At forty-five, Nicole thought passion was behind her. Divorced and finally free, she arrives at Second Chance Sanctuary to learn self-defense—not to fall for an ancient Roman gladiator whose voice could make angels weep and whose skilled hands know exactly how to worship her awakening body until she's trembling with need.
...a warrior who fixes broken things...
Quintus survived decades in Roman arenas by never wanting what he couldn't have. Now the sanctuary's steady problem-solver, this two-thousand-year-old warrior is unprepared for the divorced woman whose strength grows daily—and whose laughter makes him crave everything he'd given up hoping for.
...together they conquer fear...
When Quintus offers everything she's ever wanted, Nicole panics. What if she's just trading one cage for another? Can she trust that the right man enhances who she is instead of erasing her completely?
Thawed Quintusis a scorching, second-chance romance featuring a mature heroine finding her power and the ancient warrior whose skilled hands help her soar.
Sexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
The sixth story in the Awakened From the Ice, another engaging story in this series. Quintus and Elise's story quickly became my favorite in the entire collection. I started reading it at bedtime and found myself unable to put it down until I had finished. The story is exceptionally well-written, with captivating characters and a compelling storyline that builds to a very satisfying happy ending. I highly recommend it!
I am completely in love with Quintus. Being more mature than the other gladiators gives him such a different perspective. I think that this may be the most romantic of the series. Love how Elise finds her inner strength, and finds the courage to let Quintus in.
I tear up with the emotion in this story. Their romance is heartfelt and beautiful. They are so devoted to each other. Phenomenal characters!
Nicole and Quintus I think this could be One of the most romantic books in this series, Quintus is such a good man, he lived so much and Never hopped for more, he just kept giving and helping and now Nicole from a time he is still adapting, shows up and just changes his way of thinking, now he wants something for himself, he wants her. Nicole came from a long terrible marrige and She just wants to be happy and her best self so She does things for her like self defense classes and what an amazing instructer She has... they fit together so well, and It's great to see Nicole doing things She wants, loves and to undestand that a partner doesn't put her down but lifts her up!
Of course I loved this book—I wrote it. But more than that, I lived pieces of it.
Elise isn’t just a heroine on the page; she’s a woman who spent decades being told she was too much, not enough, or only valuable when she made herself small. Writing her was like holding a mirror to the years I’ve given myself away to keep the peace, only to discover how much of myself I’d lost.
And then there’s Quintus—a 2,000-year-old Roman gladiator pulled out of the ice and dropped into our world. He’s lived a lifetime of battles, chains, and survival, but somehow he’s the one who teaches Elise that real strength means choosing love, joy, and self-worth.
This book is her reclamation—and mine. Watching her rediscover joy, passion, and the right to take up space was cathartic. Watching her fall in love with a man who treasures rather than diminishes her made me cheer.
At its heart, this isn’t just a romance—it’s about second chances, self-worth, and the kind of love that makes you more of who you are, not less. And yes, there’s plenty of spice, banter, and swoon to keep the pages turning.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to claim your happiness, Elise and her gladiator prove that love can find you exactly when you’re ready... and it’s never too late.
After 25yrs and 3 (now) adult children Nicole's marriage is over. She's not terribly sad. Her ex constantly belittled her. She was too loud, too chubby, too dependent on him, "who else wold want you?" insults etc. Now she has her own place, her own job & money and she's headed to Second Chance Sanctuary for a 4-week self-defense class. She's done being told she's "less-than" and put down by the person who should have always lifted her up. No. More. She's her own woman and the class at Second Chance is her way of grabbing her new life with both hands. But what she didn't count on was Quintus. Quiet. Steady. Helping in the way he knows best by fixing the broken things. But then on a sleepless night, Nicole hears Quintus playing the lyre and singing songs from his time and everything she thought about him shifts. Her mind races with "what ifs" and her fears of being with someone who will control, diminish, or shame her come roaring back. She won't let that happen to her again. But what if she's wrong?
Quintus noticed Nicole the day she came to Second Chance sanctuary to participate in the 4-week self-defense course. Day by day her confidence grows as does his admiration...and his attraction to her. They finally succumb to their mutual feelings and spend the night together. The more passionate nights they share, the more Nicole seems to pull back though he's sure she feels as strongly for him as he does for her. He finally confronts her and she insists they remain casual because she's leaving after all in a couple more weeks. Though it breaks his heart, Quintus also withdraws from Nicole too...Until one night when Nicole hears his nighttime music. It's a song he wrote for her about his heartache and confesses she still yearns for him also and they reunite.
Until her daughter calls in a panic early one morning. Her ex-husband is headed for prison and she begs Nicole to help. Will Nicole be able to maintain her hard-fought independence or will she fall back into old habits of putting herself second to save her ex from his own mistakes...again...
Nicole has been in a 25 year long marriage where her husband had beaten her down mentally and emotionally, and now that she is divorced and her kids are out of the house and doing well in their lives she has decided to do something for herself. She is going for a self-defence class on Sanctuary where not only do they learn to defend themselves they also learn how to grow with confidence and believe in their own selves. There was something about Quintus that draws her to him. His quiet presence of just taking care of everyone and everything that needs to be fixed and taken care of. He holds everything together behind the scenes and not really seen by many that come through. This story is so well-written and you can't help but smile as Nicole gets stronger and comes out of her shell. You also find your heart breaking as she fights her attraction and guards herself from her strong feelings for Quintus. I found myself at the edge of my seat waiting to see where Alana takes us on this journey that was so heart-warming to read, and you can't help crying happy tears through some of this beautiful couple's journey as they come together. Quintus has so much depth and inner strength to his character and his calm demeanour is exactly what Nicole needs to find the confidence in their love and relationship. I loved every single moment of this book and cannot wait to see what other journey's Alana has in store for us. This is a definite must read!! Do not hesitate to get this book you will not be disappointed!!!
This was a very sweet story that hit very close to home for me. Not so much the abusive marriage that Nicole and her first husband had but the struggle she went through to find her natural strength in spite of her ex’s domineering mental and emotional abuse. The book doesn’t speak of physical abuse, which is heinous all on its own, mental and emotional abuse often occurs far more often and leaves wounds which are difficult or impossible to heal. Having grown up in a mentally and emotionally abusive biological family my own personal experiences resonated with Nicole’s. But Alana’s background in psychology that showed up in how Nicole resolved a lot of her issues gave me insight into how the issue of emotional and mental abuse can be resolved. It also helps to have strong support from the people who do love and care about you surrounding you during your time of recovery. That is what having Quintus and her children did for her. Overall, this was a very good book that was sweet, tender and informative that addressed a very serious problem. Highly recommend the book yet caution that it might be triggering for those who are dealing with, or may be in recovery with the issue of mental and/or emotional abuse. Not saying don’t read this book but just be aware that it is addressing those issues.
The next installment in the Thawed Gladiators, and once again, no disappointment here! Elise is getting out of a long-term abusive marriage, and with the encouragement of her three grown children is attending training at the gladiators compound. Growing her swlf-esteem, getting fitter and stronger are her goals on the road to starting a new life, and where better to learn than here? Quintus is the older thawed gladiator who never believed love was in the cards. He works at the compound doing odd jobs, training with his friends, and singing the songs his mother taught him when he's alone at night. The story line between these two is poignant, meaningful, and so heart-warming. As an older man, Quintus is calm and steady, quiet and watchful. Elise is no giggling teenager, she has life experience and wants to change her experiences going forward. She is bold and unflinching in her desire to improve, and Quintus is steadfast and loyal in his commitment to her. The spice is just the right level, the banter is on point, and the heart-break is almost palpable at times. This was a fantastic read, and I have to say, I might be just a little smitten with Quintus! I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don’t think there’s any argument that the male cover model is handsome. What I have issue with is his beautiful head of gray hair.
Chapter 3: ...silver threading his dark hair at the temples... Chapter 5: Threads of silver run through his dark hair at the temples... The silver at his temples isn’t premature age-... (Nitpicking 101, thank you very much)
I have a hard time believing that after 25 years of debasement Nicole’s insecurities practically disappear after a couple of weeks. Most people would need years of therapy.
Chapter 20 At the hotel desk she says, “Separate rooms,” without looking at me. Good.
Chapter 24Our hotel room...
Fortuna appearing and speaking to Nicole wasn’t really necessary nor believable.
I can’t remember how many days passed before they hooked up but then parted week three. Yet they both, and everyone around them, seem to find it perfectly acceptable that they’re now a couple.
I’m also uncomfortable with how her three kids view/talk about their father.
I did appreciate that in this book at least the gladiator had more than one woman to choose from. Most of the others seemed to be attraction due to forced proximity.
****** Chapter 2 “About a year ago, Dr. Laura Turner’s expedition pulled what she thought were shipwreck victims out of Norwegian ice,...”
I find it impossible to believe that not only has the sanctuary been built but the gladiators are now conducting classes after this brief period of time. It’s also stated that some of them are becoming fluent in English. I also wonder what happened to the scientists that were so eager to experiment on 2,000 year old humans. Would they really have given up already?
It's like discovering the life changing metamorphosis of a butterfly, yet it's as strong as flood waters, ripping away the old feelings, doubts and insecurities, leaving them feeling like they are possible. A new beginning, a new life, desire, even love. But can she let the past emotions and fears be laid to rest and stay in the past? Favorite line? "I do not wish to fight your battles, only carry the shield at your side when you grow tired." 🎶 What a man, what a man, what a man. What a mighty good man!❤🔥 I understood what Nicole was experiencing because negging is a real thing. Yet she became someone that "SHE" loved and was proud of. Quintus, he leaves nothing left to be desired! Strong, supportive, passionate. When he didn't know what was going on, he didn't push her but let her know how he felt and also that he was more than willing to be there for her. This review is my own opinion and is not AI generated.
Thawed Gladiator: Quintus is book 6 in the Awakened from the Ice series. I must suggest starting this delightful series from the beginning. Each Gladiator has their own unique story to tell and the charm and allure of each book will pull you in deeper into the enchanting time-traveling world of ancient gladiators in this unpredictable modern world.
Quintus has captured my attention with his patience, support and a tenderness that made me swoon and then destroyed me with a strength, a passion and all the spice that made me melt. And… the muscles let’s not forget the muscles!
Thawed Gladiator: Quintus has plenty of heart, found/formed family, all the drama of a newly developing relationship, a little denial and a whole lot of hope. There are wonderfully engaging characters and a lovely plot to round out the story. I recommend!
The book promises a story about a woman reclaiming her power and, boy, does it deliver in a big way. Not only does Nicole do this physically but also mentally. Her growth is amazing; however, so is Quintus’s. He might not need the physical because whoa, he is hot!!! But he sure overcomes his fears and together they face the challenges set before them.
This book has some amazing reminders of what it takes to become your best self and could be read as a self-help book if you don’t get so caught up in the story you forget to look for the lessons.
Although this is part of a series, it is the first book I have read and I didn’t feel I missed out by not reading the other books first. That being said, I enjoyed it so much, I am headed to go buy the rest!
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nicole is heading to Second Chance Sanctuary to participate in a four week self defense program. After 25 years in an emotionally abusive marriage and raising three children, she is ready to take back her self control and confidence. She came to grow physically and emotionally strong. But her attraction to Quintus has her terrified she will once again be under the control of a man. She is running scared!
Quintus is the oldest of the gladiators, and has strength and maturity beyond his years. He is the sanctuaries “fixer” and problem solver. People naturally gravitate to him because he listens. But when he and Nicole become involved and she panics and pushes him away, he will have to seek guidance from the other gladiators. Can he convince Nicole he wants to support her, not control her?
Another exceptional book from Alana, and a great addition to the series!
This is an unbelievable series. Each book contains the trials and tribulations of an era, that today, is unheard of. Their beliefs are tested daily. Awakened From The ICE Book 6 is a continuation of the journey that our infamous gladiators have undertaken.
This is a journey of revelations for both Nicole and Quintus. The unexpected attraction between them is hypnotic. Her walls are up but through his caring and compassionate nature they slowly dissolve.
This is a romantic sweet spicy read. A woman coming into her own with a charismatic male by her side. What could be more beautiful.
Quintus is a scorching, second-chance romance featuring a mature heroine finding her power and the ancient warrior whose skilled hands help her soar. Quintus—with the voice of an angel, the soul of a poet, and the steady hands of a man who fixes what’s broken. Nicole, who was treated poorly by a self centered ex-husband, finds her voice and learns strength from a gladiator who thought he faced a life of loneliness. This was a nice story about personal growth. It didn't have the drama of chase scenes and evil corporations but a small personal battle was one. Two people who deserved happiness find love unexpectedly.
This book touched my soul…any reader who has felt undervalued and unloved needs this read! I was enveloped in the way every woman who reads this genre wants to feel in real life. The plot was exactly what it needed it to be…an older woman who finds the strength within herself. Nicole at 45 wondered if she would live her life in fear or open herself to the love of a gladiator, Quintus. I found inter strength this read and grateful to Alana for writing it. Download and devour this one.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Alana Khan's Thawed Gladiators: Quintus is enthralling. This time divorced middle aged Nicole arrives at the Sanctuary for a month long self defense workshop where Quintus lives and works. She is meek and shrinking until the course shows her she can do anything, including love again, if she reclaim her life. Quintus treats her with respect and reverence, helping her realize that she is worthy of so much more than she realizes. I love that the main characters are mature people, both restarting their lives after much heart ache.
Emotionally abused for 25 years by her husband and recently divorced, Nicole enrolls in a self-defense course at Second Chance Sanctuary. Enter Quintus, a thawed gladiator who assists with the self-defense course. He is mature, kind, giving and has the soul of a poet. As interest ignites between them, will Nicole be brave enough to grab on to her second chance? Great character development and world building combine to make a wonderful story.
This is another fab addition to the series and I loved seeing Nicole find her strength, value and belief in the right to her own space in the world. Quintus is an older gladiator and I loved his inner strength, tenderness and support. So swoony! Together these two are fire but Nicole has to get over her fear of committing again… Expect to get caught up in this sweet and spicy read that showcases personal growth and a wonderful second chance romance. Well done!
Nicole trying to get her life back in order after an oppressive marriage made for a great start to the story. Quintus is one of the more mature gladiators-a great counterpart for Nicole. I think it was the realism of Nicole’s situation that made her so easy to relate to. Rebuilding confidence to embrace love in a healthy relationship were wonderful things to see.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
These books really bring your imagination to life. The ultimate treasure, frozen gladiators who actually unfreeze and live. Not only are they all nice but once they become aware they’ve been awakened two thousand years in the future they try their best to make what adjustments they can, with tons of help from people who have good intentions. You will enjoy these books much more if read in order.
I just absolutely loved this! When I say the fmc is relatable I mean I can 100 % relate to her! Being made to feel small in a marriage that was no good for you and that you felt so small and unseen, I completely understand that feeling all to well. I also love that this is an older female and male mc's! This was just so much to take in while reading. Alana truly outdoes herself every time!
This book was more introspective for me , delving into what it means to be in a strong partnership even marriage. That marriage should enhance our individuality and growth , not reduce or diminish. A great topic to delve into, plus all the gladiator stuff! Really enjoyed it !
Thawed Gladiator: Quintus offers a touching (and steamy) romance centered on self-worth, support, and passion, featuring captivating characters and revealing that it's never too late for happiness. Highly recommended!
This book really touched me. I’m a bit older but reading a “second chance” romance wasn’t really on my radar. Now I can see what I’ve been missing. The characters were very relatable and woven into the existing world well.
Nicole is a divorced Mother of three grown children. Quintus is a silver stallion gladiator needing to find his mate. Its an amazing journey of a 2000 year old gladiator falling in love with a strong woman.
Nicole's kids were so cute. Nicole kind of made me angry when she told Quintus that she just wanted to have fun not have a relationship. Now if he would of said that she would of been mad. I love when Fortuna shows up. Quintus was a sweetheart.
Part of the Thawed Gladiator series. This is a must-read plot. Nicole, a human and meets Quintus, a warrior. The book follows their journey to a HEA. Can't wait for the next book.