What do you think?
Rate this book
Champions of Rome #1
The Gladiator's Mistress
Phaedra, a dutiful daughter of Rome’s most influential senator, has no choice but to marry a man chosen by her father. But a chance encounter with handsome gladiator Valens Secundus sends her pulse racing—and, for the first time, makes her wish she could choose her own fate. They make each other a promise: she’ll insist on having the right to select her next husband, and he’ll do everything within his power to win his freedom.
A gladiatorial champion, Valens has fought his way up from poverty to become a star in the arena. The only two things he craves are his freedom and the luscious Phaedra, both seemingly far out of reach. But four years after their fateful meeting, Phaedra returns to Rome and soon becomes a widow, and Valens answers to no one but himself. They’re finally free to explore their fiery passion—while evading a powerful and wealthy new suitor of Phaedra’s—until Valens must return to the arena one last time. And in order for Phaedra to control her own destiny and claim her love, Valens will need to survive the battle of his life.
A gladiatorial champion, Valens has fought his way up from poverty to become a star in the arena. The only two things he craves are his freedom and the luscious Phaedra, both seemingly far out of reach. But four years after their fateful meeting, Phaedra returns to Rome and soon becomes a widow, and Valens answers to no one but himself. They’re finally free to explore their fiery passion—while evading a powerful and wealthy new suitor of Phaedra’s—until Valens must return to the arena one last time. And in order for Phaedra to control her own destiny and claim her love, Valens will need to survive the battle of his life.
330 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2015
22 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 30, 2018
Whether or not to lead an honorable life
This is the story of slavery and choices. In many ways it is a deep story of how gladiators, servants, senators and sisters and daughters are slaves to their circumstances. Sometimes few choices are available beyond the desire to lead an honorable life. Every character in this book faces that same choice whether gladiator, Roman general, teenaged sister or unhappily married bride.
Phaedra is tempted to move from her honorable life as the bride of an aged senator as soon as the novel begins. Valens, the gladiator performing at her wedding, connects with her on an elemental level and sows the seeds for what love could and should be. Ascetes, the powerful nephew of the aged senator, suggests a great deceit, and a choice of honor is forced. These decisions set up a series events that the reader sees rolling to an exciting culmination for the entire book.
The story is set around 104 BC. Although I am no expert, details felt accurate and researched. I love a good historical novel that uses its time period with deftness and dramatic impact. I was immersed in a world where gladiators were revered, women had no power over life decisions, and litters carried you through cobbled streets.
Valens as a hero was interesting. Throw out your notion that he is a trained killing machine. He has compassion and guilt and responsibility. I just wish he had a little more charisma. Not until the end do we see him in his role as the Champion of Rome, playing the crowd. I needed to see some part of that earlier to make him less of a sad sack.
Phaedra, the manipulated daughter, never changes. She grows older but never really matures. She needed to lose her naivety. I understand the author was making a pressing point that women were without power, regardless of station in life. However, she was a sad sack, too.
And two sad sacks do not a make a compelling or exciting romance. I needed to see how the story ended, and it was tense and dramatic, but it was a bit of a chore getting there. Although, high points for the fickle Roman crowd. Mob mentality and presumed favorites can turn on a dime. The last chapters are worth the wait. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
This is the story of slavery and choices. In many ways it is a deep story of how gladiators, servants, senators and sisters and daughters are slaves to their circumstances. Sometimes few choices are available beyond the desire to lead an honorable life. Every character in this book faces that same choice whether gladiator, Roman general, teenaged sister or unhappily married bride.
Phaedra is tempted to move from her honorable life as the bride of an aged senator as soon as the novel begins. Valens, the gladiator performing at her wedding, connects with her on an elemental level and sows the seeds for what love could and should be. Ascetes, the powerful nephew of the aged senator, suggests a great deceit, and a choice of honor is forced. These decisions set up a series events that the reader sees rolling to an exciting culmination for the entire book.
The story is set around 104 BC. Although I am no expert, details felt accurate and researched. I love a good historical novel that uses its time period with deftness and dramatic impact. I was immersed in a world where gladiators were revered, women had no power over life decisions, and litters carried you through cobbled streets.
Valens as a hero was interesting. Throw out your notion that he is a trained killing machine. He has compassion and guilt and responsibility. I just wish he had a little more charisma. Not until the end do we see him in his role as the Champion of Rome, playing the crowd. I needed to see some part of that earlier to make him less of a sad sack.
Phaedra, the manipulated daughter, never changes. She grows older but never really matures. She needed to lose her naivety. I understand the author was making a pressing point that women were without power, regardless of station in life. However, she was a sad sack, too.
And two sad sacks do not a make a compelling or exciting romance. I needed to see how the story ended, and it was tense and dramatic, but it was a bit of a chore getting there. Although, high points for the fickle Roman crowd. Mob mentality and presumed favorites can turn on a dime. The last chapters are worth the wait. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
August 16, 2019
The Gladiator's Mistress https://amzn.to/33BMfNUI just finished reading The Gladiator's Mistress
again and needed to update my review. How great it would be if we could give a book an additional five stars with each reread. This story was better than before. The ending is intense and makes you glad to know the HEA is a given. With this second reading, I did wish for an epilogue, and the author is welcomed to add one at anytime!I had not thought to enjoy this story so much. The beginning seemed a little slow, but even then I enjoyed the setting and the feeling of being in this time period. So I kept reading, and I am so glad I did. I really liked Valens and Phaedra as a couple. The author's ability to manipulate the fates of these characters within the boundaries of the law made this an engaging read, and the ending is one of the best I've read in a while. The stakes and tension were high, despite the expected outcome. For those who want to know, the story is written in third person and includes the POV's of both Valen and Phaedra. The sex is somewhat explicit but nicely done and not gratuitous. My thanks to the author for this story. I hope to read the next book soon.
July 14, 2015
Great read! Characters were well-developed; descriptions and historical aspects were just enough to plunge us into ancient Rome and teach us a few things, without being overwhelming. There's suspense, complex characters, some real assholes, others flawed and driven by ambition, and I enjoyed the way Phaedra and Valens appear very human, and yet heroic in the face of the odds.
To me, that kind of book is the best the romance genre as to offer, because it makes my brain works, it has a complete, rich plot, it teaches me things, and also feeds my inner fangirl with some well-handled monkey business!
\O/
To me, that kind of book is the best the romance genre as to offer, because it makes my brain works, it has a complete, rich plot, it teaches me things, and also feeds my inner fangirl with some well-handled monkey business!
\O/
July 13, 2015
Rating: 3.5
Historical Detail: 5 Stars
Romance: 3 Stars
Vikki’s Musings
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Gladiator’s Mistress from the publisher via Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review. The book description sounded interesting, and I looked forward to reading it. While this book does have a strong romantic element, I would not say it is historical romance, but historical fiction instead.
The historical detail is fantastic, and I truly got the sense of this very long ago time. From the description of the costumes to the vivid description of the Gladiator’s arena, I became enmeshed in that part of the story. I loved the description of Valens’ living quarters while he was still a slave.
I quickly bonded to Valens Secundus’ character from the start. He’s an honorable warrior who has fought his way up from poverty to become the Gladiator Champion of Rome. He takes care of his mother and sister as well as he can since he is still a slave in the beginning of the story. I always enjoy a warrior archetype, and Valens fits it perfectly.
I had a more difficult time identifying with Phaedra’s character. I did not see her as honorable for one thing. She meets Valens on her wedding day and immediately develops romantic feelings, even though honor demands she give her affection to her new husband. While I understand her father married her to a much older man of great political importance, she is still honor bond to the man she marries, but she is not loyal,even though nothing physical occurs. I think part of the problem is that the book jumps ahead four years, and I did not get to see her learn to have affection for her husband.
I struggled through a good part of the book before I became engaged with the story. Most of the time the hero and heroine is apart. I could not understand how they could fall in love. They never had a chance to truly get to know each other until well into the story, and even then it was more physical than emotional.
If you want to get a good feel for Roman times and the life of a Gladiator, then you will enjoy The Gladiator’s Mistress, but if you are looking for an emotionally-charged romance, you will have to wait until the last part of the book. I did enjoy this novel, and I’m glad I read it. However I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had gone into it knowing it was a historical fiction piece rather than a romance. Happy reading!
Historical Detail: 5 Stars
Romance: 3 Stars
Vikki’s Musings
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Gladiator’s Mistress from the publisher via Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review. The book description sounded interesting, and I looked forward to reading it. While this book does have a strong romantic element, I would not say it is historical romance, but historical fiction instead.
The historical detail is fantastic, and I truly got the sense of this very long ago time. From the description of the costumes to the vivid description of the Gladiator’s arena, I became enmeshed in that part of the story. I loved the description of Valens’ living quarters while he was still a slave.
I quickly bonded to Valens Secundus’ character from the start. He’s an honorable warrior who has fought his way up from poverty to become the Gladiator Champion of Rome. He takes care of his mother and sister as well as he can since he is still a slave in the beginning of the story. I always enjoy a warrior archetype, and Valens fits it perfectly.
