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Romancing the Romans #1
The Last Gladiatrix
In the dust and death of the Collosseum, a slave fights for freedom, a soldier fights for his life, and they both fight for the love that has been forbidden.
Captured and enslaved by a Roman legion, Xanthe never expects to end up training for the Colosseum floor, but every night after the day’s march, she is put through her paces by a Roman solider who challenges her, tests her, and excites her.
Titus is drawn to Xanthe, her fire and her spirit, so he breaks one of his rules and brings notice on himself, offering to train her as a gladiatrix to spare her a courtesan’s role. But training her, working with her, soon becomes too much. Titus knows the penalty for taking property that does not belong to him, but how long can he resist?Praise for THE LAST
'The Last Gladiatrix is a historical novella with a rich setting and strong, likeable characters. A quick, satisfying read.' — The Australian Bookshelf
'From soldiers' camp to the Colosseum where blood is spilled on the dirt, to a Roman woman's bed chamber, to a traveling caravan, there's no end to the excitement and action. I especially enjoyed the witty repartee between Xanthe and Titus. They made laugh out loud more than once. I also enjoyed the fighting. Some serious research went into this... This was a superb historical romance adventure.' — Book Babe
Captured and enslaved by a Roman legion, Xanthe never expects to end up training for the Colosseum floor, but every night after the day’s march, she is put through her paces by a Roman solider who challenges her, tests her, and excites her.
Titus is drawn to Xanthe, her fire and her spirit, so he breaks one of his rules and brings notice on himself, offering to train her as a gladiatrix to spare her a courtesan’s role. But training her, working with her, soon becomes too much. Titus knows the penalty for taking property that does not belong to him, but how long can he resist?Praise for THE LAST
'The Last Gladiatrix is a historical novella with a rich setting and strong, likeable characters. A quick, satisfying read.' — The Australian Bookshelf
'From soldiers' camp to the Colosseum where blood is spilled on the dirt, to a Roman woman's bed chamber, to a traveling caravan, there's no end to the excitement and action. I especially enjoyed the witty repartee between Xanthe and Titus. They made laugh out loud more than once. I also enjoyed the fighting. Some serious research went into this... This was a superb historical romance adventure.' — Book Babe
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Eva Scott
21 books67 followersEva comes from a family of storytellers and has been writing her own stories since she could hold a pencil. Growing up in a multicultural neighbourhood in Melbourne, Eva developed her wanderlust and a passion for culture and language. She travelled the world, living in Britain before coming home to Australia to study Anthropology. Wanderlust got the better of her again, so Eva packed up and headed to Papua New Guinea to live and work where she was completely in her element. Eva's passion for the Australian country is born of her large extended family, which is spread out across the land. She volunteers at the local primary schools, teaching writing and working with children to incite a love of books and reading. Eva's books explore relationships, culture, our roles in changing society, love and loss. She loves finding connections with readers over shared experiences.
If you'd like to know more about Eva, her books, or to connect with her online, you can visit her website: evascottwriter.com
If you'd like to know more about Eva, her books, or to connect with her online, you can visit her website: evascottwriter.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 9, 2013
This was a superb historical romance adventure. Yes, that's quite a combination.
There's a strong heroine--she can fight just as well as any man, takes down 7 out of 10 barbarians that attack her, before she's captured.
She ends up given as a gift to a Roman senator with greed on his mind--only because he can't bed her without possibly getting something bit off. So when he decides to throw her in the arena, her and Titus, a centurion are thrown together for training...but they fall in love.
Oh, I'm so not done. Come over and see the whole thing: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
There's a strong heroine--she can fight just as well as any man, takes down 7 out of 10 barbarians that attack her, before she's captured.
She ends up given as a gift to a Roman senator with greed on his mind--only because he can't bed her without possibly getting something bit off. So when he decides to throw her in the arena, her and Titus, a centurion are thrown together for training...but they fall in love.
Oh, I'm so not done. Come over and see the whole thing: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
May 24, 2013
Grade: F
Yeah, that quote in the third paragraph should have been my warning of !!!Cliches & Caricatures Ahead!!! But I kept reading because it’s just a novella, how bad could it be? My status updates (below) sum up how bad it got.
I finished it (because I have enough fortitude to finish a damn novella, dammit), but even before the end of the first chapter, a bit of throw-away characterization made me lose all respect for the story and the author. This is our introduction to the general’s villainous aide-de-camp:
WHY was this included? It was completely pointless, because this temporary villain appears in only two additional (and very short) scenes. I’m guessing it was an attempt to make the FLAMING EVIL HOMO a glaring opposite of our MANLY AND OBVIOUSLY VERY HETERO AND MASCULINE AND DID WE MENTION MANLY? HERO, because, you know, how else would we grasp the immensity of his heroically heterosexual manliness? But at least the Flaming Evil Homo doesn’t have the hots for our Hero of Heterosexual Masculinity, because that would just be gross.
Badly done, Escape Publishing (an imprint of Harlequin Entrprises Australia). Badly done indeed.
The skin at the back of her neck prickled, as if in warning.
Yeah, that quote in the third paragraph should have been my warning of !!!Cliches & Caricatures Ahead!!! But I kept reading because it’s just a novella, how bad could it be? My status updates (below) sum up how bad it got.
I finished it (because I have enough fortitude to finish a damn novella, dammit), but even before the end of the first chapter, a bit of throw-away characterization made me lose all respect for the story and the author. This is our introduction to the general’s villainous aide-de-camp:
Maximus was slender and fine-boned, like a woman. He also possessed a woman’s love of gossip and — if rumours were true — a woman’s love of men. Yet Maximus did not like him, and Titus was happy to return the sentiment.
WHY was this included? It was completely pointless, because this temporary villain appears in only two additional (and very short) scenes. I’m guessing it was an attempt to make the FLAMING EVIL HOMO a glaring opposite of our MANLY AND OBVIOUSLY VERY HETERO AND MASCULINE AND DID WE MENTION MANLY? HERO, because, you know, how else would we grasp the immensity of his heroically heterosexual manliness? But at least the Flaming Evil Homo doesn’t have the hots for our Hero of Heterosexual Masculinity, because that would just be gross.
Badly done, Escape Publishing (an imprint of Harlequin Entrprises Australia). Badly done indeed.
April 11, 2013
The Last Gladiatrix is a jam-packed novella by Australian author Eva Scott set in ancient Rome. Xanthe is captured by a Roman legion to be trained for a gladiator dual. She is under the close supervision of Titus, a soldier under the directive of the legion who is responsible to train her. Their close contact sparks an attraction between the duelling pair and the boundaries between captor and captured become blurry. They become caught up in an intense affair, but when the higher powers become aware of the situation both Xanthe and Titus must fight for their lives, literally.
The romance development between Xanthe and Titus happens quite quickly which isn't unusual a novella-length romance and given the fast-paced and stressful situation they find themselves in it isn't too unrealistic to believe they would connect quickly. Xanthe is a strong heroine and I liked her immediately whereas Titus has a softer side that is also endearing.
What the author does well is set the scene, provide rich historical detail and setting with the conflict for the characters made clear at the outset. I really enjoyed this short novel and it's one I'd have liked to have read as a full-length novel. Eva Scott has quite a few stories being released in 2013 and I'd be interested in checking out more of what she's written. The Last Gladiatrix is a historical novella with a rich setting and strong, likeable characters. A quick, satisfying read from Escape Publishing.
The romance development between Xanthe and Titus happens quite quickly which isn't unusual a novella-length romance and given the fast-paced and stressful situation they find themselves in it isn't too unrealistic to believe they would connect quickly. Xanthe is a strong heroine and I liked her immediately whereas Titus has a softer side that is also endearing.
