The Emperor's Assassin by Autumn Bardot Blog Tour with Giveaway :)

The Emperor's Assassin by Autumn Bardot

Publication Date: October 1, 2019

Flores Publishing

eBook & Paperback; 437 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

History paints her as the first female serial killer… Locusta is the daughter of a winemaker in the Roman province of Gaul. She enjoys the indulged childhood of the elite, her concerns only about the day’s amusements. She rides gentle ponies, attends parties, reads Ovid, and learns the herbal arts from her servant. But the day after meeting her betrothed, Locusta discovers the consequences of possessing such dangerous knowledge. Ordered to leave her pastoral life, Locusta is thrust into a world of intrigue, scandal, and murder—where treason lurks behind every corner and defying an emperor means death. Locusta’s life changes forever when a young Emperor Nero requires her herbal expertise. And commands her to be his personal poisoner. Caught in an imperial web, Locusta must embrace her profession or die. Or is there another way out? History paints her as the first female serial killer. Or is she yet another maligned woman in history?

Available on Amazon

***EXCERPT***

“Look how spacious and grand this room is,” said Pricilla when I entered my chambers. “Have you ever seen its like?” She draped a blanket over our coffer of herbs. The room was nothing like Father’s meager guest rooms. The bed was huge, the headboard carved like a lion’s head, the feet shaped into griffin’s claws. It was swathed in silk, even the canopy. A cushioned settee by a wide door offered a fine prospect of the gardens. There were two chests, two tables, and two chairs. All finely crafted. The walls were washed with a pale shade of blue. One depicted a meadow scene. Only the narrow cot meant for Pricilla was less than elegant. “Why are you hiding the herbs?” I patted the covered coffer. “I don’t want anyone to know.” “Our herbs present no dan—” I covered my mouth. She was right. Maybe we shouldn’t have brought them to Rome. But then we wouldn’t have been able to help all those people along the way. In a city where poisoning one’s competition was the most expedient way to gain advantage, a guest with a chest of herbs might arouse suspicion. Pricilla unclasped the broach that secured my stola. “I requested a large bowl of water.” She gestured to the great tub in the corner. “Five servants dragged this in.” “They bring the bath to me. How thoughtful.” “I’ve never seen a household with so many servants. Annona is attended by three.” Pricilla untied the breast-binding leather strap. “Three? I’m not surprised. It must take at least that many to bedeck her with jewels every morning.” “A handmaid told me the evening meal will be served early today because the dominus leaves on urgent business.” I climbed into the basin, which was warm and fragrant with rose petals. “Perfect.” Pricilla picked up my arm, brushed a soft cloth down its length. “You must be careful of every glance and each word.” “Are you trying to frighten me?” “Not frighten, enlighten.” Pricilla glanced over her shoulder. “The servants are hungry for juicy tidbits of gossip. Friendships are precarious. A friend this week may have been a former enemy the month before. Or become a future rival. The Roman elite murder their children, sisters, brothers, wives—anyone standing in their way.” “I know.” I cupped my hands, let the rose-scented water run through my fingers, “Don’t put your trust in appearances.” “I know.” I lifted my leg from the water, wondered why Pricilla thought a vintner’s daughter from Gaul would interest a pack of Roman wolves.

About the Author

Autumn Bardot writes historical fiction and historical erotica. Her debut historical fiction is THE IMPALER'S WIFE. Her debut historical erotica is LEGENDS OF LUST. Autumn, a pen name, has worked as an educator for more than sixteen years. She teaches literature, writing, and the magic of words. She has a passion for history and a special affinity for the unsung courageous females that history has neglected. Or misunderstood. Autumn lives in Southern California with her husband and every-growing family. She wishes she was one-tenth as brave as the women she writes about. Historical Fiction ~ The Impaler's Wife ~ Dragon Lady ~ The Emperor's Assassin ( coming Oct 1, 2019 ) Historical Erotica ( Cleis Press) ~ Legends of Lust, Erotic Myths from around the World ~ Confessions of a Sheba Queen ( coming March 10, 2020)

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Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21 Review at Passages to the Past Tuesday, October 22 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Wednesday, October 23 Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads Friday, October 25 Review at Al-Alhambra Monday, October 28 Review at Red Headed Book Lady Wednesday, October 30 Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit Thursday, October 31 Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective Friday, November 1 Guest Post at History from a Woman’s Perspective Monday, November 4 Review at Jessica Belmont Tuesday, November 5 Feature at CelticLady's Reviews Wednesday, November 6 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books Thursday, November 7 Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog Friday, November 8 Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots Monday, November 11 Review at Books and Zebras Interview at Jorie Loves A Story Tuesday, November 12 Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages Thursday, November 14 Review at 100 Pages a Day Friday, November 15 Review at Broken Teepee Review at Coffee and Ink Review at Jorie Loves A Story Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Emperor's Assassin! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen. The Emperor's Assassin