I had a more difficult time identifying with Phaedra’s character. I did not see her as honorable for one thing. She meets Valens on her wedding day and immediately develops romantic feelings, even though honor demands she give her affection to her new husband. While I understand her father married her to a much older man of great political importance, she is still honor bond to the man she marries, but she is not loyal,even though nothing physical occurs. I think part of the problem is that the book jumps ahead four years, and I did not get to see her learn to have affection for her husband.
I struggled through a good part of the book before I became engaged with the story. Most of the time the hero and heroine is apart. I could not understand how they could fall in love. They never had a chance to truly get to know each other until well into the story, and even then it was more physical than emotional.
If you want to get a good feel for Roman times and the life of a Gladiator, then you will enjoy The Gladiator’s Mistress, but if you are looking for an emotionally-charged romance, you will have to wait until the last part of the book. I did enjoy this novel, and I’m glad I read it. However I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had gone into it knowing it was a historical fiction piece rather than a romance. Happy reading!
January 10, 2016
Wow!Wow! Wow! What a wonderful read.....fantastic book!
Rome, 104 BC
This book is about love at first sight The hero of the book Valens Secundus. He is the celebrity Gladiator, but comes from a poor upbringing and is a slave which many men of his class fight for their lives to survive and has success in the arena. Though he has only met Phaedra the heroine of this story at her own forced political wedding to an elderly man once he is knows she is the only woman for him but he also knows their class differences and will do anything to claim her! He won't see the woman he desires most until four years later and now she has returned to Rome and becomes a widow and Valens has climbed to an elevated status but still beneath Phaedra as far as classes are concerned. What will take for Valens to finally claim the women he desires? As if that is not enough there is another suitor in the mix and Valens has to enter the arena one final time and survive to finally claim the woman he loves. Will he do it? You will have to read this powerful book to find out!
The authors research for this time period is phenomenal as the setting, clothing and descriptions and spectacular is perfection. Any woman could understand Phaedra's misery being forced to marry an elderly man by her father for a political alliance. How could she not fall for the handsome, honest, and honorable gladiator. Some parts of this book without giving away spoilers just me chills and other parts warmed my heart.
I really enjoyed The Gladiator's Mistress as its weaves a lot of factual true history in the authors fictional story and it really just blew me away with so many twists and turns, filled with mystery, drama, suspense, class difference, prejudice, betrayal and love. A fast paced page turner readers won't soon forget.
This is a new author for me and I look forward to read more of Jennifer D. Bokal's books! As this was the first time reading one of her books and I am so glad I did! This book was just brilliant and delightful read in my opinion.
Rome, 104 BC
This book is about love at first sight The hero of the book Valens Secundus. He is the celebrity Gladiator, but comes from a poor upbringing and is a slave which many men of his class fight for their lives to survive and has success in the arena. Though he has only met Phaedra the heroine of this story at her own forced political wedding to an elderly man once he is knows she is the only woman for him but he also knows their class differences and will do anything to claim her! He won't see the woman he desires most until four years later and now she has returned to Rome and becomes a widow and Valens has climbed to an elevated status but still beneath Phaedra as far as classes are concerned. What will take for Valens to finally claim the women he desires? As if that is not enough there is another suitor in the mix and Valens has to enter the arena one final time and survive to finally claim the woman he loves. Will he do it? You will have to read this powerful book to find out!
The authors research for this time period is phenomenal as the setting, clothing and descriptions and spectacular is perfection. Any woman could understand Phaedra's misery being forced to marry an elderly man by her father for a political alliance. How could she not fall for the handsome, honest, and honorable gladiator. Some parts of this book without giving away spoilers just me chills and other parts warmed my heart.
I really enjoyed The Gladiator's Mistress as its weaves a lot of factual true history in the authors fictional story and it really just blew me away with so many twists and turns, filled with mystery, drama, suspense, class difference, prejudice, betrayal and love. A fast paced page turner readers won't soon forget.
This is a new author for me and I look forward to read more of Jennifer D. Bokal's books! As this was the first time reading one of her books and I am so glad I did! This book was just brilliant and delightful read in my opinion.
August 9, 2015
I'll start by saying that I don't normally read romance and have never read any historical romance. I went into this with some serious doubts but at the same time excited because I know the author. Winning a First Reads copy was an added bonus :-)
I expected what my mother called a "bodice ripper" but there was no ripping of bodices :-) While there were some intimate scenes they weren't crazy over the top or anything and they were few and far between. Much more effort was put into the characters, their lives, and the emotional relationship between them than any sexual relationships.
Little tidbits about the time period were worked into the story in a way that made sense - not in your face educational and not even a level of details that I found boring (to me, the epitome of that is "The Secret Garden" and those pages and pages and pages describing flowers).
