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The Gladiator's Passion: An Eagle's Honor Novel
What happens when a kindhearted military doctor meets a prickly gladiator? Sparks fly, passion ignites, and there's lots of kissing against doors! (LOTS!!!)
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A KINDHEARTED DOCTOR
When Maius Florius Corvinus starts a new life as a military doctor in a legionary fortress in the Germanic province, throwing himself into a scandalous affair with a gladiator was definitely not part of his plan. (Nor was acquiring a very grumpy cat.) Luckily, it's just a fleeting infatuation - or is it?
A PRICKLY GLADIATOR
A former prisoner of war, Caomh has risen to become a star gladiator, winning fame and the adoration of the crowds in the arena - a life that has turned him into a hard, cynical man. In his world, there is no place for kindness or affection - until a chance encounter with the new doctor from Vetera changes everything.
AN IRRESISTIBLE PASSION
Passion ignites between Maius and Caomh, but the feelings that grow between them are soon put to the test when the gaps between their worlds threaten to tear them apart.
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Content guidance: on-page sex-scenes; descriptions of gladiatorial combats; references to medical procedures (not detailed), injuries, death of parents and children (off page), rape (off page); some swearing
---
A KINDHEARTED DOCTOR
When Maius Florius Corvinus starts a new life as a military doctor in a legionary fortress in the Germanic province, throwing himself into a scandalous affair with a gladiator was definitely not part of his plan. (Nor was acquiring a very grumpy cat.) Luckily, it's just a fleeting infatuation - or is it?
A PRICKLY GLADIATOR
A former prisoner of war, Caomh has risen to become a star gladiator, winning fame and the adoration of the crowds in the arena - a life that has turned him into a hard, cynical man. In his world, there is no place for kindness or affection - until a chance encounter with the new doctor from Vetera changes everything.
AN IRRESISTIBLE PASSION
Passion ignites between Maius and Caomh, but the feelings that grow between them are soon put to the test when the gaps between their worlds threaten to tear them apart.
---
Content guidance: on-page sex-scenes; descriptions of gladiatorial combats; references to medical procedures (not detailed), injuries, death of parents and children (off page), rape (off page); some swearing
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2023
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Schwab
24 books77 followersSandra Schwab has been delighting readers with her unusual historical romances since 2005. She particularly likes the quirky bits of history, so in her books, you’ll find Roman pet eels, Regency gentlemen with green hair, and medieval tournaments in Victorian Britain. She writes both m/m and m/f historicals - happy endings always guaranteed!
She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.
She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 14, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
The Gladiator’s Passion is part of the Eagle’s Honor series set in ancient Rome, but is a standalone; you don’t need to have read the other books in the series to be able to enjoy this one. Maius is a calm, gentle, friendly man who makes an effort to get to know the men he’s in charge of tending, always quick to see to any hurts or injuries no matter how small. He’s social, methodical, and calculating. Maius knows what he wants, and approaches any impediment with a thoughtful air, such as when Rufulus (whose name is actually Caomh; Rufulus is the slave name he was given) flinches at certain touches or grows angry at certain intimacies.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
The Gladiator’s Passion is part of the Eagle’s Honor series set in ancient Rome, but is a standalone; you don’t need to have read the other books in the series to be able to enjoy this one. Maius is a calm, gentle, friendly man who makes an effort to get to know the men he’s in charge of tending, always quick to see to any hurts or injuries no matter how small. He’s social, methodical, and calculating. Maius knows what he wants, and approaches any impediment with a thoughtful air, such as when Rufulus (whose name is actually Caomh; Rufulus is the slave name he was given) flinches at certain touches or grows angry at certain intimacies.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 2, 2023
4 stars
A lovely historical romance featuring a kind-hearted doctor and a prickly gladiator, The Gladiator’s Passion was the kind of story that I unexpectedly warmed to over the course of the book. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of MC’s getting down and dirty on at their first meeting. I’m definitely more of a slow burn type of girl; the more UST the better. So when Mauis and Caomh (pronounced ‘keef’) get to the sexy times fairly quickly upon meeting I was a bit concerned that this book wouldn’t be for me.
I needn’t have worried. Somehow, despite my initial reservations, I was drawn into Mauis and Caomh’s story and their slowly developing friendship and love. Turns out there was a slow burn after all, just not the one I was expecting. That slow burn was the trust and love between the two men, culminating in a very public and very risky moment that changes everything. And let me tell you, I was racing through the final third of the book to see what was going to happen next.
Aside from the romance, there were lovely moments with friends and family, and some very funny (and slightly painful) attempts at a detente with a rather irascible cat that made me laugh out loud several times.
All in all, I was thoroughly charmed by this book and nothing makes me happier than when a story upends my expectations and wins me over. Love that journey for me!
A lovely historical romance featuring a kind-hearted doctor and a prickly gladiator, The Gladiator’s Passion was the kind of story that I unexpectedly warmed to over the course of the book. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of MC’s getting down and dirty on at their first meeting. I’m definitely more of a slow burn type of girl; the more UST the better. So when Mauis and Caomh (pronounced ‘keef’) get to the sexy times fairly quickly upon meeting I was a bit concerned that this book wouldn’t be for me.
I needn’t have worried. Somehow, despite my initial reservations, I was drawn into Mauis and Caomh’s story and their slowly developing friendship and love. Turns out there was a slow burn after all, just not the one I was expecting. That slow burn was the trust and love between the two men, culminating in a very public and very risky moment that changes everything. And let me tell you, I was racing through the final third of the book to see what was going to happen next.
Aside from the romance, there were lovely moments with friends and family, and some very funny (and slightly painful) attempts at a detente with a rather irascible cat that made me laugh out loud several times.
All in all, I was thoroughly charmed by this book and nothing makes me happier than when a story upends my expectations and wins me over. Love that journey for me!
September 12, 2023
Do you like unconventional settings for your Historical Romance? Are you a sucker for a sunshine/grump relationship? What about tetchy cat sidekicks? Then you're in for a treat.
The Gladiator's Passion is set during the Roman Empire. Maius, a doctor, receives a new placement with a Roman legion in the Germanic province (far from his boyhood home in Brittania). In fact, he requests the placement because his unrequited crush is marrying his sister. Definitely best to put some distance between himself and THAT whole situation!
He seems to be settling in pretty well: he makes friends, earns the respect of the soldiers he treats, and finds himself a mentor. And then, one day when he's attending a gladiatorial contest with some of his legionnaire buddies, he sees Caomh. At first Maius thinks he might be hallucinating: Caomh looks just like his crush/BIL. But later that night, he gets the chance to see Caomh up close in the bar, and he realizes the similarities are superficial.
He wants to get to know this redheaded hottie, and invites him into his room. Just to chat! No seriously, just to chat ... but Caomh is like "Nah, we don't have to 'just chat.'" And the relationship is off with a bang!
There are a lot of aspects to this one that we loved. Sandra Schwab chooses to write the dialogue in modern vernacular, which might turn some people off, but we really appreciated: it makes the characters feel more vibrant and "real" instead of actors speaking Latin lines. The information on the Roman empire waas fascinating and well-researched. And the evolution of Maius and Caomh's relationship from "booty call" to "ILU" is poignantly rendered. We also especially liked that we didn't need a graphic depiction of Caomh's past trauma. The reader knows exactly what happened and how it affected him, so there's no need for a play-by-play.
Check this one out for sure if anything about MM Roman Empire historical romance sounds good to you!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The Gladiator's Passion is set during the Roman Empire. Maius, a doctor, receives a new placement with a Roman legion in the Germanic province (far from his boyhood home in Brittania). In fact, he requests the placement because his unrequited crush is marrying his sister. Definitely best to put some distance between himself and THAT whole situation!
