highly highly recommend it! I'm going to start the second one right away!

Loved this series

Awesome series. A little sad at times but super fun and sexy. I loved all the characters.