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Tausrat #1
Lord of the Nile
In the first in an epic new series set in Egypt during the sumptuous reign of Cleopatra, one of her slave girls finds herself in a forbidden romance with a brooding Roman.
From the destruction of Roman battlefields to the delights of Egypt's bedrooms, he's seen it all. But as two ships crossed in the dangerous currents of Alexandria, Ramtat catches sight of the most intriguing woman he's ever beheld.
A tamer of wild beasts, the mysterious beauty is as fiery as the burning sands of her homeland, lush as a desert oasis. With kiss following sultry kiss, their desire knows no limits. Slave girl or princess, her identity can be unlocked by the emerald-eyed cobra charm that dangles between her breasts, but only her love matters to the . . . Lord of the Nile.
From the destruction of Roman battlefields to the delights of Egypt's bedrooms, he's seen it all. But as two ships crossed in the dangerous currents of Alexandria, Ramtat catches sight of the most intriguing woman he's ever beheld.
A tamer of wild beasts, the mysterious beauty is as fiery as the burning sands of her homeland, lush as a desert oasis. With kiss following sultry kiss, their desire knows no limits. Slave girl or princess, her identity can be unlocked by the emerald-eyed cobra charm that dangles between her breasts, but only her love matters to the . . . Lord of the Nile.
321 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2007
51 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Constance O'Banyon
54 books199 followersEvelyn Gee was born on 1939 in Texas, USA. She makes her home in San Antonio with her husband, Jim and their son, Jason.
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 12, 2013
**1.5**
Almost didn't finish.
Strike 1: insta-love
Strike 2: inexplicable characterizations - bipolar characters whose moods or attitudes followed no apparent logic.
Strike 3: Failure to convey the time and place. Just sticking Cleopatra and Cesar into the story does not alone set the scene as ancient egypt. And has the author even seen Egyptian art? A major plot development was based on being able to identify someone by their portrait. Egyptian art is highly stylized and in profile. The only way to identify a person is if their cartouche is present. Suggesting that you could identify a person by their resemblance to a an ancient egyptian portrait, is completely ridiculous.
Almost didn't finish.
Strike 1: insta-love
Strike 2: inexplicable characterizations - bipolar characters whose moods or attitudes followed no apparent logic.
Strike 3: Failure to convey the time and place. Just sticking Cleopatra and Cesar into the story does not alone set the scene as ancient egypt. And has the author even seen Egyptian art? A major plot development was based on being able to identify someone by their portrait. Egyptian art is highly stylized and in profile. The only way to identify a person is if their cartouche is present. Suggesting that you could identify a person by their resemblance to a an ancient egyptian portrait, is completely ridiculous.
December 30, 2019
✨ December Kindle Unlimited BotM at the URR™ ✨
So much S T U P I D in HOT Ancient Egypt.
DNF @ Page 82 (25%)
So much S T U P I D in HOT Ancient Egypt.
June 29, 2023
This is a slow-moving, unsexy, implausible story of Cleopatra's long-lost sister (who can train animals to respond to voice commands as long as they never eat raw meat) and an Egyptian "patriot" (he's all of the following: an Egyptian nobleman, a Bedouin chieftain, a Roman soldier and confidant of Caesar). We have no idea what Danae sees in Ramtat. No seriously, this guy sees her in a boat (he's dressed as a Roman soldier) and kisses her without her consent; then sees and approaches her at Pharaoh's court, where he threatens her with unknown dire consequences should she reveal the circumstances under which they met. Then he follows through on the threats by beating her slaves, chasing her into the desert, kidnapping her, and holding her captive.
We have to admit that we had one laugh-out-loud moment following her captivity. You see, Danae (like most of us would probably feel) tells her captor that she doesn't trust him. Ramtat is shocked - shocked! - and thinks the following: "Other than kidnapping her . . . he had done nothing to warrant her distrust." Hmmm that's odd isn't it, that kidnapping someone might lead to her doubting your motives?
And to cap it all off, they have sex in a sandstorm. This sounds like it would be the worst sexual experience ever - possible death and sand everywhere, plus nowhere to wash when it's over.
If this sounds fun to you, feel free to check it out. We won't be continuing the Tausrat series.
We have to admit that we had one laugh-out-loud moment following her captivity. You see, Danae (like most of us would probably feel) tells her captor that she doesn't trust him. Ramtat is shocked - shocked! - and thinks the following: "Other than kidnapping her . . . he had done nothing to warrant her distrust." Hmmm that's odd isn't it, that kidnapping someone might lead to her doubting your motives?
And to cap it all off, they have sex in a sandstorm. This sounds like it would be the worst sexual experience ever - possible death and sand everywhere, plus nowhere to wash when it's over.
If this sounds fun to you, feel free to check it out. We won't be continuing the Tausrat series.
