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Roman Time Travel #1

Love, Eternally

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An ancient curse propels talented flutist Gigi Perrin back to A.D. 408, to the court of the depraved Roman Emperor Honorius and his admirable sister, Princess Galla Placidia. There, Gigi grapples with her disbelief about what has happened, and with the strange, new world of violent politics, social upheaval and barbarians straining at the very gates of an empire. Through it all, she must struggle with her powerful attraction to a pagan senator and military commander, Quintus Magnus, a man exotically different from anyone she has ever known. On the brink of a dark and war-torn age, Gigi joins forces with Magnus, battling to save a princess and her people, and ultimately finding love amid the chaos, before the fall of Rome.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2012

100 people are currently reading
2219 people want to read

About the author

Morgan O'Neill

14 books102 followers
A chance meeting at a writers' conference brought Cary Morgan and Deborah O'Neill Cordes together, two award-winning and Amazon #1 best-selling authors who connected because of a mutual love of time travel fiction. Collaboration ensued, the search for a pen name the first step in their working relationship. Their maiden names provided the solution - and Morgan O'Neill was born.

Cary and Deborah's backgrounds are uniquely suited to writing stories steeped in atmosphere and history: Deborah has a master's degree in history and is a dedicated genealogist; Cary is a talented linguist in French and is currently a student of Latin. They've traveled to Europe's ancient and medieval sites many times, with Cary living on the Continent for five years.

The Morgan O'Neill time travel novels have received a number of literary awards, including two finalist wins in the Booksellers' Best Awards, two semifinalist wins in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, first, second, and third place wins for the Mainstream Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category of the Golden Rose Contest, a top ten finalist award in the Pacific Northwest Writers' Conference Zola Awards Literary Contest, and a top ten finalist win in the Orange Rose Contest. In 2014, the Oshawa Public Libraries, Ontario, Canada included their entire Roman trilogy (Love, Eternally, After the Fall, and Return to Me) in their list of the Top 100 Romance Novels of All Time.

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5 stars
199 (27%)
4 stars
169 (23%)
3 stars
181 (25%)
2 stars
111 (15%)
1 star
61 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Cora Tea Party Princess.
1,323 reviews860 followers
October 7, 2015
I'd been looking forward to reading this one since I found out about it - it sounded absolutely fascinating. And it was.

I loved this story, the way it flowed. There was passion and conflict and confusion and lies and love. Everything you could possibly want from any novel.

I liked the historical aspects and how Gigi had to adjust quite fast to the changed world. Knowing a little about Roman history, I would have enjoyed more Latin and historical terms particularly with the bathhouse, but I understand how that could have alienated readers with no knowledge. Regardless, I would have relished the challenge and education that would have provided.

This isn't a story of instant-love. The feelings build as the story progresses. It's the natural flow of a river feelings towards a sea of love. See, it has me all poetic and everything!

I was a little disappointed with the ending, as it didn't make sense to me, not fully. I would have rathered it didn't happen, but it did and I'll still read on in this series as it was such a great, immersing read. I really felt as though I was there and that's the best thing about really good books.
Profile Image for Rachel.
30 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2012
How did this book get such a high rating? The characters are unbelievable (a tame, 24 year old flute playing rock star? Really?) Paired with a man who immediately comes off as a weak, over the hill failure. Pass.

They somehow fall madly in love after spending roughly three minutes together, stretched out into snippets that take what seems to be about a month. Gigi also manages to learn perfect Latin in this time, which seems a little unbelievable.

She's one of those weak, save-me types of girls I can't stand, and he seems like the best guy friend everyone likes but no one wants to f*ck.

The worst character, by far, is the emperor. He's written nearly exactly as Malcolm McDowell's portrayal of Caligula. Its been done, and much better. He comes off more as an incomplete character instead of sadistically insane.

