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Tales from the Wyldelands #2
Their Wicked Cage
One king. One witch. One curse that demands a bride.
Riven Thaelon, fae king and fae supreme, has read Warnings from the Wicked cover to cover more times than he can count. Yet, he’s no closer to locating the legendary witch he desperately needs to save his blighted kingdom. There’s only one being who might know where to find her, but asking the Heart of the Forest for a favor means exposing how vulnerable his realm is.
Floramancer Gwyn Halethorne has spent centuries in self-imposed exile, hiding from a coven determined to exploit her rare magic. When the Heart of the Forest arrives with news of the fae king’s plight, Gwyn faces an impossible choice: risk her freedom by aiding Riven in exchange for sanctuary among the fae or maintain her safe but lonely existence while his kingdom withers.
But when Riven offers her a bargain she can’t refuse, Gwyn steps out of hiding and into a bewitching new world where ancient magic stirs, secrets grow wild, and irresistible longing blooms unchecked.
Lush, romantic, and brimming with desire, Their Wicked Cage is the heart-throbbing second standalone in Tales from the Wyldelands, a collection of fated mates romances woven with temptation, sacrifice, and the kind of love that remakes the world.
Riven Thaelon, fae king and fae supreme, has read Warnings from the Wicked cover to cover more times than he can count. Yet, he’s no closer to locating the legendary witch he desperately needs to save his blighted kingdom. There’s only one being who might know where to find her, but asking the Heart of the Forest for a favor means exposing how vulnerable his realm is.
Floramancer Gwyn Halethorne has spent centuries in self-imposed exile, hiding from a coven determined to exploit her rare magic. When the Heart of the Forest arrives with news of the fae king’s plight, Gwyn faces an impossible choice: risk her freedom by aiding Riven in exchange for sanctuary among the fae or maintain her safe but lonely existence while his kingdom withers.
But when Riven offers her a bargain she can’t refuse, Gwyn steps out of hiding and into a bewitching new world where ancient magic stirs, secrets grow wild, and irresistible longing blooms unchecked.
Lush, romantic, and brimming with desire, Their Wicked Cage is the heart-throbbing second standalone in Tales from the Wyldelands, a collection of fated mates romances woven with temptation, sacrifice, and the kind of love that remakes the world.
- GenresRomantasy
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2025
19 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Lara Buckheit
5 books154 followersLara Buckheit was born and raised on the Eastern Shore. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Wilmington University, is a 2021 WriteMentor Mentee, an avid writer (and reader) of spice, and one time she met Taylor Swift’s dad.
She started writing at a very young age, mostly fanfiction centered around women with swords and men with devilish grins. And she hasn’t stopped since.
When not writing, Lara can be found drinking tea, hustling for her day job, reading from her endless TBR pile, or hanging out on her body confidence Instagram.
Lara currently lives in Charlottesville, VA, with her husband, dog, and thirteen houseplants named after fictional characters.
She started writing at a very young age, mostly fanfiction centered around women with swords and men with devilish grins. And she hasn’t stopped since.
When not writing, Lara can be found drinking tea, hustling for her day job, reading from her endless TBR pile, or hanging out on her body confidence Instagram.
Lara currently lives in Charlottesville, VA, with her husband, dog, and thirteen houseplants named after fictional characters.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 25, 2025
First of all, thank you to the author, Lara Buckheit, for trusting me to alpha read this for her. It is an honor and privilege I do not take lightly, and I’m happy to have helped even the tiniest bit on her journey.
That being said, I had the HIGHEST of hopes for this after my obsession with Our Immortal Hearts, and I am SO happy to say that this EXCEEDED my expectations!
Their Wicked Cage is funny, emotional, sexy, and dramatic as hell (in a good way)! The “meet cute” may just be my favorite of all time. I actually laughed out loud. …And the yearning and deception and mystery of it all is so delicious! You’re going to fall in love with these characters and this story. Everything about it is so special to me, and the spice was TOP TIER. I can honestly say this is in my top 5 books I’ve read this year. 5⭐️
That being said, I had the HIGHEST of hopes for this after my obsession with Our Immortal Hearts, and I am SO happy to say that this EXCEEDED my expectations!
Their Wicked Cage is funny, emotional, sexy, and dramatic as hell (in a good way)! The “meet cute” may just be my favorite of all time. I actually laughed out loud. …And the yearning and deception and mystery of it all is so delicious! You’re going to fall in love with these characters and this story. Everything about it is so special to me, and the spice was TOP TIER. I can honestly say this is in my top 5 books I’ve read this year. 5⭐️
December 6, 2025
Their Wicked Cage is another standalone Romantasy from Lara Buckheit—fast, fierce, and emotional. She proves once again that a story doesn’t need multiple installments to feel rich, expansive, and emotionally satisfying. This book grabs you quickly and doesn’t let go, delivering a fast-burn romance that feels just as natural and compelling as real-life love that strikes out of nowhere.
