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Thawed Gladiator: Draco
From ancient Roman gutters to glittering Manhattan mansions...
Draco has always known how to survive. Once he relied on sleight of hand to steal his way through Rome’s slums—later he fought for his life in the arena. Now, after two thousand years frozen beneath the Norwegian Sea, he wakes in a world as strange as any illusion.
But the greatest danger he faces isn't hunger, hardship, or discovery—it's Charity Pembroke, the sheltered heiress who discovers him trespassing on her estate and offers sanctuary instead of calling the police. She embodies everything he’s been safety, privilege, and a world untouched by blood and sand.
A woman ready to burn for him...
Charity has lived her life wrapped in silk and rules, but one look at the dangerous stranger hiding on her property and she’s ready to risk everything for a taste of freedom.
Draco sees past her polished exterior to the woman aching to break free, and suddenly her greatest fear isn’t scandal—it’s how fiercely she craves his touch.
When fire meets ice...
To survive, Draco hides in plain sight, transforming his old tricks into dazzling underground magic shows while stealing forbidden moments in the shadows with Charity. But when passion explodes into headlines, they’ll discover the most dangerous magic isn’t the illusions on stage—it’s the forbidden desire that casts a spell strong enough to consume them both.
Thawed Draco by USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan delivers a darkly charming survivor, a daring heroine discovering her fire, and passion hot enough to turn ice into steam.
Draco has always known how to survive. Once he relied on sleight of hand to steal his way through Rome’s slums—later he fought for his life in the arena. Now, after two thousand years frozen beneath the Norwegian Sea, he wakes in a world as strange as any illusion.
But the greatest danger he faces isn't hunger, hardship, or discovery—it's Charity Pembroke, the sheltered heiress who discovers him trespassing on her estate and offers sanctuary instead of calling the police. She embodies everything he’s been safety, privilege, and a world untouched by blood and sand.
A woman ready to burn for him...
Charity has lived her life wrapped in silk and rules, but one look at the dangerous stranger hiding on her property and she’s ready to risk everything for a taste of freedom.
Draco sees past her polished exterior to the woman aching to break free, and suddenly her greatest fear isn’t scandal—it’s how fiercely she craves his touch.
When fire meets ice...
To survive, Draco hides in plain sight, transforming his old tricks into dazzling underground magic shows while stealing forbidden moments in the shadows with Charity. But when passion explodes into headlines, they’ll discover the most dangerous magic isn’t the illusions on stage—it’s the forbidden desire that casts a spell strong enough to consume them both.
Thawed Draco by USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan delivers a darkly charming survivor, a daring heroine discovering her fire, and passion hot enough to turn ice into steam.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
14 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Alana Khan
180 books620 followersSexy 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.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 5, 2026
Incredible add to the series! I've enjoyed this series since book one and have not been able to get enough of them! This one is no exception! I love how the mc's met! I devoured this as quickly as I could!
November 23, 2025
An excellent gladiator romance. I really loved this story! Opposites-attract.. both people looking for the same thing - freedom, and a place that they belong.. Emotional, romantic, and heartfelt.
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January 28, 2026Of course I love this book.
I wrote it.
But also? Draco is one of those stories that lived rent-free in my head and refused to behave.
This is a fish-out-of-time romance with real stakes.
Draco is an ancient Roman magician—brilliant, dangerous, deeply controlled—thawed into modern Manhattan, where nothing makes sense and power wears a very different face. Watching him navigate a world that no longer reveres magic, hierarchy, or gods was delicious… especially when he collides with her.
She’s a modern socialite: polished, protected, cosseted by wealth and expectations. Untouched. Untested. And absolutely not prepared for a man who sees through every mask she’s ever worn.
Their dynamic is everything I love to write: opposites in status, experience, and worldview. He’s lived too much. She’s lived too little. He falls first—and knows it’s dangerous. She doesn’t even realize she’s standing on the edge of a cliff.
The tension in this book is quiet but relentless. It’s in the glances that linger too long. The restraint. The careful distance. The way Draco holds himself back because he knows exactly what wanting her could cost them both.
And Draco himself? Oh, I adore him. Controlled to the point of pain. Intensely moral. Fiercely protective. A man shaped by an ancient world who still chooses restraint, honor, and devotion—even when no one would blame him for taking more.
What I love most is that this isn’t just a romance about desire—it’s about power, consent, and choice. About what it means to truly see someone when everything about your worlds says you shouldn’t.
If you like slow burns that simmer with intelligence, a hero who worships quietly before he ever touches, and a heroine discovering her own strength in the most unexpected way—this one’s for you.
Fair warning: the yearning is real.
And Draco does not make it easy on anyone. Least of all me.
Hugs,
Alana
P.S. Don’t let the series number scare you off. Early readers jumped in right here and followed along just fine—this story stands firmly on its own.
I wrote it.
But also? Draco is one of those stories that lived rent-free in my head and refused to behave.
This is a fish-out-of-time romance with real stakes.
Draco is an ancient Roman magician—brilliant, dangerous, deeply controlled—thawed into modern Manhattan, where nothing makes sense and power wears a very different face. Watching him navigate a world that no longer reveres magic, hierarchy, or gods was delicious… especially when he collides with her.
She’s a modern socialite: polished, protected, cosseted by wealth and expectations. Untouched. Untested. And absolutely not prepared for a man who sees through every mask she’s ever worn.
Their dynamic is everything I love to write: opposites in status, experience, and worldview. He’s lived too much. She’s lived too little. He falls first—and knows it’s dangerous. She doesn’t even realize she’s standing on the edge of a cliff.
The tension in this book is quiet but relentless. It’s in the glances that linger too long. The restraint. The careful distance. The way Draco holds himself back because he knows exactly what wanting her could cost them both.
And Draco himself? Oh, I adore him. Controlled to the point of pain. Intensely moral. Fiercely protective. A man shaped by an ancient world who still chooses restraint, honor, and devotion—even when no one would blame him for taking more.
What I love most is that this isn’t just a romance about desire—it’s about power, consent, and choice. About what it means to truly see someone when everything about your worlds says you shouldn’t.
If you like slow burns that simmer with intelligence, a hero who worships quietly before he ever touches, and a heroine discovering her own strength in the most unexpected way—this one’s for you.
Fair warning: the yearning is real.
And Draco does not make it easy on anyone. Least of all me.
Hugs,
Alana
P.S. Don’t let the series number scare you off. Early readers jumped in right here and followed along just fine—this story stands firmly on its own.
Want to read
October 31, 2025𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 :
✅ 1 Thawed Gladiator: 𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎 (2024) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐀 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋 - This was an amazing introduction to the new series, I like the concept with hibernation and respawn in the future 🤩👍
✅ 2 Thawed Gladiator: Thrax (2025) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐗 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐊𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑
✅ 3 Thawed Gladiator: Cassius (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐈 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗡
✅ 4 Thawed Gladiator: Victor (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐒
✅ 5 Thawed Gladiator: Lucius (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝗮𝗺𝗱 𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡 -This story fits perfectly into the approaching time of connecting the world of the living with the afterlife ☺️👻🎃⚰️⚱️🪦🕯️👍
✅ 6 Thawed Gladiator Quintus (2025) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐄 - touching combination 🥰
I'm waiting for Draco and Flavius 🤩👍
❌ 7. Thawed Gladiator: Draco - Expected publication February 1, 2026
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV38VJB?...
✅ 1 Thawed Gladiator: 𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎 (2024) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐀 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋 - This was an amazing introduction to the new series, I like the concept with hibernation and respawn in the future 🤩👍
✅ 2 Thawed Gladiator: Thrax (2025) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐗 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐊𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑
✅ 3 Thawed Gladiator: Cassius (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐈 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗡
✅ 4 Thawed Gladiator: Victor (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐒
✅ 5 Thawed Gladiator: Lucius (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝗮𝗺𝗱 𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡 -This story fits perfectly into the approaching time of connecting the world of the living with the afterlife ☺️👻🎃⚰️⚱️🪦🕯️👍
✅ 6 Thawed Gladiator Quintus (2025) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐄 - touching combination 🥰
I'm waiting for Draco and Flavius 🤩👍
❌ 7. Thawed Gladiator: Draco - Expected publication February 1, 2026
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV38VJB?...
December 9, 2025
Alana Khan has done it again! Thawed Gladiator: Draco is another fantastic installment in the Awakened From the Ice series. Prepare for an opposites attract genre where a lonely, naïve and sheltered heroine with the biggest heart and a charming, mysterious and magical gladiator invades her safe space and turns her world inside out. His own world melts as he discovers himself and helps her be brave enough to be free of her confines and just… live!
