Love & Reckoning — Gina Danna

Ganius the gladiator can be freed by Aurelia, his Roman mistress, if he takes her with him. If he does, it'll mean his death, but to leave her will destroy her. He must choose -- and this is a fight the champion of the sands might lose…. Rome 100 CE Conquered, beaten, sentenced to die in the Colosseum, Ganius escapes his execution only to find himself enslaved as a gladiator. His rise to champion ensures his life but does nothing to lessen his desire for vengeance against the Roman soldiers who destroyed all he knew. Locked into a repugnant betrothal, the beautiful Roman Aurelia turns to her brother's champion gladiator for help. Promising him his freedom if he helps her escape, Aurelia soon discovers she wants not only Ganius's help, but to capture his heart as he's captured hers. In love with his sworn enemy, Ganius realizes Aurelia is the key to his freedom. To take her with him would risk both their lives, yet leaving her behind to be a pawn in her brother's machinations is a wretched alternative. Ganius must choose -- love of a Roman or freedom to make the Romans pay. This is a fight the champion gladiator might lose….