If you are fairly new to the study of Roman history, wait a little while before tackling the original sources. Livy, Tacitus, Suetonius, Plutarch, etc. are fascinating reading, but only if you know quite what to expect. Find a general survey text (like those by Michael Grant) and become familiar with the names, events, cultural references, geography, etc. Without having the background information, primary source materials can make awfully tedious reading.
Many on this thread have recommended Colleen McCollough’s mammoth series of books collectively called Masters of Rome. And well that they should, because there are simply the finest historical novels ever written. Just a couple of things to know, however, before you pick up The First Man in Rome.
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Take notes. Yes, it’s a novel. But there are so many characters, many of whom have nearly identical names, that you will get lost.
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Persevere. There are stretches in the series where things get awfully tedius. To a great extent this is not the author’s fault, because she is relating events that actually happened. There are many things that she would rather have skipped altogether, but had to put in to keep the history accurate.
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Read the glossaries. McCollough has tried to be as true to the actual history as possible. When it becomes necessary for her to divert from the historical record, she will tell you in her notes and explain her reasons.
After you’ve finished these books (this same time next year), move on to I, Claudius.