First published 2005
Chloé toils as a slave on a Roman villa, unaware that the cruel master who owns her is actually her father. Years ago, she was lost to him and grew up in bondage on his own property. Her only comfort comes from Melissa, a fellow slave who knew her mother and tells her stories of Eresós, her mother's Greek hometown. When Aulus, a young Roman soldier, flees banishment and arrives at the villa, disaster strikes. Chloé saves his life, and he falls in love with her despite her slave status. As their relationship deepens, Chloé must confront the rage and bitterness she harbors toward the father who abandoned her. Her journey toward forgiveness becomes the key to healing her wounded soul.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Eresós, Roman Villa
Period: Ancient Rome
217 pages · Paperback · American Home School Publishing (AHSP)
Content warnings: slavery