Blood Before Wine Audiobook By JP Kenwood cover art

Blood Before Wine

Dominus, Book 3

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Blood Before Wine

By: JP Kenwood
Narrated by: Hannibal Hills, Nick J. Russo
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Honorable Mention in the 2019 Rainbow Book Awards!

Conquer. Own. Sacrifice everything.

Gaius Fabius knows a healthy son will secure his claim to the throne of Rome, but his devotion to his illegal Dacian pleasure slave, Allerix, could destroy his dreams of supreme power. Determined to solve the mysterious murder of a dear friend, Gaius searches for clues hidden deep in the palace that threaten his future and his family.

But while he and Allerix share passions in and out of the bedchamber, another assassination sends Gaius and his captured prince back to the vanquished kingdom of Dacia. In order to protect his beloved concubine, can Gaius find the courage to sacrifice his own heart?

Lose. Submit. Betray everyone.

Allerix knows vengeance for the vicious destruction of his homeland is within tantalizing reach, but only if he can convince his Roman master to trust him. When an unexpected ally interrupts his plans, Alle sets aside his lust for revenge to embrace the ecstasy of Gaius’ unbridled devotion.

But a surprise reunion with a childhood friend and an unforeseen return trip to Dacia remind Allerix of all he has lost while revealing the honor and glory that remain to be won. To earn the respect of his surviving kinsmen, can Alle betray the only man he has ever loved?

Dominus is a plot-packed m/m historical fantasy set in ancient Rome during the reign of Trajan (AD 98-117). Blood Before Wine is the third book in this four-book alternative history saga - a tumultuous adventure of forbidden love, humor, friendship, political intrigue, deception, and murder.

©2019 JP Kenwood/JPK Publishing (P)2021 JP Kenwood/JPK Publishing Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Murder Revenge Crime Royalty Heartfelt Witty Rome
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JP continues to weave many threads in this installment - treachery, love, family, politics, immortality, pride - and what they all mean to the large and varied cast of her book, within the setting of the customs and mores of ancient Rome. I'm no historian, but it's been interesting seeing a culture through the lens of Gaius and Allerix's epic love story - both the universalities and the intriguing specifics. The rules that governed everyone in Rome, from senator to slave, put Gaius and Allerix in terrible danger, and yet Gaius cannot give up his Dacian prince, even for the purple.

BBW focuses more on Gaius' ongoing search for his unknown enemy, and the machinations and possible motives certainly made my head spin. JP's inclusion of historical figures and facts lends a plausibility and makes me want to know more about the actual history, but her version of how it all happened is compelling and enthralling. Truth to tell, I really like the fictional characters better!

Hannibal continues to do an amazing job at voicing all the characters in the ancient part of the story, and Nick’s work on the modern “wrapper” has me wanting more of Charlie’s story. Though long, the story moves along at a good clip, with plenty of action and interest. It’s not a romance, but it is an epic love story, and I can’t wait for the finale in Favorites of Fortuna.

The price of immortality

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Listener received this title free

I loved this book. Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo's voices really bring this story to life. With a heir Gaius Fabius it will help secure his claim to the throne. His illegal Dacian Prince named Allerix if his identity is discovered could destroy everything. From Rome to Dacia there will be danger and enemies at every turn. Will Gaius Fabius and Allerix make it out of this alive?

loved it

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Listener received this title free

Once again JP Kenwood tops her previous book in the series, leaving me with the worse book hangover ever! I simply did not want this book to end, knowing that I must wait for the fourth and last book of the series. It becomes clear that master (Gaius) and slave (Allerix) have fallen in love with each other but Roman law limits them in so many ways. Because Allerix is a Dacian noble, Gaius is risking treason possessing him. Though Allerix is missing the tattoos most Dacian nobles possess, someone is aware that Allerix is the second son of a Dacian king. Gaius gets in trouble with the Roman Emperor for killing the man that captured and raped Allerix and is sent to Dacia, of all places. He returns to Dacia with Allerix and both are captured. Allerix is reunited with his countrymen and his father the king. The pacing of the book is awesome as it moves from one scene to another, filled with excitement, adventure, humor, and love. Writing a 'spoilerless' review for this book was one of the hardest things I've had to do in recent years. The entire series is absolutely incredible and I dragged this latest book out as long as I could, knowing the next book will not be released until late 2021 or early 2022. there were some scenes that got replayed more times than I care to admit! Once again, Hannibal Hills delivers an INCREDIBLE performance bringing the characters of Ancient Rome to life and Nick J. Russo provided a welcomely warm embrace at the very beginning and end of the book (the voices of the modern-day folk) as I am very familiar with his work. This book has earned ten stars for performance, story, and overall in my humble opinion. Thanks for a great time, JP Kenwood. Can't wait for book four.

I can't wait for book four! Wow!!!

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Listener received this title free

I love how this series mixes real historical facts and realistic habits and customs of ancient Rome with the romance part of Gaius and Allerix, which is now a love story much more than just erotica (don’t misinterpret, there is still a ton of pure, unadulterated and intriguing erotica, but their relationship has grown beyond just the physical factor).
With this third instalment we are transported into an adventure where Gaius and Alle have to hide, connive and fight to survive and to be together.
The story is well developed, intriguing and absolutely captivating! The only thing I am not one in love with is the fact that I will have to wait months for the next book .
I love the double narration by Hannibal Hills and Nick J. Russo. The fact that Nick narrates the modern portion at the beginning and the end of the book, makes me feel like he is sort of making an introduction, and then I am immersed in this wonderful historical fantasy masterfully narrated by Hannibal, and then I am transported back to reality by Nick’s voice again.

An epic adventure and an epic love.

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Listener received this title free

Wow! And I thought book 2 was exciting! This story just gets better and better! When I began listening to the first book in this series, I had no idea how much I would come to love these characters. As I’ve said before, I’m not normally a big fan of historical romance, but JP Kenwood has me well and truly hooked on this one. This series truly makes Ancient Rome come alive for the reader. And the characters are incredibly compelling, even the side characters. Some of the side characters are so intriguing, I wouldn’t mind if they had books of their own. The romance at the center of this book continues to amaze and ensnare me. However unlikely the pairing at first, the relationship has deepened and grown into something quite beautiful despite everything the world throws at them. The incredible narration just serves to further elevate this already phenomenal story. Both narrators have beautiful, rich tones that never fail to hold my attention. They bring such life and passion to the voices of these characters. I absolutely cannot wait to see how the story continues!

Historical Romance At Its Finest! Superb Narration!

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I’m really enjoying this series. Yes, it’s violent. Yes, there are difficult scenes. Yes, I’m on the edge of my seat wishing for a happy ending yet knowing it’s unlikely. I went into this book believing it to be the last in the series and the ending, although unsatisfying, did have a finality to it. Then I discovered the author is writing a fourth book (which is right in the syllabus, which proves I don’t actually read them). I can’t wait to listen to it.

Allerix, in this book, is still a slave. He’s a prince in his homeland of Dacia but he was captured by the Romans, then bought by Gaius. Gaius wanted to possess his slave, but he’s quickly discovering the relationship is far more than he bargained for. He’s developed feelings for his slave, all the while knowing his wife and mistress are both pregnant with his child. If it is a boy child, it’s likely he’ll be named Trajan’s successor. So much riding on such a small tiny bundle.

A lot happens in this book, which is why it clocks in at just over sixteen hours. I set aside a chunk of several days, knowing I wanted to spend my time, soaking in the ambiance and embracing the historical aspects of the book. There was very little predictable about this story, and I think that’s why I enjoy this series. To see the developing relationship between Gaius and Allerix is drawing me in, all the while knowing a happy ending is not on the horizon. Allerix is destined to lead the Dacians – if he can return to his homeland – and Gaius is destined to lead the Romans – if he can be named successor.

I hungrily await the next book. I’m always impressed with where this author has taken me, and where she has yet to go. On another note, I want to compliment the two narrators. Nick J. Russo bookends the narration as he handles the modern-day professor who has discovered the extraordinary treasure of a dagger, whose story he seeks, even knowing he’ll likely never know everything. Hannibal Hills carries the load of the book, transporting me to Rome in AD107. Like I said, bring on the final chapter and let me see how Allerix and Gaius resolve their lives.

Dominus and his Allerix

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I found these series and I could not put them down. I bet I listen to this like in 4 days. can anybody tell me when the next series is going to happen? this is a phenomenal book

when is the next book coming?

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Listener received this title free

Blood Before Wine delivers more of the intrigue, action, and heat of the Dominus series. As Gaius fights to maneuver himself into position as Emperor Trajan's heir, he finds it more difficult, and all the more important, to hide the dangerous identity of his slave Allerix. Meanwhile, Allerix must face the near impossible decisions of following his destiny or his heart. The superb characters and intricately drawn settings of the ancient Roman empire make this series an un-putdownable read. The audio narration is wholly entertaining and highly recommended.

Disclaimer: I received an audio copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

Superb characters and intricate settings

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