I really enjoyed it. I was really just going into it reading it because I know the author from PTA (is your PTA as cool as mine? I doubt it but if you don't go then you don't know!) but I ended up reading it quickly and I'm looking forward to the second book!
I expected what my mother called a "bodice ripper" but there was no ripping of bodices :-) While there were some intimate scenes they weren't crazy over the top or anything and they were few and far between. Much more effort was put into the characters, their lives, and the emotional relationship between them than any sexual relationships.
Little tidbits about the time period were worked into the story in a way that made sense - not in your face educational and not even a level of details that I found boring (to me, the epitome of that is "The Secret Garden" and those pages and pages and pages describing flowers).
I really enjoyed it. I was really just going into it reading it because I know the author from PTA (is your PTA as cool as mine? I doubt it but if you don't go then you don't know!) but I ended up reading it quickly and I'm looking forward to the second book!
June 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I picked this up after starting and failing to finish another HR set in Rome and this was quite good. I really liked the MMC and a lot of the side characters. The MMC sister was annoying and self serving. It bugged the crap out of me that she didn’t really appreciate what the MMC was putting himself though for her. The FMC was interesting. I don’t want to call her dumb, as she was calculating. However with that being said she would do a lot of thinking on the ways that something could play out to only pick the worse option. She didn’t pick up for me until the last few chapters of the book. All in all a solid read if you are looking for a good HR set in ancient times.
July 15, 2015
A lot of books set in Rome bring out the power of this city. THE GLADIATOR'S MISTRESS instead shows the powerlessness of the women and the slave class and yet how two individuals rose above it. Phaedra has always played by the book being the dutiful daughter and the dutiful wife. The one thing she asked for herself was the right to choose her next husband but even that is dependent on whether her father will honor his promise.
Valens has a good master and once he has retired from the arena, he is set free to care for his sister. He finds that even as a free man, he isn't complete without Phaedra whom he only met once. And even free and wealthy, he isn't of the social standing to claim her.
Ms. Bokal has a true gift of sweeping her readers into the story. I immediately found that I really liked both Phaedra and Valens. I wanted to ring Phaedra's father's neck as he tried to go back on his promise to let her choose her own husband even as I understood that he was a weak man rather then a bad man. I was holding my breath when Valens stepped back into the arena to save his sister.
She shows both the splendor of Rome and the squalor and I could easily picture myself walking the streets as both a slave or being carried about in a litter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a taste of Rome from the viewpoints of the underprivileged, the women and the slaves.
Valens has a good master and once he has retired from the arena, he is set free to care for his sister. He finds that even as a free man, he isn't complete without Phaedra whom he only met once. And even free and wealthy, he isn't of the social standing to claim her.
Ms. Bokal has a true gift of sweeping her readers into the story. I immediately found that I really liked both Phaedra and Valens. I wanted to ring Phaedra's father's neck as he tried to go back on his promise to let her choose her own husband even as I understood that he was a weak man rather then a bad man. I was holding my breath when Valens stepped back into the arena to save his sister.
She shows both the splendor of Rome and the squalor and I could easily picture myself walking the streets as both a slave or being carried about in a litter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a taste of Rome from the viewpoints of the underprivileged, the women and the slaves.
July 4, 2016
This is a wonderful slow burn, very romantic. I read it all in one go. The title perhaps isn't the best - it makes it sound like a far more erotic story than it really is! There's some captivating tension between them, and a couple decent sex scenes, but the title just gives a different impression.
Phaedra was a great heroine - sweet and kind without being weak, intelligent and holds to her convictions without being annoyingly "feisty." I enjoyed her development from an innocent girl to a more confident adult woman. Valens was an equally good hero - strong and capable yet still very human and relatable. He never goes into obnoxious alpha mode or tries to aggressively seduce or "conquer" Phaedra. It's a very mutual yearning between them. I found all the secondary characters realistic, too - even the baddie was enjoyable. The ending seemed a little far fetched, not to mention reminiscent of a certain well known gladiator movie, but it felt well deserved nonetheless.
Phaedra was a great heroine - sweet and kind without being weak, intelligent and holds to her convictions without being annoyingly "feisty." I enjoyed her development from an innocent girl to a more confident adult woman. Valens was an equally good hero - strong and capable yet still very human and relatable. He never goes into obnoxious alpha mode or tries to aggressively seduce or "conquer" Phaedra. It's a very mutual yearning between them. I found all the secondary characters realistic, too - even the baddie was enjoyable. The ending seemed a little far fetched, not to mention reminiscent of a certain well known gladiator movie, but it felt well deserved nonetheless.
May 16, 2016
I'm so surprised I liked this book. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The story was completely engrossing and it doesn't overwhelm you with historical details. The main characters are very likable and the whole time I'm trying to figure out strategies for how they can end up together. There are no easy solutions and it's very believable. I am definitely going to check out the next book.
May 31, 2017
I was thrilled to receive this novel as it encompasses three of my favorite things: historical Roman romance. While I enjoyed the book overall, I wasn’t blow away by it. Everything seemed so simple from the plot to the characters. There is nothing wrong with the story, I just felt like it was lacking in some factor to really make it stand out.
March 26, 2019
What an awesome win!I won this book on Goodreads and thoroughly enjoyed it.It held all of the suspense in not knowing who ends up with who,who lives or dies, and I can't even imagine how devastating the life of a gladiator must be.They were slaves with no say in anything.Just fighting for survival.And the class differences making relationships and marriages not legal.I am very glad I live in the time that I do.We have our issues yes,but a lot more is accepted than not in our time.Thank you to all of our past brave people who fought for that.Phaedra and Valens lived hard lives even thought they were on both sides of the class system.Strong willed and willing to do as they needed to get where they wanted to be made them people to look up to.Phaedra made me think of Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones.Quiet strength until she roars.
October 20, 2018
I knew they would end up together, but obstacles kept being thrown in Valens & Phaedra’s way! I’m glad they were able to overcome all these obstacles and their ending was happy (?) after all.
I’m surprised the last scene in the arena didn’t turn into a free for all, when the plebs all turned on the patricians’ boxes and run amok! Or the crowds didn’t rush the arena. And none of Acestes’s army rushed forward to defend him? I thought, momentarily, that it would be Baro, not Phaedra, who would strike that fateful blow ... Baro would have been spared, yeah? As an equestrian?
Anyway, speaking of Baro ... on to his tale! What obstacles will be thrown in his and Fortunada’s path?
I’m surprised the last scene in the arena didn’t turn into a free for all, when the plebs all turned on the patricians’ boxes and run amok! Or the crowds didn’t rush the arena. And none of Acestes’s army rushed forward to defend him? I thought, momentarily, that it would be Baro, not Phaedra, who would strike that fateful blow ... Baro would have been spared, yeah? As an equestrian?
Anyway, speaking of Baro ... on to his tale! What obstacles will be thrown in his and Fortunada’s path?
February 2, 2026
As someone with a longtime fantasy that I am the princess of Rome in a secret forbidden relationship with a gladiator, this book really hit the spot
December 4, 2015
Review Originally Posted at Ramblings From This Chick
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
The Gladiator's Mistress was two firsts for me. A first read about a romance in ancient Rome, and a first read of Jennifer D. Bokal's. I've always has an interest in Roman and Greek mythology so this book caught my interest immediately. It was a little slow at times, and I didn't fully understand a lot of the rules governing their society. The main two characters didn't interact as much as I would have liked, so I wasn't feeling the love very much.
Due to financial constraints, Phaedra is forced to marry a Senator who is older than her father. She is troubled by the man's lack of interest in her. At their wedding celebration her father decides to have two gladiator's fight to first blood as entertainment. Phaedra had never been too interested in gladiator fighting, but she became entranced by the Champion of Rome, Valens.
Valens had been a gladiator since he was young in order to help his family financially at home. He has become the Champion of Rome by being undefeated and lasting longer than most gladiators do in the arena. He meets Phaedra after his fight in a garden away from the rest of the party. The two decide to make a promise to each other and take more control of their lives. He to earn his freedom, and she to be able to choose her next husband since hers was along in age.
The couple meets once more before Phaedra leaves Rome for about four years. Her husband passes which saddens her because she came to love him in a way. Valens and Phaedra meet again, and cannot help but be drawn to each other. There are many obstacles that prevent them from being together like their station differences and more financial problems.
There was a lot of action in this story and I really enjoyed it. Jennifer Bokal did a great job of describing the fighting. She also did a great job of immersing the reader into the world of ancient Rome. The only thing that I wish had been different was the interaction and build up of the two falling in love. I just wasn't convinced, and so I didn't feel that urge to read continuously. I did like it enough though to be interested in reading the rest of the series when it becomes available.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
The Gladiator's Mistress was two firsts for me. A first read about a romance in ancient Rome, and a first read of Jennifer D. Bokal's. I've always has an interest in Roman and Greek mythology so this book caught my interest immediately. It was a little slow at times, and I didn't fully understand a lot of the rules governing their society. The main two characters didn't interact as much as I would have liked, so I wasn't feeling the love very much.
Due to financial constraints, Phaedra is forced to marry a Senator who is older than her father. She is troubled by the man's lack of interest in her. At their wedding celebration her father decides to have two gladiator's fight to first blood as entertainment. Phaedra had never been too interested in gladiator fighting, but she became entranced by the Champion of Rome, Valens.
Valens had been a gladiator since he was young in order to help his family financially at home. He has become the Champion of Rome by being undefeated and lasting longer than most gladiators do in the arena. He meets Phaedra after his fight in a garden away from the rest of the party. The two decide to make a promise to each other and take more control of their lives. He to earn his freedom, and she to be able to choose her next husband since hers was along in age.
The couple meets once more before Phaedra leaves Rome for about four years. Her husband passes which saddens her because she came to love him in a way. Valens and Phaedra meet again, and cannot help but be drawn to each other. There are many obstacles that prevent them from being together like their station differences and more financial problems.
There was a lot of action in this story and I really enjoyed it. Jennifer Bokal did a great job of describing the fighting. She also did a great job of immersing the reader into the world of ancient Rome. The only thing that I wish had been different was the interaction and build up of the two falling in love. I just wasn't convinced, and so I didn't feel that urge to read continuously. I did like it enough though to be interested in reading the rest of the series when it becomes available.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
February 10, 2017
Great gladiator stories are so rare
My thanks to the author for sharing this fantastic gladiator story and not making it too bloody.
It's the story of Valens, the Champion of Rome, beginning in 104 B.C. By happenstance he meets Phaedra at her wedding after her father has sold her to the highest bidder, an aging Senator.
They next meet four years later, after Valens has gained his freedom and Phaedra has become a widow. However, women must be constantly under the rule of a man, so Phaedra's father is once again arranging to marry her off in exchange for coin.
This is a satisfying story. The plot never goes awry and the characters are well defined. Even the strange words are pretty self-explanatory.
My thanks to the author for sharing this fantastic gladiator story and not making it too bloody.
It's the story of Valens, the Champion of Rome, beginning in 104 B.C. By happenstance he meets Phaedra at her wedding after her father has sold her to the highest bidder, an aging Senator.
They next meet four years later, after Valens has gained his freedom and Phaedra has become a widow. However, women must be constantly under the rule of a man, so Phaedra's father is once again arranging to marry her off in exchange for coin.
This is a satisfying story. The plot never goes awry and the characters are well defined. Even the strange words are pretty self-explanatory.
September 13, 2015
I really liked this book. I am a fan of historical romances.
This book was filled with action and romance. It was mostly
accurate, right down to the injustices of how young women
were treated back then. I loved our hero Valens, he was
brave and willing to try and better himself just because she
suggested he could be more than just a gladiator. He may
have been born a pleb but had more honor than most men
of power. and he treated Phedra as an equal he saw her as
more than a position. And oh Phedra she was strong smart
and even though she had to marry a man she did not want.
She did so with honor and respect for her husband. But oh so
smart to strike the bargain she did with her father. A word of
warning there are parts where you will want to scream at the
injustices done to them and some spots that will bring you to
tears. But this is a mark of a good book, If you can been
drawn in emotionally, you know the writer put a piece of
herself into the book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as
I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review.
The Authors really like it when you do, they value your opinions too.
This book was filled with action and romance. It was mostly
accurate, right down to the injustices of how young women
were treated back then. I loved our hero Valens, he was
brave and willing to try and better himself just because she
suggested he could be more than just a gladiator. He may
have been born a pleb but had more honor than most men
of power. and he treated Phedra as an equal he saw her as
more than a position. And oh Phedra she was strong smart
and even though she had to marry a man she did not want.
She did so with honor and respect for her husband. But oh so
smart to strike the bargain she did with her father. A word of
warning there are parts where you will want to scream at the
injustices done to them and some spots that will bring you to
tears. But this is a mark of a good book, If you can been
drawn in emotionally, you know the writer put a piece of
herself into the book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as
I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review.
The Authors really like it when you do, they value your opinions too.
July 7, 2015
I really cannot properly articulate the reasons, but I really struggled with this book. It checks off a lot of my favorite things – the Roman period, romance, a strong willful heroine, a steadfast and strong hero. And yet it took me days to finish this book and I felt relief when I finally finished it. THE GLADIATOR’S MISTRESS is not a bad book. It really isn’t. The historical detail blends seamlessly into the narrative and is quite realistic to the point where it reminded me a lot of HBO’S stellar tv series, “ROME”. The plot had a good conflict, if a little lacking on subplots. I like the hero and the heroine. Something was missing and I really don’t know what it was.
Overall an okay read, but I would classify this novel as historical fiction instead of historical romance.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Overall an okay read, but I would classify this novel as historical fiction instead of historical romance.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 9, 2016
Oh my gosh! I started reading this book today and I had figured I would enjoy it but I didn't have a clue how much I would! Once I started I couldn't put this book down and finished the whole thing in one day. Anyone who is interested in a Roman life romance will really like this book. It kept me guessing right up until the end exactly how the book would play out. I really loved the wonderful historical details that clearly went into this book and of course the story kept my avid attention as I hungrily devoured every word. I do see that this is listed as Book #1 in the Champions of Rome series so I cannot wait for the next book and will definitely be buying it.
Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The opinions I expressed are entirely my own.
Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The opinions I expressed are entirely my own.
January 28, 2016
The Gladiator's Mistress is the story of lovers from two very different classes in ancient Rome. Phaedra, a senator's daughter, marries to help her father. At her wedding, she meets Valens, a gladiator with a plebeian background. While he is granted some respect as a popular athlete, he is still far from being Phaedra's equal. Yet they form a bond over their mutual lack of choice and control over their own lives. This being a romance novel, they have an immediate physical attraction as well. Once Phaedra's husband dies, the bonds of society and family duty threaten to keep them apart. The author gives enough detail to give the reader a feel for life in ancient Rome without overwhelming. While the lovers have some steamy scenes, I liked best that their connection had a little more depth. Their misunderstandings, while providing tension and moving the plot, also make sense based on their personalities and social standings. The combination made for an enjoyable read.
July 23, 2015
Gladiators mistress gives the reader a choice list of reasons to settle into ancient Rome. There's a well crafted tale offering the conflicts and twisted paths of two characters that while meant to be together, have monumental obstacles to overcome. Don't bother thinking it can't get worse for these two, their challenges carry you to the final pages. Still, there's more reason to keep pages turning than Phaedra's and Valens' perseverance and courage. Watch for this upcoming author's blossoming voice in the banter and every movement between all her characters they grow personally and mature in the lives we're invited to enter. The reader sinks seamlessly into their world when privy to the conversations of another time that hold caring and humor. Join me in waiting for more excellent transport to ancient Rome from this author, and we'll all be watching for that next wink, too.
December 6, 2015
This was a new genre for me, but I heard the author do a short reading at our local library and I just had to get the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I loved the author's description of ancient Rome and its people. I had no problem imagining what life was like in that time -- and how difficult it was to survive, let alone be happy. The Gladiator's Mistress has plenty of action, with battles in the arena. Loads of tension, with Phaedra and Valens fighting their forbidden attraction. And steamy romance. I want a Valens of my own!
I thought all the characters were well developed, likable and perfectly flawed. I even found myself sympathetic to the antagonists because the rules and their reasons were always clear.
I was happy to hear Ms. Bokal has a second book in the series coming soon. I will be snatching that one up as well!
I loved the author's description of ancient Rome and its people. I had no problem imagining what life was like in that time -- and how difficult it was to survive, let alone be happy. The Gladiator's Mistress has plenty of action, with battles in the arena. Loads of tension, with Phaedra and Valens fighting their forbidden attraction. And steamy romance. I want a Valens of my own!
I thought all the characters were well developed, likable and perfectly flawed. I even found myself sympathetic to the antagonists because the rules and their reasons were always clear.
I was happy to hear Ms. Bokal has a second book in the series coming soon. I will be snatching that one up as well!
July 31, 2016
This book was sent to me as part of the package of titles I judge for a Romance Writers Group. If I did not have to judge this book I probably would not have finished it. I'm not sure why but I did not care for it. For me even though it is full of battle scenes and romance it was somehow slow moving and dull.
I think the writer did research the time period and tried to make it more interesting for contemporary audiences by giving us a spunky (but of course beautiful and young) heroine who gets to make her own choices. The way this character Phaedra, daughter of a poor but very influential senator is written is extremely unrealistic.
This book was ok. It meet the required criteria for a romance. It was predictable. Since it is part of a series you can see more books coming out about Phaedra's friends or about Valens Secundus' fellow gladiators.
I think the writer did research the time period and tried to make it more interesting for contemporary audiences by giving us a spunky (but of course beautiful and young) heroine who gets to make her own choices. The way this character Phaedra, daughter of a poor but very influential senator is written is extremely unrealistic.
This book was ok. It meet the required criteria for a romance. It was predictable. Since it is part of a series you can see more books coming out about Phaedra's friends or about Valens Secundus' fellow gladiators.
May 1, 2023
My rating 4.5 stars.
Things I liked:
-the characters
-their relationship
-the writing style
-the plot
-the setting
General Thoughts: I knew I’d read this one before, but I couldn’t remember much, and after reading the sequel, I was intrigued and decided to reread it.
It did not disappoint. It was enjoyable and kept my attention the whole time.
I don’t read a ton of historical fiction from this time period, but I greatly enjoyed this one. I’ll have to read more by this author.
Worth a read for those who enjoy romance and historical fiction.
Steam Meter: some adult sexual scenes. Detailed and occurs more than once, but I would out this on the tamer side of adult.
Romantic Tropes
-ill fated lovers
-forbidden love
-historical
Things I liked:
-the characters
-their relationship
-the writing style
-the plot
-the setting
General Thoughts: I knew I’d read this one before, but I couldn’t remember much, and after reading the sequel, I was intrigued and decided to reread it.
It did not disappoint. It was enjoyable and kept my attention the whole time.
I don’t read a ton of historical fiction from this time period, but I greatly enjoyed this one. I’ll have to read more by this author.
Worth a read for those who enjoy romance and historical fiction.
Steam Meter: some adult sexual scenes. Detailed and occurs more than once, but I would out this on the tamer side of adult.
Romantic Tropes
-ill fated lovers
-forbidden love
-historical
July 18, 2015
This is the first novel I have read set in Ancient Rome. The description is fantastic and the author seems to have done her research.
Character development is strong, allowing the reader to get a good sense of the struggles facing both Valens and Phaedra. They are from different socio-economic classes and yet they share the lack of control over their individual lives. This juxtaposition is clever and adds an important layer to their seemingly immediate attraction.
Gladiator’s Mistress is more than a simple historical romance as the reader experience varying facets of life in Ancient Rome from the Romans thirst for blood to political maneuverings; enjoying snippets of daily life along the way.
Character development is strong, allowing the reader to get a good sense of the struggles facing both Valens and Phaedra. They are from different socio-economic classes and yet they share the lack of control over their individual lives. This juxtaposition is clever and adds an important layer to their seemingly immediate attraction.
Gladiator’s Mistress is more than a simple historical romance as the reader experience varying facets of life in Ancient Rome from the Romans thirst for blood to political maneuverings; enjoying snippets of daily life along the way.
July 15, 2015
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book was good. Great with historical information. The author made you enter the time period with great descriptions of the sights, sounds, and clothes which made the book come alive. The downside was that it dragged the pace of the story at times. I wanted the author to get to the point sometimes. The villains were definitely evil and I found myself almost shouting at the book at the unjustness of the situations that the hero and heroine got themselves in. It is a good read and it will be interesting to see where the author takes the series.
This book was good. Great with historical information. The author made you enter the time period with great descriptions of the sights, sounds, and clothes which made the book come alive. The downside was that it dragged the pace of the story at times. I wanted the author to get to the point sometimes. The villains were definitely evil and I found myself almost shouting at the book at the unjustness of the situations that the hero and heroine got themselves in. It is a good read and it will be interesting to see where the author takes the series.
July 11, 2015
This is a delightful, action-filled romantic story with characters who drew me in and made me care about them. I loved following their growth as they stepped into their power and appreciated the way they supported and encouraged each other. This is the kind of thing I want to read! It is well written and researched.
This book has adult content (explicit sex) and is not for teens or younger. As an adult, it's fun, not trashy, enticing.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 17, 2015
Well researched giving insight into the ways, struggles, and life of women in Ancient Rome. Jennifer Bokal makes you feel the uneven cobblestone pathways beneath the sandals, the stench of the city, the despair of a life not your own and the passion of new found love. Bloody, bold Gladiator games make your heart race and your stomach turn as the crowds cheer the mayhem. This Author puts you there. For as much as Phaedra and Valens are a hero and heroine to root for, Jennifer Bokal makes the villains likable and detestable, making this book a quick, compelling read.
February 23, 2016
If you're a fan of Spartacus and all things Roman, you will love this book. The Gladiator's Mistress tells the story of a gladiator and the high-born woman who loves him, but can't have him because he is a slave, and because she, as a senator's daughter, must marry out of duty and to fill her spendthrift father's coffers. For years, these two separated lovers live in torment. But don't worry, true love conquers all in the end. Jennifer Bokal has created a well-researched, sexy romance that captures the class differences and powerlessness of well-born women in ancient Rome.
July 13, 2015
Set in ancient Rome, Jennifer Bokal's book The Gladiator's Mistress built up slowly and was immersed in research of the time period. A hero and heroine with deep rooted responsibility and integrity stand out as they face seemly insurmountable obstacles and grow as characters. Forbidden passion and culminating action made this a compelling and interesting read.
*I received this ARC via Netgalley*
*I received this ARC via Netgalley*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews