What do you think?
Rate this book
The Barbarian's Mistress
They wanted her to be the wife of an Emperor, she wanted to be the mistress of a barbarian.
Innocent young patrician, Anniana, is to be un-willing pawn in a game of power that will see her wed to the decadent new emperor, Titus, unless she can escape Rome with her only protector, a violent, Norse giant. He must get her to Pompeii before Salvia, her diabolical mother, discovers her escape. But when Pompeii is destroyed by Vesuvius, and Salvia sends assassins to track her down, it becomes a chase across the empire to keep her freedom.
Vali has every reason to hate Salvia, who used him as a sex slave years before. Now he must keep her daughter safe, not only from hired killers, and the many dangers of the journey, but from the biggest threat of all – himself, because a damaged barbarian is no fitting mate for an innocent noble of Imperial Rome.
Ninia, Anniana’s handmaiden, is sent to find her mistress, and her only desire is to save her friend from the barbaric Norseman. But when she’s ship-wrecked with Braxus, ex- gladiator and pirate, she unexpectedly discovers a chance for real happiness for herself. The only problem - the man she’s starting to love is in league with the enemy.
This is an epic journey across the breadth of the early Imperial Roman Empire in search of freedom,respect and love.
Innocent young patrician, Anniana, is to be un-willing pawn in a game of power that will see her wed to the decadent new emperor, Titus, unless she can escape Rome with her only protector, a violent, Norse giant. He must get her to Pompeii before Salvia, her diabolical mother, discovers her escape. But when Pompeii is destroyed by Vesuvius, and Salvia sends assassins to track her down, it becomes a chase across the empire to keep her freedom.
Vali has every reason to hate Salvia, who used him as a sex slave years before. Now he must keep her daughter safe, not only from hired killers, and the many dangers of the journey, but from the biggest threat of all – himself, because a damaged barbarian is no fitting mate for an innocent noble of Imperial Rome.
Ninia, Anniana’s handmaiden, is sent to find her mistress, and her only desire is to save her friend from the barbaric Norseman. But when she’s ship-wrecked with Braxus, ex- gladiator and pirate, she unexpectedly discovers a chance for real happiness for herself. The only problem - the man she’s starting to love is in league with the enemy.
This is an epic journey across the breadth of the early Imperial Roman Empire in search of freedom,respect and love.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
76 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Nhys Glover
108 books78 followersNhys Glover is an Australian born award-winning author of over 75 romance novels. She is known for blending heart, heat, and a touch of the extraordinary in her stories. From time-traveling lovers to soul-deep polyamory connections, her work explores love in all its transformational forms.
Now living in Durham County UK, Nhys draws on her background in teaching and spiritual inquiry for inspiration in her writing. As she sits at her desk, staring out at the windy moors, she often reflects on what it means to stay human in an increasingly digital world. It is, after all, the subject of her newest book, a non-fiction called Authenticity, as Taught by a Machine.
But no matter the genre, Nhys is always chasing one thing: the truth at the heart of every story.
Now living in Durham County UK, Nhys draws on her background in teaching and spiritual inquiry for inspiration in her writing. As she sits at her desk, staring out at the windy moors, she often reflects on what it means to stay human in an increasingly digital world. It is, after all, the subject of her newest book, a non-fiction called Authenticity, as Taught by a Machine.
But no matter the genre, Nhys is always chasing one thing: the truth at the heart of every story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 10, 2013
This could have been epic. Truly. It had the right setting, characters, ideas, It was all there to make it perfect.
The downfall started with this
-The characters were all beautiful, none of them had any physical flaws, except for Braxus. He had a scar running from his eye down to his chin, but somehow that made him even more beautiful?? I'm waiting for a book to come out where an ugly girl meets an equally ugly guy.
-The relationship between Lara and Vali and Ninia and Braxus bordered on the Pedophile side. The girls were both 16, while the men were in the late 20's. Vali's nickname for Lara was little one. If your sleeping with a man who refers to you as little one you need to call 1-800- Lock-u-up.
-The author bogged down a lot of the story with useless details about city's and places that had nothing to do with anything.
- The relationship between Ninia and Braxus was so rushed. They met and fell in love in the matter of 5 pages, which I don't get because it took Vali and Lara 1,000 pages to realize they loved each other. Yes, it was a tedious as it sounds.
-All the slaves just so happened to be sex slaves. Seriously, what are the odds.
-Pompeii and Mt Vesuvious was mentioned in between pages of sex scenes. I wanted more historical fiction and less sex. I guess that's what i get for reading a book called The Barbarian's mistress.
-Last, but not least. This is what fairy tales are made of. Men like Vali and Braxus do not exsist. I wish they would have been made to resemble humans instead of inner galactic God's who looked like Abercrombie Models.
The downfall started with this
-The characters were all beautiful, none of them had any physical flaws, except for Braxus. He had a scar running from his eye down to his chin, but somehow that made him even more beautiful?? I'm waiting for a book to come out where an ugly girl meets an equally ugly guy.
-The relationship between Lara and Vali and Ninia and Braxus bordered on the Pedophile side. The girls were both 16, while the men were in the late 20's. Vali's nickname for Lara was little one. If your sleeping with a man who refers to you as little one you need to call 1-800- Lock-u-up.
-The author bogged down a lot of the story with useless details about city's and places that had nothing to do with anything.
- The relationship between Ninia and Braxus was so rushed. They met and fell in love in the matter of 5 pages, which I don't get because it took Vali and Lara 1,000 pages to realize they loved each other. Yes, it was a tedious as it sounds.
-All the slaves just so happened to be sex slaves. Seriously, what are the odds.
-Pompeii and Mt Vesuvious was mentioned in between pages of sex scenes. I wanted more historical fiction and less sex. I guess that's what i get for reading a book called The Barbarian's mistress.
-Last, but not least. This is what fairy tales are made of. Men like Vali and Braxus do not exsist. I wish they would have been made to resemble humans instead of inner galactic God's who looked like Abercrombie Models.
February 18, 2013
Very nice book. I enjoyed the descritions of Roman life. The life of slaves was harsh and brutal, but we all know that already. But the life of some patricians was ugly too. Such as Anni/lana's. A young girl/woman that was used as pawn for her mother's schemes.
I liked Lana very much. She was really young but she didn't have TSTL moments. She understood when to state her thoughts and when to just follow orders.
Vali was also nice. At the beginning he was just fond of Lana and the growth of his feelings for her was nicely descripted.
Their feelings for each other seemed real and the way they were acting dring the whole story was plausible.
Th heat between them was hot and the the intimate moments were tastefully done.
The pace of the book was also nicely done with all the POV changes. Each character was actin in a logical way.
I liked Lana very much. She was really young but she didn't have TSTL moments. She understood when to state her thoughts and when to just follow orders.
Vali was also nice. At the beginning he was just fond of Lana and the growth of his feelings for her was nicely descripted.
Their feelings for each other seemed real and the way they were acting dring the whole story was plausible.
Th heat between them was hot and the the intimate moments were tastefully done.
The pace of the book was also nicely done with all the POV changes. Each character was actin in a logical way.
August 8, 2024
an epic romance set in Ancient Rome?! Yes, yes, yes. I loved this story. It was often heartbreaking and the world the characters inhabit is brutal and unforgiving so there’s a lot of trigger warnings in this. Unfortunately the relationship between Ninia and Braxus felt a little bit rushed for my liking and although this was a violent time, what are the odds that every slave had been subjected to sexual violence? Perhaps they’re that high, I’m not a historian. That said, I enjoyed the chemistry and developing love stories between the key characters. It felt like reading The Gladiator were it a swoon worthy romantic story. Will definitely be looking for more novels by this author.
March 27, 2015
Felt in the mood for a historical romance, and the Roman setting of this one seemed different and interesting. It was really very good. Probably one of the most interesting aspects was how the story - told from different perspectives - works to converge at a climactic showdown about three months after the book starts. There is a lot of travel through Rome, Pompeii, Germania and Brittania in a short span of time. Though the book isn't based around historic events specifically, the references to the time period are decent and the description of dwellings and class interesting. There was a definite sense of all the action culminating that kept this a real page-turner.
November 18, 2013
I loved to read this book. It is well written, the story and the characters are beautiful. I couldn't put it down
January 27, 2017
Couldn't finish because it was oh, so terribly boring. What a drag. *waves hand
Want to read
July 12, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/13/2022)! 🎁
May 21, 2024
I feel under qualified to write this review because romance is not my preferred genre, but as a writer I keep writing romance into my plots, so I thought it would be time for me to actually (gulp) read a romance.
Was not disappointed. In an era where BDSM and kink along with domestic violence red flags are present in popular romance… this had no relationships like that. They were in the characters’ pasts, but those situations were clearly abusive.
Also, the slaves were freed before they were in the relationships which take up this book. This removed the power dynamic of “is it safe for me to say ‘no’”
Consent and control were present. And the control was on the person offering the love… meaning that it was safe for the other person to say no.
And there are scenes where the characters say ‘no’ to each other in sexual context.
The only thing that was questionable was the fact that the two main female characters were 17.
