An amazing sequel!!

An amazing follow up to the first book in the series.
I would recommend listening the first book before heading into this one to get a better understanding of the universe in which it is set.

I am in absolute awe of the world building created by the author.
It is very engaging and interesting.
A lot of research has gone into making this believable and authentic and I was floored by the amount of detail included in this.

The narrators Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo performed an exceptional audio delivery and the narration was smooth and enjoyable.

3 people found this helpful

Amazing original series

This story has a very original setting. I love historical novel, romance and interesting characters and here I found it all.

This book is not meant to be enjoyed as a stand alone, it is the second of the series and in it we can see the character development (which is excellent) and how the plot thickens with the contradictory feelings of the characters (it is an enemies to lovers story).

The secondary characters are very exciting and their sub stories are just as interesting as the main one, and the narration is great. It made me get so lost into the story that I found myself shedding a tear at times.

1 person found this helpful

OMG! The writer tops the first novel!

With the incredible world-building, in-depth character development, and awesome storyline, how could the writer possibly top Dominus book 1? The author does so magnificently! The first book leaves us with a tragic occurrence and several challenges that simply must be addressed in the second book. And JP Kenwood handles it all so beautifully. Gaius is faced with trying to secure his succession to the imperial throne, retaliate for the murder of his long-time friend/lover, and protect his sex slave Allerix who is a Dacian noble. Keeping Allerix is considered treason but Gaius insists on having him for his salacious pleasures! With such precise pacing, the writer keeps us interested at every moment within the book. There are no excessive words or excessive time spent on scenes or points within the narrative that could leave a reader frustrated and annoyed. We readers are given just what we need when we need it. The descriptive text is clean and crystal clear, making it impossible for the audiobook listener to do anything but sit back and enjoy. There was NO hand sewing, crocheting, or knitting going on with this audiobook on the speakers. There was NO sitting back quietly for a listen, either. This audiobook had me pacing within my home. And there were some scenes that got replayed more times than I care to admit! Once again, Hannibal Hills delivers an INCREDIBLE performance bringing the characters of Ancient Rome to life and Nick J. Russo provided a welcomely warm embrace at the very beginning and end of the book (the voices of the modern-day folk) as I am very familiar with his work. This book has earned ten stars! You simply cannot believe how extraordinary this series is!

1 person found this helpful

Games of Love and Vengeance

Games of Rome is the second book in the Dominus series, a historical series set within an alternative timeline of ancient Rome. I highly, highly, highly recommend reading Dominus, the first book in the series, before reading Games of Rome. There are a lot of important plot points and character development that happens in the first book that is carried forward into this book.

One of my favorite elements about Games of Rome, and the Dominus series as a whole, is the INCREDIBLE world building based on accurate historical information. These details really bring the book to life and I love how certain plot elements tie in with major events that actually happened in history. I can tell the author is an expert in this subject and used her expertise to craft this rich and intriguing story. I also adore the characters – their morals and cultural norms definitely reflect the time period they are set in (which can be hard for some readers), but I found this fascinating. All the characters have depth and layers to them, and their emotions and reactions are powerful and tangible. The intensity that flows through this book made it hard to put down. This book has it all – action, drama, political intrigue, suspense, and some delicious steamy moments.

The audiobook is so well done with a wonderful production and narration. It was dueled narrated by Nick J. Russo and Hannibal Hills who both do such a fantastic job. They not only narrated this book, but performed it with a wonderful mix of emotion and energy without overdoing it. I love these narrators voice and felt captivated by their voices and the story. Overall, I was really pleased with this audiobook and enjoyed it immensely.

1 person found this helpful

excellent!!!

OMG!!!! This series is so amazing, I'm hooked!! I couldn't stop listening, it's so good! I love the historical setting and I absolutely adore the characters. It's really really good I highly recommend it. just keep in mind that it will break your heart. And the narrattors are brilliant! Excellent! I can't wait for the next one!

1 person found this helpful

Good

The way history is painted with words is so vivid it feels as though your a part of the story. The narration is exquisitely done.
My only issue is a personal one some of the violence is so vivid that it makes me squeamish.

1 person found this helpful

Liked it alot

4 Blue Roses
4 Blue Flames

Dual narrators Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo delivered or should I say hauled this performance with their strong narration skills, assisting the author in creating a vivid mental picture of the classical antiquity during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117). Nick J had a chance to entice us with a prologue and epilogue, while Hannibal managed to keep us entertained through more than a few dry spells. The voices he used for his characters are distinguishable. I enjoyed listening to him at 1.4 speed. He carried the angst, drama, and political tension extremely well.

It is tremendously sad that I couldn’t lie on a beach, dozing back and forth into consciousness, perusing beautiful male bodies, while listening to this audiobook. Every time I come up for air and a sip of margarita, Hannibal will enlighten me whether Allerix has finally killed Rufus or not.

In the meantime, big Roman balls of shit are hitting the fan, ghosts are looking for revenge and Bry has lost his testicles.

I feel divided about the second installment in the series. So much so, I hate the main character. Rufus an idiot and in lust. Totally fucking blind to what is going on around him, and the next minute he pops up with a wisecrack answer or two, seemingly to convince the listener he is not as dumb as he appears to be. I nod off into nothingness and hope he gets killed before I drift back up for another sip of my margarita.

I love Maximus and Bryaxis the most and I hope to hear more about them. I have a feeling we should, because why tell me about such prominent secondary characters and chop it short with one stone-roll over the hag.

The sex scenes are hot, but since I hate the two I just wished they cum already and slice each other's throats.

This audiobook should be listened to in reading order. I do recommend it, there will be some unhinged evoked emotions, you will either love or hate Rufus.

Happy Listening

1 person found this helpful

The games continue...

The mysteries opened at the end of Dominus only deepen in this fast-paced second installment. Like the first book, Games of Rome features nuanced characters in complex and dangerous relationships, where figuring out who to trust and who to please means life or death. The narration of this series is immensely entertaining, with a talented voice actor who brings the characters and urgency to life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

Awesome as always

Another's amazing book. I love this series and can't wait for the next. The first 2 are so good. Lots of adventure, steamy scenes , and humor. Great narration too.

Epic adventure continues

First of all, let me give a shoutout to that gorgeous cover. Look how beautiful and erotic that cover is!

The mystery deepens in the incredibly exciting book 2 of the Dominus series.Games of Rome takes us further into the Roman traditions as we follow along the journey of Alle, Nic, Simon, Max, and the powerful, incredibly handsome, sexy Roman Commander Gaius Fabius Rufus.The murder mystery, as well as a few other surprises, provides a nice counterpoint to the developing ‘romance’ between Gaius and Allerix. What I also admire is the author's ability to write the erotica without the scenes seeming repetitive, and every sex scene furthers the characterization

I'm hoping I can pick up book three as soon as possible!