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The Gladiator's Master
When Roman politician Caelius inherits a stable of gladiators, there is one who captures his attention above the others...one whose eyes gleam with hate, pride and desire.
Forced into slavery by Roman greed, Gaidres can barely conceal his contempt toward his new Dominus. Gaidres has a plan: kill Caelius and end the lineage of the Roman family that enslaved him. For his plan to succeed, he must make a show of respect and obedience--even when called on to service his master's desires.
Gaidres is shocked to learn that in the confines of his quarters, Caelius doesn't want to dominate his slave, but to be taken by him. The sex is explosive as they break society's taboos and, to Gaidres's dismay, they form a tenuous relationship. Even when Caelius learns of Gaidres's plans for revenge, he knows he can't live without his perfect lover. Is he willing to risk it all to tame his gladiator's heart?
88,000 words
Forced into slavery by Roman greed, Gaidres can barely conceal his contempt toward his new Dominus. Gaidres has a plan: kill Caelius and end the lineage of the Roman family that enslaved him. For his plan to succeed, he must make a show of respect and obedience--even when called on to service his master's desires.
Gaidres is shocked to learn that in the confines of his quarters, Caelius doesn't want to dominate his slave, but to be taken by him. The sex is explosive as they break society's taboos and, to Gaidres's dismay, they form a tenuous relationship. Even when Caelius learns of Gaidres's plans for revenge, he knows he can't live without his perfect lover. Is he willing to risk it all to tame his gladiator's heart?
88,000 words
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2011
63 people are currently reading
1922 people want to read
About the author
Fae Sutherland
29 books230 followersFae Sutherland is the award-winning, bestselling author of 30 M/M erotic romance novels - co-authored and solo. She also writes M/F erotic romance under a pen name.
When Fae's not working on new stories to make her readers sweat, she loves website design, spending too much time on Twitter, and watching oodles of Food Network with her beloved life partner. If there's any time left over, it's spent snuggling the cat.
When Fae's not working on new stories to make her readers sweat, she loves website design, spending too much time on Twitter, and watching oodles of Food Network with her beloved life partner. If there's any time left over, it's spent snuggling the cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
March 2, 2014
If you pick up a book and cannot put it down until finished, you know you are onto a good thing...and this is not a short read! If you like m/m romance...that gets your heart pounding, hands sweating, leaves you holding your breath for so long you are in danger of suffering from hypoxia....where you experience such depths of emotion that you are sure your chest will explode with the sadness of it all and your head will come off with anger and frustration, then this is the book for you.
The two main characters in this book are at opposite ends of the scale both socially and emotionally. Gaidres is strong and sexy with a hard body and rippling muscles… he is also a sensual predator with dark passions who is bitter and wants nothing but revenge, the world to him is full of hate and anger. Whereas Caelius is a visionary who is both tender and compassionate, with great character and responsibility, he sees a world full of peace where men are free and happy.
This book builds in intensity, it has action, suspense, romance which is sensual, full of passion and desire and is fraught with conflicting emotions. Together they are awe-inspiring... it’s just beautiful to watch and HOT as HELL! And lets be honest here, who doesn’t love half naked gladiators!!!
The two main characters in this book are at opposite ends of the scale both socially and emotionally. Gaidres is strong and sexy with a hard body and rippling muscles… he is also a sensual predator with dark passions who is bitter and wants nothing but revenge, the world to him is full of hate and anger. Whereas Caelius is a visionary who is both tender and compassionate, with great character and responsibility, he sees a world full of peace where men are free and happy.
This book builds in intensity, it has action, suspense, romance which is sensual, full of passion and desire and is fraught with conflicting emotions. Together they are awe-inspiring... it’s just beautiful to watch and HOT as HELL! And lets be honest here, who doesn’t love half naked gladiators!!!
May 18, 2023
✅ Hate to love
✅ Smut (M/M)
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Pace
🆗 Plot
🆗 Romance in the last 15% of the book
Not a bad book, but it fell a bit flat for me.
Caelius Laraniia has just inherited his deceased uncle’s villa and his ludus (gladiator school). Caelius hopes to further his political status by showing that he enjoys gladiators’ games, even if it’s not true. Upon his arrival, one fighter caught Caelius’s eye: the proud and defiant Thracian named Gaidres. Gaidres hates all things roman, especially the Laraniia family since Caelius’s uncle destroyed Gaidres' villages, killed the man he loved, and forced him into a life of slavery, and he’s vowed to kill every last one of them.
I struggled with this book. The smut is good and the romance is well done, but there is no real plot. The characters don’t really have a goal... Gaidres hopes to have the opportunity to kill Caelius at first, but as their relationship develops I didn’t really believe in his whole “someday I will kill you” speech anymore. Caelius is trying to gain more political power by pretending to be on board with the gladiators' fights, but besides that, he doesn’t seem to have much ambition and we don’t get to see the political aspect of his life. Everything revolves around Gaidres and Caelius’s interactions, the romance just takes all the room and even though I usually love hate-to-love relationships and M/M romance, the plot was missing from this book and as a result, I struggled to get invested in the story.
The big problem between Gaidres and Caelius is their different status and backgrounds. Caelius is a dreamer that wants to live in peace with his people and be free to love whoever he wants, even if it’s frowned upon. Gaidres doesn’t care about love or freedom anymore, he has nothing left to live for and is only waiting for the day he’ll die in the arena. Even though Caelius offers him his freedom, it only angers Gaidres because Caelius doesn’t seem to understand that it’s too late for Gaidres (according to him). Caelius is a sweet and kind Roman who does not take pleasure in violence and makes sure to treat everyone in his household with respect. I liked him much more than Gaidres who was more unidimensional and bland.
This dynamic and conflict between the two men were interesting at first, but as the story moved forward, Gaidres remained stuck in the same place. Sure he didn’t wish to kill Caelus anymore, but he remained stubbornly fixed on his idea that he had nothing to live for and that his place was in the arena until he finally got killed. Even when he realized that he cared about Caelius and when he got a very clear confirmation that the sentiment went both ways, he was sooooo stubborn and frustrating. I rolled my eyes at him many times while reading this book. That is, until the 90% mark where everything becomes a little too sappy and cheesy, it’s just such a drastic turnaround from Gaidres’s attitude in the first 90% of the book that it felt a little weird honestly.
This book is also tagged as BDSM, but it is not. There is a master/slave dynamic, but as explained in the blurb, this dynamic gets reversed in the bedroom, but there is nothing BDSM in Caelius and Gaidres’s relationship. Just some steamy and explicit M/M sex every 15 pages or so.
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✅ Smut (M/M)
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Pace
🆗 Plot
🆗 Romance in the last 15% of the book
Not a bad book, but it fell a bit flat for me.
"The world is cold and cruel and lonely. If we find some respite in each other’s arms there can only be good in that."
Caelius Laraniia has just inherited his deceased uncle’s villa and his ludus (gladiator school). Caelius hopes to further his political status by showing that he enjoys gladiators’ games, even if it’s not true. Upon his arrival, one fighter caught Caelius’s eye: the proud and defiant Thracian named Gaidres. Gaidres hates all things roman, especially the Laraniia family since Caelius’s uncle destroyed Gaidres' villages, killed the man he loved, and forced him into a life of slavery, and he’s vowed to kill every last one of them.
I struggled with this book. The smut is good and the romance is well done, but there is no real plot. The characters don’t really have a goal... Gaidres hopes to have the opportunity to kill Caelius at first, but as their relationship develops I didn’t really believe in his whole “someday I will kill you” speech anymore. Caelius is trying to gain more political power by pretending to be on board with the gladiators' fights, but besides that, he doesn’t seem to have much ambition and we don’t get to see the political aspect of his life. Everything revolves around Gaidres and Caelius’s interactions, the romance just takes all the room and even though I usually love hate-to-love relationships and M/M romance, the plot was missing from this book and as a result, I struggled to get invested in the story.
“Caelius sees what he wants to see, a world filled with peace, where men are free to be happy. You only see a world filled with anger and hate. Neither of you wants to acknowledge that there is room for compromise. The world is neither a paradise nor an underworld. We make of it what we will.
The big problem between Gaidres and Caelius is their different status and backgrounds. Caelius is a dreamer that wants to live in peace with his people and be free to love whoever he wants, even if it’s frowned upon. Gaidres doesn’t care about love or freedom anymore, he has nothing left to live for and is only waiting for the day he’ll die in the arena. Even though Caelius offers him his freedom, it only angers Gaidres because Caelius doesn’t seem to understand that it’s too late for Gaidres (according to him). Caelius is a sweet and kind Roman who does not take pleasure in violence and makes sure to treat everyone in his household with respect. I liked him much more than Gaidres who was more unidimensional and bland.
“Can you give me that undone, Dominus? Can you give me my heart back?”
This dynamic and conflict between the two men were interesting at first, but as the story moved forward, Gaidres remained stuck in the same place. Sure he didn’t wish to kill Caelus anymore, but he remained stubbornly fixed on his idea that he had nothing to live for and that his place was in the arena until he finally got killed. Even when he realized that he cared about Caelius and when he got a very clear confirmation that the sentiment went both ways, he was sooooo stubborn and frustrating. I rolled my eyes at him many times while reading this book. That is, until the 90% mark where everything becomes a little too sappy and cheesy, it’s just such a drastic turnaround from Gaidres’s attitude in the first 90% of the book that it felt a little weird honestly.
This book is also tagged as BDSM, but it is not. There is a master/slave dynamic, but as explained in the blurb, this dynamic gets reversed in the bedroom, but there is nothing BDSM in Caelius and Gaidres’s relationship. Just some steamy and explicit M/M sex every 15 pages or so.
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September 15, 2019
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE NOT HOME! 😁
First of all, I can’t thank my friend “naughty Lyn” (she said so herself and I quote .. 😂) enough for recommending me this book. I have never read any of Fae or Labbie’s works and I regret that I didn’t discover these authors sooner. This book is hands down one of the best books when it comes to Roman historical MM romance. 👏 This was such a delicacy to me and I reveled every minute reading it. 😍
We have two polar opposites MC, Caelius and Gaidres.
