Caged Bird

Saint View Strip #4

by Elle Thorpe

I’ve spent five years in hell, chained up by a man who was supposed to love me.

My family thinks I’m dead. I would be, if it weren’t for the little boy born into a nightmare. I breathe only for him.

Until Zane walks back into my life.

My brother-in-law. The teenager I once knew, now all grown-up.

He’s a prisoner, just as I am.

I don’t trust him—but I have no one else.

Night by night, hidden away in the darkness, he comes to me, whispering hope in my ear.

Setting my body alight with his touch.

If his brother knew, he’d kill us both.

But neither of us can stop. The forbidden attraction turning into a secret romance we can’t give up.

Until there’s only one way out.

Escape.

A caged bird needs to be set free.

Caged Bird is a dark, forbidden romance with an abused, single mom heroine and the brother-in-law who’s loved her since they were kids.

Please check the trigger warnings. Caged Bird can be read as a standalone romance but is best read as book four in the Saint View Strip series.

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Dark, Romance, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Second Chance

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Elle Thorpe is the author of over thirty romance titles, including Amazon top ten books, Start a War and Locked Up Liars. She is best known for her dark reverse harems, and sexy small town romances.

When she's not writing, she's probably out on her family's alpaca farm in rural Australia.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellethorpebooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellethorpebooks
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellethorpebooks

Reviews

[madie dragoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶️
📱

this was honestly the perfect conclusion for this series! i loved that we finally got to see fawn’s story, despite how heartbreaking it was to read about. she is such a strong fmc and i enjoyed how well that was portrayed in this story. zane was such a sweetheart and an absolute knight in shining armor for fawn. he was everything she and otis needed, he listened to her and gave her freedom and left when she needed to be her own person. he was so sweet and i loved that their relationship was rekindled from when they were kids. i also adored how we got to see the other characters from within the saint view world. my sweet baby eve 🥹 and ophelia and vincent🥰 it added so much to this story to see the saint view community come together and catch up with all of the other relationships.

“zane was beautiful. but dangerous things often were.”

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so bittersweet to finish this series but I was so desperate for Fawns story since this series began😫

Fawns story is most certainly not an easy one. She is faced with many hardships and difficult situations throughout this book. She has spent the last 5 years separated from her family, and is under the thumb of someone that honestly I cannot put into words of how horrible that man is..

Like Fawn, our MMC Zane also found himself back stuck under the thumb of Eddie but once he realised that Fawn was alive after being presumed to be dead after all this time he would do everything possible to make sure she got out this time. Fawn of course is reluctant to accept Zane’s kindness, but she comes to learn that Zane has never stopped loving her😭 These two really do go through it.

I absolutely sobbed when we finally got the reunion we have all been desperately waiting for because it was most certainly a long time coming.

This universe that Elle has created is absolutely amazing from the flow of characters from each of the different series’s, the friendships and family bonds that have been created. It will always hold a special place in my heart💗

Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back baby!

Elle has done it again. I don’t know how she does it, but every book i read by Elle takes me right into Saint View. I feel Fawn’s desperation to get out, her love for her son, her need to protect him. I feel Eve’s need for a baby, her struggle with infertility, her struggles with IVF.

Margaret meeting Otis, my freaking heart. 😭❤️

“At his heart, Eddie was just a kid who didn’t want to be alone. And so he held on to people the only way he knew how. By dominating them, controlling them with fear, and threatening them until he had them right where he wanted them.”
Idc, i still hate him & hope he gets eaten by a shark.

Love love love seeing Ophelia & Augie happy & in love 5 years later. ❤️ all the little nieces & nephews 🥹

Vincent & Ophelia give me life.
“We’ll have to drive all night, but it’s been too long since we had a brother-sister stabfest.” 🤣

I love how Elle portrays families, lots of kids, childfree by choice, infertility struggles. There’s no one size fits all family in here & it’s so nice to see.

Just when you think you couldn’t possibly hate Eddie more….he finds a way.

