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Roman Heirs #1
The Tribune Temptation
An underdog politician. A disgraced divorcee. A marriage of convenience that could save them both…or ruin everything.
In the cutthroat world of Roman politics, family is everything. Aelius, a freedman turned ambitious politician, knows winning his next election will require a marriage alliance with a powerful patrician family. But finding a woman who will entertain courtship from a freedman is near impossible.
Crispina is the daughter of one of Rome's oldest families, but after failing to give her husband a child, a humiliating divorce sends her back to her parents' restrictive house in shame. All she wants is the freedom to pursue her true a secret venture to educate the children of Rome's poorest.
When Aelius meets Crispina at a dinner party, he knows her powerful family name could secure his victory. Desperate for freedom, Crispina agrees to a marriage of convenience. Prickly one moment and icy the next, Crispina is determined to keep her charming husband at a distance. That is, until Aelius undertakes a campaign to win not just the city's vote, but his wife's heart.
But Crispina has an agenda of her own, and when a political rival leaks her unconventional activities, it sparks a scandal that could cost Aelius the election. Distancing himself from his wayward wife should be easy, but as the election looms, Aelius must decide which victory is truly worth fighting for.
Enjoy this steamy series-starter historical romance now!
In the cutthroat world of Roman politics, family is everything. Aelius, a freedman turned ambitious politician, knows winning his next election will require a marriage alliance with a powerful patrician family. But finding a woman who will entertain courtship from a freedman is near impossible.
Crispina is the daughter of one of Rome's oldest families, but after failing to give her husband a child, a humiliating divorce sends her back to her parents' restrictive house in shame. All she wants is the freedom to pursue her true a secret venture to educate the children of Rome's poorest.
When Aelius meets Crispina at a dinner party, he knows her powerful family name could secure his victory. Desperate for freedom, Crispina agrees to a marriage of convenience. Prickly one moment and icy the next, Crispina is determined to keep her charming husband at a distance. That is, until Aelius undertakes a campaign to win not just the city's vote, but his wife's heart.
But Crispina has an agenda of her own, and when a political rival leaks her unconventional activities, it sparks a scandal that could cost Aelius the election. Distancing himself from his wayward wife should be easy, but as the election looms, Aelius must decide which victory is truly worth fighting for.
Enjoy this steamy series-starter historical romance now!
318 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2025
20 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bigelow
5 books28 followersJenna Bigelow is a historical romance author based in Wilmington, DE. She has eleven years of Latin classes under her belt, as well as a minor in Classical Culture and Society. When not writing, she enjoys sewing, especially recreating historical fashions of the 18th and 19th centuries. She thinks about the Roman Empire every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 10, 2025
A wannabe-politician needs a wife and the only one available is a frosty divorceé who is 100% not into his antics. She’ll marry him but she can’t conceive so what’s the point in consummating the marriage? I know the point, and you know the point, and her new husband certainly knows the point (every time she says something mean he almost unmans himself in his toga) but she’ll get there when she gets there. There is also a feral child, a randy poet, the world’s nicest mother-in-law, and a gladiator who dies (it was Ancient Rome, baby, that’s how they rolled). Get ready for politics, mosaics, and people eating a lot of dates.
March 6, 2025
This book is my new Roman Empire. (Get it? Get the joke? Okay I’ll shut up now.)
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Roman historical romance and if I have it wasn’t as good as this one. I don’t make the rules. Jenna takes such a foreign topic for me, weaved the political aspects and social aspects effortlessly into the story, and really brought something different and fresh to historicals.
Bigelow subverts so many of the classic historical tropes we know and love and moves us firmly away from Regency England. Divorce is legal (though no less shame inducing). Families can adopt children and leave their fortunes to them though they’re not blood related. Roman slavery is very much discussed and isn’t hidden behind closed doors the way we often do with white historical romances. And (because this is a romance), even our MC’s are a bit different than we’re used to. Aelius is a freedman (former slave) running for office who needs a socialite wife and Crispina is a socialite with forced to return to her parents home in shame after her divorce.
I think what made this so special is not only the factual aspects (who knew a portion of Roman slaves sold themselves into slavery to escape debts?? Not me!). It’s the way Aelius and Crispina subvert expectations. Crispina wants to teach impoverished children. Aelius wants to pass bills that help slaves and better Rome. They both have a passion outside of each other and that’s what made it so lovely when they did finally come together and realize they wanted this marriage to be more.
Neither are perfect and two emotionally damaged people are going to hurt each other eventually. But the way come back together is really beautiful and I loved it immensely.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Roman historical romance and if I have it wasn’t as good as this one. I don’t make the rules. Jenna takes such a foreign topic for me, weaved the political aspects and social aspects effortlessly into the story, and really brought something different and fresh to historicals.
Bigelow subverts so many of the classic historical tropes we know and love and moves us firmly away from Regency England. Divorce is legal (though no less shame inducing). Families can adopt children and leave their fortunes to them though they’re not blood related. Roman slavery is very much discussed and isn’t hidden behind closed doors the way we often do with white historical romances. And (because this is a romance), even our MC’s are a bit different than we’re used to. Aelius is a freedman (former slave) running for office who needs a socialite wife and Crispina is a socialite with forced to return to her parents home in shame after her divorce.
I think what made this so special is not only the factual aspects (who knew a portion of Roman slaves sold themselves into slavery to escape debts?? Not me!). It’s the way Aelius and Crispina subvert expectations. Crispina wants to teach impoverished children. Aelius wants to pass bills that help slaves and better Rome. They both have a passion outside of each other and that’s what made it so lovely when they did finally come together and realize they wanted this marriage to be more.
Neither are perfect and two emotionally damaged people are going to hurt each other eventually. But the way come back together is really beautiful and I loved it immensely.
March 12, 2025
A historical romance set in ancient Rome! Yes, please. I enjoyed Jenna Bigelow’s novella A Princess’s Ransom in Dragonblade’s Tales of Timeless Romance anthology so grabbed this right away. As far as I can figure, it’s set around 64 BCE.
This is about Crispina, a divorced woman from a patrician family, and Aelius, an ambitious politician who was once a slave. He wants to get married to give him legitimacy in an upcoming election. She’s the perfect match for a marriage of convenience, despite the fact that she is barren, because aligning with a patrician family would go some way to glossing over his background. There is a hilariously cringy meet-cute and we were off to a good start.
Naturally, they fall in love and decide they want the marriage to be a real one quite early on in the book. There is also a sex scene where the MMC, Aelius, instructs the FMC, Crispina, to recite the Iliad in Greek while he gets her off. I mean!
The conflict arose at about 77%. Crispina had secretly been teaching street urchins, which is apparently a bad thing and must be kept secret. Aelius’s political opponent cornered her and threatened to reveal her secret unless she funneled him information on which potential patrons her husband was approaching, so he could get to them first. He also threatened to take away the child she and Aelius had more or less adopted. So, she complied. There was a lot at stake.
When Aelius found out about her deception, I thought Bigelow handled the conflict well. The fact that Aelius kicked Crispina out of the house, even after she explained why, felt true to his character; he’s very ambitious and sometimes rash. I was looking forward to what I assumed would be an epic grovel once he got over his snit.
Sadly, there was no groveling, and from that point, the storyline began to really piss me off.
Aelius continued to refuse to forgive her, and meanwhile, Crispina continued to feel guilty about having done this “bad thing,” rather than getting pissed off at him like any reasonable woman. I mean, they had professed their love for each other! Is that how someone in love treats his wife?
Later, Crispina does something really underhanded to help Aelius win the election but keeps it to herself. After he wins, she shows up at the victory party because apparently she still feels obliged to show up and play supportive wife. Aelius has still not forgiven her, and his mother, who was previously the sweetest, has had a complete personality transplant and is incredibly mean to her. Aelius is even being friendly with the creepy opponent who blackmailed Crispina and indicates that he’d like to work with him! WTF.
It’s only when Aelius’s friend reveals that Crispina helped win him the election that Aelius forgives her and they can live happily ever after. In a nutshell: He wouldn’t forgive her until she did something to help him be successful.
There’s no groveling from Aelius whatsoever, and Crispina is positioned as the one who did wrong for the last quarter of the book. It just felt super retrograde to me, and not in an ancient Rome way.
I finished this ARC in the middle of February and have held off on this review because I thought maybe I’d just had a bee in my bonnet about something when I read it, and maybe I would come around when I was in a better mood. But no - it still pisses me off. Crispina deserved better. WOMEN deserve better than only getting their HEA if they give a man what he wants.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy.
This is about Crispina, a divorced woman from a patrician family, and Aelius, an ambitious politician who was once a slave. He wants to get married to give him legitimacy in an upcoming election. She’s the perfect match for a marriage of convenience, despite the fact that she is barren, because aligning with a patrician family would go some way to glossing over his background. There is a hilariously cringy meet-cute and we were off to a good start.
Naturally, they fall in love and decide they want the marriage to be a real one quite early on in the book. There is also a sex scene where the MMC, Aelius, instructs the FMC, Crispina, to recite the Iliad in Greek while he gets her off. I mean!
The conflict arose at about 77%. Crispina had secretly been teaching street urchins, which is apparently a bad thing and must be kept secret. Aelius’s political opponent cornered her and threatened to reveal her secret unless she funneled him information on which potential patrons her husband was approaching, so he could get to them first. He also threatened to take away the child she and Aelius had more or less adopted. So, she complied. There was a lot at stake.
When Aelius found out about her deception, I thought Bigelow handled the conflict well. The fact that Aelius kicked Crispina out of the house, even after she explained why, felt true to his character; he’s very ambitious and sometimes rash. I was looking forward to what I assumed would be an epic grovel once he got over his snit.
Sadly, there was no groveling, and from that point, the storyline began to really piss me off.
Aelius continued to refuse to forgive her, and meanwhile, Crispina continued to feel guilty about having done this “bad thing,” rather than getting pissed off at him like any reasonable woman. I mean, they had professed their love for each other! Is that how someone in love treats his wife?
Later, Crispina does something really underhanded to help Aelius win the election but keeps it to herself. After he wins, she shows up at the victory party because apparently she still feels obliged to show up and play supportive wife. Aelius has still not forgiven her, and his mother, who was previously the sweetest, has had a complete personality transplant and is incredibly mean to her. Aelius is even being friendly with the creepy opponent who blackmailed Crispina and indicates that he’d like to work with him! WTF.
It’s only when Aelius’s friend reveals that Crispina helped win him the election that Aelius forgives her and they can live happily ever after. In a nutshell: He wouldn’t forgive her until she did something to help him be successful.
There’s no groveling from Aelius whatsoever, and Crispina is positioned as the one who did wrong for the last quarter of the book. It just felt super retrograde to me, and not in an ancient Rome way.
I finished this ARC in the middle of February and have held off on this review because I thought maybe I’d just had a bee in my bonnet about something when I read it, and maybe I would come around when I was in a better mood. But no - it still pisses me off. Crispina deserved better. WOMEN deserve better than only getting their HEA if they give a man what he wants.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy.
March 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Tribune Temptation as it has such an unusual setting for a HR.., the Roman Republic, and an interesting story. Set ten years after the Spartacus uprising, which happened in 73 BCE it’s the story of Aelius, an ambitious plebeian and Crispina, a patrician divorcee. (I had to look it up.., yes divorces happened during that time period.)
Aelius has recently lost an election to become a tribune … probably because he was a slave, tho he had been made a freedman. He wants to try again, and decides that he should marry a daughter of a higher class and sets his sights on Crispina. He would be more electable with the connection of an influential father in law.
They have a cringe worthy first meeting… she thinks he’s arrogant… but he could offer her a marriage that would wipe away the stain of being divorced. Plus she could continue teaching some of the poor children in Rome which she’s been doing in secret.
The story starts a bit slowly but then it picks up after they marry.., there’s plenty of drama as Crispina is blackmailed and she deceives Aelius. The passionate scenes really sizzle as the sensual romance slowly develops.
Overall, this is a fascinating story as the MCs discover how to live within their marriage of convenience. A minor quibble for me: the author uses a lot of simple sentences at times so it reads a bit choppy. I prefer more complex sentences as for me the reading would flow better.
Finally, it would be nice to have an author’s notes page at the beginning in which she describes the background of the time period, the culture, and setting. I was well into the book when I discovered the actual years in which it was set. I was a world history major in college but it was a challenge to visualize and understand everything as the story unfolded.
The word “Dis” is used several times… looked it up and it means the Roman god of the underworld… equivalent to Pluto in Greek mythology. Kudos to the author for using this in conversations as it makes them more realistic.
Jenna Bigelow knows her Roman history and the details shine through this terrific read. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(I received an ARC copy of this book and this review is solely my own.)
Aelius has recently lost an election to become a tribune … probably because he was a slave, tho he had been made a freedman. He wants to try again, and decides that he should marry a daughter of a higher class and sets his sights on Crispina. He would be more electable with the connection of an influential father in law.
They have a cringe worthy first meeting… she thinks he’s arrogant… but he could offer her a marriage that would wipe away the stain of being divorced. Plus she could continue teaching some of the poor children in Rome which she’s been doing in secret.
The story starts a bit slowly but then it picks up after they marry.., there’s plenty of drama as Crispina is blackmailed and she deceives Aelius. The passionate scenes really sizzle as the sensual romance slowly develops.
Overall, this is a fascinating story as the MCs discover how to live within their marriage of convenience. A minor quibble for me: the author uses a lot of simple sentences at times so it reads a bit choppy. I prefer more complex sentences as for me the reading would flow better.
Finally, it would be nice to have an author’s notes page at the beginning in which she describes the background of the time period, the culture, and setting. I was well into the book when I discovered the actual years in which it was set. I was a world history major in college but it was a challenge to visualize and understand everything as the story unfolded.
The word “Dis” is used several times… looked it up and it means the Roman god of the underworld… equivalent to Pluto in Greek mythology. Kudos to the author for using this in conversations as it makes them more realistic.
Jenna Bigelow knows her Roman history and the details shine through this terrific read. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(I received an ARC copy of this book and this review is solely my own.)
March 30, 2025
This book hates its FMC, Crispina. At every turn she is punished for her attempts at agency, until the outcomes of her actions benefit the MMC, Aelius, at which point he claims all the credit for them. Aelius consistently puts his own wellbeing and political ambitions above hers, culminating in punishing Crispina for having been the victim of physical violence and blackmail. The last 20% of the story was frankly cursed but I should have seen it coming, because the treatment of infertility and slavery was giving off-vibes from the start.
Before anyone cries ‘but it’s set in Ancient Rome’ and suggests that misogyny and enslavement are part of the historical context, let me say this: why write a 21st century romance novel that conforms to those values? To what end? The Tribune Temptation is notably keen to challenge Roman injustices where they concern Aelius and his political ambitions as a freedman, but consistently reinforces them where they pertain to Crispina and her status as a wife and mother. His suffering is all about him; her suffering is also all about him. The way this story makes Crispina grateful for the concessions she receives, while also praising her for her largesse to her slaves - who, in turn, must be grateful to their mistress - speaks volumes about the structures of power and essentialist roles that are being romanticised. The historical setting enables it and provides cover for it, but it’s still an authorial choice.
Now I know why we don’t have many romance novels set during the Roman Empire.
Before anyone cries ‘but it’s set in Ancient Rome’ and suggests that misogyny and enslavement are part of the historical context, let me say this: why write a 21st century romance novel that conforms to those values? To what end? The Tribune Temptation is notably keen to challenge Roman injustices where they concern Aelius and his political ambitions as a freedman, but consistently reinforces them where they pertain to Crispina and her status as a wife and mother. His suffering is all about him; her suffering is also all about him. The way this story makes Crispina grateful for the concessions she receives, while also praising her for her largesse to her slaves - who, in turn, must be grateful to their mistress - speaks volumes about the structures of power and essentialist roles that are being romanticised. The historical setting enables it and provides cover for it, but it’s still an authorial choice.
Now I know why we don’t have many romance novels set during the Roman Empire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 14, 2025
Look, you are a politician (Aelius) who lost your first election, and you have a Secretary Pete-like schedule for which office leads to the highest one laid out in your head. You need connections, and fast, by marrying into an upperclass family. Luckily, Crispina not only does it for you at first sight, but she's newly divorced and wants to get out of her parents' house, which makes her willing to overlook your Freedman status. Its on.
Crispina gets Aelius to agree to a chaste marriage, but if you think she is going to be able to resist his kindness and his lovely mother who embraces her into the family and his brain and ethics and drive, well, think again. Bigalow does a great job of showing two people liking and respecting and being super hot for each other, and it's wonderful when they finally come together.
Crispina wasn't my favorite by far. She's cold and prickly (which I actually like in a FMC), and her first marriage wasn't great, so shields are up. In fact, she's hilariously "there, there [mechanical shoulder pat]" to someone crying, but she also solves their problem like a boss and leaves the comforting to others with that chip installed. She's pretty little inconsistent though, thinking of the "jealousy that would choke her at the sight of her pregnant friend" but actually she thinks of her infertility more that she hates being bad at something "her inability to conceive a child was a failure, and Crispina did not like failing."
Mostly though she makes a series of really bad and selfish prioritizing and choices that have a terrible effect on her husband. It's so obvious that she's doing the wrong thing that for the first time I felt the authorial hand nudging the action v. feeling a compelling story unfold. Aelius speaks for us all when he says "Maybe we would still be in the same place, but we could have dealt with it together, like partners. But you chose to betray me." At least she owns the consequences but I didn't love it.
I have zero temptation to read about the hero in book 2, but I'll be back to read about the hilarious poet sidekick or even whatever is going on with the political rival, should Bigalow write it! Would be a four star but upped one for the unusual period and setting, which was very deftly and naturally handled.
Crispina gets Aelius to agree to a chaste marriage, but if you think she is going to be able to resist his kindness and his lovely mother who embraces her into the family and his brain and ethics and drive, well, think again. Bigalow does a great job of showing two people liking and respecting and being super hot for each other, and it's wonderful when they finally come together.
Crispina wasn't my favorite by far. She's cold and prickly (which I actually like in a FMC), and her first marriage wasn't great, so shields are up. In fact, she's hilariously "there, there [mechanical shoulder pat]" to someone crying, but she also solves their problem like a boss and leaves the comforting to others with that chip installed. She's pretty little inconsistent though, thinking of the "jealousy that would choke her at the sight of her pregnant friend" but actually she thinks of her infertility more that she hates being bad at something "her inability to conceive a child was a failure, and Crispina did not like failing."
Mostly though she makes a series of really bad and selfish prioritizing and choices that have a terrible effect on her husband. It's so obvious that she's doing the wrong thing that for the first time I felt the authorial hand nudging the action v. feeling a compelling story unfold. Aelius speaks for us all when he says "Maybe we would still be in the same place, but we could have dealt with it together, like partners. But you chose to betray me." At least she owns the consequences but I didn't love it.
I have zero temptation to read about the hero in book 2, but I'll be back to read about the hilarious poet sidekick or even whatever is going on with the political rival, should Bigalow write it! Would be a four star but upped one for the unusual period and setting, which was very deftly and naturally handled.
February 17, 2025
If you're looking to find a unique setting for a historical romance, look no further than this debut from Jenna Bigelow set in Ancient Rome!
Aelius, Marcus Trebonianus Aelius Herminius, is a freedman running for a plebian position as tribune. He has lost two elections in two years - he's learning his charm can only go so far to overcome the prejudices of his past as a freed slave. His best friend Catullus suggests that if he truly wants to win that he looks to marry, preferably to marry a woman whose family has strong political connections. As soon as Aelius lays eyes on Crispina, the intelligent and poised newly divorced daughter of a patrician, he knows she's the perfect match. Convincing her that a marriage of convenience will suit them both, though, is only half the battle.
The best thing about exploring a new era in historical romance is the creativity with which an author reveals the social and political components of their world. A class difference romance like this exists because of the era's social structures, and by choosing a plebian politician as her first hero for the series, Bigelow gives us a sense of the barriers Aelius would need to climb to get elected and Crispina would need to face as a divorcee.
I'm really excited to see what Jenna Bigelow can do next, and look forward to the rest of this series!
Thank you to the author for an eARC for review. The Tribune Temptation is out 3/6/2025.
Aelius, Marcus Trebonianus Aelius Herminius, is a freedman running for a plebian position as tribune. He has lost two elections in two years - he's learning his charm can only go so far to overcome the prejudices of his past as a freed slave. His best friend Catullus suggests that if he truly wants to win that he looks to marry, preferably to marry a woman whose family has strong political connections. As soon as Aelius lays eyes on Crispina, the intelligent and poised newly divorced daughter of a patrician, he knows she's the perfect match. Convincing her that a marriage of convenience will suit them both, though, is only half the battle.
The best thing about exploring a new era in historical romance is the creativity with which an author reveals the social and political components of their world. A class difference romance like this exists because of the era's social structures, and by choosing a plebian politician as her first hero for the series, Bigelow gives us a sense of the barriers Aelius would need to climb to get elected and Crispina would need to face as a divorcee.
I'm really excited to see what Jenna Bigelow can do next, and look forward to the rest of this series!
Thank you to the author for an eARC for review. The Tribune Temptation is out 3/6/2025.
November 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️
Aelius was previously a slave, but he was freed and adopted by his stepfather. He is extremely ambitious and wants to become one of the first freedman consul's in Rome. To do that he needs to win the next Tribune election. He lost the last one because of his history as a slave and he decides a marriage with a woman from a patrician family will improve his chances.
He approaches Crispina and makes proposal for a marriage of convenience. She has recently divorced because she was unable to get pregnant. She experiences a lot of shame about being barren and was stuck living with her parents. She agrees to this marriage so she can have more freedom.
This was an interesting setting and I appreciated the Roman history. I just didn't feel the chemistry and romance between them. I was enjoying most of it, but it was a slow read for me. Unfortunately, the 3rd act conflict and how the hero reacted lowered my rating.
🌶️🌶️
Aelius was previously a slave, but he was freed and adopted by his stepfather. He is extremely ambitious and wants to become one of the first freedman consul's in Rome. To do that he needs to win the next Tribune election. He lost the last one because of his history as a slave and he decides a marriage with a woman from a patrician family will improve his chances.
He approaches Crispina and makes proposal for a marriage of convenience. She has recently divorced because she was unable to get pregnant. She experiences a lot of shame about being barren and was stuck living with her parents. She agrees to this marriage so she can have more freedom.
This was an interesting setting and I appreciated the Roman history. I just didn't feel the chemistry and romance between them. I was enjoying most of it, but it was a slow read for me. Unfortunately, the 3rd act conflict and how the hero reacted lowered my rating.
July 19, 2025
I actually really liked all the characters until the 3rd act break up- when I got annoyed with the MMC cause he was a jerk, and I was pissed that he did something that should have included the FMC. I was rooting for her and I didn’t like how they patched things up. It kind of pissed me off and I finished the book annoyed with the whole storyline
February 21, 2025
The Tribune Temptation was one of the most unusual historical romances I've ever read and I had a great time reading it!
We open this book in Ancient Rome– that's right, Ancient Rome! Not the Regency or a Victorian ballroom. Aelius is a freedman who wants to do the impossible: become a tribune of Rome despite the fact that he was born a slave. He recently lost an election and needs a new strategy if he has a hope of obtaining his goal. Crispina was divorced by her husband after three years of marriage because she failed to give him a child. She's been returned to her patrician father's home and is miserable. But at a dinner party, she meets Aelius who proposes that they marry so he can leverage her father's position to win the election and she can regain the freedom she loved as a married woman.
This was the first ever historical romance I've read that takes place in Ancient Rome, and I've been reading historicals for over 22 years. It felt like I was flexing a different muscle, reading a historical that was a British-based medieval, set in 19th century England or an American western. I hope setting historical romance in different times and places becomes a trend because it was great. Jenna Bigelow clearly knows her stuff when it comes to Roman society and politics. The specificity she provided for the social hierarchy, gender roles and political structure made the world come alive.
I am all about a marriage of convenience plot because the stakes are high for both characters involved. Fake dating can be resolved with a quick break up. Divorce, especially before the modern era, has catastrophic consequences for those involved, especially Crispina who has already weathered the scandal once. What I loved about the dynamic between Aelius and Crispina is that they complement each other. Aelius has a high emotional intelligence– he can work a room and make a connection with almost anyone. Crispina is traditionally learned and logical. She looks at the world in a more complex way than Aelius, which makes them great partners.
The supporting cast of this book was rich. I felt like there were full stories that could be told about Catullus and Horatia and their relationships with our main characters. I am looking forward to reading the prequel novella about Aelius's mother, Gaia.
And I need to give a shout out to Jenna Bigelow for doing a great job with the editing of this book. I don't know if she engaged an outside editor or not, but this was one of the best edited indie romances I have read in a long time. The attention to detail really made me happy as a reader! The only thing I would have changed would have been to introduce the villain as nefarious a little earlier in the book to built the conflict a bit longer but otherwise it was a well-paced, well-researched novel with exciting character development.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 because of Goodreads.
We open this book in Ancient Rome– that's right, Ancient Rome! Not the Regency or a Victorian ballroom. Aelius is a freedman who wants to do the impossible: become a tribune of Rome despite the fact that he was born a slave. He recently lost an election and needs a new strategy if he has a hope of obtaining his goal. Crispina was divorced by her husband after three years of marriage because she failed to give him a child. She's been returned to her patrician father's home and is miserable. But at a dinner party, she meets Aelius who proposes that they marry so he can leverage her father's position to win the election and she can regain the freedom she loved as a married woman.
This was the first ever historical romance I've read that takes place in Ancient Rome, and I've been reading historicals for over 22 years. It felt like I was flexing a different muscle, reading a historical that was a British-based medieval, set in 19th century England or an American western. I hope setting historical romance in different times and places becomes a trend because it was great. Jenna Bigelow clearly knows her stuff when it comes to Roman society and politics. The specificity she provided for the social hierarchy, gender roles and political structure made the world come alive.
I am all about a marriage of convenience plot because the stakes are high for both characters involved. Fake dating can be resolved with a quick break up. Divorce, especially before the modern era, has catastrophic consequences for those involved, especially Crispina who has already weathered the scandal once. What I loved about the dynamic between Aelius and Crispina is that they complement each other. Aelius has a high emotional intelligence– he can work a room and make a connection with almost anyone. Crispina is traditionally learned and logical. She looks at the world in a more complex way than Aelius, which makes them great partners.
The supporting cast of this book was rich. I felt like there were full stories that could be told about Catullus and Horatia and their relationships with our main characters. I am looking forward to reading the prequel novella about Aelius's mother, Gaia.
And I need to give a shout out to Jenna Bigelow for doing a great job with the editing of this book. I don't know if she engaged an outside editor or not, but this was one of the best edited indie romances I have read in a long time. The attention to detail really made me happy as a reader! The only thing I would have changed would have been to introduce the villain as nefarious a little earlier in the book to built the conflict a bit longer but otherwise it was a well-paced, well-researched novel with exciting character development.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 because of Goodreads.
December 26, 2025
I enjoyed this one very much. The setting was really interesting; the political aspect and Crispina's position as a disgraced divorcée, as well as her new husband's insecurities stemming from having been born a slave, really elevated what could otherwise easily have been just another married strangers story. I loved how brave Ms Bigelow was with the heroine; Crispina's husband describes her as "unsmiling, icy, and brilliant", and we see her grapple with insecurities and make some questionable choices. She was a really complex and at moments difficult to understand woman, which is not something we see that often in a genre that can be very judgmental of imperfect women. I also hugely enjoyed her kind mother-in-law, rambunctious adopted son, and Aelius's unconventional friend, who provided comic relief by flirting with the hero's mother outrageously.
February 17, 2025
Spectacular. Give me 14 of them right now.
A historical romance set in Rome? Yay!!
✨ This Roman setting? Excellent. This was not a contemporary romance in a toga—we *were* in Rome.
✨ This marriage of convenience? Excellent. I’m a simple girl. I just want a marriage of convenience where they agree to keep it platonic… but they’re sweating at how much they want to bang each other.
✨ These characters? Literal perfection. I can’t decide what I liked the most: that our heroine had some flaws, how unexpectedly nuanced her feelings about children were, how complicatedly they experienced Roman class distinctions, how even our side character friends were flawed and real… Actually, this is what I liked the most: that our hero was a progressive and ambitious Freedman (emancipated Roman slave) but he wasn’t some cartoonish Robin Hood figure—“he wanted to be seen as respectable, genteel” and we had lots of internalized BS to deal with (for him and for her).
This series is about to become my whole personality.
A historical romance set in Rome? Yay!!
✨ This Roman setting? Excellent. This was not a contemporary romance in a toga—we *were* in Rome.
✨ This marriage of convenience? Excellent. I’m a simple girl. I just want a marriage of convenience where they agree to keep it platonic… but they’re sweating at how much they want to bang each other.
✨ These characters? Literal perfection. I can’t decide what I liked the most: that our heroine had some flaws, how unexpectedly nuanced her feelings about children were, how complicatedly they experienced Roman class distinctions, how even our side character friends were flawed and real… Actually, this is what I liked the most: that our hero was a progressive and ambitious Freedman (emancipated Roman slave) but he wasn’t some cartoonish Robin Hood figure—“he wanted to be seen as respectable, genteel” and we had lots of internalized BS to deal with (for him and for her).
This series is about to become my whole personality.
April 15, 2025
What a unique read! It has been ages since I've read a historical romance! I'm glad my first dabble back into this genre was in a place and time period I have never read before - ancient Rome.
Cute story. I always love the fake marriage plot. This book delivered a good time.
3.5 rounded up.
Cute story. I always love the fake marriage plot. This book delivered a good time.
3.5 rounded up.
March 25, 2025
4.25
Such a lovely debut! Love a good historical romance but have never dabbled in one set in Ancient Rome. This is peak found family and anachronistic (complimentary), and therefore a perfect addition to the genre. Will 1000% be picking up the next in the series.
Such a lovely debut! Love a good historical romance but have never dabbled in one set in Ancient Rome. This is peak found family and anachronistic (complimentary), and therefore a perfect addition to the genre. Will 1000% be picking up the next in the series.
March 6, 2025
It's been a long time since I've read a historical romance that wasn't Regency, and I wasn't sure what to expect...but Jenna Bigelow knocked it out of the park. Sizzling chemistry, a lush, unique setting, and just enough historical terminology to be informative without being overwhelming. This was a truly fabulous read. I had high hopes based on the steamy snippets I've caught on social media and it did NOT disappoint! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
April 27, 2025
4 ⭐️
Jenna Bigelow was my first foray into historical romance set in the Roman Empire, but her fresh voice and compelling characters made me feel as if I’d been reading her forever. Aelius, is a freedman who spent his boyhood with his mother, enslaved before they were freed on their master’s death. Now he is determined to break into the political sphere and knows his next election is not only paramount, but hinges on his ability to find a patrician wife. Crispina, recently divorced, is feeling stifled back in her parents' house and yearns for freedom. When Aelius makes her a bargain, she at first refuses, until she realizes it might be the only way she can continue her work educating the poor children of Rome.
Aelius & Crispina
Aelius is ambitious to a fault, but so endearing it’s easy to overlook this part of his personality. He’s personable and convincing even to the most prickly of characters, his wife Crispina. Now Crispina is EVERYTHING I love about a black cat heroine, particularly in her fierce defense of her man and family. While she seems cold and distant at first, each earned smile brings both Aelius, and us as the reader, closer to her. Every time someone would be insulting to Aelius, I just adored how pissed our girl got on his behalf. I was also really fascinated by her complex feelings toward motherhood and her inability to birth children. She’s not yearning for children necessarily, but she feel inadequate and like she’s seen as a failure. And then along comes Max….truly one of the best characters and I loved every time he was on the page. His appearance required both leads to confront their feelings about children, their past, and how they want to be as a family moving forward. It was beautifully done!
I really enjoyed this trip to Ancient Rome and my first full length novel by Jenna Bigelow! Despite me not being the biggest fan of political plot lines, this book managed to subvert my expectations on that front. The ending was satisfying in the best way, and I really appreciated how the author resolved a lot of the outstanding conflict. And the epilogue was the best teaser for the next book in the series!
Jenna Bigelow was my first foray into historical romance set in the Roman Empire, but her fresh voice and compelling characters made me feel as if I’d been reading her forever. Aelius, is a freedman who spent his boyhood with his mother, enslaved before they were freed on their master’s death. Now he is determined to break into the political sphere and knows his next election is not only paramount, but hinges on his ability to find a patrician wife. Crispina, recently divorced, is feeling stifled back in her parents' house and yearns for freedom. When Aelius makes her a bargain, she at first refuses, until she realizes it might be the only way she can continue her work educating the poor children of Rome.
Aelius & Crispina
Aelius is ambitious to a fault, but so endearing it’s easy to overlook this part of his personality. He’s personable and convincing even to the most prickly of characters, his wife Crispina. Now Crispina is EVERYTHING I love about a black cat heroine, particularly in her fierce defense of her man and family. While she seems cold and distant at first, each earned smile brings both Aelius, and us as the reader, closer to her. Every time someone would be insulting to Aelius, I just adored how pissed our girl got on his behalf. I was also really fascinated by her complex feelings toward motherhood and her inability to birth children. She’s not yearning for children necessarily, but she feel inadequate and like she’s seen as a failure. And then along comes Max….truly one of the best characters and I loved every time he was on the page. His appearance required both leads to confront their feelings about children, their past, and how they want to be as a family moving forward. It was beautifully done!
I really enjoyed this trip to Ancient Rome and my first full length novel by Jenna Bigelow! Despite me not being the biggest fan of political plot lines, this book managed to subvert my expectations on that front. The ending was satisfying in the best way, and I really appreciated how the author resolved a lot of the outstanding conflict. And the epilogue was the best teaser for the next book in the series!
March 19, 2025
Aelius is a long since liberated slave who is running for elections for poor people (rich people have their own elections). He has an ego devastating loss and his gay poet friend Catullus advises him that finding a wife from the upper class will help him win the next elections. Enter the unfortunately named Crispina. Her husband has just divorced her for failing to produce any offspring. Her snobbish best friend is pregnant again. Her parents openly despise her. All she wants is to teach poor children to read. Which she has to do in secret for fear of shaming her family. She marries him so she can have the freedom to go to the slum to teach children. He marries her for her family connections. They sort of agree not to have sex. Mutual benefit. Thinly veiled attraction. And a few secrets. A recipe made in marriage of convenience heaven. I loved that Crispina called him out on having slaves when he himself was a slave. I loved that he outright just accepted that she was way smarter than him and listened to all her brilliant ideas. I loved that she totally cut off her lifelong bestie for being mean about poor people. Das ma girl Crispina. She adopts a child who has been thrown out by his family and has to work surprisingly hard to convince Aelius to take the child in. In this way they become one big, slave-rescuing, poor-child-educating, hot-grandma-having family. Next up, Max's story.
March 8, 2025
The first thing that caught my attention about this book is that is set in Ancient Rome which I had never seen before. Maybe they exist, but I have never read anything like that until today.
I really enjoyed it, I loved that the marriage of convenience was advantageous for both, Crispina and Aelius, he waiting to have political connection and her having freedom.
One of my favorite things was how Aelius was so soft and patient with Crispina, since she had been rejected and treated poorly by everyone, he gained her trust with patience and being gentle. And also noticing that both had interest in social causes.
I also enjoyed a lot the found family aspect 💞
I was disconcerted by all the owning slaves situation, and that's perhaps because of the concept of slavery thatwe I have, which is more going towards something more US slavery from the 16th to 19th century. I learned new things and kind of understand a little bit more about ancient rome slavery, but still, I have complicated feelings about it.
In general, i feel that this book is really interesting and I love learning new things.
Thanks to the author for the eArc.
I really enjoyed it, I loved that the marriage of convenience was advantageous for both, Crispina and Aelius, he waiting to have political connection and her having freedom.
One of my favorite things was how Aelius was so soft and patient with Crispina, since she had been rejected and treated poorly by everyone, he gained her trust with patience and being gentle. And also noticing that both had interest in social causes.
I also enjoyed a lot the found family aspect 💞
I was disconcerted by all the owning slaves situation, and that's perhaps because of the concept of slavery that
In general, i feel that this book is really interesting and I love learning new things.
Thanks to the author for the eArc.
August 22, 2025
Aelius is a freedman campaigning to be a tribune of the plebs. Given his background as a former slave, Aelius thinks that a marriage of convenience to Crispina, the recently divorced daughter of a Senator, will provide Aelius with the patrician influence he needs to win the next election.
After her husband abandons her for the crime of infertility, Crispina is back to living at home under the stifling misogyny of her shitty parents. Desperate to be released from spinster prison, Crispina accepts Aelius’s marriage proposal hoping it will give her the freedom to continue her super secret side gig teaching poor children how to read and write.
It is conventional wisdom that attraction alone does not a marriage make. But attraction AND shared socialist views? Bingo.
After a slew of dark romances, I needed something cute and trope-y. Aelius and Crispina, thank you for your service.
After her husband abandons her for the crime of infertility, Crispina is back to living at home under the stifling misogyny of her shitty parents. Desperate to be released from spinster prison, Crispina accepts Aelius’s marriage proposal hoping it will give her the freedom to continue her super secret side gig teaching poor children how to read and write.
It is conventional wisdom that attraction alone does not a marriage make. But attraction AND shared socialist views? Bingo.
After a slew of dark romances, I needed something cute and trope-y. Aelius and Crispina, thank you for your service.
March 31, 2025
This was cute. Highs and lows, real character development in some of the characters. Crispina was very likable, Aelius had his issues, and if it wasn’t Ancient Rome, coulda used therapy. But I liked it. It was good to read a historical NOT set in Victorian or regency England. Need more of that for sure.
I was wrong about the ending, but I think that’s okay. It really do be like that sometimes, and it’s good to see in a historical.
I was wrong about the ending, but I think that’s okay. It really do be like that sometimes, and it’s good to see in a historical.
March 19, 2025
This was cute. Very even paced, nothing wildly dramatic. I enjoyed the writing style too.
April 25, 2025
Well-written, great characters, excellent spice, and loved that it broke out of the typical histrom mold and was set in Ancient Rome. Can't wait to read more from Jenna!
May 5, 2025
3⭐️’s.. A cute story but nothing special. While I did appreciate learning about the culture the writing lacked emotion and I felt unconnected to the characters.
February 8, 2025
I definitely enjoyed this book because it was about the Roman era..
This story was so good that I couldn't put it down and I was captured from the beginning.. It's a slow burn with class difference with him being a slave-freedman and she's a politician's daughter.
They both decide to wed for a marriage of convenience because she wants her freedom from her parents watchful eyes and he needs her to gain political points.
However along the way with the help of an abandoned child they grow closer and they realize that it went from being about convenience to love..
And they weather the political storm along with challenges of raising a child that's not their own together..
I definitely can't say enough about this story because it's soo good and I can't wait to read the next one, I can't wait to see what this author has in store next..
I received this book from the author as an arc in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else.
This story was so good that I couldn't put it down and I was captured from the beginning.. It's a slow burn with class difference with him being a slave-freedman and she's a politician's daughter.
They both decide to wed for a marriage of convenience because she wants her freedom from her parents watchful eyes and he needs her to gain political points.
However along the way with the help of an abandoned child they grow closer and they realize that it went from being about convenience to love..
And they weather the political storm along with challenges of raising a child that's not their own together..
I definitely can't say enough about this story because it's soo good and I can't wait to read the next one, I can't wait to see what this author has in store next..
I received this book from the author as an arc in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else.
August 10, 2025
I'm so unsure...
I was really hyping this book up for myself, I guess. Ancient Rome romance is like a dream coming true for me. And once I've started the book, I was truly invested. But then, things went downhill for me.
I had several issues, and the main one being next to no description of the characters' appearance. I know Crispina has long black hair, and Aelius is tanned. That's basically it. There was a scene where Crispina muses on the birthmarks and scares on his chest when she sees him naked for the first time. But girl, I cannot possibly care for how handsome his dick is when I am not even sure what colour his eyes are! (I assume there are dark, from the crumbs I've managed to collect?) I do not expect the author to create a fanfiction-esque scene where Crispina catches her reflection in the pool and starts lamenting how ordinary-looking her large, piercing eyes are, and how unexplainably kissable her simple, ordinary mouth is. But a quick description or at least more details peppered throughout the text in the key scenes would have been nice.
Then, the limited cast of characters... There were plenty of them, actually, but HALF the book is one of the five key characters relaying the gist of something that had happened to someone else from the set of the five key characters to – you know that! – to someone else from the set of the five key characters. I liked Catullus alright, but by the end of the book, I was groaning inwardly whenever he showed up in a scene, because I sensed yet another summarizing of an event was coming. It was not particularly explicit on-page relay of the events, but still, it felt suffocating. Where are the plebs? Where are the voters? The customers of the patricians that have come with some absolutely crazy request? Where are all those sweet Ancient Rome side quests?
Besides, this Catullus guy was doing absolutely everything for everyone (or else, for someone from the set of the five – four, if he is not included – key characters), and it felt as if he were the only Aelius's supporter in the whole city of Rome. The real poet Catullus was the inspiration for this character, I believe, and I think, he deserves better. I am not sure his portrayal as a playboy had done the real historical persona justice, I've imagined him differently.
The historical accuracy segue: it was... alright? I mean, it felt a bit basic, I've expected far more, to be honest. Actually, the entire book felt like a theatre play: there were not enough characters to make it all seem believable; same goes to the descriptions of the world. The book did not succeed in making me completely immersed into the historical epoch, because the cultural details were sparse, and the outside world seemed almost inexistent. All the 'sirs' and 'ladies' in the characters' speech pulled me out of the flow. I am not sure the research was extensive enough, and unfortunately, I happen to be interested in the topic, so I craved more.
The unfortunate thing is that the romance felt a bit flat to me as well. I might have turned a blind eye to the poor setting had I been rooting for the characters. Initially, I did, but then I grew irritated with both of them. Crispina was supposed to be a strong-willed woman, who had fallen in love unexpectedly. But the way she complied to being black-mailed and said nothing to the man she loved, who later suffered greatly from her betrayal? He had already fallen for her so hard, I am adamant he would have found a way to resolve that situation. She acted so stupid, and the whole shenanigans with that Max kid – I could not believe the decisions she had made. It just felt too convenient. Don't even get me started on the most unexpected and unbelievably fortunate coincidence that helped to resolve all the complications.
Despite all my bitching, I still finished the book. I wanted to follow the story till the end, and, honestly, I liked the sex scenes. There was nothing particular about them, but they warmed my old bitchy heart. I might be picking up the prequel novella and the second part (about Max, of all people... but whatever). And I am still happy that historical romance is not limited by the epochs that favour petticoats.
I was really hyping this book up for myself, I guess. Ancient Rome romance is like a dream coming true for me. And once I've started the book, I was truly invested. But then, things went downhill for me.
I had several issues, and the main one being next to no description of the characters' appearance. I know Crispina has long black hair, and Aelius is tanned. That's basically it. There was a scene where Crispina muses on the birthmarks and scares on his chest when she sees him naked for the first time. But girl, I cannot possibly care for how handsome his dick is when I am not even sure what colour his eyes are! (I assume there are dark, from the crumbs I've managed to collect?) I do not expect the author to create a fanfiction-esque scene where Crispina catches her reflection in the pool and starts lamenting how ordinary-looking her large, piercing eyes are, and how unexplainably kissable her simple, ordinary mouth is. But a quick description or at least more details peppered throughout the text in the key scenes would have been nice.
Then, the limited cast of characters... There were plenty of them, actually, but HALF the book is one of the five key characters relaying the gist of something that had happened to someone else from the set of the five key characters to – you know that! – to someone else from the set of the five key characters. I liked Catullus alright, but by the end of the book, I was groaning inwardly whenever he showed up in a scene, because I sensed yet another summarizing of an event was coming. It was not particularly explicit on-page relay of the events, but still, it felt suffocating. Where are the plebs? Where are the voters? The customers of the patricians that have come with some absolutely crazy request? Where are all those sweet Ancient Rome side quests?
Besides, this Catullus guy was doing absolutely everything for everyone (or else, for someone from the set of the five – four, if he is not included – key characters), and it felt as if he were the only Aelius's supporter in the whole city of Rome. The real poet Catullus was the inspiration for this character, I believe, and I think, he deserves better. I am not sure his portrayal as a playboy had done the real historical persona justice, I've imagined him differently.
The historical accuracy segue: it was... alright? I mean, it felt a bit basic, I've expected far more, to be honest. Actually, the entire book felt like a theatre play: there were not enough characters to make it all seem believable; same goes to the descriptions of the world. The book did not succeed in making me completely immersed into the historical epoch, because the cultural details were sparse, and the outside world seemed almost inexistent. All the 'sirs' and 'ladies' in the characters' speech pulled me out of the flow. I am not sure the research was extensive enough, and unfortunately, I happen to be interested in the topic, so I craved more.
The unfortunate thing is that the romance felt a bit flat to me as well. I might have turned a blind eye to the poor setting had I been rooting for the characters. Initially, I did, but then I grew irritated with both of them. Crispina was supposed to be a strong-willed woman, who had fallen in love unexpectedly. But the way she complied to being black-mailed and said nothing to the man she loved, who later suffered greatly from her betrayal? He had already fallen for her so hard, I am adamant he would have found a way to resolve that situation. She acted so stupid, and the whole shenanigans with that Max kid – I could not believe the decisions she had made. It just felt too convenient. Don't even get me started on the most unexpected and unbelievably fortunate coincidence that helped to resolve all the complications.
Despite all my bitching, I still finished the book. I wanted to follow the story till the end, and, honestly, I liked the sex scenes. There was nothing particular about them, but they warmed my old bitchy heart. I might be picking up the prequel novella and the second part (about Max, of all people... but whatever). And I am still happy that historical romance is not limited by the epochs that favour petticoats.
February 6, 2025
I received an ARC of this book today, and I gobbled it right down! This was a lovely story about an aristocratic Roman woman and her MOC to a formerly enslaved aspiring politician. I’m giving this book five stars for the setting alone. I was utterly convinced by the ancient Roman setting, and it was all accomplished with a light touch. I really liked the gentle way these two fell in love, and I appreciated how essentially decent they both were. If I have any critique, it’s that the conflict when it took place didn’t totally feel in character for the FMC, but I rode with it, and I appreciated that it took work to get them to their HEA. Can’t wait to read more in this series!
May 8, 2025
I read romance because it brings me joy - by the end of this story, I was annoyed and bummed. Hero Aelius is an asshole and he doesn’t really grow through the story; his political ambitions remain his top priority. There’s not much to like about him. He’s a terrible politician and his policies suck - Crispina would clearly be a brilliant politician, but alas, as a woman she can’t hold office. Crispina does screw up, but she literally fixes EVERYTHING for Aelius — a hero who shows real grit and leadership by DOING NOTHING. After the Dark Moment/Third Act Breakup he just gives up and wallows. The fragile ego of this guy.
When our hero and heroine are reunited, he graciously forgives her because she’s given him “a reason to”. This guy is good in bed and that’s about it. He’s less than a bare-minimum hero.
My greatest disappointment is in the treatment of the Crispina. The story shat all over an interesting, vibrant character, and in the end she’s just supposed to be grateful her husband took her back. Lucky Aelius, married to a brilliant woman who will be the brains behind his career.
Victoria’s review expresses it better than I ever could: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When our hero and heroine are reunited, he graciously forgives her because she’s given him “a reason to”. This guy is good in bed and that’s about it. He’s less than a bare-minimum hero.
My greatest disappointment is in the treatment of the Crispina. The story shat all over an interesting, vibrant character, and in the end she’s just supposed to be grateful her husband took her back. Lucky Aelius, married to a brilliant woman who will be the brains behind his career.
Victoria’s review expresses it better than I ever could: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 30, 2025
I received an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed the story. Great pacing. It has clearly been well-researched, I had to look up some of the information for my own curiosity. I enjoyed the complex characters and the realistic view on political machinations. The sex scenes were very enjoyable to read. I plan to read more of this author going forward!
So curious what book two will be about!!
I really enjoyed the story. Great pacing. It has clearly been well-researched, I had to look up some of the information for my own curiosity. I enjoyed the complex characters and the realistic view on political machinations. The sex scenes were very enjoyable to read. I plan to read more of this author going forward!
So curious what book two will be about!!
March 14, 2025
This is apparently a debut novel and I enjoyed it very much. I typically don’t read historical romance because I have no interest in whoring dukes and blushing virgins who have never even been in the same room as a man but somehow become sexual goddesses the night they get married. I did however appreciate the historical nature of this book. The author is clearly knowledgeable about ancient Roman culture, governance and society which really comes through and is a huge benefit since the reader is likely to be unfamiliar. The attention to details helps to set the scene and really immerse the reader in the story. Unlike other novels which claim to be set in a particular time/genre and don’t actually mention it at all, e.g., the sports romance that never not once mentions anything about the sport other than to say the mmc is a “pro _____ player.”
I loved the characters the author created. Aelius who is kind, good natured, driven and ambitious despite his lack of formal education and everything working against him. Crispina who is intelligent and sure of herself, despite being ostracized for her infertility and the shame her resulting divorce brought to her family. Considering we now know there’s no blame to be laid for such a thing, it’s difficult to see a woman struggle with self doubt because she’s unable to carry a child, even though she never really wanted to be a mother in the first place. I also loved very much that the author didn’t take the easy way out and have Crispina find herself pregnant with Aelius, thus laying the “blame” of infertility on her ex-husband. Aelius loved her anyway and they found their family in their adopted son. She doesn’t look down on Aelius and Gaia as people because of their former slave status and she tries very hard to break with her parents’ pretentiousness.
I would’ve liked a little more angst between Crispina and Aelius. I felt like the conflict that drove them apart was a little lackluster and their reconciliation was the same. I wasn’t all that invested in it. A bit more emotional depth to their relationship would’ve been great here, but I loved the story nonetheless. The writing was great and the author did a great job marrying modern language with the ancient setting considering there really was no other way to tell this story.
I loved the characters the author created. Aelius who is kind, good natured, driven and ambitious despite his lack of formal education and everything working against him. Crispina who is intelligent and sure of herself, despite being ostracized for her infertility and the shame her resulting divorce brought to her family. Considering we now know there’s no blame to be laid for such a thing, it’s difficult to see a woman struggle with self doubt because she’s unable to carry a child, even though she never really wanted to be a mother in the first place. I also loved very much that the author didn’t take the easy way out and have Crispina find herself pregnant with Aelius, thus laying the “blame” of infertility on her ex-husband. Aelius loved her anyway and they found their family in their adopted son. She doesn’t look down on Aelius and Gaia as people because of their former slave status and she tries very hard to break with her parents’ pretentiousness.
I would’ve liked a little more angst between Crispina and Aelius. I felt like the conflict that drove them apart was a little lackluster and their reconciliation was the same. I wasn’t all that invested in it. A bit more emotional depth to their relationship would’ve been great here, but I loved the story nonetheless. The writing was great and the author did a great job marrying modern language with the ancient setting considering there really was no other way to tell this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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