Caelius was an absolute optimist and a hedonist. He only saw the goods of the world and enjoy it in anyway he could. When his terrible uncle suddenly passed away, he inherited not only his villa but also a Ludus in Fedena. When he arrived there, the villa and the Ludus, as well as the gladiators who resided there were in ruin. He decided to change the conditions for better and bring Ludus to its former glory. And one fierce gladiator who stared at him in such hatred, rebellious agony caught his eyes. The guy was as fierce as a lion and as beautiful as Jupiter himself. He couldn’t control himself for wanting this man in his bed.
Gaidres was a glorified warrior who was captured by Caelius’s uncle and forced into slavery. He’d lost everything, his freedom, his glory, his honor and most importantly, his love. He’s only breathing for one reason and one reason alone. To kill and finish the cursed Roman family line who forced him into slavery and made him lose everything he once loved.
Yet, when Caelius sent for him to his chambers, Gaidres couldn’t help himself but gave into the bodily pleasures of Caelius. While Caelius was slowly falling in love with Gaidres, Gaidrea still couldn’t let go the wish to murder Caelius. He thought he barely liked Caelius and all they felt between them was just the carnal pleasure of the flesh. And it took him the disaster of nearly losing Caelius to made him realize that he had indeed fallen in love with the soft hearted, gentle dreamer.
The book started off very strong and swept me away off my feet along until the very end. 😍 The passion and sex between Caelius and Gaidres was raw, wild, uncontrolled and acorchingly sexy. 🔥 I have read far dirtier books than this one and yet the bedroom talk of these two lovers made me *blush blush* ☺️ (which all my friends know that this is such a HUGE statement) and melted my heart and made me feel butterflies in my stomach. 🥰 Especially the part when Gaidres gave in after a month of refusing to make love with Caelius, *sigh* 😌 that love making part of that chapter was so raw and wild and extremely erotic. 🔥 Gaidres was such an interesting character. The man was in constant agony of the battle between his heart and his brain. I’m so happy that these two lovers got a HEA they deserved. 💜 And the authors were so clever at manipulating these two to achieve an epic HEA without being illogical or unreasonable. The research they made on this book was very impressive 👏 and I loved every twist and turns of the plot. 😍 I’ll definitely read more works of them and this book is undeniably one of the best books I’ve EVER read. 😌
Favorite excerpt from the book .. 😊😊
“I love you, too. My fear ruined that moment and for that I forever beg your forgiveness. I will not allow my fear to ruin any more. I am yours.” ❤️❤️❤️
5 Am epic love story of a life time stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, I can’t thank my friend “naughty Lyn” (she said so herself and I quote .. 😂) enough for recommending me this book. I have never read any of Fae or Labbie’s works and I regret that I didn’t discover these authors sooner. This book is hands down one of the best books when it comes to Roman historical MM romance. 👏 This was such a delicacy to me and I reveled every minute reading it. 😍
We have two polar opposites MC, Caelius and Gaidres.
Caelius was an absolute optimist and a hedonist. He only saw the goods of the world and enjoy it in anyway he could. When his terrible uncle suddenly passed away, he inherited not only his villa but also a Ludus in Fedena. When he arrived there, the villa and the Ludus, as well as the gladiators who resided there were in ruin. He decided to change the conditions for better and bring Ludus to its former glory. And one fierce gladiator who stared at him in such hatred, rebellious agony caught his eyes. The guy was as fierce as a lion and as beautiful as Jupiter himself. He couldn’t control himself for wanting this man in his bed.
Gaidres was a glorified warrior who was captured by Caelius’s uncle and forced into slavery. He’d lost everything, his freedom, his glory, his honor and most importantly, his love. He’s only breathing for one reason and one reason alone. To kill and finish the cursed Roman family line who forced him into slavery and made him lose everything he once loved.
Yet, when Caelius sent for him to his chambers, Gaidres couldn’t help himself but gave into the bodily pleasures of Caelius. While Caelius was slowly falling in love with Gaidres, Gaidrea still couldn’t let go the wish to murder Caelius. He thought he barely liked Caelius and all they felt between them was just the carnal pleasure of the flesh. And it took him the disaster of nearly losing Caelius to made him realize that he had indeed fallen in love with the soft hearted, gentle dreamer.
The book started off very strong and swept me away off my feet along until the very end. 😍 The passion and sex between Caelius and Gaidres was raw, wild, uncontrolled and acorchingly sexy. 🔥 I have read far dirtier books than this one and yet the bedroom talk of these two lovers made me *blush blush* ☺️ (which all my friends know that this is such a HUGE statement) and melted my heart and made me feel butterflies in my stomach. 🥰 Especially the part when Gaidres gave in after a month of refusing to make love with Caelius, *sigh* 😌 that love making part of that chapter was so raw and wild and extremely erotic. 🔥 Gaidres was such an interesting character. The man was in constant agony of the battle between his heart and his brain. I’m so happy that these two lovers got a HEA they deserved. 💜 And the authors were so clever at manipulating these two to achieve an epic HEA without being illogical or unreasonable. The research they made on this book was very impressive 👏 and I loved every twist and turns of the plot. 😍 I’ll definitely read more works of them and this book is undeniably one of the best books I’ve EVER read. 😌
Favorite excerpt from the book .. 😊😊
“I love you, too. My fear ruined that moment and for that I forever beg your forgiveness. I will not allow my fear to ruin any more. I am yours.” ❤️❤️❤️
5 Am epic love story of a life time stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 6, 2024
This book has a fascinating, and very hot, premise.
Caelius wants to do the right thing; meanwhile Gaidres wants to kill Caelius and his entire family.
The intimacy needs to be addressed, as the blurb describes it as “explosive.” Over the last 11 years, the writing in gay romance novels has generally improved. So the incessant use of the word “entrance” is a bit jarring. Psst--it’s OK to call it what it actually is.
As events progress, there is an ongoing and significant vacillation inside Gaidres. Does he still want to kill Caelius, or does he not? Much back and forth on this.
Once Gaidres opens his heart again and accepts love, the very last portion of the tale is pleasing. Historical romances aren’t usually this engaging. The dynamic between Gaidres and Caelius is provocative and appealing. The reader does get a sense that these two belong together, living a long and happy life in freedom.
This could have been a 5 star read if the authors had delved a bit more into Caelius and Gaidres ending up together happily, and how that looks for them in the future. I wasn’t expecting a gay wedding, but I did expect more than just, “OK, they’re in love now! They’re going to move and be together.” They should at least be shown in Caere. The conclusion is ultimately unsatisfying (too abrupt, nothing momentous as far as resolution), and this does detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Caelius wants to do the right thing; meanwhile Gaidres wants to kill Caelius and his entire family.
The intimacy needs to be addressed, as the blurb describes it as “explosive.” Over the last 11 years, the writing in gay romance novels has generally improved. So the incessant use of the word “entrance” is a bit jarring. Psst--it’s OK to call it what it actually is.
As events progress, there is an ongoing and significant vacillation inside Gaidres. Does he still want to kill Caelius, or does he not? Much back and forth on this.
Once Gaidres opens his heart again and accepts love, the very last portion of the tale is pleasing. Historical romances aren’t usually this engaging. The dynamic between Gaidres and Caelius is provocative and appealing. The reader does get a sense that these two belong together, living a long and happy life in freedom.
This could have been a 5 star read if the authors had delved a bit more into Caelius and Gaidres ending up together happily, and how that looks for them in the future. I wasn’t expecting a gay wedding, but I did expect more than just, “OK, they’re in love now! They’re going to move and be together.” They should at least be shown in Caere. The conclusion is ultimately unsatisfying (too abrupt, nothing momentous as far as resolution), and this does detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
April 17, 2017
Update: Rating downgraded from 4 stars to 3/3.5 stars, January 17, 2013
REVIEW COMPLETED JULY 19, 2012
I’m glad I took a plunge into unknown waters. It was very good and I really liked it!
Caelius has inherited the House of Laraniia including a ludus from his uncle who had died a few weeks ago. As a side note: Ludus is a gladiator school. The plural of ludus is ludi. The ludi were important occasions for entertainment in Roman society. Now Caelius has come to claim his property. At the same time he hopes to further his political aspirations. However, when he sees the fighters Caelius is very disappointed. Despite all the money he sent to his uncle, the slaves are malnourished, very filthy and most of them are in a poor state of health as well. There’s one man who’d caught Caelius’s eye though. He’s got vivid eyes and an exquisite body. He is full of pride and defiance. It’s Argon/Gaidres. Caelius puts him in charge of all the other men until he can make better arrangements. Argon will have to report to Caelius what will be needed.
Gaidres is Thracian and he hates all Romans because they slaughtered his love Kerses before his eyes.
“Can you give me that undone, Dominus? Can you give me my heart back?”
Caelius has a taste for men and would like for Gaidres to share his bed. Gaidres tells him:
“I do not bend over for any man,” he growled in a low voice, no doubt so the guards wouldn’t overhear them. “Ever.”
Caelius is rather perceptive and feels that Gaidres has been hurt in ways far more painful than the obvious scars on his body indicated. They begin a carnal relationship but as time goes by feelings make things a bit more complicated. Even Gaidres who wanted nothing more than revenge for his slaughtered lover begins to reconsider his deadly vows. As a matter of fact, it’s unusual for Gaidres to find pleasure instead of pain at the hands of a Roman. And he begins to harbor kind feelings for a man he wanted to see dead more than anything else.
I really enjoyed The Master’s Gladiator. I’ve never read anything like this before but I’m very glad I gave it a try. The plot is good and the characterization is well done too. The steam factor between Caelius and Gaidres is off the charts good, and I think the hot-o-meter was running at its highest level. The first sex scene—smexytimes against a wall—was fanfreakintastic! Whew! *wipes eyebrows* Having said that, I think their attraction was pretty animalistic from the get-go and their chemistry was utterly palpable. Always. Boy, the sparks were flying!
Gaidres keeps everything locked up but anger and desire. My oh my, was he ever a stubborn and bitter man and so full of hatred, too.
“Oh, my gladiator, you are your own worst slave master. Far crueler than I could ever be.”
Sometimes Gaidres just wore me out. Frankly, he was difficult to love. Then again, I got a glimpse of a different man though. A man who is kindhearted and caring. Yes, Gaidres has a soft spot. Somewhere. Just look thoroughly and you’ll find it.
The contrast to the hard man, Gaidres, was Caelius’s oh so cute baby boy, Faustus. There is something incredibly sweet when a strong man is holding a little baby in his arms. And when two men are kissing and one is holding a baby in his arms…well, I was just meeeelting away. It was a sweet-tastic (don’t know if that’s English but I had to write it anyway) moment of super loveliness. Ah, yes, be still my little heart. I know, I know…shut it, Baba. :D
Caelius earned Gaidres esteem when he treated him with respect and kindness. And Caelius earned my respect and esteem when he put up with a lot of crap that Gaidres dished out when he acted like a stubborn donkey. Gratitude, Dominus!
WHAT I DISLIKED
When I hit the 87 % mark something happened that I seriously dislike: the author added a huge cheese factor. It almost ruined the book for me. I really don't get it why a story should end up in a gooey mess of syrup. I almost fell in a sugar induced coma. I don't want cheesy endings anymore. And this particular day can't come soon enough for me!!!
If you’re on the lookout for a m-m read that is a bit different, then give The Master’s Gladiator a try. Enjoy!
I strongly advise you to read the author's note
REVIEW COMPLETED JULY 19, 2012
I’m glad I took a plunge into unknown waters. It was very good and I really liked it!
Caelius has inherited the House of Laraniia including a ludus from his uncle who had died a few weeks ago. As a side note: Ludus is a gladiator school. The plural of ludus is ludi. The ludi were important occasions for entertainment in Roman society. Now Caelius has come to claim his property. At the same time he hopes to further his political aspirations. However, when he sees the fighters Caelius is very disappointed. Despite all the money he sent to his uncle, the slaves are malnourished, very filthy and most of them are in a poor state of health as well. There’s one man who’d caught Caelius’s eye though. He’s got vivid eyes and an exquisite body. He is full of pride and defiance. It’s Argon/Gaidres. Caelius puts him in charge of all the other men until he can make better arrangements. Argon will have to report to Caelius what will be needed.
Gaidres is Thracian and he hates all Romans because they slaughtered his love Kerses before his eyes.
“Can you give me that undone, Dominus? Can you give me my heart back?”
Caelius has a taste for men and would like for Gaidres to share his bed. Gaidres tells him:
“I do not bend over for any man,” he growled in a low voice, no doubt so the guards wouldn’t overhear them. “Ever.”
Caelius is rather perceptive and feels that Gaidres has been hurt in ways far more painful than the obvious scars on his body indicated. They begin a carnal relationship but as time goes by feelings make things a bit more complicated. Even Gaidres who wanted nothing more than revenge for his slaughtered lover begins to reconsider his deadly vows. As a matter of fact, it’s unusual for Gaidres to find pleasure instead of pain at the hands of a Roman. And he begins to harbor kind feelings for a man he wanted to see dead more than anything else.
I really enjoyed The Master’s Gladiator. I’ve never read anything like this before but I’m very glad I gave it a try. The plot is good and the characterization is well done too. The steam factor between Caelius and Gaidres is off the charts good, and I think the hot-o-meter was running at its highest level. The first sex scene—smexytimes against a wall—was fanfreakintastic! Whew! *wipes eyebrows* Having said that, I think their attraction was pretty animalistic from the get-go and their chemistry was utterly palpable. Always. Boy, the sparks were flying!
Gaidres keeps everything locked up but anger and desire. My oh my, was he ever a stubborn and bitter man and so full of hatred, too.
“Oh, my gladiator, you are your own worst slave master. Far crueler than I could ever be.”
Sometimes Gaidres just wore me out. Frankly, he was difficult to love. Then again, I got a glimpse of a different man though. A man who is kindhearted and caring. Yes, Gaidres has a soft spot. Somewhere. Just look thoroughly and you’ll find it.
The contrast to the hard man, Gaidres, was Caelius’s oh so cute baby boy, Faustus. There is something incredibly sweet when a strong man is holding a little baby in his arms. And when two men are kissing and one is holding a baby in his arms…well, I was just meeeelting away. It was a sweet-tastic (don’t know if that’s English but I had to write it anyway) moment of super loveliness. Ah, yes, be still my little heart. I know, I know…shut it, Baba. :D
Caelius earned Gaidres esteem when he treated him with respect and kindness. And Caelius earned my respect and esteem when he put up with a lot of crap that Gaidres dished out when he acted like a stubborn donkey. Gratitude, Dominus!
WHAT I DISLIKED
When I hit the 87 % mark something happened that I seriously dislike: the author added a huge cheese factor. It almost ruined the book for me. I really don't get it why a story should end up in a gooey mess of syrup. I almost fell in a sugar induced coma. I don't want cheesy endings anymore. And this particular day can't come soon enough for me!!!
If you’re on the lookout for a m-m read that is a bit different, then give The Master’s Gladiator a try. Enjoy!
I strongly advise you to read the author's note
June 20, 2017
5 plus stars!!!
This book was A WORK OF ART!!!! I didn’t want it to end. The writing was beautiful. The MCs were well matched, and their chemistry was mind blowing!!!
This book was A WORK OF ART!!!! I didn’t want it to end. The writing was beautiful. The MCs were well matched, and their chemistry was mind blowing!!!
March 25, 2019
4.5 Stars
I have owned this book for easily over 5 years and never quite got around to it. I put it on a challenge shelf, and it was chosen, but I've been putting it off for some reason. Then, my friend Shin prodded me with a recommendation and despite her review assuring me it wouldn't break my heart like Axios did, I still left it for later. Finally, it fit the Pass-the-Parcel challenge for week 2 and I decided to bite the bullet.
And now I'm kicking my own ass for having waited so long to read it.
Emotional, sexy, (seemingly) historically accurate (if a bit rose-tinted - which Gaidres' POV pointed out frequently)...I was enthralled. I never knew what to expect; I'd think the story was heading one way, and it would veer completely off in another direction - and what I thought would be the climactic scene didn't unfold in the way I thought it would. I knew of the from one of my history classes, but I didn't know the year it took place, or where. So that was a surprise. I was also relieved because - that would have been so...well, so mundane. It's what other books (and TV shows) have done. And I was glad this one chose to be different. I even think that the scheme Caelius thought up to give them a HEA ending was entirely plausible.
And the sex scenes were smoking hot.
I know he's described differently, but in my head I was totally picturing Agron from the Spartacus series as Gaidres. Because, look at that picture...
(go ahead, I'll wait)
Yummy, eh?
(Dan Feuerriegel is delicious.)
So yeah, I need to go through my TBR & external drives, pronto. I use to buy a metric shit-ton of books (from ARe, and now-closed publishers) pre-2015 and there's literally no telling what's sitting there on my HD being unfairly ignored.
I have owned this book for easily over 5 years and never quite got around to it. I put it on a challenge shelf, and it was chosen, but I've been putting it off for some reason. Then, my friend Shin prodded me with a recommendation and despite her review assuring me it wouldn't break my heart like Axios did, I still left it for later. Finally, it fit the Pass-the-Parcel challenge for week 2 and I decided to bite the bullet.
And now I'm kicking my own ass for having waited so long to read it.
Emotional, sexy, (seemingly) historically accurate (if a bit rose-tinted - which Gaidres' POV pointed out frequently)...I was enthralled. I never knew what to expect; I'd think the story was heading one way, and it would veer completely off in another direction - and what I thought would be the climactic scene didn't unfold in the way I thought it would. I knew of the from one of my history classes, but I didn't know the year it took place, or where. So that was a surprise. I was also relieved because - that would have been so...well, so mundane. It's what other books (and TV shows) have done. And I was glad this one chose to be different. I even think that the scheme Caelius thought up to give them a HEA ending was entirely plausible.
And the sex scenes were smoking hot.
I know he's described differently, but in my head I was totally picturing Agron from the Spartacus series as Gaidres. Because, look at that picture...
(go ahead, I'll wait)
Yummy, eh?
(Dan Feuerriegel is delicious.)
So yeah, I need to go through my TBR & external drives, pronto. I use to buy a metric shit-ton of books (from ARe, and now-closed publishers) pre-2015 and there's literally no telling what's sitting there on my HD being unfairly ignored.
Read
December 14, 2021
dnf @ 29%.
this wasn't bad, but it wasn't really keeping my attention either tbh. i have zero interest in coming back to this right now, so i'm just putting it into my dnf shelf.
this wasn't bad, but it wasn't really keeping my attention either tbh. i have zero interest in coming back to this right now, so i'm just putting it into my dnf shelf.
August 30, 2013
3,8 Stars - great attraction, lust, hatred, dare to believe in new love, to overcome and shape your own destiny - all in an ancient Rome
Finally, a complete review August 30, 2013
Sometimes I don't at all know what I will get and experience when I start reading a new book. A love story between two men, a Roman nobleman and a gladiator slave, felt at least very tempting to get to know more about. I have always loved these stories, movies and TV dramas about the old ancient Rome, and their quite liberated (unrestrained) lives - for the free nobility in any case. In these exciting stories we usually also get to meet some huge, large, hard, shapely and very proud men - who forgets the movies about these yummy gladiators? Never I.
With that said, you may understand that I threw myself over this "historical M/M romance" book that takes place on an estate where gladiators are trained to entertain the Roman nobility with bloody battles in the arena.
This is a story about the Roman politician Caelius (a few years after Christ's birth) who inherits a farm with gladiators. Caelius is a liberal man who believes in the new teachings and want to change in Rome's empire. He has never had a stable of gladiators and would rather not staying at his newly inherited property. One of the gladiators will immediately receive the new owner's attention. He is the tall, big, hard and so beautiful slave Gaidres. One of the strongest gladiators.
Gaidres is a man who was born free, and was captured by the previous owner of the stable, Caelius relative, and he is a bitter and very angry man who has given himself the promise to kill all men of the Roman family, he hates so much.
... So begins this beautiful tale about big attraction, submission, hatred, growing to love and two proud men from different social classes.
I've mostly good things to say about this book. It caught me and I read with amusement all the approximately 240 pages. It was both the conflict in that one of them took the other but also of the need for dominance and submission. Both characters ended up in my romantika heart and I'm sure I will remember their love story for a long time.
But there was something missing for full marks from me. Perhaps it was that the spirit of the times was not more clear in the story. Maybe it was too cute in the end, or too much time in the bedroom and too little told about all the interesting things around. It was in my opinion a little bit too sugar sweet sometimes (from Caelius), a little too stubborn and obstinate too long (from Gaidres) - but overall a really likeable story.
It was steamy and kinky hot in Caelius bedchamber, grand romantic feelings from both, tough gladiators, evil enemies, a nagging wife, wonderful children, family and a wonderful promise of a sweet future, for at least these two men, in the very old and ancient Roman Empire.
A fine and very readable historical gay romance.
I LIKE - beautifully antique
Finally, a complete review August 30, 2013
Sometimes I don't at all know what I will get and experience when I start reading a new book. A love story between two men, a Roman nobleman and a gladiator slave, felt at least very tempting to get to know more about. I have always loved these stories, movies and TV dramas about the old ancient Rome, and their quite liberated (unrestrained) lives - for the free nobility in any case. In these exciting stories we usually also get to meet some huge, large, hard, shapely and very proud men - who forgets the movies about these yummy gladiators? Never I.
With that said, you may understand that I threw myself over this "historical M/M romance" book that takes place on an estate where gladiators are trained to entertain the Roman nobility with bloody battles in the arena.
‘It was intoxicating, to drive a man so controlled in other ways to the point of madness with a simple touch, a kiss or a circling thrust.
Their tongues tangled, teeth scraping as they feasted on each other like a fine meal. This kiss soaked into his soul, filling Gaidres up in a way that made his heart pound with a mixture of thrilled elation and guilt-driven fear.’
This is a story about the Roman politician Caelius (a few years after Christ's birth) who inherits a farm with gladiators. Caelius is a liberal man who believes in the new teachings and want to change in Rome's empire. He has never had a stable of gladiators and would rather not staying at his newly inherited property. One of the gladiators will immediately receive the new owner's attention. He is the tall, big, hard and so beautiful slave Gaidres. One of the strongest gladiators.
Gaidres is a man who was born free, and was captured by the previous owner of the stable, Caelius relative, and he is a bitter and very angry man who has given himself the promise to kill all men of the Roman family, he hates so much.
... So begins this beautiful tale about big attraction, submission, hatred, growing to love and two proud men from different social classes.
‘His lion would deny it, but he had a gentle soul inside him. “I’ll cheer you, my gladiator. I expect you’ll hear my voice over all others and when you do, know that I’ll be anticipating the battle we will no doubt wage in my bed tonight.”
Gaidres’s eyes flashed a wicked blue. “Of that you can be sure, Caelius.”
I've mostly good things to say about this book. It caught me and I read with amusement all the approximately 240 pages. It was both the conflict in that one of them took the other but also of the need for dominance and submission. Both characters ended up in my romantika heart and I'm sure I will remember their love story for a long time.
But there was something missing for full marks from me. Perhaps it was that the spirit of the times was not more clear in the story. Maybe it was too cute in the end, or too much time in the bedroom and too little told about all the interesting things around. It was in my opinion a little bit too sugar sweet sometimes (from Caelius), a little too stubborn and obstinate too long (from Gaidres) - but overall a really likeable story.
‘His lover watched with avid eyes and cheered as loudly as any of the others. Gaidres’s heart swelled with pride and he raised his sword, pointing it to him in tribute.
“For you.” A part of him swore Caelius heard the whispered promise.’
It was steamy and kinky hot in Caelius bedchamber, grand romantic feelings from both, tough gladiators, evil enemies, a nagging wife, wonderful children, family and a wonderful promise of a sweet future, for at least these two men, in the very old and ancient Roman Empire.
A fine and very readable historical gay romance.
I LIKE - beautifully antique
June 6, 2014
★★★★★ 5 Hits-All-The-Feelz Stars ★★★★★
5 stages I went through whilst reading this spectacular book:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Yup, in case you haven't guessed it yet, for the entire length of the book, I took a ride on the
and was perpetually entombed in a
that tore my heart out, made my eyes prickle with tears of sadness and happiness, and that left me satisfied with an HEA that made all the hurt worth it.
First and foremost, I definitely have to commend Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Labbe for all the hard work they put into the making of this book because it definitely shows. There was some terrific world building. This book took place in 27 AD, and you can't just pull information from that time period (unless you're Jimmy Neutron) out of your ass and make it believable. It takes a lot of research and dedication to establish a setting where the way of life for the gladiators and their masters feels real. I also most definitely have to applaud them for the wonderful writing. It was descriptive but not overly so, flowed smoothly, concise, and utterly attention-grabbing.
I absolutely adored the MCs, and they both tugged at my heartstrings. Caelius inherits his uncle's property, including his slaves, when his uncle dies. There, he meets the slave gladiator Gaidres, whom he is immediately attracted to due to his untamed spirit and strong will. Gaidres hates his new owner, Caelius, as much as he hated his predecessor: Caelius' uncle who had destroyed Gaidres' village, killed his family and his one true love, Kerses. When Caelius first asks Gaidres if he would dominate him in bed, Gaidres agrees only to punish and humiliate his master by using him in bed for his uncle's crimes. The more time they spend together in each other's company, the more they, inevitably, start to care for one another. When they do start to fall for one another, it is an unsurprisingly painful for both but for different reasons.
Caelius loves to surrender to his handsome and fierce gladiator, someone who is not willing to bow down to him and who will overpower him.
Gaidres has lived in an empty, colorless void ever since he lost his beloved. The only thing that keeps him going is his hatred for the Romans and desire to kill the heir (Caelius) of the man who took everything from him.
Thankfully, stages 1 and 3 (when these two ultra sexy alphas get it on) helped in not leaving me an utterly crumpled mess on the floor, sobbing and calling for mommy. I mean, seriously, nothing could help me cool down from these two when they found themselves in a bedroom.
If you want to read a historical fiction novel with great world building, a good heaping of angst, two scorching hot guys getting it on, and an HEA that makes all the hurt worth it, then I am definitely reccommending this one.
5 stages I went through whilst reading this spectacular book:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Yup, in case you haven't guessed it yet, for the entire length of the book, I took a ride on the
and was perpetually entombed in a
that tore my heart out, made my eyes prickle with tears of sadness and happiness, and that left me satisfied with an HEA that made all the hurt worth it.
First and foremost, I definitely have to commend Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Labbe for all the hard work they put into the making of this book because it definitely shows. There was some terrific world building. This book took place in 27 AD, and you can't just pull information from that time period (unless you're Jimmy Neutron) out of your ass and make it believable. It takes a lot of research and dedication to establish a setting where the way of life for the gladiators and their masters feels real. I also most definitely have to applaud them for the wonderful writing. It was descriptive but not overly so, flowed smoothly, concise, and utterly attention-grabbing.
I absolutely adored the MCs, and they both tugged at my heartstrings. Caelius inherits his uncle's property, including his slaves, when his uncle dies. There, he meets the slave gladiator Gaidres, whom he is immediately attracted to due to his untamed spirit and strong will. Gaidres hates his new owner, Caelius, as much as he hated his predecessor: Caelius' uncle who had destroyed Gaidres' village, killed his family and his one true love, Kerses. When Caelius first asks Gaidres if he would dominate him in bed, Gaidres agrees only to punish and humiliate his master by using him in bed for his uncle's crimes. The more time they spend together in each other's company, the more they, inevitably, start to care for one another. When they do start to fall for one another, it is an unsurprisingly painful for both but for different reasons.
Caelius loves to surrender to his handsome and fierce gladiator, someone who is not willing to bow down to him and who will overpower him.
He had no trouble surrendering his body into his gladiator's strong hands. The difficulty lay with knowing that Caelius' heart may follow. And surely allowing his foolish emotions to tumble at this man's feet would be the worst idea he ever had.He knows that it would be foolhardy to fall for someone like Gaidres, who despises Romans and carries this burden of guilt for failing to protect his lover when Caelius' uncle attacked their village.
Gaidres has lived in an empty, colorless void ever since he lost his beloved. The only thing that keeps him going is his hatred for the Romans and desire to kill the heir (Caelius) of the man who took everything from him.
He would bide his time and when the moment presented itself to rid himself of the last Roman master he intended to have, he would take it. And then his laughable excuse for a life would be over.However, Caelius keeps throwing wrenches into Gaidres' plans because he proves to be a benevolent man who treats all in his household, including his slaves, as part of his family. He believes in being compassionate toward all and not getting others to do things for him through sheer cruelty.
But not before he rid the world of one more slave-monger. One more person he held responsible for the destruction of his life and those he'd loved. It was all he had now and he would hold his path.
What was wrong with Caelius? Why did he not know the rules of the world when everyone else, even Gaidres, did? And why did he insist on trying to make Gaidres play by those rules of his, bent as they were?Caelius undeniably falls for his powerful and wild gladiator. Unfortunately, he experiences a lot of heartbreak for it because Gaidres cannot admit to himself that he cares for a Roman. Hence, this is when stages 2 and 5 (see above) come in and leave me constantly sniffling with a lump in my throat. I couldn't help but feel sorry and want to hug and comfort Caelius for loving a man who is in so much pain and who cannot admit his love for a Roman. Despite all the hurt Gaidres causes Caelius, I never wanted to rail at him because his anger at Romans is understandable, as well as the guilt he feels for the affection he has for Caelius, the heir of the man who killed his lover.
Thankfully, stages 1 and 3 (when these two ultra sexy alphas get it on) helped in not leaving me an utterly crumpled mess on the floor, sobbing and calling for mommy. I mean, seriously, nothing could help me cool down from these two when they found themselves in a bedroom.
The question died on his lips as he seemed to recognize the need in Gaidres's gaze and froze. The way Caelius's eyes widened with thrilled desire told him that however far above Gaidres he was in status, it was beneath Gaidres that he wanted to be right then.
[...]Caelius wet his lips, and Gaidres growled as he reached him and tore the sheet from his body, pushing him back on his rumpled bed...Mouths met hard and Gaidres swallowed Caelius's moan, plundering his mouth and then roughly turning Caelius over.
If you want to read a historical fiction novel with great world building, a good heaping of angst, two scorching hot guys getting it on, and an HEA that makes all the hurt worth it, then I am definitely reccommending this one.
December 16, 2024
This is a book that was written almost 15 years ago, yet it's so, so much better from practically 80% of the books I read that have been published in the past couple of years or recently.
A wonderful historical romance placed in the Roman times with a very humane and kind dominus that falls for his slave, a gladiator.
I absolutely liked this story and I'll give it 4.25⭐, can't round it up because of a few things that weren't developed to my liking, but even so, I enjoyed it very much.
🟣 Ancient Rome
🔵 Dominus/gladiator
🟢 Well written
🟡 Good dialogues
🟣 Widowed single father (dominus)
🌶️ Smut is abundant and descriptive; it pays to say a lot of what they were doing was frowned upon in the ancient Rome, it was done merely by prostitutes (such as oral sex), also the dilemma of top/bottom, so it's best to do some research to get the gravity of how the MMCs are breaking all the rules; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b (they're both vers, but indulge only in this dynamic)
Gaidres was a free Roman that was captured and brought to Fidena to be a gladiator. His lover was killed, so he's in mourning, he's bitter, he despises all Romans and is determined to end the dominus who captured him and also kill all of his family - and he intends to do so.
When the old dominus is finally killed, his nephew, who's a wealthy man himself, inherits his villa and the ludus, but Caelius is the complete opposite of a tyrannical dominus - he's kind, he cares for people in his household, isn't violent towards slaves and gives the ludus a complete makeover with quarters suitable for living and working, instead of what the gladiators had before.
Caelius is also quite a slut - he's married to a woman and she's pregnant, but he loves men, he leads a very hedonistic lifestyle with orgies and whatnot, so he's very experienced and of course immediately notices Gaidres and calls him to his rooms for sex, but Caelius cares about consent and he doesn't want to have sex with a man who isn't willing, so there's that.
"Caelius clung to him with body and heart as if somehow he could lay his own small claim on Gaidres through the meeting of their bodies. The force building up inside him had very little to do with the passion between them. He was falling in love. Perhaps he’d already done so and was only now admitting it."
Caelius doesn't take any lovers while he's having sex with Gaidres and turns down any propositions to have it arranged for him. He's falling in love, yes. He finds comfort, understanding and love with his fierce gladiator, who doesn't want to give in and let himself feel for another man, especially a Roman.
Throughout the whole story we're privy to Gaidres' internal turmoil about his developing feelings for Caelius, but also this notion that he's forever enslaved, so he's doing a lot of things because he knows he must (obey), even though at the same time he's proud and defiant, so the authors did really good work here, Gaidres didn't let up until the very end.
"How had he allowed such a moment of weakness? To cradle the Roman to him like a babe to his chest was foolishness at its most extreme, exacerbated by the fact that his dreams had been pleasant and filled with Caelius’s smiles. Caelius’s dark eyes. Not Kerses. What was wrong with him?"
The feelings that were developing on both sides were gradual and very believable, couple that up with really hot sex and you get a very satisfying love story that's very impossible for that era, sure, but it was wonderful to read about and it's clear the authors did a lot of research.
A couple of things that were wholly missing from this story were Gaidres being more active as a gladiator, we only see him in action a couple of times and none of those really showed his superiority as a gladiator.
Another thing was the absent epilogue. At the end of the story Gaidres and Caelius decide to go from Fidena and abandon the villa and the ludus and move to Caere, Caelius' home, where they're both the happiest. Gaidres is offered freedom, but doesn't want it, so he's going there as a slave, but at the same time equal to Caelius to everyone surrounding them. I'd very much have liked to know what happens when they get there. How do they live. Does Rome come knocking? Or can they live and love in peace? How is Gaidres as an official slave living in Caelius' villa and having the role of his partner, basically? So many questions and a simple epilogue could have taken care of them all.
I did love this story and I definitely do recommend it.
A wonderful historical romance placed in the Roman times with a very humane and kind dominus that falls for his slave, a gladiator.
I absolutely liked this story and I'll give it 4.25⭐, can't round it up because of a few things that weren't developed to my liking, but even so, I enjoyed it very much.
🟣 Ancient Rome
🔵 Dominus/gladiator
🟢 Well written
🟡 Good dialogues
🟣 Widowed single father (dominus)
🌶️ Smut is abundant and descriptive; it pays to say a lot of what they were doing was frowned upon in the ancient Rome, it was done merely by prostitutes (such as oral sex), also the dilemma of top/bottom, so it's best to do some research to get the gravity of how the MMCs are breaking all the rules; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b (they're both vers, but indulge only in this dynamic)
Gaidres was a free Roman that was captured and brought to Fidena to be a gladiator. His lover was killed, so he's in mourning, he's bitter, he despises all Romans and is determined to end the dominus who captured him and also kill all of his family - and he intends to do so.
When the old dominus is finally killed, his nephew, who's a wealthy man himself, inherits his villa and the ludus, but Caelius is the complete opposite of a tyrannical dominus - he's kind, he cares for people in his household, isn't violent towards slaves and gives the ludus a complete makeover with quarters suitable for living and working, instead of what the gladiators had before.
Caelius is also quite a slut - he's married to a woman and she's pregnant, but he loves men, he leads a very hedonistic lifestyle with orgies and whatnot, so he's very experienced and of course immediately notices Gaidres and calls him to his rooms for sex, but Caelius cares about consent and he doesn't want to have sex with a man who isn't willing, so there's that.
"Caelius clung to him with body and heart as if somehow he could lay his own small claim on Gaidres through the meeting of their bodies. The force building up inside him had very little to do with the passion between them. He was falling in love. Perhaps he’d already done so and was only now admitting it."
Caelius doesn't take any lovers while he's having sex with Gaidres and turns down any propositions to have it arranged for him. He's falling in love, yes. He finds comfort, understanding and love with his fierce gladiator, who doesn't want to give in and let himself feel for another man, especially a Roman.
Throughout the whole story we're privy to Gaidres' internal turmoil about his developing feelings for Caelius, but also this notion that he's forever enslaved, so he's doing a lot of things because he knows he must (obey), even though at the same time he's proud and defiant, so the authors did really good work here, Gaidres didn't let up until the very end.
"How had he allowed such a moment of weakness? To cradle the Roman to him like a babe to his chest was foolishness at its most extreme, exacerbated by the fact that his dreams had been pleasant and filled with Caelius’s smiles. Caelius’s dark eyes. Not Kerses. What was wrong with him?"
The feelings that were developing on both sides were gradual and very believable, couple that up with really hot sex and you get a very satisfying love story that's very impossible for that era, sure, but it was wonderful to read about and it's clear the authors did a lot of research.
A couple of things that were wholly missing from this story were Gaidres being more active as a gladiator, we only see him in action a couple of times and none of those really showed his superiority as a gladiator.
Another thing was the absent epilogue. At the end of the story Gaidres and Caelius decide to go from Fidena and abandon the villa and the ludus and move to Caere, Caelius' home, where they're both the happiest. Gaidres is offered freedom, but doesn't want it, so he's going there as a slave, but at the same time equal to Caelius to everyone surrounding them. I'd very much have liked to know what happens when they get there. How do they live. Does Rome come knocking? Or can they live and love in peace? How is Gaidres as an official slave living in Caelius' villa and having the role of his partner, basically? So many questions and a simple epilogue could have taken care of them all.
I did love this story and I definitely do recommend it.
November 18, 2013
By the gods, he was gorgeous, all of his muscles taut, and leaned back before him.
A nod to my man, Stuart Reardon. Bows head...
Captive Prince: meets Brothers of the Wild North Sea, with a Nagron flare. All my favorites blended. I adored this book. In a way, it reminded me of the intensity of Love the Sinner. I was absolutely taken with this, impressed, dazzled, loved it!
This is my Dominus,
I had trouble with the names, here is my Gay-dress, my Gladiator, so pissed off
This book checked all my boxes. Well developed likable characters, angsty emotional convos, possessive visceral animal sex, and swords! All good stuff. Highly recommend.
The words subligar and ludus will always remind me of this book.
His lover looked so fierce with the naked sword in his hand, the the blood on his cheek. By the gods, Caelius loved him"
A nod to my man, Stuart Reardon. Bows head...
Captive Prince: meets Brothers of the Wild North Sea, with a Nagron flare. All my favorites blended. I adored this book. In a way, it reminded me of the intensity of Love the Sinner. I was absolutely taken with this, impressed, dazzled, loved it!
This is my Dominus,
I had trouble with the names, here is my Gay-dress, my Gladiator, so pissed off
This book checked all my boxes. Well developed likable characters, angsty emotional convos, possessive visceral animal sex, and swords! All good stuff. Highly recommend.
The words subligar and ludus will always remind me of this book.
His lover looked so fierce with the naked sword in his hand, the the blood on his cheek. By the gods, Caelius loved him"
October 2, 2011
A gladiator, a Roman noble, and... a cute baby! What else do you want in M/M story?
The theme (gladiator and his master) might give us wrong impression that this is a BDSM novel, but it actually is not. While there is an issue of domination and submission, it's not done in physical way.
Caelius, the gladiator master, inherited a poorly-run gladiator house. Of gladiators he saw, one with blue eyes captured his attention. Unfortunately Gaidres, the gladiator, sees his master as a Roman, the same people who killed the only man he ever loved and forced him to live as a slave.
When his master wants Gaidres to warm his bed, he obliges. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that his master prefers to be bottom. But, when the master wants more from him, his heart, Gaidres is not sure. It would be a betrayal to his dead lover and his plan to kill the master. Even when he is offered to be freed, Gaidres declines it. Yet, he is tugged between his revenge plan and his growing fond of his master.
Caelius has always been a men lover. He has indulged himself in wild sex parties in most of his adult life. Yet, now he is willing to throw them all and face the consequences of being mocked by the Roman society if only he could realize his dream of being loved by his gladiator. Still, he doesn't want to force the issue. He wants Gaidres to come to him willingly, not out of duty as his slave.
Would a challenge of Titanic or Hindenburg caliber separate them forever, before they both learn how much they love each other?
I immensely enjoyed reading the book. The main characters are very likeable. There are tensions between them, which often lead to sex. There are plenty of sex, but they serve a purpose in the story line. Their love is built slowly, as it has to dance with hate and revenge.
The authors provide a note at the end saying that they did quite research on the historical events taking place in the book, which is interesting to know. The only one that to me may not be realistic is Caelius' attitudes, which seems to be too modern for his time. Still, it doesn't take much from the rest of the book.
This is such a sweet romance book. Did I mention a cute baby? Recommended.
The theme (gladiator and his master) might give us wrong impression that this is a BDSM novel, but it actually is not. While there is an issue of domination and submission, it's not done in physical way.
Caelius, the gladiator master, inherited a poorly-run gladiator house. Of gladiators he saw, one with blue eyes captured his attention. Unfortunately Gaidres, the gladiator, sees his master as a Roman, the same people who killed the only man he ever loved and forced him to live as a slave.
When his master wants Gaidres to warm his bed, he obliges. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that his master prefers to be bottom. But, when the master wants more from him, his heart, Gaidres is not sure. It would be a betrayal to his dead lover and his plan to kill the master. Even when he is offered to be freed, Gaidres declines it. Yet, he is tugged between his revenge plan and his growing fond of his master.
Caelius has always been a men lover. He has indulged himself in wild sex parties in most of his adult life. Yet, now he is willing to throw them all and face the consequences of being mocked by the Roman society if only he could realize his dream of being loved by his gladiator. Still, he doesn't want to force the issue. He wants Gaidres to come to him willingly, not out of duty as his slave.
Would a challenge of Titanic or Hindenburg caliber separate them forever, before they both learn how much they love each other?
I immensely enjoyed reading the book. The main characters are very likeable. There are tensions between them, which often lead to sex. There are plenty of sex, but they serve a purpose in the story line. Their love is built slowly, as it has to dance with hate and revenge.
The authors provide a note at the end saying that they did quite research on the historical events taking place in the book, which is interesting to know. The only one that to me may not be realistic is Caelius' attitudes, which seems to be too modern for his time. Still, it doesn't take much from the rest of the book.
This is such a sweet romance book. Did I mention a cute baby? Recommended.
November 7, 2012
I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it fell a bit flat for me. I was excited to read a book set in ancient Roman times and while the characters and the imagery were well developed, the plot failed.
The first half of the book really caught my interest. We were introduced to Caelius, the master who inherits his uncle's villa and gladiators. Caelius is not the typical Roman. He is kind to his slaves and doesn't enjoy inflicting pain or humiliation. He treats his household with respect. Then we have Gaidres, the sexy gladiator who catches Caelius eye. Gaidres feels nothing but hatred toward the Romans, including Caelius. This sets up for an interesting dynamic and I was ready and waiting for this to develop into something dark and gritty, however nothing comes of it. All you get is the same internal struggles, throughout the book. Caelius trying to break down Gaidres' walls and Gaidres fighting with his feelings for Caelius. It was boring and mundane and I ended up getting annoyed with Gaidres. Sure, the sex is hot and steamy and we get the switch in the sexual roles, but I wanted more.
I mentioned I was annoyed with Gaidres, well by 85% he had my eyes-rolling. It got a little too sappy for my liking.
This had a lot of promise, political intrigue, hot gladiators but sadly it didn't reach it for me.
This around a 2.5 or so. I'm rounding it up for now.
The first half of the book really caught my interest. We were introduced to Caelius, the master who inherits his uncle's villa and gladiators. Caelius is not the typical Roman. He is kind to his slaves and doesn't enjoy inflicting pain or humiliation. He treats his household with respect. Then we have Gaidres, the sexy gladiator who catches Caelius eye. Gaidres feels nothing but hatred toward the Romans, including Caelius. This sets up for an interesting dynamic and I was ready and waiting for this to develop into something dark and gritty, however nothing comes of it. All you get is the same internal struggles, throughout the book. Caelius trying to break down Gaidres' walls and Gaidres fighting with his feelings for Caelius. It was boring and mundane and I ended up getting annoyed with Gaidres. Sure, the sex is hot and steamy and we get the switch in the sexual roles, but I wanted more.
I mentioned I was annoyed with Gaidres, well by 85% he had my eyes-rolling. It got a little too sappy for my liking.
This had a lot of promise, political intrigue, hot gladiators but sadly it didn't reach it for me.
This around a 2.5 or so. I'm rounding it up for now.
September 27, 2016
2.5 Your average crappily-written M/M chock-full of repetition, clichés, poor vocabulary (despite being written by two writers, man), and...relatively hot sex. Rounded up because of the latter. Would probably have been a 4 star read for me back in 2011, when I first discovered M/M.
June 17, 2017
Jun 17th, 2017. Fourth read. Still ABSOLUTELY LOVE!
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PERFECTION!! Will review more later but WOW, I LOVVVVVED this book. In terms of the language, it would help if you've seen the Starz series 'Spartacus'. Actually, this book had a lot in common with that series. Caelius and Gaedres = YUMM! Gaedres is a true alpha that just made my toes curl and stomach flutter. The love between them is awesome and the writing pretty much flawless. Love the inclusion of Faustus which rounded out the family unit. I am so happy I stumbled on this book. Definitely one I would read again.
Added Jan 31, 2013:
Ok, so I never did write a review. But, I re-read this this past weekend and I am still head over heels in love with it. Every other gladiator book I've tried gets compared to this one and falls short. TGM stands head and shoulders over the rest in my opinion.
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PERFECTION!! Will review more later but WOW, I LOVVVVVED this book. In terms of the language, it would help if you've seen the Starz series 'Spartacus'. Actually, this book had a lot in common with that series. Caelius and Gaedres = YUMM! Gaedres is a true alpha that just made my toes curl and stomach flutter. The love between them is awesome and the writing pretty much flawless. Love the inclusion of Faustus which rounded out the family unit. I am so happy I stumbled on this book. Definitely one I would read again.
Added Jan 31, 2013:
Ok, so I never did write a review. But, I re-read this this past weekend and I am still head over heels in love with it. Every other gladiator book I've tried gets compared to this one and falls short. TGM stands head and shoulders over the rest in my opinion.
October 30, 2015
ไม่ได้ตั้งใจที่จะเขียนรีวิวภาษาไทยเลย เพราะก่อนอ่านคิดว่าหนังสือเล่มนี้คงอยู่ในกลุ่มหนังสือที่เราไม่เขียนรีวิวยาวๆแน่ๆ อย่างมากก็รีวิวสั้นๆเตือนความจำลง GR ว่า ... นี่ ! เล่มนี้เคยอ่านแล้วนะ แต่ที่ไหนได้ ! พออ่านจบเรารีบเปลี่ยนความคิดทันที The Gladiator's Master ในความรู้สึกเรามันโดดเด้งออกมาจากหนังสือ MM Romance เล่มอื่นที่เราอ่านมามากๆ ไม่ต้องพูดถึงในแง่ที่ว่าผู้แต่งรีเสริชมาได้ค่อนข้างดีและสร้างโลกได้สมจริง (กว่านิยายแนวนี้เรื่องอื่นๆ) ส่วนความรู้สึกระหว่างตัวละครก็ชัดเจนจนสามารถสัมผัสได้ผ่านทางบทสนทนาหรือสถาการณ์ตามท้องเรื่อง
การจับแกลดดิเอเตอร์มาคู่กับนายเหนือหัวในเล่มนี้นี่ไม่ต่างอะไรกับ Lion Tamer เลย ขณะที่อ่านเราเห็นภาพแคเลียสและไกเดรสได้ชัดมากๆ เราวาดภาพไกเดรสเป็นสิงโตตัวใหญ่ที่คำรามลั่นอยู่ในกรง ไกเดรสมีบาดแผลและความชิงชังที่ทำให้เขาไม่สามารถเข้าใกล้ใครได้อีกโดยเฉพาะแคเลียสซึ่งมีสายเลือดโรมันที่เขาชังนักหนา ส่วนแคเลียสก็เหมือนกับหนูตัวเล็กๆที่โดนตะปบเวลาไปแหย่ตอนที่สิงโตกำลังโมโห (แถมยังโดนงาบไปหลายครั้งด้วยแหละ)
สรุปว่าชอบ เหนือความคาดหมายใดๆทั้งปวง ก่อนหน้านี้อ่าน Sovereign's Gladiator แล้วชอบก็เลยหาแนวๆนี้มาอ่านอีก พอมาเจอเรื่องนี้ละโดนอย่างจังเลย >"<
การจับแกลดดิเอเตอร์มาคู่กับนายเหนือหัวในเล่มนี้นี่ไม่ต่างอะไรกับ Lion Tamer เลย ขณะที่อ่านเราเห็นภาพแคเลียสและไกเดรสได้ชัดมากๆ เราวาดภาพไกเดรสเป็นสิงโตตัวใหญ่ที่คำรามลั่นอยู่ในกรง ไกเดรสมีบาดแผลและความชิงชังที่ทำให้เขาไม่สามารถเข้าใกล้ใครได้อีกโดยเฉพาะแคเลียสซึ่งมีสายเลือดโรมันที่เขาชังนักหนา ส่วนแคเลียสก็เหมือนกับหนูตัวเล็กๆที่โดนตะปบเวลาไปแหย่ตอนที่สิงโตกำลังโมโห (แถมยังโดนงาบไปหลายครั้งด้วยแหละ)
สรุปว่าชอบ เหนือความคาดหมายใดๆทั้งปวง ก่อนหน้านี้อ่าน Sovereign's Gladiator แล้วชอบก็เลยหาแนวๆนี้มาอ่านอีก พอมาเจอเรื่องนี้ละโดนอย่างจังเลย >"<
September 25, 2012
This was an engrossing story of Caelius, a Roman politician who inherits his uncle's slaves and finds among them a gorgeous gladiator,Gaidres, whom he brings to his bed (and floor, and walls.) Gaidres was not born a slave but was captured by Caelius' uncle, losing home, lover and freedom. He hates Caelius as a relative of the man who destroyed his past, and while willing to have sex with Caelius, is biding his time with the intent to kill him. The initial heated sex scenes show how these men's physical needs are definitely are a good fit, even while they are strangers to each other. But gradually, over the course of some conversation and (a lot of very hot) sex, they come to see each other as individuals, and forge a very different relationship.
This story is full of details of Roman life, and they are very well placed, giving an authentic feel without appearing to show off the research, as in some historicals. Rehabilitating a slave-owning character to modern readers as a romantic lead is tough, and Caelius almost bends over backwards (and often bends over forwards) to show his egalitarian attitude. I enjoyed this story, became fond of the MC's and wished them well in their HEA.
This story is full of details of Roman life, and they are very well placed, giving an authentic feel without appearing to show off the research, as in some historicals. Rehabilitating a slave-owning character to modern readers as a romantic lead is tough, and Caelius almost bends over backwards (and often bends over forwards) to show his egalitarian attitude. I enjoyed this story, became fond of the MC's and wished them well in their HEA.
March 11, 2017
3.5 stars
Wow. This was pretty great up until about the last 10-15% when it took a dive into Sapsville. Still good though. Would've loved an epilogue and another sex scene after they got together to tie it all up.
Those who are fans of historical, the language is a bit more modern in parts but I'm not a big stickler for that kind of thing so it wasn't a huge deal breaker for me.
Recommended.
Wow. This was pretty great up until about the last 10-15% when it took a dive into Sapsville. Still good though. Would've loved an epilogue and another sex scene after they got together to tie it all up.
Those who are fans of historical, the language is a bit more modern in parts but I'm not a big stickler for that kind of thing so it wasn't a huge deal breaker for me.
Recommended.
March 9, 2017
Yes! Yes, I recommend this book! The word that comes to mind is refreshing. While reading it I never thought, "I've read this book before." Books bleed together but this one stands out.
I was afraid it would be all about violence but not at all. There was also the potential for the historical aspect to make me cringe, and it did a little bit, but I loved the characters enough that it didn't matter.
Is it sexy? Yes. Oh dear god, yes.
4 Stars because I skimmed through some repetition. Enough that I picked it up and put it down easily. I'm so glad I read it though.
I was afraid it would be all about violence but not at all. There was also the potential for the historical aspect to make me cringe, and it did a little bit, but I loved the characters enough that it didn't matter.
Is it sexy? Yes. Oh dear god, yes.
4 Stars because I skimmed through some repetition. Enough that I picked it up and put it down easily. I'm so glad I read it though.
September 15, 2020
Holy crap! That was just... the hottest. I've loved gladiatorial stuff ever since Russell Crowe won that Oscar, so this book obviously appealed. But I seriously did not expect to enjoy it so much. It's a story about a Roman lord who falls in love with one of his gladiators, but the twist is that Caelius, the master in name, is kind of a sub in bed and the gladiator, Gaidres, hates his guts. That sounds maybe a bit silly, but this book turned out to be fantastic. Their strained and unconventional relationship is aces. The D/s elements are unstructured and visceral, and the sex scenes are full-on smoking. But that's really not all there is to the book, ancient Roman life is wonderfully portrayed, the actions scenes are great and dramatic and the characters are multi-dimensional and likable. So, yeah, really liked and would recommend it to anyone.
December 9, 2021
Unexpectedly wonderful book about a gladiator and his master.
I don’t think I had particularly low expectations going into this book, but I was still blown away. I was captivated from the first page. Everything was so good.
The characters were amazing. I loved everyone, especially the MCs. Every character was so distinct and the personalities felt real. I knew everyone’s feelings and motivations. All the actions made sense and the progression of the relationship was well done. The two MCs had so much chemistry and the sex scenes were so spicy. All of them were good and that is rare. I’m very impressed.
I love a good historical romance and this was a good one. Real events were even mentioned in this book. The language, scenery, and actions all felt well-researched and made the book feel like an immersive experience.
I don’t think I had particularly low expectations going into this book, but I was still blown away. I was captivated from the first page. Everything was so good.
The characters were amazing. I loved everyone, especially the MCs. Every character was so distinct and the personalities felt real. I knew everyone’s feelings and motivations. All the actions made sense and the progression of the relationship was well done. The two MCs had so much chemistry and the sex scenes were so spicy. All of them were good and that is rare. I’m very impressed.
I love a good historical romance and this was a good one. Real events were even mentioned in this book. The language, scenery, and actions all felt well-researched and made the book feel like an immersive experience.
August 19, 2014
4.25! Awesome!
So vivid, with such a slow burn. I loved it.
I loved some of the cheesy lines, and the way Caelius seemed to always be floating around touching Gaidres as Gaidres just stood still. Hilarious.
Caelius was so endlessly hopeful and a very unique character in the way that he wasn't quirky, or overly logical, even though he was smart. He was more... floaty, and obviously quite the romantic.
A very special book.
Reminds me greatly of The Emperor's Wolf, actually to the point where 40% through reading this book, I thought I'd read it before because of TEW.
This is NOT BDSM at all. Like, at all. Slave fics =/= BDSM. C'mon people. Get yo shit together.
So vivid, with such a slow burn. I loved it.
I loved some of the cheesy lines, and the way Caelius seemed to always be floating around touching Gaidres as Gaidres just stood still. Hilarious.
Caelius was so endlessly hopeful and a very unique character in the way that he wasn't quirky, or overly logical, even though he was smart. He was more... floaty, and obviously quite the romantic.
A very special book.
Reminds me greatly of The Emperor's Wolf, actually to the point where 40% through reading this book, I thought I'd read it before because of TEW.
This is NOT BDSM at all. Like, at all. Slave fics =/= BDSM. C'mon people. Get yo shit together.
April 27, 2018
I always loved stories about Rome and if they included gladiators that definitely was the icing on the cake. So, of course, I needed to read this one as well and I can say that I was not disappointed.
Caelius, a Roman noble, inherits his uncle's estate, including a Ludus - a stable of gladiators, who, unfortunately just like the whole place, are in a really bad shape, malnourished and abandoned for months.
Only one of them - Gaidres seems unbroken and immediately catches Caelius attention.
Little does he know, that this man swore to erase the whole line of the family who made him a slave and killed the love of his life.
The interaction of those two is very intense and soon sparks fly.
It was really nice to read about them, even if the hate and anger of Gaidres got almost too much at times. I wouldn`t say that the story drags, it always kept me interested but I would have liked a few fewer pages and especially Gaidres realizing that his emotions were love and not hate anymore a little sooner...
Apart from that, I have no complaints. I do not have extensive knowledge about everyday life in Rome, but this felt genuine and I think a lot of research has gone into putting the story together, which was an additional bonus.
It was not perfect, but 4 stars seem not enough, so I will put it at 4.5 and if you enjoy historical romance and Roman gladiators this definitely might be for you!
Caelius, a Roman noble, inherits his uncle's estate, including a Ludus - a stable of gladiators, who, unfortunately just like the whole place, are in a really bad shape, malnourished and abandoned for months.
Only one of them - Gaidres seems unbroken and immediately catches Caelius attention.
Little does he know, that this man swore to erase the whole line of the family who made him a slave and killed the love of his life.
The interaction of those two is very intense and soon sparks fly.
It was really nice to read about them, even if the hate and anger of Gaidres got almost too much at times. I wouldn`t say that the story drags, it always kept me interested but I would have liked a few fewer pages and especially Gaidres realizing that his emotions were love and not hate anymore a little sooner...
Apart from that, I have no complaints. I do not have extensive knowledge about everyday life in Rome, but this felt genuine and I think a lot of research has gone into putting the story together, which was an additional bonus.
It was not perfect, but 4 stars seem not enough, so I will put it at 4.5 and if you enjoy historical romance and Roman gladiators this definitely might be for you!
September 3, 2011
I really liked this one and it surprised me. Sure... lots of m/m sex but also a convincing love story between a master and his slave set in a time in history that had beautiful muscular gladiators fighting to their death, politics, revenge, and everything else I love!
Come for the m/m sex, stay for the story. You won't be disappointed.
Come for the m/m sex, stay for the story. You won't be disappointed.
August 1, 2021
This was Spartacus the HBO series with MM romance and a HEA.
Basically that's it. No banter, no wit. There's a predictable plot and a realistic relationship development.
It was a good read, but not good enough for me to read more by this author for a while.
Basically that's it. No banter, no wit. There's a predictable plot and a realistic relationship development.
It was a good read, but not good enough for me to read more by this author for a while.
November 27, 2012
This was a great read if you are looking for something different, and I was.
When thinking ancient Rome and Gladiators; I conjure up images from the movies and the epic plots filled with politics, intrigue, blood, lust, love, and hate. All the things that make you feel all the emotions rolled into one. I guess I was expecting a lot huh?
This was good, but not great. It might have been set in Ancient times but the characters still seem to harbor the same insecurities and drama that they do in modern times. The inner turmoil our Gladiator suffers is nothing you haven't come across in modern romance. This was a bit dull for me, especially given the scope of the setting. I was disappointed to be honest, I expected something different.
The most memorable thing about this book has to be the intense and fierce attraction the two MC's have for each other. The sex! Oh sweet Jupiter! The sex was so delicious. It was everything I could have wanted from a Gladiator, hard, fast, fierce, powerful, possessive and predatory! Wow! Just wow! That was so very very goood!
I do appreciate the reference to true life events in this book. It brings a great realism to Historical novels. I just wished for more. More intrigue, more of the gladiator way of life, more displays of prowess in the Arena. I wanted the glory! I wanted this!
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But what I got was this!
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What I did not like was the cheesy over the top "I love you's" at the end. I also have to wander and this is not a sarcastic question. Did they say "fuck" in ancient times? I have no idea, although I would be amazed if they did.
All this being said. I really want to read more of these books. I am intrigued with these fierce warrior slaves and their rulers. These guys are pretty damn hot ya know?
When thinking ancient Rome and Gladiators; I conjure up images from the movies and the epic plots filled with politics, intrigue, blood, lust, love, and hate. All the things that make you feel all the emotions rolled into one. I guess I was expecting a lot huh?
This was good, but not great. It might have been set in Ancient times but the characters still seem to harbor the same insecurities and drama that they do in modern times. The inner turmoil our Gladiator suffers is nothing you haven't come across in modern romance. This was a bit dull for me, especially given the scope of the setting. I was disappointed to be honest, I expected something different.
The most memorable thing about this book has to be the intense and fierce attraction the two MC's have for each other. The sex! Oh sweet Jupiter! The sex was so delicious. It was everything I could have wanted from a Gladiator, hard, fast, fierce, powerful, possessive and predatory! Wow! Just wow! That was so very very goood!
I do appreciate the reference to true life events in this book. It brings a great realism to Historical novels. I just wished for more. More intrigue, more of the gladiator way of life, more displays of prowess in the Arena. I wanted the glory! I wanted this!
[image error]
But what I got was this!
[image error]
What I did not like was the cheesy over the top "I love you's" at the end. I also have to wander and this is not a sarcastic question. Did they say "fuck" in ancient times? I have no idea, although I would be amazed if they did.
All this being said. I really want to read more of these books. I am intrigued with these fierce warrior slaves and their rulers. These guys are pretty damn hot ya know?
March 6, 2013
The problem here is that the authors tried to write a modern romance in a historical setting. The characters themselves are thinly disguised modern men whose problems don’t really stem from the differences in their social statuses in the ancient Rome.
Gaidres could have just as easily been blaming Caelius and his family for a road accident that took his lover from him as he could have been blaming them for the loss of his freedom. And Caelius doesn’t seem to fully comprehend his position as master of his household or what the word slave meant to men of such stature in his time. He could have been a wealthy business man who lets his employees walk all over him and make the important decisions rather being the successful master of his house he’s supposed to be. There’s a temporary change in this towards the end, but it’s too little too late.
What words of respect are spoken, aren’t mirrored in action. In other words it’s all telling not showing. Whenever there’s an instance of need for the main characters to hide their true relationship, there are two careless moments when anyone could overhear or see them.
The rest of the world description details, including the latin vocabulary, seem to have been lifted straight out of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which had aired a year and half before this book was published. There’s nothing wrong in being inspired, but I wish it’d translate into better storytelling quality. Their authors’ note addresses the one historical fact I didn’t question.
If those are things you can get past, then you probably won’t mind the vilifying of the wife or the fetishist approach to m/m romance either. The book isn’t quite as bad as you could expect; some sex scenes are of the fade-to-black variety, but only some. The story and the writing were solid enough, and it’s not too difficult to see why others have loved the book. For me, the era needed to play a bigger role especially in the characterisations than it did.
Gaidres could have just as easily been blaming Caelius and his family for a road accident that took his lover from him as he could have been blaming them for the loss of his freedom. And Caelius doesn’t seem to fully comprehend his position as master of his household or what the word slave meant to men of such stature in his time. He could have been a wealthy business man who lets his employees walk all over him and make the important decisions rather being the successful master of his house he’s supposed to be. There’s a temporary change in this towards the end, but it’s too little too late.
What words of respect are spoken, aren’t mirrored in action. In other words it’s all telling not showing. Whenever there’s an instance of need for the main characters to hide their true relationship, there are two careless moments when anyone could overhear or see them.
The rest of the world description details, including the latin vocabulary, seem to have been lifted straight out of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which had aired a year and half before this book was published. There’s nothing wrong in being inspired, but I wish it’d translate into better storytelling quality. Their authors’ note addresses the one historical fact I didn’t question.
If those are things you can get past, then you probably won’t mind the vilifying of the wife or the fetishist approach to m/m romance either. The book isn’t quite as bad as you could expect; some sex scenes are of the fade-to-black variety, but only some. The story and the writing were solid enough, and it’s not too difficult to see why others have loved the book. For me, the era needed to play a bigger role especially in the characterisations than it did.
September 4, 2012
Wow! This was HOT!
...and I mean HOT...like with intense, rough...against the wall...on the floor sex. Did they even need a bed?!
I really enjoyed this story even though there wasn't a lot of action/fighting like I expected...and way more sex than I could have imagined. Surprisingly it really does progress the story. Caelius and Gaidres were just insanely hot together. And it was very beautiful and romantic IMO.
Don't let the slave description worry you. All the sex is pretty much consensual (maybe slightly dubious in the beginning). But Caelius (the "master") never truely owned Gaidres (the "gladiator").
4 Stars because it was a little too easy for me to put down. I wasn't hooked until the last 40%.
Rounded up to 4.5 Stars because I loved the ending!!
...and I mean HOT...like with intense, rough...against the wall...on the floor sex. Did they even need a bed?!
I really enjoyed this story even though there wasn't a lot of action/fighting like I expected...and way more sex than I could have imagined. Surprisingly it really does progress the story. Caelius and Gaidres were just insanely hot together. And it was very beautiful and romantic IMO.
Don't let the slave description worry you. All the sex is pretty much consensual (maybe slightly dubious in the beginning). But Caelius (the "master") never truely owned Gaidres (the "gladiator").
4 Stars because it was a little too easy for me to put down. I wasn't hooked until the last 40%.
Rounded up to 4.5 Stars because I loved the ending!!
October 30, 2013
”The world is cold and cruel and lonely. If we find some respite in each other’s arms there can only be good in that.”
I was very surprised with The Gladiator’s Master (TGM). To be honest, I was expecting a porn-with-slight plot kind of story (featuring a very horny gladiator who takes his –sexual- frustration out on a master willing to bend over). I was 95% wrong on that assumption and was blown away with the spectrum of emotions I went through. I even had to use some tissues.
The book blurb explains well the premise of the story. Gaidres was enslaved to serve as a gladiator, and vows to seek revenge by ending the bloodline of his captor. That includes the new dominus, Caelius, who is the nephew of the deceased Craxus. However, what Gaidres didn’t expect was the kind hearted dreamer that Caelius presents.
While Caelius is kind hearted and likes to believe that he can change Rome for the better, he isn’t naïve. He also understands others and empathizes with Gaidres during their earlier interactions. Meanwhile, Gaidres isn’t just an oversized meathead with anger management issues: he is a character that treads the fine line between love and hate with justifiable reasons to his anger besides “just” enslavement. While both personal and political reasons seem to constantly present a chasm between Caelius and Gaidres, it never got to the point of eye rolls and constant “Get on with it” mentalities that plague many stories I have read with similar conflicts.
While TGM focused a lot on love between our two MCs, there was also the issue of family. Of wanting freedom, but knowing that freedom has no meaning to a person who is entrapped in his own psychological cage. Of guilt that can only exist in survivors realizing that they can indeed be happy. Of hope and dreams in a harsh reality.
And of the belief that maybe, just maybe, one can have all it takes to be happy – friends, a lover, a family, and freedom.
I was very surprised with The Gladiator’s Master (TGM). To be honest, I was expecting a porn-with-slight plot kind of story (featuring a very horny gladiator who takes his –sexual- frustration out on a master willing to bend over). I was 95% wrong on that assumption and was blown away with the spectrum of emotions I went through. I even had to use some tissues.
The book blurb explains well the premise of the story. Gaidres was enslaved to serve as a gladiator, and vows to seek revenge by ending the bloodline of his captor. That includes the new dominus, Caelius, who is the nephew of the deceased Craxus. However, what Gaidres didn’t expect was the kind hearted dreamer that Caelius presents.
While Caelius is kind hearted and likes to believe that he can change Rome for the better, he isn’t naïve. He also understands others and empathizes with Gaidres during their earlier interactions. Meanwhile, Gaidres isn’t just an oversized meathead with anger management issues: he is a character that treads the fine line between love and hate with justifiable reasons to his anger besides “just” enslavement. While both personal and political reasons seem to constantly present a chasm between Caelius and Gaidres, it never got to the point of eye rolls and constant “Get on with it” mentalities that plague many stories I have read with similar conflicts.
While TGM focused a lot on love between our two MCs, there was also the issue of family. Of wanting freedom, but knowing that freedom has no meaning to a person who is entrapped in his own psychological cage. Of guilt that can only exist in survivors realizing that they can indeed be happy. Of hope and dreams in a harsh reality.
And of the belief that maybe, just maybe, one can have all it takes to be happy – friends, a lover, a family, and freedom.
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