Review: The Gladiator's Master

Reviewed by Jen
 

Holy. Crap.  This book is hot.  As in, I need a cold shower RIGHT NOW hot.  It's like Spartacus (the Starz version), but with gay sex. Hot gay sex.  Let me start from the beginning.

Caelius is a Roman who inherits his uncle Craxus' lutus upon the man's death.  Caelius isn't a man who enjoys blood-sport, but he recognizes the importance the lutus can play in raising his political power.  So he decides to restore it to greatness.

Craxus was a self-absorbed man who cared nothing for his slaves or his gladiators... so when Caelius arrives, the men are in terrible condition. All but one man -- Gaidres.  Caelius is instantly attracted to the gladiator, but would never force himself on a man who doesn't share his interest.  He begins seeking counsel from Gaidres as he restores the house; he takes his advice on the men and they begin to spend more time together.  Eventually, Caelius asks Gaidres if he would be interested in an affair.  Gaidres is no man to be dominated but that isn't what Caelius is after.  He wants to be beneath the strong gladiator.  Gaidres agrees. 

The two men are on fire in bed... and against the wall... and on the floor... and in the baths.  But the growing passion between them is difficult for Gaidres to accept. He hates Romans. He was forced into slavery and wants to snuff all anyone who shares a blood tie with Craxus.  The sex is realllly good though, so he keeps coming back for more.

Somehow, though, the affair begins to become something more.  And real feelings develop between the men.  Can Gaidres move past his anger and his regrets to let Caelius in? 

I enjoyed this book a lot.  You may have picked up on the fact that is was highly sexy, but it had a real story too.  The characters were empathetic and fleshed out; there was action and emotion.  It was everything you'd hope for in a m/m gladiator book (<--I don't get to say that every day.)  If it sounds like your cup of tea, I'd definitely recommend it.  Yum.  4 1/2 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

The Gladiator's Master

by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe

Release Date: September 19, 2011 

Publisher: Carina Press