Thawed Gladiator: Draco can absolutely be read as a standalone book; however, you will be missing out on a wonderful adventure if you do not jump in from the beginning. These gladiators will freeze time enough for you to have the perfect binge read! I highly recommend the entire Awakened from the Ice series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book!
Thawed Gladiator: Draco can absolutely be read as a standalone book; however, you will be missing out on a wonderful adventure if you do not jump in from the beginning. These gladiators will freeze time enough for you to have the perfect binge read! I highly recommend the entire Awakened from the Ice series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book!
Review of advance copy
I have read the previous books in this series and have loved everyone of them. This one though followed a different path. Initially I wasn't drawn to it and put it on my TBR. However, when I did continue reading it I became more involved in the story. As it turns out I should have trusted Alana to know what she was doing. 💜
Draco's character is independent despite his past. He didn't follow the same path as the other warriors. Understanding and learning who you are took him to a city like no other
I respected the way that Charity's character grows from her first meeting with Draco. He was the missing piece that she never knew she needed. Together they create something beautiful. It truly is a heartwarming story. 💜💜
I have to say that I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my favorite one in the series so far!
Little did either of them know that a cottage would bring two lonely people together in such a profound way.
He seeks the ways in the new world that he lived in the old. It's how he survived, where he felt was most familiar, the place he felt most secure in.
She seeks freedom from her gilded cage. To be seen for who she is and not what others want her to be.
Fated to be together.
In each other they find the peace of each other's company. The courage to be unapologetically who they are. The freedom of the love they share.
When their relationship comes to light, can what they built stand?
I loved this one, it's mostly about them with minimal outside angst and it was beautiful to read about them discovering each other as well as themselves.
This review is my opinion and is not AI generated.
Little did either of them know that a cottage would bring two lonely people together in such a profound way.
He seeks the ways in the new world that he lived in the old. It's how he survived, where he felt was most familiar, the place he felt most secure in.
She seeks freedom from her gilded cage. To be seen for who she is and not what others want her to be.
Fated to be together.
In each other they find the peace of each other's company. The courage to be unapologetically who they are. The freedom of the love they share.
When their relationship comes to light, can what they built stand?
I loved this one, it's mostly about them with minimal outside angst and it was beautiful to read about them discovering each other as well as themselves.
This review is my opinion and is not AI generated.
February 3, 2026
The street performer and the heiress
Playful yet serious story of Draco and Charity, two damaged souls who find love and commitment in the midst of the chaotic world of NYC.
Well-written and easy to read, this tale of two lost souls meeting in a most unconventional way will have you both crying and cheering them on as they surmount every challenge.
High society versus Rome's underbelly. You can't get more diverse than that, yet they face every hurdle together and that's the key to their success. They do it together.
The seventh gladiator to find love and acceptance in this strange new world in which he has awoken, Draco's story is unique. He is unique. And Charity, who has been sheltered for 25, immediately accepts him as if she's known him her whole life.
I thoroughly enjoyed Charity and Draco's story, as I'm sure you will.
Playful yet serious story of Draco and Charity, two damaged souls who find love and commitment in the midst of the chaotic world of NYC.
Well-written and easy to read, this tale of two lost souls meeting in a most unconventional way will have you both crying and cheering them on as they surmount every challenge.
High society versus Rome's underbelly. You can't get more diverse than that, yet they face every hurdle together and that's the key to their success. They do it together.
The seventh gladiator to find love and acceptance in this strange new world in which he has awoken, Draco's story is unique. He is unique. And Charity, who has been sheltered for 25, immediately accepts him as if she's known him her whole life.
I thoroughly enjoyed Charity and Draco's story, as I'm sure you will.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When the Gladiator of your dreams comes
into your life 💞
A emotional, moderate angst read about moving on together when your life has previously been about keeping up appearances. Charity, an heiress whose parents have been super protective/controlling, meets Draco. He is an ex Roman gladiator who has street smarts galore, and is willing to help her take back her life. I found this story to be more of a clean read with lots of emphasis on feelings,and less so physical aspects until 80% into the story. Engaging characters and of course, Lucky🥰 Loved the epilogue-a beginning as well as the end.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
into your life 💞
A emotional, moderate angst read about moving on together when your life has previously been about keeping up appearances. Charity, an heiress whose parents have been super protective/controlling, meets Draco. He is an ex Roman gladiator who has street smarts galore, and is willing to help her take back her life. I found this story to be more of a clean read with lots of emphasis on feelings,and less so physical aspects until 80% into the story. Engaging characters and of course, Lucky🥰 Loved the epilogue-a beginning as well as the end.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thawed Gladiator: Draco by Alana Khan is the 7th installment of this epic saga. Draco has left the ranch to discover his new self in New York City as a magician specializing in cards and coins. After having all his earnings stolen, he winds up in what appears to be a small empty cottage that is actually unhappy heiress Charity's hide away on the family's estate. He shows her life on the streets of NYC, independence from her overbearing parents, and love and devotion, besides bringing home a stray dog. She shows him her hidden talent of welding sculptures. After her parents disown her, the two learn to find their own way outside her parents' societal restrictions.
February 1, 2026
This was another wonderful addition to the series and this one came in as an opposites attract romance that I fully enjoyed :) When you take a lonely and sheltered gal and put her with a charming and rather mysterious gladiator, well, you know you're in for a fun reading ride. Charity and Draco were fab together and I love how she found her inner strength with his support. Her growth and his caring had me rooting hard for them to get their happy ending. I've really been enjoying this series with that has a flavour of magic in bringing our gladiators into our time and giving such diverse men a fab gal and a spicy HEA. Good fun!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great Book!!
I love books where the author creates characters that have so much depth to them that I can honestly believe I could meet them in real life. Draco and Charity are two of these characters. I love their many facets. I was so rooting for them all the way through the book and the trials they faced.
Although part of a series, this is only the second book I have read and both were easily read as stand alones. That being said, I think I will go and buy the rest as I have enjoyed the two I have read so much!
I love books where the author creates characters that have so much depth to them that I can honestly believe I could meet them in real life. Draco and Charity are two of these characters. I love their many facets. I was so rooting for them all the way through the book and the trials they faced.
Although part of a series, this is only the second book I have read and both were easily read as stand alones. That being said, I think I will go and buy the rest as I have enjoyed the two I have read so much!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok, this is the first of this series I've read, I really didn't think it would be my thing. I was wrong, totally wrong. The main characters are well thought out and believable within the story. I really enjoyed the read and now realize I need to go to the beginning and start the series at book 1. Looks like I know how I'll spend my weekend! This can be read easily as a stand alone too. Def recommend
Review of advance copy received from Author
Draco and Charity
Oh how I loved out thawed Magician! He is trully Magic on more senses then One. I thougth that he would just take whatever he wanted because he had a hard life on the past but he is do honourable that sometimes I just wanted to shake him and her! Like, just tell her! Wow what a romantic story. Another book from this series that is simply heartwarming.
Oh how I loved out thawed Magician! He is trully Magic on more senses then One. I thougth that he would just take whatever he wanted because he had a hard life on the past but he is do honourable that sometimes I just wanted to shake him and her! Like, just tell her! Wow what a romantic story. Another book from this series that is simply heartwarming.
February 1, 2026
The blurb offers just a quick glimpse of the story, but there's so much more beneath the surface. It’s a story that truly touches the heart and evokes deep emotions hidden within. The ending feels like a wonderful victory for both of our main characters, and I find myself in complete agreement. It’s about two lost souls discovering themselves and their rightful place in the world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thawed Gladiator: Draco is an emotional romance featuring opposites, a sheltered heroine and a charming gladiator seeking freedom. Their growing friendship challenges societal expectations, delivering a heartfelt and captivating adventure in the Awakened From the Ice series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Draco's book. This book was definitely a little different than the others but still good. Magic kept him alive when he was young. Now its helped him find his place in his new life as well. Look forward to reading the next Thawed Gladiator book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A slow burn turns into a conflagration when two lonely people meet unexpectedly. Is fate or the goddess Fortuna involved? Great story, I was hooked on the first page.
Review of advance copy
Loved this story where making your own choices was a recurring theme. For both Draco and Charity, expectations and social conformity were stifling their enjoyment of life. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow as they embraced the wonder of every day things.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews