Ancient Ties by Jane Leopold Quinn has much going for it. History, time travel and a hunky Roman Commander Marek Benin Verus whatever is a modern girl to do? Janney Forrester had no idea the Roman world in Britain could be so breath taking. Having gone to England in the present day taking a vacation to work on getting over her heart break from a divorce, who knew it could land her in an England that only existed in 161 A.D. Then there is Marek who has devoted himself to the Roman cause after the death of his beloved wife. Enter in two of the Roman Gods, Venus and Mars. Venus herself is the one who decides they are perfect for each other, and as she is the Roman Goddess of Love she would know.

Ancient Ties brings the Roman world of Bath, England to life in a wonderful love story. Marek and Janney are two people hurting from the hard emotional knocks that life can give and are brought together in 161 AD by the Goddess Venus. Marek is watched over and manipulated by the God Mars because he is a Roman soldier and Commander. Venus decides that Marek has served Mars well and should be given love in his life. Here in enters Janney Forrester. While traveling around Bath, visiting the museum there on the Roman occupation, she finds herself traveling down a small side road. At the end of it she finds the ruins of a Roman Villa. Now enters Venus… Venus decides Janney is the perfect one for Marek and sends her back in time to him. Janney must then learn to live in the Roman world. Mars is not a very happy God with Venus’ manipulations with his soldier. Being the God of War he wants Marek back fighting the Celts.

Jane Leopold Quinn’s Ancient Ties is a historical romance that breathes life into a time we usually only see in dry, dusty history books. The use of Latin within the dialogues gave a certain sense of authenticity to heighten the realism of being within that world. The relationship Jane Leopold Quinn builds between Marek and Janney seems as real as one you might possibly build in your own life. The secondary characters are well thought out and play important roles within the story line to bring the two lovers together. The love scenes are well drawn out, and at times down right humorous. Whether Venus and Mars are bickering or loving with each other, you would think you were right there with them. Neither God has any trouble in interjecting their thoughts and ideas into Marek and Janney minds. This is a passionate book, that I could not quit reading no matter how late the hour; I had to know how Janney and Marek’s story would end.

Reviewed by: Terri N.