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Sons of Rome
9CE Germania
Battle weary and fearless Centurion Drusus Tuscus has only three more years in the Roman Legions and then he can return home to the mother and young brother he was forced to leave behind seventeen summers ago. Drusus has suffered much during his years in the Legions: defeats, fallen comrades and excruciating wounds, but this time the stakes are so much higher. As he prepares to lead his warriors from the safety of their winter base, across the Rhine into the wilds of Germania, he awaits the arrival of new recruits to bolster his century. With these men he will face the ferocious barbarian tribes, many still chafing under the yoke of Roman subjugation.
When his friend and Optio returns with the new men, two faces in the crowd change everything for Drusus. His brother, long lost to him and now a man, stands before him and he brings with him a friend, a man named Caius. A man who stirs the long dead fires of Drusus’s heart. Two men, neither of whom Drusus is willing to lose to a barbarian blade.
As the campaign begins, whispers of betrayal and rebellion stoke a fear in Drusus, especially as his arrogant commander refuses to take heed of the warnings. As catastrophe stalks their footsteps Drusus must balance his duty to Rome with his love for Caius. He will give everything he has to save his beloved brother, and Caius, the man who has stolen his heart.
Two lives that mean more to Drusus than his own.
Battle weary and fearless Centurion Drusus Tuscus has only three more years in the Roman Legions and then he can return home to the mother and young brother he was forced to leave behind seventeen summers ago. Drusus has suffered much during his years in the Legions: defeats, fallen comrades and excruciating wounds, but this time the stakes are so much higher. As he prepares to lead his warriors from the safety of their winter base, across the Rhine into the wilds of Germania, he awaits the arrival of new recruits to bolster his century. With these men he will face the ferocious barbarian tribes, many still chafing under the yoke of Roman subjugation.
When his friend and Optio returns with the new men, two faces in the crowd change everything for Drusus. His brother, long lost to him and now a man, stands before him and he brings with him a friend, a man named Caius. A man who stirs the long dead fires of Drusus’s heart. Two men, neither of whom Drusus is willing to lose to a barbarian blade.
As the campaign begins, whispers of betrayal and rebellion stoke a fear in Drusus, especially as his arrogant commander refuses to take heed of the warnings. As catastrophe stalks their footsteps Drusus must balance his duty to Rome with his love for Caius. He will give everything he has to save his beloved brother, and Caius, the man who has stolen his heart.
Two lives that mean more to Drusus than his own.
ebook
First published October 28, 2019
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53 people want to read
About the author
Karrie Roman
13 books36 followersKarrie lives in one of Australia’s sunniest places with her husband and three sons, though she hates the sun with a passion. She dreams of one day living in the wettest and coldest habitable place she can find. She’s been writing stories in her head for years but has finally managed to pull the words out of her head and share them with others. She spends her days trying to type her stories on the computer without disturbing her beloved cat curled up on the keyboard. She knows reads far too much, but can’t seem to stop herself.
Saved is her debut novel.
Saved is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 12, 2019
What a tremendously good read this was! Every page was full of events.
“It is a citizen’s duty to fight with the legions for Roma.”
Drusus was held the army for 20 years and kept away from his mother and brother. at the 17 year mark when he already reaches the rank of Centurion, the commander of The Eighteenth Legion, one of the new men is Calpurnius, Drusus' brother joins up. Drusus is thrilled to finally see him again. Besides his brother he meets his brother's best friend Caius. Drusus is breathless by the sight of the beautiful man, he feels their strong attraction toward each other. He’s so afraid to give his heart, he will retire in three years and Caius still has many years to go. Caius is the sweetest seducer and wants nothing more than to please his beloved Drusus.
Drusus speaks out his concern to his best friend and right-hand Marcus, how his army must move through Germania territory where a trap lies. Varus, their incompetent Governor and military commander orders it, so they must go.
Drusus is afraid his brother and his lover will get hurt, albeit they are great warriors.
Reading these words “Their duty was to fight and die for Roma” I shivered about what was coming. I felt so anxious and afraid something awful would happen. It was palpable on every page.
So the battle began. Drusus is modest, fair, disciplined and a great leader. Right beside him stands Caius, Calpurnius, Marcus, and all his dedicated men.
The battle, gosh it was heavy, brutal, with great loss, who turned warriors into tortured souls, screaming through their nightmares.
Between the fights there were also breathtaking moments of deep compassion, tenderness, passionate love, and deep-rooted friendship, warming them from the cold of the battlefield.
The interactions between Drusus and Caius were full of sensuality and sensitivity, it made me a bit drunk. Together they were unbelievably intense, caring and loving.
When the great Emperor Augustus spoke his wise words I could breathe freely again and my eyes cried unstoppably. My head hurt from anxiety and now, at last, I could relax.
What an impressive and powerful story this was. Awesomely written, captivating and with not one dull moment, I was glued to the pages.
The scenery felt authentic as did the vocabulary. I saw everything clearly. The tents, the shields, the fields, the mud, the woods, their armor, the roads they traveled. And to cap it all the battles itself.
I could picture it like a movie.
What charmed me the most, between all cruelty there was friendship, camaraderie, kindness, and love. The author did an amazing piece of work.
Highly recommended!
“It is a citizen’s duty to fight with the legions for Roma.”
Drusus was held the army for 20 years and kept away from his mother and brother. at the 17 year mark when he already reaches the rank of Centurion, the commander of The Eighteenth Legion, one of the new men is Calpurnius, Drusus' brother joins up. Drusus is thrilled to finally see him again. Besides his brother he meets his brother's best friend Caius. Drusus is breathless by the sight of the beautiful man, he feels their strong attraction toward each other. He’s so afraid to give his heart, he will retire in three years and Caius still has many years to go. Caius is the sweetest seducer and wants nothing more than to please his beloved Drusus.
Drusus speaks out his concern to his best friend and right-hand Marcus, how his army must move through Germania territory where a trap lies. Varus, their incompetent Governor and military commander orders it, so they must go.
Drusus is afraid his brother and his lover will get hurt, albeit they are great warriors.
Reading these words “Their duty was to fight and die for Roma” I shivered about what was coming. I felt so anxious and afraid something awful would happen. It was palpable on every page.
So the battle began. Drusus is modest, fair, disciplined and a great leader. Right beside him stands Caius, Calpurnius, Marcus, and all his dedicated men.
The battle, gosh it was heavy, brutal, with great loss, who turned warriors into tortured souls, screaming through their nightmares.
Between the fights there were also breathtaking moments of deep compassion, tenderness, passionate love, and deep-rooted friendship, warming them from the cold of the battlefield.
The interactions between Drusus and Caius were full of sensuality and sensitivity, it made me a bit drunk. Together they were unbelievably intense, caring and loving.
When the great Emperor Augustus spoke his wise words I could breathe freely again and my eyes cried unstoppably. My head hurt from anxiety and now, at last, I could relax.
What an impressive and powerful story this was. Awesomely written, captivating and with not one dull moment, I was glued to the pages.
The scenery felt authentic as did the vocabulary. I saw everything clearly. The tents, the shields, the fields, the mud, the woods, their armor, the roads they traveled. And to cap it all the battles itself.
I could picture it like a movie.
What charmed me the most, between all cruelty there was friendship, camaraderie, kindness, and love. The author did an amazing piece of work.
Highly recommended!
February 27, 2020
Thank you Boggartbub
3.75 Stars
My knowledge of the Roman Legions is restricted to what I learnt at high school and high school was a long time ago, so with that basic knowledge I’m unsure if this is historically anywhere near a factual look at life as a Roman Legionnaire but it was highly entertaining. It started slow but was rich in descriptions of the lives the guys were living that it kept my interest and then by the time they were on the march I was totally captivated and lost track of time.
The life of a roman warrior was a hard one with them being conscripted for 20 years’ service to the legion. Drusus’ dilemma that developed here was totally understandable to me. 3 years away from being able to leave the legion his younger brother and friend are conscripted and sent to his century. Now instead of just finishing his time, he now wants to ensure the two younger members survive their conscriptions.
The brothers do hit it off quickly and the brotherly bond is there from the start, which I did find a little bit strange as they went straight back to being brothers even though Drusus had not seen Cal since he was 4 years old. He didn’t actually know Cal and I’m sure Drusus had changed over the 17 years absence, but regardless the brothers connected and fought together to stay alive.
Caius is the character I wish I knew more about. Even though he was one of the MC’s I don’t feel like we really knew anything about him other than he was a farmer and he loved Drusus
The fight to survive from the crew was well written and kept me in the story.
3.75 Stars
My knowledge of the Roman Legions is restricted to what I learnt at high school and high school was a long time ago, so with that basic knowledge I’m unsure if this is historically anywhere near a factual look at life as a Roman Legionnaire but it was highly entertaining. It started slow but was rich in descriptions of the lives the guys were living that it kept my interest and then by the time they were on the march I was totally captivated and lost track of time.
The life of a roman warrior was a hard one with them being conscripted for 20 years’ service to the legion. Drusus’ dilemma that developed here was totally understandable to me. 3 years away from being able to leave the legion his younger brother and friend are conscripted and sent to his century. Now instead of just finishing his time, he now wants to ensure the two younger members survive their conscriptions.
The brothers do hit it off quickly and the brotherly bond is there from the start, which I did find a little bit strange as they went straight back to being brothers even though Drusus had not seen Cal since he was 4 years old. He didn’t actually know Cal and I’m sure Drusus had changed over the 17 years absence, but regardless the brothers connected and fought together to stay alive.
Caius is the character I wish I knew more about. Even though he was one of the MC’s I don’t feel like we really knew anything about him other than he was a farmer and he loved Drusus
The fight to survive from the crew was well written and kept me in the story.
October 27, 2019
Read Sons of Rome in one sitting and I honestly found it easy to dive into and entertaining.
Karrie Roman's smooth writing style conveying a narrative filled with sweet, tender moments and some gore filled battles accenting a typical plot, actually made this period piece romance endearing and enjoyable.
I'm no history buff, so I can only say that this story carries the air of a defanged Gladiator... as in, if Gladiator wasn't tricked out in epic Oscars, was m/m at its core, and that its concentration was more on a band of Roman soldiers on their way to battle, and less (read: not) about violent clashes set against a dramatic Coliseum backdrop.
Thumb up for me 👍
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Karrie Roman's smooth writing style conveying a narrative filled with sweet, tender moments and some gore filled battles accenting a typical plot, actually made this period piece romance endearing and enjoyable.
I'm no history buff, so I can only say that this story carries the air of a defanged Gladiator... as in, if Gladiator wasn't tricked out in epic Oscars, was m/m at its core, and that its concentration was more on a band of Roman soldiers on their way to battle, and less (read: not) about violent clashes set against a dramatic Coliseum backdrop.
Thumb up for me 👍
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
I love historical romance, but I don't think I've ever read one set in the Roman Empire before. It's not a time period I have a ton of experience with, beyond the basic stuff I learned in the Alabama public school system. Plus, my Master's in History was focused on Colonial America so this is set waaaay before the time I studied in college. (Speaking of, if y'all know of any good historical romances set in the colonial period, hit me up.)
Sons of Rome takes place in Germania in 9CE. Drusus Tuscus is a Centurion with only 3 years left of his manditory 20 year military career. He left his mother and 4 year old brother behind, and now all he wants is to wait out the last of his military service and go home. A fresh group of recruits are brought in to bolster the Roman legion before they move further into Germania for the summer, and with them comes his younger brother Calpurnius and his friend Caius. Now Drusus has to focus on leading his century while keeping his little brother safe and dealing with his undeniable attraction to Caius.
As I said before, I cannot verify the accuracy of the historical aspects of this novel, but I think my lack of expertise helped me immerse myself more in the story instead of focusing on its accuracy. I want to start with the relationship between Drusus and Caius. We stay in Drusus's head the whole time, so we get a lot of his thoughts, his worries, and his dreams. There is a bit more of a disconnect when it comes to Caius. We see Caius some in the beginning, and we experience Drusus thinking about Caius, but don't get much of his thoughts and dreams until about halfway through the book.
At first, I was worried that Caius was going to stay a cardboard cutout of the person for the entire book, but Roman pulls it around toward the middle and made me more invested in their relationship. I likes that the other characters got more attention at that point as well. In the first half, the only secondary character we get much of is Marcus, who is Drusus's right hand man and who has been secretly in love with him for years. Once the story starts to really pick up in the latter half of the book, more secondary characters are expanded on. I think the lack of personality in the secondary characters might be one of the biggest weaknesses of the book overall.
One of the biggest strength, though, has to be the casual acceptance of a gay couple in a historical period. And I don't care if some people get mad because historical accuracy demands that all queer folks be miserable and die unhappy deaths, alone and unloved, yadda yadda. If I wanted to be depressed I would read the news. This is a romance novel, and I came here to be entertained and be hand-fed a happy ending. I loved that the century just accepts that Drusus and Caius are together. I love that they can hold hands openly once in a while and it be fine. I love that Caius meets Drusus's mother and it's fine. Happy queer stories are becoming more common now, and the queer community deserves to see more and more piled on every year. Bring me all your happy queer stories and you can keep all your "historical accuracy" over there.
I think Sons of Rome is a pretty solid story, with a sweet romance between two men who are making due in the best way they can.
Sons of Rome takes place in Germania in 9CE. Drusus Tuscus is a Centurion with only 3 years left of his manditory 20 year military career. He left his mother and 4 year old brother behind, and now all he wants is to wait out the last of his military service and go home. A fresh group of recruits are brought in to bolster the Roman legion before they move further into Germania for the summer, and with them comes his younger brother Calpurnius and his friend Caius. Now Drusus has to focus on leading his century while keeping his little brother safe and dealing with his undeniable attraction to Caius.
As I said before, I cannot verify the accuracy of the historical aspects of this novel, but I think my lack of expertise helped me immerse myself more in the story instead of focusing on its accuracy. I want to start with the relationship between Drusus and Caius. We stay in Drusus's head the whole time, so we get a lot of his thoughts, his worries, and his dreams. There is a bit more of a disconnect when it comes to Caius. We see Caius some in the beginning, and we experience Drusus thinking about Caius, but don't get much of his thoughts and dreams until about halfway through the book.
At first, I was worried that Caius was going to stay a cardboard cutout of the person for the entire book, but Roman pulls it around toward the middle and made me more invested in their relationship. I likes that the other characters got more attention at that point as well. In the first half, the only secondary character we get much of is Marcus, who is Drusus's right hand man and who has been secretly in love with him for years. Once the story starts to really pick up in the latter half of the book, more secondary characters are expanded on. I think the lack of personality in the secondary characters might be one of the biggest weaknesses of the book overall.
One of the biggest strength, though, has to be the casual acceptance of a gay couple in a historical period. And I don't care if some people get mad because historical accuracy demands that all queer folks be miserable and die unhappy deaths, alone and unloved, yadda yadda. If I wanted to be depressed I would read the news. This is a romance novel, and I came here to be entertained and be hand-fed a happy ending. I loved that the century just accepts that Drusus and Caius are together. I love that they can hold hands openly once in a while and it be fine. I love that Caius meets Drusus's mother and it's fine. Happy queer stories are becoming more common now, and the queer community deserves to see more and more piled on every year. Bring me all your happy queer stories and you can keep all your "historical accuracy" over there.
I think Sons of Rome is a pretty solid story, with a sweet romance between two men who are making due in the best way they can.
November 13, 2019
The story follows Drusus as he is leaving his mother and little brother to join the roman legions. After the goodbyes we jump forward to Drusus’s fine few years in the Legion. He is battle fatigued, having lost endless soldiers and friends. He has made the rank of centurion.
We join him as his century is preparing for the next summer campaign. He is waiting for the new recruits to arrive and is surprised to find his little brother Calpurnius amongst the new recruits. But it is Cal’s friend and fellow new legionnaire Caius that captures Drusus’s attention.
We follow the three main characters through the toils of hand to hand combat, as they knowingly walk into a death trap because of powers above, unable to listen to suggestions that he is wrong.
Drusus Fights his feelings for Caius, but there is a strong pull between them and eventually they give in to their feelings.
I really liked this book, Loved the chemistry and banter between the characters including Drusus’s best friend (his name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t remember it). Who has been in love with Drusus for years, but knows he has to step aside and allow his best friend to follow his heart to Caius.
The Authors descriptive writing is amazing, I really got a feel of the era and of the Drusus distress and fatigue from 17 years of fighting.
The battle scenes felt so real and again the descriptive writing really had me feeling as though I was in the battle, knee high in bloody bodies and other bodily fluids,mud etc.
As a movie this would be classed as an epic story, and it certainly feels like an epic journey from start to finish.
The Author really captured the loyalty and honour that legionnaires had back in Roman times. You would not question your superiors orders no matter that it meant a certain death.
We join him as his century is preparing for the next summer campaign. He is waiting for the new recruits to arrive and is surprised to find his little brother Calpurnius amongst the new recruits. But it is Cal’s friend and fellow new legionnaire Caius that captures Drusus’s attention.
We follow the three main characters through the toils of hand to hand combat, as they knowingly walk into a death trap because of powers above, unable to listen to suggestions that he is wrong.
Drusus Fights his feelings for Caius, but there is a strong pull between them and eventually they give in to their feelings.
I really liked this book, Loved the chemistry and banter between the characters including Drusus’s best friend (his name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t remember it). Who has been in love with Drusus for years, but knows he has to step aside and allow his best friend to follow his heart to Caius.
The Authors descriptive writing is amazing, I really got a feel of the era and of the Drusus distress and fatigue from 17 years of fighting.
The battle scenes felt so real and again the descriptive writing really had me feeling as though I was in the battle, knee high in bloody bodies and other bodily fluids,mud etc.
As a movie this would be classed as an epic story, and it certainly feels like an epic journey from start to finish.
The Author really captured the loyalty and honour that legionnaires had back in Roman times. You would not question your superiors orders no matter that it meant a certain death.
October 27, 2019
I really loved this, packed full of chemistry and romance, it’s steamy, fast paced and such an enjoyable read. I didn’t put it down and completed this in be sitting, once you start you are enveloped in the characters world completely, the descriptions are so good, you could almost be back there with them. Highly recommended m/m romance.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
November 2, 2019
This was a great book!! Love set in the Ancient past, it had great characters and a engaging story that kept you interested through out the story.
November 16, 2019
I wanted something different when I picked this up and I kind of loved it. I've got to give Roman major kudos for conveying a unique tone with tons of historical flair while also delivering the hot Roman legions romance, too.
✓ (with a side of ±): Drusus is a stoic, and his narrative voice, actions, and dialogue reflect that. I loved the distinct voice and how well it fit his mentality. (And I generally liked him.) That being said, he could also be a little frustrating and his narration bordered on dull at times, but it's in character! Because stoicism.
✓: Such historical flavor! I loved the side politics that played such a huge role in the overall plot and added intrigue, and how Roman commented on slavery and the conscription of the legionaries and how while the two shared similarities, they still had differences and privileges of class.
✓: The story just doesn't revolve just around the romance or only on Drusus and Caius. Their century's journey and mission probably takes up as much page-time as the romance, and Dru's men and his brother serve important roles in the story, too. Also, while not as central as the romance, Dru's relationship with his brother plays a b-plot point.
✓: I liked the pacing and overall plot of this. Especially considering this involved a military/adventure plot, I expected a specific Plot Pattern A or Plot Pattern B, and instead found something different and much more pleasing overall.
✘: This is my preference and a slight criticism, but probably the biggest flaw I saw was that I thought the story would've been better with a second point of view and maybe like 100 extra pages. Admittedly, I'm much more accustomed to that format, but more than anything, when you're combining instalove, off-balance power dynamics, and a guy that's a little too perfect (Caius, who's a natural fighter and the most guy beauuutiful Dru's ever seen and innocent and smart and so empathetic and ridiculously good looking and etc.) and a guy who's stoic, it would've been nice to balance out Caius's perfectness and Dru's more stoic, alpha personality with his POV. I think it could've taken a ~3.75 book to like a 4.5 to 5.
✘/±: It's maybe not a huge con overall, but I really hated one plot point towards the end.
✘: Again, this is a personal preference, but I sort of shipped Dru and his BFF more and thought they had more chemistry? I liked Dru and Caius together, but I think I would've preferred it if that relationship had been the thing that sparked Dru and his BFF hooking up and falling in love? (But I did ship Dru and Caius, I promise.) Maybe this could be another story with different characters from one of the other centuries? It could be called it Brothers of Rome? I mean, it could be a thing, right? I'd read the hell out of it. (Obviously.)
tl;dr: I loved this. Can lgbtqia Roman legionaries be a thing, please? Also, I really want Karrie Roman to write more historical romance, because she killed it.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the free ARC, with no incentive or coercion on your parts.
✓ (with a side of ±): Drusus is a stoic, and his narrative voice, actions, and dialogue reflect that. I loved the distinct voice and how well it fit his mentality. (And I generally liked him.) That being said, he could also be a little frustrating and his narration bordered on dull at times, but it's in character! Because stoicism.
✓: Such historical flavor! I loved the side politics that played such a huge role in the overall plot and added intrigue, and how Roman commented on slavery and the conscription of the legionaries and how while the two shared similarities, they still had differences and privileges of class.
✓: The story just doesn't revolve just around the romance or only on Drusus and Caius. Their century's journey and mission probably takes up as much page-time as the romance, and Dru's men and his brother serve important roles in the story, too. Also, while not as central as the romance, Dru's relationship with his brother plays a b-plot point.
✓: I liked the pacing and overall plot of this. Especially considering this involved a military/adventure plot, I expected a specific Plot Pattern A or Plot Pattern B, and instead found something different and much more pleasing overall.
✘: This is my preference and a slight criticism, but probably the biggest flaw I saw was that I thought the story would've been better with a second point of view and maybe like 100 extra pages. Admittedly, I'm much more accustomed to that format, but more than anything, when you're combining instalove, off-balance power dynamics, and a guy that's a little too perfect (Caius, who's a natural fighter and the most guy beauuutiful Dru's ever seen and innocent and smart and so empathetic and ridiculously good looking and etc.) and a guy who's stoic, it would've been nice to balance out Caius's perfectness and Dru's more stoic, alpha personality with his POV. I think it could've taken a ~3.75 book to like a 4.5 to 5.
✘/±: It's maybe not a huge con overall, but I really hated one plot point towards the end.
✘: Again, this is a personal preference, but I sort of shipped Dru and his BFF more and thought they had more chemistry? I liked Dru and Caius together, but I think I would've preferred it if that relationship had been the thing that sparked Dru and his BFF hooking up and falling in love? (But I did ship Dru and Caius, I promise.) Maybe this could be another story with different characters from one of the other centuries? It could be called it Brothers of Rome? I mean, it could be a thing, right? I'd read the hell out of it. (Obviously.)
tl;dr: I loved this. Can lgbtqia Roman legionaries be a thing, please? Also, I really want Karrie Roman to write more historical romance, because she killed it.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the free ARC, with no incentive or coercion on your parts.
December 2, 2021
【I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.】
I struggle to find much to say about a book that has so little to say itself.
My 2 stars come from the unique setting for a historical romance that is admirably established. For the most part the dialogue, tools, values, etc. did not feel out of place. And the author did deliver on the publisher's website's promise of explicit love scenes.
However this is all lost on characters that have no substance or motivation other than "I love you just because" and "You're my brother".
It's not a painful read, but a rather vapid one. If you are looking for something sexy that won't challenge you emotionally - this book will do. Probably. It still wouldn't be my first choice.
I struggle to find much to say about a book that has so little to say itself.
My 2 stars come from the unique setting for a historical romance that is admirably established. For the most part the dialogue, tools, values, etc. did not feel out of place. And the author did deliver on the publisher's website's promise of explicit love scenes.
However this is all lost on characters that have no substance or motivation other than "I love you just because" and "You're my brother".
It's not a painful read, but a rather vapid one. If you are looking for something sexy that won't challenge you emotionally - this book will do. Probably. It still wouldn't be my first choice.
November 16, 2019
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of my favourite books this year has been Axios by Jaclyn Osborn, so when Sons of Rome appeared in my radar I had to read it. I was in the mood of another superb story with magical characters and a soulwrenching romance during ancient times. Sometimes expectations kill books before starting them, but that is the curse of the readers. Let’s see what this book got right and what it got wrong.
We travel in time to meet Drusus, a Centurion in the infamous Legions of Rome during the campaign to conquer Germania. His time serving the Empire is almost over and he can’t wait to get rid of his obligations to Rome. But several new recruits arrive at the camp to join his century. One of them is the brother he left behind a lot time ago, Calpurnius, and other is a friend of Cal called Caius. The gorgeous Caius who makes Drusus’s heart beat harder than never before. Is love among the Legion in times of war futile or will they be able to overcome every obstacle and live happily ever after?
As in every worthy Romance book ever written, we are in front of a twofold story: the romantic part per se and the war efforts of the Roman Empire. Let’s focus first on the latter. The start is very promising. All the main characters are legionaries, so we are meant to face some action sooner or later. And there is a nice plot brewing with false loyalties, traps and overconfident war leaders. All the ingredients to keep the readers biting their nails waiting for the next problem to come out of the shadows and engulf our dear characters. At least, that is the theory. In reality, the author prefers to cook a halfhearted sandwich with stale bread that has left me with a weird smell stuck in my nostrils. It has been a waste of a cast and a waste of a plot. What should have been an epic adventure told in several chunks with increasing emotion, it becomes a dull exchange of blood and mud in a couple of rushed battles. And once that is over… the book is just and endless epilogue…
So, what is the main focus of the book? The romance. Yeah, it starts great with Drusus’s doubts about his future with Caius. With those stolen stares and those first shy moments where both of them were about tu combust from lust. It looked like an impossible love, where Dru was about to leave the military life and Cai was about to start it. It has a nice depth and the antechamber for some good emotional punch in the stomach (I’m still wating…). They were very hesitant at first, so when Drusus finally gives the step to embrace a relationship with Caius I couldn’t be happier. Sadly, that same moment is the same as the one where the romance becomes unbearable. They go from 0 to 5000 thousands so fast that it felt like a bus hitting me full force. The shy and scary love becomes an obsession that must be overexplained and overadorned over and over again, throwing shovefuls of sugar to the reader. In a book with Roman warriors during a time of war I was expecting to be drown with blood and mud, not caramel. It gets annoying pretty fast. And that is not all. For reasons I have yet to understand, the rest of the characters become the savage guardians of the new love life of Drusus and Caius. As if their lives didn’t have a meaning until then.
Thankfully, the characters are enjoyable and the only good thing about this messy story. Drusus is obviously a good guy, different from the other Centurions in the way he treats his men. I have loved reading about the friendships he has forged along the way. It helps a lot that he has such great companions like Calpurnius, Marcus or even Brutus. The best parts are the dialogs among them when they are just cracking jokes and throwing friendly jabs at each other. Too bad we don’t get too many of those (they had to be cut down in order to have the umpteenth love proclmation…). The weakest character is by far Caius. What do we know about the guy? He is mostly silent or badly injured during many chapters, so he is barely developed as a character.
I can’t finish without mentioning the travesty that is the very beginning of this book. I don’t mean the prologue. I mean the warnings about the content. Yes, we have the classic warning about sex and violence; but we also have a really stupid one: “The death of a minor character“. Are you kidding me? That is a huge spoiler that has drained all the emotion from the actual death. I can’t see the point of mentioning something like that as a warning. It is actually very infurating if I am honest.
The book is just OK. A very low grade of OK that ia only salvageable thanks to the characters and some good scenes. I’m trying to think to which kind of reader it could be appealing, but I’m getting a blank…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of my favourite books this year has been Axios by Jaclyn Osborn, so when Sons of Rome appeared in my radar I had to read it. I was in the mood of another superb story with magical characters and a soulwrenching romance during ancient times. Sometimes expectations kill books before starting them, but that is the curse of the readers. Let’s see what this book got right and what it got wrong.
We travel in time to meet Drusus, a Centurion in the infamous Legions of Rome during the campaign to conquer Germania. His time serving the Empire is almost over and he can’t wait to get rid of his obligations to Rome. But several new recruits arrive at the camp to join his century. One of them is the brother he left behind a lot time ago, Calpurnius, and other is a friend of Cal called Caius. The gorgeous Caius who makes Drusus’s heart beat harder than never before. Is love among the Legion in times of war futile or will they be able to overcome every obstacle and live happily ever after?
As in every worthy Romance book ever written, we are in front of a twofold story: the romantic part per se and the war efforts of the Roman Empire. Let’s focus first on the latter. The start is very promising. All the main characters are legionaries, so we are meant to face some action sooner or later. And there is a nice plot brewing with false loyalties, traps and overconfident war leaders. All the ingredients to keep the readers biting their nails waiting for the next problem to come out of the shadows and engulf our dear characters. At least, that is the theory. In reality, the author prefers to cook a halfhearted sandwich with stale bread that has left me with a weird smell stuck in my nostrils. It has been a waste of a cast and a waste of a plot. What should have been an epic adventure told in several chunks with increasing emotion, it becomes a dull exchange of blood and mud in a couple of rushed battles. And once that is over… the book is just and endless epilogue…
So, what is the main focus of the book? The romance. Yeah, it starts great with Drusus’s doubts about his future with Caius. With those stolen stares and those first shy moments where both of them were about tu combust from lust. It looked like an impossible love, where Dru was about to leave the military life and Cai was about to start it. It has a nice depth and the antechamber for some good emotional punch in the stomach (I’m still wating…). They were very hesitant at first, so when Drusus finally gives the step to embrace a relationship with Caius I couldn’t be happier. Sadly, that same moment is the same as the one where the romance becomes unbearable. They go from 0 to 5000 thousands so fast that it felt like a bus hitting me full force. The shy and scary love becomes an obsession that must be overexplained and overadorned over and over again, throwing shovefuls of sugar to the reader. In a book with Roman warriors during a time of war I was expecting to be drown with blood and mud, not caramel. It gets annoying pretty fast. And that is not all. For reasons I have yet to understand, the rest of the characters become the savage guardians of the new love life of Drusus and Caius. As if their lives didn’t have a meaning until then.
