Halloween Reading Challenge #4 : Owned By The Lost Boys by A. J. Merlin (audiobook)

Published on 3 October 2024 at 17:21

Last October Aurelia (Auri) had a close encounter of the serial killer kind while attending a gaming convention in L. A. — more than one encounter, actually, even though she hadn’t thought about it in such a light. That encounter was enough to ruin Halloween for her, one of her most favorite times of the year. It didn’t help that she thought she saw an old friend at the convention, which brought back some of the bad memories and times that she had overcome (somewhat) over the years. 

 

Enter the Lost Boys — Cyril, Isaac, Ashe, Ezra, and Arlo. (If you catch the Peter Pan reference here, you are not alone, it was intentional). They run roughshod over Auri and her boundaries, to the point that the reader starts to realize that she kinda likes that they do it (unless you are talking about the tattoo — that she did not like or consent to). In my opinion, they are all a bit psycho and are all the unmentioned employees of the Chancellor Corporation. They mostly work as hired muscle to intimidate those who choose not to comply with Nathan  Chancellor‘s rules and regulations. They also enforce the boundaries of their territory in blood if  necessary. 

 

This is not a tame children’s tale. There is a Trigger Warning page that the author has provided for the book itself that should also be attached to the audiobook for good reasons. Some of the actions and activities that take place in this book are not at all wholesome or pleasant. For those not familiar with BDSM, some of the troupes may seem extreme, and may make the reader very uncomfortable. Also, there are violent actions and activities that happen during the story that may not be palatable for everyone. Please bear in mind that most of the main male characters would be classified as killers or serial killers. One openly admits to being a psychopath. 

 

The book does not disappoint in the Sice department. Yes, this book does contain MM/MFM content, as well as BDSM and Kink content and references. If that is not your thing, then you probably should have skipped this book altogether. The author makes it work, however, without seeming trite or over played. SPICE is definitely a solid 5 out of 5. It is most certainly a 5 out of 5 on the Kink meter, as well. 

 

I have to disclose that I did read the ebook earlier this year, and enjoyed it so much that when the audiobook became available I instantly saved it to my reading pile. I have to say that it was worth the listen, although nothing new was added. It is still the adult Peter Pan-ish retelling with lots of spice and gory times. Yes, there are some difficulties with the voice actors playing different parts, the story is not actually ruined. It is quite difficult to give different tones at times and remembering which tone belongs to which character as a lay-person. I imagine that it can also be hard for some voice actors to give those differing inflections and tones. So I do give the voice actors 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

 

I have attached the ratings that I assigned it though the Bookly app. 

 

Wishing y’all a Spooky Adventure in the reading realms, 

 

Dia

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