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The Roman
ROME AD 79
The one woman he ever loved was the one woman who betrayed him.
And now, the Roman will have his revenge…
Marsallas and Justina were young, beautiful and desperately in love once, until a tragic betrayal tore them apart.
Six years have passed since that day, and Marsallas has since thrown himself into the deadly world of chariot racing, gaining fortune, fame, and a salacious reputation throughout Rome. His bed is kept warm by a different woman each night, but his heart remains iced over as the memory of Justina’s betrayal continues to haunt him.
The last thing he expects is to see her again, but when she steps back into his life, he sees a chance to avenge his broken heart.
But beneath the hurt, an attraction so intense still burns between the two, and as their fates begin to intertwine once more, their determination to resist one another starts to falter…
The one woman he ever loved was the one woman who betrayed him.
And now, the Roman will have his revenge…
Marsallas and Justina were young, beautiful and desperately in love once, until a tragic betrayal tore them apart.
Six years have passed since that day, and Marsallas has since thrown himself into the deadly world of chariot racing, gaining fortune, fame, and a salacious reputation throughout Rome. His bed is kept warm by a different woman each night, but his heart remains iced over as the memory of Justina’s betrayal continues to haunt him.
The last thing he expects is to see her again, but when she steps back into his life, he sees a chance to avenge his broken heart.
But beneath the hurt, an attraction so intense still burns between the two, and as their fates begin to intertwine once more, their determination to resist one another starts to falter…
- GenresHistoricalRomance
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2014
7 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Storer
6 books9 followersHi. I'm a writer of historical romances for HarperImpulse. My debut novel, "The Roman" was published on the 20th February 2014.
I live on the beautiful island of Anglesey in North Wales. I'm married to my own super Alpha Male, Colin.
I live on the beautiful island of Anglesey in North Wales. I'm married to my own super Alpha Male, Colin.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 5, 2016
What an emotional ride! Caroline Storer really made you feel Marsallas' confusion and hate, Justina's love and despair and everything in between. And not to mention *that* scene in the baths! Hot on MANY levels..!
The historical background and context is light-touch but assured. Often historical fiction can easily jolt me out of the story - I'm a history blogger - and anachronisms can drive me up the wall. None of that here, Caroline clearly knows her stuff, but she doesn't allow the exotic imperial context of her story to overshadow what is essentially a very intimate, domestic tale.
Really pleased to see that Caroline is planning another 'Roman' tale - can't wait to read it!
The historical background and context is light-touch but assured. Often historical fiction can easily jolt me out of the story - I'm a history blogger - and anachronisms can drive me up the wall. None of that here, Caroline clearly knows her stuff, but she doesn't allow the exotic imperial context of her story to overshadow what is essentially a very intimate, domestic tale.
Really pleased to see that Caroline is planning another 'Roman' tale - can't wait to read it!
April 7, 2014
Set against the backdrop of Roman times this was a great debut novel from Caroline Storer. The author's knowledge of this era was evident and gave an authentic feel to the novel.
I totally fell in love with Marsallas - he was intense and brooding. Justina was determined, resilient and kind. The depth of emotion, passion and conflict between them was really captured as they met up again after several years apart. I really enjoyed Caroline's style of writing and will certainly read more from her.
I totally fell in love with Marsallas - he was intense and brooding. Justina was determined, resilient and kind. The depth of emotion, passion and conflict between them was really captured as they met up again after several years apart. I really enjoyed Caroline's style of writing and will certainly read more from her.
March 6, 2014
Lovely debut by an author whose love of the time period shines through. It is a very exciting tale of a successful charioteer Marsallas and how he learns to love the woman who once betrayed him.
If you enjoy adventure and heart breaking romance (with a more than a hint of steam) with an accurate historical setting, you will love this tale. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
If you enjoy adventure and heart breaking romance (with a more than a hint of steam) with an accurate historical setting, you will love this tale. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 19, 2014
Fabulous tale of deception and desire. Roman charioteers, volcanoes, freedom won and lost, who could want for more? Loved it!
March 27, 2024
*3.5 stars rounded up*
A historical fiction romance book is my bread and butter. I found the world building done well, I loved seeing scenes taking place in real historical locations.
I enjoyed the tragic history between Justina and Marsalis, although the dialogue was stilted at times. I found myself skipping over a few sentences, but it didn’t override my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
I recommend as a quick ebook read.
A historical fiction romance book is my bread and butter. I found the world building done well, I loved seeing scenes taking place in real historical locations.
I enjoyed the tragic history between Justina and Marsalis, although the dialogue was stilted at times. I found myself skipping over a few sentences, but it didn’t override my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
I recommend as a quick ebook read.
February 12, 2021
The misunderstanding in this was so easily fixed that I just could not continue reading. Drama for the sake of drama is just lazy.
March 20, 2021
A great story about deception and desire
August 10, 2014
Come check out the reviews on my blog Under The Cover
I was asked by the author to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
The plot was interesting. A betrayed hero, a selfless heroine, an undying love that conquers everything. I mean, it held promise. But there were a number of things that bothered me.
The first one (and main one as well) was that there were a lot of typos. I spent the first three chapters correcting them in my head and then I just decided to try and just ignore them.
Also I thought the English was very "modern" for a story that takes place in Rome AD 79. The way the characters spoke sometimes felt like you were reading present day people talk. Maybe I am mistaken (after all, English isn't my mother tongue) but it bugged me all the same.
Sometimes, I didn't really get why the characters reacted and acted like they did. For example, the main characters are arguing or fighting one minute and kissing each other the next. Or they are talking peacefully to each other and all of a sudden, one of them has a fit. It's okay when you are the reader because you follow the thought process but when you consider this from the character's point of view, it's another story. And even as a reader it sort of came out a little out of the blue.
Also I think the story dragged on a little. There were moments that could have been shorter or skipped all together in my opinion and the story would have been better off that way.
Reading about the details of the time period was very nice and I think the author did a good job here. You are not drowning under descriptions but there's just enough of them to create the decor in your mind. The process of making bronze sculptures was very interesting to read about.
I liked reading about the characters' back story. It gave insight into their lives and minds and you understand where the characters come from, why they feel what they feel.
Marsallas was very bitter. You get why when you read the story, but it made him mean at times toward Justina.
She felt a little too..."fragile" to me. What I mean is that after living like she did for six years, you'd expect her to be a little more...fierce. Or at least to defend herself when someone talks down to her and walks all over her. But she was kind and sweet. She's only 22 years old in the story after all.
Also she day dreamed a lot. Sometimes it felt a little like Marsallas was some sort of fantasy inducing being and whenever he enters a room, every women start fantasizing about him, his body and what he can do with it under the sheets.
But I have to say, the scene in the baths was very steamy (pun intended). After lusting after each other for so long this scene was a success.
So in the end, the story and the book were okay. I liked the details about the era and the descriptions. It was an easy and nice read but it's not a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I was asked by the author to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
The plot was interesting. A betrayed hero, a selfless heroine, an undying love that conquers everything. I mean, it held promise. But there were a number of things that bothered me.
The first one (and main one as well) was that there were a lot of typos. I spent the first three chapters correcting them in my head and then I just decided to try and just ignore them.
Also I thought the English was very "modern" for a story that takes place in Rome AD 79. The way the characters spoke sometimes felt like you were reading present day people talk. Maybe I am mistaken (after all, English isn't my mother tongue) but it bugged me all the same.
Sometimes, I didn't really get why the characters reacted and acted like they did. For example, the main characters are arguing or fighting one minute and kissing each other the next. Or they are talking peacefully to each other and all of a sudden, one of them has a fit. It's okay when you are the reader because you follow the thought process but when you consider this from the character's point of view, it's another story. And even as a reader it sort of came out a little out of the blue.
Also I think the story dragged on a little. There were moments that could have been shorter or skipped all together in my opinion and the story would have been better off that way.
Reading about the details of the time period was very nice and I think the author did a good job here. You are not drowning under descriptions but there's just enough of them to create the decor in your mind. The process of making bronze sculptures was very interesting to read about.
I liked reading about the characters' back story. It gave insight into their lives and minds and you understand where the characters come from, why they feel what they feel.
Marsallas was very bitter. You get why when you read the story, but it made him mean at times toward Justina.
She felt a little too..."fragile" to me. What I mean is that after living like she did for six years, you'd expect her to be a little more...fierce. Or at least to defend herself when someone talks down to her and walks all over her. But she was kind and sweet. She's only 22 years old in the story after all.
Also she day dreamed a lot. Sometimes it felt a little like Marsallas was some sort of fantasy inducing being and whenever he enters a room, every women start fantasizing about him, his body and what he can do with it under the sheets.
But I have to say, the scene in the baths was very steamy (pun intended). After lusting after each other for so long this scene was a success.
So in the end, the story and the book were okay. I liked the details about the era and the descriptions. It was an easy and nice read but it's not a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
March 1, 2014
As a lover of historical fiction, I was thrilled when I discovered my writing colleague Caroline Storer had released a genre. And I was curious too. Well, I wasn’t disappointed.
Caroline has a perfect voice for the historical genre and has the unique ability to create authentic historical characters to whom the modern reader can relate. Not at all easy.
The ancient Roman empire was renowned for making advances in western civilization, carrying on from the legacy of the ancient Greeks. But unfortunately, compassion and tolerance seem to have been virtues foreign to the Roman way of thinking, which celebrated glory, victory, success and achievement. Marsallas and Justina, the two main characters in this romance, are high achievers. She in the area of art, creating beautiful images and he in the area of sport, becoming a celebrated sportsman, gaining wealth enough to become a businessman/farmer. When they lost each other, they both threw themselves into developing their talents and both achieved measures of success. But their innocent, teenage affair, so pure and intense, had been spoiled by Marsallas’ evil uncle Quintus had inflicted terrible cruelty on the two of them. But after the death of their enemy, they find themselves face to face again. The question is, has everything been ruined between the two of them? Or can their love be rescued from the damage which has been inflicted upon it?
I was very happy to see that Christianity in the Roman Empire was depicted as a force for healing and hope.
Marsallas and Justina have a strong chemistry and things get a little hot around them at times – so if you like it hot when it comes to romance, you won’t be disappointed with this one. But honestly speaking, the story was so well written and interesting that even if it had been ‘sweet’ (i.e. no sex scenes) I don’t think any reader could possibly feel disappointed.
I want to read more and more from this talented author. It’s hard to believe this is only her first published novel.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Caroline has a perfect voice for the historical genre and has the unique ability to create authentic historical characters to whom the modern reader can relate. Not at all easy.
The ancient Roman empire was renowned for making advances in western civilization, carrying on from the legacy of the ancient Greeks. But unfortunately, compassion and tolerance seem to have been virtues foreign to the Roman way of thinking, which celebrated glory, victory, success and achievement. Marsallas and Justina, the two main characters in this romance, are high achievers. She in the area of art, creating beautiful images and he in the area of sport, becoming a celebrated sportsman, gaining wealth enough to become a businessman/farmer. When they lost each other, they both threw themselves into developing their talents and both achieved measures of success. But their innocent, teenage affair, so pure and intense, had been spoiled by Marsallas’ evil uncle Quintus had inflicted terrible cruelty on the two of them. But after the death of their enemy, they find themselves face to face again. The question is, has everything been ruined between the two of them? Or can their love be rescued from the damage which has been inflicted upon it?
I was very happy to see that Christianity in the Roman Empire was depicted as a force for healing and hope.
Marsallas and Justina have a strong chemistry and things get a little hot around them at times – so if you like it hot when it comes to romance, you won’t be disappointed with this one. But honestly speaking, the story was so well written and interesting that even if it had been ‘sweet’ (i.e. no sex scenes) I don’t think any reader could possibly feel disappointed.
I want to read more and more from this talented author. It’s hard to believe this is only her first published novel.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, HarperImpules, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
When I originally requested this book through NetGalley, I had very little idea of what to expect. I guessed it was a romance, but I had no idea about any of the details just from the front cover and the blurb.
I have a few mixed feelings about this book. Ideally, it should be 3.5 stars, but, well...
The characters and storyline in this book were quite interesting and well-written, but for a historical romance, I found there was too much that was modern in this book. For instance, in that time period, I don't think the age sixteen would have been that big a deal - sweet sixteen is, as far as I know, a modern affectation. And that would have been fairly old in those times. People wouldn't have lived as long as they do now. (To the best of my knowledge, anyway). And, of course, there was the swearing...
I did like the interactions between the two main characters, but some of the reactions changed so abruptly, they made my head spin. The erotic moments themselves were really well-written and I was holding my breath, waiting for things to finally come to a head between the hero and heroine.
I liked the fact that Justina was a sculptor. It was an interesting character quirk that really worked well and enabled the plot to move forward in a realistic way.
I liked the use of the historical events in this book, including the fact that some of the characters were Christians.
I particularly liked the ending of the book, but I can't say for certain if I'd read more books by this author. As with many other books, I'll have to judge it based on a book-by-book basis. Despite the errors I've mentioned above, though, I did find this book to be a fairly entertaining, romantic read.
(This review may contain spoilers).
When I originally requested this book through NetGalley, I had very little idea of what to expect. I guessed it was a romance, but I had no idea about any of the details just from the front cover and the blurb.
I have a few mixed feelings about this book. Ideally, it should be 3.5 stars, but, well...
The characters and storyline in this book were quite interesting and well-written, but for a historical romance, I found there was too much that was modern in this book. For instance, in that time period, I don't think the age sixteen would have been that big a deal - sweet sixteen is, as far as I know, a modern affectation. And that would have been fairly old in those times. People wouldn't have lived as long as they do now. (To the best of my knowledge, anyway). And, of course, there was the swearing...
I did like the interactions between the two main characters, but some of the reactions changed so abruptly, they made my head spin. The erotic moments themselves were really well-written and I was holding my breath, waiting for things to finally come to a head between the hero and heroine.
I liked the fact that Justina was a sculptor. It was an interesting character quirk that really worked well and enabled the plot to move forward in a realistic way.
I liked the use of the historical events in this book, including the fact that some of the characters were Christians.
I particularly liked the ending of the book, but I can't say for certain if I'd read more books by this author. As with many other books, I'll have to judge it based on a book-by-book basis. Despite the errors I've mentioned above, though, I did find this book to be a fairly entertaining, romantic read.
April 20, 2014
Jane Hunt Writer First Steps
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google+
'The Roman' is a powerful love story about betrayal and second chances. Written using modern language with well placed historical references it gives the reader a taste of Ancient Rome without slowing the pace of the story.
Marsallas and Justina are characters typical of the time period made memorable because they break away from their expected life paths to find fulfilment. Justina's artistic talent saves her from madness tied to a cruel man who views her as a possession rather than a companion. Marsallas runs from his safe but barren life and becomes a Chariot Rider the Roman equivalent of a celebrity footballer in the 21st century.
Marsallas is a tortured sexy man who has no use for human emotion. Justina still values love and family despite the degradation and abuse she has suffered in her young life. Fate throws the tragic young lovers together again but is revenge the only emotion binding them?
The interplay between Marsallas and Justina is engaging and full of sexual tension reaching a delightfully steamy peak. Full of angst this story makes you walk an emotional tightrope right until the last page. Thankfully it is worth the effort.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Caroline Storer
May 20, 2014
"The Roman" is filled with so much passion and raw desires. It is an intense historical fiction story with a testament of the power of true love. Marsallas and Justina's chance at happiness was ripped away very early on in their lives. The author did a splendid job of unravelling their story so well. Based on the blurb and the early portions of the story, I was initially angry with Justina for hurting Marsallas when they were young. But each time they were in each other's presence, the emotions leapt right off of the pages; it was clearly undeniable. And then, when Justina's side of the story came to light, I truly felt it for their stolen love.
I breezed through the pages of the story, gobbling up the words, eager to find out if true love was really true. Several times, I had to remind myself that the couple was not real, as I became frustrated with their inability to quickly allow the past to die along with the one that caused their turmoil. I further enjoyed how the author took liberty with the era and location, making events her own. This particular era was so meaningful. There were certain topics that were brushed upon that I would have loved to see explored more, though that is for my own curiosity. Consequently, I would love to read an extension of this works, as I always love to know the story beyond the story. Nonetheless, I was pleased with Caroline Storer's story. I would certainly recommend it to readers that enjoy a clever mixture of historical fiction and romance.
*4.5 Stars*
I breezed through the pages of the story, gobbling up the words, eager to find out if true love was really true. Several times, I had to remind myself that the couple was not real, as I became frustrated with their inability to quickly allow the past to die along with the one that caused their turmoil. I further enjoyed how the author took liberty with the era and location, making events her own. This particular era was so meaningful. There were certain topics that were brushed upon that I would have loved to see explored more, though that is for my own curiosity. Consequently, I would love to read an extension of this works, as I always love to know the story beyond the story. Nonetheless, I was pleased with Caroline Storer's story. I would certainly recommend it to readers that enjoy a clever mixture of historical fiction and romance.
*4.5 Stars*
March 22, 2014
Hi. I'm the author. Thanks for stopping by.
The Roman...The one woman he ever loved was the one woman who betrayed him. And now, the Roman will have his revenge… Marsallas and Justina were young, beautiful and desperately in love once, until a tragic betrayal tore them apart. Six years have passed since that day and Marsallas has since thrown himself into the deadly world of chariot racing, gaining fortune, fame, and a salacious reputation throughout Rome. His bed is kept warm by a different woman each night, but his heart remains iced over as the memory of Justina’s betrayal continues to haunts him. The last thing he expects is to see her again, but when she steps back into his life he sees a chance to avenge his broken heart. But beneath the hurt, an attraction so intense still burns between the two, and as their fates begin to intertwine once more, their determination to resist one another starts to falter…
The Roman...The one woman he ever loved was the one woman who betrayed him. And now, the Roman will have his revenge… Marsallas and Justina were young, beautiful and desperately in love once, until a tragic betrayal tore them apart. Six years have passed since that day and Marsallas has since thrown himself into the deadly world of chariot racing, gaining fortune, fame, and a salacious reputation throughout Rome. His bed is kept warm by a different woman each night, but his heart remains iced over as the memory of Justina’s betrayal continues to haunts him. The last thing he expects is to see her again, but when she steps back into his life he sees a chance to avenge his broken heart. But beneath the hurt, an attraction so intense still burns between the two, and as their fates begin to intertwine once more, their determination to resist one another starts to falter…
September 18, 2014
If you love a bit of Russell Crowe as a Gladiator then you'll just love Marsallas The Charioteer.
I don't read many historicals, but when I do, it's such a treat to be taken back in time. The author created a sizzling chemistry between Marsallas and Justina, realistic to their era. This was a fascinating and unique era to read about.
There are many more conflicts the characters need to overcome in a historical, which in present day no longer exist, and so it's wonderful to see how they solve their problems, overcome their fears, to that all important happy ending.
I don't read many historicals, but when I do, it's such a treat to be taken back in time. The author created a sizzling chemistry between Marsallas and Justina, realistic to their era. This was a fascinating and unique era to read about.
There are many more conflicts the characters need to overcome in a historical, which in present day no longer exist, and so it's wonderful to see how they solve their problems, overcome their fears, to that all important happy ending.
August 5, 2016
Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for a review.
Hot cover, looks like the same guy from the cover by Kresley Coles MacRieve. Title was apt, but synopsis is what really caught my eye. This book read rather quickly, and it stayed well within the genre. Characters were brought out nicely, and story developed nicely. The climax was a surprise, not many books end by volcanic eruptions....the characters were likable, and overall entertainment was four stars. Great book!
Hot cover, looks like the same guy from the cover by Kresley Coles MacRieve. Title was apt, but synopsis is what really caught my eye. This book read rather quickly, and it stayed well within the genre. Characters were brought out nicely, and story developed nicely. The climax was a surprise, not many books end by volcanic eruptions....the characters were likable, and overall entertainment was four stars. Great book!
May 12, 2014
This was a fun, easy read, and I love reading about this time period. 3.5 stars.
February 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this :-)
May 25, 2019
Sorry to say, this is terrible. Promising plot, but the language- poor, repetitive and infantile. All together lacks imagination. Dnf.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews