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Giovanni #1
Giovanni
Giovanni needs a man to rule him. Valentin has met his match.
Valentin Fortuna is a man who prides himself on his restraint and self-control. As the head of the Aponte family business and mentor to his late Don’s troubled grandson, Valentin takes his guardianship responsibilities very seriously. So, when the young man he’s been entrusted to keep safe is retraumatized at a house party, Valentin immediately steps in and installs Giovanni in his penthouse in Brooklyn to monitor his recovery. There Valentin provides him the structure and discipline Giovanni craves, as well as a strict set of rules to maintain his vulnerable sense of self.
But Giovanni wants more. He wants the pleasure and the pain only Valentin can administer, to ascend to godlike heights of passion and rid himself of the voices that plague his every waking minute. The demons are loud, but Valentin’s voice is louder, and their chemistry is as addictive as it is potent.
GIOVANNI is an introspective romance centered around a D/s dynamic. This work contains several references to past sexual abuse and trauma. Trigger warnings for addiction, suicide attempt, and self-harm. This book is meant for entertainment purposes only, not as a guide to safe, sane, and consensual BDSM practices.
Valentin Fortuna is a man who prides himself on his restraint and self-control. As the head of the Aponte family business and mentor to his late Don’s troubled grandson, Valentin takes his guardianship responsibilities very seriously. So, when the young man he’s been entrusted to keep safe is retraumatized at a house party, Valentin immediately steps in and installs Giovanni in his penthouse in Brooklyn to monitor his recovery. There Valentin provides him the structure and discipline Giovanni craves, as well as a strict set of rules to maintain his vulnerable sense of self.
But Giovanni wants more. He wants the pleasure and the pain only Valentin can administer, to ascend to godlike heights of passion and rid himself of the voices that plague his every waking minute. The demons are loud, but Valentin’s voice is louder, and their chemistry is as addictive as it is potent.
GIOVANNI is an introspective romance centered around a D/s dynamic. This work contains several references to past sexual abuse and trauma. Trigger warnings for addiction, suicide attempt, and self-harm. This book is meant for entertainment purposes only, not as a guide to safe, sane, and consensual BDSM practices.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2021
95 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lascarso
30 books500 followersMM+ AUTHOR | Romance so good it hurts
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 28, 2022
hmm i was bored for most of this book. that's my review
November 13, 2021
"You should be praying to me, Giovanni," I tell him, and he murmurs noises of capitulation. "Cry for me, tesoro. Let me see your tears."
knowing how valentin and gios story will end in the second book made this very hard-hitting. i highly enjoyed this but i must admit it wasnt that much necessary especially if you have already read the second one. i will forever be jealous to those people who can read these books in their correct order. i wanted to full blown love this but all i can think about were the events of the sequel. laura lascarso is a goddess and her depiction of bdsm, specifically of that of a master and sexual slave relationship, was both beautiful and haunting. wish we could have seen more of silvio though.
July 17, 2022
Let me start by saying that imo, this book should be read BEFORE Master's Schiavo.
I think it would be better experience overall.
This book is all about Valentin and Gio, told from Valentin's POV while he trains Gio to be his slave and help him through his recovery process.
Even though the ending of MS was very bittersweet for me, this one mended my heart. We get to experience Gio and Valentin not only in their BDSM relationship,but also them falling in love.
Gio has a myriad of mental problems and PTSD and Valentin is with him through it all.
Laura's beautiful writing is here, along with extensive research of BDSM and PTSD. Everything is thorough and well thought out.
I think it would be better experience overall.
This book is all about Valentin and Gio, told from Valentin's POV while he trains Gio to be his slave and help him through his recovery process.
Even though the ending of MS was very bittersweet for me, this one mended my heart. We get to experience Gio and Valentin not only in their BDSM relationship,but also them falling in love.
Gio has a myriad of mental problems and PTSD and Valentin is with him through it all.
Laura's beautiful writing is here, along with extensive research of BDSM and PTSD. Everything is thorough and well thought out.
January 17, 2025
Entretenido, erótico
Valentín se está haciendo cargo del nieto del que fue su jefe. El joven está en recuperación después de haber sufrido un gran trauma y haber caído en las drogas y el alcohol.
Pero el joven quiere dejar todo eso atrás, y se renombra Giovanni. Sin embargo, Giovanni necesita más de Valentín que solo su apoyo, quiere ser su sumiso, quiere darle el control de su vida. Valentín aceptará ese tipo de relación? Que pasará cuando Giovanni se recupere? Lo dejara? Cómo puede convertirse en su dominante sin despertar algunos de sus traumas?
Sabía que el libro era de una relación BDSM entre un joven y un hombre mayor, pero no me esperaba este tipo de historia, tan bien escrita, pero por momentos tan cruda y realista. Me llamo mucho la atención el personaje de Giovanni, pero sentí que a Valentín le faltaba algo más de realismo, por momentos lo sentí exagerado.
Pero bueno, el libro resultó entretenido e interesante, seguro más adelante leeré los próximos de está serie.
Valentín se está haciendo cargo del nieto del que fue su jefe. El joven está en recuperación después de haber sufrido un gran trauma y haber caído en las drogas y el alcohol.
Pero el joven quiere dejar todo eso atrás, y se renombra Giovanni. Sin embargo, Giovanni necesita más de Valentín que solo su apoyo, quiere ser su sumiso, quiere darle el control de su vida. Valentín aceptará ese tipo de relación? Que pasará cuando Giovanni se recupere? Lo dejara? Cómo puede convertirse en su dominante sin despertar algunos de sus traumas?
Sabía que el libro era de una relación BDSM entre un joven y un hombre mayor, pero no me esperaba este tipo de historia, tan bien escrita, pero por momentos tan cruda y realista. Me llamo mucho la atención el personaje de Giovanni, pero sentí que a Valentín le faltaba algo más de realismo, por momentos lo sentí exagerado.
Pero bueno, el libro resultó entretenido e interesante, seguro más adelante leeré los próximos de está serie.
April 13, 2022
4.5 stars
tw: sexual assault, suicidal ideation, violence, drug use
“You’re going to fight those voices in your head, and I’m going to help you. I’m going to take care of you, Giovanni, because you’re worth it to me. Repeat it back to me, sweetheart. I want to hear you say it.”
“I am worth it to you.”
“Damn right you are.”
Haunting. Lyrical. Erotic. Cerebral. Emotional.
— bdsm
— age gap
— hurt/comfort
— Mafia
— slow burn
— forced proximity
— smutty
Giovanni provides a full-on literary immersion into BDSM. I’m not quite sure how to describe how I felt after reading it. I was moved and entranced by it, but the word “like” feels inaccurate and inadequate. You know that feeling you get when you see an arresting painting at a museum? And it is formidable and arouses strong and disquieting emotions? That’s exactly how I felt.
Giovanni is a deeply traumatized nineteen-year-old who loses the will to live after a brutal sexual assault. Valentin is a Mafia boss in his fifties and mentor to his late Don’s grandson, Giovanni. He takes Giovanni into his home after his assault and becomes his Dom in an attempt to give him structure and a purpose to live.
Valentin’s intentions for their D/s are non-sexual, but Giovanni gradually insists on adding a sexual element to their relationship despite Valentin’s strong objections. The relationship slowly unfolds. We get a wonderful account of the psychological aspects of their complex dynamic. Giovanni’s transition from a young man to Valentin’s boy and eventually his slave—as they shift to a Master/Slave relationship—is fascinating. It goes without saying that the smut is hot. But what is equally captivating is watching the power exchange between them.
The characterization is superb and although the story is told from Valentin’s POV, Giovanni’s dialogue is so powerful that we get a true sense of who he is. Unlike the case in most books, I found both characters equally compelling. A word of warning: although Giovanni’s assault is in the past, the after effects are heartbreaking. His statements are often disturbing and paint a vivid picture of how suicidal he is. There is also a suicide attempt.
“You can do anything you want to me,” he says, and I believe he means it.
“You shouldn’t say that to anyone, Giovanni and especially not to me.“
“Why not to you?”
“Because I want to hurt you." Bruise him, scratch him, whip him, insert large objects into his orifices and watch him squirm, make him cry and make him beg me to stop.”
“I will always come for you, Giovanni. Not even death will keep us apart. Sei il mio ragazzo, la mia debolezza, il mio tesoro, il mio schiavo. Repeat it back to me.”
“I am your boy, your weakness, your treasure, your slave,” he says, eyes shining.
“And how long will you be mine?”
“Forever,” he says with an unshakable certainty."
tw: sexual assault, suicidal ideation, violence, drug use
“You’re going to fight those voices in your head, and I’m going to help you. I’m going to take care of you, Giovanni, because you’re worth it to me. Repeat it back to me, sweetheart. I want to hear you say it.”
“I am worth it to you.”
“Damn right you are.”
Haunting. Lyrical. Erotic. Cerebral. Emotional.
— bdsm
— age gap
— hurt/comfort
— Mafia
— slow burn
— forced proximity
— smutty
Giovanni provides a full-on literary immersion into BDSM. I’m not quite sure how to describe how I felt after reading it. I was moved and entranced by it, but the word “like” feels inaccurate and inadequate. You know that feeling you get when you see an arresting painting at a museum? And it is formidable and arouses strong and disquieting emotions? That’s exactly how I felt.
Giovanni is a deeply traumatized nineteen-year-old who loses the will to live after a brutal sexual assault. Valentin is a Mafia boss in his fifties and mentor to his late Don’s grandson, Giovanni. He takes Giovanni into his home after his assault and becomes his Dom in an attempt to give him structure and a purpose to live.
Valentin’s intentions for their D/s are non-sexual, but Giovanni gradually insists on adding a sexual element to their relationship despite Valentin’s strong objections. The relationship slowly unfolds. We get a wonderful account of the psychological aspects of their complex dynamic. Giovanni’s transition from a young man to Valentin’s boy and eventually his slave—as they shift to a Master/Slave relationship—is fascinating. It goes without saying that the smut is hot. But what is equally captivating is watching the power exchange between them.
The characterization is superb and although the story is told from Valentin’s POV, Giovanni’s dialogue is so powerful that we get a true sense of who he is. Unlike the case in most books, I found both characters equally compelling. A word of warning: although Giovanni’s assault is in the past, the after effects are heartbreaking. His statements are often disturbing and paint a vivid picture of how suicidal he is. There is also a suicide attempt.
“You can do anything you want to me,” he says, and I believe he means it.
“You shouldn’t say that to anyone, Giovanni and especially not to me.“
“Why not to you?”
“Because I want to hurt you." Bruise him, scratch him, whip him, insert large objects into his orifices and watch him squirm, make him cry and make him beg me to stop.”
“I will always come for you, Giovanni. Not even death will keep us apart. Sei il mio ragazzo, la mia debolezza, il mio tesoro, il mio schiavo. Repeat it back to me.”
“I am your boy, your weakness, your treasure, your slave,” he says, eyes shining.
“And how long will you be mine?”
“Forever,” he says with an unshakable certainty."
February 21, 2022
This was a difficult book for me due to the large age gap between Valentin and Giovanni and the extreme sexual abuse, suicide attempts, and drug abuse in Giovanni's past. The novel is the recounting, by Valentin, of Giovanni's struggles to recover from a recent assault, and the initiation and development of the sexual relationship between the two main characters, moving from BDSM, to full time D/s, to total power control.
The uncomfortable (for me) subject matter made me rate this with 4 stars instead of 5. But I love the way Laura writes. She could probably write a grocery list and I would enjoy it.
*I was honored to be provided with an ARC of this book by the author.
The uncomfortable (for me) subject matter made me rate this with 4 stars instead of 5. But I love the way Laura writes. She could probably write a grocery list and I would enjoy it.
*I was honored to be provided with an ARC of this book by the author.
July 23, 2022
Laura Lascarso's Giovanni is such a compelling story! And in the audio version, Daniel Carter delivers an absoutely stunning performance.
I didn't even realize this book existed. I listened to Master's Schiavo last year and it stood up wonderfully well as a standalone. But now, getting all this background information - and in the first person, from Master's point of view - I'm simply wowed.
Giovanni's story is amazing, and I highly recommend this powerful series to fans of D/s relationships. Laura Sascarso delves deeply into both characters' emotions and motivations. It's a truly beautiful story.
an audiobook copy of Giovanni was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
I didn't even realize this book existed. I listened to Master's Schiavo last year and it stood up wonderfully well as a standalone. But now, getting all this background information - and in the first person, from Master's point of view - I'm simply wowed.
Giovanni's story is amazing, and I highly recommend this powerful series to fans of D/s relationships. Laura Sascarso delves deeply into both characters' emotions and motivations. It's a truly beautiful story.
an audiobook copy of Giovanni was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
November 8, 2021
What a magnificently written story. Absolutely breathtaking!
I feel no necessity to dive into the details of the prior events, please read the blurb for it.
This review is more a reflection of my feelings during reading.
I’ve read Master’s schiavo which is my favorite of 2021. Giovanni is from Master Valentin’s pov, and omfg what a story, what a man. My heart, be still.
“I have broken many men in my lifetime, but I’ve never been tasked with putting one back together.”
How do you teach a sexually traumatized ‘boy’ the pleasures of serving.
Giovanni wants it desperately, he’s voracious, Valentin is the utmost best Master/teacher he could serve.
Valentin loves Giovanni deeply and wants him to be happy, give him everything he desires.
“No one else touches you, no one else touches me. I only want to be yours and I only want you to be mine.”
This is such an emotional journey. Giovanni is broken, shattered into thousand pieces, kept, mended, and healed by Valentin.
The process is breathtaking, Valentin is gentle and careful, with immense patience he guides Giovanni to the place the boy yearns for, to be safe, owned, and loved by his Master.
Valentin is stunned by Giovanni’s devotion and trust. He can’t comprehend he’s the only thing the boy desires.
It’s an utterly intense journey, one of a kind. It’s impossible to describe such an intensity. Read it, feel it, it’s a journey like no other.
The phrases of endearments are endless, every time my heart swelled. Every word, move, and consideration, as all the imperfections were palpable.
This journey felt like a carefully painted canvas, delicately created strike by strike. Revealing every secret, every precious detail, leading us to the whole glorious finality.
Maybe I’m biased by this author’s work, it’s only because I’ve experienced previous stories and they all moved me deeply time after time.
Right after Master’s schiavo, this one is on the top of my favorite reads.
ALL the stars and more! Highly recommended!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
I feel no necessity to dive into the details of the prior events, please read the blurb for it.
This review is more a reflection of my feelings during reading.
I’ve read Master’s schiavo which is my favorite of 2021. Giovanni is from Master Valentin’s pov, and omfg what a story, what a man. My heart, be still.
“I have broken many men in my lifetime, but I’ve never been tasked with putting one back together.”
How do you teach a sexually traumatized ‘boy’ the pleasures of serving.
Giovanni wants it desperately, he’s voracious, Valentin is the utmost best Master/teacher he could serve.
Valentin loves Giovanni deeply and wants him to be happy, give him everything he desires.
“No one else touches you, no one else touches me. I only want to be yours and I only want you to be mine.”
This is such an emotional journey. Giovanni is broken, shattered into thousand pieces, kept, mended, and healed by Valentin.
The process is breathtaking, Valentin is gentle and careful, with immense patience he guides Giovanni to the place the boy yearns for, to be safe, owned, and loved by his Master.
Valentin is stunned by Giovanni’s devotion and trust. He can’t comprehend he’s the only thing the boy desires.
It’s an utterly intense journey, one of a kind. It’s impossible to describe such an intensity. Read it, feel it, it’s a journey like no other.
The phrases of endearments are endless, every time my heart swelled. Every word, move, and consideration, as all the imperfections were palpable.
This journey felt like a carefully painted canvas, delicately created strike by strike. Revealing every secret, every precious detail, leading us to the whole glorious finality.
Maybe I’m biased by this author’s work, it’s only because I’ve experienced previous stories and they all moved me deeply time after time.
Right after Master’s schiavo, this one is on the top of my favorite reads.
ALL the stars and more! Highly recommended!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Read
November 16, 2021DNF. This is a clearly it's me and not the book. I might come back to it one day. Maybe.
August 15, 2022
I didn't read this book when it came out because I couldn't see how it was remotely possible to add to the wholly visceral experience, the romance, the passionate, sometimes brutal love story of Valentin Fortuna and Matthew "Giovanni" Aponte in Master's Schiavo. However, I decided to listen to this as an audiobook read by Daniel Carter, I just finished, and I am beyond moved by the experience.
This was sublime. The writing of the highest quality, lush, evocative, it pushes you out of comfortable, but not over the edge, right into that perfect place where emotions lie. It's tough in places but this is Laura Lascarso and I love her writing of bittersweet love that spans lifetimes and defies age and doesn't define a person by chronology - but makes you think about it nevertheless. Mortality and life experiences that speak to life in all it's messy and glorious ways is explored via the contemporary romance of Valentin and Giovanni while Greek and Roman history and mythology forms a fitting backdrop for this Master and his slave.
Many. many thanks to Laura Lascarso for writing this prequel to one of the very best books you can read. Grazie mille, Laura Lascarso.
This was sublime. The writing of the highest quality, lush, evocative, it pushes you out of comfortable, but not over the edge, right into that perfect place where emotions lie. It's tough in places but this is Laura Lascarso and I love her writing of bittersweet love that spans lifetimes and defies age and doesn't define a person by chronology - but makes you think about it nevertheless. Mortality and life experiences that speak to life in all it's messy and glorious ways is explored via the contemporary romance of Valentin and Giovanni while Greek and Roman history and mythology forms a fitting backdrop for this Master and his slave.
Many. many thanks to Laura Lascarso for writing this prequel to one of the very best books you can read. Grazie mille, Laura Lascarso.
January 31, 2024
4,25 stars
I read this one first because It’s first chronologically. As I read it I couldn’t discern if the book’s mood is melancholy or if I was feeling melancholy reading it.
This book is beautifully written but feels a bit like a lengthy prologue.
I read this one first because It’s first chronologically. As I read it I couldn’t discern if the book’s mood is melancholy or if I was feeling melancholy reading it.
This book is beautifully written but feels a bit like a lengthy prologue.
December 10, 2021
4.5 stars
This is an intense, emotional read. Giovanni is a very troubled young man and Valentin is challenged with how best to care for him. Their relationship is so very important and necessary to them both. Because of his traumatic past, Giovanni craves the structure, discipline and strength he gets from submitting to Valentin. There are ups and downs to their relationship and I look forward to reading Master's Schiavo to see what happens next.
This is an intense, emotional read. Giovanni is a very troubled young man and Valentin is challenged with how best to care for him. Their relationship is so very important and necessary to them both. Because of his traumatic past, Giovanni craves the structure, discipline and strength he gets from submitting to Valentin. There are ups and downs to their relationship and I look forward to reading Master's Schiavo to see what happens next.
July 26, 2022
What a read! I chose this book to get out of my comfort zone and explore something new and wow it did deliver! I am not very knowledgeable in BDSM and don't read many mafia romances, so this was a journey into the unknown for me and, while I didn't fully understand or expect all of what happened in the book, I felt like it was very well written and the more I was reading, the more I enjoyed it.
I honestly didn't fully understand either of the main characters, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, so I think this is a testament to the author and her storytelling ability.
Beautiful audiobook rendition as well, I hadn't heard anything from Daniel Carter before, but he did an amazing job.
I would say it's mildly dark with discussion of sexual assault and suicide attempts, so if this is something that triggers you, please be careful.
I would like to thank the author and GRR for a gifted copy of the audiobook, these are my own opinions.
I honestly didn't fully understand either of the main characters, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, so I think this is a testament to the author and her storytelling ability.
Beautiful audiobook rendition as well, I hadn't heard anything from Daniel Carter before, but he did an amazing job.
I would say it's mildly dark with discussion of sexual assault and suicide attempts, so if this is something that triggers you, please be careful.
I would like to thank the author and GRR for a gifted copy of the audiobook, these are my own opinions.
November 7, 2021
All the effing stars!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Giovanni is the prequel to Master's schiavo but both books can be read whenever. But. Since I read it in writing order, I hihgly recommend to read it this way. Leave Giovanni for second. This way it'll hurt you less.
Master's schiavo broke my soul and heart to million pieces, and now, Giovanni put it back together. It was the most beautiful and precious love story of all times. This book, this series is my number one favorite this year and in my existence. I can't tell you how perfect and wonderful it is. It's a masterpiece. Valentin and Giovanni's love story is eternal.
Loved reading about them in this book, it was really exciting, fun and hot to read about their first days together and how they became the duo they are in the next book.
The BDSM life style and the emotional attachements around it are written so perfectly and beautifully, I have no words. And the best thing: I loved reading their story from Valentin's POV! OMG it was so amazing.
Gio's emotional journey was heartbreakingly beautiful and painful at times. Since I knew that the book will end with a HEA (or HFN mostly), I wasn't afraid of certain scenes - they were perfectly written though, but I just knew that nothing can touch them and their perfect union.
I give this book all the stars and they are just not enough. It's so perfect. I just want to hug Gio and kneel for Valentin.
Loved loved LOOOVED this book. I read it after I listened to Master's schiavo and it was like a catharsis.
Ps. I think I'm a masochist because now I want to read Master's schiavo again...
Giovanni is the prequel to Master's schiavo but both books can be read whenever. But. Since I read it in writing order, I hihgly recommend to read it this way. Leave Giovanni for second. This way it'll hurt you less.
Master's schiavo broke my soul and heart to million pieces, and now, Giovanni put it back together. It was the most beautiful and precious love story of all times. This book, this series is my number one favorite this year and in my existence. I can't tell you how perfect and wonderful it is. It's a masterpiece. Valentin and Giovanni's love story is eternal.
Loved reading about them in this book, it was really exciting, fun and hot to read about their first days together and how they became the duo they are in the next book.
The BDSM life style and the emotional attachements around it are written so perfectly and beautifully, I have no words. And the best thing: I loved reading their story from Valentin's POV! OMG it was so amazing.
Gio's emotional journey was heartbreakingly beautiful and painful at times. Since I knew that the book will end with a HEA (or HFN mostly), I wasn't afraid of certain scenes - they were perfectly written though, but I just knew that nothing can touch them and their perfect union.
I give this book all the stars and they are just not enough. It's so perfect. I just want to hug Gio and kneel for Valentin.
Loved loved LOOOVED this book. I read it after I listened to Master's schiavo and it was like a catharsis.
Ps. I think I'm a masochist because now I want to read Master's schiavo again...
December 29, 2024
4.25⭐️
This was good. There were a lot of spoilers because I read this interconnected stand-alone trilogy in an awkward order, thus; book two, book three and now, book one.
I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed it better or less, without all the spoilers.
Just like the other two books in the series, this is a well researched, beautifully written BDSM story.
This was good. There were a lot of spoilers because I read this interconnected stand-alone trilogy in an awkward order, thus; book two, book three and now, book one.
I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed it better or less, without all the spoilers.
