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The Druid Chronicles #4
Tainted
A dangerous love that Rome will never allow…
Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king, Druid warrior Gawain abandons his gods and vows to destroy the Roman invaders by any means possible.
Nothing and no one is more important than protecting his fellow Druids from the enemy until he meets the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she fascinates him like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.
Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt. His touch stirs a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.
Previously published in 2013
Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king, Druid warrior Gawain abandons his gods and vows to destroy the Roman invaders by any means possible.
Nothing and no one is more important than protecting his fellow Druids from the enemy until he meets the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she fascinates him like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.
Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt. His touch stirs a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.
Previously published in 2013
- GenresHistorical Romance
360 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2013
6 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Christina Phillips
78 books459 followersChristina grew up in England and spent her childhood visiting ruined castles and Roman remains and daydreaming about Medieval princesses and gallant knights. When she wasn’t lost in the past, she was searching for magical worlds in the backs of wardrobes and watching old Hammer Horrors from the safety of behind the sofa. She now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their two cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 28, 2013
Lush Eroticism and a Riveting Romance
Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance. The tale is set in ancient Britain and features a love between a sexy Celtic warrior and a Roman aristocrat, whose combination of strength and vulnerability melts his heart. The novel, published by Ellora’s Cave, also has paranormal elements, befitting of a time when both Romans and Druids communed with their respective gods.
The patrician Antonia, recently divorced, has left Rome and journeys to Britain with her merchant father. Antonia is relieved to have left her brutal marriage far behind her. As soon as she catches sight of Gawain, whom has featured in earlier novels in the series, instant mutual attraction flares between them. Gawain blatantly parades his lust for Antonia and his intention to bed her, whilst at the same time making known his disdain for Rome and all it represents. Although Antonia tries to hide her attraction, she finds it impossible to maintain her apparent disinterest. She decides that there is no reason not to encourage this man, whom she is very much attracted to, and embark on a short term affair, where she can hopefully put the bad memories of her marriage behind her.
For Gawain’s part he is determined to possess this woman, just as he has the bodies of many a Roman aristocrat. However, Antonia is different – she has no husband with her whose secrets he wishes to uncover in his quest to bring down the Roman oppressors as a good Druid warrior should. Nevertheless he determines to slake his lust on her before moving to pastures new.
Gawain, well practised in the erotic arts, inducts Antonia into sensual pleasures beyond her wildest dreams, a far cry from her experience of the marriage bed. His seduction includes sexual acts that she has only heard spoken of in whispers by her erstwhile friends in Rome. The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love. As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. There is also an unexpected plot twist, which i did not see coming, which added to the pleasure of the read.
I loved the characters of both Gawain and Antonia. Gawain is portrayed as a strong and honourable individual, committed to the path of the Druid warrior, to repel and destroy the Roman invaders, whom he despises. He feels as if he has failed his Celtic God Lugus, as he was unable to prevent the treachery which resulted in the King Caratacus being captured and taken to Rome, an episode which also resulted in the execution of the other Druid warriors loyal to the king. Gawain feels less honourable because he managed to escape their fate. He is a considerate and inventive lover and I found him to be a irresistible, just as Antonia does!
On the surface Antonia is the perfect reserved Roman aristocrat, but she has been made to feel wanting by virtue of her merchant father’s heritage which is not considered good enough for her mother’s patician blood. She has therefore suffered whilst in Rome. However, Antonia has an inner strength, which Gawain comes to respect. Gawain helps to heal her sexually and their relationship is also full of humorous and lively banter. Neither individual wishes to see the other hurt by their own actions or those of another.
Other characters include Carys and Maximus, the hero and heroine of book 1, Forbidden, who play a key role in the novel. There is also Antonia’s father, who has his own secrets and the Praetor who does not have the best interests of Antonia and Gawain at heart. The tale is set against the backdrop of the Roman objective to annihilate the Druids and the power and influence they wield over the populace, by whatever means possible. Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot.
I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.
Reviwed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was given to me by the publisher for the purpose of a fair an honest review.
Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance. The tale is set in ancient Britain and features a love between a sexy Celtic warrior and a Roman aristocrat, whose combination of strength and vulnerability melts his heart. The novel, published by Ellora’s Cave, also has paranormal elements, befitting of a time when both Romans and Druids communed with their respective gods.
The patrician Antonia, recently divorced, has left Rome and journeys to Britain with her merchant father. Antonia is relieved to have left her brutal marriage far behind her. As soon as she catches sight of Gawain, whom has featured in earlier novels in the series, instant mutual attraction flares between them. Gawain blatantly parades his lust for Antonia and his intention to bed her, whilst at the same time making known his disdain for Rome and all it represents. Although Antonia tries to hide her attraction, she finds it impossible to maintain her apparent disinterest. She decides that there is no reason not to encourage this man, whom she is very much attracted to, and embark on a short term affair, where she can hopefully put the bad memories of her marriage behind her.
For Gawain’s part he is determined to possess this woman, just as he has the bodies of many a Roman aristocrat. However, Antonia is different – she has no husband with her whose secrets he wishes to uncover in his quest to bring down the Roman oppressors as a good Druid warrior should. Nevertheless he determines to slake his lust on her before moving to pastures new.
Gawain, well practised in the erotic arts, inducts Antonia into sensual pleasures beyond her wildest dreams, a far cry from her experience of the marriage bed. His seduction includes sexual acts that she has only heard spoken of in whispers by her erstwhile friends in Rome. The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love. As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. There is also an unexpected plot twist, which i did not see coming, which added to the pleasure of the read.
I loved the characters of both Gawain and Antonia. Gawain is portrayed as a strong and honourable individual, committed to the path of the Druid warrior, to repel and destroy the Roman invaders, whom he despises. He feels as if he has failed his Celtic God Lugus, as he was unable to prevent the treachery which resulted in the King Caratacus being captured and taken to Rome, an episode which also resulted in the execution of the other Druid warriors loyal to the king. Gawain feels less honourable because he managed to escape their fate. He is a considerate and inventive lover and I found him to be a irresistible, just as Antonia does!
On the surface Antonia is the perfect reserved Roman aristocrat, but she has been made to feel wanting by virtue of her merchant father’s heritage which is not considered good enough for her mother’s patician blood. She has therefore suffered whilst in Rome. However, Antonia has an inner strength, which Gawain comes to respect. Gawain helps to heal her sexually and their relationship is also full of humorous and lively banter. Neither individual wishes to see the other hurt by their own actions or those of another.
Other characters include Carys and Maximus, the hero and heroine of book 1, Forbidden, who play a key role in the novel. There is also Antonia’s father, who has his own secrets and the Praetor who does not have the best interests of Antonia and Gawain at heart. The tale is set against the backdrop of the Roman objective to annihilate the Druids and the power and influence they wield over the populace, by whatever means possible. Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot.
I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.
Reviwed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was given to me by the publisher for the purpose of a fair an honest review.
August 24, 2013
Extraordinary book! Very well written and I love the characters. It's a must read!!!!!
March 29, 2021
2021 READ: 4 STARS!!
It's a hot read.
My review is not for intelligent discussion. It's what I felt/thought while reading the book. For 2021, I would rate the book this way:
1 - DNF'ed
2 - does not exist
3 - did not like
4 - it was okay
5 - I like it / I enjoy reading it (but it doesn't mean I recommend it)
It's a hot read.
My review is not for intelligent discussion. It's what I felt/thought while reading the book. For 2021, I would rate the book this way:
1 - DNF'ed
2 - does not exist
3 - did not like
4 - it was okay
5 - I like it / I enjoy reading it (but it doesn't mean I recommend it)
Read
March 4, 2022Filtered.
August 27, 2013
Phillips has put together yet another breathtaking portrayal of forbidden love during the Roman expansion into Britannia. Her fluid writing draws you in and paints a very vivid picture for you. As a reader you can walk along with the characters through their very unique tale. Illusion runs rampant as Phillips builds scenes that you can walk through and trials you feel like you’ve experienced yourself. Everything combines in a racy, provocative, emotionally charged novel you’ll love.
It was very nice to be able to immerse myself in the perspective of both the male and female leads of this story. It gives a very well rounded feel to their relationship and the story as a whole. Not only do we get the views of the opposing sexes, but we also get the views of two different cultures at war. And from the ruling class of each to boot! This gives the readers a unique look at the time period and it’s challenges while keeping you thoroughly entertained.
I also absolutely love the characters in this novel. They’re so well developed that you can’t help but get to know them as you would your friends and neighbours. The naivety combined with worldly experience that Phillips presents through her characters is a heady combination in this story.
Overall, political turmoil mixes with romance and personal dilemmas to create a hot story you won’t soon forget.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It was very nice to be able to immerse myself in the perspective of both the male and female leads of this story. It gives a very well rounded feel to their relationship and the story as a whole. Not only do we get the views of the opposing sexes, but we also get the views of two different cultures at war. And from the ruling class of each to boot! This gives the readers a unique look at the time period and it’s challenges while keeping you thoroughly entertained.
I also absolutely love the characters in this novel. They’re so well developed that you can’t help but get to know them as you would your friends and neighbours. The naivety combined with worldly experience that Phillips presents through her characters is a heady combination in this story.
Overall, political turmoil mixes with romance and personal dilemmas to create a hot story you won’t soon forget.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2021
The last book in the Druid Chronicles doesn’t disappoint. Two people from different worlds embark in an illicit affair wanting nothing more than to explore the sexual tension between them. Each has their own prejudices against the other but as time goes on each starts to question their assumptions.
In this erotic tale, lovers learn about each other helping each to heal from past hurts. The language contains eroticism but is also sweet and lyrical. You can’t help to want the jaded warrior and the hurt Roman noblewoman to have a happy ending.
Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this doesn’t affect the star rating.
In this erotic tale, lovers learn about each other helping each to heal from past hurts. The language contains eroticism but is also sweet and lyrical. You can’t help to want the jaded warrior and the hurt Roman noblewoman to have a happy ending.
Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this doesn’t affect the star rating.
August 25, 2021
Sigh. I love Christina's Forbidden series and Tainted is no exception.
August 27, 2013
Another fabulous book from Phillips. LOVE this author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews