A review by hereiskyra
Captured by Lauren Biel

challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What in the world did I just read and why could I not put it down?! I was hooked from page one and there wasn’t a dull moment in its entirety (maybe just a few nausea inducing ones).

Mild spoilers ahead… 🖤

Ophelia and Alex were both victims of circumstance and they were both conditioned to live a way they wouldn’t have chosen for themselves. I think the reality of the world proves just how easy it is for some people to love a real monster… sometimes ones that aren’t even sorry for their actions or have no desire to change. So, let’s be real for a second here… Alex would be a lot easier to love than some of the crazies running around in society. I said what I said. 

While this wasn’t a typical “dark romance” or anything, it was in the realm… and even though in reality we’d be screaming at Ophelia… this work of FICTION was pretty solid in my eyes. It kept me engaged, the writing was good, the characters had depth and their own personalities. And she wasn’t afraid to add in some cringey, disgusting bits for shock value that, while completely unnecessary, made this book super memorable. 

Tropes/Themes:
Stockholm Syndrome 
Captive/Captor
Morally Black MMC
HEAVY Triggers

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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