I loved that we were given a deeper look into Riven. After meeting him as a side character in Our Immortal Hearts, I was thrilled to see him become the MMC. Buckheit builds on everything that made him intriguing before, giving him layers, wounds, and motivations that make his story feel both epic and intimate. Riven’s emotional defenses hit close to home for me—as someone who has built up walls and often relies on a mask of indifference to avoid getting hurt, I felt seen in the quiet ache beneath his armor.
I also appreciated how deeply relatable the FMC was, and Gwyn was equally impactful. Her struggle with feeling “not good enough,” always second best, struck a powerful chord. Buckheit captured so well what it feels like to be at war with your own thoughts, and the surprising freedom that comes from finally questioning the beliefs that have held you back. Gwyn’s journey toward self-worth was honest, vulnerable, and beautifully written.
Overall, Their Wicked Cage is a perfect pick for readers who crave a fast-burn, high-emotion Romantasy with protagonists whose inner battles are as compelling as the world around them. It’s another beautifully crafted standalone that proves Buckheit knows exactly how to balance heart, heat, and healing.
I loved that we were given a deeper look into Riven. After meeting him as a side character in Our Immortal Hearts, I was thrilled to see him become the MMC. Buckheit builds on everything that made him intriguing before, giving him layers, wounds, and motivations that make his story feel both epic and intimate. Riven’s emotional defenses hit close to home for me—as someone who has built up walls and often relies on a mask of indifference to avoid getting hurt, I felt seen in the quiet ache beneath his armor.
I also appreciated how deeply relatable the FMC was, and Gwyn was equally impactful. Her struggle with feeling “not good enough,” always second best, struck a powerful chord. Buckheit captured so well what it feels like to be at war with your own thoughts, and the surprising freedom that comes from finally questioning the beliefs that have held you back. Gwyn’s journey toward self-worth was honest, vulnerable, and beautifully written.
Overall, Their Wicked Cage is a perfect pick for readers who crave a fast-burn, high-emotion Romantasy with protagonists whose inner battles are as compelling as the world around them. It’s another beautifully crafted standalone that proves Buckheit knows exactly how to balance heart, heat, and healing.
October 20, 2025
4.5 wicked ⭐️
This was such a cute story of Riven and Gwyn, full of angst, delicious tension, top notch banter, yummy spice with a hint of kink, fast paced action, and endearing found family.
Riven is our arrogant, indifferent, slightly broody fae king and supreme from book 1. His Fae Isles are slowly dying due to a blight he can’t cure, and he seeks a powerful but lonely witch, Gwyn, to help. She has hidden herself away in self-imposed exile to escape her coven after they forced her to use her floramancy magic (resurrection of the dead using plants) for nefarious purposes. She is sweet and gentle, but achingly lonely after centuries alone, and untrusting of Riven’s motives or her own deserving of happiness. Their meet-cute had me rolling 🍳 and their banter only went up from there. The nicknames 😂😂 The teasing back and forth. Omg I loved them from the jump and was waiting not so patiently for them to realize their feelings for one another.
The inclusion of the “fake dating” and “bride mart” isn’t usually a favorite trope of mine, but I didn’t mind it here. Riven never betrays the feelings he won’t admit to himself, so you never really feel like Gwyn is actually competing, which I prefer. I don’t like my MCs to share lol.
Once again the author does a great job of weaving world building and complex character histories into a standalone without it feeling tedious. We get tons of information on both Riven and Gwyn’s traumatic pasts, as well as some of the evils that have followed them to the present. It felt natural and I was never bored.
The found family was excellent, yet again. Loved Arkyn as Riven’s best friend and conscience, saying what he needed to hear. Gwyn’s friendships with some of the brides and her bond with Ava was so sweet. Riven and Quill (and even Carver) interacting was so fun!
Let’s talk spice 🥵 It’s taken up a notch from book 1, with a sprinkle of kink thrown in and it was hot.
My only complaint? I think the “miscommunication” went on a tad too long. Some of the angst from 70-85% could have been solved with a truly honest conversation. I was rolling my eyes at those two not truly saying what they wanted to by the time they finally did. Still the payoff was worth it and I know I’ll reread their story in the future!!
This was such a cute story of Riven and Gwyn, full of angst, delicious tension, top notch banter, yummy spice with a hint of kink, fast paced action, and endearing found family.
Riven is our arrogant, indifferent, slightly broody fae king and supreme from book 1. His Fae Isles are slowly dying due to a blight he can’t cure, and he seeks a powerful but lonely witch, Gwyn, to help. She has hidden herself away in self-imposed exile to escape her coven after they forced her to use her floramancy magic (resurrection of the dead using plants) for nefarious purposes. She is sweet and gentle, but achingly lonely after centuries alone, and untrusting of Riven’s motives or her own deserving of happiness. Their meet-cute had me rolling 🍳 and their banter only went up from there. The nicknames 😂😂 The teasing back and forth. Omg I loved them from the jump and was waiting not so patiently for them to realize their feelings for one another.
The inclusion of the “fake dating” and “bride mart” isn’t usually a favorite trope of mine, but I didn’t mind it here. Riven never betrays the feelings he won’t admit to himself, so you never really feel like Gwyn is actually competing, which I prefer. I don’t like my MCs to share lol.
Once again the author does a great job of weaving world building and complex character histories into a standalone without it feeling tedious. We get tons of information on both Riven and Gwyn’s traumatic pasts, as well as some of the evils that have followed them to the present. It felt natural and I was never bored.
The found family was excellent, yet again. Loved Arkyn as Riven’s best friend and conscience, saying what he needed to hear. Gwyn’s friendships with some of the brides and her bond with Ava was so sweet. Riven and Quill (and even Carver) interacting was so fun!
Let’s talk spice 🥵 It’s taken up a notch from book 1, with a sprinkle of kink thrown in and it was hot.
My only complaint? I think the “miscommunication” went on a tad too long. Some of the angst from 70-85% could have been solved with a truly honest conversation. I was rolling my eyes at those two not truly saying what they wanted to by the time they finally did. Still the payoff was worth it and I know I’ll reread their story in the future!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
When I tell you I was FROTHING at the mouth for book 2 lmaoo. Written by one of the best authors in the world, this story had me in a chokehold. The humor, the spice, the love!!! *chefs kiss* perfection. I thought Quill was daddy but Riven…. 🥵🥵 (makes me wanna go to Paris, If ya know what I mean)
Without spoiling anything, Lara writes a story that is unique. While reading, the imagery makes you see everything. I could picture what was going on, like a movie playing in my head.
The characters were fantastic and you fell in love with them both.
AND THE PLOT TWIST?!? Holy Moly. I screamed.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you have read OIH, you have to read this asap. If you haven’t, now you have to catch up so you can say you’ve read one of the best romantasies ever written.
Without spoiling anything, Lara writes a story that is unique. While reading, the imagery makes you see everything. I could picture what was going on, like a movie playing in my head.
The characters were fantastic and you fell in love with them both.
AND THE PLOT TWIST?!? Holy Moly. I screamed.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you have read OIH, you have to read this asap. If you haven’t, now you have to catch up so you can say you’ve read one of the best romantasies ever written.
October 20, 2025
WHEN I TELL YOU A DEVOURED THIS BOOK GUYS.
I've been a huge fan of Lara since I had the pleasure of meeting her at Imaginarium. If there's an author who deserves your views it's this literal goddess of a human.
Now onto the book
10/10. I was so excited to meet Riven in this book. The bit of cameos we get with him in Our Immortal Hearts had me obsessed and sonot very patiently I waited for Their Wicked Cage. AND LARA DID NOT DISAPPOINT. And GWYN. My fave FMC so far of the two books. I loved Rory but I really loved how Gwyn was both vulnerable and strong at the same time? SPOILER I will be impatiently waiting for the next book.
I've been a huge fan of Lara since I had the pleasure of meeting her at Imaginarium. If there's an author who deserves your views it's this literal goddess of a human.
Now onto the book
10/10. I was so excited to meet Riven in this book. The bit of cameos we get with him in Our Immortal Hearts had me obsessed and so
November 26, 2025
one of my top reads of 2025!
I have.loved everything Lara has written but Their Wicked Cage blew me away! I felt every single emotion you could hope for in a spicy romantasy. And certain parts had me gasping, laughing, kicking my feet, and blushing. Riven & Gwyn are the perfect couple, whose relationship grew at such a perfect pace. Often times I feel like standalones have to sacrifice in one area or another to fit the entire story into one book, but not this book! Or the other book in this series.
I highly recommend this book to all romantasy lovers who enjoy enemies to lovers, fast burn, competing for a kings heart, touch her and x_x, a witch with death magic and a fae king with a blight ravaging his lands.
Infinity stars
4 chili peppers - super hot!!
I have.loved everything Lara has written but Their Wicked Cage blew me away! I felt every single emotion you could hope for in a spicy romantasy. And certain parts had me gasping, laughing, kicking my feet, and blushing. Riven & Gwyn are the perfect couple, whose relationship grew at such a perfect pace. Often times I feel like standalones have to sacrifice in one area or another to fit the entire story into one book, but not this book! Or the other book in this series.
I highly recommend this book to all romantasy lovers who enjoy enemies to lovers, fast burn, competing for a kings heart, touch her and x_x, a witch with death magic and a fae king with a blight ravaging his lands.
Infinity stars
4 chili peppers - super hot!!
October 11, 2025
Thank you so much Lara for gifting me with an e-ARC of this book!
“Their Wicked Cage” is about a feisty witch and floramancer called Gwyn, and a fae king called Riven, who must work together to figure out what is causing the blight on the Faelands and resolve it.
What transpires is an extremely generous dose of yearning, spice, banter and The Bachelor-style marriage mart shenanigans that will have you kicking your feet and practically begging for a “f*ck it” moment that makes you swoon.
The book is equal parts tender and rip-roaring fun. I had the best time reading it, and highly recommend it— probably even more than book 1 of the series, Our Immortal Hearts, which I also enjoyed very much.
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
“Their Wicked Cage” is about a feisty witch and floramancer called Gwyn, and a fae king called Riven, who must work together to figure out what is causing the blight on the Faelands and resolve it.
What transpires is an extremely generous dose of yearning, spice, banter and The Bachelor-style marriage mart shenanigans that will have you kicking your feet and practically begging for a “f*ck it” moment that makes you swoon.
The book is equal parts tender and rip-roaring fun. I had the best time reading it, and highly recommend it— probably even more than book 1 of the series, Our Immortal Hearts, which I also enjoyed very much.
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
October 9, 2025
One week to go! Dropping some Content Warnings below 🧡🖤🧡
This book contains subject matter that may be difficult for some readers including: sexually explicit content with soft dom/sub dynamics, impact play, knife play, graphic violence and gore, occult and spiritual themes (including floramancy—necromancy through flowers), exhibitionist elements, brief mention of child abuse (referenced, not shown), physical and magical torture (including magical restraints and emotional torment during captivity), parental neglect and manipulation (referenced, not shown), gaslighting, murder, blood, and strong language.
This book contains subject matter that may be difficult for some readers including: sexually explicit content with soft dom/sub dynamics, impact play, knife play, graphic violence and gore, occult and spiritual themes (including floramancy—necromancy through flowers), exhibitionist elements, brief mention of child abuse (referenced, not shown), physical and magical torture (including magical restraints and emotional torment during captivity), parental neglect and manipulation (referenced, not shown), gaslighting, murder, blood, and strong language.
October 7, 2025
I’ve been stalking this book since the day I finished OIH, and let me tell you, this book was worth every second waited.
Lara truly deserves more hype, her stories are well written, they’re fun and dreamy and spicy! I had a great time.
I wish I could wipe my brain and start this one all over again tomorrow for the first time.
Lara truly deserves more hype, her stories are well written, they’re fun and dreamy and spicy! I had a great time.
I wish I could wipe my brain and start this one all over again tomorrow for the first time.
October 22, 2025
I loved the first book in this series and was looking forward to this sequel. It wasn't a hit for me, but might be for others. I was not a fan of the mmc. He was too arrogant and too much of a jerk to the fmc. I also really dislike the bride contest trope. It's a me thing, I really dislike ow drama. I do like this author's writing, so I will try again with her next book.
November 19, 2025
I read Book 1 of the series and immediately had to start this! This book exceeded my expectations!! You felt the longing, the love, the PASSION between the two main characters and the way the plot had me in a choke hold…. It was perfection. The magic in the book was riveting and captivated me from the beginning. And the banter had me smiling ear to ear. Cannot wait for the next one!
October 25, 2025
Incredible sequel! The plot was moving and had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the twists! It was fun learning more about the fae and witch lore in this world. I cant wait for more of this series! The characters and world are so special!!!!
October 12, 2025
This series is fast becoming a fav - full of banter and magic! Riven and Gwyn were so easy to root for - I’m already excited for the next one!
October 19, 2025
Their Wicked Cage is a MUST READ. ✨🖤🌶️🔥
Lara really knows how to take you to a different universe in her writing.
11/10 would recommend ✨✨
Lara really knows how to take you to a different universe in her writing.
11/10 would recommend ✨✨
October 20, 2025
✔️dual first person pov
✔️spice
✔️slow burn
✔️angst
✔️spice
✔️slow burn
✔️angst
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews