Book Review: Enslaved by Christina Phillips

I love a good historical romance and Enslaved is set during the turbulent years of the Roman occupation of Britain, a real treat for a history buff like myself.

Enslaved throws you straight into the action, bringing together the two characters very quickly. Nimue's independent and courageous character comes across easily as does Tacitus' honorable and generous nature. But all will not go smoothly for them in spite of the electrifying chemistry between them. In order to protect Nimue, Tactitus purchases her - an act of benevolence on his behalf but Nimue doesn't see it as so. Having witnessed many of the horrors of the Roman occupation, she is quick to judge Tacitus as no better than any other Roman - something she fights against for a long time as she grows to learn about him.

Tacitus is gorgeous though not as 'alpha' as I assumed he would be. He is strong, determined and intelligent, and he reveals himself to be strongly principled. He has a real weakness where Niumue is concerned and I never tire of seeing a warrior fall under a woman's spell.

Nimue has a strong sense of duty and is an interestingly confident character. Her seduction of Tactitus made for sexy reading. She struggles with how to do her duty and protect the man that she is ultimately falling for as she realises he is nothing like the callous Roman she thought him to be.

Though the story begins and ends with action, for the most part the drama comes from the push and pull between the characters. Well written and crafted, Ms. Phillips draws you into their world and I could easily picture their surroundings without being bored by tons of description. I hungered desperately for them to come to an understanding, to bridge the divide between their cultures but I must admit for a few moments I wasn't even sure if it was going to happen, leaving me biting my nails for quite a few pages!

The sexy scenes are erotic, almost coarse sometimes, but insanely sensual and at its heart - as I feel it should be with any erotic romance - very romantic. Their first moment together is born of really strong chemistry but you can see the budding romance and it makes for some very powerful moments. The scenes are definitely not just about sex and focus beautifully on the human connection while making for erotic reading.

If you enjoy historical romances with some steam, you are sure to to enjoy this and I would expect most romance readers to enjoy it. Although the setting is gripping and enthralling, Ms. Phillips manages not to dictate a history lesson to the reader but simply draws you in, allowing the focus to stay on the two most important people.

Definitely recommended for lovers of great writing, well-fleshed out characters and hot, beautiful romance.

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Captured by her sworn enemy…

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion she’s determined to escape and complete her covert mission for her beloved goddess, to eradicate the invaders from her land.

A warrior tortured by his past…

But the tough soldier who captures her is far from the brutal barbarian she expects. Instead, Tacitus turns all her prejudices inside out, and it’s hard to remember he’s her enemy when she craves his touch more than her next breath. Her first loyalty is to her goddess, and she can’t afford to forget it.

A betrayal that will cost them everything…

Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. Though enslaving her goes against his heart, it’s the only way he can protect her. As a fragile trust grows between them, he believes they can have a future together. But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal, his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.