Review: The Autumn Review
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 2, 2012
My Summary:Alba is the Domina or mistress of her home, but really defers to her husband for all things. This obedience has left her feeling lonely and unhappy. Her husband often finds comfort in their slaves and doesn't come to her anymore. Alba and her husband, Lucius run a Gladiator school, where they train men to fight. Because of her loneliness and feeling of being abandoned, she begins to have interest in the Champion Gladiator of the compound. One day, the opportunity arises in which she and the Champion, Marcus, have an encounter. Since she is the mistress of the house, she demands he satisfy her needs. She never expected to have the chance to meet with him again, but her husband has other plans.As their familia funds begin to deteriorate, Lucius makes a deal that will secure his family. The problem is, the contributor wants to give his money to a family that has children. Lucius always believed that Alba was the problem, but because his infidelity hasn't produced an heir, the problem seems to be his. So, Lucius comes up with the idea to "mate" Alba with the Champion Gladiators.Even though Alba is thrilled with the possibility of being with Marcus again, she's furious that he is breeding her out without her consent. On the first night of "mating", she's unsure whether or not the Champion that has been sent to her is Marcus or not, because he is wearing a mask. After that time, she meets Caius. It turns out that Caius is her masked mate.As Alba's feelings for both men grow, she discovers that they too have a relationship based on years of friendship. Alba tries to figure out how she can fit into their lives and bring them the same happiness they bring into her life. Will there be room for her? How can they all be happy together with the threat of Lucius' deceitful ways?My Take:Alright, here are the straight out facts, if you don't like erotica or sexy romance novels, stop reading. There's no point. This is one HOT book from start to finish. However, as you can see from my summary, there is a story there as well. I could have gone on more about the actual events of the story, but I don't want to give too much away.It's been a long time since I've read a historical romance. I love history, but have never been to keen on historical romance. So, why did I read this you ask? Well, I do like Roman history, so that was one reason. I mean, did you all watch ROME??? LOVED IT! The other reason, honestly...one of my best friend's, Andrea at The Bookish Babe, got this book as well and skimmed through it one day. She said it was hotter than anything she'd ever read. That sold me right then and there. So, Andrea and I decided to read this book together. We tend to provide moral support for each other.So, what makes this story great? I really did like the actual story behind all the sex. The sex had a purpose. That might sound silly, but it's true. Alba was meant to have a baby, so she needed to have sex. It's true that in Roman society at that time, that sex was freely performed anywhere, anytime, but Alba did have standards for crying out loud. I mean, wouldn't you want to have the hottest Gladiators in the compound? WORDHere's my breakdown on the characters. I loved Alba right away. I felt kind of bad for her. If she had been a woman in today's society, she wouldn't have taken crap from that husband of hers. HATED Lucius. He was a total sleaze. I never trusted him, but you aren't meant to. You aren't supposed to like him. I also detested his personal "guard". YUK! Now for my boys, yes, MY boys. I would take them both and cherish them forever. *who said that?* I fell pretty fast for Marcus. Here's why....he's a ROMAN GOLDEN GOD! Marcus is also the strong, silent type, that actually has a brain. I like and need that in man. Not to mention that he follows instruction well, if you know what I'm sayin'. Then, there is Caius. He's the other ROMAN GOLDEN GOD, but with a sense of humor. He's a bit more carefree, but man is he sexy.On to the smexy. I feel that the best way to describe my thoughts on the sex, is for me to give you a list of instructions.Items to have on hand while reading this book:1. An ice bucket or be close to a freezer.2. Some type of alcoholic bevy.3. A change of panties.4. Something or someone to relieve the......tension.5. Ice, ice, and more ice.6. Your cell phone to phone a friend.7. Have the option of leaving the room to sneak in some "alone time".8. Don't read this while taking your kids to the park, dr's, or waiting in line at the school.9. Give yourself at least 20 minutes before operating a vehicle.10. Read with a partner, so you can gush about all the sexy parts.Why do I give this advice? I give you this advice as a warning. You will be in, what I like to call a "Gladiator Haze". You will not understand anyone or anything around you while reading this book. You will feel faint, light headed, beyond turned-on, and completely unable to understand life as you know it. This story will stay in your mind for days. I'm blushing just thinking about all the steamy scenes.I leave you with this. Keep your eyes out for the following scenes:1. Alba bath2. balcony3. sconces4. candlelight by the sea5. bathtub at the innIs your mind racing yet? Well, it should be. If you like erotic romance, don't walk, RUN to get this book.