Honestly after half the book I sent it back for a refund.
Profile Image for Pam B Morris.
Author 2 books12 followers
June 21, 2012
Love, Eternally by Morgan O’Neill is a delightfully unexpected romp full of romance and danger through another era. While playing an impromptu performance in an ancient ruin in Italy, Gigi Perrin, rising musical genius in the 21st century, is suddenly transported back to 408 A.D and into the arms of Roman legionnaire, Quintus Magnus. And that’s only the beginning! A perfect blend of feisty character interaction mingled with intriguing glimpses of ancient Roman history, culture and lifestyle makes this paranormal romance unlike any other. Gigi is bewitching, a modern woman lost and alone in a barbaric realm of war and cruelty. Magnus, a super-human warrior turned senator is a hero to make your heart throb as he struggles between his duty to a brutal emperor he despises and his need to right the many wrongs in a world of corruption and debauchery. Both must find the strength to break free of their servitude in order to follow their heart’s desires. From the heights of passion to the depths of despair, Magnus and Gigi pull you along on an exciting, dangerous and passionate path that is the destiny they must forge together or die trying. This epic story, filled with dynamic, sensual characters, will take you out of this world on an adventure you’ll never forget.

Review by Pam B. Morris
www.pambmorris.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Heather K (dentist in my spare time).
4,108 reviews6,680 followers
October 6, 2012
I didn't like this book at all. If it wasn't free on my Kindle I would be upset. The plot was very weak, the chemistry wasn't there, and the time-travel aspect was totally unexplored. I can't even begin to delve into the weaknesses of this book. I'm shocked it has so many good reviews. I am normally a sucker for time-travel books (look at my 5 star review list!), and even I could barely force myself to finish this one. For a good, romantic time travel book, read A Knight in Shining Armor instead. You'll thank me.

**I don't intend to upset anyone with my review of this book. For some reason, people got very angry at me for this review! Not my intention at all. Read this book for yourself and see how you feel. I personally didn't like it**
Profile Image for Erin Richards.
Author 27 books134 followers
July 1, 2012
LOVE, ETERNALLY is an enthralling tale of power, love and destiny that transcends time. A witch’s curse takes the reader back to Ancient Rome where a 21st century flutist meets her destiny in a Roman warrior turned powerful senator. The setting was authentic and thrilling, and I felt like I was there beside Gigi and Magnus step-by-step through perilous danger, heartache, and ultimately love. The authors did their research well and flawlessly integrated a love story in a historical period of great turmoil. LOVE, ETERNALLY is an amazing and exciting time-travel read that shouldn’t be missed. I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait for the second and third books in the series!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Meyette.
Author 15 books235 followers
July 13, 2012
Magnus had me at “Salve”. Love, Eternally, Book One of the Roman Time Travel Series is a magnificent story of love that transcends time. As her star is rising in the musical world, Gigi Perrin is transported from the 21st century to ancient Rome where she meets Senator Quintus Magnus. Their immediate attraction overcomes any language barrier, and they know that somehow their lives will intertwine. Tying them together across the centuries is a ring given to Gigi by her grandfather. Solid historical research is the scaffolding for this eternal love story which combines humor, passion, danger, debauchery and courage. Reminiscent of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, this powerful novel is sure to please.
Profile Image for Sharon Clare.
Author 9 books62 followers
August 7, 2012
This is a story I didn't want to put down. Well-researched, rich in history with fabulous descriptive details that transported me back to 1st century Rome. The tension never wanes as the feisty heroine tries to survive, enslaved in a foreign time. No one has ever needed a hero more than Gigi Perrin, and Magnus is a wounded hero that has much to overcome. Lucky for Gigi, Magnus is a hero that delivers.
Profile Image for Josephine (Jo).
664 reviews46 followers
September 24, 2017
Gigi Perrin is a gifted flautist and when she agrees to perform in an old Roman baptistry something strange happens. At first Gigi thinks it is some kind of joke but it gradually dawns on her that in some mysterious way she has been transported back in time to ancient Rome in the year A.D. 408.
This is just where her troubles start! Gigi appears in the middle of a crowd of strange people who she has never seen before and she is immediately arrested and held captive by the obnoxious Emperor Honorius. Gigi is put to work as a kitchen slave and is desperate to keep out of the way of Honorius at all costs as he has made it clear that he has not finished with her and that she is in grave danger. Gigi meets a Senator called Magnus who is (obviously) handsome and kind to her and she immediately falls in love with him. The characters are all a little stereotypical, there is the sexually perverted tyrant, the handsome rescuer and Gigi is the helpless maiden crying ‘help me’ from the top of a tower in a fairy tale.
The plot was quite weak and the reason that Gigi was transported in time was not really explained. I don’t want to sound prudish but I really did not like the gratuitous sexual depravity in one of the chapters, it was in my opinion put in simply to titillate and was quite unpleasant.
Profile Image for Peggy Bird.
Author 40 books105 followers
September 6, 2012
I have to confess, I don't read much paranormal fiction. But I love history and have always been interested in the Roman Empire so I purchased "Love, Eternally." And, boy, am I glad I did. It's a wonderful love story, an epic historical journey and a chance to brush up on that Latin you took in high school all in one well-researched and well-written package. In Book One of the Roman Time Travel Series, we're introduced to musician Gigi Perrin who finds herself transported from the 21st century to ancient Rome. She meets Senator Quintus Magnus, learns Latin, fights off an emperor and discovers that the ring her grandfather gave her was once Magnus's.

