Thawed Gladiator: Sulla

by Alana Khan

A soldier with one last shot…
Former Army Major Reid Blackwood has survived combat deployments and a career-ending betrayal by the commanding officer who set her up to fail. What she can’t survive is watching her father lose the medical care that’s keeping him alive.

Winning the TV show Elite Crucible—thirty days of survival challenges in the brutal Scottish Highlands—is the only option she has left.

Win the money. Get home. Resist him.

…a gladiator who woke from the ice with everything left to prove…

Ever since Sulla was thawed after two thousand years in the frozen sea, he has fought to become something other than the cruel bastard he was in ancient Rome.

The men he once treated without mercy remain skeptical. Forgiveness isn’t something they’re ready to grant.

So Sulla treats redemption like daily, deliberate, and without excuses.

In the Highlands, he meets the one woman who makes every punishing mile matter—enough to race across a collapsing bridge rather than watch her fall.

…and a partnership built one act of trust at a time.

Rope bridges over ravines. Freezing river crossings. Forty-eight hours of pursuit in darkness. Cameras everywhere.

Somewhere between brutal challenges and sharing body heat through freezing Highland nights, Reid stops being Sulla’s partner and becomes more important to him than any prize.

For a man who believes he ruins everything he touches, letting himself love her feels like the cruelest risk of all.

Thawed Sulla is a high-heat, forced proximity, survival challenge, redemption romance in the Awakened from the Ice series by USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan.

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2026

About the author

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.

Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/

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Reviews

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 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 - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗢 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝐏𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐄 - a magical combination of two artistic souls 💞
✅ 8. Thawed Gladiator: Flavius (March 29, 2026) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄 - a good addition to the series
✅ 9. Thawed Gladiator: Sulla (May 17, 2026) - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐃 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 - good series ending 💞

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV38VJB?...

[TigiOma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid was betrayed by her commanding officer and forced out of a military career at which she excelled and loved. Now money is running out for her father's memory care facility. If she can win the "Elite Crucible" contest in the brutal Scottish highlands, she'll win $250,000 which will pay for about 6yrs of his care. She excels as the first stages of the competition are individual challenges. Then the contest changes and she's randomly paired with Sulla, one of the Roman gladiators thawed from the North Sea. One on one, he's not what she expects and his sincerity slowly eats away at her trust barriers. It goes well until the producers spring a shocking secret on her and her loss of trust may cost her the 1st place prize and the money her father needs for his care. Can she pull it together, finish first and to trust Sulla again in spite of her horror and heartbreak?

Sulla was the Ludus master in ancient Rome, a position which requires brutal domination of men to not only "train" the gladiators but also to preserve his own life. After surviving 2000yrs in the icy depths, he's isolated and shunned among the only other men of his time. Needing an escape, he comes across a reality show taking place in Scotland. He doesn't need the prize money but needs the solitude to contemplate his future. The individual phases pass easily until the mental challenge where he must confront his own near-fatal abuse. Afterwards, he inexplicably finds himself stepping in to help others pass through the challenges though helping them could cost him in many ways. In the last stages he's partnered with Reid and they bond over similar experiences: His in the Ludus, hers in combat. But as their physical attraction grows, he still has not revealed to her the totality of his history until it's too late. Can her regain her trust enough to help her win first place now that he knows why it's importance, or will his hesitance to come clean to her cost the prize money she needs so desperately to care for her ailing father?

And what of their crushed budding romance? Is that permanently destroyed or can it be salvaged?

[Alana Khan]

Yes, I wrote this book, so obviously I’m biased. But Sulla is one of the most powerful stories I’ve ever written, and I want to tell you why.

If you’ve followed this series, you already know Sulla isn’t an easy hero. His past is messy, painful, and full of choices he can’t undo. Writing this book meant putting him—and the woman brave enough to love him—through a true emotional crucible.

Nothing about their journey is simple. They fight, they stumble, and they confront things most people would rather bury. But step by step, choice by choice, they build something real.

This story has heat, danger, and the intensity of an ancient gladiator trying to build a life in the modern world. But at its heart, it’s about whether a man who has done terrible things can still choose to become someone better.

I love a redemption story that has to be earned.

And this one absolutely is.

Hugs,
Alana

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions just crashing through my brain after reading this book!! Intense moments where your all of a sudden on the edge of your seat gripping your book or kindle and holding your breath but you just can't stop reading! I have not found a book that made me laugh, and then in the next paragraph your crying as the emotions with these characters feel so real and you feel like you are right there with them. Sulla was one you always saw on the edges of the gladiators and you can't help not liking him for their sake but on the other hand you wonder just what is going through his mind and you want to have that book so you can see from the inside. Reid is the perfect match for this man challenging him and standing beside him, but also he has to earn his way and show that he is changing or trying to change as well. I won't give anything away cause it would so ruin the journey but wow I cannot say enough this author has totally blown me away with her talent for writing and the way she approached this story I would have never thought to take but so totally enjoyed. It will definitely be worth a second read!! Hang onto your seats ladies, have a box of Kleenex ready and enjoy the love and laughter that comes from this book. This is worth every moment that the house doesn't get cleaned, and dinner delayed. This is a must read!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate formed/found family series!

The Awakened From the Ice series by Alana Khan has melted my heart along with a few gladiators. If you have not read this series yet, you are missing out on a fantastically creative series that combines a contemporary romance with a bit of a paranormal element and ancient Roman history.

I suggest picking up book 1, Varro and reading in order. You will probably get sucked into the stories and journeys of these unexpected and engaging characters just like I did. Each and every one drew me in and did not let go. I loved the adventure, the suspense and the perfect amount of spicy romance. The entire series makes for a great binge read!

Thawed Gladiator: Sulla is by far one of my favorites in the series. Sulla is the most complex character of all the gladiators and his story is heartbreaking and heartwarming and everything in between. Have your tissues handy because of all the intense emotions this story will draw out! The bonus series epilogue at the end will bring you to your knees! I hope there will be more to this amazing series in the future!

These incredible thawed gladiators and their determined and feisty women are a do not miss!

[Cindy Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was once again another amazing book by this author.
The FMC, Reid, is ex-military and suffers from ptsd and she enters a reality TV show where she hopes to win first prize of $250,000 to pay for her father's medical care
The MMC, Sulla, is one of the gladiators that has been thawed. He is financially stable and doesn't need the money, but he needs a change of scenery. So he enters the reality TV show as well.
The mmc and fmc meet at the reality show where it takes place in Scotland in the mountains. It's tough terrain and often requires trust, which is something that both of our mc's are not used to giving away very easily.
This book is very emotional. The characters have to learn to trust and love and work well together and learn how the other moves, and then the trust is shattered, and then comes the heartbreak. Even knowing there is a possible hea, I still cried through all the really sad parts. Yes, I am an emotional reader, and I love every moment of it. I hope you do too because it's so worth it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thawed Gladiator: Sulla, Awakened from the Ice 9, by Alana Khan, continues the wonderful saga of men frozen in the North Atlantic for two thousand years, then resurrected into the modern world. This is the final (heavy sigh) installment of the series, and Khan nicely revisits the previous characters in epilogue fashion to close the loops. This is the story of Sulla’s journey from a man, formed by his youth and the terrible life he’d led before the shipwreck, into a better man remade through Herculean efforts and patience. As Sulla’s prior life slowly unfolds, the reader gains an understanding of this complex character and the internal/external struggles he endures to be someone different, someone better. The cruelty exhibited by the reality show personnel rivals anything from the days of Rome, yet, as in earlier historical times, there are no consequences for that behavior. Terrific series!!!! DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sulla always was in the background for previous stories, so I was curious to see what his journey would reveal. I never imagined a path via reality TV though! I liked the parallel sort of past issues both Sulla and Reid were trying to escape. The shock factor of the reality show just made me angry. And yet, perhaps this was the path that brought issues out into the open the fastest. Learning to forgive and discovering unconditional love were wonderful to see. I also really liked the 10 year into the future epilogue with a quick snapshot of the couples and families to date. I wonder is there will be 5 more stories somewhere for the remaining single gladiators?

I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another gripping and emotional addition to the series. We finally get Sulla's story and the reasons why he isolates himself from the others. (Def recommend starting this series at the beginning so you can not only go on fab reading ride, but also fully get the depth and complexity of all the characters.) Reid, after having lost so much and in need of funds, heads off to the reality show. These two bond over their pasts as they work through the trials but not everything was brought to light... I love how the author has given us such unique characters but also a fresh setting for each romance to unfold in. With action, drama, emotions, healing, great world building and a heartwarming and steamy romance, this was a page turner for me. Definitely recommend this book and series :D

[Carol-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story that makes you think!! Can a person really change? If they do, is it enough to make up for the mistakes of their past? Can two opposing truths exist at the same time? So many deep questions to be answered? Sulla and Reid have a rocky road to happiness and much of it is lived on a reality show for the world to see. This book is one of the best in the series. You don’t have to read any of the others to enjoy this one and enjoy this one, you most certainly will do!!

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid and Sulla
I always loved to watch survivor and this book kind of makes me think about it! It was a very difrent experience from the other books and as it shoud because Sulla isn't like the others, he was their abuser. Redemption book Alert! How I just love to read the bad guys turning around and Reid is just the woman to do it! She is fierce and unstopable. I really enjoyed it. Amazing as always.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!! Loved it so much! I've been fascinated with Sulla, since the series began. Always segregating himself from the others. Unable to separate himself from his past. Perfect story for Sulla. Respects his history and gravity of his mistakes. Leaves room for his new beginning to shine..

Love how the epilogue pulls everyone together, and sets up for future stories.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sulla by Alana Khan brings together awakened,scarred inside and out, gladiator Sully and former military soldier Reid who was ousted by her immoral superior. They are paired in a Survivor type tv program that has them falling in love and working through their pasts. Amazing action and psychological growth are presented. This is one of my favorite series.

[Penny Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Book ! Follow along as the male lead recreates himself from a damaged man who damages others into a person who supports and helps others and in doing so finds redemption for his past actions . And the woman who falls for the man he's becoming but has enough depth to eventually accept the man he was as well.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sulla, a once-powerful figure in ancient Rome, struggles with his past while teaming up with Reid, who has her own troubled history, in a reality contest. There are a lot of emotions in this one from joy to sorrow, love and redemption, which makes for such an engaging story. It’s another great addition to the Awakened Ice series.

[Jen Thon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending saved it

Sulla’s story was the hardest, no doubt. It was well written, but at the same time the story of Sulla and Reid did not grab my interest. I was ready to give this one three stars.
The two Epilogue ending, saved it. Five stars all day. No spoilers, you need to read this one to really appreciate it.

[Leesha E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thawed Series

I can not explain how wonderful this series is. I wish all men were as special as these are!! Communication between languages proves it is not impossible!! Men be open, transparent and willing to work at relationships. Can’t wait for the next five!! I hope they come soon!!

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author knows how to hit his readers where it matters most. The MMC was not loved by his peers, but we feel for him right from the start and sympathize with him as he seeks redemption with the one woman who continues to choose him.

The wheel keeps turning, and I'm glad the author gave us a glimpse into the lives of the other gladiators.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been outstanding from the start! Each book brings you in an emotional journey but this book? This book takes you through a hard, emotional wrecking journey. I cried hard while reading this and didn't know what to do with myself half the time. It's an amazing read!

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get Sulla's story. I really wanted to here his background story. The story turned out great. I look forward to reading more frozen Gladiator stories.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Awakened From the Ice Book series. Another must-read plot and main characters carry the book. Waiting for the next book.

[EB Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story of redemption and love

Excellent as always. Love Alana’s writing. No matter the genre, you feel the humanity of her characters. Can’t wait for her next book.

[Stephanie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series

The history the passion the brokenness and HEA I can't wait for more
Bring back more gladiators plz.
Yours sincerely

[Charlotte Liest-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

very entertaining read!

This was a very satisfying read! I have enjoyed each of the books in the series so far, and look forward to the next 📚 books.

[Mrs E Radley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series of books

Really enjoyed these books. Easy to move from one to another. Interesting characters and a storyline that kept me engaged.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend the ninth book in the Awakened From the Ice series, my favorite so far. This well-written redemption romance follows former Army Major Reid Blackwood as she competes in a Scottish Highlands survival challenge to fund her father’s medical care. She forms a deep partnership with Sulla, a thawed ancient Roman gladiator seeking his own redemption. The story features high-stakes challenges, forced proximity, and a satisfying happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise Doughten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing romance.

This was an emotional story filled with scars from the past and great in the present. Two people who fall in love but don't recognize the truth.