He seems to be settling in pretty well: he makes friends, earns the respect of the soldiers he treats, and finds himself a mentor. And then, one day when he's attending a gladiatorial contest with some of his legionnaire buddies, he sees Caomh. At first Maius thinks he might be hallucinating: Caomh looks just like his crush/BIL. But later that night, he gets the chance to see Caomh up close in the bar, and he realizes the similarities are superficial.
He wants to get to know this redheaded hottie, and invites him into his room. Just to chat! No seriously, just to chat ... but Caomh is like "Nah, we don't have to 'just chat.'" And the relationship is off with a bang!
There are a lot of aspects to this one that we loved. Sandra Schwab chooses to write the dialogue in modern vernacular, which might turn some people off, but we really appreciated: it makes the characters feel more vibrant and "real" instead of actors speaking Latin lines. The information on the Roman empire waas fascinating and well-researched. And the evolution of Maius and Caomh's relationship from "booty call" to "ILU" is poignantly rendered. We also especially liked that we didn't need a graphic depiction of Caomh's past trauma. The reader knows exactly what happened and how it affected him, so there's no need for a play-by-play.
Check this one out for sure if anything about MM Roman Empire historical romance sounds good to you!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
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October 11, 2023Heat Factor: Sex first, feelings later!
Character Chemistry: “He might die!” just really had me by the throat.
Plot: Doctor runs away from home to get away from his unrequited crush, totally kills it at his new posting because he’s awesome, starts a secret forbidden fling with the town’s gladiatorial champion, then things get real
Overall: It’s a slow read, but the climax made it worth it. (For real, it took me like three weeks to get there, but once I did I stayed up waaaay too late to finish the book.)
If you like your romance books to cut right to the main problem so you can see where you’re going from the get-go, this is not the book for you. We don’t even see Maius’s love interest until the 15% mark, and Maius doesn’t even meet him until the 20% mark. Ergo, this story is very much a case of meandering through the lives of these Roman citizens (or not citizens, as the case may be). That said, it pulls together in the end; when Maius needs the support of his people, he’s definitely put in the work to show us why he deserves it. Also, even though Maius and Caomh spend most of their time together having sex and not being honest about their feelings, the 3rd person definitely gives us a sense of pining for something more that also makes the climactic moment feel earned.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Character Chemistry: “He might die!” just really had me by the throat.
Plot: Doctor runs away from home to get away from his unrequited crush, totally kills it at his new posting because he’s awesome, starts a secret forbidden fling with the town’s gladiatorial champion, then things get real
Overall: It’s a slow read, but the climax made it worth it. (For real, it took me like three weeks to get there, but once I did I stayed up waaaay too late to finish the book.)
If you like your romance books to cut right to the main problem so you can see where you’re going from the get-go, this is not the book for you. We don’t even see Maius’s love interest until the 15% mark, and Maius doesn’t even meet him until the 20% mark. Ergo, this story is very much a case of meandering through the lives of these Roman citizens (or not citizens, as the case may be). That said, it pulls together in the end; when Maius needs the support of his people, he’s definitely put in the work to show us why he deserves it. Also, even though Maius and Caomh spend most of their time together having sex and not being honest about their feelings, the 3rd person definitely gives us a sense of pining for something more that also makes the climactic moment feel earned.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
August 27, 2023
Highly Recommended. This historical romance is full of lush and interesting details of life in the Roman Empire which adds depth to the story of two men, neither of whom are looking for love - but find it anyway. Maius is a doctor with his own stubborn streak that is tempered by his work ethic and empathy for others. He is a charming person who inspires the loyalty of those around him. Caomh is the best example of a cynical man that life has not been kind to. It was lovely to watch these two fall for and be tender with each other. The love story is full of passion, that sometimes breaks out into arguments and misunderstandings, and gives these two men some opportunity to grow and get themselves together. It was a nice change to have them grow together after they started a sexual relationship. It made some of their relationship growth interesting and rocky, poor things. I liked that there was explicit consent and open communication about what they wanted and didn’t want in a physical relationship. If only they could have talked as honestly about their feelings! Kissing (against doors) is easy for these two. Talking, not so much. I loved them If you haven’t read any of Schwab’s other books, you should. This is a great introduction to her style and definitely a swoon worthy read.
Bonus: A very grumpy, formidable cat
Bonus: A very grumpy, formidable cat
November 9, 2023
I've read quite a few romances set in Roman times. This book is exceptionally well-researched and the details really enhance the story. In this book, Maius accepts a position as a doctor serving in a Roman fortress. He left his family in Caledonia to nurse a broken heart when his unrequited, secret crush partnered with his sister instead.
When Maius first sets eyes on Caomh, a champion gladiator working in a nearby town, he is attracted to his red hair and superficial resemblance to his former love interest. Once meeting Caomh, he realizes that this man is nothing life the other, but is much more a match for his interests and desires.
Caomh and Maius strike up a relationship of sorts where they secretly meet up in private. Still, Caomh is distrustful, especially since he was enslaved and even now does not have his freedom from the gladiator school. Maius feels that this love is impossible, but he cannot stop wanting to be with Caomh. This book has action, angst, passion, and pain. As Roman romances go, it is an easier read without the regular violence and abuse of other novels. It makes the reader feel transported to that time and place. The love between Maius and Caomh is ultimately healing, full, and beautiful.
When Maius first sets eyes on Caomh, a champion gladiator working in a nearby town, he is attracted to his red hair and superficial resemblance to his former love interest. Once meeting Caomh, he realizes that this man is nothing life the other, but is much more a match for his interests and desires.
Caomh and Maius strike up a relationship of sorts where they secretly meet up in private. Still, Caomh is distrustful, especially since he was enslaved and even now does not have his freedom from the gladiator school. Maius feels that this love is impossible, but he cannot stop wanting to be with Caomh. This book has action, angst, passion, and pain. As Roman romances go, it is an easier read without the regular violence and abuse of other novels. It makes the reader feel transported to that time and place. The love between Maius and Caomh is ultimately healing, full, and beautiful.
August 30, 2023
Far out in the Germanic province, military doctor Maius has just accepted a new position tending to the soldiers stationed at a military fortress when a popular gladiator catches his eye. The spark of attraction is mutual, but Caomh's past experiences and current circumstances have turned him hard and bitter, unwilling to trust anyone. There's a long road ahead to overcome the obstacles between them...
Enjoyable historical romance set in the Roman Empire that is in turns funny, sexy, and quite the emotional rollercoaster. The author has clearly done her research for the settings, which are well rendered in believable detail. The romance - aside from the physical relationship between the characters - develops as a well executed slow burn that makes both reader and characters wait for their happy ending. (Did I want to strangle Caomh at times for being such a stubborn, unreasonable ass who constantly lashes out at everyone? You bet. Good thing Maius, unlike me, has the patience of a saint - now there's a lovable character who deserves all the love and happiness in the world!)
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
Enjoyable historical romance set in the Roman Empire that is in turns funny, sexy, and quite the emotional rollercoaster. The author has clearly done her research for the settings, which are well rendered in believable detail. The romance - aside from the physical relationship between the characters - develops as a well executed slow burn that makes both reader and characters wait for their happy ending. (Did I want to strangle Caomh at times for being such a stubborn, unreasonable ass who constantly lashes out at everyone? You bet. Good thing Maius, unlike me, has the patience of a saint - now there's a lovable character who deserves all the love and happiness in the world!)
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 13, 2023
This book is perfect for readers who love historical romance but want to try one in an atypical setting. It does take a minute to get used to the unfamiliar (at least to me) terms and places but once I figured it out I could not put this book down. I loved Maius and Caomh's relationships. They both cared about each other so much and respected each other. Reading about the power dynamics of relationships at the time was also interesting. I also liked that Sandra Schwab explored the idea of what it would be like for someone who had been enslaved to deal with that trauma. I also love a romance where a normally calm person falls in love and totally loses their cool and boy does that happen here (no spoilers you'll have to read it but I will say it's epic). On top of all that this story has some great very great steamy scenes. Lots of wonderful kissing against doors, as mentioned in the blurb, but also consent and respecting boundaries. I highly recommend this one for anyone who likes a queer historical romance!
August 6, 2024
4.5 stars: this was a surprise for me.
I really enjoyed the two very different MCs, one a generous medicus and one a gladiator imbued with the resentment many with his life experiences would have. I have no idea how accurate the historical details were, but I enjoyed how the author incorporated them - particularly the details about setting, clothing, and the social structure.
I really liked the buildup of Mauis and Caomh’s relationship and the challenge to it.
I did think the visits to the Inn took on a repetitive nature, despite being essential to their relationship development. Sickness provided an interruption at one point, maybe there was a way to bury that part of the novel a little bit more.
Did Mauis and his family not keep slaves in order to keep his character appealing for contemporary audiences? I never understood that.
I really enjoyed the two very different MCs, one a generous medicus and one a gladiator imbued with the resentment many with his life experiences would have. I have no idea how accurate the historical details were, but I enjoyed how the author incorporated them - particularly the details about setting, clothing, and the social structure.
I really liked the buildup of Mauis and Caomh’s relationship and the challenge to it.
I did think the visits to the Inn took on a repetitive nature, despite being essential to their relationship development. Sickness provided an interruption at one point, maybe there was a way to bury that part of the novel a little bit more.
Did Mauis and his family not keep slaves in order to keep his character appealing for contemporary audiences? I never understood that.
August 21, 2023
Really enjoyed this! At the begining I thought "oh great, they are just jumping straight into bed", but I did like how their relationship developed both in and out of their sexual relationship.
I adore a good medical main character, and Maius was no exception. I liked his determination, and his quiet love for his gladiator. I would have liked to see more of them together, but the pining made it even more real.
Caomh stubbornes did make me want to shake him a few times, though! I do like that he found people he could count as friends in the end.
I adore a good medical main character, and Maius was no exception. I liked his determination, and his quiet love for his gladiator. I would have liked to see more of them together, but the pining made it even more real.
Caomh stubbornes did make me want to shake him a few times, though! I do like that he found people he could count as friends in the end.
September 11, 2023
“Wouldn’t want to miss the prettiest Roman I had clapped eyes on in a while, now would I?”
A wonderful historical romance. Ever since I watched the Spartacus TV show years ago, I've had a weakness for gladiator romance- especially mm. Great world building and wonderful characters. I liked the dynamic between medicus Maius and gladiator Caomh, as well as their banter. I loved that they both grew over the course of their story and wasn't an easy road to a happy ending, but I loved the journey. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars.
A wonderful historical romance. Ever since I watched the Spartacus TV show years ago, I've had a weakness for gladiator romance- especially mm. Great world building and wonderful characters. I liked the dynamic between medicus Maius and gladiator Caomh, as well as their banter. I loved that they both grew over the course of their story and wasn't an easy road to a happy ending, but I loved the journey. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars.
August 30, 2023
A really charming, lovely story of a doctor and gladiator that was funny, emotional and a great read. I was completely drawn into this historical mm romance set in the Roman empire. My first book by this author but not my last.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
mm-have-bk
May 4, 2025Rswp
March 30, 2024
This richly researched historical romance is a glimpse at another world. Caomh is a gladiator in a provincial town on the edge of the Roman empire, while Maius is a medicus stationed at the nearby fort. Their relationship grows through secret meetings and forbidden desire, with Caomh well aware that they are not on equal footing, no matter how much he wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with his lover. The characters are easy to root for even as Caomh lets his pride get in the way of true closeness. Absolutely delightful blend of action and sweet romance, with plenty of heartbreaking angst. Highly recommend for romance readers looking for a different setting and all the feels of a forbidden romance.
September 25, 2023
Adorable, brilliant, laugh out loud & cry your eyes out emotional roller coaster of a romance. Love the characters & as always some fantastic historical details.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews