It was the biggest day of my life. I know most people say that about something joyous; a graduation, a wedding ceremony, the birth of their first child. My situation was a little different. Sure, it was my eighteenth birthday, but it was also the day that I was sold. Sold to a man with hair like a crown of gold and eyes blacker than the darkest pits of Hell. He bought me to own me, to control me, … me, to control me, and to use me as a means to an end.
I was his tool and his weapon.
And through it all, somehow, I also became his salvation.
more
damn, this was a good read!
Enthralled kicks off The Enslaved Duet with all the depth of emotion that as a reader I come to expect from Giana Darling.
This storyline is unlike anything Giana Darling has delivered yet. Its dark, forbidden, filled with secrets and longing, which are only heightened by sexual relationship between the main characters.
Cosmia Lombardi has been sold to Lord Alexander Davenport to pay off her fathers gambling debts. The world in which Alexander operates in is layered in secrecy and control. Immediately the reader is introduced to the uniqueness and pressures of their relationship. It is one that demands obedience at all levels.
Cosmia does not have a subservient bone in her body. She is independent and strong willed. Alexander initially comes off as cruel and unemotional. His treatment of Cosima seems to have no boundaries he wont cross. But, the layers of truth and reality are slowly peeled away.
The best advice I can give heed the warning and hold on for the ride.
Giana enthralled me with her words, weaving a dark, sexually charged world that kept me, hostage, willingly. I could not get enough of these characters. A spirited lead and her villainous master, have stolen my poor enslaved heart.
Enthralled is riveting. These characters are so vivid and interesting. Giana weaves a tale I fell head first into. Cosima and Alexander are perfect for each other. I loved every word! This is a MUST read.
ENTHRALLED is a take no prisoner, dark mindblowing epic read!
Filled with so many twists turns and jaw-dropping scenes!!! GASP!
So, hold on to your seat people or you might just get some whiplash!!!!
Okay, what did I just read? I’m stunned and shook and foaming at the mouth for more words, more information more Cosima and her Master! It’s no secret that I love any kind of dom/sub, master/slave relationship turned more. Their story is beautiful and tragic all tied into this complicated knot with lies and betrayal and deceit threaded throughout. Giana Darling’s words, which are known for being poetic and powerful become even more intense if that’s possible. Her imagery and descriptions— and holy hell the love scenes were so vivid I found myself breathless. And I freaking LOVE Cosima Lombardi. She’s one of those heroines that I LOVE so much that all I want is what’s best for her. She’s strong despite everything thrown at her and complex and flawed in a way that makes her so real.
Enthralled will definitely be in one of my top reads of 2019 and I can’t WAIT for the follow up!
The hellion with it! ENTHRALLED was a journey beyond imagination. A woman named Cosima Ruth Lombardi. A poor woman from Italy with strong personalities. Cosima wills to do what was right for her family. Her choice.
The story was written with layers of material and suspense. I was hungry with passion. The charming Master Alexander Davenport aka Lord Thornton. The ruthless Domain who held no emotions.. I was petrified for his motive.. His secret prey for the lamb.
Enthralled was very intense with the level of secrets! The story was captivating and the connection between Cosima and Alex were unique. The dark world within the crazy Wall. I adored the Master/Slave relationship with anxious for the next chapter.. I am ready!
Giana, you have awaken the beast. Your story had ripped apart my emotions. I truly had to stop myself from ripping my hair because of frustration. I cant understand Alex intention nor for Cosima’s willingness to keep pushing.
Enthralled was flawless, charming, mysterious, heartbreaking, cruel and sexy Sexay as OMG my cheek was red like a delicious apple!
This is your best written book… it was on point! SCORE! BRAVO!
Since The Evolution of Sin trilogy, I have longed for Cosima Lombardi’s story. Giana Darling surpassed ALL my expectations with this book, the first part of Cosima’s duet.
It’s a dark tale of an innocent young woman whose life is no longer her own. Sold into slavery as part of a mysterious deal, she refuses to crumble. Alexander, her new Master, is a master at the game of cat and mouse. He has control of her every move and comfort, and he’s determined to make her kneel…in fact, both their lives might depend on her acquiescence, but she’s not as malleable as he hoped.
What an incredible story! Raw, graphic, erotic, and downright brutal at times, but not gratuitous. Every move is planned, every scene is well thought out. All the players have purpose, and the last few chapters will keep you on the edge of your seat. Rarely am I surprised by a turn in a story, but I was with Enthralled. I truly cannot wait to read book two.
Yes, there’s a cliffhanger, but in no way does that change the experience. This is a full length novel, and I get a bit of time to process its awesomeness before moving on to the rest of the story.
ENTHRALLED by Giana Darling is book One in The Enslaved Series. This is the start of the story for Cosima Lombardi and Alexander Davenport, the Earl of Thornton, and is a spin off of the The Evolution of Sin Series. I enjoyed this book more since I had read (and loved!) that series but I did think it could be made a standalone book.
Cosima on her 18th birthday was sold for 5 years to pay for her father’s debt. This opened her to the world of Master/Slave with Alexander being her Master. I am a big fan of Ms. Darling writing this was a must read for me. It is a dark story and may not be for everyone, but for me it kept me turning pages. I need more of their story and can’t wait for the next installment.
Loved it!
Wow,… what the hell have I gotten myself into? for starters I cannot stretch this enough, this book is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it was a mind fuck, but in all the right ways. Anyone that knows me, know I absolutely love dark romances, romances that will have you on the edge of your seat, your heart pounding, your body trembling and your mind reeling and Enthralled did just that… AND MORE.
This is one dark and twisted story that will stay with me for a while. Giana Darling isn’t new to me, I’ve read and loved her books for a while now, so I knew that this wasn’t going to be some kind of light and fluffy read. She is known for her darker approach to romance, her ways of pushing boundaries and shaking things up.
Enthralled starts off with a bang! The author did not wait, she immediately throws you into a dark, forbidden and twisted plot. Cosima Lombardi is on the verge of being sold on her eighteenth birthday to a man much older than she, that ends up becoming her master.
Lord Alexander Davenport– this master of hers has more sides to him than I expected. Sure, he is ruthless as hell, he’s dominant, he’s overpowering and cruel is too soft a word to use for him, but you also see a side of him that shows his vulnerability, and his softer side. At times, you can even see a glimpse that he truly cares.
This plot is heavy, it’s heart pounding, it will eat you up, and it will keep you up at night. I went the better half of my night laying there wondering what the ever loving fuck just transpired in this book. It’s insane, but it was so damn good. It is no secret that this sub-genre is my all time favorite and this book is a prime example of why. Giana Darling’s style of writing is amazing, she will have you begging for more the moment the book is finished, she is ruthless and she does not shy away from the forbidden or the darker side to this genre.
Bravo, Giana, On another compelling story! I can’t wait for book 2!
***5 Stars***
That was intense.
Dark, gritty, debauched, delicious and emotionally draining intense goodness. This pushed me down the rabbit hole and got it’s hooks so deep into me that I didn’t want to even attempt to claw my way out.
Cosima and Alexander, for as much as I ended up liking them and as fascinated by them gave me a huge case of whiplash, Cosima more than Alexander, but still, these two tested me throughout the book. There were many times where I wanted to reach out and do much more than Gibbs smack some sense into them, but even when those times happened (which were many) I couldn’t help but be fascinated by their evolution ~ both as individuals and as Master and Slave. And as for the Master/Slave thing…I can’t deny that it was HAWT. OMG. HAWT. Even in the beginning when things were much more convoluted, it was smexy in that dark, disturbing way, but as things progressed and they both had their various epiphanies, some voluntary, others not so much, it was easy to see how they could have more than the deal that brought them together.
As for the various characters that inhabit this world…I’m in that weird space where I’m not sure if I truly like any of them at the moment, I don’t hate them…well, no that isn’t true, there are a few I’d love to gut with a spoon. But for the most part, this book is filled with villians, all of whom are self serving for one reason or another and I’m simply waiting to see who is a redeemable villian and who is not.
This was definitely a journey, one which is not over by a long shot, especially with the way things ended…I’m still processing how I feel about it all, but I do know that I cannot wait to get my hands on Enamoured and see how things turn out for Cosima and Alexander, because it promises to be another intense one!
Note: This can be read as a true standalone. I haven’t read the Evolution of Sin Trilogy (I have it. I want to read it, but there are not enough hours in the day) and didn’t feel as if I was missing anything.
~ Copy provided by Candi Kane PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
This story is intense. It is devastating, and breathtaking. I really have no words for how much I am in absolute love with this book! These characters are deep and tortured, and the chemistry is undeniably electric. I am reeling from the fast paced suspense. I need more! This story ends on a cliffhanger, which leaves you anxious for book two. These characters will stick with you for a while. An absolute must read in my opinion.
4.5 stars
Pain. Unimaginable pain.
Pleasure. Mind-bending Pleasure.
Pleasure and pain. Heaven and Hell.
Enthralled is both and one in the same. Exquisite pain and innumerable counts of pleasure. A blessing and a curse. Cosima is a pawn with no idea her value or worth. She is merely a puppet on a string. She may get to act like a “real girl” but she never truly knew who held the strings. Once she does know everything thing changes.
Monsters are real but they are not where you expect them. In this book, no one hides under the bed. No one hides in the closet. No. These monsters hide behind pretty facades, fancy clothes, and familiar masks.
The dictionary has two definitions for enthralled:
1. capture the fascinated attention of.
2. enslave.
Both are highly appropriate.
Beware of monsters. Guard your heart. And whatever you do, do not fall in love.
