Palatine Pretense

Rome, 40 AD
Aurora, a virginal young noblewoman, goes to Emperor Caligula's new brothel on the Palatine Hill in order to be 'ruined' so she doesn't have to go through with the awful arranged marriage her father is trying to force her into. She's certain she can find a kind man willing to rescue her from her dire fate by playing along with her pretense.

Quintus is sick of his lonely life. His secrets prevent him from ever winning his heart's desire: A woman who loves him for himself, not just his important family and vast wealth. He goes to the Palatine brothel hoping to find a woman with enough compassion to understand his sensual nature and aching need.

The meeting between innocent Aurora and world-weary Quintus is earth-shattering for both on every level. The physical and mental connection between them is so erotic, Aurora starts to think the unthinkable: To not just pretend to be ruined, but to become Quin's lover in every way.

As their pretense moves from role-play to reality, their love grows with every kiss and caress. But soon their enemies begin to plot against Aurora to separate the young lovers forever.

Aurora discovers the shocking truth about the real reasons for the arranged marriage. As the net closes around Aurora, can Quin save the love of his life before it's too late?

Sensuality Rating
This romance novel contains multiple explicit love scenes between the hero and heroine. It is for mature audiences only.

Word Count=71,124
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About the Author
Jacinta Carey is the author of the popular Starbuck Saga series of historical romances, The Ravishing Romans series, The Wild Heart series, and The Gordons of Gretna series. She majored in English, History and Classics at college. She loved to cook for her huge family, and adores cats.
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A Note from the Author
One of the best things about writing this book and series as a whole was just how similar our own modern world actually is to the ancient Roman one in many respects. Falling in love is universal, no matter the time, place, and culture. Almost all of our Western traditions related to marriage actually come from Ancient Rome! So escape from streaming and social media, to the sensuality of Roman baths, luxurious foods and fabrics, and the vivid connection between two lovers who never have to text each other....

Fun Fact
The Palatine Hill was the richest and most exclusive area to live in Ancient Rome. It's where we get the word 'palace' from.