I recognize historically women were getting married at much younger ages, but it still made me question if I should be enjoying their relationship.
The historical angles and details are solid. (Roman empire is not my favorite ancient history topic.)
There are sex scenes. There is sexual content and discussion. Including discussions of trauma.
The content warning in the description on Amazon is warranted.
I would not be comfortable recommending this is a teenager, but I would prefer the relationship dynamics here and rate these characters as having healthier relationships than your mainstream romances of alpha men with criminal pasts and other questionable sexual behaviors dealing with vulnerable women.
PS - My version of the book had a different cover than the two versions listed here.
Was not disappointed. In an era where BDSM and kink along with domestic violence red flags are present in popular romance… this had no relationships like that. They were in the characters’ pasts, but those situations were clearly abusive.
Also, the slaves were freed before they were in the relationships which take up this book. This removed the power dynamic of “is it safe for me to say ‘no’”
Consent and control were present. And the control was on the person offering the love… meaning that it was safe for the other person to say no.
And there are scenes where the characters say ‘no’ to each other in sexual context.
The only thing that was questionable was the fact that the two main female characters were 17.
I recognize historically women were getting married at much younger ages, but it still made me question if I should be enjoying their relationship.
The historical angles and details are solid. (Roman empire is not my favorite ancient history topic.)
There are sex scenes. There is sexual content and discussion. Including discussions of trauma.
The content warning in the description on Amazon is warranted.
I would not be comfortable recommending this is a teenager, but I would prefer the relationship dynamics here and rate these characters as having healthier relationships than your mainstream romances of alpha men with criminal pasts and other questionable sexual behaviors dealing with vulnerable women.
PS - My version of the book had a different cover than the two versions listed here.
August 18, 2019
Long, but worth it
This book was long and I will admit some parts where there is rambling can be somewhat dull, but overall a great book. I was not sure about a book from Rome. I usually stick to the historical taking place mostly in the UK. The author is descriptive of the settings and characters. I enjoyed all of the characters. This book is well-written and definitely worth the read.
This book was long and I will admit some parts where there is rambling can be somewhat dull, but overall a great book. I was not sure about a book from Rome. I usually stick to the historical taking place mostly in the UK. The author is descriptive of the settings and characters. I enjoyed all of the characters. This book is well-written and definitely worth the read.
December 27, 2017
I am in awe
This was such a well written story that it just flowed. The characters were mesmerizing to me and I looked forward to each part of their journey. I loved the researched history which defined the progress of the story. I plan to recommended this book to an author friend who is also a lover of this time period.
This was such a well written story that it just flowed. The characters were mesmerizing to me and I looked forward to each part of their journey. I loved the researched history which defined the progress of the story. I plan to recommended this book to an author friend who is also a lover of this time period.
July 15, 2017
In need of an editor. There are a lot of grammatical typos throughout, as well as some formatting issues that distract from the writing.
Overall it was a sloe read but enjoyable. the premise was so different that i was willing to overlook some of the issues and redundancy.
Overall it was a sloe read but enjoyable. the premise was so different that i was willing to overlook some of the issues and redundancy.
February 6, 2018
Absolutely love this book!
February 9, 2013
This story revolves around Anniana, a young Roman girl who finds herself about to be used as a pawn for her mother's ambitions, to be married to a wealthy man, the Emperor of all Rome. However her father doesn't approve, since she is his favourite child and so he makes a plan to have her essentially flee and marry to another man, his plan includes an old slave who was sold on four years ago. So the adventure begins.
The plot in the blurb made me want to read this book, I was hoping for a bit of history with romance and adventure thrown into it - similar to those books about Tudor times. However I found it was not to be. There was a few grammar and spelling errors through the book, however what really took away from the book was the characters.
Anniana was so perfect. The author was trying so hard to make her seem like a girl who would want for nothing, who cares for everyone and who knew nothing about the world because she lived such a sheltered life. It really grated on my nerves to read about her, because everyone liked her, she was innocent and pure, without a mean bone in her body and yet she was abused by her brother, completely ignored by her mother, her older sister would be mean to her as well. Yet with all that we are meant to believe that she somehow retains her innocence? I don't believe that for a second, in no way is that a believable character - even though this is a work of fiction it's taking place in historical times, make part of it feel real.
Vali - used as a sex slave, he was also really smart with numbers and would help Anniana's father's accounts. Yet he was a slave, he came in to being a slave at a younger age, how would he have known how to do accounts? Not even the people he had grown up with were able to do that! As a man though he was too perfect, at the beginning he tried to keep his love/lust for Anniana/Lara (Yes, she changed her name, but the author liked to refer her to her original name at odd periods through the book, even when it was established that Anniana was not longer to be called that) but he came across as rather a stereotypical emo boy.
These two are the 'main characters' of the book, although over half way through we are taken away from Vali and Lara's journey to go to Lara's handmaiden, who is tracking down her mistress where she meets a man who is hunting Lara down, in order to bring her back to her mother. Circumstances change for them both and they go to find Lara, only to fall for each other and... It is rather unbelievable this part too. After a week of being together they have fallen in love, at least Vali and Lara lasted 17 days before they did it!
The romance between these two was rushed and obviously put in so that the reader didn't get bored of Vali and Lara - however it would have worked better if the author spaced the romance out for both the couples more than what she did here.
The romance was rushed and were lacking in emotional impact.
The ending was rather rushed as well, it could have been brought about a lot smoother too. I also hated how four men essentially ganged up on the one who was weak and wouldn't stand a chance against one of them. The dialogue felt rather like a bad movie, essentially:
'This is what happens to bullies'
'No one messes with my girl'
It was cringe worthy to say the least.
It's every inch a chick flick though and is a quick read, something light and fluffy for a summer read at the beach I would think.
The plot in the blurb made me want to read this book, I was hoping for a bit of history with romance and adventure thrown into it - similar to those books about Tudor times. However I found it was not to be. There was a few grammar and spelling errors through the book, however what really took away from the book was the characters.
Anniana was so perfect. The author was trying so hard to make her seem like a girl who would want for nothing, who cares for everyone and who knew nothing about the world because she lived such a sheltered life. It really grated on my nerves to read about her, because everyone liked her, she was innocent and pure, without a mean bone in her body and yet she was abused by her brother, completely ignored by her mother, her older sister would be mean to her as well. Yet with all that we are meant to believe that she somehow retains her innocence? I don't believe that for a second, in no way is that a believable character - even though this is a work of fiction it's taking place in historical times, make part of it feel real.
Vali - used as a sex slave, he was also really smart with numbers and would help Anniana's father's accounts. Yet he was a slave, he came in to being a slave at a younger age, how would he have known how to do accounts? Not even the people he had grown up with were able to do that! As a man though he was too perfect, at the beginning he tried to keep his love/lust for Anniana/Lara (Yes, she changed her name, but the author liked to refer her to her original name at odd periods through the book, even when it was established that Anniana was not longer to be called that) but he came across as rather a stereotypical emo boy.
These two are the 'main characters' of the book, although over half way through we are taken away from Vali and Lara's journey to go to Lara's handmaiden, who is tracking down her mistress where she meets a man who is hunting Lara down, in order to bring her back to her mother. Circumstances change for them both and they go to find Lara, only to fall for each other and... It is rather unbelievable this part too. After a week of being together they have fallen in love, at least Vali and Lara lasted 17 days before they did it!
The romance between these two was rushed and obviously put in so that the reader didn't get bored of Vali and Lara - however it would have worked better if the author spaced the romance out for both the couples more than what she did here.
The romance was rushed and were lacking in emotional impact.
The ending was rather rushed as well, it could have been brought about a lot smoother too. I also hated how four men essentially ganged up on the one who was weak and wouldn't stand a chance against one of them. The dialogue felt rather like a bad movie, essentially:
'This is what happens to bullies'
'No one messes with my girl'
It was cringe worthy to say the least.
It's every inch a chick flick though and is a quick read, something light and fluffy for a summer read at the beach I would think.
April 28, 2015
Nhys Glover still makes me feel empathy for the characters which is always nice when you read a book.
However the 3 books I have read of this series seem very alike to me. There's always a heroine in need to be protected, a protector who makes an incredible journey to save her and 3 of the main male characters come from the same background and had similar experiences of life. Not to mention that the evolution of the heroines are also very similar, they all suffer at the hands of some foe who is hunting them, and they all find their strength only after they fall in love.
Thus and though I do want to know the fate of the next character, I could not find the story as pleasant as the first.
However the 3 books I have read of this series seem very alike to me. There's always a heroine in need to be protected, a protector who makes an incredible journey to save her and 3 of the main male characters come from the same background and had similar experiences of life. Not to mention that the evolution of the heroines are also very similar, they all suffer at the hands of some foe who is hunting them, and they all find their strength only after they fall in love.
Thus and though I do want to know the fate of the next character, I could not find the story as pleasant as the first.
July 14, 2013
Pure sexy fun with a dash of historical accuracy and some ultimately satisfying character turns. Some of the writing was unpolished and the pacing could have been sharper, but I liked the action sequences, in particular the storm at sea. I found Braxus more interesting than Vali and could see him as a hero a bit more than I did Vali. In the end, I found both heroes satisfying. This story is less a historical novel about lovers in Ancient Rome than it is a romance about slaves finding love against a Roman background, but what great fun it is.
June 22, 2015
This book is mistitled. He wasn't a Barbarian and she didn't want to be his mistress.
she wanted to be his wife, having loved him since she was a child.
I don't usually read or like books that go into graphic detail about sex; it's gratuitous and unnecessary. Not in this book though, it's an integral part of the story.
The four main characters are all emotionally scarred by sex in their past and this is a story of discovery, awakening, redemption and love.
Oh, and revenge, which by the time it comes has you wanting to spit in his eye as he dies.
she wanted to be his wife, having loved him since she was a child.
I don't usually read or like books that go into graphic detail about sex; it's gratuitous and unnecessary. Not in this book though, it's an integral part of the story.
The four main characters are all emotionally scarred by sex in their past and this is a story of discovery, awakening, redemption and love.
Oh, and revenge, which by the time it comes has you wanting to spit in his eye as he dies.
February 23, 2016
WONDERFUL!!!!!
This is such an exciting and lovely novel. It has so much character and development. The settings throughout Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, North Africa, and not to leave Rome out are just breathtaking. The author certainly has done her research. The characters are well-written and defined. The growth of all of the characters was outstanding. With a HE A, this novel is well recommended. If possible and if allowed, more stars would have been given. LOVE IT!
This is such an exciting and lovely novel. It has so much character and development. The settings throughout Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, North Africa, and not to leave Rome out are just breathtaking. The author certainly has done her research. The characters are well-written and defined. The growth of all of the characters was outstanding. With a HE A, this novel is well recommended. If possible and if allowed, more stars would have been given. LOVE IT!
March 18, 2013
There were grammar and spacing errors, which somewhat detracted from my reading pleasure, and sometimes I got bored with some of the characters, the ones who were on the sidelines, even if they were part of the story. I did really like the two different romances going on.
I thought the ending a bit abrupt, and would have liked to see Ninia and Braxus again, but not bad.
All in all, a nice little story, though a bit graphic at times.
I thought the ending a bit abrupt, and would have liked to see Ninia and Braxus again, but not bad.
All in all, a nice little story, though a bit graphic at times.
July 22, 2013
I enjoyed the drama of this book. It has more secondary characters than I normally like in a book, all converging to one conclusive point, but the author did an excellent job of detailing the individual journeys and challenges of each character set. Much of the story was predictable, so the suspense was non-existent, but the character development and emotional aspects were very well written and deserving of a good weekend read.
July 25, 2013
I was glued to this story from the first page. It was exciting and entertaining, with great characters and a fabulous setting. The story was beautifully written, and complimented with a nice steady pace. My only little criticism was it had a few moments of repetitive story lines. However, this was far beyond average and such a nice read. I would love to read more of the family links they explored. Very good. x
July 16, 2013
Picked this little gem up on amazon for free.
And I am so happy I did. The Barbarian's Mistress was really good. I found the book to be a longer read than I expected but, it needed to be.
With the length you get 2 stories of love and devotion. After the first 2 chapters I really got into to the story, and the adventure our two lovers embark on!
And I am so happy I did. The Barbarian's Mistress was really good. I found the book to be a longer read than I expected but, it needed to be.
With the length you get 2 stories of love and devotion. After the first 2 chapters I really got into to the story, and the adventure our two lovers embark on!
March 27, 2013
3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised. She could use a pre-reader, but the mistakes were minimal. Also, the story had a lot more meat to it than I had anticipated. I wish I knew how things went with Gaius and the girl Lara wanted to set him up with.
I was pleasantly surprised. She could use a pre-reader, but the mistakes were minimal. Also, the story had a lot more meat to it than I had anticipated. I wish I knew how things went with Gaius and the girl Lara wanted to set him up with.
May 31, 2014
Great Read!
Great Read!
Couldn't put the book down once I started
reading. Excellent plot, good character development. Characters are believable and the story flows smoothly. Highly recommended!
Great Read!
Couldn't put the book down once I started
reading. Excellent plot, good character development. Characters are believable and the story flows smoothly. Highly recommended!
June 4, 2014
Haven´t read a Roman novel for a while and really enjoyed this one which begins in Rome and moves through to England, with plenty of action and intrigue along the way. Slightly annoying "perfect" heroine, but all-in-all a good read.
June 30, 2015
Is a great book to read
February 23, 2016
First time read by author. Characters caught my interest and so did the story. I would read more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews