Re-read: Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn

Title: Mistress of Rome

Series: The Empress of Rome #2

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 470 

Published: April 6, 2010

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

First-century Rome: A ruthless emperor watches over all--and fixes his gaze on one young woman...

Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia. Now she has infuriated her mistress by capturing the attention of Rome's newest and most savage gladiator--and though his love brings Thea the first happiness of her life, their affair ends quickly when a jealous Lepida tears them apart.

Remaking herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats, Thea unwittingly attracts another admirer: the charismatic Emperor of Rome. But the passions of an all-powerful man come with a heavy price, and Thea finds herself fighting for both her soul and her sanity. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor's mistress.

Review:

Awww yayy! Been meaning to re-read this. Thank goodness for Book Club, eh?

Here we have Thea who is a slave girl from Judaea. She was purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida. For the first time in her life, she has found love in Rome's newest and most savage gladiator. Her happiness will be caught short when Lepida tears them apart. Thea remakes herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats. Thea will attract another admirer...the Emperor of Rome. However, his passions will come with a heavy price. 

You can read this without reading the first one but there are some references you will miss. When I first read this series I read this one first and was not lost, however, it was nice re-reading this in the proper order so I could understand some of our older characters a little better. 

UGH this is so dang good. I adore this author and how she brings these characters and this world to life. Fabulous. 

You can't help but love Thea and Arius. 

Booooo Domitian and booooo Lepida! Truly terrible baddies. 

Rome seems like it would be a wild place to live. I would NEVER pick Rome to time travel too. So many vipers and so much death and blood. I always feel so bad for the poor animals forced to fight. Sobs!!!!

This does have some graphic scenes, but the author does a good job not getting TOO descriptive. But lots of blood and fighting...which should be expected with Rome and gladiators being our mains. 

The ending is wonderful and you can stop there. Not too shabby of an ending. I won't spoil anything! BUT if you are like me, you will want to read the next one. 

5 stars. I can't wait to talk about this in book club. It is SO hard not to give away spoilers!!