February 23, 2020
I am sucker for a good Egyptian/Roman historical fiction. Now I need to pick up the next book in this series. Since the ending of this book doesn't seem like it can continue telling the story of the characters, I am curious to know how the next characters will be. I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick historical fiction romance. This book wasn't the greatest novel but it was a good mood read.
October 9, 2017
Lord of the Nile is my first experience with author Constance O'Banyon. I am pleasantly surprised by what I discovered between the pages of her book.
Lord of the Nile was my June Samsung Book Deal on Kindle, and I had no idea it was a romance novel! I guess I did not pay attention to the cover art as the naked male chest was a dead giveaway! I chose this book because the setting was ancient Egypt. It caught my attention as I do not usually read books about this country or time period.
The main characters are likeable and complex, although the mysteries behind their origins and identities are easily guessed as you read. Danaë was a fun, strong heroine who tamed wild animals. She really was badass. She was clever enough to escape the clutches of Ramstat on numerous occasions. She uses her intelligence, agility, and speed to turn Egypt upside down by her very presence. Danaë's counter character, Ramstat, was equally impressive. He is not only handsome (it is his chest on the cover of the book) but a strategist and fighter. Danaë and Ramstat have difficulty trusting each other, which leads to a lot of ups and downs as they develop a budding friendship and eventual romance. The suspicions between the main characters allow for many plot points that keep the story exciting for any new reader to the series.
The supporting characters add fun side plots to the main tale. Danaë's father, Lord Mycerinus, was a remarkable man, and you get to know him in the early chapters of the book. I especially liked that Cleopatra and Caesar make appearances as they are such exciting and iconic characters for this time period. You cannot set a narrative in this historical period without at least mentioning these larger than life figures.
The villain was mainly Danaë's cousin, Harique, although there are times where Ramstat appears as an antagonist to Danaë. The struggles involve lust, incset, power, and fear. The primary political view of the book centers on the following questions: Who should rule Egypt? What is the role of the Roman soldiers in this endeavor? These questions and others arise as concerns for many of the characters, not just the protagonists, and the issues of loyalty to one's country permeates to the loyalty one has for a significant other.
I cannot attest to the accuracy of the historical or political aspects of this novel as I am a novice about ancient Egypt. I can say that the book inspires me to want to research the era and read some nonfiction books about the Cleopatra and Caesar.
In terms of the beginning, it was very slow for me. It actually took a long time to get into the novel -- hence why there was a delay from when I downloaded it in June to when I actually finished it in September. By chapter five and six, I realized the book was a romance novel, and so I began to eagerly devour it. There is something about romance novels that compels me to read them quicker. There were the usual tropes you find in a romance novel, but I did not mind them, such as an overly emotional female lead. There were points where both Danaë's and Lord Ramstat's characters were a little trying, and I wanted to slap some sense into them.
Overall, Constance O'Banyon knew her story and characters. She offered a fun and adventurous read for someone looking for a slightly exotic romance. I highly recommend it to historical romance fans. If her other books go on sale for this series, I will definitely purchase them.
Lord of the Nile was my June Samsung Book Deal on Kindle, and I had no idea it was a romance novel! I guess I did not pay attention to the cover art as the naked male chest was a dead giveaway! I chose this book because the setting was ancient Egypt. It caught my attention as I do not usually read books about this country or time period.
The main characters are likeable and complex, although the mysteries behind their origins and identities are easily guessed as you read. Danaë was a fun, strong heroine who tamed wild animals. She really was badass. She was clever enough to escape the clutches of Ramstat on numerous occasions. She uses her intelligence, agility, and speed to turn Egypt upside down by her very presence. Danaë's counter character, Ramstat, was equally impressive. He is not only handsome (it is his chest on the cover of the book) but a strategist and fighter. Danaë and Ramstat have difficulty trusting each other, which leads to a lot of ups and downs as they develop a budding friendship and eventual romance. The suspicions between the main characters allow for many plot points that keep the story exciting for any new reader to the series.
The supporting characters add fun side plots to the main tale. Danaë's father, Lord Mycerinus, was a remarkable man, and you get to know him in the early chapters of the book. I especially liked that Cleopatra and Caesar make appearances as they are such exciting and iconic characters for this time period. You cannot set a narrative in this historical period without at least mentioning these larger than life figures.
The villain was mainly Danaë's cousin, Harique, although there are times where Ramstat appears as an antagonist to Danaë. The struggles involve lust, incset, power, and fear. The primary political view of the book centers on the following questions: Who should rule Egypt? What is the role of the Roman soldiers in this endeavor? These questions and others arise as concerns for many of the characters, not just the protagonists, and the issues of loyalty to one's country permeates to the loyalty one has for a significant other.
I cannot attest to the accuracy of the historical or political aspects of this novel as I am a novice about ancient Egypt. I can say that the book inspires me to want to research the era and read some nonfiction books about the Cleopatra and Caesar.
In terms of the beginning, it was very slow for me. It actually took a long time to get into the novel -- hence why there was a delay from when I downloaded it in June to when I actually finished it in September. By chapter five and six, I realized the book was a romance novel, and so I began to eagerly devour it. There is something about romance novels that compels me to read them quicker. There were the usual tropes you find in a romance novel, but I did not mind them, such as an overly emotional female lead. There were points where both Danaë's and Lord Ramstat's characters were a little trying, and I wanted to slap some sense into them.
Overall, Constance O'Banyon knew her story and characters. She offered a fun and adventurous read for someone looking for a slightly exotic romance. I highly recommend it to historical romance fans. If her other books go on sale for this series, I will definitely purchase them.
February 12, 2017
A lovely read.
April 26, 2009
I put this book down twice today because I just wasn't interested in reading another desert/slave story. I was determined to finish it today, so once again I picked it up and pressed on. I'm glad I did as it was a terrific tale.
Danae is a strikingly beautiful young woman whose father has died and unwittingly left her at the mercy of his deranged nephew. She has fled her home and taken up residence in Alexandria, the capital. While fleeing, a Roman warship passes and an incredibly handsome officer is standing on deck. Danae is entranced and so is he.
Upon a future visit to the King, she sees him again and he threatens her. Terrified, she again flees for her life and is captured by a bedoin tribe and held prisoner.
The further adventures of Danae and Lord Ramtat are quite entertaining. There is much turmoil as each has their own secrets and though they have fallen in love, cannot trust the other.
The second half of the book is fast moving and much better than the beginning. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Danae is a strikingly beautiful young woman whose father has died and unwittingly left her at the mercy of his deranged nephew. She has fled her home and taken up residence in Alexandria, the capital. While fleeing, a Roman warship passes and an incredibly handsome officer is standing on deck. Danae is entranced and so is he.
Upon a future visit to the King, she sees him again and he threatens her. Terrified, she again flees for her life and is captured by a bedoin tribe and held prisoner.
The further adventures of Danae and Lord Ramtat are quite entertaining. There is much turmoil as each has their own secrets and though they have fallen in love, cannot trust the other.
The second half of the book is fast moving and much better than the beginning. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 10, 2018
This is a nicely rounded story with a good pace and enough historical interest to keep you reading but there was just something mehhh about it. Ramtat is a good hero but Danae is disappointingly bland. We don't get deeply enough into her head to really get to know what makes her tick. I don't know if it was the setting or the lack of chemistry between the two characters, but it didn't quite gel for me.
August 16, 2014
DNF at 18%
Thankfully free on KU.
Writing style seems like a self pub amateur not a pro like O'Banyon
Initially came out in 2007- maybe it's one of her early books?
I was looking forward to the unusual historic setting
Thankfully free on KU.
Writing style seems like a self pub amateur not a pro like O'Banyon
Initially came out in 2007- maybe it's one of her early books?
I was looking forward to the unusual historic setting
Read
May 28, 2007This book was set in the time of cleopatria. It was okay but I did not really get the feel that the hero and heroine were passionate about each other.
April 22, 2021
Respectfully: this is a very silly book.
First, the heroine is...unreasonably beautiful and perfect and special:
She's also a talented animal tamer, a ridiculously fast runner, and the long-lost heir of Alexander the Great (and Cleopatra's secret half-sister).
The hero is a Roman general, an Egyptian noble...and Bedouin sheikh. Because of course he is.
Also, who tf has sex while sheltering inside a flimsy tent in the middle of a Saharan sandstorm?
LOL, no.
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First, the heroine is...unreasonably beautiful and perfect and special:
No spoken word could pay homage to the beauty that was barely hidden by the thin veil she wore. Her features were delicate, her nose small and well-shaped; her dark brows were black and perfectly arched. She somehow reminded him of a statute he'd once seen of a long-dead queen.
She's also a talented animal tamer, a ridiculously fast runner, and the long-lost heir of Alexander the Great (and Cleopatra's secret half-sister).
The hero is a Roman general, an Egyptian noble...and Bedouin sheikh. Because of course he is.
Also, who tf has sex while sheltering inside a flimsy tent in the middle of a Saharan sandstorm?
LOL, no.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
September 13, 2022
This was a wonderful story
I really enjoyed this tale of a time long ago, and tho it is not based on fact, but purely on fiction that didn't detract from it. Included in the story were Julius Caesar, Ptolemy, and Cleopatra, so it had some of their real past mixed into the fiction to good affect.
I found this story really entertaining and great fun to read. The characters were interesting, especially Danaë, who is the main character.
A great story to get lost in on a sunny afternoon, with a glass of something fresh and cool, and a bit of shade to read in.
I really enjoyed this tale of a time long ago, and tho it is not based on fact, but purely on fiction that didn't detract from it. Included in the story were Julius Caesar, Ptolemy, and Cleopatra, so it had some of their real past mixed into the fiction to good affect.
I found this story really entertaining and great fun to read. The characters were interesting, especially Danaë, who is the main character.
A great story to get lost in on a sunny afternoon, with a glass of something fresh and cool, and a bit of shade to read in.
May 22, 2020
Fun story but the romance left a lot to be desired. The characters were in love simply because the author said they were. That aside, it was a fun read with Cleopatra and her brother, Caesar, a princess/slave royal animal trainer, and sex in a sandstorm.
August 28, 2019
Very enjoyable
It was a simple love story. I like the passion and commitment of the story. It is something rarely seen today.
It was a simple love story. I like the passion and commitment of the story. It is something rarely seen today.
December 15, 2019
Good one
January 18, 2021
WOW
I loved it!!! I can't wait to read more from this author. I live reading about things like this. Next book, here I come.
I loved it!!! I can't wait to read more from this author. I live reading about things like this. Next book, here I come.
March 2, 2017
Like the history mixed with romance in it.
I would recommend this to my friends who likes romance and history in it. Looking forward to another one story
I would recommend this to my friends who likes romance and history in it. Looking forward to another one story
September 11, 2016
I read this in a day and this is actually my second time reading it.
The main character is feisty, a strong girl that is sometimes weak. She knows when to be weak, when to be strong and tends to be very stubborn even when her life is at stake but she does not let go which is great because it shows the character's build has consistency. I like the family feel she has with some of her slaves.
The story is fast paced. I specially like the wild animals in it. There isn't really an specific antagonist, just certain characters with bad intentions. It is a soft read yet amusing. Recommended for someone that is seeking romance but doesn't want to read anything heavy.
The main character is feisty, a strong girl that is sometimes weak. She knows when to be weak, when to be strong and tends to be very stubborn even when her life is at stake but she does not let go which is great because it shows the character's build has consistency. I like the family feel she has with some of her slaves.
The story is fast paced. I specially like the wild animals in it. There isn't really an specific antagonist, just certain characters with bad intentions. It is a soft read yet amusing. Recommended for someone that is seeking romance but doesn't want to read anything heavy.
October 16, 2013
I swear this book almost killed me. The lead girl, Danaë, was just Little Miss Perfect through the whole book. The lead guy, Ramtat, was straight up bi-polar (of course, so was Danaë so they really made an excellent couple). I just...I can't believe this got published. It was so boring and you knew what was going to happen days before it actually happened. And the ending seemed set up way to easily that there's no way it could happen in real life. Almost a deus ex machina ending.
April 2, 2014
I love a good Egyptian romance. And this one was a true pleasure to discover.
Ramstat and Danae are perfect for each other, full of life and passion, very set in their own way but sharing a chemistry like no one else. The fact that some very interesting bits were added, the big cats ( I want my own Obsidian!!!!), the plots between Cleopatra, Ptolemy, Caesar... made this book all the more original and exciting to read.
Ramstat and Danae are perfect for each other, full of life and passion, very set in their own way but sharing a chemistry like no one else. The fact that some very interesting bits were added, the big cats ( I want my own Obsidian!!!!), the plots between Cleopatra, Ptolemy, Caesar... made this book all the more original and exciting to read.
June 8, 2016
Interesting story, at times the heroine frustrated me because she failed to see that she was sabotaging herself. There wasn't a lot of depth to the writing or the story but it was entertaining and a quick read. It will satisfy a craving for romances set in Ancient Egypt. If you really want a fantastic book on Egypt/Cleopatra check out Margaret George's book Memoirs of Cleopatra.
September 7, 2011
This book is great just for it's time period. So few romances are set in ancient Egypt that the beauty is all in the time period. The secondary romance of the infamous queen adds a spice to a rather plain book. While the plot is interesting in its historical details the writing itself is a little flat.
June 13, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I enjoy stories based on history, and this one was right up my alley. I remember reading about Caesar and Cleopatra and the time period. This novel was very well written and is how things could have happened at that time. The characters were very interesting and I am glad that Danae got the desires of her heart. This is a very good book.
January 15, 2016
My new favorite romance writer
This book was pretty good. not to over the top with the lovely doveyness. I liked the setting in ancient Egypt. It made the story different but good. Can't wait to read more from this author.
This book was pretty good. not to over the top with the lovely doveyness. I liked the setting in ancient Egypt. It made the story different but good. Can't wait to read more from this author.
March 21, 2009
Possibly one of the greatest romance/ history novels I have ever read! I am sad now that I have finished it and wish that there could have been more. I give it 5 starts!!!
September 7, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down.
September 16, 2013
A good enough read, some parts interesting. I'll read more by this author!
December 27, 2016
I love the way that O'Banyon writes! This story is one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews