Captive in the Dark
by
C.J. Roberts
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.
Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.
This book constricted my brain to the point that blood vessels burst and brain matter collided into mush.
With every line, sweat drenched my arm pits and soaked my dreadlocks.
My six year old daughter strolled into the room asking if she could wear her pink Winx club skirt. I told her hell no. You'll wear jogging pants, a brown paper bag on your face, and don't talk to strangers. As I pondered if it was legal at her age to carry around mace, my husband advised that I should stop reading the book . . . but I couldn't I had to finish it . . . for Livvie . . . for Caleb . . . for you the people who were reasonable enough to see the cover, cringe, and find another book.
Here we have a disturbed guy kidnaping and preparing a young girl for sexual slavery . . . and at some point "I" began rooting for them to fall in love!!!
First of all, I shouldn't have to say this but I'm Anti-Human Trafficking! I took a freaking Sociology of Human Trafficking course for godsake and got an A! So why did I enjoy this book? . . . because yes in the end I enjoyed the damn book!"
AND I AM SO ASHAMED.....
But isn't that the skill of an outstanding writer? To make you want to turn the page. The whole time inciting complex emotions in your mind. Because when a book is crap its crap . . . it doesn't matter how controversial the topic is, its a dumb book. One example of this for me is Ann Rice's Beauty series. I could never recognize the plot. For me it was just a bunch of horrific and sexual images which is why I didn't finish the book.
This book has a clear plot . . . Livvie needs to get her ass away from Caleb! Meanwhile Caleb must prepare her for a task that he's been planning for 12 years.
The characters are well developed to say the least. We're told the story of why both people are who they are which helps me understand their actions and desperation.
This isn't dark erotic fiction. This is a psychologic thriller! Horror Romance! Edge of your seat, spine-tingling, hard-hitting, and unfortunatly panty wetting stacatto scenes with a lyrically infused tempo!
WRITERS! This book is THE LESSON in how to write as the Anti-hero. Hannabel Lector meet Caleb.
So in the end I give this book five stars. The author earned it. I had a great respect for her narrative voice, scene creation, and plot lines. C.J. Roberts I bow to you . . . but sadly I won't be continuing The Dark Duet . . .
When I read I love to have fun and laugh . . . this book just makes me sad and gloomy.
I remember this guy years ago was like, "Kenya have you ever tried Sativa, the legal drug?"
"Uh no."
"Dude. You have to try it Kenya! I smoked it and it was like I was trapped in a coffin trying to escape."
"That's stupid! Why would you want to experience that?" I ask.
"For the same reason people ride roller coasters or go through haunted houses. Its the thrill of danger."
"That makes sense. Its probably why I don't ride roller coasters or do haunted houses. I'd rather lounge with a book and sip a glass of pinot noir."
I hope poor Livvie and Caleb reach a mentally healthy resolution, but I'm about to read a Dr. Seuss book just to clean my brain.
