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Bound by Thorns: Ensnared Elements Series Book 1

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“The forest will swallow your screams, Elodie.”

In the mystical Verdantia Veil, the earth breathes, the trees carry secrets, and shadows may be more than they seem. Elodie has spent her life at its edge. She's curious and drawn to the danger just beyond the moss and fog. But one night of forbidden pleasure awakens a craving within the woods… and within her.

When she meets Erys, the sadistic Hollowfolk who guards the Veil, she learns that he is no myth. He is dark, merciless, and breathtakingly beautiful. His touch completely consumed her mind and body and his claim over her may save the forest or destroy her entirely.

Caught between her fierce desire and her fear of what she’s becoming, Elodie must decide if she’ll run from this new life… or bloom within it.

Enter a world where lust feeds magic, love borders on madness, and the forest demands surrender.

Bound by Thorns, Book 1 of The Ensnared Elements series

A dark romantasy filled with obsession, possession, and an unhinged love that could level kingdoms.



387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2025

8 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

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Delilah Synn

3 books8 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Probst.
57 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
This book starts off smutty and stays that way until about the 40% mark and then the story picks up with a bang. Because it was just BAM smut, I didn't get a chance to feel connected to the characters. I think the story could have been fluffed out a bit (maybe 2 books, one with the FMC learning her magic & watching the relationship grow then a second book with the bad guy showing up). it's hard to tell how time passed in this book and it wasn't made better by how fast things were moving; at one point the FMC essentially says "this is the first time I've felt like royalty since being here" but based on what was happening she'd only been there for like 10 minutes... so like what?!
15 reviews
December 2, 2025
(ARC reader)

Reading the description, I really liked the theme. Guardian of the Forest, Mother, Veil, witch… I saw great potential for this to become an excellent fantasy novel. The first chapter starts intensely right away. However, the entire story actually takes place over just a few days. The world is not fully built and the characters remain rather flat, so I couldn’t form an emotional connection with them. The most well-developed character is actually the main antagonist, and I found myself rooting for him.

There are also many plot holes and parts that don’t seem logical, for example when Elodie says, “Yes, master,” and Erhys responds, “Defiant little rabbit…” Some dialogues feel as though they belong to a sequel, as if we’ve already read previous books and certain things are simply assumed. One example is the way Elodie thinks about Erhys, as if they have known each other deeply for years, when in reality only 24 hours have passed.

The world in which the story is set has excellent potential to be expanded and deepened. I believe two books would be ideal. The first could focus on fantasy world-building along with Elodie’s journey of discovering her powers and her personal story. The second could explore the war between the forest and fire and reveal her family history. This would help readers develop a much stronger emotional bond with the characters, and the world would be far better explained.
4 reviews
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December 1, 2025
Absolutely Enchanting Dark, Lush, and Utterly Addictive

Bound by Thorns is the kind of book that wraps around you like living vines and refuses to let go. From the very first page, Delilah Synn pulls you into the haunting beauty of the Verdantia Veil, a world so vivid, atmospheric, and alive that you can practically feel the moss under your fingertips and hear the forest breathing.

Elodie is a captivating protagonist, torn between fear and desire, innocence and awakening power. Her journey is equal parts emotional, dangerous, and intoxicating. And then there’s Erys dark, merciless, magnetic, and impossible not to be obsessed with. Their chemistry is electrifying in the best unhinged romantasy way.

The story blends desire, danger, and fantasy with a smoothness that makes the pages fly by. The tension is addictive, the world-building rich, and the writing absolutely gorgeous. It’s a perfect storm of obsession, possession, and that beautifully twisted kind of love that keeps you thinking long after you’re done.

If you love dark romantasy with immersive lore, morally grey characters, and a romance that burns bright and wild this book will own you.

I cannot wait for Book 2. 💚🌿✨
Profile Image for Dayna Smith.
547 reviews26 followers
January 30, 2026
First of all, a huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of Bound by Thorns — and my sincerest apologies that this review is a little late… life happened, but the love is still very real 🫶✨

This book delivered slow-burn tension, delicious chemistry, and just the right amount of spice to keep me hooked from start to finish. The romantic build-up is chef’s kiss, layered with longing looks, charged moments, and emotional intensity that makes every interaction feel electric.

The connection between the characters is magnetic — the kind that simmers beneath the surface before igniting into something irresistible. The teasing, the tension, the yearning… it all blends together into a romance that feels both intimate and addictive. When the spice finally hits, it’s so worth the wait 🌶️🔥

Beyond the romance, the world-building and magical elements add depth and atmosphere, making this story feel immersive and enchanting. The emotional undertones paired with the sensual tension create a beautifully balanced read that hits both the heart and the swoon factor.

If you love fantasy romance with slow burn, undeniable chemistry, emotional depth, and satisfying spice, Bound by Thorns deserves a spot high on your TBR.

✨ Sweet, steamy, and utterly addictive. ✨
Profile Image for Josephine Hertzog.
4 reviews
December 14, 2025
Delilah Synn’s Bound by Thorns is a darkly seductive high fantasy romance centred on Elodie who should most definitely not be left unsupervised and is often prone to questionable life choices. A fact which I'm sure most of us can relate to. After one reckless night in the depths of the forest of the Verdantia Veil, she finds herself claimed by Erys the broody hot-tempered guardian of the veil and quickly learns she is the only one who can save her dying homeland.

Synn skillfully blends character development with constant plot twists, maintaining a dark, unapologetic tone filled with intense romance, violence, and spice. This is a perfect choice for fans who appreciate extensive trigger warnings and a searching for a feral forest man to further spice up their reading.

While I enjoyed much of the story, the ending was somewhat disappointing for me. Despite the clear resolution of the overall conflict, the ending between the two characters felt somewhat anticlimactic. Overall though I'd recommend it as it had a level of unpredictablility that I'm yet to see in any of the other books I've read.
Profile Image for lobelianne.
11 reviews
December 14, 2025
ARC Review - 2,5 ⭐

The concept of this book sounded incredibly promising, and it truly had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, that potential never fully came to life for me.

The worldbuilding felt very thin. The setting is barely described, and I often found myself having to piece together where the characters even were. A map would have helped immensely to make the world feel more tangible.

Despite the extremely long trigger warning list, the book still turned out to be far more graphic, bloody, and violent than I expected. What surprised me most was the sharp tonal shift: after starting off very spicy, the plot changes drastically shortly before the halfway point and turns into almost nonstop war until the end. That transition felt abrupt and unbalanced.

By the time the story reached its conclusion, both the ending and the character development felt rushed. Big emotional and narrative moments didn’t have enough room to breathe, which made them feel less impactful than they could have been.

Overall, Bound by Thorns had an intriguing premise, but the execution didn’t quite work for me.
Profile Image for Denise O.
64 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2025
Elodie has always felt a pull towards the forest a longing she couldn’t explain. Alone in the forest a thrill goes through her thinking of being caught . She doesn’t know she is being watched by Erys the guardian of the veil. He calls her temptress of the veil for she tempts him even possessive of her.

He has been obsessed with her since she step foot in to his forest, stalking her. She is his enemy but she will be his to use as he pleases, she will call him master. She tries to deny it but he owns her now, he’s not going to let her go. The forest will bloom with her surrender.

Elodie doesn’t realise the magic she has, the power to heal the forest and Erys want to use this power to defeat his enemy, there is a threat of war looming. The passion between them, brutal kisses pleasure and fear mingled together.

She has survived betrayal, devastation and fear she can survive anything that is thrown at her with Elys by her side.

“My Elodie. I would walk through fire to bring you back”

I absolutely devoured this book the passion between Elodie and Erys 🥵 his willingness to sacrifice his life for her, but what Elodie doesn’t realise she’s very powerful.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikki B..
875 reviews17 followers
January 8, 2026
Bound By Thorns is book 1 in the Ensnared Elements series. This is a dark romantasy story.
I will say, I had some trouble getting into this one. The first few chapters just seemed like the story was just going to be more spice than plot. But a few chapters in, the plot began to thicken. Erys is so demanding, dark, and broody, but so obsessed and possessive over Elodie that he would walk through the heat of burning lava if that's what it would take to keep her as his. He is such a sadist. His personality and ways had me having mixed feelings about him. I want to say that he loves Elodie, but the way he treats her doesn't seem anything like love. It's just complete possession.
Elodie is a force to be reckon with but it does take a while for her to tap into her powers and realize how powerful she really is. I feel like what she was feeling for Erys was more like love and it just seemed so one sided.
Also... the whole ladder scene.. I couldn't picture it in my head, but the descriptions had me cringing so hard, lol.
The plot in this story is really intriguing. The story is full of secrets, betrayal, and twists. It's well written and not confusing at all and flows well.
114 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2025
I liked this book. The female characters are funny and sex positive. I like a woman who isn't afraid to get her own. It did come off a little as their whole personalities at first but you get a little more depth as the story goes on. I love an animal friend and I really enjoyed her little hedge high friend and the character arc that went with that. I thought that was a really nice unique touch. The MMC was a classic alpha. I wish there was a bit more depth to his character and that we got to see their relationship I bit more. I also wished that she grew into her powers and confidence to where she felt like she could stand on her own. I biggest sadness about this book is that I wish the villian won. I mean don't get me wrong his methods has problems but I get why he went the path he did and no one seemed to think what the mother did was wrong or that her stance in competition for loyalty could be a problem for our main couple. I would have liked them to come together to take her down. But maybe I am just a vengeful bitch.
Overall it was a good read and I had a fun time.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,534 reviews80 followers
January 2, 2026
This was a deliciously seductive, thrilling, and spicy dark fantasy story that at times had me saying to myself “hear me out”.

Elodie and Erys were unique characters. Elodie is a feisty and funny young woman who really gets herself into a lot of trouble. Erys is the typical grumpy, fierce, broody, and incredibly seductive man (but not really a man). I mean, he can do things with vines that I never would’ve contemplated in a spicy story. But I was 1000% into it.

The banter between the two main characters was exceptional but the sexual chemistry between them was incredibly intense and just oozed off the pages. The amount of smut in this book was perfect for someone like me who loves dark smutty stories. It was definitely panty sopping smut.

There was all kinds of mystery, danger, lust, passion, betrayal, secrets, and twists and turns that were dark and gripping, keeping me fully engaged with the story and turning the pages quickly to see how it all ends.

I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Ruby Martyr.
Author 1 book8 followers
November 29, 2025
Dark, Lush, and Addictively Wild (ARC Reader)

Bound by Thorns is a bold, atmospheric dark-fantasy romance that pulls you straight into the Verdantia Veil and refuses to let go. The writing is vivid and immersive, the worldbuilding rich, and Elodie’s journey is intense, emotional, and impossible to look away from. Erys is feral, terrifying, magnetic, exactly the kind of morally dark hero I love.

The story balances danger, desire, and myth beautifully, with high stakes and a forest setting that feels alive on every page. If you enjoy dark, twisted fantasy with strong character voice and unapologetic themes, this one delivers exactly what it promises. I started reading it before going to bed and trust me as soon as I did my sleep was out of the window, if you want that kind of gripping experience start reading it now.
Profile Image for Vanessa Flores.
32 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2025
Hot. Hot. Burning. (ARC reader).

Elodie is just one hell of a girl waiting...wanting...pleading for someone to connect with her. She is majestical...so much that the forest thrives off of her pleasure! Erys...the sadist that he is instantly obsesses over her and claims her as his. I am thankful to read from both perspectives of each character. I don't expect any humanity from a forest Guardian...but boy does he redeem himself during his parts. It doesn't feel so much like a love story but this is DARK. the gore was unexpected but I loved it! Erys is such a bad ass!

This book had me watering my plants....so to speak. My first fully smutty book and I am INTRIGUED. It is fast paced however. I'd love to learn more about Elodie and see if there is anymore growth from her.

Profile Image for Aria .
233 reviews
December 5, 2025
Bound by Thorns by Delilah Synn dives deep into dark fantasy romance with a heavy emphasis on steamy, explicit scenes that will appeal to fans of very smutty reads. The premise has intriguing supernatural elements and a seductive atmosphere that sets the stage for intense passion.While the spice is front and center and delivered in abundance, the story felt a bit underdeveloped for my taste, making it challenging to fully connect with the characters or plot beyond the heat. With more balance and depth, it could elevate even higher.Overall, a bold, trope-filled indulgence for readers who prioritize steam above all else. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Three stars.
Profile Image for Whimsical.bookie.
34 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 11, 2025
4⭐️
4 🌶

"The kiss was a brutal collision. I clawed at the fabric of his tunic, twisting it tight in my fists, dragging him closer like if I let go for even a second I'd lose him. His lips moved against mine like he was starving, like he'd been waiting for this moment to tear me open and finally feed. It was fire, it was violence, it was completely feral..."

This book is a spicy read right from the gecko, from page one to the very end. It’s a quick and enjoyable story with a solid plot. Delilah has a way with dominant MMCs and I always enjoy them. I loved the fire vs. forest dynamic, the dark twists, the gore and the fighting scenes. My favorite side character was Smári. Erys will make you crawl. 😈

This book also has poems and recipes! ✨️

Be sure to read the list of trigger warnings!
Profile Image for Whitney.
503 reviews
December 19, 2025
This book started with a bang, a smexy bang, and I was here for it. I really enjoyed that the story opened with the physical connection and then let the plot and character arcs developed from there. The quick buildup of the physical aspect allowed the power exchange between Elodie and Erys to be explored and created a really unique dynamic between them. The spicy scenes were perfect and dipped into dark romance territory in all the best ways.

While I was absolutely here for the spice, I also enjoyed the overall plot and world building. The sunshine grumpy trope worked especially well, with Erys as the grumpy guardian of the forest and Elodie discovering that her sunshine can have a cutting edge.
Profile Image for Holly Howard.
122 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2025
When I say I couldn’t stop reading this, I mean literally couldn’t stop. This novella had spice, plot, suspense… and a ladder ;)

I loved that the MMC was soft only for her, but not super soft. I like my men to stay little mean- it makes the sweet feel earned instead of handed out. The FMC was no innocent ingenue. She had bite, sass, and felt relatable.

What stood out most was how the author explored the villians grief. Instead of surrender, grief became revenge fuel and a loud ownership of madness. That resonated with me in a way I didn’t expect. Makes the villian less villiany and more misunderstood.

I would absolutely love to revisit these characters again- I loved every second of this book.
Profile Image for Anjie Aveno.
2 reviews
December 27, 2025
Loved the description, so I was so thankful for the ARC!
I enjoyed how the story really plops you in the middle of the forest and you kind of have to learn about the world-building as you read. Usually, I am unable to follow world-building is it's all at once, so it was refreshing to start off with an intense scene. Lots of great imagery for smut and gore, and an interesting plot that wasn't difficult to follow. However, I felt like the storyline was a bit rushed and that there could've been more room for connecting with the characters.
Overall, it was such a fun and easy read (despite the long list of trigger warnings), and I felt like once I started reading it, it was so hard to put down. Looking forward to seeing how the story continues in a second book!
Profile Image for Lisa.
65 reviews
December 7, 2025
A dark, filthy romantasy of obsession, surrender and the dangerous beauty of the forest.

From the beginning I felt completely enveloped by this story. Its roots kept me trapped until I finished reading.

It was a fascinating, intriguing tale.
What an experience it was to follow Elodie in the discovery of a new world made of Hollowfolk and Elemental Guardians.

A powerful love and a destiny that must be decided.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Desiree Glauner.
96 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
Okay well; for starters.. it starts smutty on page 1 and stays that way until about half way through where most of the smut just disappears and the plot thickens. It was definitely an interesting read to say the least. If you like smut, wood creatures and defying gods, lesbian considerations and sudden changes in how the story goes.. I’d definitely recommend this. It definitely kept you on your toes, when you thought you figured it out.. you were hit with something different
Profile Image for Whitney Casarez.
26 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2025
So, if you have basically 0 triggers, this book is for you! This book literally starts off with spice and stays very spicy most of the way through the book before the plot really thickens and the story starts to unfold more. I really did enjoy all of the action and secrets that are revealed later in the book and the spice is definitely SPICY!
Smut readers who like dark romance, kink, gore, fantasy and all that good stuff, read this!
Profile Image for Yasmeen Owens.
123 reviews
December 16, 2025
I reading bound by thorns. I was completely immersed in the storytelling and in the characters. Especially during the very smutty scenes. I was impressed with the details, the characters and their relationship building up to it and the satisfying resolution towards the end and I was also honoured to have my poem be featured in your book and I can't wait for the instalment of the next one.
Profile Image for Lauren.
50 reviews
November 28, 2025
Man this book was a wild ride. Spice is crazy and intense. This book was more gory then I expected so be prepared for that. Some scenes I couldn’t picture what was going on so it left me a bit confused. Overall a pretty interesting concept!
Profile Image for Kirby Rose.
11 reviews
November 29, 2025
well well well ..... you have to get your hands on this book! Unhinged✔️Smut✔️ Plot✔️Lots of warning labels✔️! hot as lava but will also make you feel your feelings! I'm in love with this book! Give me more Delilah! now!
Profile Image for Mattie Riley.
125 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2025
This one was hot right out of the freaking gate. Forest daddy? Jesus, I was fanning myself. The war between flame and forest? So interesting, and I loved how Elodie tied into it. It was really brutal, more than I normally like but I was honestly into it.
Profile Image for Kirstie Kessell.
137 reviews
December 6, 2025
this is a smutty little masterpiece.
Forest daddy Erys is delicous!

it is amazing that i got to Beta read this and ARC read as a follow up.

its so great to see this story come together.. i am truly blessed
440 reviews12 followers
December 13, 2025
I loved this hot and heavy dark fantasy romance. I read it all in one sitting. It was all fun and sexy times and then the story picked up and everything came together. I had a great time reading. Always love supernatural elements
12 reviews
December 19, 2025
Dark sensuality draws the reader in like the vines of a honeysuckle bush: first sweet, then with a little bit of bite. By the time you realize that you are caught it is too late and the Guardian of the Veil has you.

Read at your own risk🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Alicia.
31 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2025
I may be a little biased but unhinged is my jam and this book was definitely crazy. this is book 1 in a series and I'm excited for the next one!
Profile Image for Kristine Falla.
18 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
This story had so much potential, but it's missing something i just can't put my fingers on. It could have been more... the beginning was a bit rushed somehow
Profile Image for Lisa Kimbrell .
446 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2025
ARC review:

A story full of depth and magic. Learning Elodie’s history and all the protection around her. A great plot and story with some smut placed just right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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