Jan 15th, 2026
Sarah Westill’s Captivated by Dominik is a fun blend of political intrigue, adventure, and slow-burn romance, focusing on the complex relationship between Sienna, Master Guardianess Vesari of the First Intelligence Office, and Dominik, Master Guardian Scythian. From the very first chapter, Sienna is forced into an unusual marriage of convenience: she must spend a year with Dominik, a man she barely knows, while juggling the pressures of her secretive, high-stakes role. The tension between them, both professional and personal, forms the heart of the story, as Sienna navigates her responsibilities and her own uncertainty about intimacy, while Dominik’s calm and confidence continuously challenge her guarded nature.
Westill is particularly gifted at world-building. The reader is quickly immersed in Sziveria and New Columbia, two nations with distinct cultural, political, and technological identities. Westill populates these worlds with richly detailed institutions, from the First Intelligence Office (FIO) and its hierarchies to the complexities of the Uninhabited Zone (UZ), a dangerous and largely unexplored territory.
The narrative balances the tension of exploration and espionage with the interpersonal dynamics between Sienna and Dominik. Their lighthearted and intimate moments provide a welcome contrast to the high-risk missions that drive much of the plot.
Westill gradually reveals Sienna’s extraordinary abilities. The unfolding of her powers is handled with careful pacing, allowing readers to appreciate both the scope of her talent and the moral complexity it introduces. Dominik’s awareness of her abilities, combined with his own unique skills, especially the link with his hawk, Alstair, creates a dynamic partnership. The interactions with Alstair, from reconnaissance missions to intimate gestures, add depth to their bond and highlight the novel’s creative approach to blending human and animal perspectives.
The mission in the UZ drives the suspense, with hidden mines, dangerous terrain, and political intrigue all intersecting. Westill delivers tense, action-filled moments, including a rabies outbreak, stealth investigations, and moral dilemmas. While some plot points feel contrived (the marriage contracts) or unrealistic (Waldon’s hysterical reaction on the train), they don’t detract significantly from the story.
The romance between Sienna and Dominik develops naturally, and the slow progression from cautious cooperation to emotional and physical intimacy is believable and satisfying. Vulnerable moments, like Sienna’s discomfort with intimacy and Dominik’s gentle guidance, add emotional resonance. Westill balances the romance with the adventure, ensuring it enhances rather than distracts from the story.
Sienna’s personal growth is another highlight. The slow revelation of her origins, her parents’ manipulation, and Lysandros’s control over her career and personal life is probably the strongest subplot of the novel. By uncovering her true origins (I’ll say no more), Sienna is forced to face not only external challenges but also the consequences of her own identity and autonomy. These moments of self-discovery make her decision to marry Dominik feel meaningful, both for herself and for political reasons.
If there’s a notable critique of the story, it lies in the last scene with Olivieros. While the majority of the book is tightly plotted and engaging, the final negotiation with Olivieros feels anticlimactic compared to the build-up of tension throughout the mission. A stronger resolution to these political stakes could have elevated the narrative’s final act, giving the climax more impact.
Still Captivated by Dominik is a fun read, intertwining a multilayered adventure with a strong romantic thread. The novel’s greatest strength is its exploration of power, the abuse of that power, and the gradual unveiling of Sienna’s hidden abilities. Together, these elements make Sienna’s journey compelling and relatable, even within a fantastical world.
Buy the book on Amazon.