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Caerwin and the Roman Dog

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In one day’s time, Caerwin’s life changes forever. Everything she knows is lost in a bloody battle—her family with its network of kinsmen, her home at the bustling hillfort of western Britannia, her ancient way of life as a Celt. Reeling in shock, her wrists and ankles bound, she faces the man responsible.

She spits at his greeting and vows to kill him.

Marcellus, commander of Rome’s Legion XIV Gemina, spares this fiery young beauty from the slave traders who take away survivors of her tribe. War hardened and even more inured by Imperial Rome’s dissolute ways, he’s drawn to her innocence.

He wants her. He’ll make her his no matter what it takes.

278 pages, Paperback

Published November 10, 2015

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About the author

Lizzie Ashworth

38 books122 followers
Until recently, sex scenes in most books erupted behind closed doors. Why? Why was (and still is in some venues) it acceptable to describe the details of violence, hate, fear, anger, and greed, but not the details of touch, desire, and love? I feel fortunate indeed that now sex scenes keep the bedroom door open, show readers the tingle of flesh, and follow through to the heavy breathing, sweaty finish. It's about damn time.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,347 reviews373 followers
December 6, 2015
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent attention to detail. Luxurious settings and realistically woven plot.
Caerwin and Marcellus take you on a journey in ancient Rome.
Caerwin is captured by the Romans and taken as a slave for their leader's pleasure.
Marcellus sees something in the wild young woman and he is set on making her his. When kindness doesn't move her, he realizes that he must use other means.
Caerwin is determined not to give in to the handsome Roman but as they get closer, that seems like an impossibility.
The author takes her readers on an amazing journey of passion and war. The description of settings and culture is captivating. Every little detail has been well researched and I think this is great for historical romances.
Caerwin is young and at times quite stubborn, while Marcellus is mature and realistic as a Roman legate. The only thing missing for me was the sizzling romance which I think is underdeveloped on purpose since there seems to be another book to our couple's story. There is heat and lust but the romance is not so prominent in this book. At least for me. I am very curious about where the author will take us from here.
If you are looking for something different and realistic, then this is for you.



****4 Stars****
564 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2015
This is the first time reading anything by Lizzie Ashworth and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story. This author has excellent details for setting this realistically plot up for this story. The journey that Caerwin and Marcellus takes us on in ancient Roman is excellent and make's it feel so real. Poor Caerwin is captured by the Romans and put into slavery for their leaders pleasure. As for Caerwin , when Marcellus sees Caerwin he sees something in her ,more when being young and beautiful , but something that make's him want her for his own. But when his kindness doesn't move her ,then he must use other means. But deep down Caerwin is determined to fight his attraction and not give in to the handsome Roman leader.But it seems as they get closer everything seems impossibility to do. Lizzie Ashworth takes us the readers on a journey of passion and war that will leave you breathless throughout the whole story. Her description of the action and of the culture are so great and will captive you with every word, and her details has been well researched for this historical Roman romance. Caerwin character is well written and she is young but very strong willed and stubborn. And as for Marcellus he is very mature and really realistic on the other hand. I could go on and tell you more about this story but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this great story , you won't be disappointed

Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,087 reviews149 followers
November 24, 2016


**** 4 Cranky stars ****

Set in Roman times, Caerwin's land has been invaded. Taken captive by the commanding Tribute, she is at his mercy locked away from the world she was ripped from. Can she find away to escape or does she even want to?



Marcellus wanted her from the moment he saw her on the battle field ending the life of one of her own. Her bravery was beyond that of a typical woman. Could he tame her and teach her the ways of the Roman's , bring her to worship their gods, and live the customs of his people?



I give this book 4 Cranky stars only because I would have loved to see the POV of Marcellus. Other than that, this book was amazing. The author knew her history of ancient Rome and blended it very well into her story. You fell in love with each one of the characters over and over again even when you would love to hate them. I totally recommend this book for the true reader that loves romance with a touch if history.
523 reviews13 followers
December 25, 2015
I loved this book! I can honestly say that the only thing I didn't like was the title. Well, that and the fact that the sequel has not yet been written. I am going to pass this around to my friends because I know they will love it.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,628 reviews31 followers
January 27, 2016
Title:Caerwin and the Roman Dog
Author: Lizzie Ashworth
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Release Date: 11/4/15
Genre(s): Historical Romance
Page Count: 278
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Set in 47 AD, the story centers on a young Cornovii princess—Caerwin—who watches from the rocky battlements of her tribe’s hillfort as Rome’s legions approach. Devastation ensues as the Roman phalanx crushes Briton’s valiant warriors. Captured and held in Roman camp, she faces Legate Marcellus Antistius who makes it clear she will submit to his demands. In spite of her resistance, he forces her pleasure. She begs to die.

Caught between his increasing infatuation with this Briton princess and the demands of his military command, Marcellus must come to terms with his past.

A fiery novel of domination and submission, this historical romance follows Caerwin as she refuses to come to terms with her new reality: life as she knew it is over. Forever. In its place stands a man she can never love.


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description

Caerwin and the Roman Dog by Lizzie Ashworth was a great 4 star read.
Historical Romance, Hot Alpha, Strong Female

“Submission is the condition of defeat”

What a great historical read. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

This is Caerwin’s story told in her POV. The book starts out by immediately pulling you in with Caerwin trying to flee after her brother and his soldiers have been defeated by the Romans.

She finds herself being taken by the Roman’s and becomes Marcellus’s slave. He is drawn to Caerwin and is determined to make her his. He tries to be nice to her regardless of how it looks to his soldiers, until one day he breaks and really shows her how a slave should be treated. This really opens up her eyes.

The way the Marcellus treats Caerwin’s body and shows her certain pleasures I so badly wanted to see more intimacy from him. Although we discover some secrets the he carries, which explains his restraint. My heart broke during a horrific scene involving Caerwin. Would she be able to move forward from it or is she broken?
“You are the bright light in my life, Caerwin of the Cornovii, the one true person I can depend on.”

There are so many great twists to this story. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. Could this girl not ever catch a break? The book does end in a cliffhanger leaving you wondering what is coming next? Will Caerwin finally escape or will her love for Marcellus be her end? Thank you Lizzie Ashworth for a great read, I can’t wait to see whats next.
There were some scenes, that may be a trigger for some, 18+ read is suggested.

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
AMAZON ASIN: http://www.amazon.com/Caerwin-Roman-D...
Profile Image for Kristina.
258 reviews73 followers
November 9, 2015
Caerwin and the Roman Dog is a unique and enjoyable tale. Ashworth is a great storyteller and I very much enjoyed her writing. I have always been fascinated by the Romans and jumped at the chance to read this story.

I love stories that include actual historical details and extensive research. It makes the story both more authentic and more enjoyable because the situations the characters face are believable, if not accurate for the time period. Combine the facts with bits of fiction and it usually makes for a fascinating story. I very much enjoyed the addition of Latin throughout the novel. Including that took the story to a new level. I did not look at the glossary until the end, so I was confused like Caerwin in the beginning and had to learn what the words meant through explanation or context. That helped me connect with her character. I loved the addition of the glossary of terms and author's note at the end.

Because the story deals with darker topics such as rape, slavery and war, and can be dark at times, I was surprised at how much I liked this story. Those hard topics are never glossed over. The story is gritty and raw and that is what made it so much different than any other book I have read. I enjoy the honesty of the story, even when the characters are faced with bad circumstances.

The relationship dynamics between the two main characters was very interesting to watch play out. Caerwin is feisty, yet submissive. You can't help but feel for her throughout all the hell she is put through. Marcellus is captivating. It's no wonder that Caerwin began to fall for him, even as his slave. I was not sure at how I would feel about him as a character at the beginning of the novel, but as he softened toward Caerwin, I softened toward him. I found the idea of a Roman officer slowly falling in love with his captive very romantic.

There are some erotic elements in the story. Though I am not normally a fan of that sort of thing, I think it worked well in this book. It helps to define their relationship through the story- first they are joined in lust, and then with love. The erotic elements are perfectly balanced with other aspects of the book. It is rich with history, battle scenes and a great deal of character development.

I am so glad there will be a second book, so I can spend more time with these characters and time period. After the cliff hanger at the end of this novel I am anxiously awaiting to see what happens between Caerwin and Marcellus after they are reunited. Though the romance only happened toward the end of the novel, I think their story has the potential of becoming a truly beautiful love story.
Profile Image for JB's Book Obsession - Jennifer.
463 reviews19 followers
June 14, 2016
Caerwin is a young Cornovii princess who watches as her brother and village warriors are brutally taken down by Rome’s legions. The Roman forces overrun her home and capture all the survivors. She is sure she will either be killed or made a slave by the Roman dogs. To her surprise the Legate Marcellus Antistius seems to have taken a liking to her and has decided to keep her as his personal slave. She resists his advances and begs him to kill her or she will kill him. When Marcellus begins to show her kindness and affection Caerwin becomes confused by emotions she never expected to feel for the enemy. He trusts her and shares some of his past secrets with her. But he’s the enemy she can’t love him she must escape, however escape may be her biggest mistake.

