Interview with a Roman Hunk

In preparation for the release of Healer of Carthage, the first book in THE CARTHAGE CHRONICLES series, I invite you to time travel. Come away with me and meet some of the cast of this against-all-odds, adventure story.

Sample Roman toga, but this guy doesn’t do Cyprian justice.

Today, I’m proud to introduce Cyprianus Thascius, a wealthy Roman lawyer who had no idea how one little decision would change his life.

Here he comes now. He’s the one with the chiseled features of an aristocrat and a form-fitting toga draped over his shoulder. That’s about all I can tell you about his body because he seems to have a woman slung over his shoulder and it’s all he can do to keep her from clawing his eyes out.

Me: Excuse me, Cyprian.

Cyprian: Are you speaking to me, pleb?

Me: Twenty-first century people aren’t usually so easily classified. Unless you count the differences between upper class and middle class and then there’s—

Cyprian: As you can see, I’m a bit indisposed at the moment. (He clamps his brawny arm around the woman’s flailing legs.) Rescuing this hellcat is taking more time and energy than anticipated.

Me: Well, obviously you have a big heart.

Cyprian: Why must a headache be the reward for my generosity? (He tightens his grip.) She screeches like one of those foul parrots Aspasius keeps caged in his palace.

Me: Trust me. This risky undertaking is so going to be worth it. But you won’t appreciate the spoils of your venture until you get her cleaned up. That’s how these stories work.

Cyprian: She is untamed and reckless, not the least bit civilized.

Me: Makes her even more irresistible doesn’t it? (I can’t help but smile at the doubt crossing his face.)

Cyprian: Maybe in your imagination. Never in mine.

Me: We shall see. I brought you into this world. I can take you out. (I can see that he understands my meaning.) By the way, your name is a bit unusual so I think I’ll end by giving them a little pronunciation help. In my mind, Cyprian is pronounced Sip-re-un.

Cyprian: Obviously you are not Roman.

Healer of Carthage releases March 4. Available for preorder NOW.