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Ember
My father says I'm in danger and that he's sending me away. Once again.
With him. Cage Black.
Stubborn, bossy, hot, and he knows my secret without me even telling him.
For the first time in my entire life, I feel like I matter.
I feel like I've found what I've always needed.
It's only temporary.
But I don't want it to be.

Cage
I'm not a bodyguard.
Yet, somehow, I got sucked into protecting her.
From the second I lay eyes on her, I know I'm in trouble.
She's everything. Sweet, obedient, adorable.
I'll keep her safe.
I might even end up keeping her for myself.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

480 people are currently reading
260 people want to read

About the author

Kate Oliver

53 books1,402 followers
Kate Oliver has aspired to be an author all her life. From the time she was known as "that girl who always has her nose stuck in a book", Kate Oliver has wanted to be a writer. Currently, fetish romance is her favorite for both reading and writing. Kate has been a part of the fetish community for many years, and strives to write stories that realistically reflect that lifestyle. Her favorite part of writing her own books is dreaming up the hot and steamy, yet loving and strict, Daddies that Littles dream about.


To contact Kate, you can Email her at: kateoliverstories@gmail.com.

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5 stars
925 (61%)
4 stars
384 (25%)
3 stars
163 (10%)
2 stars
31 (2%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,838 reviews365 followers
Read
December 19, 2024
I’m choosing not to rate because this was NOT my jam lol.
Profile Image for Fiatgal.
1,004 reviews
March 12, 2025
3.5 ok, but not as good as the Daddies of the Shadow series. I’m not sure why, it could be I’ve read too many of these stories and they all seem the same.
Profile Image for Kiki.
161 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2025
oh I haven't reada ddlg story like this in a whilr, and+ wasnt cringy
Profile Image for Queenkool6.
28 reviews
March 28, 2025
Can I just start by saying omg I just love Cage and Ember. They are cute as hell and are so made for each other that it was so hard not to love this book. Cage cracked me up from the very start and by the end I was really wishing I was Ember. My equivalent of a nice cozy read and it was everything I was hoping for and more
711 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2024
Omg Cage!! To say I loved this book in an understatement for sure!! I totally think that I will love the new Dark Ops series because it reminds me of the Daddies of the Shadows series! All the mmc’s are a found family of brothers as well, they’re all crazy possessive and over protective Daddies who had hard lives and they will love all the Littles as their own!! I love that we got to see Declan and Kieran and their Littles from the Syndicate Kings series!!
Cage was asked to be a bodyguard for Ember a politicians daughter because her life was being threatened! She ends up staying at their compound called the Ranch. Ember gets to meet his brothers and sister Rowie(who’s also a Little) and while he’s protecting her they fall in love! They’re absolutely precious together!! I can’t wait for Jasper’s story!!
Profile Image for Lavender O'Delle.
264 reviews
March 31, 2025
4.5

I woke up at 5am to read this, and i don't wake up early for things almost ever! I loved it!

Cage was growly and unhinged and perfect! I loved Ember, she is so sweet and kind! Rowie is adorable and I sincerely hope she finds her forever Daddy (Theo, please be Theo)! It's a great setup for the rest of the series! Firefly might be my new favorite nickname ever.

The only thing I didn't love and thought was too predictable and overdone was that they kept saying it was "temporary" and then they were both worried about letting the other one go. That's the half star I removed. I don't love that mini-trope.

Everything else, great, and I can't wait for Jasper's book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenn (myspookybookishlife).
513 reviews22 followers
December 4, 2024
Cage and Ember absolutely amazing!!! I loved how they started off as bodyguard/client, but quickly turned into more. I loved watch them both fight their attraction to each other. It was so cute to see Cage try to take care of her without letting his Daddy put completely, but it was so much more amazing when he finally did. It makes me sad the Ember was betrayed so bad by her Father and I loved watching her take her own revenge. I also loved that Cage allowed her to take control of the situation with her dad and then finished it for her when she was done!!!
Profile Image for Trishh_Reads.
245 reviews28 followers
December 12, 2024
I was so excited for this new series as we met Cage in the Syndicate Kings series and I was immediately intrigued! As I am still dipping my toe in the DD/lg book world I was intrigued to see how I would enjoy Cages book knowing his FMC played at a younger age. The verdict is in and… I LOVED IT! I fell so hard for Ember!!! While she did play at a younger age, Kate did such an amazing job giving us the why behind everything that just made so much sense! Not me over here now like damn.. do I need a Daddy 🤣♥️👀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Mia.
146 reviews
April 20, 2025
2.5/5⭐️ I was really excited about this book, but it fell short of my expectations. There were several inconsistencies, such as changing eye colour and inaccurate information about other characters, that made the book feel disjointed.

I do wish we got a little bit more character descriptions in this book. While many we’ve met before, the characters exclusive to this series should have been described clearly. Finishing this book, the only characters I could truly describe are Ember and Jasper, with some idea of what Cage looks like. Some clear descriptions super early on should be given of the MCs.

Additionally, there were some grammatical errors. While I often notice a few small grammatical errors in Kate’s work, they are usually less noticeable. I believe having beta readers or a similar review process would be highly beneficial in catching these minor errors that might go unnoticed.


However, I absolutely loved the banter in this book. The banter between all the various characters was hilarious and just added that extra element. This book definitely sets up for a long and hopefully great series (I hope Theo and Rowie get a book together 😏) and I look forward to getting to know all the brothers better.

I also loved her high flying scenes (though I wish we got a little of it from his POV). While the plot did become a little predictable, there were some really good lines, and they were super sweet with each other once the emotional back-and-forth was over. I liked the elements of age-play but it would have been nice if we had had more. It has great potential and I don’t think it was a bad book, but it just didn’t quite meet my expectations.
Profile Image for Macee Grisenti.
353 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2024
Cage and Ember

TW: aband*nment, thre*ts on life, k!lling, t*rture, phobias, fear of planes

I was excited about getting more information on the Elite and it didn’t let me down. I enjoyed this a lot. In some ways this story felt incredibly short. Like not in timeline wise(even though it was) but a lot was left unexplored which I wish was explored. I wanted more of them learning each other. I also wouldn’t have minded more interactions with her and Rowie. I would love Rowie to have her own book with more information on her background.
It was fun to see where Cage and his brothers live and to learn more about what they do. I’m excited for the rest of this series… I just wish they were all out already.
Ember is a naive young girl who has never been loved and Cage is the grumpy guy who thinks he’s good for no one. It had some jokes and was mostly just a sweet story.

Tropes: touch her and d!e, protective MMC, innocent FMC, clueless FMC, grumpy MMC, she fell first but he fell harder, who did this you, she only feels safe with him

Spice: 🌶️
Steam: 🔥
Sweetness: 💗💗💗
Possess!ve alpaholes: 🏋🏼‍♂️
Profile Image for ANA GARCIA.
85 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2025
"I don't deal with people. Or emotions." Cage really believed that. We’ve seen glimpses of him before (most notably in Taking Tessa), described as “a psychopath we do business with”—but this book completely redefines that image.

Kate Oliver gives us a layered, emotionally intense story about two broken people—Cage, a hardened protector with no faith in love, and Ember, the distant daughter of a politician, blindsided by the need for a bodyguard and emotionally estranged from her father. Neither is thrilled about the arrangement. But the connection they forge is slow, powerful, and transformative.

Yes, this book includes the Daddy Dom/Little dynamic, but the romance goes so far beyond that. It’s about trust, healing, and finding comfort in the last place you expected it.

This was a reread for me, and it absolutely held up. With Jasper releasing soon, it felt like the perfect moment to return to where the Dark Ops Daddies series began. Highly recommend to fans of dark romance with real heart.
486 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2024
This was so worth the wait! Kate Oliver writes the best books. l one this one too

Oh wow, Ember doesn’t know what to think when her father tells her that there have been threats made against her life and is going to a secure place until it has been resolved. Cage is not sure what to think when her about this assignment when he is so highly trained being a bodyguard is not something the normally does. But he is drawn to Ember in ways that he has never been before with a woman. Ember is a Little who has had to suppress her Little side; oh course Cage is going to change all of that. As he learns things from Ember about her past and life with her father he is sure of one thing. These so called threats sound really fishy. Reading how the find the truth is thrilling and shocking at the same time. I loved how Kate brought in characters from her of series into the storyline. Loved this book.
Profile Image for Sisi.
800 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2025
Cage e Amber
Grande mercenário q trabalha p Cia 🥱🥱🥱
Orfão resgatado da prisão ainda adolescente, junto com uns tantos outros, treinados formam uma equipe perfeita de assassinos, todos daddys
E recrutado para seguir de guarda costa da filha do congressista que está sofrendo ameaças, Amber, um lilte daquelas bem patéticas, ele a leva p a sede do grupo uma casa gde onde se reunem todos os irmãos q moram em casas menores em volta da sede.
Várias cenas dele rosnando para todos os irmãos 🤮💤 e querendo ser o papai dela.
Final não tem nenhuma ameaça foi tudo um plano do pai dela p descobrir segredos que os irmãos sabem. Confrontam o pai e o matam, voltam p o rancho e se casam. Declan e os outros mafiosos irlandeses aparecem p o casamento, Knox do shadow TB é citado.
Resumo, nao vale o trabalho
82 reviews
November 30, 2024
Cage and Ember (I want to be her so bad) yum

So so so good. Brilliant and an ultimate perfectly over the top daddy Cage is. Ember is so perfect for Cage in every way possible. I couldn't wait to see how Cage would be with his very own little girl and right from the start he showed why he was destined to be Ember's daddy. Six and a half hours later and a 3am finishing that felt like I just blinked. Do something good for yourself and sit, lie whatever is most comfy and enjoy reading a great no brilliant book that will transport you to the range (I already moved in on all these yummy brothers) and have fun. Your welcome and thank you so much Kate Oliver love ya babe can't wait for the next one.
171 reviews
December 15, 2024
Loved it 🥰

Oh, for readers and lovers of Kate Oliver stories this book is a must. Cage has been mentioned in Daddies of the Shadows and Syndicate Kings and I now have a new favourite. When Ember's father hires Cage to protect her something just feel fishy about him. Now Cage is trying desperately to be hands off but his brothers continually rib him about his obvious feelings.
Ember; a Little, now finally has a BFF in Rowie. When things start to go bad and things really get complicated will Cage; a Daddy, continue to fight his attraction to Ember, will the bad people win?
Though this book is the beginning of a series I truly can't wait the each brother to evolve into Daddies with their own Littles.

100 reviews
January 9, 2025
I couldn’t put this one down! Cage and Ember were perfectly matched, and their chemistry was undeniable. I fell in love with Cage in previous books by this author, so I was eagerly anticipating his story—and it did not disappoint. Cage’s relationships with his brothers and his found family were truly remarkable to witness. His backstory was absolutely heartbreaking, which made me admire him even more for all he had overcome. Ember’s journey was equally heart-wrenching; watching her situation unfold and uncovering the truths she didn’t even know was tough but impactful. The emotional depth of both characters made this story unforgettable. Overall, the book was fantastic, and I’m thrilled with Cage’s story.

P.S. I’d absolutely love to see a book for Rowie!
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
November 30, 2024
This is book 1 in Kate Oliver's new spinoff series. Cage has been mentioned in her Daddies of the Shadows and Syndicate Kings series and now we get HIS story. Ember is in danger and her father hires Cage to keep her safe. I didn't like her dad as he reminded me of someone who is bad. Poor Cage can only resist Ember for so long. I loved all his "brothers" giving him a hard time about his relationship with Ember and I can't wait for their stories. And while I love every single "Daddy" in Ms. Oliver's books, I think Cage is my favorite! You know he's only going to be able to hold back from making Ember his own Little! LOL I can't wait for the rest of the guys to get their story told. Each of them is someone I need to read about! If you haven't read any of Ms. Oliver's books, I HIGHLY encourage you to do so. There isn't a bad one in all the books she has out!
1,090 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2024
Cage is another great example of a Daddy from Kate Oliver!! Ember blossoms under his care: the atmosphere is so different from her life with her father! Cage and his brothers show her what care, love, and protection should look like. Rowie is a huge surprise and it’s so sweet how they become friends, which is a completely new experience for both of them. Little life is so special when acceptance is a given!! I enjoyed seeing Declan’s group, their women’s excitement, and Cage’s motive for inviting them. Ember’s personality and fierceness grows with Cage’s influence. I can’t wait for more of his brother’s stories!
Profile Image for Katie Lamb.
75 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2024
Totally worth the wait

Have been chomping at the bit waiting on this to drop, and so worth it. This book wow where to start. A posseive OTT emotional stunted Alpha who finds his forever in the sweetest most heartbreaking little spit fire. This story brought every feeling in me. I've laughed, cried and so help wished so much violence on a few of these characters. This is an amazing story one that leads you down the path of heartache and healing, and gives you hope for finding the one who will burn the whole world down for you. Cage and Ember are phenomenal together and can't wait to see where the rest of them turn out.
Profile Image for Airy M..
374 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2024
Worth the Wait

I have been waiting for Cage’s story since he was introduced in the other series. I love him and how intelligent but awkward he is. He’s absolutely lethal but falls to his knees for his girl. Ember is adorable, she’s sassy sweet and keeps everyone on their toes. And the link between the Irish Mafia is amazing they all get along and it’s like one big extended family. I am so excited for the Dark Ops series. It’s a perfect blend of the dark romance and the men we all love. Yummy this was great read it in a few hours now I regret going so quickly because next one is out in May of next year.
Profile Image for Sherri Gibson.
21 reviews
December 4, 2024
Dominant Daddy, hidden little, perfect

After accepting an assignment Cage discovers its not his usual op, you see he doesn't do bodyguard work.
Ember sheltered life is disturbed right after finishing classes and her solo celebration is ruined when her congressman father alerts her there is a threat against her is she has to go into protection immediately.
While in Cage protective domain, he notices all to well of Ember hidden little tendencies and while getting her to open out, the threatening danger starts to unravel.
Watch out threat, Cage along with his brothers are lethal when protecting Cage obsession.
Profile Image for Angela Andrea.
148 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2024
I just knew Daddy Cage was going to be amazing and he did not disappoint! When he gave Ember her nickname right away, I knew he would claim her as his LG even though it took him a minute to realize it! Ember has spent most of her life in boarding schools and out of her father’s hair, when all she really wants is to be loved by him. When she is threaded, Cage is assigned to be her bodyguard, while Cage and his brothers struggle to find who is behind the threat, Ember lets her little out more and more. Once they learn the truth about Ember’s father, Cage will do whatever it takes to keep Ember safe, after all she is his!
1,223 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2024
An enjoyable read but I think I was just expecting a little more action and suspense. It seemed like everything happened in the last 10 percent of the book. For me, Ember was a little too weak for my liking. There was also no mention if she was going to try and make something of herself or be a little all day dependent on others. While I realize she was young, it’s like she had no plans for the future. What would happen if something happened to Cage? She has absolutely no life skills!
Profile Image for GoodLittleLibraryMouse.
181 reviews11 followers
December 12, 2024
OMFG I love these Dark Ops Daddies almost as much as I love the Syndicate Kings! Kate Oliver continues to expand her world of bad-boy Daddies and I cannot wait to read ALL the stories of these brothers.
I look forward to discovering who each of these Daddies meet and fall in love with - and I can only hope that at least one of them comes across a sexy assassin Lg. (just sayin').
If you enjoy Kate Oliver's writing, and her previous Daddy series', you're going to absolutely enjoy this new one.
1,785 reviews38 followers
December 16, 2024
Loved this story!

My heart be still! And so full of love! Cage’s story is everything and more! He’s hired to protect Ember, but when he sees her? All bets are off! The attraction is instant on both sides, but he’s afraid she won’t want to stay with him because of his line of work. But Ember may surprise him! She may be Little at times, but she knows what she wants. She’s such a breath of fresh air and Cage may be all Alpha, but he will do anything to protect her. These two made me laugh and made me cry! Such a delightful story and I didn’t want it to ever end!
Profile Image for EricaWilma Hissink.
18 reviews
December 20, 2024
Well well .. have to say Kate was always one of my most favorite writers ... (along with a few others) can also recommend ALL her books ... BUT
Cage is a first book of a new series and boy she outdid herself .. what a great book .. so much love in it, acceptance of being Little and helping to overcome traumas .. every point in their story is also deepened ... their relationship, overcoming the trauma and overcoming the one who wants to do harm.
When I started reading the Epilogue it was immediately very surprising ... I can tell a lot more but really take a chance to read a good book !!!
Profile Image for Linds.
305 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2024
I absolutely loved Cage. The book as a whole and the character. He is so feral and unhinged and has so much love to give. When he meets Ember after being assigned as her bodyguard because of a threat, he tells himself he can't love her because it's temporary and his job to protect but love over throws all of it. Ember is an awesome little with so much spunk. Their love is fast but so powerful. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews

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