Review: Really good, very pleased
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 12, 2014
First a little vocabulary that may help with the reading of this book: Dominus – means master or owner; ludus – holding area for the gladiators, where they live, sleep, eat and train when not in battle; medicus – physician; doctoré – warrior brought in for the purpose of training the gladiatorsCraxus is a greedy, selfish Roman ruler in Fidena. He runs a villa that has a ludus full of gladiators, but because he’s more concerned with his own indulgences, he spends no money or time on proper equipment or training for them. In fact, he doesn’t even assure that they are taken care of like real people, the result being that they all fall into bad health. When Craxus is found dead, his closest (and presumably only) living relative, Caelius is notified of the death and informed that he is now responsible for his uncle’s estate. Prior to leaving his own home in Caere, he sends money ahead with instructions on fixing up the place, but once he arrives and sees that his instructions have been ignored, he begins to take matters into his own hands.Gaidres – whose name was changed to a Roman one, Argon - is a warrior from Thrace, who was captured and brought to Fidena to become one of Craxus’ gladiators. During his capture he has to watch his family, his home, and his love destroyed, and begins to harbor an intense hatred for all things Roman, including Caelius, though he doesn’t even know the man. Caelius works hard to both bring his uncle’s villa back up to snuff and to win over the beautiful gladiator he can’t seem to keep his eyes, or his hands, off of. Unfortunately, the latter is a much more difficult task, as Gaidres is hellbent on killing him. I love Caelius because he is so sweet, patient and understanding when it comes to Gaidres; I love Gaidres too, even though he is so freaking stubborn!There are a few obstacles in the way: Valeriana, Caelius’ self-absorbed wife; and Heriocles, the gladiator no longer fit to fight and is now full of jealousy towards Gaidres. A terrible tragedy near the end (which actually happened in history) makes Gaidres realize that Caelius means more to him than just sex. And ANOTHER near tragedy within the final pages. The result is a really good love story, with just enough drama added in. Oh, and lots of SUPER HOT sex.