Romulus

St. Claire #3

by Tina Martin

Romulus St. Claire operates under the guise that he’ll never marry. In the back of his mind, he knows it’s a lie. He would marry if the woman was special enough – someone like his best friend, Siderra Monroe. He’s in no hurry to make her his. He’s still in limbo with his feelings and he doesn’t believe he’s ready for a woman like her, even though he has a feeling she’s in love with him. Siderra has been in love with Romulus for years now and has grown tired of playing the friend role while watching him date other women. Figuring it’s time to move on, she limits her time with Romulus to start dating, but how can she really date when her heart belongs to her best friend? Romulus can’t handle another man stealing her attention. He wants her, but he doesn’t want to hurt her by his history of being carefree and nonchalant when it comes to women. He’s a man conflicted. Confused. Tortured by his own emotions. He’s a man who’s on the verge of losing the only woman he’s ever loved.The St. Claire Series (All are standalone books):Book 1 - ROYAL (Royal and Gemma)Book 2 - RAMSEY (Ramsey and Gianna)Book 3 - ROMULUS (Romulus and Siderra)Book 4 - REGAL (Regal and Felicity)Book 5 - MAGNUS (Magnus and Shiloh)Book 6 - MONTY (Monty and Cherish)Book 7 - MAJOR (Major and Selah)Book 8 - ZANDER (Zander and Alyssa)Book 9 - ZAVIER (Zavier and Nykendy)

Genres: Romance

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2018

About the author

TINA MARTIN is a talented, romantic suspense fiction writer and the author of over 95 titles. She enjoys Hallmark movies, running and traveling. (PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads. If you're following me, look for my logo!)

Amazon: amazon.com/author/tinamartin
Instagram: instagram.com/tinamartinauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/tinamartinauthor

Her books are listed below:

An Unlikely Love Series
When I Needed You
When You Needed Me
Flicker: An Ahmalee + Cain Update
-
Back to Love Series
Marriage Quarrel in Quarantine
Countdown to You
Offsides: A Superbowl Party Romance
Crushed
-
A St. Claire Novel Series:
Royal
Ramsey
Romulus
Regal
Magnus
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Major
Zander
Zavier
-
St. Claire Life Series
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Just Being Us (Prequel to Zander)
Keep That Same Energy (Zander & Alyssa Update
-
St. Claire Women Series
Gemma
-
Season of Love Novelettes:
Hot Chocolate
Spring Break
-
The Marriage Chronicles:
Life's A Beach
Falling Out
War Then Love
-
The Boardwalk Bakery Romance:
Baked With Love
Baked With Love 2
Baked With Love 3
-
A Lennox in Love Series:
Claiming You
Making You My Business
Wishing That I Was Yours
Caught in the Storm with a Lennox
Before You Say I Do
Winter Wonder
Winter Wedding
The Weekend
-
The Love of Elias Series:
Been In Love With You
When Hearts Cry
You Belong To Me
When I Call You Mine
Who Do You Love
Forever Mine
-
The Blackstone Family Series:
Evenings With Bryson
Leaving Barringer
Forever Us
The Things Everson Lost
Candy's Corporate Crush
-
The Champion Brothers Series:
His Paradise Wife
When A Champion Wants You
The Best Thing He Never Knew He Needed
Wives And Champions
The Way Champions Love
His By Spring (A Champion Sister Novel)
A Champion's Proposal
The Convenient Husband
At The Right Time
-
The Alexander Series:
The Millionaire's Arranged Marriage
Watch Me Take Your Girl
Her Premarital Ex
The Object of His Obsession
Dilvan's Redemption
His Charity Challenge
Different Tastes
As Long As We Got Love
-
The Accidental Series:
Accidental Deception
Accidental Heartbreak
Accidental Lovers
Accidental Vows
-
The Dying to Love Her Series:
Dying To Love Her
Dying To Love Her 2
Dying To Love Her 3
-
The Dare and Deja Chronicles
Reception Romance
Long Distance Troubles
Back to the Valley
Into Forever
-
Standalone Titles:
Secrets On Lake Drive
Can't Just Be His Friend
The Baby Daddy Interviews
Just Like New to the Next Man
Falling Again
The Crush
Vacation Interrupted
Wasn't Supposed to Love Her
What Wifey Wants
Man of Her Dreams
Bae Watch
How To Love Me
Weekend Fiance: A Jared and KeShana InstaLove Story
For Ruby: A Micah & Georgiana Short Story
Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley

Reviews

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far he’s my favorite brother. He actually went to therapy for help.

[L. Boogie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what to make of this couple. They are my least favorite, I don’t hate them but I’m not in love with them either .

It’s weird that Derra didn’t haven’t any friends that the only people in her wedding were women she met less than two years ago. I feel like she’s been too wrapped up in Rom all these years. But I’m glad she was willing to walk away bc she knew what she deserved and didn’t think rom was willing to give it to her.

I like that Rom was trying to work 9n himself. I just find it hard to believe that he only realized derra loved him three months ago

Lol Regal is a trip. I really can’t wait to get to his story. I hope I don’t end up liking him less, I hope I end up liking him more.

[Angela Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romulus is an exciting, fast-paced read of two friends caught up in the love of each other with a fear of the unknown if they journey past a 10-year friend zone. Deep down they both care deeply for each other so much that over time a friendship type of love has grown into something much more. Romulus, although complex, is everything in a man that Siderra can imagine. In fact, he is “the one” for her. She has fallen heads over hills for him, but he seems to miss all the signs. If she can only get him to see that she desires and wants more out of their relationship, perhaps make her his woman. To close for comfort, she can’t take being just friends, so she ventures out and limits the time she spends with him. She takes a different approach; if you can’t have the one you love, why not settle for the next best thing. Romulus, on the other hand, cannot handle this approach. He is deeply disturbed and hurt; he cannot take space or anyone else having her attention or time for that matter. Although he is unwilling to admit it openly, he loves Siderra and wants more than just their friendship as well. Not only is his fear and detachment of feeling emotions for women causing a roadblock in their path, but he is also scared that he is not ready for a woman like her. He tries to control their journey and prepare for her only to realize that he is running out of time.

Tina Martin did an outstanding job telling Romulus and Siderra’s story and including others members of the St. Claire family. I love how she showed the vulnerability of both characters and how they had to first be truthful to themselves and each other regarding their friendship to lover journey. Romulus is an enjoyable read from beginning to end. This is one story that you will not be disappointed. I look forward to the next book in the St. Claire Family series.

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romulus St. Claire (Land Acquisition St. Claire Architects) operates under the guise that he’ll never marry. In the back of his mind, he knows it’s a lie. He would marry if the woman was special enough – someone like his best friend, Siderra Monroe (Retail Craft Store). He’s in no hurry to make her his. He’s still in limbo with his feelings and he doesn’t believe he’s ready for a woman like her, even though he has a feeling she’s in love with him. Siderra has been in love with Romulus for 10 years now and has grown tired of playing the friend role while watching him date other women. Figuring it’s time to move on, she limits her time with Romulus to start dating, but how can she really date when her heart belongs to her best friend? Romulus can’t handle another man stealing her attention. He wants her, but he doesn’t want to hurt her by his history of being carefree and nonchalant when it comes to women. He’s a man conflicted. Confused. Tortured by his own emotions. He’s a man who’s on the verge of losing the only woman he’s ever loved.

Brings to mind a line in a song 'he's a complicated man and no one understands him but his woman'

[J.L. Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This friends-to-lovers romance was complex based on Mr. Romulus St. Claire, who wants his best friend but didn’t want her (all at the same time) because he wasn’t ready for that kind of relationship.

I found their male/female best friend scenario relatable because most of my good friends are men. What I didn’t appreciate about him was that while he was in limbo, he didn’t want Siderra to see anyone else. She had my support when she decided she’d had enough of the foolishness.

The family dynamic good but I needed more visuals on the secondary characters, I suppose because I’m re-entering this series in the middle after starting at the end. Switching from first person with Derra to third with Rom took me minute to get used to while reading.

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about the books I’ve read so far from Ms. Martin is that, for the most part, they are sensuous without being graphic.

I read Romulus via my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Oh my what a awesome story that I have really enjoyed. This is a must reads by this author. I'm a fan. It has strong and brave women. Men who fight for what they consider is theirs. And of course their steamy connections. There are interesting and humor twists in the story lines; which are fast paced, especially this story, but all of her stories are just as good.so I'm happy that I have enjoyed binge reading this author. Each one of her books are intriguing with enjoyable plots ending in a cliffhanger. Along with their sizzling hot passions it will keep you turning pages until the end. I enjoy every moment of the story couple relationship they are the ones that I can't put my Kindle down until I finished the story if are like myself you will enjoy it because are definitely excellent romances.

[Andrea F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book ! I was looking for more in the story after they consummated their marriage. I felt as though I was left hanging about their relationship. I was looking for more about Rom's issues and how he reflected on his growth and the impact of that on his new marriage. This may simply have been me because I have worked in the fields of Public Health/& Mental Health. I do applauding Tina Martin( the author) for raising our thoughts and sensitivity to think about mental and sexual health issues issues which can impact couples in a marriage/or significant relationship. I am happy to see more articles written in magazine encouraging positive and open communication between people on both mental health and sexual health issues that men and women have historically felt socially uncomfortable and awkward speaking about and living with.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anticipating the release of Romulus for some time now. What can I say? Tina Martin has done it again! This series only seems to get better! Romulus was a gentle giant in my eyes. I could understand his indecision about wanting to be in a relationship with Siderra. He loved her so much he wanted to "fix" himself before he hurt her. Siderra was his queen and he failed to communicate that with her. But when Siderra had enough and decided to let him go as a friend, I was through! I was very emotional. Romulus was very mysterious but yet very sensitive and didn't even realize it! I love it! Congratulations, on yet another great book! Love this series!
my eyes.

[Karen Alleyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet read 💕

I was waiting patiently for Romulus. And allow me to say the author did not disappoint.
First thank you for the cameo nd update of the remaining St Claire Family I enjoy hearing what the are up to and also Regal antics . He so playful.
Okay back to Romulus,....
At first I was frustrated with Rom being oblivious to Siderra emotions but that God for the prologue. That really helped clarify everything .
My only disappointment it needed a bit more HEA but overall it a sweet and passionate read with a lot of emotional scenes. I sorry it came to and end because now I want more, than you for a fantastic read author Tina Martin .

[Shawn Alexus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance fiction. Book 3 of the St. Claire series.

Romulus is labelled as the complicated one of the St Claire brothers. He's emotionally detached. Women come and go in his world...It's normal for him because all he wants is his needs fulfilled from them--Sex.

Siderra his best friend of 10 years realizes time is passing. She wants more out of life and hanging around Romulus will deter her from attaining her desires. She's 30 and she feels it's time she get married and start having babies. Problem is, the man she wants all of this with doesn't appear to have the slightest interest in her.

[Michele Hallahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers

I've been waiting for this couple and I wasn't disappointed. This was simply a sexy case of "don't know what you've got till igone". It took almost losing his best friend to realize his true feelings for Derra. This was lowkey sexy, not to much heat, but still very enjoyable. I was so happy to see Derra finally get the man she's loved for so long. Sadly, Regal is last in line for the St. Claire series, but I can't wait to see what this nut gets into.

[Vernell Renee Howard Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eventful!

Very interesting to read about an amazing man who is smart, sexy and an introvert with commitment issues. Romulus St. Claire is not a lost cause, but a fighter because of his wants and desires of a wife and a family. Siderra definitely knew what she wanted but never expressed her feelings for ten years. What a Journey! What Struggles! What Passion! What a Great Love Story! Great Job! Great Read! ReneeG 👍

[Linda F Winfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romulus and Siderra

After reading Ramsey's and Royal's story I was anxious to read Romulus' story. He and Siderra had a relationship that very few men and women share. She always loved him, but was afraid of jeopardizing their friendship if they crossed the line and it did not work. It took seeing her with someone else for Romulus to realize and except the fact that he wanted more than friendship with her.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feelings

It was all about the feelings. Was glad that Siderra decided to start to date someone and not waste more of her life waiting for Romulus to acknowledge her love for him. On the other hand, was glad that Romulus, unbeknownst to Siderra or his family, had decided to get professional help in learning how to deal with his feelings. The St. Claire family support is awesome!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence isn’t Golden

Romulus had to learn the hard way that silence isn’t always golden. Being the strong silent type almost cost him the love of his life I was angry with him because I felt like he was taking his relationship with Siderra for granted and then my heart went out to him when he realized He had to face his personal demons in order to do what was necessary to be with the women he love.
This is one of my favorites.

[Teresa Hynson · Rating 3 out of 5]

No my favorite brother

First my apologies for not saying how much I liked Ramsey and Royal. While I really appreciated showing a black male addressing emotional and mental health, Romulus was extremely selfish as a friend. I did not like that Derra seemed to be a doormat. Red flag for me was her emotions depended on his. Beyond that it was well written and I liked the character building. I look forward to Regal.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm...

I really have to think about this one. I guess because Romulus was so "robotic" in a sense. His life was carefully planned by him and he was all work. He didn't have any emotional maturity - I guess. Which is why he was taking classes in an effort to "be ready" to love Siderra. I thought that it was insensitive that he expected her to put her life on hold for him. I understood their apprehension about telling each other about their feelings, I just feel it wasn't executed in a great way. Then you rush into a marriage and refuse intimacy from fear...🤔 Romulus was definitely a man you had to be patient with.

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good

I knew Romulus story would be a dynamic story, and very complex. He is the brother I have the hardest time focusing on his faults when he is easily a nice guy. It was nice to see him getting the help to deal with his quirkiness.... Loved loved this story as much as I love the St Clair men...

[Lisa Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Romulous

From the beginning I was whisked away into Romulous’ world and I didn’t want to come back to reality. I was on pins and needles wondering if Rom would do right by Derra. Well you’ll have to read the book to find out. I’m ready for the last St. Claire man to finally get Felicity.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers

Romulus knew how Siderra felt about him, she loved him but he was reluctant to reciprocate. Emotions were hard to express for him. It took almost losing her to realize she was his forever! I kind of felt sorry for Jamal. A very good read, I really enjoyed this one!

[BetweentheCoversLiterary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yasss!!!

Omg I love Romulus and Siderra... you could feel the chemistry from these two at the beginning... Sometimes it’s hard to see the love that’s directly under your nose. Friends to lovers has a soft spot near my heart. I love the St. Claire’s they are all amazing but I’m overly excited about a Regal definitely can’t wait to read more

[Darlene D. Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Captivating Story!

This was the first book I have read by Ms. Martin but it certainly will not be my last! Romulus and Siderra's romance was so sweet. I was rooting for Siderra's! The premise of their relationship I believes happens all the time! Wow...I don't know whose story I want to read next!

[Yvonne Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another winner by Tina Martin in the St Claire brothers series
Romulus and Siderra love story unfolding was Wonderful to see
Because Romulus had some issues
I love the way Tina deals with real life issues that we all deal with
In her stories and characters, it makes them relateable and likeable
Great and enjoyable story

[S. Reid]

Honestly, Romulus & Derra didn't capture my attention like I'd anticipated.
I listened via audible & had gotten distracted so much that I'd went from listening the first hour to turning the volume down & focusing on my work assignment waiting until the audible ended so that I could remove it from my Libby borrows.

[Enecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I loved everything about this friends-to-lovers story! Loved Rom’s masculine vulnerabilities and Siderra’s understanding of who he was, but also her willingness to take care of her own heart.

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I understood Rom’s problem about friendship and romance. Poor man didn’t know how give of himself without be a jackass. I’m glad he had a strong woman that understood his stupidity.

[Yolanda Roberson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lack Romance

This book was so boring. I skimmed through so much of this book. The writer spent more time writing about the male characters job. It was all too boring. No romance until the last chapter. Sorry.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Romulus and Siderra was a great match, once Romulus came to his senses. I recommend this book and look forward to Regal St Claire’s story.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over Coming Fear

Fear is something we all deal with at some point in your life, but f poo re ten years. For Romulus fear mixed with pride was not a good combination. Another great well written touching story.

[Mrs Tee Booktique · Rating 4 out of 5]

The benefits....

Awesome story of sacrifice and love. Falling in love with your best friend
is a very traumatic situation, especially when you dont tell them. I'm glad that Rom & Derra figure it out.