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.
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On her eighteenth birthday, Cosima is sold to Lord Alexander Davenport to cover her father’s debts for the past five years. This is a dark story that may have triggers for some. Cosima becomes a slave to her master Alexander. I am looking forward to more from this duet.
The story of Master Alexander and His Beauty, it is all consuming, bewitching, and mesmerizing. When I think how these characters grew, changed and flourished throughout the book, as a reader I was able to appreciate the deep and meaningful words of its author and how they would me make a slave for more. More Xan, more Cosi, more, more, more of everything…
This is a must read of 2019, the book is filled with passion, twisted emotions,and a conflicted self-discovery process from our heroine and the angst portrayed in Giana’s words are palpable through the pages of this story. Cosima is fierce yet vulnerable, she is filled with passion and a thorough understanding of the situation she is and how she got it in it. Xan, my beautiful, cruel and impossible hero wasn’t ready for her, and I think that it the highlight of their story neither of them was prepared for the other.
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Rating: 3.5 Stars
Cosima Lombardi is unsure of what her future will hold. Alexander Davenport is very blunt about what he expects. This was a tough story to read from beginning to end. If not for Cosima, I don’t know that I would have made it to the end.
Her treatment was very disturbing – nothing sexy or even remotely romantic about it. It’s more than what you think dominance to be. Within the darkness she still had a strong will – I hope I would do the same. But if you’ve been in an abusive relationship this may be a trigger for you. Alexander is arrogance personified. This story was told from Cosima’s point of view so her impressions fueled my feelings.
No disrespect to the author but I don’t know if I would have made it to the end if I started to read the book from his perspective. I was not a fan of him and not at any point did that feeling change. Wanting to know that Cosima was going to end up safe was the only reason for me to continuing to turn the page.
I’m usually up to reading anything, at least once, but this was really tough for me. Once I looked at the length of the story, I actually cringed by how long it was. It took me a long time to get through because my mind didn’t like processing what I was reading. I felt like a voyeur who didn’t like what they were seeing. And for that I can’t fault the author. She knows just what to create for her scenes for this to seem even remotely possible. I could not, however, appreciate the way the men feel women should be treated.
I can see teaching someone about the “lifestyle” but in no way did I feel that this was about a lifestyle. At times I felt as if I was reading something from a different era. There’s a four-letter word that repeatedly came up but it wasn’t l-o-v-e. And that was fine by me because I never felt any type of connection between our main characters. But boy I was glad when I came upon the magical word “Epilogue”.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Enthralled by Giana Darling was a breathtakingly dark, twisted, and mysterious tale that will leave you completely speechless. This author draws you right into this beautifully wicked world where she pushes the boundaries with her characters and the storyline. She will even have you second guessing your sanity as you fall head first into this unconventional romance.
Alexander and Cosima’s addictive chemistry was so explosively hot that I had to continuously fan myself off as I devoured page after page of this emotionally captivating story. As much as I wanted to hate Alexander with a passion, but I just couldn’t because I knew that he was destined to be Cosima’s soulmate…even if it was forbidden. Their love was almost poetic…it was sensationally raw, dark, enchanting, and beautiful all at the same time.
My chest ached as I reached the end and now I cannot imagine how my heart can take this wait for book 2. I have no doubt that Giana Darling will certainly make Enamoured worth the wait!
So, so good!
This was a fantastic read. The characters were well developed, the storyline was awesome, and the ending….
Well, you’ll just have to read it yourself.
4.5 Stars
WHAT DID I JUST READ?! Mind-blown for sure!! This book book is dark and full of twists and turns, a real page-turner for sure. Enthralled is full of dark and explicit scenes that has me wanting more and I can’t wait for the conclusion of the duet. When all seems lost in the darkness you emerge in the light. This story is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish and at times it gutted me. Who do you trust, because everyone has their own agenda. Bring on the conclusion to this duet!!!
OH.MY. GOD!! I don’t even know where to begin with this! It’s been a while since I’ve read anything so dark, depraved and twisted. Secrets, lies and hidden agendas. It has it all!
The connection between Cosima and Alexander was raw. You could feel the power in the words, the strength of each character in the writing. The evolution of each character from slave and master just draws you in and drags you along for the ride. I have never been this invested in a couple in a long time. My nerves were on edge throughout & hell if I didn’t feel the sting of the whip across my back as it was administered to Cosima. The rage within Alexander could be felt, he was such an encompassing force. The man was a human hurricane!
The final part of this book just knocked the wind right out of me! This author has finished this book on one almighty cliffhanger. Now I’m in a funk with what to read next!!
ENTRALLED is book 1 in the Enslaved duet by Giana Darling. This is the raw and dark start to Cosima Lombardi and Alexander Davenport, the Earl of Thornton’s story.
Cosmina really had it rough when it came to her home life. She , at 18, was pretty innocent when it came to the darker ways of men until that dark day and ended up biting the bullet for the love of her family; did something she looked at as abhorrent and agreed to give 5 years of her life virtually away. Who did she sign her life over to? The Earl of Thornton- Alexander Davenport. He is a cold, ruthless, relentless, hard man who wants something big from Cosmina. She became his sub and he her Dom. This was such a dark and twisted romance that had some really steamy and hard moments to it. I enjoyed every moment yet there were times that I was shocked at the grittiness and rawness that the read did go to. I loved Cosmina and Alex. I am rooting for them to get their HEA yet the epic cliffhanger has be wondering… can’t wait for book 2!!!! This is a story that has you on that emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
Review:
Giana Darling is quickly becoming a one-click author for me, and Enthralled just permanently cemented her in that category.
I have been waiting for this book for a long time. Cosima Lombardi intrigued me when I read about her in The Evolution of Sin trilogy. She was mysterious, intriguing, and what was happening to her was a story I wanted to read? Why were there bruises on her body? Who was the hot Italian man who showed up at her house? And most importantly who was the dark, captivating British man who she called her husband? There was something dark beneath the surface of that relationship, and I knew that if Giana ever wrote a book for them, it’d be a wild, wild ride.
And it was! This book gave us all the answers and more. The world the author has spun a world that just sucks you in. The male protagonist-Alexander-is one mean, mean man who likes to make Cosima suffer. He’s arrogant royalty, and Cosima is his pawn.
Until she’s not.
Cosima is so much more. She’s strong, incredibly strong, and I was in awe of her. She’s caught in a web spun by dangerous people, and wherever she turns the walls are closing in on her. I wanted to protect her from all the evil, and at the end I was shaking my head at my kindle asking what in the world just happened.
I cannot wait for the next book! I know Giana will not disappoint, and I can’t wait to see the journey these two characters take.
Whoever said beauty was a gift had clearly never experienced it for themselves, because it was nothing but a prettily wrapped curse.
I’ve been lucky to discover many amazing authors since I started blogging several years ago and one of my go-to faves happens to be Giana Darling. Her words are poetic and vivid—enticing readers to binge read her books. Enthralled was a beautifully woven BDSM/Dark-esque romance. As the first book in her new Enslaved duet, I was full of anticipation but completely unsure of what to expect. Well, not completely, because I knew that Giana books are some of the sexiest romances I’ve encountered. If I am being completely honest, I find that I can’t help but hold certain authors up to higher standards based on the skill they use to craft their stories… and Giana is one author that never disappoints.
“This is as give and take relationship, my beauty. You give and I take.”
Enthralled was exquisite! The story is told entirely from Cosima’s perspective and was as unpredictable as they come. Readers of the Evolution of Sin trilogy will remember Cosima well—as the favorite younger sister with a mysterious past. First, while we’ve met Cosima previously, Enthralled is written as a standalone. Readers can read Enthralled without ever having picked up a book by Giana in the past… I loved the Evolution of Sin trilogy though and HIGHLY recommend all of Giana’s work, so of course, my recommendation is just to start binge reading this author! I have spent that last 16 months being addicted to the skill Giana exhibits in her storytelling and wishing she cranked out books faster so I can devour more of her words. Enthralled twisted up my heart—and if I am being honest, my stomach!—throughout the entire book. It pushed my boundaries and as the story unfolded, my emotions were all over the place. Quite simply, I couldn’t consume this book fast enough.
“I became one, a monster that is. One that lived on debauched displays of submission and yearned always for domination.”
Enthralled was everything I thought it would be and more. This story sucked me in so quickly with its twisted plot revolving around an 18-year-old virgin (Cosima) who is sold as a sex slave to a member of the British nobility (Alexander) with twisted and depraved sexual predilections. The storyline is complex and layered with conspiracies, betrayal, secrets, and lies. The subject matter is darker and the angst high with this one. And sexy, sooooo soooooooooooooooo seXXXy! Jesus, I promise you that you will be replacing your panties more than once while reading Enthralled… if not waking up your spouse!!! Cosima and her Master, Lord Thornton, Alexander Davenport are compelling characters that utterly fascinated me from the very first page. As I stated above, I can’t help but hold some authors to higher standards and Giana, with her vivid imagery and lyrical prose will capture your heart and mind just as she did mine. On a final note, I would advise readers to consider the subject matter of this romance as Enthralled does contain triggers and is not for everyone.
Quotes:
Deep in the secret recesses of my heart, I dreamt that I might one day be more than just a servant at Pearl Hall and a slave to its Master. I hoped beyond all reasoning that one day, I might be mistress of its halls and mistress of his heart.
—
I was losing myself to the intoxicating contrast of pain and pleasure…
—
My poor confused brain struggled to understand how his words could pour over me like kerosene, lighting the fire he was kindling between my legs into a full-blown blaze.
—
The best Masters enjoy a challenge. It’s the duality of a strong mind and a submissive spirit, a fierce heart. Only with all three can a slave be truly remarkable… The thought of your body painted in my bruises and your pretty face lacquered with tears makes me unspeakably hard.
This is my first foray into Giana Darling’s writing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a fan of dark books so although there are several elements that may serve as triggers for some and this book may not be fore everyone, I love all things dark and twisted. Although this duet is a spin off from a previous series, I didn’t feel lost or that there was a connection to anything written previously I wasn’t aware of at any point.
I found the first half of the novel a much slower pace as it developed Cosima’s character and her backstory. Her thoughts and feelings of being thrown into this new world with a strange man and being stripped of all dignity, degraded in ways she never imagined she would experience. The connection between our two leading characters was lacking that spark for me there wasn’t really a drive or purpose between them that endeared me to them until one scene in particular changed it for me, all I will say is………..Fencing.
Once the book hits the halfway point everything changes! this whole new world comes out of the haze that is the pearl hall bubble Cosima has been living in and explodes into a griping and thrilling ride. Her world becomes about gentry and pompus ancient societies, engrained deep within the Davenport family and throughout the entitled families of England. Bringing forth more menacing foes and ritualistic practices that test Alexander and Cosima to breaking point.
This review is hard So many things Swirling around in my head about everything..
Her Dad His Dad both the same side of a bad coin.
Cosima what shes willing to do for her family and they have NO clue is awful. I love how she fights over and over or she tries to top from bottom I love it
Alexander I wanted to hate him but as always you see a different light and you want to call him Master too
Seamus and Noel can burn in hell
Slave – a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.
That is not what Cosima expected to become or deserved to have happen on her 18th birthday, but because of her father’s gambling debt, she’s forced to blindly enter an environment where she must endure a life of servitude or face heinous and disturbing repercussions at the hands of a complete stranger who paid a high price for her beauty, her virginity, and her obedience. And he’ll take what he wants, including her body and her freedom, even if it means breaking her spirit bit by bit.
She gives and he takes…it’s as simple as that, and despite her stubbornness and what seems like an endless supply of attitude, he will make her will make her kneel.
Master – a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves.
But that definition is not completely accurate for Cosima’s master, Alexander, because she does more than work for him…she is at his mercy, and if she is non-compliant, so much more happens to her than simply losing her ‘job.’
What I find most interesting about this story line is the way Giana Darling presents the two phases of Cosima and Alexander’s relationship – the initial connection which is nothing more than an exchange of property when she becomes shackled to Alexander and is forced to comply to his every whim and desire and then the second phase when the bond that was created between them after Cosima’s submission and after Alexander helps her to unleash the fire within her, helping her to understand that there is power to be gained in her submission.
What also intrigues me about the first part of Cosima and Alexander’s story is who and what is working behind-the-scenes because as much as Alexander believes maintains his position of authority over Cosima, he’s not the only one who seems to be manipulating the situation and with the unpredictable twists and turns that happen the further into the book we go and what the knowledge that things are so not what they seem when it comes to different secondary characters, I truly have no idea where Darling plans to take her main characters in Enamoured.
I can’t conclude my review without addressing the multiple mythological allusions that Darling brings into the text. Their symbolic significance makes this English teacher nerd out even more than I already do when a story that I read has solid writing and multifaceted characters and then adds an absolutely spot on comparison to Greek mythologies Hades and
Persephone.
4.5 Poison Apples
If you’ve read The Evolution of Sin Trilogy you got a peek at the Lombardi/Moore siblings. Cosima’s story was hinted at, without revealing too much, just enough to want to know more about her and her tragic life. This is the first book in The Enslaved Duet , it’s a Dark Romance and not for the faint of heart. As most books in this sub-genre are known for, there’s Dub-Con involved so beware before you go in. For those of us who are DR fans, you’re in for a treat!
I was intrigued with Cosima’s story and was anxious for it to be revealed and I was not disappointed! It’s angsty and suspenseful, full of characters you’ll love to hate and a story that had some jaw dropping moments. And I can’t wait for the conclusion!
Cosima Lombardi was sold by her father, on her eighteenth birthday, to settle a gambling debt. She wasn’t given a choice; her love and loyalty for her family is fierce and there were too many lives at stake, so for the next five years she will be the property of a man she doesn’t know. What kind of man would buy a slave, to use and abuse cruelly? Unfortunately, she’ll soon find out.
“It became obvious to me why someone like him would need to buy a woman…because his tastes were too deviant for a free one.”
Lord Alexander Davenport, Earl of Thornton, is the sole heir of Pearl Hall, his family’s estate. He purchased Cosima to be used as a slave, but his real intent is to use her as a pawn in what seems to be some twisted game of chess. His reason is slowly revealed, in a story that will grip your heart. The practice of owning slaves isn’t new to Alexander, his father and The Order, a group of titled and entitled ‘gentleman’, they belonged to all owned slaves to “play” sick games with.
“Some monsters are made and some are born. You could say that I’m the worst of both worlds.”
With a menacing Italian Mafia mob boss, a years-old murder mystery, and quit a few barbaric and brutal men thrown in the mix, this story had my heart pacing while I frantically turned the pages…all to be left hanging until the next book! Good guys are bad and bad ones are good, it’s all a guessing game to figure out the next move.
“Five years might pass, the contract between us might dissolve into dust with time, but I would always be, elementally and crucially, Master Alexander’s woman.”
4 Cranky Stars
A very descriptive book and intriguing story line. Not for the faint hearted.
At 18 Italian Casimo was a virgin being sold by her father to pay off his gambling habit and involvement with the Mafia. She was going willingly with the promise that her mother and siblings would be left alone and her father did not return to them. She was sold to Alexander Davenport, Earl of Thornton who took her back to England after he had made sure she was a virgin. She soon learnt good behaviour was rewarded and soon fell into the life of Master and slave. Then her life is thrown into turmoil again when ‘The Order’ come on the scene. She was put through so much including torture, a hunt where she was the golden fox and humiliation. But oh what a tangled web we do weave, when her former life starts to come into her present life. The relationship between her and her Master was getting slightly blurred which is not good for her health and well being. This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride.
DREAMY’S REVIEW
This book is not for the faint heart. It gutted me. It tested my limits when it came to reading. It rendered me speechless many times. It took my heart, ripped it into a million pieces, put it together, only to be ripped apart all over again.
It was an ongoing cycle of an emotional roller coaster.
I already knew judging by the blurb that I’d love this book to bits and pieces, but what I didn’t expect was how taken I was by the characters and the story that was told.
What I didn’t expect was for this story to be a TOP favorite read for me.
Giana Darling SLAYED me with this one. Absolutely SLAYED me.
*****
Enthralled is intense, gripping, captivating, twisted, dangerous, erotic and so deliciously dark.
It deals with a heavy subject that not everyone will be able to read. But in the core of that, Darling is able to tell a beautiful story between a Dominant and his submissive, a Master and his slave, an Owner and his property.
It’s a slow start, but as it progresses you understand the dynamic between these two even though it’s unconventional. This is the type of book that draws you in and then holds onto you for dear life.
And stays with you.
*****
Alexander Davenport is an intense, ruthless, demanding, dominating, relentless, and strict Master.
Cosima Lombardi is an inexperienced, pure, strong-willed submissive.
These two together, my god, such a beautiful story that unfolded.
Cosi’s character development throughout the whole book really showcases true strength. Because even through her pain, sadness, shame, desperation, and moments of weakness.
She displayed strength, passion, and love.
“It’s the duality of a strong mind and submissive spirit, a fierce heart.”
Alexander, oh, Alexander. The man you love to hate, but hate to love. I fell for him instantly. Even through his rough exterior, there was a side of him that he didn’t show often. He’s caring and lovable.
I love, love, LOVE my anti-heroes and I fell for him completely.
“This is a give and take relationship, my beauty. You give and I take.”
*****
Enthralled is one of the BEST BDSM stories that I’ve had the honor of reading TO DATE. Giana Darling writes in a such a beautiful way that you can’t help but be held hostage by her magical writing.
I’m completely consumed by Alexander and Cosima! I cannot wait for Enamoured!
May needs to come so much more sooner! I’m at the edge of my seat waiting for it to pop in my Kindle! That cliffhanger had me like ‘WHAT?!? MORE… I NEED MORE.’
I’m in a complete book hangover!! And I’ll admit, it’s the best book hangover I’ve had to date! She has me hanging on every. single. word.
Giana Darling is an instant one-click author for me! This BOOK, THIS BOOK that wrecked me is the one of the many beautiful reasons why!
Five enthralled and dreamy stars:
I knew I was going to love this book and that it would be added to my top reads of all time, but I didn’t expect it to blow me out of the water. What a powerfully deep, dark, and beautiful story!
This is a story that is like a beautiful tapestry, interwoven and layered with such poetic prose you can’t help but be ensnared by its magnificence. Its structure is so powerful it plays with your raw emotions. Giana Darling is skilled in the art of bringing her words to life. Each character becomes a living, breathing entity in your mind’s eye.
The Master and his slave. The push and the pull. The give and the take. The pleasure and the pain. All these things reflect the complicated and beautiful workings of Lord Alexander and Cosima’s relationship. The bond of Master and slave is depicted beautifully and shows the true gift that one’s submission really is.
I have loved Cosima’s characters since the Evolution of Sin Trilogy, but she has completely captured my heart. What a strong, bright, loyal, and beautiful (inside and out) young woman.
And, Lord Alexander….well, I tried to hate him, but as his past was revealed and his personal growth was shown, I couldn’t help but become enamoured with him. I’ll be internally saying #YESMASTER for a very long time.
The ever changing dynamics of Alexander and Cosima’s relationship kept me intrigued the whole time. Their growth together and as individuals was superbly depicted. The deep seated secrets and constant revelations were mind blowing. I was absolutely pulled into this story line.
I have always found Giana’s words magical, but she has truly outdone herself with this publication!
5 Deeply Dark and Scintillating stars for this marvelous novel! I cannot wait for Enamoured.
HOLY HADES….. where do I begin with this review? Well first off let me start by telling you there are TRIGGERS in this story so if you are triggered by abuse, sex slavery, and dark disturbing reads then this is not the book for you because this story is dark and disturbing and suspenseful and so much more I can’t explain it to you without giving away the story but I will say this this is one messed up read that I enjoyed!
Cosima has just turned 18 when she is sold to Alexander to pay off her father’s gambling debts. She is not scared or worried but she is a little sad to be leaving her home but she knows it’s the best she can do to help out her family. So she goes and is now living with Alexander to be his sex slave and whatever else he wants from her.
Cosima is a strong woman because she will not let Alexander break her. She told him he can have her body but he will not take her mind, or soul. She is so strong that it amazed me but she was doing what was best for her family and she did it well. How this story unfolded is PHENOMENAL and it is a must read. SO go on and one click this roller coaster of a ride deep, dark disturbing read!
Intense, captivating and gripping! Enthralled is a real page-turner that’s filled with scorching scenes which will leave you breathless! The build up, the connection, got me hooked till the end! Giana writes with such depth and details that makes it impossible to put her books down. This story had me holding ny breath more often than thought. Dark and filthy, Enthralled is a dirty romance that’s full of lust,passion and angst. I CANNOT wait to read the conclusion to this duet!!
Enthralled is PHENOMENAL!!!!! Giana does it AGAIN!!!!! I am so blown away by this book!!!! Giana is so amazingly talented, she ROCKS THE LITERARY WORLD!!!!!