Gladiator

Gladiator #1

by E.L. Todd

Good guy or bad guy?
 
I’m not sure which category Wilder falls under.
 
We met at a bar and things heated up pretty quickly. But my instinct told me to hit the brakes. I’ve been down this road before.
 
I’ve dated this kind of bad guy before.
 
Is Wilder different? Or is he far darker, far more mysterious, and far more criminal than I ever could have imagined.

Genres: Romance

192 pages, ebook

Published March 29, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, E. L. Todd is one of the most prolific authors of her genre, having published over a hundred novels. With over one million copies sold, she writes romance stories ranging from contemporary romance, new adult romance, and fantasy romance. She's best known for her Forever and Always Series as well as her Timeless Series.

She loves coffee, ice cream, and anything with sugar.

Reviews

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start to an action/suspense romance series. You'll have to suspend belief. but it's a fun story that has a young heroine being recruited into a secret, independent agency. There isn't much romance in this first book. The Hero is the leader of the agency and does not believe he can offer more than a sexual relationship. The first book is more about Grey, our heroine learning the truth about her father and then training to be part of the agency team. You see a bit of growth between Wylder and Grey. It does end on a small cliffhanger with Grey accepting that she has to set her feelings aside for Wylder.

[Vichy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the book for free by e mail having subscribed to the author's newsletter. Very enjoyable read but it ends too soon leaving you wanting more. Though there is the second book, I mean for a first book, it finishes too soon.

We meet 20 years old Gray who is leaving with her father, who, the daughter thinks is a secret agent. When she meets godly shaped, smart, etc, Wilder there is a mutual attraction. The story is the usual of the sort. She wants him and he wants her but she doesn't want to proceed only things to have a premature end.

The girl seems to be a brat and interested for nothing but turns to be a total badass using hands, legs and guns expertly. So, when she comes home and her dad is being abducted by a team of black uniformed men then the story has a wicked turn..

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book but I wanted to grab both Wilder and Gray and shake them! Wilder for not even trying and Gray for thinking too much.. Lots of twists and turns.. Now I have to wait a whole year for the next book.. Boo!

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book as soon as I read the synopsis. I know I can't be the only one who gets tired of reading the same old romance story over and over, and this story line sounded intriguing and original. Well, E. L. Todd delivered! I couldn't put this book down, stayed intrigued the whole time, and immediately wanted to start the next book. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a book with a great story line and not too much romance.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free by signing up for E.L. Todd's newsletter. And boy am I glad that I did. I saw a promo for the book and loved the cover, so I looked up the blurb and really wanted to read it after that. I loved it and now I can't wait for Rogue, book 2 to come out.

There are hints of romance, but it doesn't really go anywhere. But there are still some mildly steamy scenes.

I really did love both characters.

Wilder is still a mystery. He does open up some, but there's still a lot that hasn't been said about him. I can completely understand why he only does flings and one-night stands. His life is way to dangerous for more. But maybe, just maybe, with the right woman (that is living the same type of life) that may change.

I'm holding out hope!

Gray has just been floating around in life, she's in college, but doesn't know what she wants to do. She's changed her major so many times it isn't funny. That all changes when she chases some "bad guys". Then her world basically gets turned upside down.

She's a tough chick, she didn't let the news she learned crush her.

I can't wait to see where these two go next, whether they end up together or not, or end up with others, or no one.

I'm so glad that I read this!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

This book was intense in all the right ways. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.

The characters are amazing and I can't wait to explore them as individuals and see where their relationship takes them. I'm impatiently waiting for book 2 Rogue to come out.

The storyline was phenomenal and was interesting in how it was explored. I love how their job is just as relevant and important as the characters themselves.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO PEOPLE WHO LOVE INTRIGUE, MYSTERY, UNREQUITED ROMANCE AND WELL DEVELOPED CHARACTERS!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!! I found this book through FB...read the reviews and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did!
Such a great story...mystery, twists, love. Fun! When I finished, I went straight to Amazon to download the 2nd book...WHAT, it's not out yet...NOOOO!! So I'll be patiently waiting!

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first thoughts are what a interesting read Iv read quite a few books but nothing ever like this one.
The story you expect is not the story you read and the twists make it all that more interesting.
Can love and business mix that's what sweetheart is facing with gladiator

[Linda Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, it wavered from Ms. Todd's usual turmoil. Looking forward to the next. Good read

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Gladiator” is a MF romance by E.L. Todd.

Gray is a student and she has no idea what she wants to do with her future - no plans, no goals and no motivation. One night she meets a super hot man in the bar and instead of accepting his invitation for dinner, she sent him away, but they keep running into each other.
One day she came home, only to find it empty - somebody kidnapped her dad. Grey didn’t give up, though. She found those guys and switched places with her father. Little did she know that her captor is the same guy she felt such a strong connection to - Wilder.

But everything is not what it seems… Who’s the good guy here? Who’s the bad guy here? What will Grey’s future look like?

Wow! What a ride! I loved this story. E.L. Todd just managed to get me out of the book funk with this story. Grey and Wilder’s story was so captivating and fascinating, I never wanted it to end. I adored them both. Grey’s courage and stubbornness was refreshing and she was great character. Wilder was a complicated one - I loved him and wanted to deck him at the same time. He oozed sexiness and strength, but also had a vulnerable side.

„You just love more than your heart can handle”

All in all, I loved it. Can’t wait to read „Rouge”!

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...

I loved the connection between Wilder and Gray! There is an instant attraction between the both of them, but Wilder denies that he wants anything more than sex with Gray. Gray's world has been turned upside down and Wilder is there to help her find out who she really is. Can Gray work with Wilder and fight her feelings for him? Will Wilder finally give into his feelings or find others to quench his lust?

I need more! I need to find out what happens next for duo. I can't wait for Rogue!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has action, suspense and mystery with twists that will keep you hooked from the beginning. The attraction and chemistry between Gray and Wilder is sizzling and hot. It's a great read and looking forward to reading more. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Randi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that great

This was supposed to be a book of suspense. There was really nothing that good about the book. I feel that Gray should have fought more to get home and not just take the word of a stranger.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from the Author after subscribing to her newsletter. It was very good. Secret Agent with a love story. Can't wait for book 2

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Bibliophile at large · Rating 1 out of 5]

found this book confusing. Characters are repetitive as well

[Jennifer Bodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

P

[Shannon Carraway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book a lot. Kinda sad there is only two books in this series from 2017. I would of liked to see this go on and on.

[Marcia Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you E.L. Todd for writing a book in a series that had a beginning, a middle, and an end. I fell in love with it for that, as well as for the story. I wanted to know what the people were goingto do next time around after all was said and done. I adored that it was a story that took me back to the old 007 - James Bond books - with twists and turns and HUH? and scenery, oh my!! Thank you, thank you you have restored my faith that some authors DO know how to write a series and don't write books that are just chapters that are published separately.
Gray knows, she just knows her father is a secret agent. When she was younger and he said he was going here for work and she saw his airline ticket said there, she figured he had a girlfriend and didn't want her to know about it. As she got older, she parced it out about the secret agent bit...second phone, mysterious calls, boss like voice, giving orders she couldn't understand. He was the good guy, he was her dad.
Wilder was...he was the sexy hunk she met at the bar, who made all the spots on her body sit up and take notice. Then melt down into a puddle. He was sex on a stick times five, no, times ten. But she'd been burned and decided if her body took that much notice she'd get burned that much harder when it was over, and it would definitely be over. Flirt, done, over, thank you. Wilder came back for more. And came back again.
When things go south for Gray's dad she goes all Rambo to save the day and finds out 5 against 1 in real life isn't as easy as the movies make it look. That's a real wake up call for Gray. An awakening she didn't want, didn't like, didn't care for, but really needed in her life.
Join in the journey. Enjoy the scenery, the people you meet. Stick around for the action and see if you can figure out who is who and where they all fit into the puzzle of Gray and where she's going to go from here. Who's going to be at the end when she gets there, and why? See if you can figure it out. Either way, enjoy the roller coaster ride of Gray's life journey up to this point, at least. I'm waiting for more adventures. Will you wait along with me?

[Raeoni Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't help myself, and had to read this book again.. Can't wait for the next book to find out what happens.. Enjoyed it a lot... Thanks for the read..

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I really enjoyed Gray & Wilder's story. I'm hoping to get more background into Wilder and still hoping that Wilder & Gray hook up. Their connection is undeniable and can't wait for them to finally do the deed. I can't wait to read what happens next

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Sallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best from E. L. Todd and that's saying something, from all of her books I absolutely feel like this is her best work. I was amazed from the first few chapters as you slowly meet each character. Wilder and Gray just have this air about them that draws you into their relationship and makes you want more from them. It's completely impossible to put this down. Gray basically is just going to college because she doesn't know what else to do. She's just coasting through life until she meets Wilder. I'm still not sure if this is good or bad but it does give her something to do ha! He makes her question everything and see her whole life through different eyes. It's captivating and definitely strong novel. Cannot wait for more!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting beginning. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I'm concerned about Gray. Poor girl got her life ripped to pieces and now she is making do, but I feel for her.

[Deb Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gladiator
Book 1 Gladiator series
E.L Todd
4 stars
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.

Ever read a book, that didn’t give you anything in the blurb and makes you question the good, the bad and the truth. Welcome to Gladiator, book 1 in E.L Todd’s new series. The first chapter had me asking questions, and what I had read about the story, had me assuming it would be your typical alpha romance. But I couldn’t be more wrong.

Meeting Wilder in a club, university student, Gray figured he would be a hook up. Their chemistry was red hot from the beginning and walking away from him should have been easy.... She never saw her future coming towards her.

With a father who hides his job as a secret spy, and Gray struggling with her university studies her father’s absence leaves do many questions. So when she returns from a lecture that was absolutely horrible, she discovers difference in their family home. Coming from a background where she notices everything, she is on high alert when her father is missing. Without a thought she chases the kidnappers, having no fear for her own safety coming face to face with Wilder and a world of lies.... or world’s of truth. This is when everything gets messy.

Gray turns herself over to Wilder and his goons to save her fathers life. Presuming she will be tortured and killed, she is surprised to wake up a day later in a plush chateau in the Swiss Alps. Everything she knew about her mother’s death, her father’s secret life and her own life comes crashing down around her. Wilder is not the monster she imagined, but his life is something else. A life she chose to live in replacement of her loving father, now she’ll find herself in the middle of something she can’t control, including her feelings for a man whim can’t love... Wilder might play with the big boys, but this woman will drive him crazy both in and out of his crazy spy world.

I’m assuming there will be more to this story and series, and I’m looking forward to more of Wilder and Gray, and the truth to all the questions this leaves you with. A great read, but ensure you’re paying attention, this story will take you on a roller coaster ride. Get ready for that loop-de-loop, and ine you can’t get off.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read it in a day because it was way to good! Wilder one of the main characters was so awesome! He was kind of a dick most of the book but we all know by the end he had the heart of gold. He is funny, charming, and has a lot of dark secrets. I really liked how this book played out, I thought for sure it was just going to be a normal love story. They dance around for a little bit and than they finally get together. Well this book is nothing like that! This book had lots of twists and turns. I loved it so much I cannot wait to see what the next book will bring especially with how this book ended. E.L. Todd just keeps getting better and better! :)

[Tracey Zelukovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it kept you wanting to find out what happens. Love E L Todd writing can never get enough.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating, intriguing, mysterious, addictive, enthralling, and supremely well-written story that once you start reading, you won't want to put it down. With plenty of secrets, lies, twists and turns, scorching chemistry, suspense, and lots and lots of questions... but no answers, Gladiator will have you hanging on the edge of your seat.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised by this book. I wasn’t sure what it was about from the blurb so I didn’t have any expectations for the story. That being said there were some really good moments in this book. So, we meet Gray who has been living with her father and going to college, but hasn’t really found her passion. In a bar, she crosses paths with Wilder and then later she realizes that he isn’t what he appears to be. I actually think this is a story that is best discovered on your own so I won’t tell you more about the plot.

I can say that I loved both Gray and Wilder. Gray was a tough chick…think Lara Croft….and Wilder was a strong alpha that you could tell was broken by events in his past. I am so in love with these two characters. At the end of book one we still don’t get all their secrets, but I think enough of the story was told that you will fall in love with these two characters.

Hero 5 stars / Heroine 5 stars / Steam 3 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 4.5 Stars
Keys: Her POV, MF, Alpha, Secret Agent, Military, Twists and Turns
#MSBB - I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[I Dont Get Sundays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book. I couldn't stop once I began. I needed to know what happened. Wilder was wise beyond his years until he began revealing his secrets. E.L. gives us an action packed heart tugging romance with Gray and Wilder.

Gray cant seem to be passionate about anything, she is wondering through life at 22. She has changed majors at school 5 times and quickly gets bored. She goes to a bar to unwind when Wilder gets her attention. She knows exactly what he is though. She knows how the bad boys work. She knows that she cannot go down this road again.

Wilder is a mystery. Wilder is strong and fascinating. Wilder is persistent. A man who always gets what he wants without the commitment.

This is told only in Gray's point of view. It finishes in a cliff hanger with Gray determined to set aside her feelings for Wilder so that she can continue her job. I am very anxious to see what happens between these two and future missions.

[Sarah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book full of intriguing characters, mysteries and secret spies! From the start we immersed in Gray's world. A world that she believes is black and white, until Wilder comes along and makes her question everything she thought she knew about her life- from school, to love, to her mother and father. I can't wait to read the next book (Rogue) to see if anything develops between them beyond friendship, what happened to make Wilder so heartless, how Gray does in future missions, and if she ever moves on. This book was fantastic from go!