What the author does well is set the scene, provide rich historical detail and setting with the conflict for the characters made clear at the outset. I really enjoyed this short novel and it's one I'd have liked to have read as a full-length novel. Eva Scott has quite a few stories being released in 2013 and I'd be interested in checking out more of what she's written. The Last Gladiatrix is a historical novella with a rich setting and strong, likeable characters. A quick, satisfying read from Escape Publishing.
May 1, 2017
Received from Netgalley for review.
Captured by Huns while searching for her missing brother, Xanthe is given to a Roman General to buy their release when the Huns are captured themselves. Finding her too wild to submit to becoming a bed slave, the General orders her to be trained by Centurion Titus Valens.
This should've been a full novel. The story is definitely there but at under a hundred pages a great deal of it felt rushed in particular the details of Xanthe and Titus falling in love. It wasn't until the last few pages when I got the chemistry between them. In short, no matter how much people can see each others souls through their eyes and all that, it'll never beat a few snappy lines of banter.
Xanthe was pretty great, even if she didn't really seem to get what being a slave meant until she actually had to fight. But then again that too was part of her charm, oddly naive despite her ferocity, the best part of the story was her seeing Rome for the first time.
Titus was the typical romantic hero, all swaggering muscles and short term thinking, but again, it's the second part of the book in which he shines. I just wish the author had expanded the story; I got why he finds Xanthe interesting, I feel there's something about Titus that's intriguing but there wasn't really time to explore it. Either way it was a good story and I enjoyed it. I just wish there'd been more of it.
Captured by Huns while searching for her missing brother, Xanthe is given to a Roman General to buy their release when the Huns are captured themselves. Finding her too wild to submit to becoming a bed slave, the General orders her to be trained by Centurion Titus Valens.
This should've been a full novel. The story is definitely there but at under a hundred pages a great deal of it felt rushed in particular the details of Xanthe and Titus falling in love. It wasn't until the last few pages when I got the chemistry between them. In short, no matter how much people can see each others souls through their eyes and all that, it'll never beat a few snappy lines of banter.
Xanthe was pretty great, even if she didn't really seem to get what being a slave meant until she actually had to fight. But then again that too was part of her charm, oddly naive despite her ferocity, the best part of the story was her seeing Rome for the first time.
Titus was the typical romantic hero, all swaggering muscles and short term thinking, but again, it's the second part of the book in which he shines. I just wish the author had expanded the story; I got why he finds Xanthe interesting, I feel there's something about Titus that's intriguing but there wasn't really time to explore it. Either way it was a good story and I enjoyed it. I just wish there'd been more of it.
April 5, 2013
Finished way too quickly. Need to see more of Xanthe and Titus.
sequels pleeeease
sequels pleeeease
April 7, 2013
One of the the things a successful historical novelist has to do is immerse the reader in a new world with all the sights, smells and sounds that go with it.
Eva Scott does this brilliantly well in The Last Gladiatrix.
In a tautly plotted tale, Eva gives us two very likeable central characters and a real sense of their developing relationship. The banter between the two sparkles.
If there was a criticism to be levelled at all is that the novel itself is too short.
There is plenty more potential in these two characters to explore beyond the happily ever after, such as whether heroine Xanthe and hero Titus are truly free from the conniving Roman general Sextus, whether Xanthe's brother can be rescued from his Hun captors - even whether there are 'Joseph and Potiphar's wife-type' consequences for Titus having refused the amorous advances of the Senator's wife.
After reading this story I found myself thinking about the future of these two characters, which is mark of a very good storyteller indeed.
I'm looking forward to reading Eva's next work.
Eva Scott does this brilliantly well in The Last Gladiatrix.
In a tautly plotted tale, Eva gives us two very likeable central characters and a real sense of their developing relationship. The banter between the two sparkles.
If there was a criticism to be levelled at all is that the novel itself is too short.
There is plenty more potential in these two characters to explore beyond the happily ever after, such as whether heroine Xanthe and hero Titus are truly free from the conniving Roman general Sextus, whether Xanthe's brother can be rescued from his Hun captors - even whether there are 'Joseph and Potiphar's wife-type' consequences for Titus having refused the amorous advances of the Senator's wife.
After reading this story I found myself thinking about the future of these two characters, which is mark of a very good storyteller indeed.
I'm looking forward to reading Eva's next work.
February 21, 2023
I really love the idea of this book and I absolutely love the cover of this book. However when I bought this I didn't realise it was a novella and novellas even when hitting around the 150 page mark are not enough to get pacing/character development right (especially when there is lots of action).
If this had been a full length novel with a more developed story line and less jumpy pacing/insta love then I would have loved it. As it turns out, this was just ok....but with really awesome lead characters and a to die for cover :-)
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 A-Z Title Challenge: Read a book with a X in the title
Aussie Readers 2022-23 QEII Challenge: Read books with author initial that spells out Queen (E - Eva)
Aussie Readers 2022-23 Summer Challenges: Read books where the author initial spells out the title of your favourite book Finnikin of the Rock (E = Eva)
If this had been a full length novel with a more developed story line and less jumpy pacing/insta love then I would have loved it. As it turns out, this was just ok....but with really awesome lead characters and a to die for cover :-)
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 A-Z Title Challenge: Read a book with a X in the title
Aussie Readers 2022-23 QEII Challenge: Read books with author initial that spells out Queen (E - Eva)
Aussie Readers 2022-23 Summer Challenges: Read books where the author initial spells out the title of your favourite book Finnikin of the Rock (E = Eva)
May 20, 2013
4 stars
This was a really good read!
Updated with full review -
I enjoyed this novella a lot! I love stories set in Ancient Rome, and when I saw The Last Gladiatrix had gladiators, I was all about reading this book! Gladiators are even better than ninjas and pirates. They are better than ninjas and pirates put together! There’s something about that desperate struggle for survival and freedom that makes them so compelling. Knowing that a bad day in the Coliseum will more than likely equate to a violent and premature death makes reading them suspenseful and exciting. I’m always worried that the protagonist is going to die or be severely injured. It can be so stressful!
Xanthe is Sarmatian, and her people lived on the steppes with their horses, fiercely protecting their herds. After Xanthe is captured by Huns and given as tribute to a Roman general, her prospects for a long, happy life seem dim. When it’s decided that she’s earn the general a ton of money fighting in the games, her fate is sealed. The general doesn’t expect her to survive her first fight, and worse, he doesn’t care. Xanthe is nothing to him, worth even less than a his sandals. When Centurion Titus Valens convinces the general that she’ll bring him more coin if she survives to fight again, Titus is put in charge of her training. Xanthe and Titus soon find themselves surrendering to an attraction they can’t deny.
The only part of the story that didn’t really work for me was the instant, simmering lust that brewed between Xanthe and Titus. I didn’t care how handsome he was, she had just been taken prisoner, the Huns and the Romans treated her like a dog, and I expected her to be fierce and more independent that she was. After all of the intense training on the long, long march to Rome, I would have bought into raging attraction, but for it to happen so quickly after being captured, it felt like too much, too soon.
Despite that one quibble, I thought this was a great read. The pacing never lagers, the fighting is ferocious and intense, and both Titus and Xanthe are sympathetic characters. They have both been dealt the worst hand possible, yet they refuse to fold and give up. I kept wondering how they were going to survive and get their HEA. I liked them so much that I’d love to see what adventures they face next.
Grade: B/B+
This was a really good read!
Updated with full review -
I enjoyed this novella a lot! I love stories set in Ancient Rome, and when I saw The Last Gladiatrix had gladiators, I was all about reading this book! Gladiators are even better than ninjas and pirates. They are better than ninjas and pirates put together! There’s something about that desperate struggle for survival and freedom that makes them so compelling. Knowing that a bad day in the Coliseum will more than likely equate to a violent and premature death makes reading them suspenseful and exciting. I’m always worried that the protagonist is going to die or be severely injured. It can be so stressful!
