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Dark Highlanders #1

Ensnared Desire

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It was supposed to be a haven.
A place to find myself.
But it turned into my prison.
Trapped on a secluded island,
The goliath who rescued me is nothing more than a savage.
A beast intent on my detention.
I have to escape,
Flee his dark clutches.
He’s captured my body.
Now he wants my heart.

From USA Today bestselling author, Felicity Brandon, Ensnared Desire is the first in a new, dark Highlanders series. Meet the brooding men of the north, determined to get their women—and their way!

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2022

118 people are currently reading
285 people want to read

About the author

Felicity Brandon

126 books997 followers
USA Today bestselling writer of dark, suspenseful romance.

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5 stars
58 (30%)
4 stars
31 (16%)
3 stars
55 (29%)
2 stars
26 (13%)
1 star
18 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
809 reviews345 followers
May 19, 2022
Didn't really care for Resmie at all. I don't think he treats Elodie with any care. He delights in any little thing he can use to punish Elodie. Even when she asks if she can ask him questions or if they can talk to honestly talk about things she's struggling with, and even in those instances he uses her thoughts or what's bothering her against her, to publicly punish her more. This pissed me off the most. If she was trying to be honest and respectfully talk with him even if he thought she needed punishment he could have done it privately in their bedroom. His delight in constantly humiliating her in front of the whole village and allowing them to jeer and make degrading comments was disgusting. I don't see how that would ever engender their respect for Elodie as their Mathair. All Resmie's done is dehumanize her and make her as nothing but a womb for "his" heirs.
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,028 reviews1,147 followers
March 2, 2022
I actually expected it to be historical romance. Nope. It is set on present day. So basically, the h and her guy friend went to this inhabited island (or so they thought). An almost rape scene later, they were both captured by this highland tribe and brought back to their village.

The chief of the tribe fell head over heels over h and staked his claim over her and literally got married the next day. Then, it fizzled out just like that. No final conflict whatsoever. I guess, we're only here for the smut. Oh and what smut it was. There's degradation & dom/sub play here, which I would never expect in a highlander(ish??) romance. Oh and breeding kink.
131 reviews22 followers
January 23, 2022
I was enthralled by the storyline of Felicity Brandon’s new book Ensnared Desire. I can imagine finding highlanders living on an isolated island like time was stuck and living the old ways. I think I would be equally fascinated as well as disturbed wanting to get back to civilization. I think it’s a fantasy come to life but not knowing what to do when it comes true. I love how the characters Rasmie and Desiree feel the instant connection to each other. They desire each other on all levels, physically and mentally, it’s like they were made for the other like fate had the perfect plan for them. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
February 4, 2022
I am a huge Felicity Brandon fan, but I am going to have to admit that this isn't my favorite of her books. I like the plot, and it is steamy freaking hot, and the premise is interesting. But, I really hate Rasmie. I mean, I want to falcon punch him in the scrotum for most of the book.

I understand why he makes the choices he does, and I understand why he does the things that he does, but some of his actions made me feel really uncomfortable, and not in a good way.

Does this mean I won't read the next book in the series when it comes out? Of course I'll read it.
Profile Image for Claire♡.
118 reviews
July 6, 2024
WHY THE ORBS?! 🍑?! Also, the collar and the crawling?! NOOOOOOO. Zade Meadows and Rhys Larson are the only book men who have permission to write that in the story. Let me sum it up for you: girl gets trapped on island, bestie (who's a guy) tried to violate her. Mr. "Handsome" "saves" her and then decided that she was going to marry him and have sex. Ok also, then the entire plot of the story:🍆🍑🤰. Yeah. Seems like someone copied Haunting adeline and made it "old timey" but failed MISSERABLY. NEVER AGAIN
165 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2022
Did not enjoy this book at all. The story seemed very slow to me and never really develops into any kind of romance. Desiree and rasmie have no chemistry whatsoever and nothing in the book makes me what to see them end up together. If your into the old world way of women being property who should be seen and not heard, who never question anything her husband says even when there’s no way she could understand it and never consented to any of it, this is for you. I’ll be skipping this series.
Profile Image for Yolie Lujan.
34 reviews
June 14, 2024
I didn’t like it

This story was not great. No growth, no romance, no chemistry and absolutely no story. She goes on a trip into a secluded island with her friend who tries to rape her the minute they are alone. She is saved by the chief of the island who punishes them for trespassing. He tells her she is to become his wife and mother of his children. Her friend is raped by a man as punishment. No one leaves the island once they enter. She is abused, restrained, humiliated, spanked and forced by her now husband. Then it ends. Like truly just ends with an epilogue for the next book which is her sister coming to the island to rescue her. 0⭐️

Regret reading this book and wasting my time. Idk why it has good reviews. I will not read anything from this author again. It was that bad.

3,140 reviews
January 18, 2022
This was a simply wonderful read, wonderful characters and plot I loved
Desiree and her dearest and oldest friend Charlie had arranged for them to have a break away from their usual everyday working life and they were going to travel to an out of the way destination where they were going to camp and enjoy the countryside and the wildlife as well as the ocean.
Charlie had arranged everything even though it was obvious that she was only going because it seemed so important to him and she did not want all of his efforts to be wasted however on reaching the tiny island his whole personality had changed and she had found herself fighting for her physical right to say no to his advances.
As Charlie a man that had never even raised his voice or hand in all the time, she knew him had try to force himself on her until she began to fight back and then things had turned nastier, suddenly out of no where an arrow had pierced his shoulder and a group of males had come to her aid.
Rasmie is the Maighstir of his people and since the loss of his first wife and the bairn she carried has remained single never expecting to find a female that the gods would send to him as a suitable mate and future mother to his heirs.
Desiree and Charlie soon realise that this island and the people on it are living a life as though in a different time, they are governed and ruled by their Maighstir who ensures that all are treated equally, they are cared for and they know that his law as his word is the final say.
This is a wonderful read the characters are so beautifully written and it is soon apparent that the reason these people have remained secret is because anyone that ever finds their island or them never leaves, on this occasion Rasmie has declared that the gods have sent him Desiree as his new wife and future mother for the people and his future children….
I ensure you that once you begin reading this wonderful story it is simply impossible to put this book down until you reach the final page and discover the outcome.
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
1,263 reviews19 followers
January 7, 2022
Ensnared Desire by Felicity Brandon is the beginning of a new series that is thrilling, dark, suspenseful with plenty of steamy moments that will have you on edge throughout this story as we are about to venture to a ancient world that time forgot. Desiree is taken on vacation to an island by her friend Charlie who has his own nefarious plans for her, when she spurned his advances he tries to force himself on her. Desiree is saved by sexy Chieftain named Rasmie who is the leader of a group of domineering men. Desiree now finds she is on an island where the lifestyle of this group of people live a simply life according to the ancient ways. Desiree and Charlie find they maybe in danger from these men from the North when they are taken to their compound. Rasmie is this brooding domineering, alpha man who grieves his missing wife and believes that Desiree has been sent by the Gods as his future bride as he is instantly attracted to her. Rasmie soon shows Desiree that he demands obedience through discipline, will she be able to resist him as he shows her what he demands from her? Confused by the sensual feelings Rasmie is bringing out in her, she is drawn to this strong dominate man. Will Desiree be able to give him complete control of her mind and body? Could this be what she has been searching for?. Once Desiree is wed to Rasmie will she accept her fate or will she end up going missing like his first wife? Felicity Brandon has once again given her readers a complex tale that is bold and refreshing, can't wait for the next installment. I highly recommend Ensnared Desire in this Dark Highlanders Series.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,029 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2022
I love everything Ms. Brandon has ever written, and I've read most of her books. This is something different from what I'm used to reading by her and I loved it. The closest thing I can compare it to would be a time travel romance, without the time travel. Desiree is part of the very modern world - full of cellphones and all the amenities, and Resmie lives a very isolated and primitive life. This causes a lot of tension and is where the dark elements come into the story. I'm not going to say anything about the plot, other than to say that those dark elements are extremely spicy and oh so sexy.

I loved the connection between Resmie and Desiree. I loved the heat and the twists and turns that the story takes. I love the clash of cultures and how original the storyline is. It's a fast-paced read that held my interest from beginning to end, and I love that we get hints about where the series is going to go at the end. It's not one of the darkest reads by Ms. Brandon but it hits all the right spots and is definitely not light reading. If you love that sense of darkness and danger, sexy warrior men, strong and feisty women, and high heat then it's a must read.
760 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2021
Charlie and Desiree have been friends for years. He talks her into taking an adventure vacation on an uninhabited island. When they arrive, his personality changes into that of a spurned boyfriend. She is unwilling to comply.

Unfortunately for both of them, the island is definitely colonized by a less civilized and more male dominated group of people than either of them are familiar with. Rasmie is the leader and he quickly decides that Desiree has been sent by the Gods to become his wife. She objects.

Desiree has been searching for her true inner self. Will this island and Rasmie be the person and place that will help her find her soul? Will Desiree learn to accept his stern and demanding discipline? Will she be able to succumb to his authority and control? Will her brain bend to her body?

I cannot recommend this story enough. It was more alluring and more soul-shattering than I could have predicted. Thank you, Ms. Brandon, for your excellent, excellent writing.
2,541 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed "ENSNARED DESIRE" this is a dark suspense filled story with plenty is steamy scenes, you'll be on the edge of your seat adventuring into an ancient world that time forgot, Charlie took Desiree on vacation to an island who hg as his own nefarious plans for her when she spurns his his advances he trys to force himself on her, she's saved by sexy Cheiftan Rasmie an alpha male his giving his wife, he believes Desiree has sent to him by the Gods as his future bride he's instantly demands obedience from her confused by her sensual feelings Rasmie is bringing out in her, she's drawn to this strong dominating man.
Will Desiree be able to give Rasmie complete control of her mind & body is this what she's been searching for.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting interesting story Desiree & Charlie find themselves in will she accept his authority & control over her will her brain bend to her body, I can't say enough about this story, Felicity Brandon you did an acceptional job writing this story I loved it.
EXCELLENT MUST HAVE ROMANCE🖤🖤🖤🖤
225 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2021
Ensnared Desire is the first book in a new series by Felicity Brandon, one of my favorite authors. The premise of the book is new and refreshing, as it is a meeting of the ancient with modernity. It’s a fun read and one I didn’t put down until I’d read the entire book.

This is the story of Desiree, a woman of the modern world, and Rasmie, a chieftain of a large group of people whose lifestyle is more attuned to the ancient way in order to achieve a more simplified, fulfilling life. It’s quite a culture shock for Desiree when Rasmie takes her for his bride. And she’s confused as to her reaction to this strong and domineering man so unlike any of the men she’s known before.

Ms. Brandon always weaves an interesting tale. She is quite adept at presenting fully rounded characters and worlds. I loved the very original plot of this new endeavor and I’m really looking forward to what’s coming next. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for KittyLuvr.
597 reviews49 followers
January 18, 2022
Mmmm, another sizzling entry by Ms. Brandon in her new series, 'Dark Highlanders'.
Desiree (heroine) reluctantly agrees to take a vacation to an isolated island with her male best friend to 'rough' it. But almost immediately after reaching the uninhabited island her 'best friend' shows his true & foul colors.
But even more shocking for them both is the realization the island IS inhabited . . . .

This one is loaded with unapologetically dominant Alpha males who expect & enforce submission in & from their women. There's scorching sizzle aplenty, a modern day woman fighting her mind & nature as well as an Alpha male who's claimed her as HIS, a secret civilization determined to stay that way no matter what.
I greatly enjoyed this scorching & tense battle of wits, will & culture that kept me deeply interested, enthralled & entertained.
Can't wait for the next book!
34 reviews
January 18, 2022
This was such a refreshing book. Nothing like many of the other books I have read from Felicity and many others. Of course Ramie is much like her other men.....will get his woman at all costs.

Desiree thought she was going away with her friend to "find herself". She never expected to find herself trapped against her will by the leader of some unknown tribe of people.

Rasmie leads his people with a firm hand that leaves no room or doubt of who is in charge. The same can be said for how he rules over his woman, and Ramie has chosen Desiree as his woman.

Felicity never hesitates to bring the steam into her stories, and this book is no different! Great start to what is sure to be another amazing series!
5,536 reviews
December 6, 2021
I am in love with Ms. Brandon's new world! The main characters have captured me. Especially Rasmie, and I want a happily ever after for him. So, Desiree better not jeopardize that!

Justice on the island is interesting, however, it seems Charlie's justice was fitting, but Desiree's justice, for trespassing, seemed a bit over the top, LOL, but I love it!

Will Desiree decide she loves this new life or will she disappear as Rasmie's first wife did?

I have a feeling, Desiree's sister may be taking an island trip!

Can't wait to visit the island again and again!
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
December 27, 2021
4.5 stars

This was an interesting concept......modern world meets ancient world. Well, sort of ancient. Maybe old world is a better phrase. LOL I loved this whole idea of this new series that Ms. Brandon has started and I'm excited to see how it's going to play out!! Rasmie is the leader of this old world group of men on an island that Desiree and her friend, Charlie, have come to. He knows that she will be his and it was a story I couldn't stop reading once I started it. I'll be ready for the next book for sure!
3,240 reviews27 followers
January 21, 2022
OMG I love it every single word, it just consumed and memorized me. The characters are outstanding and so real you can feel it all.

I kind of feel bad for Desiree her so called vacation turns into a horrified experience one she has no control once so ever over.

Rasmie lives in an ancient world where discipline and Humiliation oh and worshipping a God , he is Master to all, but he is one hot dominate beautiful stern leader and he will have Desiree no matter the cost.

I am loving this it is so unique and gets my heart pumping, I love Felicity's ancient hot men and I can't wait for more.

Profile Image for Freya.
19 reviews
June 11, 2024
It had a good premise, with a woman ending up in what she thought was an uninhabited island, but is taken captive by a highlander.
However, she was stripped naked in front of the entire population, humiliated in front of them, and used as a footstool too. She was also made to crawl down the street naked and leashed.
This isn’t romance, it was horrible to read. He didn’t love her and only saw her as an object.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lena.
1,737 reviews17 followers
January 23, 2022
The darkness is there, but the surrounding is different compared with other stories.
Without going timetravelling we get there anyway. An Island that’s supposed to be with no inhabitants, have a ’tribe’ that have their own way of living.
I really want to know how it continues.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Profile Image for Suzanne Withers.
693 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2022
A stunning start to a new series that combines modern values meeting with the ancient past and values. Desiree finds it hard but rewarding to experience the world of Rasmie and his strong desires. I loved reading this entertaining tale and can't wait to read more in coming stories. This is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Elaina.
193 reviews
March 22, 2025
I struggled to like this book. The unwavering determination from Rasmie to make Desiree submit to him rubs me the wrong way. He didn’t listen to her concerns, completely ignoring her instead of comforting her. Rasmie is not a hero, he honestly borders on being a villain if he refuses to listen to the wife he insisted on taking.
Triggers: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Kidnapping, cults
52 reviews
October 16, 2022
Desiree

When a friend took Desiree on an island vacation that was deserted so he thought only to make her his. All of it backfired and Rasime the leader of the island saved her only to make her his.
2,313 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2024
Purple Petals!
This story is really dark!
It tells of how Desire (a modern day lady) and Rasmie (a Chieftain of a group who favour the old ways) meet and how she is his chosen one.
She has difficulty conforming with the ways of this group and especially with Rasmie's orders and she continuously defies him which results in harsh punishments and humiliation.
I liked the idea on which the story is based - the modern meeting the ancient - but the primitiveness of their government was a bit scary, even for me. But, this is a fictional tale and not reality so I sucked it up and read the story.
There were parts I enjoyed and others which made me cringe a bit (and I'm not a sissy) but the storyline was good and the characters very interesting.
Profile Image for T.
2,073 reviews
January 3, 2022
That was definitely a different read. Not for everyone, but good in its own way.
17 reviews
April 18, 2022
Loved it!

Could not stop reading! I was so inthralled by this book that I was up all night saying just one page just one more page. I can’t wait for Elodie’s story.
2,825 reviews18 followers
April 30, 2022
An interesting new twist on how roles change or not. Secrets, surprises, heat, customs, discipline, restraint, chemistry, clashes, dominance and desire!!! More please!!!
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