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Roman Hearts #3
A Legate's Pledge
Never let your enemy become your weakness.
Brei is going up against the largest army in the world. As thousands march north to annihilate her people, she is ready to take revenge on those who have taken so much from her already. If you want to kill a snake, cut off its head. If you want to destroy a legion, kill its leader. But what if the legate she hunts is not the monster she imagined? When a surprise attack lands the young warrior in enemy hands, Brei soon realises that the only person she can trust is the man she has sworn to kill.
General Nerva Papias is fighting a war he no longer believes in. He leads his men north of the wall with orders to destroy all in their path. This is not a war against soldiers, however, but against the mountains they wade through and the ghosts that inhabit them. Then comes a warrior with eyes like two pools of fire and the face of a goddess. He should kill her like the rest of them, but his mind is tired and his heart deceitful. Now the woman he holds captive threatens to set his future ablaze…
This is the third book in the historical action romance series Roman Hearts. If you enjoy a moving story with a strong female protagonist and plenty of thrills, then this tale of love and war is for you.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2019
35 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Bird
24 books490 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 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 21, 2022
⭐ 5.0 ⭐
Nerva and Brei...❤️🥰❤️
Such a beautiful and powerful enemies-to-lovers love story with so strong, powerful and honorable warriors, who are at the same time so gentle, full of love, respect, sincerity and understanding for each other.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
" ‘What are you thinking about?’ he asked when he could not take the silence any longer.
She exhaled. ‘I’m trying to imagine an ocean between us.’
He looked up. ‘Even with land and sea between us, we will still be under the same sky.’
She turned her face up and drew a deep breath. ‘That’s all we get? After everything? One sky?’
‘One enormous sky.’ "
Nerva and Brei...❤️🥰❤️
Such a beautiful and powerful enemies-to-lovers love story with so strong, powerful and honorable warriors, who are at the same time so gentle, full of love, respect, sincerity and understanding for each other.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
" ‘What are you thinking about?’ he asked when he could not take the silence any longer.
She exhaled. ‘I’m trying to imagine an ocean between us.’
He looked up. ‘Even with land and sea between us, we will still be under the same sky.’
She turned her face up and drew a deep breath. ‘That’s all we get? After everything? One sky?’
‘One enormous sky.’ "
November 20, 2022
This one started out strong, but really bogged down in the last 80 pages.
Not sure I bought the romance either. I never got the sense that these two understood each other enough for an HEA.
Not sure I bought the romance either. I never got the sense that these two understood each other enough for an HEA.
December 13, 2019
Tayna Bird has easily become one of my favorite authors and this book doesn't fall short. The relationship between Nerva and Brei is so captivating. The plot is fast paced and keeps the reader locked in. There's even a battle with pirates. The plot pulled at me emotionally and the romance made me swoon. If you love historical romance set in Ancient Rome, definitely give this book a chance, you won't be disappointed.
July 24, 2019
A Legate's Pledge follows Mila and Dulcia's brother, Nerva Papias. He is a General and while fighting in the war he comes across Brei. He takes her as a prisoner in order to save her life and she is taken back to Rome.
I absolutely LOVED Brei. I loved Brei almost as much as I loved Mila. Brei was strong and spirited and fearless. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed Nerva in this one. I was never a huge fan of him in the previous two books, but I thought he and Brei were perfect for each other.
Tanya never lets me down, and I highly enjoyed this one!
***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***
I absolutely LOVED Brei. I loved Brei almost as much as I loved Mila. Brei was strong and spirited and fearless. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed Nerva in this one. I was never a huge fan of him in the previous two books, but I thought he and Brei were perfect for each other.
Tanya never lets me down, and I highly enjoyed this one!
***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***
July 18, 2022
Best!
Ancient Rome setting! Star cross lovers! Dread of will they won't they!!
Keelia pulled her daughter to her. ‘I’m sorry. I really am.’ Her arms wrapped her tightly. ‘You know, I always wondered what sort of man you would fall in love with. I started to wonder if there was anyone in those mountains who could handle a woman like you.’
‘You make me sound like a wild horse.’
Keelia smiled. ‘You’re a handful. Always have been.’
‘I get that from you.’
Her mother laughed. ‘You are ten times fiercer than me. Who would have guessed you would fall for a man like Nerva?’
‘You mean a Roman?’
‘No, someone gentle.’
Ancient Rome setting! Star cross lovers! Dread of will they won't they!!
Keelia pulled her daughter to her. ‘I’m sorry. I really am.’ Her arms wrapped her tightly. ‘You know, I always wondered what sort of man you would fall in love with. I started to wonder if there was anyone in those mountains who could handle a woman like you.’
‘You make me sound like a wild horse.’
Keelia smiled. ‘You’re a handful. Always have been.’
‘I get that from you.’
Her mother laughed. ‘You are ten times fiercer than me. Who would have guessed you would fall for a man like Nerva?’
‘You mean a Roman?’
‘No, someone gentle.’
October 21, 2021
This series started off with a bang. Middle was weaker, but still a mostly enjoyable read. Finally, this conclusion went above and beyond my expectations. Ever since we met Nerva in the first book, I was impatient to get to his story. And it did not disappoint. So. Good. Gah!
I love love love Brei, btw. She might be my fave heroine of this year.
Can't recommend this one enough. And while they can be read as standalones, I think you should read them in order. It really builds up Nerva's character and what an amazing, caring person he is.
I love love love Brei, btw. She might be my fave heroine of this year.
Can't recommend this one enough. And while they can be read as standalones, I think you should read them in order. It really builds up Nerva's character and what an amazing, caring person he is.
February 22, 2024
3.75 Stars for most of these books! I finished all of Tanya Bird’s books and while they aren’t fantastic, they have the perfect combination of plot, romance, and character development to get me interested. They’re also fast paced and, to me, basically no world building so are great when I just want to escape with minimal effort. I think the defender series is still my favorite of hers but this was fun.
February 24, 2020
What an end to this really good series! I personally preferred the first and the third books for the their very strong female characters: Mila and Brei. After reading The Companion series, I can say that Tanya Bird is one of my favorite authors. All of her books have action, suspense and romance. Every time, I got hooked to the story from the first page.
December 4, 2025
I wanted this book to be better...
I seriously couldn't put it down, Brei and Nerva had amazing chemistry. Writing is also good. My problem was that they just never had moments where they were able to "live" their love--like they had barely any happy moments. The first time they truly kiss, I was smiling like an idiot, but then immediately bad things happen again. We had no moment to breathe...
I seriously couldn't put it down, Brei and Nerva had amazing chemistry. Writing is also good. My problem was that they just never had moments where they were able to "live" their love--like they had barely any happy moments. The first time they truly kiss, I was smiling like an idiot, but then immediately bad things happen again. We had no moment to breathe...
December 9, 2021
This author is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites! I loved this third book in the series and how different this storyline was from the first two books, but equally as amazing. I loved seeing another fierce woman, who kind of reminded me of Mila from book one. The writing style just instantly pulls you in and creates this world that you don’t want to escape. I like all the “show not tell” that happens in the story. I was instantly in love with the romance and the tension. Every small detail, every described touch and smile, it just melted my heart and had me dying to continue listening. The history was also so fun to fall into. I loved the authors notes at the end. You can tell she’s done her research. An absolute must read/listen!
February 5, 2020
Like all her books Tanya Bird has outdone herself.
A Legates Pledge kept me guessing on what was to come next.I loved Brie.She was a strong woma n in a man's world
A Legates Pledge kept me guessing on what was to come next.I loved Brie.She was a strong woma n in a man's world
June 20, 2021
I love me a good enemies-to-lovers romance!
December 22, 2022
Tanya is an excellent writer! All her books are good.
June 18, 2024
Chaotic, and a slog. Glad I finished the series, but neither sequel stands up to the first book. Nowhere close.
January 7, 2025
DNF at 30%
June 29, 2021
Ok I skipped the second book because I really wanted to know how was the women who stole Nerva 😝
Brie is amazing
And so far this book is the best from the series
Brie is amazing
And so far this book is the best from the series
July 24, 2019
Tanya Bird has done it again! A Legate's Pledge is an enemies to lovers story set in the rich and violent background of Rome's occupation of early Scotland. This is the last book in her Roman Hearts series and what a way to end the series!
Nerva is a Legate in the Roman army sent to Caledonia to wipe out the native tribes and establish Roman rule. Brei is a Maeatae warrior that has her heart set on killing Nerva for being the general that leads the part of the Roman army that destroyed her village. There is a lot of push and pull between Nerva and Brei. Nerva has become disillusioned with his path in life as a Roman solider and the only son of a very wealth and influential Roman family. Brei is trying to survive the Roman invasion and keep her family and village alive. Both couldn't be more opposite in where they come from and where they ultimately want to end up but fate has other plans for them.
A Legate's Pledge is full of action from page one. Rome was violent and blood thirsty society and Ms. Bird doesn't shy away from that. This is a real slow burn between Nerva and Brei. Both have complicated feelings for each other and they are so different in not just where they come from but the fabric of their beings are at complete odds with each other. She is the embodiment of the wilds of the Highlands and he is the embodiment of the rich and proper Roman high society.
While it can be a standalone there is a lot of history and characters in the prior two books that give a lot more depth and richness to Nerva and Brei's story. A Legate's Pledge is my favorite out of the series and if you have read the other two books in the Roman Hearts series this is a must.
Nerva is a Legate in the Roman army sent to Caledonia to wipe out the native tribes and establish Roman rule. Brei is a Maeatae warrior that has her heart set on killing Nerva for being the general that leads the part of the Roman army that destroyed her village. There is a lot of push and pull between Nerva and Brei. Nerva has become disillusioned with his path in life as a Roman solider and the only son of a very wealth and influential Roman family. Brei is trying to survive the Roman invasion and keep her family and village alive. Both couldn't be more opposite in where they come from and where they ultimately want to end up but fate has other plans for them.
A Legate's Pledge is full of action from page one. Rome was violent and blood thirsty society and Ms. Bird doesn't shy away from that. This is a real slow burn between Nerva and Brei. Both have complicated feelings for each other and they are so different in not just where they come from but the fabric of their beings are at complete odds with each other. She is the embodiment of the wilds of the Highlands and he is the embodiment of the rich and proper Roman high society.
While it can be a standalone there is a lot of history and characters in the prior two books that give a lot more depth and richness to Nerva and Brei's story. A Legate's Pledge is my favorite out of the series and if you have read the other two books in the Roman Hearts series this is a must.
June 29, 2020
Final story in the trilogy
Ending the trilogy with the first born son of Rufus is clever. We read middle child Mila’s story in book 1, youngest child Dulcia in book 2 and the oldest in this story. Well rounded and all three end with a happy ever after. I enjoyed the Roman Hearts series as I did The Companion series. The heart is truly affected by this fictional story and their characters. I have enjoyed all the characters and love how the author spins her magical talent in creating a romantic scene in an otherwise violent, brutal Roman lifestyle. The comedic moments were aptly placed to reduce the tension and seriousness of the plot but I have enjoyed every moment. I highly recommend this historical romance where woman fight for their identities and freedom.
Ending the trilogy with the first born son of Rufus is clever. We read middle child Mila’s story in book 1, youngest child Dulcia in book 2 and the oldest in this story. Well rounded and all three end with a happy ever after. I enjoyed the Roman Hearts series as I did The Companion series. The heart is truly affected by this fictional story and their characters. I have enjoyed all the characters and love how the author spins her magical talent in creating a romantic scene in an otherwise violent, brutal Roman lifestyle. The comedic moments were aptly placed to reduce the tension and seriousness of the plot but I have enjoyed every moment. I highly recommend this historical romance where woman fight for their identities and freedom.
August 6, 2019
If you love historical romance this is for you. Legates pledge is the third and last book in The Roman heart series. The story is a standalone book but i do recommend reading book 1 and 2 as you will find familiar characters and the setting is similar, There is action ,drama and swoon worthy romance. Love the characters Brei and Nerva and you will be swept up in their story and what fate has in stall for them. A slave and a roman soldier …..sworn enermies ….i could not put the book down. Great way to end this series .. Love Tanya’s writing and i learnt a few historical facts….. i didn’t know . A great read .
August 1, 2019
Once again, Tanya Bird made me fall in love with the main characters of the book within the first pages. I finished the book in two days, and that is only because I was too tired to keep going throughout the night. The romance, suspension and familiar characters from the previous books of the series made this another of my favourite books! Brei may be one of my favourite characters of Tanya Bird this far, while in the mean time I was falling in love with Nerva myself. Oh, maybe an idea for a next book, I’d love to read more about Marcus!
August 2, 2019
Enthralling!
How do you write a novel about a Roman General and a warrior of the Maeatae tribes? How do you make it exciting, fascinating, achingly romantic? Tanya Bird knows! In a Legate's Pledge, she once again delivers a story that leaps off the pages! Nerva and Brei, enemies from two different worlds, meet, clash, and are driven by their feelings for each other to bridge their differences. Their journey is so worth the read! Loved it!
How do you write a novel about a Roman General and a warrior of the Maeatae tribes? How do you make it exciting, fascinating, achingly romantic? Tanya Bird knows! In a Legate's Pledge, she once again delivers a story that leaps off the pages! Nerva and Brei, enemies from two different worlds, meet, clash, and are driven by their feelings for each other to bridge their differences. Their journey is so worth the read! Loved it!
September 28, 2019
My favorite of the series
I enjoyed this series immensely, and the final installment was my favorite. I adored Nerva’s character in the first two, and was so excited to read his story. All of Tanya Bird’s female leads are smart, cunning and insanely brave, and Brei was no exception. And it was awesome catching up with all the old characters I grew to love so much. I’m sad it’s over. But looking forward to more brilliant storytelling from Ms. Bird.
I enjoyed this series immensely, and the final installment was my favorite. I adored Nerva’s character in the first two, and was so excited to read his story. All of Tanya Bird’s female leads are smart, cunning and insanely brave, and Brei was no exception. And it was awesome catching up with all the old characters I grew to love so much. I’m sad it’s over. But looking forward to more brilliant storytelling from Ms. Bird.
July 24, 2019
Thank you Tanya for an ARC
This book was addictive! Once I started I couldn't stop! The writing was so descriptive that I could imagine the cities and the landscapes in my head.
The main characters were good, they weren't annoying like in other books you'll read of the same genre.
I recommend this book to everyone! And if you like thi,s also read her companion series
This book was addictive! Once I started I couldn't stop! The writing was so descriptive that I could imagine the cities and the landscapes in my head.
The main characters were good, they weren't annoying like in other books you'll read of the same genre.
I recommend this book to everyone! And if you like thi,s also read her companion series
August 1, 2019
A legate’s Pledge is the third book in the Roman Hearts Series.
This is Nerva and Brei’s story.
It is a story full of strong brave characters. The story pulls you into it and doesn’t let go till the very end. The love story between Nerva and Brei really pulls at your heart strings.
I have not read a Tanya Bird book that l didn’t love and am excited to see what she writes next
This is Nerva and Brei’s story.
It is a story full of strong brave characters. The story pulls you into it and doesn’t let go till the very end. The love story between Nerva and Brei really pulls at your heart strings.
I have not read a Tanya Bird book that l didn’t love and am excited to see what she writes next
July 31, 2019
Wow! What an awesome ending to an amazing historical romance. I don’t know how Tanya does it! I felt like I was living in the past while reading! A Legate’s Pledge is an awesome read, and very well written. You will not be disappointed while reading this series.
December 10, 2019
T. Bird Can do no wrong!!
There is now way to regret purchasing one of Tanya Bird's amazing stories. I TRULY loved Brei and Nerva's story.. and with this being the end of this series it was done beautifully. Tanya's stories bring you everything but mostly HAPPINESS.
There is now way to regret purchasing one of Tanya Bird's amazing stories. I TRULY loved Brei and Nerva's story.. and with this being the end of this series it was done beautifully. Tanya's stories bring you everything but mostly HAPPINESS.
July 24, 2019
My favourite couple out of all the Roman hearts stories! Couldn’t put it down. Had the perfect amount of romance and drama. Highly recommend the entire series. Didn’t want the story to end.
August 8, 2019
Another great book from Tanya! She is my favourite. These two had me hooked from the beginning. Loved it!
August 29, 2019
I love Tanya Bird's imagination. Her stories are exciting and romantic. Her characters are all unique and all heroes or shero's(female hero's) in their own way. Keep those stories coming.
September 7, 2019
Another amazing story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews