From Amazon -
"Orphaned by Rome's savage legions, Thea, a slave girl from Judaea, has learned what it takes to survive. She knows only violence until a chance meeting with gladiator Arius offers a shred of tenderness. But their bond is severed when Thea is sold again, condemned to rot in squalor. Years later, a singer known as Athena betrays no hint of her troubled past. Catching the eye of the Emperor himself, she is swept into a world of decadence and depravity. But although Domitian fears betrayal from every side, he is unaware that the greatest threat lies next to him - a slave girl who has come to be called the Mistress of Rome..."

A fascinating story, gory in parts, but very entertaining with nasty baddies you can hate and cheer when they get their comeuppance and a happy ending for the goodies.

Thank you, raeliz64. I must be grateful that I only came home with the same number of books I brought, I suppose!

A really entertaining bodice ripper! And, I now know far too much about the reign of Domitian!

Book and coffee morning.