Timeborne ( Blade of Shadows Book 1): Revamped Edition 2025

She time-traveled to Ancient Rome and ended up owned by a gladiator. This is not how Olivia James planned her week.

Betrayed by the man she trusted and catapulted from 21st-century Seattle into 3rd-century Rome, Olivia discovers she is Timeborne, born with the rare ability to travel across time. Getting home should be the priority. Falling for her brooding, infuriating protector definitely was not part of the plan.

Roman Alexander is a former gladiator, bodyguard to the emperor, and the last man who should be forced to live with a mysterious woman accused of being an enemy spy. He has a brother to find, an emperor to serve, and vengeance to deliver. But the longer Olivia stays at his side, the harder it becomes to ignore the dangerous pull between them—unwanted, forbidden, and growing stronger with every moment they are forced together.

But Olivia didn’t come to Ancient Rome alone. An enemy followed her through time—a darkness that wants her destroyed—and the deeper she digs, the more she realizes her past is tied to secrets far more dangerous than she ever imagined.

Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. Time travel. Ancient Rome. Found family. Slow-burn spice.

Timeborne is Book 1 in the Blade of Shadows series. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing who want their romantasy with a gladiator and a time-traveling heroine who hits back.