Sins and Senators

By Kerry Adrienne

Okay, I will admit it—I love history. I can’t travel anywhere without caressing a column or pressing my forehead against a wall and trying to envision the people who once walked and laughed and lived in that place a hundred, two hundred, or more years ago. My Classical Studies teachers would be appalled to know that while they were lecturing on Hadrian’s wall, I was imagining all those fine soldiers and their—um—clothing. 

I’ve grown to love many characters in the past—especially those who are different than what history would report. In SENATOR, MINE, Darius is a senator who has grown tired of senatorial duties and pomp. He wants seeks a simplicity that in unattainable because of his status in the Empire. Of course, Madam Eve is going to give that to him, and more.

Eleanor is my idea of a great heroine--a little nerdy, book smart, naturally pretty but not vain—and she loves a man in a toga. She tours modern day Italy, checking out all the ancient ruins—and does a bit of shopping, too. I want to be her!

This sets up one of my favorite types of romance—the time travel. They are so much fun to write and also to read.

I absolutely love the 1Night Stand Series and am so happy to be able to be included in the list of awesome stories that have gone before. Senator Mine is book#1 in the All Mine series. Book#2 is Druid Mine, and releases in June 2012.

Please enjoy the blurb and except below and thanks for stopping by!

Blurb:

Eleanor’s dream of a romantic tour of Italy shatters when her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her in Pompeii. Determined to enjoy the once in a lifetime vacation, she enlists the 1NS service. She continues her trip, stopping to buy a small golden signet in a mysterious antiquities shop in Rome.

Darius, a hard-working Senator in Ancient Rome, is puzzled by the Sibyl’s words: You will not find love in your lifetime. Hoping to find a measure of happiness, he agrees to the Sibyl’s quest. In the olive grove, he spots Eleanor, a barbarian wearing his stolen senator’s ring.

A night spent together may be just what they both need to break down the columns of time that stand between them.

Excerpt:

“What is it?” She moved closer to examine the object he held.

“A senator’s ring from the time of Augustus.” He waved the item with a flourish. “A rare and beautiful find, for a deserving young woman.”

The golden circle sparkled in the half-light like the wedding band that shone in her dreams. She tried to control her sharp intake of breath.

“A rather personal memento, wouldn’t you say?”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Indeed.”

“Which senator?” Gorgeous. What a find. Was it legal to take it out of the country? Surely it held historical significance.

“Yes, it can be exported,” the shopkeeper said. “We don’t know who owned the signet, as many records of the Senate at that time were lost, but it has been cleared by the Antiquities Commission.”

She hadn’t mentioned exporting it aloud. Had he read her mind? No, that wasn’t possible. She squirmed. Nothing about the shop or its contents felt normal. One thing was certain. The ring was amazing. And perfect.

“What does the engraving say?” she asked.

“Darius.”

She drew in a quick breath, as a gasp of warm air breezed across her neck, making the hairs stand. She shuddered. I’ve been watching too many old movies.

“As common as the name was at the time, no senators named Darius are on any rolls.” The shopkeeper pushed it closer to her face. “And Madame Eve recommends it. What do you say?”

“How much?” Eleanor whispered.

“Ah.” The shopkeeper grinned. “What price would you pay for a little ring that will change your life forever?”

About the Author:

Kerry Adrienne lives in North Carolina though she pretends she lives in NYC or Rome, depending on the day. She writes sfr and fantasy and loves editing—especially other writers’ stuff. She is also a professional costumer and artist and teaches fiction writing classes at the college level. She’s an Associate Editor for Entangled Publishing. One day she’ll own a cave with electricity, internet access, and a stream.