From the back cover:
Julia Livia Rufa is horrified when barbarians invade Rome and steal everything in sight. But she doesn't expect to be among the taken! As Wulfric's woman, she's ordered to keep house for the uncivilized marauders. Soon, though, Julia realizes that she's more free as a slave than she ever was as a sheltered Roman virgin.
It would be all too easy to succumb to Wulfric's quiet strength, and Julia wants him more than she's ever wanted anything. But Wulfric could one day be king, and Julia is a Roman slave. What future can there be for two people from such different worlds?
I really wasn't sure if I was going to like this one. On the positive side, Louise Allen is an auto-buy author for me and has been since I read her first HH nearly 2 years ago. On the not-so-positive side, this book is set in Ancient Rome. I've read a few books set in Ancient Rome and, while they were good books, I've come to realize that it's just not my favourite time period. As it turns out though, I had nothing to worry about. Even though this story takes place in 410 AD and Julia is Roman, the majority of the book takes place with Wulfric's people, the Visigoths. I really enjoyed this book and I loved Wulfric and his family.
Rating: 4.8
Hi
You make a compelling argument. I understand about not liking different periods of times ...I have hit that before. I will keep this in mind. I have not read this author
Jeannie
Yes I am a readalholic and I don't want the 12 step program!!!
Hi Jeannie
Thanks.
I don't know what it is but I just don't seem to really enjoy ancient Rome. I mean, I didn't even care for the movie "Gladiator" with Russell Crowe.
Like I said, I really enjoy Louise Allen's writing. You'll have to let me know what you think if you do decide to give her a try.
hmmm...
I actually like ancient Rome but I didn't like Gladiator either. I keep wavering on this one. I have to admit, the title really turns me off.
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Debbie
I know what you mean. The title put me off a bit too. Between the time period and the title, I bypassed this book several times. Finally (because of the author) I decided that I would give it a try and I'm glad I did.
title...
So the title doesn't represent the story very well? You may be tempting me to give this one a try.....
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Debbie
Well, she is a virgin and a slave and he is a Visigoth (which I'm sure the Romans would think of as a barbarian) but he is not a King.
All in all, I would have to say that the title doesn't really do the book any favours.
Okay..
you've convinced me. I'll look for this one.
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LOL
Now I just hope you enjoy it.
Hi Karen - the title put me off so much I nearly didn't even
read your review, and it was YOUR name on the review that convinced me to at least read it
I like the Roman period (or at least as Michelle Styles writes it) so my hesitation was about reading someone who might do it less justice
Now you tell me it's less about the Romans than the Visigoths which is a period which doesn't really interest me at all
So now I'm really on the horns of a dilemma
Maybe I'll put this on the "Maybe some day" wishlist?
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LOL
Well thank you for for reading my review and believe me, I understand why the title would put you off. I bought the book because of the author but it took me a while to actually pick it up and even then I was rather skeptical.
Yes, it doesn't really have much to do with the Romans and, as the story is told more from a Visigoth point of view, when the Romans do come into play, it's not in a very flattering light. I have to admit that I really didn't know much at all about the Visigoths before reading this book but I enjoyed the sense of community that existed in the Visigoth camp. To me this book had much more of a Medieval feel to it than Roman.
Have you tried any of Louise Allen's other books?