Captured

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My Review 

When I picked up Captured by Lauren Biel, I knew I was in for a rough ride. Having read her previous works, I’m familiar with her penchant for delving into the dark recesses of human nature. But this book hit a different, and much darker, note.

Before diving in, I glanced at the trigger warnings. It’s a necessary precaution with Biel’s books, but even those couldn’t fully prepare me for what was to come. Listening to the audiobook, I found myself constantly wincing. Captured is disturbing and stomach-churning, far beyond dark romance and deeply entrenched in horror erotica. If you’re even slightly queasy, heed the trigger warnings seriously.

This book challenges your sanity. It’s an erotic horror story where the horror element completely overshadows any notion of romance. There’s nothing sexy here, only darkness.

Despite the relentless horror, I found myself compelled to finish it. There are no heroes, only varying degrees of villains. Alexzander, the “lesser evil,” is still far from good. His relationship with Ophelia is twisted, built on mutual brokenness. Their connection is disturbing, a result of their shattered lives fitting together in a nightmarish way.

Characters

Ophelia: She’s trying to survive under the thumb of her abusive, alcoholic father. Her job at the diner is her only escape until the Bruggar brothers show up and turn her world upside down. Waking up chained in a filthy basement, Ophelia’s only glimmer of hope comes from Alexzander, her captor with a flicker of soul left in his eyes.

Alexzander: A man conditioned by his past to inflict pain, Alexzander’s life is a hollow existence until he captures Ophelia. She’s unlike any of his previous victims, and her resilience intrigues him. As he gets to know her, he begins to see just how wrong his life has been. Yet, he can’t let her go. Ophelia becomes his obsession, and he’ll do anything to keep her with him.

Their relationship is far from healthy or romantic. It’s a disturbing bond forged in captivity and control, especially with Alexzander’s vile brother Gunnir lurking in the background.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on Captured, my overwhelming reaction is a firm “NO.” The book is so deeply unsettling that even now, certain scenes make me gag.

My advice? Do not consume this audiobook when you’re eating or planning to eat, and definitely avoid it during a work lunch break. This story is a hard pill to swallow, and it will linger with you long after you’ve finished. Proceed with caution.



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