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I received a free coy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Janus Vettius, Prime Centurion for the Roman Empire returns home to Pompei after being away for many years. Upon arrival he is assaulted by rumors, admiration/adoration, and propaganda of the sweetheart of Pompeii, Equus the Stallion. Being away for so long he doesn't know about Equus or why the man is so beloved to the town. In fact, besides being miffed, he's annoyed and a tad bias against the man for having such a fan base.

Equus the Stallion, a former gladiator turned indentured prostitute lives his life a bit unfulfilled. He's not really sure what he is missing considering he is beloved by most for the deed that put him in the sex industry and the few who have something against aren't even worth worrying about.

When the two finally meet, the attraction is instantaneous. It's Equus, who connect the dots of their past and find that they've both been hoping for a reunion and more. But their reunion doesn't come easy. Equus's few enemies are coming out of the woodwork and would love nothing ut to destroy all that Equus has even if it means Janus will become a casualty.

It was an interesting read and I did pick up a few new interesting fact/words and also enjoyed reading about the life of a gladiator (more or less the fights). I enjoyed the fight scene and the intrigue that was happening in the book. The characters were all intriguing and I enjoyed reading their interaction among each other especially the ones occurring in the brothels.

I'm still a bit put off by Janus and Ehren's connection to each other. The two only met for a short time and I just wasn't buying them having such a loving intense relations because of that chance meeting several years before. It was like a thorn in the back of my mind when I was reading the story. I just felt very farfetched that that encounter could blossom into love without the two really getting to know each other.

The mystery aspect was well done and definitely caught and held my attention. I was intrigued and didn't really want to put the book down since I wasn't too sure how many people were involved in the plot against Ehren.