Ava Milns

Entwined

Summary

Entwined (Book One in the Enveloped series) is a dark romance novel that delves into the complex relationship between 18-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Cunningham, a billionaire child genius, and Matthew Michaels, a 40-year-old piano prodigy. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City and the elite world of the Cunningham family, the story explores themes of forbidden love, power dynamics, and the search for acceptance.
Entwined (Book One in the Enveloped series) is a dark romance novel that delves into the complex relationship between 18-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Cunningham, a billionaire child genius, and Matthew Michaels, a 40-year-old piano prodigy. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City and the elite world of the Cunningham family, the story explores themes of forbidden love, power dynamics, and the search for acceptance.
As they navigate societal judgment and familial disapproval, Alex struggles to balance her ambition and love life. Her groundbreaking Project GreenWind promises to revolutionize wind energy, yet the pressures from her family’s expectations and Matthew’s ongoing divorce cast shadows over their burgeoning romance. When tension and misunderstanding threaten to tear them apart, Alex is forced to confront her deepest fears and desires.
Seeking solace, Alex returns to her family, who devise a plan to relocate her for a fresh start. As she embarks on this new journey, Alex grapples with her complex emotional landscape and the aspirations that drive her forward.
Entwined invites readers into a world where love, power, and societal norms collide, challenging the boundaries of what it means to truly find peace and happiness.

The main characters

The Cunningham Family

Annette Rea-McCall – Henry’s Chief of Staff, considered family.
Wyatt, Flint – Alex’s bodyguards, aliases, no last name, fiercely loyal
Matthew Michaels – Male main character, piano prodigy, complex and charismatic
Savannah ‘Anna’ Ren – Matthew’s ex-wife, emotionally complex
Mark Hannam – Family friend to the Cunninghams, a source of tension
Adam Flack – Alex’s coworker, ambitious and aggressive
Lillian Hearne – Alex’s coworker, James’ girlfriend, supportive
Dr. Henrietta Robbins – World-renowned psychiatrist, Alex’s therapist

Book name
“Enveloped: Book One – Entwind”
(Love your feedback and suggestions on book name sub-title :))

Tropes

(An exhaustive list in decreasing order of relevance. Some of these tropes are only touched upon, not explored.)

  • Age Gap Romance
  • Obsessed Heroine
  • Father Figure and D/s
  • Instalove & Instalust
  • Jealousy and Possessiveness
  • BDSM
  • Family Drama
  • Who Hurt You
  • Emotional and Psychological Conflict
  • Billionaire Romance
  • Challenges of the Elite
  • Alpha Male

Trigger Warnings

(Looking for feedback on what I might have missed. These will go on my website.)

  • Explicit Sexual Content: The book contains graphic depictions of sex, including unconventional BDSM practices and dominant/submissive dynamics. These scenes are explicit and central to the plot, occurring frequently throughout the story.

  • Dominance and Submission (D/s): This novel explores themes of power imbalance, power exchange and control within relationships, which might be triggering for some readers. The portrayal of dominance and submission is integrated into the characters’ intimate relationship with a focus on consensual interactions, driven by underlying trust and mutual understanding. Though the sexual activities are consensual, the submissive nature of the female main character and the dominant nature of the male main character may be unsettling. In addition, the submissive nature of the female main character outside of the bedroom might also distress readers. Proceed with caution, and an open mind.

  • Physical and Emotional Abuse: Though there is no depiction of abuse. However, there are scenes of punishment, rough and aggressive sex, and emotional turmoil. These scenes might come across as abuse to some readers. All sexual activity between the main characters is portrayed as consensual, but because of the aggression and unconventional BDSM depicted, some readers may find the scenes unsettling.

  • Emotional Manipulation: Some characters engage in emotionally manipulative behavior within both romantic relationships and complex family dynamics. This theme is not prevalent but can be unsettling.

  • Violence and Murder: There is a graphic murder scene depicted in detail. The violence is integral to the plot and may be distressing for some readers.

  • Power Imbalance: The relationship between the main characters involves a significant power imbalance, with potential for interpretation as coercive control. This dynamic is explored where required, and the total submissive nature of the female main character is central to the storyline. While there is an imbalance, there are also scenes of healthy power exchange.

  • Infidelity and Divorce: Themes of infidelity and divorce are explored, affecting character development and plot progression.

  • Father Figure/Age Disparity: The novel features a significant age gap between the main characters, contributing to a father-daughter dynamic. This aspect may be unsettling for some readers, even in dialogues exploring this relationship.

  • Graphic Language: Strong language and explicit descriptions are present in pockets, not prevalent. Some derogatory terms may be used, and readers sensitive to graphic language should take caution.

  • Surveillance: Surveillance is a recurring theme, involving one character monitoring another, and the female main character under constant surveillance by an overprotective, elite family. This aspect is integral to the plot and may be disturbing for some readers.

  • Jealousy and Obsession: Intense feelings of jealousy and obsession are central to the story. These emotions drive character actions and can be distressing.

  • Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual contact by a non-MMC character, deeply affecting emotional and psychological stability. The assault is described in detail, though no forced penetrative assault takes place.

  • Self-Harm/Suicidal Thoughts: There are references to suicidal thoughts, though no depiction of suicide or self-harm. This is a brief mention but may still be triggering for some readers.

  • Manipulation and Gaslighting: Some characters engage in manipulative behaviors that could be interpreted as gaslighting. These dynamics are explored briefly.

  • Societal Judgment: This is a prevalent theme in the book, as the main characters face routine challenges from society. Themes of societal judgment and the consequences of defying societal norms are explored, impacting character decisions and plot development.

  • Family Pressure and Expectations: The female main character faces significant pressure from her family regarding her romantic relationship and career. This theme is explored throughout the novel and may resonate with readers who have experienced similar pressures.

  • Complex Family Dynamics: The novel features intricate family relationships, including favoritism and neglect, which might be triggering for readers with similar experiences.

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