Rome will fall. We know that. But Gigi and Magnus will fall, too--in love. (It's still a romance novel, after all.) I'll certainly be buying the rest of the trilogy when it comes out.
Profile Image for Tara.
Author 36 books120 followers
June 17, 2012
How do you know you've got a winner on your hands? When you resent the interruptions that drag you back out of it. Gigi and Magnus come alive against the backdrop of a dissipated Rome, already in decline. Engaging and intensely rewarding. The author's did their homework and it shows. I highly recommend this.
Profile Image for Stephanie Freeman.
33 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2012

Fantastic book!!! Five stars all the Way!!!!
Morgan O’Neill did a superb job of creating a lyrical love story that spans the fabric of time.

This book was amazing. The sheer scope of the book has epic written all over it. Gigi Perrin was just an awesome female lead. Her sharp wit and her ingenuity make her a heroine for the ages. I especially love her humor and her ability to think calmly in the midst of danger. The lasting impression she left on Honorius.... I almost stood up and cheered! And then there was Magnus this marvelous warrior scarred from many years of battle he truly was his name magnificent.


I can’t wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Leslie G..
39 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2012
I wish I could give this even more stars. Love, Eternally is a wonderful time travel novel to ancient Rome. The heroine is a very strong woman, who overcomes many terrible things, including slavery. The hero, Magnus, is right up there with the best male heroes in literature. There was a lot of heart in this novel and it was beautifully written. I can hardly wait to read the sequels.
7 reviews
September 7, 2012
This book is rich in adventure, intrigue, and passion with just the right amount of clever humor. I felt as though I too had traveled through time and space with history that sprang to life. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Joanna Lloyd.
Author 3 books19 followers
December 27, 2012
Perversely, I read this book based on a scathing review and a one star rating and I want to express my absolute gratitude to this reviewer for their unwitting encouragement. I opened the first page and hardly had time to draw breath as I was immediately pulled into 402 AD Italy in the middle of a bloody battle between the ancient Visigoths and the Roman army, led by the hero, Magnus. Once we are well and truly hooked, the story moves to present-day Italy and to the heroine, a celebrated flautist. When she travels back to ancient Roman times, I was as effectively transported as the heroine, Gigi . The era was brilliantly researched and depicted so realistically I could see and feel the places and people as the story unfolded. Although the debauchery and cruelty of the Emperor was sometimes hard to stomach, I admired the authors’ courage in not sugar-coating the reality of the times to pander to the reader’s sensitivities. Overriding all this was the wonderful romance between Gigi and Magnus conducted in secret and with the constant threat of capture and death hanging over them. I love historical romance with edge-of-the-seat adventure and this book has it all.
Profile Image for M.J. Schiller.
Author 44 books183 followers
July 10, 2013
We all love to hate villains. Heck, I'm a peaceable person. But when Zachariah died on "Supernatural" I actually sprang out of my chair and applauded! Emperor Honorius is that guy, in spades! There are not strong enough words to describe his evil. Despicable, yes, but worse. Deplorable, yes, but worse. Anyway, I digress.

Clearly authors Cary Morgan Frates and Deborah O'Neill Cordes did a good job of bringing me into the world they created. They did this through their characters and in describing the setting so well, making you feel like you were with the slaves in a Roman kitchen and in the baths, etc. They wove their research in subtly, so you didn't feel like you were being hit over the head with it, including only the details necessary for the story. It was action-packed and the romance between Magnus and Gigi felt genuine. LOVE, ETERNALLY was not a book I wanted to put down, as I needed to find out what was going to happen next.

I am looking forward to the next in the series, AFTER THE FALL! In fact, I just left this review to buy it,and the next one RETURN TO ME, and the first in their new Italian time travel series, THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN. So I don't know why I am hanging around here, I've got some books to read! Thank you, Morgan O'Neill, for a great read!
Profile Image for Micah Persell.
Author 19 books160 followers
January 1, 2013
This romance novel can only be described as an epic. I was shocked and awed at the scope of this narrative and at the amount of research and attention to detail of the collaborative effort of author team Morgan O’Neill. I enjoyed this book based solely on the characters and story so much, and cannot wait to continue the trilogy, but I also could not deny that I felt I was learning something as I read. And, just like a student is grateful for a teacher who slyly makes learning fun, I was thrilled to have read this book.
Profile Image for Shelley Wall.
Author 23 books62 followers
July 29, 2013
I was a little late to the party on this but I did get there! Don't make the same mistake.

A witch curses our heroine and sends her back in time to Ancient Rome. The hero, a roman warrior becomes the love she sought. Yes, I'm being very brief because it's just not right to tell the story--you really need to experience it!

The historical accuracy was fantastic. The story kept you involved to the end and eagerly anticipating the following books in the series.

Definitely going to read the next ones!

Don't miss this one.
Profile Image for Emma.
16 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2013
What can I say other than, I will love this book eternally.
Gigi Perrin is a great heroine, she is just the right mix of feminine strength and gentleness.
The storyline is great, with a good balance of adventure, misadventure, romance and a great leading man.
I can't wait to get my hands on the rest series.
I would definitely recommend you read this if your a romantic at heart.

(I got this through a First Reads Give away)
Profile Image for SubterraneanCatalyst.
127 reviews51 followers
January 4, 2013
This book was fluffy time travel fun. I must point out that I was laughing at a super famous in demand flutist as the heroine. Also I swear god you should read just for these few lines:

"How did you incapacitate him?" Queen Verica asked. "Poison, perhaps?"

"I kicked Honorius in the balls- twice."

Given what I've read about Honorius- I hope someone really did kick him in the balls more than twice.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2 reviews
February 26, 2013
This is a great book! The time travel sequence where Gigi goes back to ancient Rome is interesting because she saw the Romans looking non-Hollywood with their make-up strange. Gigi was a humorous character who speaks her mind in the past. Sometimes it gets her into trouble. I can't wait until this is made into a movie. I would love to see James Purefoy from Rome cast as Magnus. I learned a lot about ancient Rome by reading this novel. I can't wait to follow Gigi again in After the Fall.
Profile Image for Tara.
Author 36 books120 followers
November 13, 2012
How do you know you've got a winner on your hands? When you resent the interruptions that drag you back out of it. Gigi and Magnus come alive against the backdrop of a dissipated Rome, already in decline. Engaging and intensely rewarding. The author's did their homework and it shows. I highly recommend this.
2 reviews
September 7, 2012
I love a good story and strong characters. This book has both plus an exciting view of history. Highly entertaining and a great read.
Profile Image for Amber Smith.
Author 2 books24 followers
July 15, 2013
Love,Eternally is a historically authentic tale of two 'time crossed'lovers. Gigi Perrin finds herself thrust back to a time in Roman history that is fraught with tension, intrigue and war. The emperor - Honorius - is a truly evil man who uses his perverted whims to keep his subjects in check. The hero, Magnus, is caught between remaining loyal to his sworn emperor, or to keep true to his own code of honor,and the arrival of Gigi complicates the situation more. Both Magnus and Gigi are immediately drawn to each other, but Magnus has to protect his new-found love from the sadistic Honorius before they can have any chance of being together.

What stands out in this novel is the incredible attention to detail, and no holds are barred. From Honorius's rule of shaving all body hair, to the intricate workings of the emperor's council; from the manipulations of the ambitious nobels, to the hopelessness of the slaves; from the horrors of the battlefield, to the horrors of what happens behind Honorius's palace doors. Nothing is held back, and we get to experience the hardships of all aspects of this turbulant point in history.

A fantastic read, rich with historical detail,and full of romantic suspense. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Rhoda Baxter.
Author 23 books103 followers
February 21, 2015
I came across Morgan O’Neill when Deb and Cary did a joint Inheritance Books post for me. I have a theory that if I like someone’s ‘voice’ in real life, I’ll probably like their books. The Inheritance Books post the ladies did suggested that their writing voice was quick and fun. I finally made good on my mental note to read something by them and bought Love, Eternally.
This is a time-slip book, where Gigi from the present day is transported back to 400AD Ravenna. I have no idea about historical accuracy, but the dialogue felt realistic enough for me. Gigi is a spirited young woman, who does really well in a difficult set of circumstances. Magnus is very much an alpha male, but really quite sweet with it. You got to see the world from the points of view of several secondary characters, which gave a more rounded view of the complex political machinations that were going on around the main story. The storyline was mostly set in the past and the fact that Gigi was from a different time wasn't massively significant, so I wondered whether the time-slip element was really necessary, but perhaps it has more significance later in the series.

I read this book very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will be reading more by Morgan O’Neill.
Profile Image for Amanda Shalaby.
Author 5 books74 followers
March 30, 2015
What took me so long to read this book? Yes, I have a hectic life and my reading time is reduced, but that’s no excuse! Anyone who has yet to discover Morgan O’Neill’s Love, Eternally is missing out on a living ancient Rome, a beefcake warrior – yes, I said beefcake! – and a heroine who you can really root for. The way the characters interact and fight for their combined destiny through a ridiculously well-researched barbaric and corrupt 408 A.D Rome is a masterpiece. Passion, danger, intrigue will transport you right alongside Gigi into what is only the beginning because – you guessed it, folks – this is a SERIES! There’s MORE! So when you finish Love, Eternally, you can move right on to After the Fall and Return to Me – which is what I’m going to be doing. Right. Now. Don’t wait as long as I did – pick this book up now and time traveling!!
Profile Image for Danielle .
1,147 reviews59 followers
May 13, 2013
I saw this on Amazon Kindle's deal of the day list and it caught my eye because I like the time period - 5th century, fall of the Roman empire. The heroine is magically transported there, a la Outlander (which I enjoyed). First in a series. The reviews on this site are mostly glowing.

FINAL UPDATE

A very enjoyable read, though not up to the standards of Outlander (which sort of sets the bar for time travel romantic historical fiction) - I wanted a bit more detail on daily living in the period, but I really appreciated the authors' research and devotion to authenticity. I liked this enough to download the first sequel, After the Fall.

Side note: The author is actually two writers, working together.
Profile Image for Melanie R Meadors.
Author 11 books26 followers
November 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, and read it in one day! Usually I'm not a big fan of time travel stories, but this one hooked me--ancient Rome? A flute player? It's like someone wrote it for me. I usually read straight historical romance, but I found the contemporary heroine in this story to have a fresh voice, lending well to the situation. Honorius (the villain) is a creepy emperor, and he needed a tough chick to put him in his place! The hero was everything a hero should be, but I really liked the fact that the heroine could take care of herself. They were together because they were in love, not because she needed a man to take care of her. I can't wait to read book 2!
Profile Image for Lisa White.
Author 3 books4 followers
April 25, 2013
I absolutely loved this book and its heroine Gigi! She is bright, beautiful and, at times, vulnerable, which makes her a perfect match for the sexy, strong Magnus. They are wonderfully written characters and their romance is one that stays with you long after the last page. I also enjoyed the historical aspect of this book and felt like I actually learned something about this time period in ancient Rome – without sacrificing story enjoyment. This is a well-written, fantastic book and I can’t wait to read Books 2 and 3! I am definitely a fan of Morgan O’Neill!
Note: I was provided an ARC for review as a professional courtesy. No monetary or other compensation was involved.

Profile Image for Monica Tillery.
Author 30 books32 followers
April 5, 2013
I don't normally read paranormal romance, but I was intrigued by the time travel aspect. I'm glad I gave Love, Eternally a chance because it was an engaging, interesting, unique read. I could feel Gigi's confusion and fear as she found herself inexplicably transported to ancient Rome. The dangers and uncertainty facing the hero and heroine were engrossing and engaging. I keep finding myself wanting to discuss specific parts of the book but don't want to spoil it for you!
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Love, Eternally and would recommend it to anyone who loves time travel stories. I enjoy historical romance, and think that's partly why it appealed to me.
Profile Image for Amy.
16 reviews
April 12, 2013
Love, Eternally snuck up on me and kept me turning pages well into the night. It's a time-travel romance that contained the perfect balance of harshness and humor. Magnus makes a compelling hero and the heroine Gigi Perrin turns out to have more depth than I first expected. Gigi gets pulled back into a time when the glory of Rome is falling into decay, the reality of which is quite accurately portrayed. While some elements of contemporary life don't translate well (Angelina Jolie *snerk*), values like personal honor and kindness haven't changed all that much. And the hot n' naughty scenes near the end are quite the perfect finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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