Mask of the Gladiator by Georgie Lee

Click here to see a list of the other books I'm reading for this challenge.

Summary:

Rome, 41 AD

Livia Duronius is driven to seek out a gladiator after watching him triumph in the Colosseum. His touch arouses a sense of hope she hasn't felt since Rome fell under the tyrannical rule of Caligula—and her late husband betrayed her. Though in danger of losing more than her heart, she vows to see him again, even after she learns her uncle has arranged her marriage to a senator.

Senator Titus Marius cannot resist indulging in a passionate encounter with the veiled woman who waits for him after the games, though he faces execution if his true identity is discovered. Bound by honor to wed another, and embroiled in a plot to free Rome from madness, he never expects to see the mystery woman again.

When the fates reunite them in the marriage bed, Titus vows to protect Livia at all costs—even from the lecherous eyes of the emperor...

17,000 words

summary taken from Goodreads.com

My, my, my it seems that the good people over at Carina Press are getting into publishing historical romance novellettes. At 54 pages this one is another short but enjoyable read. In this tiny book there lies romance, mystery, intrigue and assassination oh boy!

Livia is a woman who has vowed not to remarry since the political unrest  in Rome drove her husband to flee the city and leave her in the interests of saving his own skin and died anyways. One day she is at a gladiator match and finds herself moved by one of the fighters, it's her future love interest Titus in disguise risking everything to battle secretly as a gladiator though he is a noble senator.

Livia is so moved she finds herself yearning to feel him against her bare flesh and after his victory over the enemy she finds him in his quarters amongst the other gladiators. A tryst ensues and high born Livia must depart leaving both of them yearning for something more. But how can a slave and a lady be together?

When Livia returns home to her uncles estate he informs her that he has a suitor for her despite her objections. The political climate in Rome isn't favourable and she needs to do this for her safety and who should so happen to walk in but Titus himself who was completely unaware that his intended was the Lady he had a romp with early that day.

Soon Livia realizes who he is and they get married, have some sex and kill the emperor Caligula (they sure knew how to name their leaders didn't they?) I actually thought that this was a pretty good read short, simple to the point and I recommend giving it a try. The characters are likable and the setting is great. I'll definitely be trying more of the authors other books.

*I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

★★★