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I’m obsessed with this world Giana Darling created and Enthralled has me hooked even more.
This duet begins the tale of Cosima and Alexander. While their lives become entangled in an interesting and harsh way their story is one that needs to be read. The details and the way their relationship blooms is both beautiful and sad and they way their feelings developed you can’t help but love this couple. There is so much going on in the background as well you don’t know which story to believe or which person is being true. Between the Mafia and the Order the deception is real and I couldn’t stop turning the pages! I can’t wait to get into book 2 and see how this plays out.
What did I just read? This is my first book by Giana and omg I LOVED IT!!!
This book did not go how I expected, I was seriously hooked from the very first page wanting more and wanting to know what was going to happen next. This story was about a woman who always fights to be who she wants to be, she might hit some bumps in the road, but she always holds her head up high.
Alexander what this intimidating guy who deep down had a heart, a heart that only belonged and beat for one person. He isn’t one to admit his feelings, or admit that he believes in love, but wow…. seeing him fight his feelings and just get to see him navigate this new life with Cosima was amazing.
Cosima and Alexander were FIRE!!! These two don’t have a love like others, these two don’t fall in love at first sight. No… these two go through so much battling their feelings, but at the end, it just leaves you breathless and wanting more. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so I am diving into book two asap.
Dangerously dark, wickedly sexy, and one of the darkest books I’ve read in a while. That’s ENTHRALLED by Giana Darling in a nutshell. I was sucked in from the get-go and not let you until I devoured the very last word. The writing is beautiful, the characters described vividly and in-depth, and the plot … boy, the plot! Gritty, raw, depraved, and disturbing, too, while being strangely arousing. Everything about Cosima Lombardi and Alexander Davenport’s relationship is wrong, yet I found myself entranced, utterly captivated by the way the story unfolded.
This story is neither flowery not sweet. These roses are black and have thorns, and not at all your traditional romance bouquet. The hero is not at all what you would expect. He is enigmatic and domineering and demanding, yet protective and caring in his own way while rebuilding Cosima into his personal submissive sex goddess. And Cosima … she is headstrong, fierce and pragmatic. A classic Italian spitfire that finds the strength and beauty in submission. Watching these two change and grow together in their D/s dynamic was a powerful thing to watch.
This is the first book of a duet and I am thankful to have book two available for an immediate continuation of this wild and impressive journey. If you don’t fear the dark and like your romance spiked with deception, suspense and chaos, and sweetened with BDSM elements, I definitely encourage you to give this duet a go!
I’ve wanted to pick Giana’s books for a while now and I finally decided to start it, so I choose this duet. To be honest, I didn’t exactly knew what this book was about but I don’t mind reading dark books and I was really excited for her writing.
Cosima never had a easy life and she’s so selfless that she is always trying her best to help her family. It’s heartbreaking reading all about her story and at the same time, it’s impossible not to admire her strength. On the other hand, Alexander is a really hard hero to compreende or even like at the beginning but the more I read about it, the more I knew he had a dark past and in the bottom of his heart, he means well. I can’t say that I loved their story but at the same time, I can see why they complete each other and how much stronger they make one another.
I think I was expecting something different and that’s why I can’t say that I loved this book. But either way, it’s a good read (if you’re okay with dark books and difficult themes).
Even having some problems with the book (like I said, there are really hard themes here, and I found a lot of typos especially at the end of the book), I found myself wanting to read more and know more about what was going on.
This was my first book by Giana and I am hooked. This book was dark, captivating, suspense, nailbiting all rolled into one can’t wait for the second book.
Have mercy! If you’re looking for taboo, age gap, and elements of bdsm then look no further! This book has it all and then some. The h is forced to pay off her family’s debt and is thrown into slavery.
There’s just so much going on between them from betrayal to lust it’s like whiplash trying to keep up. I couldn’t read this fast enough.
Enthralled by Giana Darling
First let’s start with this was just as dark as the first time I read it. Cosima is put through hell and I feel for her and of course when things get better someone screams just kidding. Lol
When Cosima turns 18 she is sold by her father, yes by her father to a British Lord. Cosima has to serve as a sex slave for the next 5 years. Cosima does everything in her power not to give in to her master but she has met her match with Alexander Davenport.
Alexander is a take no prisoners kind of man and breaks Cosima down. Also in this book everything is not what it seems. Real feelings emerge and I love them together.
Now the sex scenes are intense because she is a sex slave so “enter at your own risks.” Yes there probably is a warning but I just passed it over lol because y’all know I don’t do blurbs or warnings. Ultimately Cosima is doing everything to protect her family. And all the secrets and twist and turns we get had me on the edge of my seat. Give this a chance if you like dark romance, forced proximity, Secret Society, master/slave, and a play on a retelling of hades and Persephone. I think ultimately this is why Giana Darling won me over before I fell in love with Zeus it was Alexander the Earl of Thornton. 4