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The Gladiators' Gifts #1
The Gladiator's Girl
Rue, a slave girl in an ancient Roman ludus, has been searching for love all her life. Her mistress often gives her to victorious gladiators for pleasure at their school as a reward for competence in the arena.But Rue has only experienced cruelty from men until she meets Ducius,a muscled and handsome gladiator who relishes their love and revives Rue's wilting spirit. He treats her gently and nurtures her, and Rue begins to believe in the future again.Their relationship grows ever deeper each time they come together. But the shadow of death haunts them whenever Ducius sets foot upon the sands of the arena, and Rue is certain she will never escape the bonds of slavery. They both search for a path to permanent happiness, a path that can only be determined by their master.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 25, 2014
An historical novella set in ancient Rome, when gladiators fought each other in the arena to the death. The ancient Romans seem to have been a hard-hearted people who enjoyed blood sports. Particularly the type of blood sports featuring human beings.
The story comes to us through the eyes of Rue, a slave girl who is owned by a family in the gladiator business, gladiatorial entrepreneurs, so to speak. They own some of these fighters and send them out to do their stuff in the fighting arena. And although Rue can’t see herself nor describe her own looks, she seems to have been what might have been called a ‘comely wench’ in another time and place. When a fighter wins glory for the house, Rue is sent in to service the winner as a reward. But she’d better make sure that the worked up fighters don’t leave bruises on her body! Otherwise, the mistress will think she’s displeased the fighter and punish Rue even more. Sigh! Well, every job has its problems. Rue, however, is a hard working girl and knows how to take the rough with the smooth. Which is probably just as well, considering her circumstances.
Then one day, she’s given for the night to Ducius, a new acquisition, after he wins glory in the arena. And what do you know? The pair fall in love and have quite an energetic lovemaking session while they’re at it. But all is not yet well in their world. Ducius could die in the arena any day. Rue can still be told by her owner to go in to another fighter if needs must. Can these lovers ever be together?
An interesting little romance which I enjoyed reading. I’m afraid I’m one of those boring people who finds sexual description way TMI (too much information). Some readers love it, however, so it’s fine for them. But I liked the story even if I found Rue’s mistress a bit too demanding on the poor young slave girl. If you like your historical romance set in the ancient world, you’d probably love this.
The story comes to us through the eyes of Rue, a slave girl who is owned by a family in the gladiator business, gladiatorial entrepreneurs, so to speak. They own some of these fighters and send them out to do their stuff in the fighting arena. And although Rue can’t see herself nor describe her own looks, she seems to have been what might have been called a ‘comely wench’ in another time and place. When a fighter wins glory for the house, Rue is sent in to service the winner as a reward. But she’d better make sure that the worked up fighters don’t leave bruises on her body! Otherwise, the mistress will think she’s displeased the fighter and punish Rue even more. Sigh! Well, every job has its problems. Rue, however, is a hard working girl and knows how to take the rough with the smooth. Which is probably just as well, considering her circumstances.
Then one day, she’s given for the night to Ducius, a new acquisition, after he wins glory in the arena. And what do you know? The pair fall in love and have quite an energetic lovemaking session while they’re at it. But all is not yet well in their world. Ducius could die in the arena any day. Rue can still be told by her owner to go in to another fighter if needs must. Can these lovers ever be together?
An interesting little romance which I enjoyed reading. I’m afraid I’m one of those boring people who finds sexual description way TMI (too much information). Some readers love it, however, so it’s fine for them. But I liked the story even if I found Rue’s mistress a bit too demanding on the poor young slave girl. If you like your historical romance set in the ancient world, you’d probably love this.
March 15, 2017
Celeste is an orphaned slave girl in ancient Rome whose master runs a gladiators' school known as a ludus. She is primarily a servant to the master and his family; although she is often given to gladiators for their enjoyment after they win a match in the public arena. Being kept as a reward; expected to provide pleasure to some of Rome's fiercest warriors, Celeste's experiences with these men are painful. Most gladiators take the greatest pleasure in brutalizing and humiliating her; and for Celeste, they are nothing more than violent brutes.
When a new gladiator named Lucius arrives at the ludus, Celeste doesn't know what to expect. He seems nice enough, but she's certain that it'll be only a matter of time before his true personality is revealed. Yet, Lucius eventually surprises her. He's a gladiator with a gentle spirit, who manages to entice Celeste out of her shell and helps her to believe in love again.
But their happiness is constantly threatened. Lucius could be killed while fighting in the arena any day, and Celeste just can't seem to satisfy her cruel mistress, Cornelia - who repeatedly accuses her of somehow angering the gladiators. In a time when violence and cruelty was encouraged, and life existed at the whim of the powerful; can Lucius and Celeste find a way to be permanently happy together?
Despite this story being only the length of a novella, I still enjoyed it very much. I usually enjoy reading anything having to do with ancient Rome and Greece, and this was no exception. The story was coherent and fast-paced; well-written and dramatic. I found myself really rooting for Celeste and Lucius, and wondering what would happen next for them. I give The Gladiator's Girl by Amy Hearst an A!
When a new gladiator named Lucius arrives at the ludus, Celeste doesn't know what to expect. He seems nice enough, but she's certain that it'll be only a matter of time before his true personality is revealed. Yet, Lucius eventually surprises her. He's a gladiator with a gentle spirit, who manages to entice Celeste out of her shell and helps her to believe in love again.
But their happiness is constantly threatened. Lucius could be killed while fighting in the arena any day, and Celeste just can't seem to satisfy her cruel mistress, Cornelia - who repeatedly accuses her of somehow angering the gladiators. In a time when violence and cruelty was encouraged, and life existed at the whim of the powerful; can Lucius and Celeste find a way to be permanently happy together?
Despite this story being only the length of a novella, I still enjoyed it very much. I usually enjoy reading anything having to do with ancient Rome and Greece, and this was no exception. The story was coherent and fast-paced; well-written and dramatic. I found myself really rooting for Celeste and Lucius, and wondering what would happen next for them. I give The Gladiator's Girl by Amy Hearst an A!
March 3, 2015
The Gladiator's Girl is a short little romance set in Ancient Rome. Rue is a shy slave to a family that buys and trains gladiators. Occasionally she is given to the gladiators as a prize if they won a match. Usually these men are rough and abusive towards her but one man is different. Ducius is a new but skillful gladiator who has been rising in the ranks and popularity. When Rue is given to him for his latest victory, she expects the worse but Ducius is not like the other men.
After a wonderful, gentle but passionate, night with Ducius, Rue finds herself falling in love with the young gladiator. They start to meet secretly and after Ducius' wins until the two become lovers. But Rue worries that Ducius will be killed in the arena and that she will always be a slave.
This story is very short but I really enjoyed reading it. The story itself is pure fantasy in the sense that it is exactly what it says it is and aims to fulfill a gladiator fantasy. A slave girl falls in love with a gladiator and lost of steamy sex happens. The ending is a happy one as well.
Even though the book was short, I found myself drawn towards the couple and wanting a happy ending for them. There was a bit of drama and obstacles for the couple to overcome such as not knowing if Ducius would survive his next match, wondering if the other gladiators would go after Rue and wondering if Rue's cruel mistress would get in the way of her and her love.
If you are someone who likes romances set in Ancient Rome then I would recommend picking up this novella.
See More Reviews at Venus' Bookshelf
After a wonderful, gentle but passionate, night with Ducius, Rue finds herself falling in love with the young gladiator. They start to meet secretly and after Ducius' wins until the two become lovers. But Rue worries that Ducius will be killed in the arena and that she will always be a slave.
This story is very short but I really enjoyed reading it. The story itself is pure fantasy in the sense that it is exactly what it says it is and aims to fulfill a gladiator fantasy. A slave girl falls in love with a gladiator and lost of steamy sex happens. The ending is a happy one as well.
Even though the book was short, I found myself drawn towards the couple and wanting a happy ending for them. There was a bit of drama and obstacles for the couple to overcome such as not knowing if Ducius would survive his next match, wondering if the other gladiators would go after Rue and wondering if Rue's cruel mistress would get in the way of her and her love.
If you are someone who likes romances set in Ancient Rome then I would recommend picking up this novella.
See More Reviews at Venus' Bookshelf
June 30, 2014
A short read that warmed my romantic heart
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews