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Caged #2
Haunted
"I cowered away from him, unable to formulate a coherent sentence. Questions ran through my mind though none made it past my lips. I wondered how this could be happening, what he wanted, and what major injustice I'd brought against the universe to bring a fate such as this upon me.
Perhaps being born was reason enough."
After his near death experience only months earlier, Cooper's behavior is rapidly deteriorating.
So what does Ruby do? She adds a new roommate into the mix. When her friend Ronnie is abruptly called away for a family emergency, Ruby takes in Peyta, Ronnie's highly intelligent and overly observant teenage daughter. With an increasingly unstable Cooper in the house, Ruby fears for Peyta's safety.
But when Peyta's behaviors become as perplexing as Cooper's, Ruby finds herself juggling a series of lies to ensure their safety as well as her own...
Until the lies, and the bodies, start dropping.
CONTENT ADVISORY: language, moderately graphic violence
Perhaps being born was reason enough."
After his near death experience only months earlier, Cooper's behavior is rapidly deteriorating.
So what does Ruby do? She adds a new roommate into the mix. When her friend Ronnie is abruptly called away for a family emergency, Ruby takes in Peyta, Ronnie's highly intelligent and overly observant teenage daughter. With an increasingly unstable Cooper in the house, Ruby fears for Peyta's safety.
But when Peyta's behaviors become as perplexing as Cooper's, Ruby finds herself juggling a series of lies to ensure their safety as well as her own...
Until the lies, and the bodies, start dropping.
CONTENT ADVISORY: language, moderately graphic violence
227 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2012
250 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Amber Lynn Natusch
49 books1,551 followersAMBER LYNN NATUSCH is the author of the bestselling Caged series for adults. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, and is still deeply attached to her Canadian roots. She loves to dance and practice Muay Thai―but spends most of her time running a chiropractic practice with her husband, raising two young children, and attempting to write when she can lock herself in the bathroom for ten minutes of peace. Dare You to Lie is her debut YA novel with Tor Teen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 22, 2019
I'm just NOT a fan of Ruby. Every other page she is "yelling" "screaming" and not a very likeable lead character. So, why the three stars...I'm intrigued with where it will go next but I decided to go on from book 1, saying again, I really DO NOT like Ruby. I thought maybe with book 2 I'd like her more but nope, she is still showing serious fluctuations in her personality and she isn't the only one...its just not working for me.
February 2, 2012
This is the second book in the self-published UF series by Ms. Natusch. A well written and edited book that continues Ruby's interesting story. I found this book well paced and quite witty at times, but I do have to concede that I thought the first book was in a league of its own, even with a few minor complaints.
So why didn't I like this one all that much? It's hard to pin-point exactly why this book never entirely drew me in, but if I had to say, it was probably the lack of character development and its thin plot. Everything about the first book worked to bring me in. From its engaging beginning, where we find Ruby mysteriously hurt and sitting under a tree, not knowing how she got there, to the thrilling ending where she makes her heroing escape with her new found friend Cooper. Overall, I found the first book's plot very tight and completely thrilling from beginning to end. But I can't really say that about the second book, and we don't really progress all that much through the series' main plot either. I thought this book was fine, however I really never found myself entirely vested in the plot or the characters, like I did with the first book.
As I said, the plot runs a bit thin, with the first half consisting of Cooper becoming a troubled roommate, Ruby taking in a friend's teen, and Ruby attending dance class. This book's story is definitely a slow burn, as we discover the true mystery behind all the weird occurrences in Ruby's life around mid-point. And once I did get into the meat and potatoes of it all, I just didn't find it all that interesting or had enough wherewithal to care about the outcome of anyone, especially young Peyta.
Not much of the series' main plot is covered until the very end. And that part seemed rather rushed and just a mere afterthought. We also don't get much interaction between Ruby and Sean throughout. Because of this, we get little in the way of sexual tension or romance in this book, especially compared to the first.
In regards to character development, it felt like the focus was more on Ruby's friends, rather than her, and her ARC sort of suffered as a result. In addition, I found myself disliking Ruby more and more, as the book progressed, due to her vindictive, snarky, and nagging behavior. Her venom towards Sophie also seemed a bit excessive and I found myself actually rooting for Sophie by the end, and I don't think that was author's intention.
*****
After his near death experience only months earlier, Cooper’s behavior is rapidly deteriorating.
So what does Ruby do? She adds a new roommate into the mix. When her friend Ronnie is abruptly called away for a family emergency, Ruby takes in Peyta, Ronnie’s highly intelligent and overly observant teenage daughter. With an increasingly unstable Cooper in the house, Ruby fears for Peyta’s safety.
