Title: Damon's Price
Author: Ali Katz
Published in March 2010 by Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60504-946-5
Other Books by Ali: Gato Negro, Glory, The Highwayman
She was an older woman, he was not only a younger man, but her slave. It didn't stop either of them from breaking the law.
Damon Graecus was a valuable asset to her house, her property. Claudia knew he was educated, handsome, and didn't know he was very much in love with his new mistress. She came after the death of her father, a widow with children already grown, but the attraction for Damon was instant, and it took him quite a while to overcome his inherent waryness to approach her in such a manner. He was only a slave, but he ran the estate for her for six months until she could relocate from the port of Ostia. He loved her at first sight, when she came for her father's funeral, a sad and solomn occasion that only showed her strength and character. He was inpressed with her subtle with, her intelligence, and when she finally came to live at Dulcia, her aptitude to learn the business of her father. She had som much going for her, and yet she seemed sad, lonely, set apart from the life around her.
Damon was bought from a brothel by Claudia's father, and understanding his worth, Lucius used his talents to help Dulcia become one of the most successful estates in the area. With the shipping interests owned and held in trust for her son, Damon knew she was a very wealthy woman in both land, business, and in slaves. He had earned rewards in his time with Lucius, a beautiful mare named Echo whom he desired to breed come spring, and a lot of gold and silver he was saving to use for his freedom. It was not as if he was born a slave, but anger, bad fortune, and jealousy had all but ruined his family, and his sale into slavery was a part of the price demanded to keep the rest of his family free. That part of his life was unknown to Claudia, and he hoped to keep it from her, but that didn't mean he couldn't use the skills taught to him to help her, bring her solace and relief. He would do anything for her, sacrifice all if need be to see his love smile...
Claudia was a woman alone. It wasnot anything she really minded, but it was definitely not fully desired. She did not want a man lording over her anymore, that ws for certain, and her father had seen to that by leaving all to her, and she was now weatlty enough on her own that even her father-in-law could not force her into marriage. She knew Antonius, and it was, indeed, something he would try if he thought he could get away with it. She was extremely wary when dealing with her father by marriage and though she respected him, she did not care for him or his high handed manner in dealing with her. He showed her no respect, not a care for the time and the investment she made to keeping his son happy. He showed no care for her when she grieved Marcus' loss, and demanded she turn over the business to him. She refused, but did allow him to set his own man over the interests to keep them safe for her son.
Apparently the Crassi had another agenda alltogether, and when discrepancies started appearing in tallies, and shipments started turning up not only short but late to the port in Rome, Claudia became suspicious ans started steps to right the wrongs. She had been woring closely with Damon before, but things now escalated. He was bold, determined to help his mistress in any way he could, and as Claudia realized his intent, she balked. What would happen if others found out? It was a crime for a free woman to love a slave, wrong in Rome's eyes, yet it was done all the time. She dared, and who would tell on her? Her slaves were loyal, she did not mistreat them, and she knew they respected her for not getting rid of them when her father passed away. Instead, she provided them with the home they loved, and earned their loyalty and trust above all. Yes, she would have Damon as a lover, and she would learn his price.
ALi Katz has written a very wonderful tale of love, deception, jealousy, and desire. Within the pages of Damon's Price, you will find the story of a forbidden love between Damon and Claudia. Unbeknownst to the pair, there is greed and jealousy in the form of a man named Julius Barba. He is supposed to be a client of her son, a man tursted to help in time of need, but he has other motives. Can Claudia survive Julius' meddling in her affaires? Damon knows something is bothering Claudia. She hs been withdrawn and hasn't called him to her in over a week. He is wondering if it has to do with business, but he thinks he would know if that was a problem. He has been teacing her all he knows, and all he learned at her father's side in order for her to remain in control and successful. It must be something personal, but how can he help if she does not confide in him?
There is so much to Damon's Price that rides below the surface. There is intrigue, manipulation, deceit, and betrayal that leads to an unexpected result. Yet all-in-all, the story is rife with love, hope, and the passion that only a forbidden love can engender. Damon's Price is well written, its characters vivid and real to the reader. It allows to you hate the villain, love ehr heroine, and cry for the hero. It stirs the senses with its sensuality, and yet when the end comes, you wish there was more. This book is available for purchase at Samhain Publishing, and if you want a great read, Damon's Price is a book you should certainly consider. Thanks Ali, for providing us with such an enjoyable read!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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