In an update post back in April, I mentioned that I’d started a new project. It required a massive amount of research and sort of took over my life. The story that had been playing vaguely in the back of my head for more than ten years finally took shape, vividly.
I’d already begun writing it when I mentioned it before, but now I’m far enough along to have a cover designed (same person who handles the Realm of Zadrya series). I can also announce the release date, which will be October 12th. You’ll get to see the cover much sooner on July 9th, though. I’ve got a sign-up link for anyone interested in participating in the reveal that you can find here: https://forms.gle/4iJQR43XMghh58Eg8
While I’ll go into some other details below, this is the current summary of the novel to give you an idea of what it is about (unless you’ve been paying close attention to my social media posts and already know):
A toxic marriage ending was supposed to be her hardest battle. Falling through time into the blood-soaked sand of ancient Rome wasn’t part of the itinerary.
While a 28-year-old Kansas woman is on a solo vacation to Rome, a mysterious stone hurls her and her rental car through time—dropping them straight into the 1st-century Colosseum amid active games. To survive an unforgiving empire that’d gladly execute her for her chaotic interruption, she must trade her modern life for the brutal reality of a slave. Relying on her raw, farm-built strength, she is forced to master the blade and shield to become a gladiator.
Navigating this world means enduring the raw degradations of Roman slavery—from the dehumanizing body inspections to the predatory whims of the imperial elite. Her fate rests in the hands of two dangerous, contrasting men. In the training dust of the Ludus Magnus, a demanding lead instructor pushes her body to its absolute limits while challenging her with sharp, addictive banter. Meanwhile, a wealthy, enigmatic sponsor offers a shield against the arena’s darkest exploitations, though his own hidden time-travel secrets weave a dangerous web of their own.
Written from the tactical mind of a female combat veteran and history major, A Time of Gladiators and Fate follows the gripping journey of a modern woman who must become a force that ancient Rome fears and admires if she ever hopes to earn her freedom and find a way home.
If you’ve ever wished for a story with Spartacus-meets-Outlander vibes, including the grit, this might be the book for you.
Book releases October 12th, 2026. Pre-order the ebook on Amazon HERE.
TROPES
- Time travel
- Roman Empire
- Gladiator romance
- Banter
- Slow-burn romance
- Reluctant allies to lovers
- Found family
- Fish out of water
- Mysterious MMC
*****************************
Brief explanation on why this setting and year.
So why did I choose 97 CE, given that the Roman Empire spanned many centuries?
Continue reading