Invictus Shakes: A Gladiator Slice of Life (Book 2 complete)

Gladiators. Fighting for glory and living for something more... Here in the Imperium Aeterna, Rome never fell and the arena still runs red with blood. No one knows why the gods pulled the realm out of space and time, but centuries have passed and it's time for something fresh. Meet Maximilia, adopted daughter of the retired champion and owner of the only smoothie shop. There, she takes on rude customers while learning there's a lot more to gladiators than guts, glory, and good looks.  But the drama is just beginning. Hearts get messy when lives are on the line, and she lets fear blind her to the love that's right in front of her. Then new territories suddenly appear. Ripped from the world left behind, they bring dangerous warriors to the arena where survival is never guaranteed. And Max can only pray to the gods she didn't just hand her friends their last drink. Ingredients to expect - Slice of life: Drama, action, humor, love & tragedy  - Romance and slowburn (expect break ups) (Queer representation: this is ancient Rome, people. And even if it wasn't...) - Found family - Strong lead slowburn - Gladiators vs other cultures - Complex characters & relationships - Historical details Cover art by @andrewrussell_art Volume art by @seter.san Shop hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Bene advenisti! Welcome! While I've worked hard to incorporate historical accuracy, I am by no means an expert on the cultures, history, or combat depicted...(or Latin. I'm sorry!) So as a writer, I've taken some creative liberties. I also usually work on stories that are emotionally heavy with an extensive writing process. In contrast, Invictus Shakes is very much a project started for fun and to try something new...although it's not without its heartfelt moments. It's charmed me and I hope it charms you too. — Grātiās vōbīs agō (My thanks to you all!)