Broken by the Gladiator

by Nicola Rose

“A champion gladiator doesn’t feel love. How could he? His only passion is to win the next fight. Then the one after. And again.”

Cassian

I’m trained to kill for the amusement of others.

Slave. Fighter. Beast.

Emotions are a weakness so I have none, except anger and hate. Anything else is a distraction that could get me killed.

Still, I can’t refuse the order when my owner’s wife secretly summons me to her chambers, time and time again. She’s poison, feeding off my rage for her own sick pleasures. I hate her, so how does she keep finding the cracks and opening them up, working her way into my heart?

There’s only one way this relationship can go, and that’s down. When we are apart we’re broken, but together?

We will crash and burn.

Livia

I’m Domina of the Atticus ludus where we train gladiators to compete for victory.

Wealthy. Attractive. Powerful husband.

It appears I have it all. I wish I could make myself feel that way but I’m numb, too damaged to care for anything. The only time I feel alive is when I’m with my husband’s champion gladiator.

He might be my slave, but there’s no taming the savage lust inside him. And I love nothing more than poking that darkness until he unleashes it upon me. My whole life I've been taught one thing - break them down. So how is it possible that a gladiator could be the one to break the ice around my heart?

It's disgusting for a woman of my rank to sleep with a man like him. His touch should feel repulsive, his gaze upon me should make my skin crawl.

But he's mine. And I want more.

Author's Note: DARK romance! I'm not joking! For a full list of TWs/CWs, check the author’s website.

Technically, it's historical romance — but really it's just a messed-up dark and steamy thrill ride!

Genres: Dark, Historical Romance, Dark Romance, Historical, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden Love

Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2018

About the author

Deliciously dark... because romance isn't always sweet.

Nicola Rose is from the UK, where she lives with her husband and two boys. When she's not writing or reading, she can probably be found on family days out hiking and mountain-biking in the countryside, messing in Photoshop, and playing board games in her pjs!

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"I believe in the power of positivity. I have no desire to spread anything negative. I'm a reader, but primarily I'm an author NOT a reviewer. For these reasons, if I don't enjoy a book I simply move on quietly. I will only rate and review the books I have genuinely enjoyed." - Nicola x

Reviews

[Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Breaking the Gladiator by Nicola Rose is a dark tale of forbidden love between a Gladiator and his Domina. This is the author's debut, but if you didn't know that already, you wouldn't be able to tell. I don't usually enjoy novellas that aren't a part of a series. I find them lacking in a number of ways. I don't care about the characters much, and I don't feel satisfied by the plot or ending. That was not the case here. I'm not going to lie. I was shocked at how much I loved it! It's dark, gory, and fucked up, and I enjoyed every damn minute of it! 

"I want him to hurt as much as I do. And then, when he can bear no more, I want him to hurt me right back. To use me and abuse me. I want the monster - all of him."

Livia is the wife of a wealthy and powerful man, Felix, but her heart belongs to another. Cassian is Felix's champion gladiator. He is huge, hot, honorable, undefeated, and head over heels in love with Livia. She tries to maintain a certain distance from him emotionally, but it's clear when they are together he owns more than just her body.



Don't go feeling sorry for Livia's husband though. He is a cruel individual that treats his wife no better than a common whore off the street. Felix freely fucks his slaves in front of her. Sometimes, he even humiliates her in front of them or allows them to mock her openly.



Though he has many gladiators, Cassian is Felix's favorite. Maybe favorite isn't the right word. He only cares about Cassian as long as he's winning battles, and when he nearly loses one due to being distracted by Livia, Felix orders Cassian to die at the hands of a less powerful opponent. As if that wasn't bad enough, he sells Livia to his brother, Marcus, for the night following the battle to do with as he chooses.



In this society, men like Felix have absolute power. Livia and Cassian are at his mercy. No one would dare go against someone like Felix to help them. Do they have any choice but to accept their fate?

"In the arena I'm free. There, I bow to no one. There...they quiver before me and beg for mercy. I'm loved. Adored. The crowd cheer and chant my name, because I'm someone. I am Death."

Blood, sex, deceit, love, sacrifice, murder, and mayhem, this book has it all! I didn't know what to expect out of a gladiator romance, but I can't imagine it being any better than this. It's fantastically written, the characters will make you feel a whole range of emotion, the story will have you on the edge of your seat, and the romance will grab ahold of your heart!



Breaking the Gladiator won't be the last thing I read by this author. She has a vampire romance coming out next, and you better believe I'll be devouring it as soon as I can. If any of what I've said sounds appealing to you, don't hesistate to give this a try! A threesome, a beheading, having sex while rolling around in the blood of their enemies, it's pure heaven! What does that say about me for holding such an opinion? I don't know lol, but I know there are plenty of sick bitches out there like me! If you're one of them, this one is for you!

ARC generously provided for an honest review.

[Azet · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Your venom is so deep beneath my skin that I can’t tell where the most pain comes from – the arena, or your mouth.”-Cassian

***

"Breaking the Gladiator" is a short tale set in the ancient Rome about the fearless Thracian gladiator Cassian who is a slave by heart and soul to his Domina..his masters wife Livia.

If you want the perfect romantic tale,this is no book for you.I jumped in it without any expectations and really enjoyed it despite the dark tropes in it.Both Cassian and Livia were tortured individuals who lived for the short moments and glances they got with each other.Their sex scenes could be brutal and dirty...and the way Livia used and hurt him for her own pleasure made me want to hit her in the head.Honestly,i wouldn`t have blamed Cassian if he actually killed her.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s breathtaking. Savage. Beautiful. Just the way he should be.

I was pleasantly surprised by this story. This is my first read from this author, and definitely my first gladiator read ever. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s very bloody, and there is a bit of mutual domination/BDSM play gladiator style I guess you could say. There are definitely a number of things that could be considered triggers, so knowing that going in is probably best.

If you’re looking for quick, smutty, and intense then I highly recommend Breaking Gladiator!

[Mei · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

I tried, I really did... Unfortunately this was not for me. I couldn't connect to both MCs. I ddin't feel the love there. She used him and he let himself be used and abused in every way. Ultimately, she's the mistress and he's a slave, so that makes it OK... Not for me.. No thanks...

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, twisted, bloody and HOT novella!

I don't want him tamed. I want him just the way he is, in all his fucked-up glory.

Definitely worth a read if, like me, you like that kind of thing. ;)

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'bloody' stars

This book has a gladiator in the title so ,of course, I needed to read it. Then Melanie told me that reading this book is like watching Spartacus, so I certainly needed to read it even more. And she was right. Breaking the Gladiator is like a violent, bloody, sex-filled episode of Spartacus. Ok, basically like every episode of Spartacus.



Cassain is a gladiator, the champion of Atticus ludus. He is feral, lethal, and invincible. His only weakness is his domina. She is his obsession. She is a woman he just can't let go. Their relationship is forbidden and they risk their lives with every glance they share.



Livia is domina of the Atticus ludus. She is trapped in a horrible marriage with her cruel husband Felix and even crueler brother-in-law Marcus, who wants her for himself. She is damaged and broken and Cassian is the only person that keeps her sane. He is her salvation and punishment at the same time. He is close to her, he is hers to command, and yet he can never truly belong to her.




Cassian and Livia have a toxic relationship. They are not good for each other because they are constantly hurting one another. They are not even supposed to be together. Also, these two pretty much hate each other but when they are together - somehow their relationship makes sense. They love each other, no matter how toxic that love truly is. Love and hate in equal measure. Their relationship is not a romantic one. It's dark and intense and kind of beautiful in its rawness.



I had a few tiny problems with this book. I understand that it's a novella and therefore short but there were things that I wish would be explained more. Some more background information, more character development. And I'm pretty sure that Roman women didn't wear undergarments, because that was just silly. But overall it was a solid 4 stars read. If you like gladiators, bloody action, and dirty sex - go for it!

They are truly works of art, these gladiators. They repulse and inspire in equal measure. Everyone loves to hate them. Women pretend to be offended, but they all want to fuck a gladiator. And any man is deluding himself if he pretends he doesn’t wish to have that power for a moment; to stand in an arena and conquer another.

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gladiators, cheaters, steamy, OH MY.!!!! Let me tell you how the author caught my attention and then downloaded this gem. She got me with

“ My husband sleeps with every woman he finds; all I can do is watch and put on a fake smile or face his wrath. But I have a secret, His name is Cassian, My husband's champion gladiator. I’m Trapped in a toxic relationship with him “

This is the first book I have read from the author and it highly surpassed my expectations plus my first gladiator book, There is a ton of triggers. Not for the faint of heart. I have to say I like the power play exchange, I didn’t see coming,. On my dark scale is dark Gray.

Broken By The Gladiator is action packed from the first sentenced, so hang tight for a wild, dark ride. The character growth and story development was spot on for a novella. Also so steamy. It’s just all seemed to have fallen in place. I look forward to the author future books, because I am hooked.


“ In the arena I'm free. There, I bow to no one. There...they quiver before me and beg for mercy. I'm loved. Adored. The crowd cheer and chant my name, because I'm someone. I am Death."

[Ninosy (Wonder Woman) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough

[Ana (thestarslisten) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Dark and twisted, fiery hot and bloody, but I couldn’t get enough!

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

NOW THIS WHAT I CALL A NOVELLA! The best novella I’ve read to far. It has a complete story line and character development. Nicola Rose has created a masterpiece.

Hello Ancient Rome! A wife who’s treated like a common whore by her own husband so she seeks solace in the arms of their own champion gladiator. Forbidden love at one of its best. They’re so twisted but it’s so good. Licking blood, making love beside a dead body over a pool of fresh human blood. Seriously?! Oh did I forget to mention there was a threesome? Yeah, there is.

I love how the character is in a dilemma of his feelings between hate and love, but never hate and lust. Ever hated someone so much that you later realize you can’t stand to be apart from them? Basically that’s what happened in this story.

Up until later part of the story I was still so unsure of how it will end. Will the gladiator die and the wife live the rest of her life in mourning? Will they both die? Will they both live? The ending was quiet unexpected. You have to read for yourself to find out.

Still not convinced? Read that first line!
A champion gladiator doesn’t feel love. How could he? His only passion is to win the next fight. Then the one after. And again.

I seriously wouldn’t mind if this would have a sequel. I don’t care if it’ll be a series of novellas, I want more!

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced readers copy of this book and have decided to leave a voluntary review. I have to say I'm so surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I didn't think I could get into it. Since about gladiators etc. I'm so glad I was wrong I absolutely loved it I was so captivated by all of it the action is so damn good. And the sex scenes wow they are hot!

[Nikki Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, do I love a delicious dark sexy read. Who doesn't love a Gladiator? How a bout a sexy, troubled, brooding one with a passion and ardor to match? Just yum.

Cassian and Livia's story had me hooked from the start. Their push and pull, passion and anger, brutal lives, and difficult pasts intertwine in ways that are painful at times, jarring, and emotionally taxing. Having said that, I don't think there's any other way a romance of that time period and under these circumstances could be written. I couldn't put my Kindle down and devoured this story, enjoying the dark moments as much as the SEXY HOT bedroom scenes that made me sweat a little. If you enjoy dark romance, this one is a MUST.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this HOT sexy read! 5 stars from me!!

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Word Building: 4.5/5
Story Flow: 5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5

[K.J. Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoo, is it hot in here? Nicola Rose's debut novella is something dark and steamy. I wasn't sure what I'd make of an erotic romance set in ancient Rome, but I was sucked into this story from the off. Gladiators and powerful women shouldn't mix, but in this story they well and truly do.

The characters are not loveable, but you understand where their darkness stems from. There are uncomfortable scenes of violence and abuse, but the scenarios were sadly true to the time and make the story more believable. It is rare to find an erotic romance that is as much about the story as it is about the passion and relationships.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty gritty book. I was pulled in by the idea, and the story surprised me. I loved that we got both into characters heads. It helped make the story more enjoyable. Lost of sex..... if that’s how you want to consider it. I wish It could’ve been more details when it came to the setting, the time period, just everything that’s going on beforehand or at least around the characters. 4 Stars #2OCCJD

[C.M. Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first, we're shown how this story will cross the line, just a little. Just enough to really make you feel the true nit and grit. Just enough to rise a blush to your face and elevate that heart-rate.

Those of a more conservative, prudish persuasion should stay away. Those who don't understand the need for a little domination: stay away. Those who can handle this, maybe even like it a bit, should get a copy of this novella that I called delicious upon finishing. It's all about the sex. All about the fun. And maybe a little about facing your darkness and embracing and sharing it.

I especially enjoyed the dual nature of Livia. Her battle with her life as a beaten being next to her outlet of power over Cassian. A power she too willingly waits to share...

Let's be honest, anything to do with gladiator's is a blast and I almost wish there was more of Cassian's training and fighting. Not that that was the point of the book, but it was a great element I couldn't get enough of.

In lines with the television show Spartacus, and not familiar with the period in history the book takes place, I'd be curious to hear how fitting the roles of all involved in Breaking the Gladiator are to life at the time. Not that it would make the book any less fun to read, just a random curiosity I had.

Have a cold shower ready and dive in to Cassian and Livia's affair...

Happy Reading :)

[Liz Meldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so genuinely impressed with this book. It had so much unf for such a short word count! When I first opened it on my Kindle, I was like: holy chapters, Batman. There were so many for a book of its size, but, honestly, the short chapters were what made me fly through it. I couldn't wait to see what happened next, and I was always desperate for more.

Let's be clear: this is a dark romance. The power dynamics are all over the place, there's cruelty and sexual abuse from characters outside the hero and heroine pairing. It's dark. It's fucked up. Don't go into it expecting a beautiful romance set in the glory days of ancient Rome. This is a brutal life for both the hero and the heroine, and we really feel it. As readers, we're plopped right in the thick of things from the first page, into an established relationship dynamic that makes your heart hurt and soar in equal measures.

I loved it. This is my first read by the author, and I'm looking forward to more!

[Erika P · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm loved. Adored. The crowd cheer and chant my name, because I'm someone. I am Death."

What a pleasant surprise this book was! It's my time reading this Author and I will happily read again! This was a fast moving, gripping, edge of your seat thrill-ride!! Gritty and raw, you don't want to engage if you are squeamish, but since that's exactly my cuppa, I was hooked!! Even though it was a novella, character development was on point, and you get all the story in one small package! Hot where it needed to be, dark undertones to keep my evil grin in place, and an ending that rounded out a fantastic little escape!!

"...she's about to bring a whole other type of agony. Beautiful and deadly. She will break me apart from the inside out. I will hate her. But I will love her. And I will pray to the Gods that I can just die to end this sweet torture."

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog

[Rae Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I did like the action of the book and the fighting... what can I say I am an action kind of girl. It was very dark and could be considered a trigger for many.
You have Livia who is a Domina but honestly I would really just call her head slave. She is beat and pretty much forced to have sex with her unappreciative and verbally abusive husband's brother. The fornication is brutal and unwanted.
Cassius is the gladiator who has the whole ludus on his side but he doesn't want to get the rewards of a winning warrior he wants his Domina, he wants to keep her safe even if he knows that it will get everyone killed.
Finally enough is enough, Livia wants out and Cassius wants his woman and nothing is going to stop them from being together.

[N.M. McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was hot, hot, hot! I am a Spartacus fan and so I jumped into this novel looking forward to the adult content. What a great job Nicola does of describing the roman lifestyle and the relationship between the slaves and the hierarchy of roman civilization.
This book has some brutal images and some super steamy sex scenes. My only negative feedback, the plot suddenly drops and I was left wanting answers. With such an intense build up, I wanted more from the hammer when it dropped.
All around an excellent read by a very talented writer!

[T.L. Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew, so this is NOT for the faint hearted. It is dark, it is dangerous, and it's deep desire!
In Ancient Rome, who is the slave and who holds the power in this realm of masters?
Power play is utilised well in this raunchy tale.

A rich woman with an abusive husband seeks solace in the arms of a dirty dirty gladiator!

There are scenes of abuse, but they are there to illustrate Livia's torment.

A fabulous novella.

[Karen Sedgman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Breaking the Gladiator! It's not my normal reading genre, so there was some OMG moments! This was action packed, with some bloody scene's it was dark and erotic! So if you love all that then it's a must read! Fantastic debut novel Nicola!

[Angel McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabs you from the get go and keeps you intrigued throughout... a steamy story following the forbidden relationship of a Domina and her Gladiator - but the question is... who was the one in chains?!

[Tati Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was dark af and hot. So naturally I loved it.

[Chantal Baxendale · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover looked fab and I took a chance on a new to me author. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. Not sure if it was the flow of it or the genre that just didn’t resonate with me. I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters….

[Doodle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It's a dark romance and warns readers upfront about elements present that some readers may not wish to read about. Dark romances are typically hit or miss with me. I don't mind dark elements as long as the love between the hero and heroine shines through the darkness and the hero and heroine do not abuse each other. Neither of those criteria were met with this book.

This story is very dark. I can't say I enjoyed it because I didn't like many elements of this book, but I also couldn't stop reading. I HAD to know what happened to these characters.

So, I'm giving this story 4 stars because it is well written and draws you in. I didn't feel the love between the hero and heroine at all in this story, but this story warned upfront about it's dark elements. I would say read this if you are a fan of dark romance or if you are looking for an interesting gladiator-themed erotica. If you want sweetness mixed with dark, this isn't the book for you.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blew my mind!
I loved this story.. Cassian was so strong and a true warrior. Livia really surprised me. It was fantastic to see the twist of roles between characters that we see in this book. To see the love that Cas has for her was heartbreaking and beautiful. This is a must read! It was amazing, suspenseful and beautifully written. I want more! The only problem with Nicola's characters is that you fall so deeply in love with each and every one of them that it leaves you wanting more. Highly addictive.

[Ashley Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It had me hooked from start to finish. The last few books I've been reading really had me in a slump, and this I devoured in just a few hours. I can't wait to read more of Nicola Rose's books!

[somelikeithardback · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 - I don’t read many novellas at all, but this was really good! I feel like there was enough character and development and action packed into this to make me wish it was a full length novel, and we love a HEA

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

A brilliant introduction to Nicola Ross's writing. It left me wanting more from here. Can't wait for her next book!

[Karen Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fucked up. Cheating everywhere. Not.

[S08H (Morelli) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Short and sweet.