Thankfully, the characters are enjoyable and the only good thing about this messy story. Drusus is obviously a good guy, different from the other Centurions in the way he treats his men. I have loved reading about the friendships he has forged along the way. It helps a lot that he has such great companions like Calpurnius, Marcus or even Brutus. The best parts are the dialogs among them when they are just cracking jokes and throwing friendly jabs at each other. Too bad we don’t get too many of those (they had to be cut down in order to have the umpteenth love proclmation…). The weakest character is by far Caius. What do we know about the guy? He is mostly silent or badly injured during many chapters, so he is barely developed as a character.
I can’t finish without mentioning the travesty that is the very beginning of this book. I don’t mean the prologue. I mean the warnings about the content. Yes, we have the classic warning about sex and violence; but we also have a really stupid one: “The death of a minor character“. Are you kidding me? That is a huge spoiler that has drained all the emotion from the actual death. I can’t see the point of mentioning something like that as a warning. It is actually very infurating if I am honest.
The book is just OK. A very low grade of OK that ia only salvageable thanks to the characters and some good scenes. I’m trying to think to which kind of reader it could be appealing, but I’m getting a blank…
November 2, 2019
I received and ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the premise of this book, what could be better than a m/m romp in the Imperial Roman Army? And I so, so wanted to love it. Sadly it just didn’t come together for me.
As an armchair classicist, I enjoyed the details the book weaves in about Rome at this time under Augustus. This is an interesting time period in the empire and a perfect setting for a bit testosterone-filled drama. However I’m afraid that’s mostly where the positives stop for me.
I found the book’s few characters (we only really have four which are more than just names or one-line descriptions) to be undeveloped and thinly constructed. They all seem far too faultless, too perfect, too selfless. I wanted more grittiness, more realness, more hardship, more pugnacity.
For me though, the fundamental issue with the book is pacing. Everything happens far too quickly to be even a tiny bit close to realistic. I don’t demand true realism in the books I read or do I don’t mind a love-at-first-sight storyline but I do want to understand what draws our two characters together so quickly and passionately. If it was purely a physical attraction, that then gives way to lust-come-love storyline, I might understand this instant ardor, but Drusus and Caius have exchanged no more than a few meagre sentences before Drusus is thinking he is hopelessly in love.
I also found a lack of tension in the story, as key pieces of information are resolved so quickly and simply it is risible (no, Calpurnius doesn’t like Caius in that way and yes, Caius is interested in men). The hastening of the story is also aided by our characters who all seem to be mind-readers (either that or Drusus really does have the most atrocious poker face). It's a real shame, as had some of these revelations been more drawn out, the moment when our couple does come together would have been so much more rewarding.
Word-wise this book does feature some truly cringey sentences, for instance “Drusus swallowed a gasp at his naked perfection.” which really could have been toned-down. Though after a while I actually enjoyed these lines as I started seeing this awestruck quality as a fundamental aspect of Drusus' character. I could however have done without the use of the pet names Dru and Cai, which were grating and so odds with the more formal, and perhaps period-appropriate language also used throughout (Gratitude, Centurion etc).
All this being said, I found this book to be a fairly enjoyable way to pass a rainy Saturday afternoon and look forward to reading more from this author in future.
I really loved the premise of this book, what could be better than a m/m romp in the Imperial Roman Army? And I so, so wanted to love it. Sadly it just didn’t come together for me.
As an armchair classicist, I enjoyed the details the book weaves in about Rome at this time under Augustus. This is an interesting time period in the empire and a perfect setting for a bit testosterone-filled drama. However I’m afraid that’s mostly where the positives stop for me.
I found the book’s few characters (we only really have four which are more than just names or one-line descriptions) to be undeveloped and thinly constructed. They all seem far too faultless, too perfect, too selfless. I wanted more grittiness, more realness, more hardship, more pugnacity.
For me though, the fundamental issue with the book is pacing. Everything happens far too quickly to be even a tiny bit close to realistic. I don’t demand true realism in the books I read or do I don’t mind a love-at-first-sight storyline but I do want to understand what draws our two characters together so quickly and passionately. If it was purely a physical attraction, that then gives way to lust-come-love storyline, I might understand this instant ardor, but Drusus and Caius have exchanged no more than a few meagre sentences before Drusus is thinking he is hopelessly in love.
I also found a lack of tension in the story, as key pieces of information are resolved so quickly and simply it is risible (no, Calpurnius doesn’t like Caius in that way and yes, Caius is interested in men). The hastening of the story is also aided by our characters who all seem to be mind-readers (either that or Drusus really does have the most atrocious poker face). It's a real shame, as had some of these revelations been more drawn out, the moment when our couple does come together would have been so much more rewarding.
Word-wise this book does feature some truly cringey sentences, for instance “Drusus swallowed a gasp at his naked perfection.” which really could have been toned-down. Though after a while I actually enjoyed these lines as I started seeing this awestruck quality as a fundamental aspect of Drusus' character. I could however have done without the use of the pet names Dru and Cai, which were grating and so odds with the more formal, and perhaps period-appropriate language also used throughout (Gratitude, Centurion etc).
All this being said, I found this book to be a fairly enjoyable way to pass a rainy Saturday afternoon and look forward to reading more from this author in future.
November 14, 2019
Reviewed excerpted from my blog post over at Pan/Cis LGBT2SQ+ Romance Reviews (https://pancis.wordpress.com/2019/11/...)
Overall Rating: 3.0 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Instalove
Relationship dynamics: The Ancient Roman Centurion (H1) / The Subordinate Legionaire (H2)
Sexual content: Some, including masturbation; “on-screen” and explicit
Gender Identity: Cis (H1) / Cis (H2)
Sexual Identity: Gay (H1) / Gay (H2)
Triggers: Slavery (normalized due to time period); significant age difference; graphic descriptions of battle/close combat; post traumatic stress disorder (supporting character)
Acceptance Rating: 5 stars
Acceptance Rating Explanation: Even if it is historically inaccurate, the attitude in the book towards homosexual relationships is completely accepting (my reading notes say “it’s all good”).
Grammar/Editing: My ARC had some typos and awkward phrasing, which has hopefully been fixed for the published version.
Review: This fast-paced novel is set during the events of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. While most of the historical context in the novel appears well-researched, there are a few details that the author has taken some (unacknowledged) artistic license with, so aficionados of Ancient Roman history should be willing to suspend some of their disbelief in reading this story.
The modern equivalent of the relationship between Drusus and Caius is an office romance: the boss is reluctant to violate his professional ethics, but his employee wants to throw ethics out the window. This novel is written almost exclusively from a single point of view: that of Drusus. As a result, Drusus seemed quite well-developed, while Caius seemed one-dimensional in comparison. Their relationship, while somewhat sweet, therefore fell quite flat for me. There is little that is more disappointing in a romance novel than one of the main characters feeling like a generic paper doll. This is further unfortunate because some of the supporting characters – Cal and Marcus, specifically – are as compelling as Drusus is, and are as thoroughly developed. In several respects, these characters rescued the plot for me and compelled me to read through to the end.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating: 3.0 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Instalove
Relationship dynamics: The Ancient Roman Centurion (H1) / The Subordinate Legionaire (H2)
Sexual content: Some, including masturbation; “on-screen” and explicit
Gender Identity: Cis (H1) / Cis (H2)
Sexual Identity: Gay (H1) / Gay (H2)
Triggers: Slavery (normalized due to time period); significant age difference; graphic descriptions of battle/close combat; post traumatic stress disorder (supporting character)
Acceptance Rating: 5 stars
Acceptance Rating Explanation: Even if it is historically inaccurate, the attitude in the book towards homosexual relationships is completely accepting (my reading notes say “it’s all good”).
Grammar/Editing: My ARC had some typos and awkward phrasing, which has hopefully been fixed for the published version.
Review: This fast-paced novel is set during the events of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. While most of the historical context in the novel appears well-researched, there are a few details that the author has taken some (unacknowledged) artistic license with, so aficionados of Ancient Roman history should be willing to suspend some of their disbelief in reading this story.
The modern equivalent of the relationship between Drusus and Caius is an office romance: the boss is reluctant to violate his professional ethics, but his employee wants to throw ethics out the window. This novel is written almost exclusively from a single point of view: that of Drusus. As a result, Drusus seemed quite well-developed, while Caius seemed one-dimensional in comparison. Their relationship, while somewhat sweet, therefore fell quite flat for me. There is little that is more disappointing in a romance novel than one of the main characters feeling like a generic paper doll. This is further unfortunate because some of the supporting characters – Cal and Marcus, specifically – are as compelling as Drusus is, and are as thoroughly developed. In several respects, these characters rescued the plot for me and compelled me to read through to the end.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2019
I began this story this morning and couldn’t stop reading it. It seemed a simple premise at first, but I found the writing completely engaging and I loved the characters.
When Drusus was a young man he left everything he knew behind him for a life in the Roman Legion. He’s Centurian when his younger brother, Cal arrives as a new recruit. Cal is with his best friend, Caius. Drusus is immediately drawn to Caius but keeps his distance. He already knows that he will find it difficult to watch his younger brother fight… he doesn’t want to lose his heart to someone only to be constantly worried about him in battle.
Caius proves himself to be a formidable soldier… he can definitely take care of himself. Drusus’ defenses, however, weaken and he finds himself getting involved with Caius.
I can’t speak to the authenticity of the writing about the Roman Legion… I haven’t read enough history to have an opinion. It was certainly authentic enough for me to get caught up in the time and not question it. The battle scenes were pretty horrifying and there was a real sense of desperation at some points. I had a lot of sympathy for the characters and their plight. I can’t imagine living in a society in which I had to commit years of my life to an army without having a choice.
The relationship between Caius and Drusus is quite lovely in spite of the difficulties they are facing. Their dream of living on a farm together and growing old… is a lovely one. There are many times during the noel that their future is uncertain and I really felt for them. A lovely story that I would gladly recommend.
When Drusus was a young man he left everything he knew behind him for a life in the Roman Legion. He’s Centurian when his younger brother, Cal arrives as a new recruit. Cal is with his best friend, Caius. Drusus is immediately drawn to Caius but keeps his distance. He already knows that he will find it difficult to watch his younger brother fight… he doesn’t want to lose his heart to someone only to be constantly worried about him in battle.
Caius proves himself to be a formidable soldier… he can definitely take care of himself. Drusus’ defenses, however, weaken and he finds himself getting involved with Caius.
I can’t speak to the authenticity of the writing about the Roman Legion… I haven’t read enough history to have an opinion. It was certainly authentic enough for me to get caught up in the time and not question it. The battle scenes were pretty horrifying and there was a real sense of desperation at some points. I had a lot of sympathy for the characters and their plight. I can’t imagine living in a society in which I had to commit years of my life to an army without having a choice.
The relationship between Caius and Drusus is quite lovely in spite of the difficulties they are facing. Their dream of living on a farm together and growing old… is a lovely one. There are many times during the noel that their future is uncertain and I really felt for them. A lovely story that I would gladly recommend.
November 22, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this because it takes place in Rome, and I have visited many Roman sites in the U.K. and even took a class on deciphering Roman carvings, and it is not every day that historical M/M fiction travels to Rome. The author does a nice job of developing the setting and describing life in a Roman soldier’s camp, but when it comes to the characters, this book is boring. Very, very boring. It simply could not hold my attention. I struggled to get to the halfway point, and, despite that being the place in which the anticipated ambush finally begins, I had no interest in continuing to read.
Neither Drusus or Caius, the main couple in Sons of Rome, have any spark or chemistry. They are about as exciting as wet paint. The first quarter of the book is Drusus admiring Caius and leading him on, then backing off because he’s afraid of getting his heart broken. The next quarter of the book is Drusus throwing his fear aside and taking Caius as his lover. Unfortunately, this does nothing to improve the characters. Caius is a wallflower. The way his character is written leaves him flat and completely undeveloped. The scenes between Drusus and Caius are repetitive and break down to nothing more than Drusus admiring Caius’ young body and then engaging in some fairly standard, frills-not-included sex.
I had no interest in the rest of the story. I couldn’t bring myself to care about whether Drusus and Caius had a happily-ever-after or not. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it beyond the 50% mark. Apologies to the publisher. I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC, but this one ended up on the Did Not Finish pile.
Neither Drusus or Caius, the main couple in Sons of Rome, have any spark or chemistry. They are about as exciting as wet paint. The first quarter of the book is Drusus admiring Caius and leading him on, then backing off because he’s afraid of getting his heart broken. The next quarter of the book is Drusus throwing his fear aside and taking Caius as his lover. Unfortunately, this does nothing to improve the characters. Caius is a wallflower. The way his character is written leaves him flat and completely undeveloped. The scenes between Drusus and Caius are repetitive and break down to nothing more than Drusus admiring Caius’ young body and then engaging in some fairly standard, frills-not-included sex.
I had no interest in the rest of the story. I couldn’t bring myself to care about whether Drusus and Caius had a happily-ever-after or not. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it beyond the 50% mark. Apologies to the publisher. I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC, but this one ended up on the Did Not Finish pile.
October 29, 2019
Received free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Woah 3.5 Stars
Woah 3.5 Stars
Sons of Rome surprised me in a very good way! It took me two chapters to really become engaged but as soon as I did I was hooked. The writing style displayed a narrative I usually avoid but Karrie Roman’s overall story swept me away; to the golden fields of Rome. The relationships between all the characters were sweet and the ultimate bromances. I could feel Drusus’s internal conflict in regards to Caius and at some points, I felt my heartbreaking for the two characters. There are so many good things about this story and I could spend A WHILE talking about them… but it’s time to acknowledge the not so great aspects of Sons of Rome. Though I did enjoy the story and the plot I felt that the secondary characters were very shallow. For example, the only thing we actually know about Drusus’s brother is that he is pretty, funny and a troublemaker in his youth. Even Caius! We get no feel for what the secondary characters are really like besides Drusus’s opinion of their personalities. I felt that the life/daily activities of a Centurion were brushed over. At times it also felt like there were details lacking from the plot/environment but I credit that to the POV. Drusus can’t be all-knowing! I did really like this book and will definitely be mentioning it to my peeps.
October 29, 2019
I was charmed by Drusus from the first pages of this book. Such a kind hearted, gentle young man,saddened to leave his family but also aware of his duty to fight for Roma. And I was even more charmed almost 18 years later,nowadays,when warfare turned him into hardened centurion,but also with a heart so soft underneath. It's clear to see from the way he treats his soldiers,and obviously Calpurnius and Caius.
He's also so endearing in his reactions to Caius,not having ever experienced the kind of pull and need he feels for the younger man. I felt so sorry to see them have to live their love story in a dangerous situation,where they could loose each other at every moment.
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲 is told from Drusus's POV and it's a story about honour, courage and so much about love,be it love for your nation,your fellow men at arms,family or special someone.
Great historical book.
* ARC provided by IndiGo Marketing&Design in exchange for an honest review
He's also so endearing in his reactions to Caius,not having ever experienced the kind of pull and need he feels for the younger man. I felt so sorry to see them have to live their love story in a dangerous situation,where they could loose each other at every moment.
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲 is told from Drusus's POV and it's a story about honour, courage and so much about love,be it love for your nation,your fellow men at arms,family or special someone.
Great historical book.
* ARC provided by IndiGo Marketing&Design in exchange for an honest review
October 30, 2019
I realy enjoyed this book,and hope for more about this world.
I loved the story about these brave men,the era and about the everyday live.
You can feel,read and see,that the author put effort in the background and
history.(for me).and sometimes that age and era are more modern and accepting
than the present time and era.
I have read this book twice and will be reading again.
5 stars
arc provided by netgalley
I loved the story about these brave men,the era and about the everyday live.
You can feel,read and see,that the author put effort in the background and
history.(for me).and sometimes that age and era are more modern and accepting
than the present time and era.
I have read this book twice and will be reading again.
5 stars
arc provided by netgalley
November 3, 2019
I've never been a fan of insta-love, to be honest, so it was difficult to get over that for me. The characters generally seemed a bit too flat, but it gave the book a kind of history book vibe I guess, which maybe was the point? Basically all of the conflict was external, there's no real character development so much as the characters continuing forward as is. It was a fun read, but nothing particularly memorable. The premise is great so I just wish it had been a little bit more interesting.
December 22, 2019
I wanted to love this one, but it's long and slow, leaving me bored. It ended up as a DNF.
That said, the writing is well done, and I am sure others will love it.
I will probably try it again, and will update here if I do.
That said, the writing is well done, and I am sure others will love it.
I will probably try it again, and will update here if I do.
October 30, 2019
There was everything in this story from war, horror, love, sexy stuff. What's not to like about it? Good historically correct! I was drawn in right from the beginning, could not stop reading!
November 5, 2019
This was well done. I’ve read a little about this time period, and it was pretty accurate to the true events. Cai and Dru were a very sweet couple, that I was very happy to see get a happy ending.
December 8, 2019
3.75/5
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews