ALC Review:
Stolen Dream is the third audiobook in Oliver Takely’s MM romance series, Soho Knights. First things first, check and recheck those triggers, because this one is beyond intense. This story revolves around Max and Paolo, who meet at eighteen under the absolute worst circumstances in a conversion camp In the United States. Although Paolo is from London, his parents had sent him oversees specifically for the camp, which is run by a degenerate priest who is pure evil. In my opinion, conversion therapy (which is actually not therapy at all) is pure evil, period. The two boys have an instant connection and provide much-needed support for one another. They find love in this most inhospitable environment, but when they’re discovered together, they are brutally torn apart with no real way to contact the other. Although living in different countries, they meet again in London twelve years later through mutual friends and get a second chance at love. Both are still traumatized by their time in the camp and are dealing with that in their own ways, but it’s clear those old feelings are still there. But despite being given a second chance, there are definitely obstacles they must overcome—distance, jobs, and family issues, to name a few. But together, they not only grow the love that started in the camp but help each other begin to heal from all they endured there. This story is as hopeful as it is heartbreaking and heavily features found family. It is also inspirational, gutting, witty, and downright swoony. It’s basically got everything required to get you into your feels and keep you there. I adored it, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to release in audio!
The duet-style narration from Gregory Salinas and Tim Paige adds yet another other level of intensity and feeling to this already-incredible story. These two voice actors are unbelievably talented, and it definitely shows in this audio. Both completely inhabit their characters, bringing so much passion, despair, joy, rage, hope, and warmth to this audiobook. They bring this emotionally-charged story to life in all the best ways, making this a truly unforgettable listening experience.