We already knew and loved Mikey and Leigh in the first book of this series but now we are introduced to Guilia, a beautiful 18 year old who captures Leigh's heart. This book follows Leigh learning how to embrace her dominant side and Guilia finding her submissive side.

I really enjoyed this one but not quite as much as I enjoyed the first book. The writing was great and the story was exciting and unexpected but that is exactly what I expected from this author having already read one of his books. The plot line was really captivating and having all of the different POVs was fun. I loved reading about these characters evolving and discovering new things about themselves and the people that they loved.

One of the criticisms I would have is Hannelore. I think she was written really weirdly and unrealistically and it took me out of the story every time her character was in a scene. I found her constant use of "my demon child" to be really off-putting. I understand that her character wasn't meant to be liked by the reader but her 'villainess' was almost comical.

4/5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this copy to review.

This book far extends the genre that its in. I think as a reader, the perception of 'adult' fiction is that the characters normally don't display complex emotions, and trauma. We also don't get glances into the lives of side characters or supporting plots, BUT this story did just that. It was epic in proportion.

After having a taste of the forbidden, Leigh has no plans to go back to her old life. Now she wants more, she meets Giulia and helps to guide her through the unknown as she also learns about a different side of her own. Must she choose between her submissive side and her dominant side? Fast paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters and lots of emotion. I really liked it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!

Incredibly deep characters highlight this novel that goes far and above others in the genre. Instead of being a very straight forward with no nuance, Defining Giulia takes you deep in the lives, thoughts and emotions of everyone as the novel unfolds. A very pleasant surprise.

The student becomes the master. But this is a difficult and emotional journey for all three of the people involved. This is a very complex book that is a joy to read. The depth of emotion surprised me and the intensity of meditation that comes from bondage intrigued me. A book that draws you in and holds you right until the very end,

Stunning, far more than ‘just’ the genre, one with which I was pretty unfamiliar with admittedly. This is a heartfelt and epic tale of the struggles of life. Coming of age and being vulnerable and unsure which path to take, overcoming great personal trauma, families, relationships and so much more. The writer is an artist of words to epic proportions and truly draws you in and connects you to the characters. I think I gasped, cried, laughed and so much more in raw emotion. Truly beautiful, thank you.