Xanthe is Sarmatian, and her people lived on the steppes with their horses, fiercely protecting their herds. After Xanthe is captured by Huns and given as tribute to a Roman general, her prospects for a long, happy life seem dim. When it’s decided that she’s earn the general a ton of money fighting in the games, her fate is sealed. The general doesn’t expect her to survive her first fight, and worse, he doesn’t care. Xanthe is nothing to him, worth even less than a his sandals. When Centurion Titus Valens convinces the general that she’ll bring him more coin if she survives to fight again, Titus is put in charge of her training. Xanthe and Titus soon find themselves surrendering to an attraction they can’t deny.
The only part of the story that didn’t really work for me was the instant, simmering lust that brewed between Xanthe and Titus. I didn’t care how handsome he was, she had just been taken prisoner, the Huns and the Romans treated her like a dog, and I expected her to be fierce and more independent that she was. After all of the intense training on the long, long march to Rome, I would have bought into raging attraction, but for it to happen so quickly after being captured, it felt like too much, too soon.
Despite that one quibble, I thought this was a great read. The pacing never lagers, the fighting is ferocious and intense, and both Titus and Xanthe are sympathetic characters. They have both been dealt the worst hand possible, yet they refuse to fold and give up. I kept wondering how they were going to survive and get their HEA. I liked them so much that I’d love to see what adventures they face next.
Grade: B/B+
August 4, 2016
WOW! Where to begin with this book.
The first words I will use are definitely stunning, magical and just plain awesome! I loved this read from start to finish. It was romance combined with history and done so very well.
I really loved the way in which the author described it all,I can with all certainty say I felt it all, touched it all and lived it all in this read.
This was the most fascinating romance I have read in a long time as I never thought of Gladiators going all lovey dovey, the author has given me a brilliant new look on it all.
The vivid backdrop settings were simply to die for, when I said above that I could touch it all, I truly mean it, there was no need for me to close my eyes and try to picture anything.
Keep it up Eva!
5/5 star review
" To save her he will need to fight her"
The first words I will use are definitely stunning, magical and just plain awesome! I loved this read from start to finish. It was romance combined with history and done so very well.
I really loved the way in which the author described it all,I can with all certainty say I felt it all, touched it all and lived it all in this read.
This was the most fascinating romance I have read in a long time as I never thought of Gladiators going all lovey dovey, the author has given me a brilliant new look on it all.
The vivid backdrop settings were simply to die for, when I said above that I could touch it all, I truly mean it, there was no need for me to close my eyes and try to picture anything.
Keep it up Eva!
5/5 star review
" To save her he will need to fight her"
April 3, 2013
The Last Gladiatrix is a meticulously research, marvelously written mix of romance and history. Every character leaps off the page and transports you back to the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient world. Xanthe and Titus will live in your memory long after you turn the final page of their amazing story.
April 23, 2013
Una storia carina e simpatica, ben gestita nonostante il numero limitato di pagine. Il titolo inganna un po', perchè l'eroina di sfida ne affronta solo una, pure finta, e la perde anche. Insomma, non proprio hero material...
Ma, essendo italiana, voglio premiare l'intraprendenza della scrittrice (e la buona volontà)
Voto: 3,5 stelle
Si ringrazia netgalley per la gentile preview.
Ma, essendo italiana, voglio premiare l'intraprendenza della scrittrice (e la buona volontà)
Voto: 3,5 stelle
Si ringrazia netgalley per la gentile preview.
March 29, 2013
Review to follow
May 22, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Xanthe is the daughter of a Sarmatian chieftain. A fierce warrior woman who believed in her skills so much that she left her people by herself in search of her captive brother. She is taken unawares by the Hun and taken captive. But not before she killed seven of her original ten attackers. When the Hun overtaken themselves by Roman soldiers it seems like her journey is just going to get harder. She is given as a gift to General Sextus who plans to use her as a gladiatrix (a female gladiator fighter) for the coliseum.
Centurion Titus Valens has no idea why this warrior woman interests him so much. From the first moment he met her eyes he feels an instant connection of his soul to hers. Like they had known each other in some other lifetime. Afraid of what would happen to her without his help he agrees to take over Xanthe's training for the coliseum.
I enjoyed the connection between Xanthe and Titus. Xanthe is a very strong woman. Confident that she can overcome any obstacle placed in her way towards freedom she refuses to give up. Life in Rome is not what either of them expected. There seem to be enemies around every corner. I adored Titus. From the start he was in Xanthe's corner. Wanting to ensure that she survived the coliseum he did everything in his power to help her.
It was interesting reading a female gladiators perspective. If I had any complaints it would be that Xanthe fell for Titus so quickly in the story. With her being a prisoner I guess I was expecting for him to really have to work at getting her trust. But even that didn't bother me that much when you take in everything they had to go thru to be together.
Xanthe is the daughter of a Sarmatian chieftain. A fierce warrior woman who believed in her skills so much that she left her people by herself in search of her captive brother. She is taken unawares by the Hun and taken captive. But not before she killed seven of her original ten attackers. When the Hun overtaken themselves by Roman soldiers it seems like her journey is just going to get harder. She is given as a gift to General Sextus who plans to use her as a gladiatrix (a female gladiator fighter) for the coliseum.
Centurion Titus Valens has no idea why this warrior woman interests him so much. From the first moment he met her eyes he feels an instant connection of his soul to hers. Like they had known each other in some other lifetime. Afraid of what would happen to her without his help he agrees to take over Xanthe's training for the coliseum.
I enjoyed the connection between Xanthe and Titus. Xanthe is a very strong woman. Confident that she can overcome any obstacle placed in her way towards freedom she refuses to give up. Life in Rome is not what either of them expected. There seem to be enemies around every corner. I adored Titus. From the start he was in Xanthe's corner. Wanting to ensure that she survived the coliseum he did everything in his power to help her.
It was interesting reading a female gladiators perspective. If I had any complaints it would be that Xanthe fell for Titus so quickly in the story. With her being a prisoner I guess I was expecting for him to really have to work at getting her trust. But even that didn't bother me that much when you take in everything they had to go thru to be together.
October 18, 2014
I am not a huge fan of historical Romance but The Last Gladiatrix is an exception, Xanthe runs away to try to find her brother who has gone missing and ends up being kidnapped herself, Along comes Titus who is in the Roman Army he saves her from the group that kidnapped her and he manages to convince his superior that she should be able to fight for her freedom in the Colosseum.
Titus trains Xanthe to fight. I loved this story and usually I won’t rate a novella so high because you usually don’t get enough out of them. The Last Gladiatrix was an amazing story I could not put it down, Xanthe is one tough cookie. When captured the Romans try to take advantage of her but she acts like a wild animal and they decide it is not worth the effort but thanks to Titus she has the skills she needs to fight. The Romance was great, kept in close quarters while training Xanthe and Titus can’t help but set of sparks, Although against the rules Titus takes Xanthe to bed and tries to keep it a secret his growing feelings for her. together they wish to find freedom through the Gladiator Battles.
The Last Gladiatrix is a wonderful, Suspenseful struggle for survival, with a tough woman fighting for her life and a tough Roman Soldier also fighting for her freedom, it makes for an action filled fast paced novella leaving you wanting for more. Please Ms Scott make more sequels!
Titus trains Xanthe to fight. I loved this story and usually I won’t rate a novella so high because you usually don’t get enough out of them. The Last Gladiatrix was an amazing story I could not put it down, Xanthe is one tough cookie. When captured the Romans try to take advantage of her but she acts like a wild animal and they decide it is not worth the effort but thanks to Titus she has the skills she needs to fight. The Romance was great, kept in close quarters while training Xanthe and Titus can’t help but set of sparks, Although against the rules Titus takes Xanthe to bed and tries to keep it a secret his growing feelings for her. together they wish to find freedom through the Gladiator Battles.
The Last Gladiatrix is a wonderful, Suspenseful struggle for survival, with a tough woman fighting for her life and a tough Roman Soldier also fighting for her freedom, it makes for an action filled fast paced novella leaving you wanting for more. Please Ms Scott make more sequels!
July 26, 2013
This is a very easy to read novella that is filled with tons of history to the point where it could be a little cliche. But, I enjoy cliche. I would have rated it higher because I honestly felt this should have been a full length novel...it felt to me like a precursor to a much longer piece. I like the idea of a female warrior and she was strong enough to make me happy, happy, happy!
I think Scott is on to something because, at least for me, there aren't that many romance of Gladiators around. If there are then please email me a list!
I think because of the short length of the book it may suffer from the instant love and unnecessary background information. It happens in the novella format more often than not. It is the reason why I prefer novellas for extra stories in an already established series. However, with all that said, I really think Scott has a great career ahead of her. If she keeps creating yummy Gladiator stories then I will keep reading her. There is something about the alpha male and the idea of gladiators are definitely alpha males. Scott did her research and I didn't feel that wording or set ups were inaccurate to the historical aspect.
Rating: B+
I think Scott is on to something because, at least for me, there aren't that many romance of Gladiators around. If there are then please email me a list!
I think because of the short length of the book it may suffer from the instant love and unnecessary background information. It happens in the novella format more often than not. It is the reason why I prefer novellas for extra stories in an already established series. However, with all that said, I really think Scott has a great career ahead of her. If she keeps creating yummy Gladiator stories then I will keep reading her. There is something about the alpha male and the idea of gladiators are definitely alpha males. Scott did her research and I didn't feel that wording or set ups were inaccurate to the historical aspect.
Rating: B+
November 10, 2014
Fighting for love
Centurion Titus is a memorable hero in every sense of the word. In the harsh world of the latter days of the Roman Empire, he is honourable, strong and a realist who is capable of the ultimate romantic gesture. Xanthe--a Scythian warrior--is the only woman to interest him and their battles make for riveting reading. The details of the life and times weave effortlessly through the narrative. I could visualise the Coliseum from Xanthe's perspective so clearly. Fascinating on both an historical and a fictional romance level.
Historically accurate, this novella is my first taste of this author but it won't be my last. Loved it!
Centurion Titus is a memorable hero in every sense of the word. In the harsh world of the latter days of the Roman Empire, he is honourable, strong and a realist who is capable of the ultimate romantic gesture. Xanthe--a Scythian warrior--is the only woman to interest him and their battles make for riveting reading. The details of the life and times weave effortlessly through the narrative. I could visualise the Coliseum from Xanthe's perspective so clearly. Fascinating on both an historical and a fictional romance level.
Historically accurate, this novella is my first taste of this author but it won't be my last. Loved it!
August 4, 2016
3.5/5 stars
Definitely a really interesting take on the life of a gladiator. Albeit, it's a bloody life and I really liked how the author portrayed that through the heartless actions of the Romans. With all their glory, they still have their weak parts. The characters were really enjoyable to read, Xanthe is so full of fire and Titus is full of compassion and love. I would definitely recommend this, it's a great read!
Read my reviews at:
https://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com
Definitely a really interesting take on the life of a gladiator. Albeit, it's a bloody life and I really liked how the author portrayed that through the heartless actions of the Romans. With all their glory, they still have their weak parts. The characters were really enjoyable to read, Xanthe is so full of fire and Titus is full of compassion and love. I would definitely recommend this, it's a great read!
Read my reviews at:
https://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com
July 4, 2013
I received this book as a giveaway from FictionVixen.
Sorry, I couldn't like this book.
Everything was happened was predictable, the characters plain, and I struggled to read this to the end.
It could be a really great book, but unfortunately the sparks weren't there.
If you want to read a book you'll quick forget, than this book is for you,otherwise - not recommended.
Sorry, I couldn't like this book.
Everything was happened was predictable, the characters plain, and I struggled to read this to the end.
It could be a really great book, but unfortunately the sparks weren't there.
If you want to read a book you'll quick forget, than this book is for you,otherwise - not recommended.
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