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Eagle's Honor #1
Banished
A proud warrior.
A brave woman.
A forbidden love that is tested by the intrigues of ancient Rome and the hostilities at the northernmost edge of the empire.
Centurion Marcus Florius Corvus has a splendid career in the legions ahead of him. Yet a visit to Rome and a chance encounter with an old friend change his whole life: He falls in love with one of his friend's pleasure slaves and becomes entrapped in an evil scheme designed to destroy him. And yet—he cannot help risking everything for Lia, the woman he has given his heart to, even if it means he will be banished to one of the most dangerous places in the Roman Empire: the northern frontier of Britannia.
A brave woman.
A forbidden love that is tested by the intrigues of ancient Rome and the hostilities at the northernmost edge of the empire.
Centurion Marcus Florius Corvus has a splendid career in the legions ahead of him. Yet a visit to Rome and a chance encounter with an old friend change his whole life: He falls in love with one of his friend's pleasure slaves and becomes entrapped in an evil scheme designed to destroy him. And yet—he cannot help risking everything for Lia, the woman he has given his heart to, even if it means he will be banished to one of the most dangerous places in the Roman Empire: the northern frontier of Britannia.
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First published June 5, 2015
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About the author
Sandra Schwab
24 books77 followersSandra Schwab has been delighting readers with her unusual historical romances since 2005. She particularly likes the quirky bits of history, so in her books, you’ll find Roman pet eels, Regency gentlemen with green hair, and medieval tournaments in Victorian Britain. She writes both m/m and m/f historicals - happy endings always guaranteed!
She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.
She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 11, 2015
Eagle's Honor: Banished by Sandra Schwab is a 2015 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Roman Centurions! What a nice change of pace from the usual historical romances being published ad nauseam these days.
Marcus, a Centurion, is returning home for his brother's wedding. But, he stops over and visits with Titus, an old friend, to catch up on things. While there, he is presented with a beautiful slave dancer named Lia, provided to him by Titus for his pleasure. Initially, he balks at what the lady is freely offering, but she finally convinces him to seek out a private place, when to her amazement he turns the tables on her as SHE is the one being pleasured, something unheard of for women in general, but especially to slaves.... and the fun is only getting started because Marcus soon finds his mind and heart are always with Lia. But, they can never have a legitimate future together because she is a slave and their relationship would bring dishonor to Marcus' family. Is their love doomed or can the lovers find a way to be together?
The author has obviously done a some research adding authenticity to the atmosphere and creating a vivid backdrop in which the story unfolds.
Marcus had my heart going pitter patter! He's sexy, and honorable, willing to sacrifice all for the woman he loves.
Lia, is a person who has never dared to hope for a better life, was afraid to believe Marcus was really in love with her, and was also willing to take any chance necessary in order to be with her man.
It may take a miracle for the lovers to find their way to one another, but where there is a will there is a way. Taking great and dangerous chances the couple are determined to have their HEA!
This is a short read, but has many elements such as intrigue and adventure that rounds out the exotic, sensual, erotic, but deeply romantic tale. The story is one of forbidden love that leads to a diabolical plot designed to keep the couple apart, but you know, love somehow finds a way to triumph in the end.
I highly recommend this one! 4.5 rounded to 5
Roman Centurions! What a nice change of pace from the usual historical romances being published ad nauseam these days.
Marcus, a Centurion, is returning home for his brother's wedding. But, he stops over and visits with Titus, an old friend, to catch up on things. While there, he is presented with a beautiful slave dancer named Lia, provided to him by Titus for his pleasure. Initially, he balks at what the lady is freely offering, but she finally convinces him to seek out a private place, when to her amazement he turns the tables on her as SHE is the one being pleasured, something unheard of for women in general, but especially to slaves.... and the fun is only getting started because Marcus soon finds his mind and heart are always with Lia. But, they can never have a legitimate future together because she is a slave and their relationship would bring dishonor to Marcus' family. Is their love doomed or can the lovers find a way to be together?
The author has obviously done a some research adding authenticity to the atmosphere and creating a vivid backdrop in which the story unfolds.
Marcus had my heart going pitter patter! He's sexy, and honorable, willing to sacrifice all for the woman he loves.
Lia, is a person who has never dared to hope for a better life, was afraid to believe Marcus was really in love with her, and was also willing to take any chance necessary in order to be with her man.
It may take a miracle for the lovers to find their way to one another, but where there is a will there is a way. Taking great and dangerous chances the couple are determined to have their HEA!
This is a short read, but has many elements such as intrigue and adventure that rounds out the exotic, sensual, erotic, but deeply romantic tale. The story is one of forbidden love that leads to a diabolical plot designed to keep the couple apart, but you know, love somehow finds a way to triumph in the end.
I highly recommend this one! 4.5 rounded to 5
August 6, 2015
First: this is a romance between a Roman nobleman and a slave. I did think the topic was handled careful enough but YMMV on that point.
The book itself was...OK but not more. The main couple was cute but none of the other characters had any depth. I mean the vilain's motivations were 'I hate Marcus because he always was a bit condescending and had a holier-than-thou attitude when we were kids'. That's it. Marcus did not kill his favourite goldfish or anything like that. He just didn't like his attitude and so he planned a rather elaborate revenge that would only work under very specific circumstances. Considering that's what gets the whole plot going that's just rather weak.
Also there's the problem of me as reader knowing something the characters didn't. In this case I knew there would be a happy end for Marcus and Lia because the book is a romance and they always have one. The characters don't know this but it was hard for me to believe that because at least Marcus' desperation about that wasn't convincing. He was up there in Britannia, busy with a (weak and predictable) side-plot and did some moping but I never really felt it. I could believe Lia's desperation more easily. I admit that at first I was a bit annoyed how much the separation from Marcus affected her but after all she didn't only loose him but also her only chance of freedom so her reaction was justified. But we only got two scenes with her after the separation the main focus is on Marcus.
The sex-scenes were...nice. Yes the phrase 'shaft of pleasure' is used but it does not mean what you think it means. Basically Marcus has such magical orgasmic fingers that just touching her makes Lia feel a shaft of pleasure ripping through her. Or something. Look Marcus is just really good at this kind of thing and all joking aside: he (and the descriptions of the sex-scenes) are very much focussed on her pleasure which is a great thing.
Review copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book itself was...OK but not more. The main couple was cute but none of the other characters had any depth. I mean the vilain's motivations were 'I hate Marcus because he always was a bit condescending and had a holier-than-thou attitude when we were kids'. That's it. Marcus did not kill his favourite goldfish or anything like that. He just didn't like his attitude and so he planned a rather elaborate revenge that would only work under very specific circumstances. Considering that's what gets the whole plot going that's just rather weak.
Also there's the problem of me as reader knowing something the characters didn't. In this case I knew there would be a happy end for Marcus and Lia because the book is a romance and they always have one. The characters don't know this but it was hard for me to believe that because at least Marcus' desperation about that wasn't convincing. He was up there in Britannia, busy with a (weak and predictable) side-plot and did some moping but I never really felt it. I could believe Lia's desperation more easily. I admit that at first I was a bit annoyed how much the separation from Marcus affected her but after all she didn't only loose him but also her only chance of freedom so her reaction was justified. But we only got two scenes with her after the separation the main focus is on Marcus.
The sex-scenes were...nice. Yes the phrase 'shaft of pleasure' is used but it does not mean what you think it means. Basically Marcus has such magical orgasmic fingers that just touching her makes Lia feel a shaft of pleasure ripping through her. Or something. Look Marcus is just really good at this kind of thing and all joking aside: he (and the descriptions of the sex-scenes) are very much focussed on her pleasure which is a great thing.
Review copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2015
3.5 Stars
My fisrt Roman-times romance. It was sweet love story, a quick enjoyable read. I got fully immersed in the Romance world of centurions and slaves and war.
This full review is also published on my blog - Ellie Reads Fiction
This my first romance set in Roman times and in generally, my first book by Sandra Schwab, so I was curious what it would be like. It turned out to be an engaging, tender love story which I greatly enjoyed. Ms Schwab's detail-oriented writing recreated convincingly the atmosphere of ancient Rome, the Legions, being a warrior/slave girl.
Marcus was a warrior through and through but he was also noble and caring and open about his feelings. There was so much goodness in him, he felt like a sweetheart.
Lia was a slave, dancing and providing other entertainment for her master who was a friend of Marcus and his guests. But she was proud and despite her fate she had preserved her inner self, a kind of innocence and the ability to trust and love.
I loved the dynamics of Marcus and Lia's relationship including in the bedroom. There is a lot of play, exchange of power but also sincerity and real intimacy.
The story included also all that ancient Rome is famous for - political intrigue, debauchery, war, slavery, etc. Still it was mostly a very personal, human story. The background, though vivid and intriguing, never overshadowed the romance.
I expected more raw and gritty in this story but the somewhat sweet romance I got also worked well for me. I can recommend it to romance lovers who enjoy well tender and emotional love stories unfolding in a well drawn historical settings.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review
My fisrt Roman-times romance. It was sweet love story, a quick enjoyable read. I got fully immersed in the Romance world of centurions and slaves and war.
This full review is also published on my blog - Ellie Reads Fiction
This my first romance set in Roman times and in generally, my first book by Sandra Schwab, so I was curious what it would be like. It turned out to be an engaging, tender love story which I greatly enjoyed. Ms Schwab's detail-oriented writing recreated convincingly the atmosphere of ancient Rome, the Legions, being a warrior/slave girl.
Marcus was a warrior through and through but he was also noble and caring and open about his feelings. There was so much goodness in him, he felt like a sweetheart.
Lia was a slave, dancing and providing other entertainment for her master who was a friend of Marcus and his guests. But she was proud and despite her fate she had preserved her inner self, a kind of innocence and the ability to trust and love.
I loved the dynamics of Marcus and Lia's relationship including in the bedroom. There is a lot of play, exchange of power but also sincerity and real intimacy.
The story included also all that ancient Rome is famous for - political intrigue, debauchery, war, slavery, etc. Still it was mostly a very personal, human story. The background, though vivid and intriguing, never overshadowed the romance.
I expected more raw and gritty in this story but the somewhat sweet romance I got also worked well for me. I can recommend it to romance lovers who enjoy well tender and emotional love stories unfolding in a well drawn historical settings.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review
May 28, 2015
If you're getting a little burned out after reading one too many regency historical romances (guilty), please, please, give this romance a shot. It's set during the Roman expansion into Brittania, offering a fresh historical setting completely unlike the typical 18th century London ballroom. Despite the potential power imbalance in the hero/heroine dynamic--he's a roman centurion, she's another man's pleasure slave--Schwab manages to create a feminist, egalitarian, and of course, devastatingly sexy romance.
I'll mention language in the novel because the author makes a point of addressing her choices: The dialogue is natural, spoken English much as you would find in a typical English historical romance. Despite some initial skepticism (and awkward use of the word "butt"), it quickly became a NON-ISSUE. The story was completely engrossing and the scene-building, history, and romance were fantastic.
I'll mention language in the novel because the author makes a point of addressing her choices: The dialogue is natural, spoken English much as you would find in a typical English historical romance. Despite some initial skepticism (and awkward use of the word "butt"), it quickly became a NON-ISSUE. The story was completely engrossing and the scene-building, history, and romance were fantastic.
June 30, 2018
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
The key to author Sandra Schwab’s new book can easily be found in the title, Eagle’s Honor.
In this historical romance set in Ancient Rome, Centurion Marcus Florius is introduced as a military man who believes strongly in honor and service. Perhaps that is one reason he is drawn to the slave girl, Nubia.
On the surface, Nubia is the perfect slave, ready to do her master’s bidding. Marcus is fascinated by her and breaks through her defenses to find the real woman underneath, Lia.
In order to create a future with Lia, Marcus will face challenges on all fronts. One of the biggest hurdles is convincing Lia that her desires matter. Ultimately, Marcus will face a test of his honor.
I have to give kudos to the author for tackling this time period. While the historical data seemed accurate, I got the impression that this was a much more modernized version. Fortunately, the author opted to omit the dialog of the time period, which really would have decreased the story’s appeal for me.
Readers do need to be aware that as a slave, Nubia has to perform acts that are not exactly consensual. This could be a trigger for some readers.
From a heat standpoint, the sexual intensity is integrated well into the storyline. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to immerse myself in the storyline, even with the erotic elements. Whether it’s simply because of the setting or a perceived lack of depth, Eagle’s Honor was an interesting read, but not my favorite.
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
The key to author Sandra Schwab’s new book can easily be found in the title, Eagle’s Honor.
In this historical romance set in Ancient Rome, Centurion Marcus Florius is introduced as a military man who believes strongly in honor and service. Perhaps that is one reason he is drawn to the slave girl, Nubia.
On the surface, Nubia is the perfect slave, ready to do her master’s bidding. Marcus is fascinated by her and breaks through her defenses to find the real woman underneath, Lia.
In order to create a future with Lia, Marcus will face challenges on all fronts. One of the biggest hurdles is convincing Lia that her desires matter. Ultimately, Marcus will face a test of his honor.
I have to give kudos to the author for tackling this time period. While the historical data seemed accurate, I got the impression that this was a much more modernized version. Fortunately, the author opted to omit the dialog of the time period, which really would have decreased the story’s appeal for me.
Readers do need to be aware that as a slave, Nubia has to perform acts that are not exactly consensual. This could be a trigger for some readers.
From a heat standpoint, the sexual intensity is integrated well into the storyline. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to immerse myself in the storyline, even with the erotic elements. Whether it’s simply because of the setting or a perceived lack of depth, Eagle’s Honor was an interesting read, but not my favorite.
February 23, 2018
Unfortunately I was not able to finish this book. I found the plot to be tiresome and the excessive use of the "F" word to be annoying. I understand that using the "F" word in modern speech is expected now a days but in ancient Rome it wasn't used as a form of fornication and I feel that when an author who is writing a period piece insists on using it shows a noted lack of vocabulary.
I dislike giving only one star but I couldn't get through a quarter of this book.
I dislike giving only one star but I couldn't get through a quarter of this book.
July 5, 2015
Another Gem
Eagle’s Honor: Banished is the second book I have read by Sandra Schwab, the first being Devil’s Return (Allen’s Miscellany #4). Once again this author played my emotions like the proverbial violin and at several points during the read I was moved to tears.
Romances set in the time of the Roman Empire are few and far between and I jumped at the chance to read and review it. I am fascinated by this time period, in particular the dichotomy between the civilized nature of the Romans and their assumed right to rule over others, be they slaves or their enemies, a right which can sometimes manifest itself in acts of great cruelty. I enjoyed how Ms Schwab takes the reader on a journey of forbidden love in this novel and at the same time explores these aspects of Roman life in the capital Rome and on the fringes of the Empire.
The heroine Lia is a pleasure slave and dancer in the home of Titus, a wily Roman. It is there she meets the Centurion Marcus, a guest of Titus, when she is instructed to ‘entertain’ him. Marcus has recently returned to Rome after spending time in the legions. Their ensuing love affair sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever as Marcus vows to make Lia his, unaware of the malicious plot of others. I loved how Marcus courts her mind and her body, focusing on her wellbeing and pleasure, this woman whose sole existence has hitherto been to serve others. It is a romantic and page turning read with many sensual and erotic scenes, but don’t be fooled, Ms Schwab makes the couple work incredibly hard for their HEA!
Lia, bred to be a slave, knows no other life other than to obey and is an expert at masking her true feelings. I just loved how Marcus makes her feel like a woman of worth. Marcus is a true man of honour, disliking the often heartless and cruel excesses of Rome and has no love of many of its values. Yet the fates do not smile kindly on a love affair between a Roman Centurion from a distinguished family and a mere plaything, and the couple face the repercussions of their actions as a plot to discredit Marcus unravels. Honour is important to Marcus and he has to fight hard to balance his allegiance to Rome, his family honour and his love for Lia.
The story is first and foremost a romance but it also explores the themes of family and friendship – I hugely enjoyed the character of Alaric in particular, and also how the author depicted life amongst the Roman military. Ms Schwab has clearly carried out a great deal of research into the time period and this added to my enjoyment of the read.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical romance. A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Eagle’s Honor: Banished is the second book I have read by Sandra Schwab, the first being Devil’s Return (Allen’s Miscellany #4). Once again this author played my emotions like the proverbial violin and at several points during the read I was moved to tears.
Romances set in the time of the Roman Empire are few and far between and I jumped at the chance to read and review it. I am fascinated by this time period, in particular the dichotomy between the civilized nature of the Romans and their assumed right to rule over others, be they slaves or their enemies, a right which can sometimes manifest itself in acts of great cruelty. I enjoyed how Ms Schwab takes the reader on a journey of forbidden love in this novel and at the same time explores these aspects of Roman life in the capital Rome and on the fringes of the Empire.
The heroine Lia is a pleasure slave and dancer in the home of Titus, a wily Roman. It is there she meets the Centurion Marcus, a guest of Titus, when she is instructed to ‘entertain’ him. Marcus has recently returned to Rome after spending time in the legions. Their ensuing love affair sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever as Marcus vows to make Lia his, unaware of the malicious plot of others. I loved how Marcus courts her mind and her body, focusing on her wellbeing and pleasure, this woman whose sole existence has hitherto been to serve others. It is a romantic and page turning read with many sensual and erotic scenes, but don’t be fooled, Ms Schwab makes the couple work incredibly hard for their HEA!
Lia, bred to be a slave, knows no other life other than to obey and is an expert at masking her true feelings. I just loved how Marcus makes her feel like a woman of worth. Marcus is a true man of honour, disliking the often heartless and cruel excesses of Rome and has no love of many of its values. Yet the fates do not smile kindly on a love affair between a Roman Centurion from a distinguished family and a mere plaything, and the couple face the repercussions of their actions as a plot to discredit Marcus unravels. Honour is important to Marcus and he has to fight hard to balance his allegiance to Rome, his family honour and his love for Lia.
The story is first and foremost a romance but it also explores the themes of family and friendship – I hugely enjoyed the character of Alaric in particular, and also how the author depicted life amongst the Roman military. Ms Schwab has clearly carried out a great deal of research into the time period and this added to my enjoyment of the read.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical romance. A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
June 18, 2015
Vikki's Musings
While this book has a great premise, it did not grab me. There is quite a bit of telling rather than showing. The consequences of the hero's actions were severe, yet he just accepts them and leaves his friend to try to unravel the mess. I really wanted to love this story since it is set in ancient Roman times, a period of history that is not often attempted, but while there is some good historical detail, some of the author's word choices were too modern, which took me out of the story.
If you read this just for the chance to enmesh yourself in a different historical period, then you will probably enjoy Eagle's Honor Banished. Happy reading!
While this book has a great premise, it did not grab me. There is quite a bit of telling rather than showing. The consequences of the hero's actions were severe, yet he just accepts them and leaves his friend to try to unravel the mess. I really wanted to love this story since it is set in ancient Roman times, a period of history that is not often attempted, but while there is some good historical detail, some of the author's word choices were too modern, which took me out of the story.
If you read this just for the chance to enmesh yourself in a different historical period, then you will probably enjoy Eagle's Honor Banished. Happy reading!
September 17, 2016
FYI This book has the f-bomb though out.
Steamy sex is justified as its the only way this story could exist. The hero turns the tables on a pleasure slave by only pleasuring her... something unheard of in ancient rome paricularly for a pleasure slave.
I loved reading in a time and place new to me. I was challenged to research outside the book to learn more.
The book I read was in an anthology... Wicked Temptations. The typos were very noticeable to me... I typically don't see them.
Steamy sex is justified as its the only way this story could exist. The hero turns the tables on a pleasure slave by only pleasuring her... something unheard of in ancient rome paricularly for a pleasure slave.
I loved reading in a time and place new to me. I was challenged to research outside the book to learn more.
The book I read was in an anthology... Wicked Temptations. The typos were very noticeable to me... I typically don't see them.
September 10, 2016
The reason for the villain hating the hero? Lame! And this is just my personal feeling, but I don't want to read about a woman that is a prostitute/slave.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews