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Το Φιλί της Προδοσίας
208 μ.Χ., στο βορειότερο άκρο της Ρωμαϊκής Αυτοκρατορίας
Έχοντας υιοθετήσει τον εκλεπτυσμένο τρόπο ζωής των Ρωμαίων κατακτητών, η Ντάνια κρατά κρυφή τη βρετανική
καταγωγή της. Βοηθά ωστόσο με το δικό της τρόπο τις μικρές επαναστάσεις του λαού της. Στην Έπαυλη των Γυναικών
που διευθύνει, μαζεύονται κάθε βράδυ οι Ρωμαίοι αξιωματικοί –και το κρασί, μαζί με την ευχάριστη συντροφιά, λύνει τα στόματά τους…
Ως τώρα η Ντάνια δεν έχει μπει ποτέ στον πειρασμό να συμμετάσχει προσωπικά στις διασκεδάσεις και τις εμπιστευτικές συζητήσεις τους, αλλά διαπιστώνει με κατάπληξη ότι ο νεοφερμένος Φάβιος Κορνήλιος Περεγρίνος έχει τη δύναμη να τη σαγηνεύει. Θα έπεφτε χωρίς δεύτερη σκέψη στην αγκαλιά του…
Όμως αισθάνεται πράγματι έλξη για κείνη –ή μήπως ο όμορφος χιλίαρχος υποπτεύεται τις μυστικές της δραστηριότητες;
Έχοντας υιοθετήσει τον εκλεπτυσμένο τρόπο ζωής των Ρωμαίων κατακτητών, η Ντάνια κρατά κρυφή τη βρετανική
καταγωγή της. Βοηθά ωστόσο με το δικό της τρόπο τις μικρές επαναστάσεις του λαού της. Στην Έπαυλη των Γυναικών
που διευθύνει, μαζεύονται κάθε βράδυ οι Ρωμαίοι αξιωματικοί –και το κρασί, μαζί με την ευχάριστη συντροφιά, λύνει τα στόματά τους…
Ως τώρα η Ντάνια δεν έχει μπει ποτέ στον πειρασμό να συμμετάσχει προσωπικά στις διασκεδάσεις και τις εμπιστευτικές συζητήσεις τους, αλλά διαπιστώνει με κατάπληξη ότι ο νεοφερμένος Φάβιος Κορνήλιος Περεγρίνος έχει τη δύναμη να τη σαγηνεύει. Θα έπεφτε χωρίς δεύτερη σκέψη στην αγκαλιά του…
Όμως αισθάνεται πράγματι έλξη για κείνη –ή μήπως ο όμορφος χιλίαρχος υποπτεύεται τις μυστικές της δραστηριότητες;
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Landon
78 books37 followersAs the author of books on embroidery design, the progression in 1994 from fact to fiction was perhaps less daunting for Juliet than it might have been for a complete beginner. But in many ways, the requirements are similar: a strong imagination and sense of design; an eye for detail; a love of color, scenery, and research; and a willingness to share inner thoughts and feelings with readers. Dedication is also useful to Juliet, living in the country, as the temptation to spend time picnicking and sightseeing instead of writing is sometimes very strong.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 5, 2017
Decent prologue, but then went downhill. The plot was too big for the page count & left me annoyed at overly complicated spying and/or confusing reactions to motivational circumstance, so the story managed to drag & jump around simultaneously. Quite a feat, really.
My biggest gripe is that the reasoning behind Dania's decisions doesn't compute, which sets the remainder of the story on wobbling wheels. Dania is also something of a moo; I never understood why she divorced her first husband or why she didn't initially want children, because later she kept bleating about her sad & empty womb. And why not, y'know, try TALKING to your ex about his unsatisfactory sex? Because aside from blustering ineptitude & multiple concubines (this was a Roman-era hill tribe, remember), Con seemed like an alright guy. Dania's complaints struck me as too modern, not to mention that obnoxious high-and-mighty Mary Sue aura o' untouchable perfection. (Sorry, but no legit madam could earn her rep without initially being part of the available goods...& god forbid she have enjoyable sex with men after the unsatisfactory lovin' with her ex. *eyeroll*) As for the hero, Fabian...nope. I think the author wanted to give him a touch of Old Skool -- but instead he acted bipolar, what with the grabbing & looming & dumping her onto piles of furs before reassuring her (& the audience) with that annoying "I'll stop if you want me to" bullshit. I'd rather he went full-on Stormfire creepitude than whiplashing back & forth between two eras.