I enjoy a good historical romance but since they usually are long and have a lot going on I am very picky about the ones I read. I had forgotten that I asked for this ARC back in December, I was kindly reminded and so I decided to dive in. I was pleasantly surprised and was unable to put it down. I was reminded constantly of the HBO show Rome that I used to watch and loved. The attention to historical details was amazing, transporting the reader to a time in history when Rome ruled supreme. At the same time giving us a love story like none other.

Caerwin is a young woman proud of her Cornovii heritage refusing to bow down to the Romans dogs. One Roman in particular may be more than she anticipated. The friendship that builds between captive and captor was beautiful to behold. At times I was frustrated with Caerwin’s naiveté and stubbornness but understood her age and position. Marcellus’ mysterious past was intriguing and certainly kept me guessing as to what he was hiding. I love Marcellus right away he was a warrior but I felt like he was just looking to be loved and felt trapped in the life he was handed.

Caerwin experiences kindness at the handsome Marcellus’ hands mostly—unfortunately there are times that he feels the need to discipline her in order to save face with his men. I felt like he didn’t want to do it that he would rather cherish her. There are also a few violent things that happen to Caerwin that I felt were written with care and played into the story well not just violence for the sake of shock value.

Caewin and the Roman Dog has a major cliffhanger I have no problem with those but I will anxiously await the next book. I understand the author is currently writing it I am sure a lot goes into an epic story like this one. If you love historical romances that take you to another time this is a really great one to read.

RECEIVED AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Profile Image for Kelsey McKnight.
Author 21 books148 followers
October 25, 2016
We meet Caerwin in the midst of a battle against the Roman invaders. The Cornovii princess is initially safe, but when she enters the fight to help her menfolk, she is captured and her home falls around her. She is taken as the prize of a commander named Marcellus, who keeps her safe from the other men, but only so he doesn’t need to share the beautiful young woman from being spoiled before he can take her himself. But he treats her well, as well as a slave can be treated, giving her fine clothes and a servant of her own. Marcellus also doesn’t force her into his bed. But he still lead the army that killed her people, and put her own mother into chains, taking her away from Caerwin forever.

The pair begins their travels with the army, away from Caerwin’s home. And as her feelings towards her Roman master flutter between hatred, respect, and fondness, she is torn between the blood ties of her past and the hope of her future.

This book was the first one I’ve read that was self-published, but error free. Ashworth has meticulously cleaned her work and left it a smooth read without missing punctuation or jumbled word. There are some professionally published works that aren’t that clean. Caerwin is likable and you find yourself really rooting for her, especially when she throws zinging one liners in Marcellus’s face.Speaking of Marcellus, be prepared to hate the shit out of him and hope Caerwin stabs him in his sleep. This novel is gritty, harsh, and full of real historical acts that aren’t for the faint of heart. This isn’t a heaving bosom romance full of roses and accidental meetings in Seattle coffee shops, it’s one founded in bloodshed and a mutual desire to live.
Profile Image for Sportochick.
510 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2015
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by this book because I wasn't interested in the era of Roman wars and debauchery but....... the author does a phenomenal job of literally sucking you into this storyline.

She gives such rich descriptions and vivid details throughout the book that before you know it the book has ended and you want more. She weaves us through a world that is basically unknown to us except via our history books making it engrossing.

The love hate relationship between Caerwin and Marcllus was thought provoking causing the reader to consider that it is possible to hate what the person represents but love the person hidden inside. I do want to warn readers that there is some M/M relationships discussed which was common of that era as well as forced sex also prevalent during war and the Roman era.

Though I wasn't happy with the ending because cliff hangers drive me crazy it was well written and unexpected. I can't wait to read the next book because I really want my HEA for this couple. I give this 4 stars for it's ability to have me rethink reading this era and really enjoying it.

A COPY WAS GIFTED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

VISIT MY BLOG FOR MORE REVIEWS: SPORTOCHICK'S MUSINGS
Profile Image for Love Africa Book Club.
449 reviews23 followers
December 7, 2015
Every once in a while I want to read a story that takes me back to a different time and place rich in culture and history. This book provided me with such an escape. I really enjoyed the lush descriptions of an era long ago. While I'm not a scholar of Roman history, this story certainly immersed me in a time that was both beautiful and brutal. Yet among all the ruthless machination of the Roman army, romance seemed to flourish. The is a story about war, about conquerors and the conquered.

I have to admit I liked Marcellus right off the bat. Yet he was a fierce conqueror, but he was also a compassionate man, even if Caerwin didn't see it. In fact I think he was too compassionate for his own good. While I liked Caerwin's strength and determination at first, I quickly lost my patience with her as she came across as immature and petulant sometimes. The erotica is done well and I loved the interaction between Caerwin and Marcellus.

On the whole, the historical detail and intrigue surrounding what would happen next kept me turning the pages. But then after 320 pages, I get to the end and find out it's not the end. It's a cliffhanger. And I'm not a happy bunny. Still a good read.

3.5 Lovebites
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,354 reviews25 followers
September 20, 2016
Caerwin is standing at the top of the village when we see her, watching the Roman Army approaching. She's talking to others when she starts to realize how many more Roman soldiers there are compared to the Cornovii warriors. What happens that day? What happens with Caerwin and the other women and children from her people? Why does she get dirty looks from the others when they're at the encampment? Who is Marcellus? Who is Antius? What is Senna to Caerwin? Who is SIlverus? What dastardly plans does he seem to have in the works? What does Caerwin suspect when Marcellus has to ride out with Scaplua and the other men? When Marcellus returns, what has happened had me worried. This book is a very interesting look at what life is like for Romans, war, slaves, Britanians of all groups, etc. I am not going to say anything more about the book for fear of spoiling something. I cannot wait to start on the second book.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Profile Image for WTMO Words Turn Me On.
60 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2015
I cannot even begin to express just how wonderful this author is. What she does with words is simply magical. Historical fiction is not my genre of choice typically, but I could not put this book down, I HAD to find out what was going to happen next. This story had me emotionally invested from the very beginning, I felt Caerwin’s pain and it rarely happens that an author has me connected to the characters in the first chapter. This author is truly a talented artist. No matter what your usual genre is, I HIGHLY recommend giving this book a chance, it is absolutely amazing and I CANNOT wait (you hear that Ms. Ashworth?) for the next book to be released. I give this book 5 stars with 4 hands down the pants
19 reviews
November 10, 2015
Ms. Ashworth has created a complex tapestry of characters all set against a well-researched (based on my basic knowledge of the conquering Romans) backdrop. I continue to applaud her ability to mix history with eroticism so aptly. If you normally balk at anything in the romance genre this may be the novel for you, as it reads as mainly historical with appropriate touches of sex (which is to say it’s not sex just for the sake of it). As always Ashworth has created very believable characters that keep you turning the page.
Profile Image for Prismseven.
367 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2015
I received an ARC of this historical romance in exchange for a honest review.

The story was a wonderful tale of ancient roman war and the conquest of a slave's heart. The historical details are unique yet still hold some true historical facts. The characters have a realistic feel without being to overwhelming. Nice overall read that combined several different types of sexual interactions within the context of a slave/master role.
Profile Image for Frances  Hughes.
447 reviews
January 7, 2016
Great Story

Absolutely wonderful story set in Britain under the Romans. Clearly well researched . I found the character of Marcellus was really interesting and though Caerwin was a little petulant she was only 17 and will hopefully mature.
Two minor gripes- awful title and abrupt ending !
1 review
November 11, 2015
This is a must read book! I admit the first few chapters start off slow, but its so worth it to push past. The two main characters have such strong personalities and after awhile you start to cheer them on in some areas and want to slap them in other cases. I am very glad to have read this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
683 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2015
FABULOUS, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!! Can't wait for the next one!!!


Profile Image for Confessions_of_a_Serial_Reader.
373 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2016
I have always had a love for historicals. As I started to read the story of Caerwin and Marcellus I was intrigued. Right away I was sucked into the plot. It stayed that way for roughly a quarter through the book. I didn't rightly care for Caerwin. I felt for her plight of being captured and having all that shes known taken from her, but she took her insolence to extremes at some points. Marcellus as a leading man, wasn't entirely impressive.

After a bit of reading the plot became very busy. To the point where I was tempted to start skimming. I didn't do this, because it wouldn't be fair as a reviewer. So I plodded on. I made it all the way to the end only to be very disappointed that it did, in fact ended in a cliffhanger.

This is my confession: Although I am interested in Caerwin seeing the error of her ways, I'm not to certain I will be waiting with bated breath for the continuation.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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