But when Peyta’s behaviors become as perplexing as Cooper’s, Ruby finds herself juggling a series of lies to ensure their safety as well as her own… Until the lies, and the bodies, start dropping.
In Summary, while I do think this book is well written, it just didn't hit the same notes for me as the first. And because of that, it was a miss for me. Still, I'm curious and anxiously await this author's next effort.
Warning: Expletives freely used.
So why didn't I like this one all that much? It's hard to pin-point exactly why this book never entirely drew me in, but if I had to say, it was probably the lack of character development and its thin plot. Everything about the first book worked to bring me in. From its engaging beginning, where we find Ruby mysteriously hurt and sitting under a tree, not knowing how she got there, to the thrilling ending where she makes her heroing escape with her new found friend Cooper. Overall, I found the first book's plot very tight and completely thrilling from beginning to end. But I can't really say that about the second book, and we don't really progress all that much through the series' main plot either. I thought this book was fine, however I really never found myself entirely vested in the plot or the characters, like I did with the first book.
As I said, the plot runs a bit thin, with the first half consisting of Cooper becoming a troubled roommate, Ruby taking in a friend's teen, and Ruby attending dance class. This book's story is definitely a slow burn, as we discover the true mystery behind all the weird occurrences in Ruby's life around mid-point. And once I did get into the meat and potatoes of it all, I just didn't find it all that interesting or had enough wherewithal to care about the outcome of anyone, especially young Peyta.
Not much of the series' main plot is covered until the very end. And that part seemed rather rushed and just a mere afterthought. We also don't get much interaction between Ruby and Sean throughout. Because of this, we get little in the way of sexual tension or romance in this book, especially compared to the first.
In regards to character development, it felt like the focus was more on Ruby's friends, rather than her, and her ARC sort of suffered as a result. In addition, I found myself disliking Ruby more and more, as the book progressed, due to her vindictive, snarky, and nagging behavior. Her venom towards Sophie also seemed a bit excessive and I found myself actually rooting for Sophie by the end, and I don't think that was author's intention.
*****
After his near death experience only months earlier, Cooper’s behavior is rapidly deteriorating.
So what does Ruby do? She adds a new roommate into the mix. When her friend Ronnie is abruptly called away for a family emergency, Ruby takes in Peyta, Ronnie’s highly intelligent and overly observant teenage daughter. With an increasingly unstable Cooper in the house, Ruby fears for Peyta’s safety.
But when Peyta’s behaviors become as perplexing as Cooper’s, Ruby finds herself juggling a series of lies to ensure their safety as well as her own… Until the lies, and the bodies, start dropping.
In Summary, while I do think this book is well written, it just didn't hit the same notes for me as the first. And because of that, it was a miss for me. Still, I'm curious and anxiously await this author's next effort.
Warning: Expletives freely used.
December 11, 2014
Review to come
July 27, 2019
Another great book! The pacing is perfect, and I’m loving the characters!
February 25, 2012
I read this book quickly (in one day) and couldn’t put it down. I had a hard time comprehending Ruby’s relationship with Scarlet and was still bothered by her immaturity and failure to make good decisions (seriously, who goes to a bar when they are supposed to be keeping an eye on their friend’s teenager?!). I also find Sean's popping in and out without full answers irritating beyond belief. Since so many questions were not answered in the first book, I was hoping they would be answered in this book, but instead I was loaded up with more questions!
I still love the world that Amber Lynn Natusch has created, so I will continue to read Ruby's story and hope that all the pieces fall into place.
I still love the world that Amber Lynn Natusch has created, so I will continue to read Ruby's story and hope that all the pieces fall into place.
August 10, 2012
Love it
O my days how things turn
I can't make up my mind if want Sean or cooper more lol... But think I'm swaying Sean :)
O my days how things turn
I can't make up my mind if want Sean or cooper more lol... But think I'm swaying Sean :)
September 26, 2012
Now this was a much better read and I've already bought book 3.....
September 9, 2013
definately better than the first book....looking forward to this series!
April 11, 2018
Comical, sassy, mysterious, intense, heart-wrenching, terrifying – All of these words could easily be used to describe Haunted, the second installment of the Caged series. Ruby’s home life is becoming more dangerous by the moment and she’s in a race against the clock to figure out why before something goes terribly wrong. With everything hanging in the balance, the suspense keeps you guessing (and clinging to the edge of your seat) until the very last moment.
Amber Lynn Natusch has scored again with Haunted! I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book to review prior to the release date. I had planned on reading a little bit here and reading a little bit there in the middle of juggling the other books in my reading schedule. That did not go as planned. Once I picked up Haunted, I could not put it down. I read this book in less than 24 hours and my only regret is that I do not have the 3rd in the series to continue on with!
One of my absolute favorite things about this book was the extraordinary amount of character growth. Character growth that is completely seamless, mind you. Ruby started out in Caged as a woman who spent the majority of her life broken and thanks to the gift of sight being returned to her, she was working on putting herself back together. By the end of the book, she was a much different person than she was when we were first introduced to her. Well, in Haunted, that character growth keeps moving forward in a very fluid fashion. She doesn’t go from meak and mousy to a mega-bitch in a day. The changes in her personality are subtly and gradually brought forth. By the end of the book, you realize that not only has Ruby changed, but she’s a wicked bad ass! The difference between the girl we met in the first few pages of Caged vs. the woman we are friends with by the end of Haunted really is staggering.
As for the storyline, again, we are looking at original storylines. Nothing about this book gave any hint of literary déjà vu (“I think I’ve read this before…”). It’s a new adventure with more characters added to an already wonderful cast. If you liked Caged, you will LOVE Haunted!
Oh yeah. The revelation that happens in the last few pages of this book will leave you feeling like someone just ran up to you and slapped you in the face with a sopping wet beach towel. You will immediately say “W T F JUST HAPPENED?!?!?!”…….but in a good way. *wink wink*
Overall, I give Haunted 5 stars!!!!
Amber Lynn Natusch has scored again with Haunted! I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book to review prior to the release date. I had planned on reading a little bit here and reading a little bit there in the middle of juggling the other books in my reading schedule. That did not go as planned. Once I picked up Haunted, I could not put it down. I read this book in less than 24 hours and my only regret is that I do not have the 3rd in the series to continue on with!
One of my absolute favorite things about this book was the extraordinary amount of character growth. Character growth that is completely seamless, mind you. Ruby started out in Caged as a woman who spent the majority of her life broken and thanks to the gift of sight being returned to her, she was working on putting herself back together. By the end of the book, she was a much different person than she was when we were first introduced to her. Well, in Haunted, that character growth keeps moving forward in a very fluid fashion. She doesn’t go from meak and mousy to a mega-bitch in a day. The changes in her personality are subtly and gradually brought forth. By the end of the book, you realize that not only has Ruby changed, but she’s a wicked bad ass! The difference between the girl we met in the first few pages of Caged vs. the woman we are friends with by the end of Haunted really is staggering.
As for the storyline, again, we are looking at original storylines. Nothing about this book gave any hint of literary déjà vu (“I think I’ve read this before…”). It’s a new adventure with more characters added to an already wonderful cast. If you liked Caged, you will LOVE Haunted!
Oh yeah. The revelation that happens in the last few pages of this book will leave you feeling like someone just ran up to you and slapped you in the face with a sopping wet beach towel. You will immediately say “W T F JUST HAPPENED?!?!?!”…….but in a good way. *wink wink*
Overall, I give Haunted 5 stars!!!!
July 17, 2017
New series for me!
I enjoyed the first two books immeasurably. So refreshing to find a new series I can get lost in...so much so that I am barely aware of my surroundings! I definitely will recommend this to my friends. Looking forward to the further adventures of Ruby and company.
I enjoyed the first two books immeasurably. So refreshing to find a new series I can get lost in...so much so that I am barely aware of my surroundings! I definitely will recommend this to my friends. Looking forward to the further adventures of Ruby and company.
May 16, 2018
Interesting Events
So if you read book 1, you know the majority of the players in this one. Man on man, did we go through a whirlwind of crazy. I never knew what was going to happen next. I had guesses, one or two correct but the full story was good and kept me on my toes. Poor Ruby sure is going through the ringer.
So if you read book 1, you know the majority of the players in this one. Man on man, did we go through a whirlwind of crazy. I never knew what was going to happen next. I had guesses, one or two correct but the full story was good and kept me on my toes. Poor Ruby sure is going through the ringer.
December 2, 2022
2nd book!
Ok I really like Ruby, so much so I stayed up all night reading. She is strong, and capable. Scarlett is a fierce protector although most see her as an assassin. Cooper is struggling here, but you know he truly cares. Petra is a young girl looking for a connection. Sean well I don't think I like him, not for Ruby or anyone really.
Ok I really like Ruby, so much so I stayed up all night reading. She is strong, and capable. Scarlett is a fierce protector although most see her as an assassin. Cooper is struggling here, but you know he truly cares. Petra is a young girl looking for a connection. Sean well I don't think I like him, not for Ruby or anyone really.
September 11, 2017
Nail biting good
Second novel in the series, and I can't even stop. Ongoing romance with Ruby and Sean that gets tangled up more the closer they get and not to mention Sofie clinging to Sean is so annoying, but entertaining all together.
Second novel in the series, and I can't even stop. Ongoing romance with Ruby and Sean that gets tangled up more the closer they get and not to mention Sofie clinging to Sean is so annoying, but entertaining all together.
October 31, 2017
Better than the first....
This book is even better than the first. This time everyone seems to be in the middle of something. I won't tell you any spoilers, but I will say you won't be disappointed and you'll be ready for the next book as soon as you finish this one!
This book is even better than the first. This time everyone seems to be in the middle of something. I won't tell you any spoilers, but I will say you won't be disappointed and you'll be ready for the next book as soon as you finish this one!
January 17, 2018
Awesome
The second book in this series. I didn't think it could beat the first one, but wow, it sure enough did. What a wonderful series. I can't wait to go on to three.
Happy Reading
The second book in this series. I didn't think it could beat the first one, but wow, it sure enough did. What a wonderful series. I can't wait to go on to three.
Happy Reading
July 22, 2017
Excellent series
Found this author from a FB site I follow. Her series was on sale, so I downloaded the first 3 books.
Found this author from a FB site I follow. Her series was on sale, so I downloaded the first 3 books.
August 12, 2017
Awesome!
The Caged series are fast paced, addictive! Love the characters and the stories. If you're looking for a new series to climb into, then the Caged series is it!
The Caged series are fast paced, addictive! Love the characters and the stories. If you're looking for a new series to climb into, then the Caged series is it!
September 3, 2017
This book was really good especially loved the twist!
September 11, 2017
Paranormal suspense with humor
This story does not fit easily into one catigory or genre. It is a great follow up to book 1. I would read it as a series.
This story does not fit easily into one catigory or genre. It is a great follow up to book 1. I would read it as a series.
December 26, 2017
Scarlett
I’m really loving this series and hoping to see more of Scarlett and maybe even an integration of them as things seem to be heading that way!
I’m really loving this series and hoping to see more of Scarlett and maybe even an integration of them as things seem to be heading that way!
January 2, 2018
Intense and Engaging!
Ruby and friend's story continues to evolve and really pulls you in to this universe!
It's a very decent read!
Ruby and friend's story continues to evolve and really pulls you in to this universe!
It's a very decent read!
April 10, 2018
Loved it.
Never saw the hole P thing,ghosts!!!!!loved this book. Ready for the next one in this series. The character are great
Never saw the hole P thing,ghosts!!!!!loved this book. Ready for the next one in this series. The character are great
April 17, 2018
Great book
Really enjoyed the surprise end. If you like werewolf love stories and rippling muscles then this book is for you.
Really enjoyed the surprise end. If you like werewolf love stories and rippling muscles then this book is for you.
May 14, 2018
Amazing
This book hooked me from the first page to the last. I love the characters and the story. Can't wait to see what happens next.
This book hooked me from the first page to the last. I love the characters and the story. Can't wait to see what happens next.
June 20, 2018
SO much better than the first one, it’s not even comparable! I’m optimistic that the next one will be even better.
April 16, 2019
More
I have never been So thrilled At a series was complete as I am right now so I don't have to wait for book three. Oh and prepare for the emotional angst!
I have never been So thrilled At a series was complete as I am right now so I don't have to wait for book three. Oh and prepare for the emotional angst!
May 16, 2019
Loving this series
The past two books I havent been able to put down. I love the characters and am so invested in their story. I cant wait ti read the next book!
The past two books I havent been able to put down. I love the characters and am so invested in their story. I cant wait ti read the next book!
January 18, 2022
I don't really remember this book, but I probably would have if I had read the first book in the series before this one. Oops.
June 24, 2024
I read this in a single sitting, so that tells you how good it was to me. Too bad it was so short, but still very enjoyable!
March 26, 2025
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Urban Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates, Werewolves, Chosen Family, Greek Mythology
𝗣𝗢𝗩: FMC
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
The Caged world will forever be one of my absolute favorite worlds, and I decided that a full reread was in order. I may not have started this world from the true beginning, but the whole world is absolutely epic.
Cooper… Cooper… Cooper… This book revolves around Cooper and Ruby, their relationship together and how their history from last book. This book has a CW around substances, so, be aware of this.
This book also gives us quite a bit more insight into Petra, who o absolutely love as a side character. She is definitely more than she appears & will help the duo with that pesky tag along.
𝗣𝗢𝗩: FMC
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
The Caged world will forever be one of my absolute favorite worlds, and I decided that a full reread was in order. I may not have started this world from the true beginning, but the whole world is absolutely epic.
Cooper… Cooper… Cooper… This book revolves around Cooper and Ruby, their relationship together and how their history from last book. This book has a CW around substances, so, be aware of this.
This book also gives us quite a bit more insight into Petra, who o absolutely love as a side character. She is definitely more than she appears & will help the duo with that pesky tag along.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews