Blood Before Wine

Dominus #3

by J.P. Kenwood

Conquer. Own. Sacrifice everything.

Gaius Fabius knows a healthy son will secure his claim to the throne of Rome, but his devotion to his illegal Dacian pleasure slave, Allerix, could destroy his dreams of supreme power. Determined to solve the mysterious murder of a dear friend, Gaius searches for clues hidden deep in the palace that threaten his future and his family.

But while he and Allerix share passions in and out of the bedchamber, another assassination sends Gaius and his captured prince back to the vanquished kingdom of Dacia. In order to protect his beloved concubine, can Gaius find the courage to sacrifice his own heart?

Lose. Submit. Betray everyone.

Allerix knows vengeance for the vicious destruction of his homeland is within tantalizing reach, but only if he can convince his Roman master to trust him. When an unexpected ally interrupts his plans, Alle sets aside his lust for revenge to embrace the ecstasy of Gaius’s unbridled devotion.

But a surprise reunion with a childhood friend and an unforeseen return trip to Dacia remind Allerix of all he has lost while revealing the honor and glory that remain to be won. To earn the respect of his surviving kinsmen, can Alle betray the only man he has ever loved?

Dominus is a plot-packed m/m historical fantasy set in ancient Rome during the reign of Trajan (AD 98-117). Blood Before Wine is the third book in this four-book alternative history saga—a tumultuous adventure of forbidden love, humor, friendship, political intrigue, deception, and murder.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy, LGBT, Enemies To Lovers

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2019

About the author

Sarcastic and sassy writer of deliciously smutty, plot-packed stories that celebrate men loving men, often. My stories, often dark and always erotic, focus on power dynamics and unlikely love. My passions are ancient Rome, laughter, and wine. Find all my social media inks at: https://linktr.ee/JPKenwood

My current four book series, Dominus, is an m/m alternative history fantasy series set in ancient Rome during the reign of the Emperor Trajan (AD 98-117). What if Trajan had been the custodian of two boys instead of only one? What if Hadrian had been privy to secrets that could damage the political authority of his older and more successful fellow imperial ward, Gaius Fabius? What if a Roman general had fallen in love with his captive Dacian slave? Could a powerful Roman aristocrat of noble ancestry have been deliberately erased from history?

Gaius Fabius, a lusty, ambitious Roman general and potential heir to the imperial throne, acquires a new pleasure slave—a recently-captured, feisty Dacian prince named Allerix Dominus is the slow-buring saga of two sworn enemies who both take risks and make sacrifices—it is about the unforeseen consequences of seeking vengeance, earning trust and falling in love.

While most details are historically accurate and tied to major historical events and prevailing cultural attitudes, the tale is entirely fictional and the dialogue is deliberately modern and British in flavor. There is very little Latin and there are no gratuitous gladiators.

The complete first three ebooks of the series are now available on Amazon. The gorgeous paperbacks can be found everywhere, and all the Dominus novels will be available as audiobooks (Books 1 & 2 are now on Audible). The first volume of the companion short story series, Dominus Calendar Series is also available through Amazon.

Reviews

[Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*EXHALE* ok, I can finally breathe again. Trust me this series has yet to lose its “element of surprise” there are a bunch of small and big twists thrown in. The number of Povs has gone down a lot, to the point where Allerix’s thoughts are the ones we follow the most. Instead of switching back and forth from him and Gauis. Which I don’t mind that much. I just wish I got to see a bit more of Max and Bry. Now, when I first started this series I was a little skeptical on how the author would manage to pull off the relationship between Allerix and Gauis but now I’m finally starting to figure it out. Everything is slowly piecing together. These characters have really begun to carve their way into my heart, I’m scared to see where the last book leaves me 😅. Even though many questions were answered there’s still a lot left of the unknown.

[Sunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book on my kindle the day it's been released.....and didn't read it. Why?
Hm...several reasons.
I knew the story wouldn't be finished and I hate cliffhangers.
I knew it would be brilliant and I was afraid to start it because then I would want to read and read and then it would be over.
I wondered if I shouldn't reread the first books before starting this one.....

Oh well - a few days ago I NEEDED something really good, something gripping, something "high quality" and I cracked - I opended the file and fell into the story.
Sigh...and now I've read it. And now I'm waitig for the next book. But it was soooo worth it, I loved it.
J.P. Kenwood creates an excellent historic background, which is not built just by mentioning a few historical buildings and characters but permeates the whole book with the way her characters talk, how they act, their mindset and their surroundings. She obviously has worked her whole love for ancient Rome into the books, it's really throughout and amazing without ever drifting off.
She also gave her characters real personalities. I appreciated in this book that we got to learn more about Alle and Gaius than in the books before.
I've been glued to the pages and I'll be waiting anxiously for the next book. Btw. the cliffhanger made me cry but knowing there will be a next book I hope it's not a permanent thing ;)

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is glaringly obvious that author JP Kenwood knows and loves her Ancient Roman history. While that doesn’t mean her Dominus series is steeped in fact-based storytelling—author privilege is a right of passage and makes the characters and setting more interesting—there is little doubt that Gaius Fabius Rufus, the brash and bold and bigger than life Lion of the Lucky Fourth, and his Dacian slave Prince Allerix are inspiring the glory days of the Roman Empire in significant, albeit fictional, ways. That there is a murder mystery, political intrigue, and a bit of the paranormal mixed in with the forbidden love affair between master and slave gives the series a unique flavor that has now become even more complex.

Blood Before Wine is an angsty installment in the overall arc of the series. The relationship between Gaius and Alle is not only complicated by their stations but also by the thorny path they’ve been led down by way of their deepening feelings. They are tangled up in duty, loyalty, desire, and Alle’s thirst for vengeance, among other things, and this book leads readers through the myriad disasters that could occur should identities be revealed, blood and secrets be outed, and plans for revenge be realized. Kenwood relishes in the lusty sexual connection shared by her leading men, and allows her readers the opportunity to become invested in what seems as if it will be an impossible love story. The piquant emotional tone and the unraveling of what was only hanging on by the barest of threads at the end of this book leaves us on the hook for how everything will play out as the series draws closer to its inevitable conclusion. And I am here to see how it all resolves.

One of the things I have a tendency not to give enough appreciation to is the way the present and the past are being brought together through Professor Charles Hughes and a man he’s only recently become acquainted with, Yves Bouchard, so I want to do that now. The discovery of a relic that connects our fascination with history to the history itself through Gaius and Allerix is a clever way of teasing out how things will conclude. This is not a tragic romance and yet, given the commingling of the characters and their place in time with the modern day, there is a certain poignancy in knowing that while Gaius and Alle didn’t live forever, there are pieces of them that will outlive time. They are legend and the artifacts that offer them a semblance of immortality is a lovely and romantic twist.

There is a magic and mysticism that elevates the climactic scenes towards the end of the book, while fortune and fate deliver these characters to their final destinations at their godly wants and whims. There is a sort of fatalism to things, especially for Gaius and his tendency to throw caution and free will to the gods, which also affects the tone of the story. And sometimes it frustrates me, but in a good way—I appreciate any sort of emotional response an author elicits from me, because it means I’m invested in their characters, and I'm more than embedded in the lives of these two men.

I have been and remain fully intrigued my Gaius and Allerix and am anxious to pick up with them where this book has left me hanging. Once again duty and loyalty come to the fore to complicate this romance, which is now a full-fledged and deeply mutual love, and I’d have to have a heart of stone not to have been touched by where they are headed next, whether by their own design, at the hands of others, or at the mercy of chance.

[Eden Winters]

Like all the books in this series, you'll find no fluff here. The books are gritty, compelling, and hard to put down. Also, like the other installments, there are two stories: a professor from modern times and our couple in ancient Rome.

This one kept me conflicted with what would be best for the couple vs what would be best for them as individuals. I'm so invested in the characters at this point, both primary and secondary, and I can't wait to find out how their story ends.

Not a spoiler, but I cried at the end of this one.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series. I can’t wait for the next book. It is Gay Erotica with a major MM love story . But is also an amazing story on Rome in the 2nd Century AD. The knowledge and the story are fabulous.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this series mixes real historical facts and realistic habits and customs of ancient Rome with the romance part of Gaius and Allerix, which is now a love story much more than just erotica (don’t misinterpret, there is still a ton of pure, unadulterated and intriguing erotica, but their relationship has grown beyond just the physical factor).
With this third instalment we are transported into an adventure where Gaius and Alle have to hide, connive and fight to survive and to be together.
The story is well developed, intriguing and absolutely captivating! The only thing I am not one in love with is the fact that I will have to wait months for the next book .
I love the double narration by Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo. The fact that Nick narrates the modern portion at the beginning and the end of the book, makes me feel like he is sort of making an introduction, and then I am immersed in this wonderful historical fantasy masterfully narrated by Hannibal, and then I am transported back to reality by Nick’s voice again.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting more exciting and mesmerizing! In this book, intrigue, danger, hidden enemies, and plotting conspire with boundless passion and soul-deep love to create a larger-than-life tale. From Rome and its outskirts to the haunted forests of Dacia, the reader is taken on a journey that keeps going. This story stops at a good time, but is still a cliffhanger. I can't wait to keep reading more of the story of Gaius and Allerix.

[MarkCT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three 5's in a row

The third book in the Dominus series puts continuing adventure back on top. The author fills this book with historic detail, adventure and skilled writing which draws from a rich vocabulary of uniquely applicable words. True craftsmanship.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magnificent series. I can't get enough of it. I loved everything about this book.

It can't be read a stand alone, but I'm sure whoever is at this point in the series, wont be disapointed.  It is fill with intrigues, action and love. It is a joy to read a book as beautiful as this one. So much recommended.

[philip jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

On my worth the wait absolutely brilliant series and fantastic characters wasn't expecting the ending but can not wait for the next book only hope it doesn't take as !ong

[Hellga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some plot improvements, but still pretty ridiculous…

I have only one quote for you “to shield his dangling lad bits” WTF?!

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could rate this higher. It's quite entertaining, but you need to know a few things before you start:

1. This is one story developed in 4 books. You need to read the 4 books. Each book doesn't even end with a cliffhanger. Dominus is the first book and mainly serves to establish the premise and the setup of the whole story.

2. It's a romance, a historical fiction. But there are a few fantasy elements (ghosts) in book 2 and stronger fantasy elements (a magical enchanted forest, magical powers) on books 3 and 4.

3. There's a story in the story. A contemporary story is also told through a prologue and epilogue for each book.

4. The whole story is narrated with contemporary language.

What works:
- the historical story is really immersive.
- the characters are interesting.
- the slow pace (it's a long story told over 4 books). I usually like slow stories.
- the writing for the historical story.
- the contemporary language in the historical story (except 1 or 2 things that made me cringe in each book) .
- the first book has a delightfully pervert atmosphere, often brought with just one sentence here and there. The next books rely more on sex acts descriptions.
- the taming of the barbarian slave relies essentially on seduction instead of bdsm (contrary to other books about sex slaves)

What could have been better:
- some parts were not necessary (the secondary characters get too many chapters).
- some characters are physically a bit stereotyped.
- the sex relies a bit too much on the acrobatic performance in the first book.
- the sex scenes have a too contemporary feeling (sling, dildo, cockring, chastity cage,... ) and were a bit too short (even though I usually don't like when they're too long)
- some additional or missing words, a few spelling mistakes (still acceptable, except for the 3rd book)

What didn't work:
- the fantasy that appears in book 3 and 4 (I probably wouldn't have read the series of I had known about that). I don't mind a fantastic universe if it's present in the whole book, but here it's just introduced at some points to solve plot problems later. (and the Narnia chapters were just to much)
- the fact that the books don't read as 4 successive stories but really one story weirdly cut in 4 parts.
- the contemporary story with the prologues and epilogues, that were completely unnecessary and very badly written.

To conclude, it's a captivating story, usually well written, but with a few major drawbacks.

I'll probably re-read the first book just for the exposition of the characters and the raunchy atmosphere, not the other ones.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominus and his Allerix (an audio review)

I’m really enjoying this series. Yes, it’s violent. Yes, there are difficult scenes. Yes, I’m on the edge of my seat wishing for a happy ending yet knowing it’s unlikely. I went into this book believing it to be the last in the series and the ending, although unsatisfying, did have a finality to it. Then I discovered the author is writing a fourth book (which is right in the syllabus, which proves I don’t actually read them). I can’t wait to listen to it.

Allerix, in this book, is still a slave. He’s a prince in his homeland of Dacia but he was captured by the Romans, then bought by Gaius. Gaius wanted to possess his slave, but he’s quickly discovering the relationship is far more than he bargained for. He’s developed feelings for his slave, all the while knowing his wife and mistress are both pregnant with his child. If it is a boy child, it’s likely he’ll be named Trajan’s successor. So much riding on such a small tiny bundle.

A lot happens in this book, which is why it clocks in at just over sixteen hours. I set aside a chunk of several days, knowing I wanted to spend my time, soaking in the ambiance and embracing the historical aspects of the book. There was very little predictable about this story, and I think that’s why I enjoy this series. To see the developing relationship between Gaius and Allerix is drawing me in, all the while knowing a happy ending is not on the horizon. Allerix is destined to lead the Dacians – if he can return to his homeland – and Gaius is destined to lead the Romans – if he can be named successor.

I hungrily await the next book. I’m always impressed with where this author has taken me, and where she has yet to go. On another note, I want to compliment the two narrators. Nick J. Russo bookends the narration as he handles the modern-day professor who has discovered the extraordinary treasure of a dagger, whose story he seeks, even knowing he’ll likely never know everything. Hannibal Hills carries the load of the book, transporting me to Rome in AD107. Like I said, bring on the final chapter and let me see how Allerix and Gaius resolve their lives.

[Natalie Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again JP Kenwood tops her previous book in the series, leaving me with the worse book hangover ever! I simply did not want this book to end, knowing that I must wait for the fourth and last book of the series. It becomes clear that master (Gaius) and slave (Allerix) have fallen in love with each other but Roman law limits them in so many ways. Because Allerix is a Dacian noble, Gaius is risking treason possessing him. Though Allerix is missing the tattoos most Dacian nobles possess, someone is aware that Allerix is the second son of a Dacian king. Gaius gets in trouble with the Roman Emperor for killing the man that captured and raped Allerix and is sent to Dacia, of all places. He returns to Dacia with Allerix and both are captured. Allerix is reunited with his countrymen and his father the king. The pacing of the book is awesome as it moves from one scene to another, filled with excitement, adventure, humor, and love. Writing a 'spoilerless' review for this book was one of the hardest things I've had to do in recent years. The entire series is absolutely incredible and I dragged this latest book out as long as I could, knowing the next book will not be released until late 2021 or early 2022. There were some scenes that got replayed more times than I care to admit! Once again, Hannibal Hills delivers an INCREDIBLE performance bringing the characters of Ancient Rome to life and Nick J. Russo provided a welcomely warm embrace at the very beginning and end of the book (the voices of the modern-day folk) as I am very familiar with his work. This book has earned ten stars for performance, story, and overall in my humble opinion. Thanks for a great time, JP Kenwood. Can't wait for book four.

[Shaine Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me so long to finish this book because by this point i was hooked on this series and got attached to Gaius and Allerix. I didn't want the series to end so i read this one as slowly as possible.

because of that I digested it more.

It was so interesting to see Gaius character development and how he had fallen in love with Allerix.
But allerix hasnt really admitted it, but gaius is ok with even the hope that ONE DAY allerix with love him. You rarely see stories where the person who for lack of a better word, is the more dominant one, is more certain about their feelings.

it's always the submission one that falls in love for the emotionally unavailable dominant one in these types of stories. Because they think love is foolish or some equally vapid reason. But here its totally different.

Gaius is all in. He's not even denying it. I dont't think he ever once denied it. He is like" I WOULD RISK IT ALL FOR YOU, PLEASE LOVE ME ALLERIX "But..in Roman and its kinda refreshing.

Allerix has every reason to be apprehensive. Considering Gaius is known to spread his speed everywhere and..he...killed several of his kinsman and invaded his homeland. You know, little things like that.

Here several things come to a head and it breaks your heart at the end but luckily there is a final book. if it ended here, i would've cried and hurled the book at the window.

[Mady · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of the series so far, but I am still so incredibly intrigued. Especially by the epilogue!!!! But I think we lost a lot of Alle and Gaius’ defining characteristics as they fell deeper in love, and the conflict felt more surface level. I wanted Alle to be more decisive when finally getting back to Dacia, and I feel like many issues were resolved too simply. And what was that enchanted forest stuff? Fever dream that took me right out of the book, I wasn’t a fan. Alle getting back to Dacia seemed like it was built up so much with so many mentions of his father, brother, and friends, and yet I wasn’t convinced at all that this was a kingdom he’d die for.

I also got so sick of the repetition of pet names and swears every sentence. It started getting annoying to read pretty quickly.

But overall, I will be happily reading the next book. I need to know what happens and I have absolutely no idea how things will connect to the epilogue

[Good Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many frustrating editing mistakes. This book came three years after a book 2. That’s plenty of time to edit out extraneous words and make sure the author didn’t use the word ‘that’ when she should’ve used ‘those.’ There were, at least, a dozen missing words and an equal number of instances of various other editing mistakes. I spent approximately 1/3 of my time reading this book, going back and trying to make the sentences make sense. It was completely distracting from an, otherwise, interesting story that I was truly looking forward to reading. It was annoying and unprofessional— unworthy of the characters. If the story had not been so strong, I would’ve given it two stars. I am invested in this story so I hope this author does what’s necessary to enlist better editing support for future books.

[mmreads430 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to express how much I enjoyed and became immersed in this third installment of the Dominus story arc, which finds Alle and Gaius reunited following Alle’s imprisonment for stealing a dagger… they’ve truly missed each other, and their reunion sets the stage for a new understanding between them.. There is a lot going on here in over 16 hours of audio (masterfully done I might add), and when the action moves from Rome to Dacia, the story definitely goes in a direction I wasn’t expecting. All of the plot points from the first two books are brought forward (i.e. Lucius’s murder investigation), but full resolution is promised in Book 4, not here. All of the colorful members of Gaius's extensive household family appear, and the ending, which took me by complete surprise, is all the more reason to await Book 4 with much anticipation!

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

My God what a journey!!! I don't even know how to begin describing how much I loved this book. The plot is amazing, I never know what's going to happen next and I love being surprised. I loved the politics and the secrets. All the main characters are fantastic and I adore them and care for them. What I loved the most is how the relationship between Gaius and Allerix evolved and changed. It was perfect and the ending made me cry like a baby. I was heartbroken. I really need the next book. This series is fantastic and the audiobooks are brilliant. The narrators were perfect. I had the best time listening this book.

[WY_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Before Wine delivers more of the intrigue, action, and heat of the Dominus series. As Gaius fights to maneuver himself into position as Emperor Trajan's heir, he finds it more difficult, and all the more important, to hide the dangerous identity of his slave Allerix. Meanwhile, Allerix must face the near impossible decisions of following his destiny or his heart. The superb characters and intricately drawn settings of the ancient Roman empire make this series a un-putdownable read. The audio version of this book is wholly entertaining and highly recommended.

Disclaimer: I received an audio copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

[RjS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this book, even though the ending left me heart-sore.

The whole series is an incredibly heady mix of accurately depicted historical background and MM heat. The Romans were a physically sensuous people - this series reflects that 100%

Roll on Book 4 where (I hope!) certain plot strands will be happily resolved.

Can’t wait!
LOVE this series.
(The audio version is great fun too.)

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful written tale of Gaius and Allerix!! I’m absolutely loving this series.
With an angsty start(and many moments of uncertainty), we follow Gaius and Allerix through many climactic events, including the birth of Gaius’s child. With both obviously smitten with eachother, it ends bittersweet for our lovers. Thankfully there is one more installment to this tale, which I intend to start shortly!!

[Christina White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and emotional.

I have patiently waited for this gem of a story and it was well worth the wait. There was a problem with editing and the author was very quick to fix the problem, which is something that I appreciate. Now I can begin the series over again while I patiently wait for book four! I highly recommend this book, and the series, one of my all time favorites.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dom and Alle relationship continues to develop and their feeling to grow. And the chemistry continues to sizzle, so HOT. The story continues to be capturing, steamy, humorous, intriguing and full of kink...a failed revenge plot, more trickery, the captor becomes the captive, and sacrifices must be made for loved ones to survive.

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early second century Roman historic fiction, the reign of Trajan sets this delightful story. Kenwood assembles a broad cast of players as the plot follows Gaius Fabius Rufus and his pleasure slave Prince Allerix of Dacia. Family life, court intrigue, the mundane aspects of soldiering. Educating as well as mildly salacious, I felt immersed in Ancient Rome as well as the cold rocks of Dacia.

[Janice M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Yes there were some very minor spelling mistakes, my eye took note and carried on. This was the most interesting of the 3 books for me. Lots of details about Roman ways, then at last, Dacian ways. I like the way the book ended, it was the right way to conclude this part of the story. Looking forward to book 4 sometime in the summer of 2022.

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. With a heir Gaius Fabius it will help secure his claim to the throne. His illegal Dacian Prince named Allerix if his identity is discovered could destroy everything. From Rome to Dacia there will be danger and enemies at every turn. Will Gaius Fabius and Allerix make it out of this alive?

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction

The way Mrs Kenwood writes make me feel transported back in time. The description of the villas, the countryside, even the weather leaves me submerged in a different place and time.
The story is captivating, intriguing, full of political maneuvering, and plenty of Roman sexy times.

[Michael Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see my web site for a full review of “Blood Before Wine”.

[Randy Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series gets better and better

This series just gets better and better. Well defined characters that you care about. Plot twists galore. And the glory of Ancient Rome