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Roman Hearts #2
A Charioteer's Promise
Young love can be beautiful, reckless… dangerous.
There is only one thing missing in Dulcia’s life—a husband. At least, that is what others would have her believe. But she feels the absence of something else—her father. Half slave and half noble, Dulcia has existed alongside him her entire life, just out of reach. Everything changes the day she arrives home to news of her betrothal. The problem is her heart already belongs to someone else.
Nero is trying to make something of himself. Raised on the streets of Rome, he understands that family is a privilege, not a given. That is why he is trying to build a life worthy of the woman he has loved quietly for years, the one he worships like the sun. But time is running out. Dulcia is to marry a man rich enough to give her every comfort she deserves—every comfort he cannot afford. Nero should step aside, but letting go is never that simple…
This is the second book in the historical action romance series Roman Hearts. If you enjoy a moving love story, set against the thrilling and brutal backdrop of ancient Rome, then you will love A Charioteer’s Promise.
There is only one thing missing in Dulcia’s life—a husband. At least, that is what others would have her believe. But she feels the absence of something else—her father. Half slave and half noble, Dulcia has existed alongside him her entire life, just out of reach. Everything changes the day she arrives home to news of her betrothal. The problem is her heart already belongs to someone else.
Nero is trying to make something of himself. Raised on the streets of Rome, he understands that family is a privilege, not a given. That is why he is trying to build a life worthy of the woman he has loved quietly for years, the one he worships like the sun. But time is running out. Dulcia is to marry a man rich enough to give her every comfort she deserves—every comfort he cannot afford. Nero should step aside, but letting go is never that simple…
This is the second book in the historical action romance series Roman Hearts. If you enjoy a moving love story, set against the thrilling and brutal backdrop of ancient Rome, then you will love A Charioteer’s Promise.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
53 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Bird
24 books489 followersTanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 24, 2023
I bought this 2nd book ‘cause I loved A Gladiator’s Oath and since it features a grown Nero and Dulcia, I couldn’t wait to read it.
Unfortunately, the more I read, the more I got pissed off, mainly ‘cause Dulcia is such a passive character. You see, now she’s been recognized by her senator father, she’s not a slave anymore, so a rich man wants to marry her, but its only politics for him and to have “a dutiful bride”, someone who wouldn’t challenge him in anything.
Everybody says this is right for her, even her mother praises her situation and since Dulcia has never said no to anyone, she doesn’t know how to pull herself out of that situation. Even Mila, with her courageous spirit, cannot make her do it nor can she save her.
On the other hand, we have a grown Nero, the kid who travelled with Mila and who practically became part of her family. Both Dulcia and Nero have liked each other since they were kids but their own issues made them come to rushed conclusions, which lead to a trope I always hate: miscommunication for over half of the book. Like, I get it, they’re practically kids (I think they were 19) but I’ll never understand why so many people decide to act upon their assumptions rather than just talking to the other part involved.
Their friendship was organic, yes, but their romance? Unbelievable. I know it’s fiction, but this wouldn’t translate good into a real life relationship. I’d be surprised if they lasted more than a month ‘cause they never talk about anything important, not until it is too late.
I’m giving this 1/5 ‘cause I wanted to DNF and even return the book, but I was just too far ahead to be able to do so. I hated Manius ‘cause he was a fucking asshole, a manipulator, an abusive man who was gaslighting Dulcia any time he could. Her mother too, was terrible, thinking she was doing “the best for her daughter”, which translates to having a life she would have wanted yet Dulcia never asked for.
I think the only thing I actually enjoyed were Felix comments, Mila and her husband saving the day as usual, and the Roman setting. I don’t know if I’ll read the last book since this one left a sour taste in my mouth for weeks.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
A Gladiator's Oath
Unfortunately, the more I read, the more I got pissed off, mainly ‘cause Dulcia is such a passive character. You see, now she’s been recognized by her senator father, she’s not a slave anymore, so a rich man wants to marry her, but its only politics for him and to have “a dutiful bride”, someone who wouldn’t challenge him in anything.
Everybody says this is right for her, even her mother praises her situation and since Dulcia has never said no to anyone, she doesn’t know how to pull herself out of that situation. Even Mila, with her courageous spirit, cannot make her do it nor can she save her.
On the other hand, we have a grown Nero, the kid who travelled with Mila and who practically became part of her family. Both Dulcia and Nero have liked each other since they were kids but their own issues made them come to rushed conclusions, which lead to a trope I always hate: miscommunication for over half of the book. Like, I get it, they’re practically kids (I think they were 19) but I’ll never understand why so many people decide to act upon their assumptions rather than just talking to the other part involved.
Their friendship was organic, yes, but their romance? Unbelievable. I know it’s fiction, but this wouldn’t translate good into a real life relationship. I’d be surprised if they lasted more than a month ‘cause they never talk about anything important, not until it is too late.
I’m giving this 1/5 ‘cause I wanted to DNF and even return the book, but I was just too far ahead to be able to do so. I hated Manius ‘cause he was a fucking asshole, a manipulator, an abusive man who was gaslighting Dulcia any time he could. Her mother too, was terrible, thinking she was doing “the best for her daughter”, which translates to having a life she would have wanted yet Dulcia never asked for.
I think the only thing I actually enjoyed were Felix comments, Mila and her husband saving the day as usual, and the Roman setting. I don’t know if I’ll read the last book since this one left a sour taste in my mouth for weeks.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
A Gladiator's Oath
June 26, 2020
Book two is frustrating yet amazing
This is about Dulcia, Mila’s younger timid sister. We fast forward in time so Dulcia is 19 years old. The romance between Nero and Dulcia is sweet and frustrating. I love the part where Dulcia realizes that this is her life everyone is planning. Where is her input? Does she not want to make any choices in regard to her life and wants? Although this story has a different feel from Mila’s story in book one, it is expected concerning Dulcia’s mannerisms and shyness. I immensely enjoyed this story although I wanted to jump into the story and be her champion or to knock sense into one or both of them. I am eager to read the next story in this trilogy of Roman Hearts. I love how this author hits the reader right in the heart.
This is about Dulcia, Mila’s younger timid sister. We fast forward in time so Dulcia is 19 years old. The romance between Nero and Dulcia is sweet and frustrating. I love the part where Dulcia realizes that this is her life everyone is planning. Where is her input? Does she not want to make any choices in regard to her life and wants? Although this story has a different feel from Mila’s story in book one, it is expected concerning Dulcia’s mannerisms and shyness. I immensely enjoyed this story although I wanted to jump into the story and be her champion or to knock sense into one or both of them. I am eager to read the next story in this trilogy of Roman Hearts. I love how this author hits the reader right in the heart.
November 16, 2022
A Charioteer’s Promise was my favorite book of the series. I finished A Gladiator’s Oath thinking that I was a stand alone, but then found this book and was curious to see where it would pick up from since the end of book one seemed pretty complete. I loved the way that it picked up right from the epilogue of book one, but now it is in Dulcia’s perspective. Tanya Bird kept my interest because I not only have the main story, but also the side story of the character’s that I had already learned to love in book one.
April 15, 2019
4 Stars
A Charioteer’s Promise follows Mila’s younger sister, Dulcia.
I really had a hard time with Dulcia. What I loved about Mila, was that she fought so hard to earn her freedom. Strong. Spirited. Brave. Dulcia on the other hand… She is timid, desperate for her father’s affection… She literally can’t speak and stares at her feet when people outside of her small social circle talk to her. She’s terrified of conflict. I had a hard time rooting for her until closer to the end when she finally starts standing up for herself (roughly 60% in.) Where Mila wanted to earn her freedom, Dulcia seems content to just stay put and do as she’s told. Ultimately, my apathy for Dulcia is what kept this from being a 5 star read for me.
I liked Nero. He had more spirit and was really trying to better himself. He reminded me a lot of Mila from the prior book. I wish he would have challenged Dulcia a little more. He seemed to coddle and shield her instead of pushing her outside of her comfort zone.
I enjoyed the glimpses of Mila and Remus! I was glad to know they were doing well :)
Tanya’s books always seem to have a slow build for me. She really takes time to fully explain characters and the situations so that you have a strong grasp on everything that is at play.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this read, but it didn’t top The Royal Companion for me. I still recommend any of Tanya’s books as they are so well written and the world building is phenomenal!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
A Charioteer’s Promise follows Mila’s younger sister, Dulcia.
I really had a hard time with Dulcia. What I loved about Mila, was that she fought so hard to earn her freedom. Strong. Spirited. Brave. Dulcia on the other hand… She is timid, desperate for her father’s affection… She literally can’t speak and stares at her feet when people outside of her small social circle talk to her. She’s terrified of conflict. I had a hard time rooting for her until closer to the end when she finally starts standing up for herself (roughly 60% in.) Where Mila wanted to earn her freedom, Dulcia seems content to just stay put and do as she’s told. Ultimately, my apathy for Dulcia is what kept this from being a 5 star read for me.
I liked Nero. He had more spirit and was really trying to better himself. He reminded me a lot of Mila from the prior book. I wish he would have challenged Dulcia a little more. He seemed to coddle and shield her instead of pushing her outside of her comfort zone.
I enjoyed the glimpses of Mila and Remus! I was glad to know they were doing well :)
Tanya’s books always seem to have a slow build for me. She really takes time to fully explain characters and the situations so that you have a strong grasp on everything that is at play.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this read, but it didn’t top The Royal Companion for me. I still recommend any of Tanya’s books as they are so well written and the world building is phenomenal!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
April 23, 2019
A Charioteer’s Promise is the second book in Tayna Bird’s Roman Hearts series. This book follow’s Mila’s younger and more shy sister, Dulcia and the orphan boy (now a man), Nero from A Gladiator’s Oath.
Dulcia is so different from Mila that A Charioteer’s Promise can almost be a standalone but you will miss out on so much backstory and character development if you don’t read the the first book. A Charioteer’s Promise follows the love story of Dulcia and Nero. They are young but in love and as with any young love there are many obstacles that stand in their way, mainly Dulcia’s father trying to marry her off to another.
A Charioteer’s Promise is set in the background of the Roman Empire and Ms. Bird does a great job making you feel like you have traveled back in time. Her storytelling is rich and her characters are well developed. Many of the background characters from A Gladiator’s Oath are back and my particular favorite, Felix.
A Charioteer’s Promise is a good sequel to A Gladiator’s Oath and I enjoyed watching Dulcia grow into a stronger young woman than she started off as and to see her and Nero’s love story play out. Lots of emotions as is with any of Ms. Bird’s books but a highly enjoyable historical romance.
Dulcia is so different from Mila that A Charioteer’s Promise can almost be a standalone but you will miss out on so much backstory and character development if you don’t read the the first book. A Charioteer’s Promise follows the love story of Dulcia and Nero. They are young but in love and as with any young love there are many obstacles that stand in their way, mainly Dulcia’s father trying to marry her off to another.
A Charioteer’s Promise is set in the background of the Roman Empire and Ms. Bird does a great job making you feel like you have traveled back in time. Her storytelling is rich and her characters are well developed. Many of the background characters from A Gladiator’s Oath are back and my particular favorite, Felix.
A Charioteer’s Promise is a good sequel to A Gladiator’s Oath and I enjoyed watching Dulcia grow into a stronger young woman than she started off as and to see her and Nero’s love story play out. Lots of emotions as is with any of Ms. Bird’s books but a highly enjoyable historical romance.
April 24, 2019
Charioteer’s promise is from the same Roman world as the previous book by Tanya Bird the …story revolves around Mila’s sister Dulcia and Nero the orphan boy both older and trying to survive in this world . Love the Roman aspect , strong characters and learning about the lives of charoteers…..interested and different .
Even though Dulcia is very different from her sister her journey and struggle are just as hard. She is not strong as her sister and you are rooting for her and hoping she stands up for herself throughout the book.
Love the Romance aspect and the gushy feeling it gives and i love Nero ….he has strength and fire ….as well as soft side. I enjoyed the emotional journey throughout the book .The story definitely sucks you in and i couldn’t put the book down. Looking forward to the next book.
Even though Dulcia is very different from her sister her journey and struggle are just as hard. She is not strong as her sister and you are rooting for her and hoping she stands up for herself throughout the book.
Love the Romance aspect and the gushy feeling it gives and i love Nero ….he has strength and fire ….as well as soft side. I enjoyed the emotional journey throughout the book .The story definitely sucks you in and i couldn’t put the book down. Looking forward to the next book.
April 15, 2019
This story pulled me in from the first to last page. I didn’t want it to end.
Dulcia although shy and quiet, proves she has the heart of a lion when it comes to saving the ones she’s loved.
Nero is very headstrong but is loving and loyal and nothing will stop him from fighting for Dulcia, even though he believes he is not good enough for him. This book is an emotional roller coaster, the encounters between Dulcia and Nero are beautiful. I shed a few tears with the struggles they endured to be together. I really tried to read this story slowly to make it last but no chance. Now l wait for the 3rd book in this series. This is a must read. Tanya Bird certainly knows how to write beautiful stories that just draw you in and keep you there.
Dulcia although shy and quiet, proves she has the heart of a lion when it comes to saving the ones she’s loved.
Nero is very headstrong but is loving and loyal and nothing will stop him from fighting for Dulcia, even though he believes he is not good enough for him. This book is an emotional roller coaster, the encounters between Dulcia and Nero are beautiful. I shed a few tears with the struggles they endured to be together. I really tried to read this story slowly to make it last but no chance. Now l wait for the 3rd book in this series. This is a must read. Tanya Bird certainly knows how to write beautiful stories that just draw you in and keep you there.
April 25, 2019
WARNING you will not be able to put this book down! If you read anything of Tanya Bird you know she builds strong characters, evil villains, and enthralling love tails. This book is no different. I am constantly reading and can usually guess where the story is heading. Not in this series! There are so many twists, turns, and drama that you do not think your favorite characters are going to make it to the other side.
I was already in love with Dulcia and Nero, but now I am completely obsessed. If you are new to the Roman Hearts series suggest starting with the Gladiator's Oath, but you would still understand the novel with or without the first series.
Clear your schedule! You will enjoy!
I was already in love with Dulcia and Nero, but now I am completely obsessed. If you are new to the Roman Hearts series suggest starting with the Gladiator's Oath, but you would still understand the novel with or without the first series.
Clear your schedule! You will enjoy!
April 23, 2019
Tanya Bird did it again! I love her stories so much and they draw me in and keep me interested from the start until long after the story has finished.
Dulcia and Nero's story was so great and it really showed the other side to their family. Mila wanted nothing more than her freedom, but Dulcia was different and those differences showed. Dulcia and Nero were such a sweet and innocent couple with just a hint of a tragic twist. And I also adored getting to see Mila again, along with her kids!
The author's storytelling amd writing never fail to capture me. If you haven't tried any of Tanya's books yet, you're missing out!
Dulcia and Nero's story was so great and it really showed the other side to their family. Mila wanted nothing more than her freedom, but Dulcia was different and those differences showed. Dulcia and Nero were such a sweet and innocent couple with just a hint of a tragic twist. And I also adored getting to see Mila again, along with her kids!
The author's storytelling amd writing never fail to capture me. If you haven't tried any of Tanya's books yet, you're missing out!
August 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
Really struggled with this one. The angst levels were sky-high, with both Dulcia and Nero acting like idiots who just couldn't or wouldn't get their true feelings across. And right when you thought they were finally going to fight together and stay together, one would push the other away, adding to yet more drama. First Dulcia, then Nero, back and forth until I was getting whiplash, yeesh. I really wanted their love to triumph after all the troubles they went through, but boy was the whole thing exhausting.
Really struggled with this one. The angst levels were sky-high, with both Dulcia and Nero acting like idiots who just couldn't or wouldn't get their true feelings across. And right when you thought they were finally going to fight together and stay together, one would push the other away, adding to yet more drama. First Dulcia, then Nero, back and forth until I was getting whiplash, yeesh. I really wanted their love to triumph after all the troubles they went through, but boy was the whole thing exhausting.
April 21, 2019
Tanya’s books never fail to draw me in from page 1 right through to the very last page. The characters are so relatable and you immediately get drawn into the story as if you are right there in Rome watching it all play out. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen and how it will all come together. Plenty of emotions running high when I read Tanya’s books. Highly recommend every single book Tanya has written. They will not disappoint.
April 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel- it was such a great sequel to the first book in the series. Taking a back seat from the characters that we were introduced to in A Gladiator’s Oath, this book focussed on Dulcia and Nerva. Their love story truly was magical and had that adolescent childness and sweetness to it. I think Tanya Bird perfectly captured the feelings and turmoils one goes through when they first fall in love. This was a great read and I would througly recommend it to anyone.
April 25, 2019
This book was a wonderful book. I honestly couldn’t put it down or stop thinking about it when I was busy. I love how easily you fall in love with the main characters and get mad at the people and obstacles that they face. Tanya Bird is definitely an author to follow. She never disappoints. This book can be read by itself, but you will find out for yourself when you start this book that you keep wanting more.
October 21, 2022
I wasn't as interested in Dulcia and Nero as a couple. While I thought the overall plot was good, the characters seemed very immature. Lots of scenes with Nero were rather off-putting due to his extreme violent reactions to pretty much everything that didn't go his way. He lacked depth and never seemed like he had it together. Dulcia was mealy-mouthed all the way through the book. These two would never survive together if they were real people.
October 7, 2020
I'm always amazed by how much I love Tanyas books and even more how easily they're read. I've read almost all of her books -got one left- and I never felt the need to take a break from them like it has happened with other books.
I feel like Felix is the best one. I just love his remarks.
Dulcia.... I don't know. I find her annoying at times. But yeah my favorite is Felix. Not sorry.
I feel like Felix is the best one. I just love his remarks.
Dulcia.... I don't know. I find her annoying at times. But yeah my favorite is Felix. Not sorry.
June 18, 2024
This one was pretty tedious. The same plot point repeated over and over, with similar result. This story had a lot of potential, but was propped up on weak story points for most of the chapters. Felt both MCs were quite hard to like sometimes, she was weak and he was childish.
April 26, 2019
I loved this story! The characters and plot are amazing. Another fantastic book from my favourite author. She never disappoints. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book. Thanks Tanya!
May 7, 2019
I loved it. Amazing.
May 8, 2019
Excellent
I loved the relationship between the main characters. I watched then grow from previous stories. Excellent story telling. Looking forward to MORE!...
I loved the relationship between the main characters. I watched then grow from previous stories. Excellent story telling. Looking forward to MORE!...
January 27, 2020
Tanya Bird does it again.I love this series.
February 19, 2020
4.5 stars. Once again, I was hooked from the first page.
June 30, 2021
Didn’t love this book as I liked the first one
Dulcia really hit my nerve
Why she’s not speaking!!!!
All of this was manageable if she only spoke !
Didn’t like it
Dulcia really hit my nerve
Why she’s not speaking!!!!
All of this was manageable if she only spoke !
Didn’t like it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews