Review: For those who want to read about sex slave and human trafficking but fear to have a too raw reading.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 3, 2014
I give it 4 stars.Ever wanted to read "The Dark Duet " or "Escape From Paradise" but afraid it would be too brutal to stomach? You like a romance with protective hero through and through? Well this book is for you.I found it a good compromise. It highlights the backstage of human trafficking. How a human mind is trained into submission by repeated abuses. But at the same time, the author throws a veil when it could get "too much to bear".Don't misunderstand me. It's not "rainbows and ponies". You've got murder scenes, suggested rape and forced graphic fellation. Some girls give under pressure and lose their mind.But.. the romance is still strongly present, more than in other books of the genre. If you would use culinary analogy I would say it's nor rare nor well done either but medium.The heroine is relatively sheltered thanks to Lance's protection early in the book.To the plot now.Gwen is captain of a cheerleader squad, golden girl of her town and the mayor's daughter. She has a boyfriend (but is still a virgin) and will soon attend university.All her dreams are shatterd the moment she is abducted.She is thrown in an underground dungeon with other girls, destined to become a sex slave after her auction.She is beaten, undressed and collared like a dog. "I'm no longer a person. I'm a commodity. Slave 342."Lance is The Boss's son. We soon learn he has "a plan" and wants revenge for his mother's death.Self disciplined to show no emotions or weaknesses he's become cold and detached. He still sees the amorality of his world and declares himself "guilty by association". He never hoped to deserve salvation.But Gwen's innocence and vitality stir forgotten feelings in his heart. From the beginning, he is determined to protect her from his father's goons depravity while still trying to reach his goal.He'll teach her hard decisions have to be made to survive. It's all about self preservation.I liked the romance and their instant attraction. Despite or maybe because of the circumstances, they'll find each other. "This relationship was f***** up and maybe it was toxic, the feelings flowing between us amplified by intense circumstances. I was drowning in him and didn't want to be saved."The sex scenes are steamy hot and Lance is gorgeous.I loved Gwen's integrity and determination to protect the other girls. She is good to the core and her goodness is calling to Lance's good side. She is his beacon of light, his everything in a sick world filled with monsters.So, all in all a very enjoyable read I finished in one day.