“Simba? You’re alive?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 i can’t deal. Scythe has always been hysterical.

Augie seeing Fawn alive, ohhhhhh my god, my Shayla 😭😭😭😭

No, it’s cool, I’ll just sob the last 30%, NBD.

“I could make my own happiness.”

This book was perfect from start to finish. The perfect ending to Saint View Strip. I’ll miss them. ❤️

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to finally find out what happened to Fawn. It’s so bittersweet to see this series end, but holy hell did Elle do a phenomenal job with Caged Bird. It was dark, sad, heartbreaking and yet incredibly emotional and gripping. My heart broke for Fawn and all she’d been subjected to, and for the little boy who gave her reason and the strength to continue fighting, and it broke for Zane too. He was just as much a victim of Eddie. I swear I had tears with what happened to Margaret, and my heart broke into pieces for Zane at that moment. He and Fawn were such strong people and as unfortunate as it was that they were both held captive by Eddie, I loved that they had each other. And of course no book from Elle would be complete without Scythe! He’s hands down my favorite character and his dark and deprived sense of humor truly makes these books! I’m always smiling and laughing when Scythe comes out to play. I always look forward to him in these books, and Elle never disappoints!
I loved getting a little bit of all Saint View characters in the end. From the Psychos to the Rebels, Queenie & Aloha, and Mae and her guys, and all the other incredible and unforgettable characters Elle has created, I don’t want to ever say goodbye. It’s one phenomenal universe!!
I really hate that this is the end of this series, but I am excited for Levi’s story in Elle’s new series.

[AC_BadDecisionsBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Another absolutely incredible story by Elle! I'm so glad I got to read this ARC early! I cried too many times to count while reading this, several times in the first chapter alone, but it also made me smile and laugh, and it was able to feel hopefully even though it was covering such dark and sad material. I already loved Fawn from her appearance and memory in previous books, but seeing through her eyes and seeing the things she has experienced and the fear she has lived through showed what a strong and resilient character she really is. Zane was a great addition to a fantastic male cast so far, and he really held his own by being exactly what Fawn needed when she needed it and taking a step back when that is what she asked for. And Otis! This little boy held my heart in his tiny precious hands the entire book!
There were other surprise POVs from previous Strip characters that added to what we knew about what was happening in the outside world and gave some insight into their lives over the past 5 or so years since their stories ended. We got some Scythe/Vincent action that warmed the cockles of my heart and had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet! We get a lot of good with all the bad, but this book definitely broke me! 👏 Well done, Elle, well done! 👏

[Madelynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hurt me. I may or may not have been sobbing for about 70% of the book. That being said it was such a beautiful end to the SVS series. This definitely felt like Elle’s darkest book yet. It was violent, messy, painful, and at times so bleak it was hard to continue on. Even with all the dark there was still so much hope and strength and characters ready to claw their way to their happy ending.

[Aimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t help but love something that comes from Elle Thorpe’s brain. She really knows how to write a loveable character or two with plenty of flaws, and throw them into a fantastic story line. It was so good to finally see what happened to fawn and eventually see her come out the other side. It was also really wonderful to see some of the other Saint View characters in this story. Vincent/Scythe will forever be a favourite.

[Solace Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now we get Fawn's story, which will conclude Saint View Strip. Still good, I was less invested in the love story on this one. Everyone was mad at Zane for not having done more for Fawn, and it was kind of how I felt reading it. He wasn't a bad guy, but in the face of all of the other men in Saint View, he sure took a backseat to trying to save... anything.

[Mrs Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Yet

At first I was unsure if I could sink into this story. It seemed too emotional, too intense and maybe in some ways too dark. I’m so glad that I kept reading because each moment is worth it. I loved this book. Fantastic!

[Kari Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been 87 years since I first met Fawn and I'm so happy to finally get her story. She is so incredibly strong and resilient! Zane is the perfect man for her despite a rough beginning. Elle definitely knows how to capture a reader and keep us engaged page after page. I was sad when the story was over but can't wait for more!

