Knowing where to begin is often challenging for a reviewer, and this book was no different. Therefore, I will strive to stay within the confines of the synopsis to avoid including any spoilers.

We first met Duro in Shadows in the Ashes, and I was drawn to his character from that point on. He was billed as a strong Barbarian, but digging deeper and discovering that his driving forces were tied up with family allegiance and loyalty to his friends didn't take long. Gisel had been taken from her family and was being sold as a slave, but Duro couldn’t fight the feeling that he was drawn to the white-haired beauty, and set out to free her, hopefully winning her trust.

In the modern day, Mackenna Jackson was the girlfriend of rockstar, Blue Daniels. That lifestyle falls apart when she discovers him cheating, and she relies heavily on Blue’s bandmate, Jonah. We soon learn that Jonah has been carrying a proverbial torch for her and is fighting strong feelings. Of course, Mac is off limits as she’s his bandmate’s ex, and couldn’t possibly be interested in him.

It’s impossible not to draw comparisons between the couples of the past and the couples of the present day. Descriptively, they are both similar, but it takes their awakening feelings for the symmetry to kick in fully. Whether it’s Duro or Jonah, their attraction to Gisel and Mac was undeniable.
Mixed with the occasional flashback to Roman Britain, the tension builds beautifully.

As the two timelines move toward a hopeful conclusion, the paths are not without obstacles. They must overcome an overzealous slave owner and a vengeful ex-lover. In the present day, obstacles also exist that challenge the possibility of happiness.

I absolutely loved how Christina balanced the two timelines and maintained the parallels in their lives, showing that despite the centuries between them, history can truly repeat itself and provide a love story across the years.

The story starts nearly 2,000 years ago, when the Romans ruled Britain. Duro, was just a young boy when he was whisked away to Rome to become a slave. Twenty years on, and Duro is back in England and he's set on righting some grave wrongs - including rescuing a lady just sold at a slave market. Gisel has no choice but to trust this ex-Gladiator as they trek across the land seeking revenge.

In present-day Bath, Mackenna has also been wronged but this time it's by her rockstar boyfriend (make that ex now). Jonah, her ex's bandmate, isn't happy with how she's been treated and he wants to try and make things right (ok - he's always had a bit of a crush on her). But what's stranger is that the more they get to know each other, the more it seems like they've always known each other. Their sense of deja vu has a distinct ancient Roman feel to it.

I love historical fiction and time-slip/ time-travel can be some of my favourite. It's not often though that you get to travel this far back in time. Christina Courtenay has clearly done a lot of research and has sprinkled this throughout the story. However, although I'm a closet romance reader, I personally found the insta-attraction, and Duro's 'gentlemanly ways' a bit much. This book though still has a lot to offer as a lighter, romantic read.

Christina Courtenay has written a number of time slip novels and her latest develops a storyline from a character (Duro) introduced in her 2024 novel 'Shadows in the Ashes'. The main protagonists from the earlier novel – Raedwald and Aemilia – are mentioned here but do not make an appearance.

The historical storyline is set in 80 AD shortly after the eruption of Vesuvius. Raedwald’s friend and fellow gladiator, Duro, has escaped from the devastated Pompeii to return to Britannia and his Iceni tribe. He had been enslaved following the defeat of Boudica’s rebellion against the Romans and now seeks vengeance on the Roman legionary who not only destroyed Duro’s life, but that of his family. On his journey to find Aulus Julius Felix, he rescues an enslaved German woman, Gisel, and is entranced by her power and beauty. She agrees to join him in his quest.

The modern storyline sees Mackenna Jackson moving to Bath to heal a broken heart. She meets Jonah Miller, a wealthy rock star disillusioned with the celebrity lifestyle, and there is an immediate attraction. As they visit the Roman sites in Bath, both experience flashbacks of an earlier time and an earlier passion.

The story alternates seamlessly between AD 80 and the present day.

Courtenay has written an enjoyable novel of history and romance. The plot is engaging and the two storylines mirror each other to a degree, but not in an obvious or plodding way. It is more a question of the characters visiting the same places and the modern characters experiencing unsettling visions and illusory hallucinations of the earlier time.

Duro is an appealing and compassionate character. His behaviour is considerate and almost gentlemanly – how authentic this is for a member of the Iceni tribe I’m not sure, but I’d like to think so. Courtenay may have done this to counter the Roman attitudes towards the ‘barbarian’ tribes that they so despised. The Romans, on the other hand, are depicted as rapacious and greedy, far less decent and loyal than the British tribes that they have supposedly civilised.

Courtenay has included plenty of helpful explanations for readers not well versed in Roman history and culture – I occasionally found this a little intrusive, but it was also interesting and informative. The recreation of the Roman world was well done and I particularly enjoyed the visits to the Roman Baths and museum in the modern world contrasted with its origins as an ancient temple complex of the first century. The use of the Bath curse tablets in both worlds is interestingly done. Overall, the Bath landmarks and settings – the Pump Rooms, Pulteney Bridge, the antique market – add interest and colour to the plot.

While undoubtedly a historical novel, this is also a romance and the romantic elements of the plot are well handled and include a sprinkling of sexual frisson. The misunderstandings, uncertainties and yearnings of the new relationships are admirably captured, although some of the obstacles are surmounted very easily and remind us that we are in a fictional world of ideals, not the messy world of reality. This is not to say that it is not an enjoyable, escapist read.

I loved this companion book to Shadows in the ashes. The parallel stories of a contemporary rock star and a retired gladiator in Roman times, held me fast. Duro and Gisel; Jonah and Mac. Two couples divided by time but walking in each other’s shoes.

Loved it.

I loved this time travel type of book. Chock full of interesting things about the Romans and a great story as well. A new author for me which I enjoyed immensely. I loved the romance side of things as well as it wasn't too soppy and had a lot of gentle romancing. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.