A Charioteer’s Promise

With the first draft of A Charioteer’s Promise done, I find myself reflecting on the story I have so far and imagining what it can be shaped into.

Confession time: The Roman Hearts series is completely self-indulgent. I took all the things I love to read and merged them into one series that me, a consumer, would enjoy.

I obviously adore romance—especially the sexual tension. I’m not big on graphic sex scenes, with the exception of a few authors whose “sensual scenes” read like poetry (eg Elizabeth Hunter). Honestly, the phrase “slick folds” makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit every time I read it. I don’t need every body part and sensation described to me to know the chemistry is solid between a couple. Personal preference of course, if you like your reads steamy, then you’re spoilt for choice. I prefer a different type of action; actual action—fighting, chase scenes and bloodied heroes. I handle violence just fine in books (on screen is another matter entirely).

You might have also picked up on my fascination with complex family dynamics and the abuse of power, both frequent themes in my books. And perhaps you’ve figured out I’m not a fan of long descriptive passages. Give me sharp dialogue in its place any day. I’m also fine with crying, as long as I get to laugh too. Sure, break my heart, but at some point the author is going to need to piece it back together.

Did I mention history? Lordy, do I love history. Never in a million years did I think I would become someone who reads historical non-fiction, but here I am, proving my younger self so very wrong. The colosseum was brought to life in A Gladiator’s Oath. Now I bring you chariot racing at the Circus Maximus in all its glory and brutality. My mind is blown wide open by a sport where basically the only rule is first charioteer to cross the finish line wins.

So what’s the premise of the story?

Remember Mila’s sweet younger sister from A Gladiator’s Oath? Well, she’s all grown up, and men are taking notice. Dulcia is an introvert and a people pleaser. She will never admit it, but she’s desperate for her father’s approval. So when Rufus Papias announces he has found her a husband, what’s a young Roman girl to do? Exactly as she is told, right? After all, the story is set during a time when daughters were the property of their fathers. The problem is, Dulcia already belongs to someone else.

The hero of the story is Nero (rhyme alert) who is desperately trying to make something of himself while figuring out where he fits in the world. He tends to learn life’s lessons the hard way, and he is about to discover how messy and all consuming young love can be. It’s worth mentioning that he’s not a fan of Dulcia’s betrothed (surprising, I know).

Manius Liberia is an interesting antagonist because he’s actually a great catch if you’re into that sort of thing. Not only is he rich, but a beloved Charioteer. Sure, he’s a little cocky, but he’s prepared to look past the fact that Dulcia is slaveborn, which is big of him. He’s a somewhat reasonable man—until he’s tested.

Don’t worry, your favourite characters from book one will be making appearances too. Felix is in fine form as the sarcastic sidekick. I also introduce a young widower who was married at age twelve and a vestal virgin who was selected from a noble family at age eight. That’s how my mind processes hard truths from ancient times, by giving those people a voice, not to whine about their circumstances (which are only unusual by our standards), but simply to be acknowledged.

Yes, this series was born of my own tastes and curiosities, but I’m not alone in my reading preferences. A Gladiator’s Oath is proof of that. It might be niche, but it’s finding its audience.

So I head into the second draft of A Charioteer’s Promise with my creative needs satisfied and the bones of a solid story. My job now is to shape it into a love story that readers will inhale. I can’t wait to share it with you in 2019.

Do you read ancient world romance? Why/why not? Let me know below.