[ListenWithNic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great saint view book! This one wasn’t my favorite but it still was very good & I always love a chance to hear more scythe/vincent commentary

[Paige Willerick · Rating 5 out of 5]

DV content is one of my favorite tropes as a DV survivor. I know that sounds weird, but it helps me heal. It gives me hope that there's something better out there and that I am worthy of being loved and taken care of. I think Elle really captured not only the realistic possibility of being held hostage but also the overwhelming feeling of being trapped in an abusive relationship.

[Thea™]

[Raven9308 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so nervous about seeing how this author would show us Fawn and how she has lived since she was abducted and this author likes to rip apart our hearts apart into little pieces and then sew us back together. I was heartbroken for her and how things transpired but was super happy for people get their just rewards, no spoilers for me but was happy.

I fell for Fawn earlier in this world, how she was an adorable little sister for most of the Saint View Strip characters. I was devastated when she was removed by her ex and his henchmen and we get to see the torture she had to endure by her husband who was supposed to protect her but just used her and saw her as property. Her baby had to endure abuse as well but Fawn tried to protect him as much as she could.

Then you bring in Zane and we had a glimpse of him in book 3 trying to be the good guy but his brother had other plans. We them fall in love again (they had the chemistry as kids/when she was with Eddie) and it was hard for Fawn to accept it and to believe it was real but once she did it was beautiful to see their vulnerability. I was surprised with how the author did the epilogue by the way but it made total sense since Fawn needed to learn how to stand on her own 2 feet. I am glad they got their act together at the end, not gonna lie I was getting annoyed at them both hahaha. But their happy ending and of all the other couples in Strip was adorable. BTW I want a story from one of the other couples that didnt get their own story in the series, but I have to check if they got a short story somewhere!

The narration was so heartbreaking and done so well, I wouldn't have changed a thing! I felt the heartache, the blooming love and hope, the connection with Zane and Otis was special too. I also thought the baddies were done so well. I am impressed when the narrators can do such different characters between books and this was no different. I wanted Eddie to be destroyed really quickly and all his henchmen equally obliterated after how they treated Fawn and Otis and then Zane. I liked some of the easter eggs and connections from previous books, from the other series, it makes for such a fun reading and listening experience. Easily 5 stars from me!

I suggest doing a relisten of Strip before reading this one, so everything is fresh in your mind and you feel all the characters, like Eve, Lyric, and Auggie dying on the inside about not finding Fawn and trying to find closure. Then when they are reunited its even more special <3

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 142 of 2025

"The three of us, swaying together, surrounded by a love I never could have imagined. Our captive hearts, finally set free."

Each and every book in the world of Saint View leads me to believe that there is no one who can put me in a chokehold like @ElleThorpe. This series has been so full of twists and turns, and to finally get to see Fawn’s story was such a unique story. She was in such a painful situation, one that absolutely ripped my heart out. The scenes that @ElleThorpe wrote cracked my heart in two – from the pain-filled moments that made me want to cry, to the heartfelt reunions that made me want to cry with joy. I felt all the emotions in this book. I feel like every chapter I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what Eddie would do, how Fawn would respond and what the outcome would be. The entire thing was on a hairpin trigger. Bringing Zane into the mix and to see how to intervened, how he advocated for Fawn, how he selflessly loved her in the big and small ways, even to his own determent. AH! This book. These two. They are the epitome of beauty from ashes. All the revelations of this book kept me on the edge of my seat and I could do nothing but devour it. The ending of this book and subsequent epilogue was the absolute best way to end this series. To see all of our Saint View Strip favorites with their own happy endings, in however that looks, was perfect. The bonus? So much of my favorite Vincent and Scythe! AH! I loved every delectable moment with them. I am obsessed.

Rating – four stars
Format – audiobook

Ranking of Saint View Strip books (all four stars)–
1. Unholy Sins – Book #2, Zeph and Lyric
2. Caged Bird – Book #4, Zane and Fawn
3. Killer Kiss – Book #3, Augie and Ophelia
4. Evil Enemy – Book #1, Boston and Eve

Ranking of Saint View series by Elle Thorpe (all four stars):
1. Saint View Psychos (Bliss, Nash, War and Vincent / Scythe)
2. Saint View Strip (Boston & Eve, Zeph & Lyric, Augie & Ophelia, Zane & Fawn)
3. Saint View Slayers vs Sinners (Kara, Grayson, Hawk and Hayden)
4. Saint View Prison (Mae, Liam, Heath and Rowe)
5. Saint View Rebels (Rebel, Fang, Kian and Vaughn)

[Chrissy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fawn has been missing for five years, stolen by her ex Eddie who is completely off his rocker. His brother Zane has been taking care of his mother. One night Eddie gets shot and calls Zane to pick him up from the hospital. Then he forces Zane to go to a house in the middle of nowhere. The house is where he’s been keeping fawn chained up with their five year old son Otis. Zane thought fawn was dead. When they get there, it has been days since fawn ate. She is beaten and broken. Eddie cuts the tires on Zane’s truck so he can’t leave. He basically holds them all hostage. He also has some of his cronies holding mom hostage at her house.
They have to do everything Eddie says until they can find a way to escape.
After a while Eddie throws a party for his triumphant return to his criminal life. He sneaks off with guerras wife, screws her in the shed and they hatch a plan to kill Guerra and get his money.
What they don’t know is Zane and fawn are in the shed and hear the whole thing. But when they leave the shed, they lock fawn and Zane in. They have to wait to escape out a window. They fall asleep and when they wake up Otis is gone and Zane’s mom (who had been brought to the house just days before) was dead.
Zane and fawn decide to start walking through the woods. The nearest house is like 12 miles. Then they hear voices and it’s fawns siblings. They had a tracker on Zane’s truck and noticed it had been parked for quite some time. They had hoped Zane would one day lead them to Eddie.
Fawn and Zane turn back to the house and see the siblings. After a quick reunion they take Fawn and Zane home. They tell of the Guerra plan so they all go to guerras house and tell him what’s up. He tracks his wife’s phone to a motel where she is with Eddie and Otis. They get Otis back, kill the wife and decide to put Eddie in a cage forever.
Everyone is happy Fawn is back. Zane goes away for 8 months so Fawn can live her life without the traumas. Then fawns siblings go get Zane and bring him back to Fawn and HEA.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

After Fawn went ‘missing’ AKA taken by evil Eddie, I waited patiently for her story—well I think I’ve been patient. 😄 The wait was worth it and more, this story was full of angst but also camaraderie, intense drama, and action as well as quieter moments of bliss, fear yet hope was forever present, and anger that was boiling… but then there was laughter and witty banter to balance things out.

Zane was always a victim just like Fawn and the similarities between them don’t stop there. They were both vastly different from their siblings and craved a peaceful life without any threats to or from family members. Having always felt a connection since they were both sixteen it wasn’t surprising that years later their chemistry was still strong.

Oh my gosh, Fawn is one incredibly resilient and tough young woman. To have experienced everything she did and not crawl away curling into the fetal position in a ditch, amazed me. Yes, this is a book of fiction but it has happened like this before in real life, so Fawn… you are a queen in my eyes.

Having a glimpse of Ophelia, Augie, Eve, Boston, Vincent/Scythe and so many of the crew is a bonus all of its own. The Vincent/Scythe banter is always super fun and continues to be in this story.

I am so disappointed that this excellent series has come to an end. I honestly think this is one of the best series ever written and Caged Bird is a sensational story to finish it off.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG OMG

I am so happy but so sad at the same time.
This book has been years in the making, and we've all waited so so patiently for fawns story

This did not disappoint
Elles books never do.
If uve followed the strip series, then you know the absolute journey we have all been on waiting and hoping for fawns safe return. The heartbreak we've all felt at her loss.

Five years ago, Fawn was kidnapped by her controlling narcissistic ex, almost killed, and locked away, beaten, chained, raped and caged for 5 years. Everyone who loved fawns never gave up looking and searching for her to no avail 😭 despite the fact they all thought her dead.

I was in all my feelings, frustration to begin with cos all I could think of was just stab him, poison him just fking kill him do something fawn. LIKE COME ON.
Then i understood why she couldn't cos she was litrally chained with no means of escape 😭 for her or her son.
Then, hopeful aww, I was so hopeful when Zane came. He gave her hope, made her feel again 😊.
Then happiness and excitement cos well ophelia and sycth IFYKYK. 🤗 if anyone was guna find her it had to be them.

This book was absolutely amazing. Im struggling to find the right words to describe how emotional this book was.
Fawn went through so much at the hands of a monster who was so hungry with control.
I'm thankful to Zane for helping her to feel things she hadn't felt in a long time, to give her the strength she needed to fight to keep going, despite putting himself in danger all he wanted was to get fawn and her son Otis away to safety back to her friends and family. To the life she deserved.
He made her feel loved, wanted, and truly appreciated.

I'm happy her and Otis and Zane got there HEA cos god knows that woman deserves all the good and happiness in the world.

The ending to this book and this series was perfect 👌.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆.

Fawn's story was one of my most anticipated books. I already loved her while reading the Saint View Strip series and when that something happened to her, I was a mess! Fawn was so sweet and she deserved nothing but to feel loved and cared for, and she did, her new Strip family was everything she always wanted, until it was ripped from her. I devoured this book, Fawn was so sweet and sometimes she failed to see how strong and brave she really was, especially for baby Otis. She never gave up trying to find a solution for their problem, she just never thought the answer to her prayers would be Zane. The brother of her kidnapper. The boy who thought Fawn had been dead all these years, mourning her, finally had a chance to fight for her and a special little boy.

I was as angry with Zane as everyone else who read the series but wow, to see everything he went through with Eddie, poor guy, I don't know how he was still half sane after all that. Fawn and Zane, even being in the middle of a terrible situation, found in each other what they've been looking for, peace, love, happiness. They were amazing together, and so hotttt, I wasn't expecting all that coming from Zane, but it was definitely a happy surprise, Fawn deserved to be worshipped and loved with everything he had.

𝑰 𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆. 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕. 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰’𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆.

I absolutely loved this book, it was the perfect finale for the series, especially the ending with everyone together, was so beautiful!! I loved everything about it and I can't wait for Elle's next Saint View series!

🖤 Dark MF Romance
🤫 Secret Romance
🚫 Forbidden Attraction
❤️‍🩹 Abüsed Heroine
❤️‍🔥 Brother’s Girl
🫦 Brother in Law
🔪 Scythe’s Sister
💚 Series Finale

[Meegz Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received for an honest review.

I have been waiting for this book for ages, the cliffhanger we got at the end of Killer Kiss left me gobsmacked and I just had to find out how Fawn's story would go.

For the past 5 years being with Eddie has truly been torture for poor Fawn and to think that little Otis has also been witness to this all as well is horrible. There are definitely some horrible things that happen throughout this story and I would not suggest reading if abuse is a trigger for you. In saying that though, I think Elle has written this really well.

The way that we get Fawn back comes about in a completely different way than what I expected but definitely fitting of the story and this world. There were some truly emotional moments in this book that had me reaching for the tissues and I'm just so glad to finally get this story and have it end up finishing up the way in which it did.

Returning to Saint View always feels like coming home and this was another fabulous instalment in this world. I highly recommend, but definitely read the rest of the Saint View Strips first for this to make the most sense and get the full depth and feeling of the backstory along with the events that take place in this one.

Now, how long do I have to wait for more from Elle and Saint View?

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[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
After Fawn went ‘missing’ AKA taken by evil Eddie, I waited patiently for her story—well I think I’ve been patient. 😄 The wait was worth it and more, this story was full of angst but also camaraderie, intense drama, and action as well as quieter moments of bliss, fear yet hope was forever present, and anger that was boiling… but then there was laughter and witty banter to balance things out.

Zane was always a victim just like Fawn and the similarities between them don’t stop there. They were both vastly different from their siblings and craved a peaceful life without any threats to or from family members. Having always felt a connection since they were both sixteen it wasn’t surprising that years later their chemistry was still strong.

Oh my gosh, Fawn is one incredibly resilient and tough young woman. To have experienced everything she did and not crawl away curling into the fetal position in a ditch, amazed me. Yes, this is a book of fiction but it has happened like this before in real life, so Fawn… you are a queen in my eyes.

Having a glimpse of Ophelia, Augie, Eve, Boston, Vincent/Scythe and so many of the crew is a bonus all of its own. The Vincent/Scythe banter is always super fun and continues to be in this story.

I am so disappointed that this excellent series has come to an end. I honestly think this is one of the best series ever written and Caged Bird is a sensational story to finish it off.

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I honestly forgot I still had this one waiting in my Audible library, probably because it took forever for Audible to add it! But wow, I’m so glad I finally got to hear Fawn and Zane’s story. It was intense, emotional, and everything I’ve come to expect from Elle Thorpe.

Poor Fawn. That’s really all I can say. Her journey was heartbreaking, and I felt every moment of her pain and resilience. Zane, though, yay for Zane. I know some people think he should’ve done more to help her, but let’s be real: he was dealing with years of manipulation from Eddie, his own brother. That kind of trauma doesn’t just disappear, and I think Elle did a great job showing how deeply it affected him.

As always, Elle’s writing was on point, the plot was gripping, the spice was fantastic, and the emotional depth was just right. I’d definitely recommend reading the entire Saint View Strip series in order. (See Elle's site for reading order). It flows better that way, especially with all the character crossovers and backstory references. Starting from the beginning gives you the full experience.

Now, about the narration… I’ll be honest, I’m still not a huge fan of Corvin King’s voice. There’s just something about it that doesn’t quite click for me. But I’ve kind of gotten used to him in this book, and Michelle Sparks was great as always.

Bottom line: I’ll never stop listening to Elle’s books. She knows how to deliver dark romance with heart, heat, and unforgettable characters.
Super excited to hear there is a new Saint View series coming soon to follow on from this. (Saint View Murder Squad)

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, time for Fawn, I don’t know how I survived this wait but apparently, I did. She has been such a massive part in several Saint View stories. The breadcrumbs left strewn around the Saint View Strip series had my mind running wild.

I hate she had such a long timeline, did she really have to suffer for five years, Elle? I get it, I really do but I still feel bad for her.

Presumed dead, yet they never really gave up looking for her, Fawn has been chained to the house for years. To be at his beck and call, to raise his son and serve his needs. All hope to escape left her long ago, until unexpected events land a familiar face on their doorstep. She is told to play pretend, to portray the happy family. But he sees right through it, but it doesn’t matter because he ends up just as trapped as she is. They will fight out their way together, for each other and for the little boy who depends on them.

Reading the confinement they endured, I felt confined myself by this book and these words. I couldn’t put it down until they were free. Of course, after their freedom, that’s when all the familiar Saint View faces truly come into play and the party really starts. I just love all these amazing characters that Elle has brought to life. So different but they are true family. And to have Fawn get her revenge, now that was amazing. Elle knows how to give villains exactly what they deserve!

I am so sad the Saint View Strip series ends here, I absolutely loved reading these books. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Saint View.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. I received this as an ARC from the author and have been super excited for this book! This is the final book in the Saint View Strip series which is a series of MF standalones. I've loved this series as we get to learn more about the different side characters we have seen appear in the main series. This book features Fawn, who is the younger sister to Vincent/Scythe and has been assumed dead when in reality she was kidnapped by her ex boyfriend, who is a gang banger, and was forced to never leave. And she has been held captive for 5 years and has had a son. I recommend checking the content warnings as there is some darker themes with this one!

The MMC, Zane, who is the younger brother to Fawn's ex-boyfriend, had left Saint View with his mother in hopes of running away from his older brother after he assumed Fawn was dead. Growing up, he has always loved Fawn. But imagine his surprise when he gets called back to Saint View under threat of his brother and finds out Fawn is alive. He is determined to help her and her son escape.

Overall, I loved this book. I am so glad Fawn has finally gotten her happily ever after - she has definitely had a hard road. I loved how her healing was done and the acknowledgement that their relationship mainly started due to their circumstances. Sad this series is over has it has been fun to get these standalones of other characters but I am excited for the next Saint View series!! Which we did get a bit of a teaser in the novella that is attached which this book!

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged Bird (Saint View Strip #4) by Elle Thorpe is a forced-proximity dark romantic suspense told in first person and mostly dual POV with three POV chapters from other characters. It follows the relationship between Fawn Hanover, who’s been held captive, chained up, and abused for five years, and Zane Sinclair, her captor’s brother.

I've been dying for Fawn’s story since she got snatched in book one ( Evil Enemy ), and Caged Bird did not disappoint. This is the book where we finally discover the horrors Fawn has endured while enslaved by her psychotic ex in a living hell since her disappearance five years earlier. Having lost all hope of freedom, her only goal is to survive with her son Otis. Then Zane arrives. At first, Fawn thinks he’s just another monster like his brother. But when she realizes Zane’s a prisoner too, he begins to win her over, and a spark of hope reignites that they might escape the madman after all.

I loved Fawn and Zane’s story! It was dark, twisted, heartbreaking, and suspenseful. It was awesome to see Fawn reunited with her siblings (Vincent/Scythe and Ophelia) and close friends who’d believed she’d been killed years earlier. And it was even better when evil Eddie finally got what he deserved. Caged Bird is a story of survival, hope, and healing. It’s the last book of the Saint View Strip series and a very satisfying ending.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[Rina's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series

This, hands down, was my favourite book of the Saint View Strip series.

If you are after an angsty, dark(ish), emotional story with amazing characters and a few surprises thrown in, then this is a book you need to get!

I knew we would be in for a roller-coaster ride because of everything that Fawn would have been through —and I wasn't wrong.

From the very first page, the angst had me in a chokehold. I was waiting for the bad to happen, and I didn't need to wait long.
From then on, I was on the edge of my seat, absolutely captivated by what was unfolding.

The cackle I let out in the middle of the book was so maniacal that my child asked if I was okay. Trust me, if you read it, you'll understand. Mwahaha... a world of hurt was on its way.

But in true Thorpe fashion, I was in for a few surprises. And while I may have been off base with my guess, what played out on the page was even better than I could have imagined.

The connection between Zane and Fawn was tenuous to begin with, given their history, but I knew Zane would be all in when it came to his girl.
His need to make things right, his protective streak, his likable personality, the way he connected with Otis...le sigh...perfection.

Fawn. What a trooper. She was so brave, so strong. An amazing mother. I have nothing but love for this character and all she endured.

The bonus scenes were absolutely fantastic. Getting to revisit some of our favourite characters was a sweet little treat to receive.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea how this happened, but I never read book 3 in this series. I went on a Saint View binge last year and I guess I missed book 3. I was already well into this one when I discovered my mistake so now I need to back track. Luckily this Strip series are standalones, unlike the rest of the Saint View trilogies which must be read in order.

This one is dark and really hard to get through at times. Fawn is just horrifically abused, manipulated, and assaulted in every way for a good chunk of this book (not by the MMC). This was a quick listen and done in duet with some of my favorite narrators, so I still had a great time despite the material being heavy and darker than I was anticipating. The cameos in this one were so much fun. It has been a long time since I read High, Prison, and Psychos - but I still remember those characters like they are long lost friends of mine. Hearing their names or having them pop up was just so great.

I will say that I got massively irritated toward the end. Without giving too many spoilers - Fawn's son is missing and they take a break and have sex. I can't fathom not scouring the streets and doing everything in my power to not search for my son. How she was able to relax and fuck just really ruined the whole scene for me. I get that it wasn't a smart move to make any rash decisions and that they all needed to rest before making a move - but it was ridiculous. For a little while, it didn't even seem like she was that upset that he was missing (and clearly in danger).

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Fawn’s story since the beginning and this is also bittersweet since it is the last book in this series, but obviously not the end in the Saint View universe.

Fawn has been through so much over several years. She’s been held captive and knowing the fact that her friends and family think she didn’t survive, but really she barely is, but is doing her best to stay strong and protect her baby boy, Otis. Zane isn’t a stranger to Fawn, but there is also some things that went down between them. However, despite the fact that Zane’s brother is the one who is holding Fawn captive she can forgive him and see the good in him.

I love Fawn and Zane. I love Fawn’s strength and she is a fighter and will never give up. Zane has been a puppet for his brother pretty much his entire life. He fights it and he tries to distance himself as much as he can, but he is also protective. While Fawn may have been attracted to Zane because he was her savior at first, there is a much deeper connection and I loved seeing that grow between the two of them.

Fawn’s siblings? How can you not love this rather unconventional family (and if you have been reading this series and the rest of the Saint View books, then you know what I am talking about). They brought some dark comedic humor to it. Plus, the rest of the Strip crew is great and I love their love for Fawn.

If you’re looking for a dark, single mom, found family romance check this one out.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew, what a finale to the series!

Fawn's story has been highly anticipated, by me, for what feels like forever! I'm so glad her book was the last one.

Fawn left home to try and get away from the violence of her family business and ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, her past catches up and kidnaps her. After her family assumes she is dead, they stop looking for her and grieve her loss with vengeance in mind. What they don't know is that 5 years later, Fawn is still alive and fighting for her life. Now she also has someone else to keep safe, her son. She has resigned to knowing she will never get out and that they only way to survive is to placate Eddie, her child's father.

What she didn't anticipate is that she may have an ally in someone she never would have expected. Eddie's brother, Zane, comes to help out (against his will) when Eddie is injured. He believes fawn to be dead, too. Now he is seeing how awful her life is and his old spark for her is about to ignite into an inferno. He vows to never leave and to get Fawn and her son out. Eddie is relentless, he will not give them up easily!

This book had so many ups and downs. There is so much that went into this story. Fawn is brave and does everything she can to ensure her son is safe. Even at her own detriment. This book is about perseverance, love, heartache, and bravery. I could not put it down!

4.5 stars and 2.5 for spice!

[Live2readbookluva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caged Bird is the 4th and final book of the Saint View Strip Series. I have been thinking of Fawn across several books now and Elle gave us a beautiful story. Elle's books always have me hooked. I luv romance authors who write DV representation into their plots and manage it well with an satisfying HEA. The storyline was intense, emotional, heartbreaking, and angsty. The story is told in dual pov and is multi narrated. The MCs are Fawn, Zane and her piece of 💩"husband" Eddie. Eddie can kick rocks, grass, and soil with spilled gasoline and lit cigarettes for a little razzle dazzle. Fawn and Zane' s connection was truly moving and hopeful. I had no guilt about their love. Zane poured into Fawn all the love, kindness, and affection that she was deprived of for so long. And the way he loved her child was equally moving.

I listened to the audiobook and it was very well done. It’s multi narrated by Michelle Sparks, Corbin King, and Sean Masters in duet format. The audio performance brought out the full spectrum of emotions that this book takes you through. If you haven't entered the Saint View Universe, come on through! However, you won't to leave once you enter. Just prepare your head and your heart because Elle will put both through the ringer.😉

Themes & Tropes:

💙Forbidden Romance
🩵Found Family
🩶Forced Proximity
💙Single Mother
🩵Unrequited Love
🩶Brother In Law
💙DV Representation

Sensitive themes are featured, Check Triggers⚠️


Overall, loved this read. ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5