Just like the other two books in the series, this is a well researched, beautifully written BDSM story.
November 7, 2021
Amazing book! Really enjoyed this one :)
November 16, 2022
Dark, edgy, controversial and romantic, this book will challenge your mind and your emotion is many ways and give you more than one thing to thing about.
July 24, 2022
Audio review:
I actually really enjoyed this d/s story. It was a deep dive into what both roles were about and how the relationship benefitted from the clarity and communication that is centered around BDSM.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narration, even though this was a new to me narrator. Absolutely recommended.
I actually really enjoyed this d/s story. It was a deep dive into what both roles were about and how the relationship benefitted from the clarity and communication that is centered around BDSM.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narration, even though this was a new to me narrator. Absolutely recommended.
March 30, 2022
I don’t know where to begin I suppose I’ll start with the hood things. I loved how funny Valentin.. his random internal monologues made me laugh. Also I love how he seemed to know what he was doing as a DOM and didn’t lean on abuse under the guise of being a Dom. With that being said Giovanni was not likable, I understand he went through trauma but the author didn’t present that very well. It feels like he manipulated his way into being a sub but I don’t think he was really a true sub. He didn’t follow rules, has an attitude, snarky,demanding, manipulative and seems to want to top from the bottom. As soon as he reluctantly did what was asked he would then start pushing and demanding his Dom give him a reward. I’m pretty sure that’s not how D/S dynamics work. Also his trauma and issues were not really explored his random outburst were not diagnosed by any doctor so we didn’t know what he was suffering from. He was in clear need of therapy, psychiatrist and medication for the voices he was hearing. Beyond Valentino being his Dom he didn’t seem to be interested in any other aspect of his Dom life, interests or personality which odd since his life seemed to revolve around Valentino. Giovanni also seemed to be suffering from sex addiction and a few suicidal attempts. Whenever Valentino tried to encourage Giovanni to engage in the world through any type of positive reinforcement it didn’t sit well with me that Giovanni would start talking in third person which again seemed like manipulation to prevent himself from having to leave their penthouse. The boy had no business being in any kind of bdsm relationship with his severe mental health that issues. Valentin throughout the book knew this but allowed his weakness for the boy to cloud his judgement.
March 12, 2023
Audio review
Story = 5 stars
Narration = 5 stars
M/M
D/S
Age gap
BDSM
Trigger warning ⚠️
- grieving death of loved one
- Mentions past abuse/rape including child abuse.
- off and on page drug use/od
- off and on page suicide attempt
This is a prequel to Masters Schiavo. I listened to Masters Schiavo before this and although I enjoyed it, I don't think I really truly appreciated the characters as much as I do now after hearing this so I am going to give Masters Schiavo another listen. I would suggest reading/listening in this order to get the full experience.
This was a very slow burn and a very emotional story but was absolutely wonderful from start to finish.
The narrator did a fantastic job. He expressed all the emotions perfectly and brought the story to life. He gave the characters distinct voices that suited each character perfectly and were pleasant to listen to. This was a pleasure to listen to.
Story = 5 stars
Narration = 5 stars
M/M
D/S
Age gap
BDSM
Trigger warning ⚠️
- grieving death of loved one
- Mentions past abuse/rape including child abuse.
- off and on page drug use/od
- off and on page suicide attempt
This is a prequel to Masters Schiavo. I listened to Masters Schiavo before this and although I enjoyed it, I don't think I really truly appreciated the characters as much as I do now after hearing this so I am going to give Masters Schiavo another listen. I would suggest reading/listening in this order to get the full experience.
This was a very slow burn and a very emotional story but was absolutely wonderful from start to finish.
The narrator did a fantastic job. He expressed all the emotions perfectly and brought the story to life. He gave the characters distinct voices that suited each character perfectly and were pleasant to listen to. This was a pleasure to listen to.
November 21, 2021
SPOILER ALERT! (This review is mostly for me.)
CW: Mentions of rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, trauma, self-harm, suicide, suicide attempt, and addiction.
———
The book starts with Giovanni Ricci (former name, Matthew) in recovery from addiction and trauma from his rape incident at the hands of Valentin Fortuna.
Giovanni is a 19-year-old man whose introduced for not only being handsome/beautiful but also ingenious. He is Valentin's Don's grandson — a sexual hedonistic grandson. Valentin on the other hand is an older man, head of the Aponte family business, a delectable guardian of Giovanni.
In the course of the young man's recovery, Giovanni is palpable of his desire towards Valentin. But due to his traumatic experience, Valentin holds himself back. Though, as their connection prolongs, the young man unbosoms his desire to the old man. Thenceforth, they had an erotic relationship.
———
“We must always travel forward.”
"Everything is changing, and you cannot step twice into the same river."
"You made a mistake. It doesn’t make you any less worthy, and it doesn’t make me love you any less."
I've read two erotic books so far but they are not as intense as this! I'm enticed, red-hot, and face blushing almost all the time. 🙈
Despite the relationship between the two protagonists mostly revolving around sex, I still think it's pure and genuine. It was built from trust, respect, love, passion, and intimacy.
As for the characters, Valentin is a dominant that any sub could wish of, and Giovanni... He scares me sometimes. His ideas and desires are just ENORMOUS, I couldn't believe it was coming from a 19-years-old (a year younger than me). 😂
The author's writing and style are *chef's kiss* exquisite. The world-building, characters, writing, and narration complement each other to become this perfect-imperfect book. My only complaint is some dialogues are so long it doesn't feel like a normal conversation. And even though one of the characters is dealing with trauma and addiction, there is no depth into it. Nevertheless, this is still a good read. I'm so glad that this is not a book where a character is dealing with dark past/experiences and the other has to sleep with them just to help or "cure" them.
Moreover, the subjects tackled in this book are extraordinary. They are all well contemplated, well researched, and were executed perfectly to be part of this work. Who would have thought that you could learn something about gods and goddesses, eminent individuals, and other things in an erotic book?
Well done!
CW: Mentions of rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, trauma, self-harm, suicide, suicide attempt, and addiction.
———
The book starts with Giovanni Ricci (former name, Matthew) in recovery from addiction and trauma from his rape incident at the hands of Valentin Fortuna.
Giovanni is a 19-year-old man whose introduced for not only being handsome/beautiful but also ingenious. He is Valentin's Don's grandson — a sexual hedonistic grandson. Valentin on the other hand is an older man, head of the Aponte family business, a delectable guardian of Giovanni.
In the course of the young man's recovery, Giovanni is palpable of his desire towards Valentin. But due to his traumatic experience, Valentin holds himself back. Though, as their connection prolongs, the young man unbosoms his desire to the old man. Thenceforth, they had an erotic relationship.
———
“We must always travel forward.”
"Everything is changing, and you cannot step twice into the same river."
"You made a mistake. It doesn’t make you any less worthy, and it doesn’t make me love you any less."
I've read two erotic books so far but they are not as intense as this! I'm enticed, red-hot, and face blushing almost all the time. 🙈
Despite the relationship between the two protagonists mostly revolving around sex, I still think it's pure and genuine. It was built from trust, respect, love, passion, and intimacy.
As for the characters, Valentin is a dominant that any sub could wish of, and Giovanni... He scares me sometimes. His ideas and desires are just ENORMOUS, I couldn't believe it was coming from a 19-years-old (a year younger than me). 😂
The author's writing and style are *chef's kiss* exquisite. The world-building, characters, writing, and narration complement each other to become this perfect-imperfect book. My only complaint is some dialogues are so long it doesn't feel like a normal conversation. And even though one of the characters is dealing with trauma and addiction, there is no depth into it. Nevertheless, this is still a good read. I'm so glad that this is not a book where a character is dealing with dark past/experiences and the other has to sleep with them just to help or "cure" them.
Moreover, the subjects tackled in this book are extraordinary. They are all well contemplated, well researched, and were executed perfectly to be part of this work. Who would have thought that you could learn something about gods and goddesses, eminent individuals, and other things in an erotic book?
Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
Terrific Story & Narration🎧 Gripping & Emotional!
Giovanni
By: Laura Lascarso
Narrated by: Daniel Carter
Laura Lascarso takes you back to where it all began for Valentin Fortuna and Giovanni and delivers another beautifully written story that captivates your attention and tugs on your heartstrings the entire book.
Valentin, former capo to the Don of the Aponte crime family, has been running the Aponte family empire until the sole heir, Matthew Gianni Aponte III, can take it over himself. After his grandfather died, Matthew’s life spiraled out of control and he was in no shape to take over the family business, wanted nothing to do with it, heck, he did not even want to be Matthew anymore and he was reborn Giovanni Ricci. Valentin took him in to shape him and get him ready to take over what was rightfully his. Valentin tells the story of what it was like for Giovanni, everything he went thru including a traumatic event, and the struggles he is facing while battling his inner demons and trying to stay on the straight and narrow. Valentin, a Dom, uses his experience with subs on Giovanni, a natural sub. This is a great prequel to the second book, Master’s Schiavo, which I love and highly recommend if you have not read or listened to it yet. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story is has plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt and emotional moments, gut wrenching ones too, and the start to an amazing D/s relationship and romance. Laura Lascarso, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚�� Daniel Carter continues to do a wonderful job bringing the characters and their story to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he is portraying, gives each a voice that suits that character’s persona, sounding believable and just as I pictured them to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance and has you feeling every single one. Carter is an entertaining storyteller and a versatile voice artist, his narration enhances this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another great listen.
Giovanni
By: Laura Lascarso
Narrated by: Daniel Carter
Laura Lascarso takes you back to where it all began for Valentin Fortuna and Giovanni and delivers another beautifully written story that captivates your attention and tugs on your heartstrings the entire book.
Valentin, former capo to the Don of the Aponte crime family, has been running the Aponte family empire until the sole heir, Matthew Gianni Aponte III, can take it over himself. After his grandfather died, Matthew’s life spiraled out of control and he was in no shape to take over the family business, wanted nothing to do with it, heck, he did not even want to be Matthew anymore and he was reborn Giovanni Ricci. Valentin took him in to shape him and get him ready to take over what was rightfully his. Valentin tells the story of what it was like for Giovanni, everything he went thru including a traumatic event, and the struggles he is facing while battling his inner demons and trying to stay on the straight and narrow. Valentin, a Dom, uses his experience with subs on Giovanni, a natural sub. This is a great prequel to the second book, Master’s Schiavo, which I love and highly recommend if you have not read or listened to it yet. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story is has plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt and emotional moments, gut wrenching ones too, and the start to an amazing D/s relationship and romance. Laura Lascarso, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚�� Daniel Carter continues to do a wonderful job bringing the characters and their story to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he is portraying, gives each a voice that suits that character’s persona, sounding believable and just as I pictured them to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance and has you feeling every single one. Carter is an entertaining storyteller and a versatile voice artist, his narration enhances this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another great listen.
July 16, 2022
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Since I love reading Laura Lascarso's books and I love listening to audiobooks even more, I was delighted when I saw that Giovanni's audiobook was available. This book is the prequel to Master's Schiavo, a book I absolutely love.
Here you learn how the story of Valentin, who runs the family criminal business on a transitional basis, and Giovanni, the heir to the business, begins. The two have known each the other for a very long time and after a dramatic event, the world is a different place for Matthew aka Giovanni. Valentin takes care of Giovanni and this relationship soon becomes more intense.
I was captivated by the story and found it very entertaining. It was nice to see how the master/slave relationship slowly develops and there are setbacks in between.
Giovanni is a sympathetic character who has already experienced a lot in his young life. He finds peace of mind with Valentin.
The story is entertaining, in between very emotional, sometimes dramatic, but it also has heartwarming moments.
The story is told exclusively from Valentin's point of view, which is basically fitting. However, I would have been happy to hear some chapters from Giovanni's point of view.
Daniel Carter did a great job narrating the audio book. He has a pleasant voice and brought the story to life. He skillfully portrayed the emotions of the protagonists. Daniel Carter is a versatile and talented narrator. It was a pleasure to listen to him.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Since I love reading Laura Lascarso's books and I love listening to audiobooks even more, I was delighted when I saw that Giovanni's audiobook was available. This book is the prequel to Master's Schiavo, a book I absolutely love.
Here you learn how the story of Valentin, who runs the family criminal business on a transitional basis, and Giovanni, the heir to the business, begins. The two have known each the other for a very long time and after a dramatic event, the world is a different place for Matthew aka Giovanni. Valentin takes care of Giovanni and this relationship soon becomes more intense.
I was captivated by the story and found it very entertaining. It was nice to see how the master/slave relationship slowly develops and there are setbacks in between.
Giovanni is a sympathetic character who has already experienced a lot in his young life. He finds peace of mind with Valentin.
The story is entertaining, in between very emotional, sometimes dramatic, but it also has heartwarming moments.
The story is told exclusively from Valentin's point of view, which is basically fitting. However, I would have been happy to hear some chapters from Giovanni's point of view.
Daniel Carter did a great job narrating the audio book. He has a pleasant voice and brought the story to life. He skillfully portrayed the emotions of the protagonists. Daniel Carter is a versatile and talented narrator. It was a pleasure to listen to him.
July 19, 2022
I listened to this on Audible. The narration took a little while for me to get used to. Daniel Carter was very monotone and paced. I normally would have hated this, and did at first, but after listening it became clear this was very much a choice for Valentin's character. 5 Stars.
I had some issues with this dynamic, but also was engrossed by the story. The story jumped in to a lot happening from the very start. Giovanni is living with Valentin already, they are basically together 24/7, even showering with no romantic relationship. He's suicidal, he's been through 2 major traumas. We get some information about the traumas as the story unfolds, but I wanted way more information and never got it. Also, we are to understand there is a large age gap here, but I don't think we ever were told the actual age of Valentin. At some points I felt like it could be 15 years, and others way more. It felt as if it fluctuated during the narration, and I would have liked confirmation on it at some point. Once the BDSM relationship starts it basically takes over. The relationship as they agreed on is quite well done, but definitely not everything was for me. There is a lot of voyeurism by old men... 3.5 Stars.
I had some issues with this dynamic, but also was engrossed by the story. The story jumped in to a lot happening from the very start. Giovanni is living with Valentin already, they are basically together 24/7, even showering with no romantic relationship. He's suicidal, he's been through 2 major traumas. We get some information about the traumas as the story unfolds, but I wanted way more information and never got it. Also, we are to understand there is a large age gap here, but I don't think we ever were told the actual age of Valentin. At some points I felt like it could be 15 years, and others way more. It felt as if it fluctuated during the narration, and I would have liked confirmation on it at some point. Once the BDSM relationship starts it basically takes over. The relationship as they agreed on is quite well done, but definitely not everything was for me. There is a lot of voyeurism by old men... 3.5 Stars.
November 10, 2021
So Great!
I just love the way Laura Lascarso writes. I am always so drawn into the characters and the world she creates. I read Master's Schiavo when it first came out and I was captivated by Gio and Valentin's deep, already established connection. So I was thrilled to hear that she was writing this origin story to take us back to where their relationship all began. This was just so good. I was captivated by how everything all started for them. The journey they took together, the healing they both did along the way, and the true devotion they had for one another was just so intense and so moving.
I loved the way their dynamic grew from care taker, to Sir, to Master. Gio's need to be his Master's Schiavo just jumped off the page. This boys need to be cared for and loved and guided, it was so strong and the adoration Valentin had for Gio was so deep. Their BDSM scenes together were so intimate, so erotic, and so well crafted. It was so obvious how each one moved them forward in their connection and bond as they both healed in their own way. This was just such a well written, well researched, deep and emotional book that gave me all the feelings!
I just love the way Laura Lascarso writes. I am always so drawn into the characters and the world she creates. I read Master's Schiavo when it first came out and I was captivated by Gio and Valentin's deep, already established connection. So I was thrilled to hear that she was writing this origin story to take us back to where their relationship all began. This was just so good. I was captivated by how everything all started for them. The journey they took together, the healing they both did along the way, and the true devotion they had for one another was just so intense and so moving.
I loved the way their dynamic grew from care taker, to Sir, to Master. Gio's need to be his Master's Schiavo just jumped off the page. This boys need to be cared for and loved and guided, it was so strong and the adoration Valentin had for Gio was so deep. Their BDSM scenes together were so intimate, so erotic, and so well crafted. It was so obvious how each one moved them forward in their connection and bond as they both healed in their own way. This was just such a well written, well researched, deep and emotional book that gave me all the feelings!
August 2, 2025
I enjoy a good bit of kink in my books, but I usually draw the line at full-on BDSM - that's just not my thing. Honestly, if this had been written by anyone other than Laura Lascarso, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. But since I’ve loved most of her work in the past - even the books that pushed my boundaries - I decided to give this one a try.
Neither of the main characters is particularly likeable, but they’re compelling, complex, and emotionally rich. Lascarso has an incredible gift for writing characters who feel raw and real, and her prose is nothing short of exquisite - beautiful, eloquent, and deeply affecting.
Did I enjoy reading this book? Not exactly. But I also couldn’t put it down. Based purely on personal enjoyment, I might have given it three stars. But I knew going in that some of the content wasn’t going to be my cup of tea, so it feels unfair to judge the book harshly for that. The craft, the emotional depth, and the sheer intensity of the storytelling are definitely worth a higher rating.
Really looking forward to reading the other two books, even though I know they're gonna break my heart.
Neither of the main characters is particularly likeable, but they’re compelling, complex, and emotionally rich. Lascarso has an incredible gift for writing characters who feel raw and real, and her prose is nothing short of exquisite - beautiful, eloquent, and deeply affecting.
Did I enjoy reading this book? Not exactly. But I also couldn’t put it down. Based purely on personal enjoyment, I might have given it three stars. But I knew going in that some of the content wasn’t going to be my cup of tea, so it feels unfair to judge the book harshly for that. The craft, the emotional depth, and the sheer intensity of the storytelling are definitely worth a higher rating.
Really looking forward to reading the other two books, even though I know they're gonna break my heart.
July 12, 2022
Such a compelling story!!!
Everything is change; and you cannot step twice into the same river
This is a new to me author and a new to me narrator. I didn't think I was going to enjoy the narration at first, but after listening for a bit I realized that this was the perfect voice for Valentin. The narrator seemed so controlled in the reading which exactly fits this character.
The story is told by Valentin acting head of the Aponte family business. He took over the family business, after the Don's death, until his grandson (Giovanni) is ready to take the reins. Valentin has been watching over and mentoring Giovanni... after Giovanni is attacked, he moves Giovanni into his penthouse.
Giovanni is a 19 year old beautifully damaged soul. He's had a tough life; he's been kidnapped and sexually abused. Is Giovanni a sub/slave or is he just needing/wanting to please Valentin, afraid that he will be alone again?
This was a great book with all the feels. It's a gritty kinky story so be sure to read the warnings if you are easily triggered.
Everything is change; and you cannot step twice into the same river
This is a new to me author and a new to me narrator. I didn't think I was going to enjoy the narration at first, but after listening for a bit I realized that this was the perfect voice for Valentin. The narrator seemed so controlled in the reading which exactly fits this character.
The story is told by Valentin acting head of the Aponte family business. He took over the family business, after the Don's death, until his grandson (Giovanni) is ready to take the reins. Valentin has been watching over and mentoring Giovanni... after Giovanni is attacked, he moves Giovanni into his penthouse.
Giovanni is a 19 year old beautifully damaged soul. He's had a tough life; he's been kidnapped and sexually abused. Is Giovanni a sub/slave or is he just needing/wanting to please Valentin, afraid that he will be alone again?
This was a great book with all the feels. It's a gritty kinky story so be sure to read the warnings if you are easily triggered.
October 19, 2021
A promise to his dying Don. Valentin would care for his heir until he was ready to take over the family business. He found instead a mentally challenged boy determined to self destruct. Guiding Giovanni from his traumatic past required a firm hand. As a sadistic Dom, Valentin could do that. And Giovanni came to know, in order to survive his demons, he needed to give everything to his beloved Master.
This sequel for Giovanni and Valentin gives more insight to their unique Master and Slave relationship. Giovanni teeters on the edge, and finds salvation in giving everything of himself to Valentin. Can Valentin accept his total submission at the cost of his young heir giving up his rightful future?
Written so the books can be read in either order, I find myself wanting to reread the first book with my new deeper understanding of the characters. This was a truly beautiful journey of adoration and self sacrifice. Laura will rip your heart out and return it fuller. And you’ll enjoy it all.
This sequel for Giovanni and Valentin gives more insight to their unique Master and Slave relationship. Giovanni teeters on the edge, and finds salvation in giving everything of himself to Valentin. Can Valentin accept his total submission at the cost of his young heir giving up his rightful future?
Written so the books can be read in either order, I find myself wanting to reread the first book with my new deeper understanding of the characters. This was a truly beautiful journey of adoration and self sacrifice. Laura will rip your heart out and return it fuller. And you’ll enjoy it all.
July 20, 2022
Great story-well worth the listen.
This is a pre-story to Master Schiavo. If you've read that, this is the story of how they met and ended up together.
And wow, what a pre-story it is. Giovanni is a wounded, deeply traumatised young man who has been abused for years.
Valentino is an older gentleman who decides that he will be the one to nurse Giovanni back to health.
Great backstory to both characters and a good read. The narration by Danial Carter was good, but as usual, I did have to speed it up to 1.20 on audible.
Giovanni
By: Laura Lascarso
Narrated by: Daniel Carter
Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
This is a pre-story to Master Schiavo. If you've read that, this is the story of how they met and ended up together.
And wow, what a pre-story it is. Giovanni is a wounded, deeply traumatised young man who has been abused for years.
Valentino is an older gentleman who decides that he will be the one to nurse Giovanni back to health.
Great backstory to both characters and a good read. The narration by Danial Carter was good, but as usual, I did have to speed it up to 1.20 on audible.
Giovanni
By: Laura Lascarso
Narrated by: Daniel Carter
Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
July 23, 2022
Giovanni is the first book in the Giovanni series, but was written after Master’s Schiavo. I prefer reading the series in order, but other readers advocate for reading it in publishing order. Either way, the entire series is amazing and emotional.
Giovanni is a beautifully written book filled with erotic kink, deep bonds, angst, and love. Most of all love. The love and trust that develops between Valentin and Giovanni makes the angst bearable. I adore their relationship and really like seeing Giovanni’s growth from Valentin’s point of view. I was captivated by this lovely, steamy story.
The audiobook was narrated smoothly by Daniel Carter who has a melted chocolate type of voice. His voice paired well with the style of this book. The audiobook production was well done and was enjoyable to listen to.
Giovanni is a beautifully written book filled with erotic kink, deep bonds, angst, and love. Most of all love. The love and trust that develops between Valentin and Giovanni makes the angst bearable. I adore their relationship and really like seeing Giovanni’s growth from Valentin’s point of view. I was captivated by this lovely, steamy story.
The audiobook was narrated smoothly by Daniel Carter who has a melted chocolate type of voice. His voice paired well with the style of this book. The audiobook production was well done and was enjoyable to listen to.
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