I did like Dania's sister, Mona, & also her two gladiator bodyguards & serving lady Etaine. Crazy-ass Caracalla also makes a notable cameo. Would that these positives had overpowered the drippy, plodding confusion of the remainder...but alas.
This is my 2nd HQN by Landon, & I don't think I'll bother with any others. My brain doesn't seem to click with her writing style.
My biggest gripe is that the reasoning behind Dania's decisions doesn't compute, which sets the remainder of the story on wobbling wheels. Dania is also something of a moo; I never understood why she divorced her first husband or why she didn't initially want children, because later she kept bleating about her sad & empty womb. And why not, y'know, try TALKING to your ex about his unsatisfactory sex? Because aside from blustering ineptitude & multiple concubines (this was a Roman-era hill tribe, remember), Con seemed like an alright guy. Dania's complaints struck me as too modern, not to mention that obnoxious high-and-mighty Mary Sue aura o' untouchable perfection. (Sorry, but no legit madam could earn her rep without initially being part of the available goods...& god forbid she have enjoyable sex with men after the unsatisfactory lovin' with her ex. *eyeroll*) As for the hero, Fabian...nope. I think the author wanted to give him a touch of Old Skool -- but instead he acted bipolar, what with the grabbing & looming & dumping her onto piles of furs before reassuring her (& the audience) with that annoying "I'll stop if you want me to" bullshit. I'd rather he went full-on Stormfire creepitude than whiplashing back & forth between two eras.
I did like Dania's sister, Mona, & also her two gladiator bodyguards & serving lady Etaine. Crazy-ass Caracalla also makes a notable cameo. Would that these positives had overpowered the drippy, plodding confusion of the remainder...but alas.
This is my 2nd HQN by Landon, & I don't think I'll bother with any others. My brain doesn't seem to click with her writing style.
June 24, 2014
I loved this book, & loved how it not only focused on the romance of the two main characters but the stories of those around them and the setting.
October 10, 2019
I love the stories of historical themes. I tend to look for those first and then love and romance.
April 1, 2025
I won't deny it, I've definitely liked this book more than others because the Ancient Rome setting is one of my favorites but so far, I've literally only read three. They're just so much more difficult to come by than other types of romances, so with all its faults, this book managed to scratch that itch.
Starting with the positive: Dania was such a likable protagonist. It was refreshing to read of a woman who wasn't your typical virgin heroine. She had to learn quickly about how the world works and how to defend herself. She was also really independent thanks to her "business". Her working as a spy for the clan was also a fun development.
However, the negatives are literally the other side of the coin of the positive: If Dania is really well characterized, we can't say the same of Fabian, the love interest. Despite the story being written in third person, we rarely follow him alone or even enter his thoughts. So he never becomes anything else than a generic "alpha man love interest". I mean, he perfectly works in the story and he's sexy enough to make you dream, but there isn't that much to him and he could have been so much more!
Speaking of the "spy storyline", it was interesting, like I said before, but it had quite a few plot holes, and the advancement of the story felt quite lazy at times. Not bad, but the author went with the easiest route every time, so it felt a bit banal.
It's a run-of-the-mill romance novel. If you love the setting, you'd definitely enjoy it. I sure did! In fact, I realize that it's more a three/three and a half rather than a four, but it just hit the right spot for me, so four stars be it!
Starting with the positive: Dania was such a likable protagonist. It was refreshing to read of a woman who wasn't your typical virgin heroine. She had to learn quickly about how the world works and how to defend herself. She was also really independent thanks to her "business". Her working as a spy for the clan was also a fun development.
However, the negatives are literally the other side of the coin of the positive: If Dania is really well characterized, we can't say the same of Fabian, the love interest. Despite the story being written in third person, we rarely follow him alone or even enter his thoughts. So he never becomes anything else than a generic "alpha man love interest". I mean, he perfectly works in the story and he's sexy enough to make you dream, but there isn't that much to him and he could have been so much more!
Speaking of the "spy storyline", it was interesting, like I said before, but it had quite a few plot holes, and the advancement of the story felt quite lazy at times. Not bad, but the author went with the easiest route every time, so it felt a bit banal.
It's a run-of-the-mill romance novel. If you love the setting, you'd definitely enjoy it. I sure did! In fact, I realize that it's more a three/three and a half rather than a four, but it just hit the right spot for me, so four stars be it!
October 5, 2025
Un libro que me ha gustado muchísimo. Hasta ahora mi favorito de los que he leído de Juliet Landon.
Me encantó la personalidad de ambos protagonistas, los entendí y acompañé en cada ocasión de temor, dudas y espacios románticos qué se me hicieron maravillosos.
La astucia y valentía de ella es lo que más destaco, como actuó ante la malicia de su hermano y como no se dejó amilanar tan fácil de Fabio.
El, al principio me pareció ruda su forma de entablar una relación con ella, sin embargo, el punto que amé de demostrar que se querían, fue cuando la acompañó a Boar ( pobrr, la pasó mal pensando que lo había engañado).
Otro punto es como abordó la autora el tema de las mujeres de esa época, a pesar de lo condicionadas qué eran, me pareció bueno leerlas como mujeres empoderadas a su manera. Valoro eso del libro.
El final me gustó y el dicho con el que termina la autora, me pareció un punto plus, muy bueno.
Además es el primer libro que leo sobre Romanos y emperadores. Nuevas costumbres, diferentes a las de vikingos qué he leído anteriormente.
Un libro que si duda recomiendo.
Me encantó la personalidad de ambos protagonistas, los entendí y acompañé en cada ocasión de temor, dudas y espacios románticos qué se me hicieron maravillosos.
La astucia y valentía de ella es lo que más destaco, como actuó ante la malicia de su hermano y como no se dejó amilanar tan fácil de Fabio.
El, al principio me pareció ruda su forma de entablar una relación con ella, sin embargo, el punto que amé de demostrar que se querían, fue cuando la acompañó a Boar ( pobrr, la pasó mal pensando que lo había engañado).
Otro punto es como abordó la autora el tema de las mujeres de esa época, a pesar de lo condicionadas qué eran, me pareció bueno leerlas como mujeres empoderadas a su manera. Valoro eso del libro.
El final me gustó y el dicho con el que termina la autora, me pareció un punto plus, muy bueno.
Además es el primer libro que leo sobre Romanos y emperadores. Nuevas costumbres, diferentes a las de vikingos qué he leído anteriormente.
Un libro que si duda recomiendo.
February 13, 2022
Trama interessante, ma gestita abbastanza male e tirata troppo per le lunghe, a mio avviso. Lo stile poco fluido non ha aiutato e, purtroppo, neanche il figaccione di turno è riuscito a risollevare le sorti di questo libro. Un altro esempio di "poteva essere, ma non è stato".
Ha vinto la noia.
Ha vinto la noia.
June 15, 2014
When 15-year-old Dana, a native Brigantian, decides to divorce her husband Con of one year, as is her right, her husband's father, the Druid priest blames her for all the misfortune the tribe has had that year and demands she be sacrificed. Dana manages to convince everyone she'd be better off living in Coris (Corbridge) spying on the occupying Romans. She's allowed to go, after being branded with the sign of her tribe lest she forget and become a turncoat. Soon seeing how her weaver's shop becomes a place the Roman soldiers come to meet women, it quickly is changed to the House of Women, a very high-class, high-priced brothel. A name-change for Dana, also, to Dania, as she and her girls wangle information from the soldiers which is passed to her people, enabling them to attack and escape the Romans...until a new tribune is assigned to Coris, that is.
Fabian Cornelius Peregrinus appears to be Dania's match in more ways than one, An ambitious man, he sees conquering the warring Brigantians as a stepping stone to becoming a senator. He's also attracted to Dania from the start. Soon the tribune not only discovers what she really is but he's won the lady's heart while blackmailing her into becoming exactly what her tribe feared... Can Dania play both sides against the middle and come out alive or will her body as well as her heart be placed in danger?
Interesting historical background of the Roman occupation of Britain with emphasis on the customs of the natives especially the marriage rituals. The romance between Fabian and Dania is of the usual Taming of the Shrew kind...with more than a bit of "forceful" seduction involved...meaning she says "no" while wanting to say "yes" and he interprets it properly, by going ahead, anyway. Fabian is definitely of the male opinion that all a woman needs is a strong man to set her on the proper path, as he says more than once. Since he isn't really a Roman but is actually from Gaul, perhaps that makes a difference in his attitude. Nevertheless, Dania does lead him a merry chase even after he believes he's "conquered" her.
Some places seemed a bit rushed, with telling instead of showing but otherwise this is an entertaining romance as well as a historical novel.
Harlequin Historical #869.
This novel was a gift to the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
Fabian Cornelius Peregrinus appears to be Dania's match in more ways than one, An ambitious man, he sees conquering the warring Brigantians as a stepping stone to becoming a senator. He's also attracted to Dania from the start. Soon the tribune not only discovers what she really is but he's won the lady's heart while blackmailing her into becoming exactly what her tribe feared... Can Dania play both sides against the middle and come out alive or will her body as well as her heart be placed in danger?
Interesting historical background of the Roman occupation of Britain with emphasis on the customs of the natives especially the marriage rituals. The romance between Fabian and Dania is of the usual Taming of the Shrew kind...with more than a bit of "forceful" seduction involved...meaning she says "no" while wanting to say "yes" and he interprets it properly, by going ahead, anyway. Fabian is definitely of the male opinion that all a woman needs is a strong man to set her on the proper path, as he says more than once. Since he isn't really a Roman but is actually from Gaul, perhaps that makes a difference in his attitude. Nevertheless, Dania does lead him a merry chase even after he believes he's "conquered" her.
Some places seemed a bit rushed, with telling instead of showing but otherwise this is an entertaining romance as well as a historical novel.
Harlequin Historical #869.
This novel was a gift to the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
February 26, 2008
This was a good old fashion love story with a deep and mysterious back plot (not really) and a Roman man in love with a tribal woman who runs a brothel but doesn't sleep with the men. I did like this story it was sweet, dangerous and of course the HEA was there. I think the setting was wonderfully and she did an excellent job with the descriptions of the places I felt like I was there. This is a sweet historical romance and reminded me why I love this genre the best. Even when I tend to read paranormal and urban fantasy more.
April 19, 2013
Old-fashioned romance, with fade-out sex scenes.
British woman is seemingly ostracized by her tribe, and now runs a house of ill repute in a Roman outpost. But she sends the intel she learns from the women sharing the soldiers' beds back home, so the British living near Hadrian's Wall can remain free.
Until Fabian Peregrinus comes to town, preceding a visit by the emperor.
He knows her game, and starts playing one of his own.
Can these two find happiness beyond the political intrigue?
British woman is seemingly ostracized by her tribe, and now runs a house of ill repute in a Roman outpost. But she sends the intel she learns from the women sharing the soldiers' beds back home, so the British living near Hadrian's Wall can remain free.
Until Fabian Peregrinus comes to town, preceding a visit by the emperor.
He knows her game, and starts playing one of his own.
Can these two find happiness beyond the political intrigue?
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March 1, 2019Uma história instigante para mim, pois foi o primeiro romance de época que se passa na Roma Antiga que eu leio. Dania é uma personagem fantástica, forte, destemida. Fabian não é aquele típico mocinho que estamos acostumadas, mas um homem instigante. Tinha tudo para ser um excelente livro, mas não sei se foi a tradução, o final foi bem corrido, o que fez perder todo brilho para mim. Por isso avalio em 3.5
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews