Nova Praetorian by N.R. Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I'm not a huge fan of Roman Empire tales, N.R. Walker giving it a go was enough for me to beg for an opportunity to read this. And I'm so glad that I did.

The tale begins with Quintus Furius Varus, a Roman gladiator trainer extraordinaire. He's asked by Senator Servius Augendus to accompany him back to Rome, basically as security detail and guard trainer, for an unknown amount of time. While he's there, Servius has a new team of slaves brought in, including Kaeso Agorix, who was taken from his home in Iberia to become a slave. When his pride gets in the way, Quintus asks to make him his personal slave for the time he's in Neapolis.

This is where it gets good... where N.R. Walker does the finest work. The slow burn between the two men, both gauging each other's plays, the looks of desire when no one is watching, the stolen moments... all an intrinsic Walker tale. And she does not leave us wanting.

There is a lot of action, a lot of Roman gladiator pride, fighting, tales of slavery and unequal footing. There is also a lot of hope and love and fearlessness and honor above all.

Yes, this was set during an era of slavery and riches beyond measure, hatred and evil, but this is a tale of finding the good and letting it be the hope for a bright future. This was an awesome story that I'll remember as one of the best from this author.

*Arc copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on https://gaybook.reviews/ *

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