Caged By Him

by Simone Sumner

He stole her away. She let him.

Noelle Blackwood has spent years trapped in a marriage built on fear. Every escape attempt ends the same—broken, bruised, and reminded that she belongs to a man who will never let her go. No one has ever helped her. No one has ever tried.

Until him.

Adrian Wolfe isn’t a hero. He doesn’t save people. But the moment he sees Noelle—too quiet, too fragile, covered in fading bruises—he knows one she’s his now. And he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

Even if it means stealing her away.

Even if it means making sure her husband never comes looking.

Noelle should be afraid of Adrian. He’s possessive, obsessive, willing to cross any line for her. But when she’s with him, she feels something she hasn’t in years—safe. He never raises his voice. Never forces her. Never lets the darkness inside him touch her.

Except now, there’s no escape. Not from the past. Not from Adrian.

And maybe—just maybe—not from the part of her that wants to be caged by him.

403 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2025

About the author

When reviewing books I use this method:
1 Star - DNF'd the book
2 Star - The author took time to write & publish the book but it was missing something. The grammar was bad. The editing was bad. It wasn't worth finishing but I finished. Would not recommend.
3 Star - It was meh. It was just okay. It wasn't terrible but wasn't worth recommending.
4 Star - Worth recommending but will probably forget about it after a few days.
5 Star - Roman Empire. Plays like a movie in my head and will never forget. This is the type of book I will promote all over social media.

I never dreamed of being an author. I just got the bug in early 2025. I am in the process of writing my debut novel to be released in Spring 2025.

Reviews

[Jade Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started off as an Arc reader for Simon Sumner's first book trust fall and let me tell ya- that book is a 10/10 recommend. She offered me the opportunity to be an Alpha reader for her 2nd book Caged by him and I jumped at the opportunity and I am so grateful I did!

If you loved trust fall you are going to LOVE Caged by Him. Let me preference this- the two books do not go hand and hand and are completely different characters, plot and story. But the authors writing style is similar and you will see that between the two books.

I loved trust fall- but I 1000% loved Caged by Him more. This book had me constantly reaching for it and constantly worried about Noelle and her safety. If you are looking for a rugged Mafia man who is obsessed with his person then look no further because you have found yourself an Adrian. EVERY WOMAN NEEDS AN ADRIAN IN HER LIFE!

Please do read the triggers as your mental health is IMPORTANT!

Simone, girl I am so proud of you for following your dreams and writing this book. Chefs Kiss! I cannot wait to read the next one!

[I8mzbhvn2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start with CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!
I came in as a 1st time reader of Simone Sumner, and boy, what a read it was! I was hooked from the very first chapter. Every time I was like ok this is going to work out, nope, the author pulled the rug out from under me. The plot of the story was one that I'm sure many can relate to as a woman. Especially those who have experienced abuse in relationships. Learning to trust is never easy. The trauma bonding between the MMC and FMC was definitely pretty accurate, and the spice was very well written, not to mention... hot! Again, check your trigger warnings. If you are a fan of dark mafia romance, then dont miss out on this book! Simone Sumner will leave you begging for more! As always... HAPPY READING!

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow 😍

This was my first book by Simone and she left quite an impression on me ❤️

Noelle is very relatable and that is always appreciated. You feel for her, understand her, wish you could just hug her.

Adrian is someone you definitely need in your life. Not everyone has someone this passionate and that's unfair lol

Please check the TW and take care of yourself first ❤️

If you want a book that gets you hooked on the first page and rips your heart out at times but leaves you crying happy tears, this is the one for you.

[Steph Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mafia-ish, touch her and get unalived dark romance quick page turner! The characters and storyline pull you in from the start. Easy to follow dual POV with two great main characters.

Even with a lot of triggers and trauma bonding this has a decent HEA and the potential to become a series (I hope it does).

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the authors writing style and will be starting her previous book ‘Trust Fall’ right now!

[Wendy Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another prerelease read. This time as an ALPHA reader for this new author.

First and foremost, Simone is going to be the next Nee York best seller! Her writing is so raw and filled with so much emotion and depth you truly feel like you’re in the story, or telling your story. She draws you into the details and doesn’t keep you just at the surface.

That’s how Caged By Him is. It’s a beneath the surface look like her first published “Trust Fall”. Completely different worlds and no relation but the depth and detail is consistent.

Adrian will literally stop at nothing to get what he wants. When his path crossed with Noelle during a time where he didn’t need a distraction, made him the most humane type of bad ass. The heart wants what the heart wants.

Noelle was definitely more of a closed off character and I felt she deserved to have more built around her as to who she was before she fell for the shallow, self centered and controlling Landon. But, her character and reaction felt like her past is why she could withstand what she went through and why she never gave up through it all.

Antonio deserved what he got. Period. So did Landon.

This is definitely one you want to put on your TBR and watch for its release. Mafia romance. Violence. Power struggles. Passion. Possessiveness. Protection. Crossed lines. Compassion. It’s all there!

Despite this being a rough, raw draft, the fluidity of the story was there and the development of the characters was smooth. Her transition is easy to follow from chapter to chapter and from character to character.

As this was the roughest draft, I have some questions that I’m sure are going to be refined as the editing process unfolds and Simone perfects her book for its release.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, please check the trigger warnings!!
I was hooked from the very first page!
The story follows Adrian & Noelle on a two dark & emotionally packed journeys.
Noelle is on the run when she meets Adrian. She's very standoffish --almost scared & doesnt trust easily.
There is an instant connection for him. He NEEDS to find out howcome he feels so pulled/connected to her, OBSESSIVE.
While she remains unsure about him.
She decides against her better judgement that she will accept his help hes offering. 
Sometime after, they both realize they are quickly developing actual feelings for each other. That's not the only thing they have to come to terms with -- they are both very secretive and may have a little more in common than they originally thought. 
I'm usually pretty good at guessing whats going on and just when I thought I had, another twist happened that kept me guessing. Poor Noelle & Adrian!
Their story is beautifully written & I enjoyed it alot.
This is a steamy forced proximity, he falls first obsessive - touch her and die read that'll keep your attention! 
It is an HEA & I'd give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this up!!! This book is dark so please check the trigger warnings first, but wow... this was fast paced, twisty, dark, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Noelle is trying to escape an abusive husband and runs into Adrian. Adrian... is everything!! He automatically feels an attraction to her and goes into protective, who did this to you, mode. The way he treats her and tries to help her heal from everything she went through with her husband is so heartwarming. But then, she's found by her husband Landon and he tries to reclaim her, and Adrian will not stand for that. He immediately searches for her and doesn't stop until she's found! But the threats don't end there! Because Landon isn't the only one out to get her.
The moments of them in the basement when she was recounting everything she went through at the hands of Landon... man.. that was heartbreaking, But I loved how Adrian immediately showed her that she is not broken and she has control!!! I love this man.
Simone did an amazing job on the characters in this story. There was so much depth to them! I loved this story and highly recommend giving it a read if you like your stories dark!!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, Please check the trigger warnings before you start to read the book. Domestic violence is talked about in the book which I know can trigger alot of people. I honestly have mixed emotions on the book, and at first almost stopped reading it. I felt the towards the beginning it was just going in circles with the exact same things happening and being said between Noelle and Adrian. I am so happy I did not stop though! The book gets so good! The book truly had me all in my feels. I truly would hate to be in the situations Noelle was in. I loved watching her growth over the book as well as seeing Adrian's walls come down as his feelings for Noelle grew. Adrian is a touch her and you die character.If your looking for a really spicy book, this one isn't it, but that doesn't mean it isn't really good and full of emotions and plot. One quote from the book I really loved was "But you dont have to be strong all the time, Noelle. It's ok to fall apart sometimes " I can truly relate to Noelle and her feeling like she needs to be strong and hold it together all the time.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone Sumner is a new author as this is her second book. This is my first time reading one of her books. After reading this book, I knew I had to read her previous book, “Trust Fall.” This story was so good and had me feeling so much!!
OMG!! Who did Noelle p!ss off to have had her life go in this direction?! She is just a scared, traumatized woman trying to survive. And yet she keeps getting pulled into these crazy, life or death situations. I felt so bad for her while reading this book. I like Adrian but I am p!ssed at him for everything Noelle has gone through. He has done a sh!t job of protecting her…Besides that the story was amazing and the s3x scenes were titillating!
Thank you, Simone Sumner, for such a beautifully written story. It made me go through so many emotions! I was sad, p!ssed off, happy and tingly! I think experiencing many emotions when reading is the mark of a truly good book! I look forward to reading “Trust Fall” and anything you will release in the future!

[Jamie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, check the trigger warnings before reading this one, as there are some heavy ones. That being said, this book had me in a chokehold. I was so invested in Noelle. I definitely related to her, and felt a connection to her instantly. I felt like the author did a really good job with the way she wrote her character and her reactions. They felt very real and very honest; very much how an actual person would react after dealing with her trauma. And Adrian is that possessive, no one touches her, burn the world down MMC that we all love. I loved the way things developed between them. This story put me through the wringer emotionally, but I’m so glad to have read it. The author did a fantastic job and I highly recommend it.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Simone. It was great. It was about Noelle. She was married to someone who changed after they got married. She ran as far away as she could. She found a motel who wasn’t run by a guy named George. His nephew Adrian happened to be there on some other business. He was a ruthless man but he saw that she was scared and it brought up a lot of memories for him. He had his guys watch out for her and told them to call if she left. She did and they watched out for her. When she was about to pass out Jack picked her up and called Adrian. He took her to the hospital and Adrian met her there. She went home with him since she was hiding from her husband. A few days later everything changed. Adrian never stopped looking for her. I loved everything about this book.

[Jessica Benard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simone, you did It again. Thank you for allowing me to be a reader for Caged by Him.

Trust Fall was an amazing book and I was so excited for Caged by him. I was not let down!!! Both books are standalone books. Simone has a way with intense, dark, and does such a great job of providing plot, spicy, and emotional depth to her stories. Check the triggers once again.

I think people can relate to Noelle. I found myself invested in her journey. I did like how she finally mouthed off to Landon and you could see her growth. Her past can be very triggering for people so please take It seriously. Strong mental triggers with dealing with abuse.

Adrian is your loyal, dangerous-but-devoted Mafia man who would burn the world down for their person. Chefs kiss on this man!

[Isadora Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Caged by Him" is an intense, emotionally charged read that explores the darker side of love, control, and survival.

Simone created a gritty, high-stakes world where every chapter leaves you holding your breath.

Fans of dark romance will appreciate the raw emotion and dangerous tension that starts to simmer from the first page and never lets up. It just keeps building with every interaction. You can enjoy its protective antihero while delving into the complexities and emotions associated with trauma, obsession, and finding safety in unexpected places.

A story that doesn't flinch from hard truths and brutal loyalty.

[Brezieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grateful to have been an arc reader for this book! Definitely make sure to check out the triggers beforehand.

As a survivor of abuse and trauma myself I really appreciated this book! I like that she kept it real with the fmc being wary and watching the mmc actions and not just jumping in and being mesmerized by her “savior.” I think that kept it more real and believable which I enjoyed! I liked that in addition to a romance and an I’d burn the world for you mmc, (which who doesn’t love,) it was a story of healing and empowerment for the fmc! I struggled a bit with length and some cringey dialogue but overall was a good read! Thank you again!

[Leigha Rafn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Mafia romance is right up my alley. The fmc went through traumatic emotional stuff. I definitely cried quite a few times. The MMC is the touch her and 💀 type (which I love, morally grey, yes please). The story line was good.
A few things I didn't love,
There wasn't much romance, it was mostly lust and possession. The story was a little drawn out, some things were very repetitive. The MMC said a lot of the same things that the FMCs abusive husband said to her all the time which was a bit confusing.
Overall though I enjoyed this book. I look forward to more reads from Simone.

[Mitawa71 · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a slow burn and gradual ease into action, this book is not it. This book hits the ground running from the first page. The trauma is raw and dirty. Make sure to make note of the trigger warnings before diving in. The dialogue was fast-paced, and the internal thoughts gave insight into the characters' motivations. Gaps were filled in with flashbacks, though I would have liked to have seen more character development and back story..I kept asking myself "why is she doing this?" But this book keeps you at the edge of the seat...just when you think, ok, it's all going to work out for the MCs, Simone Sumner pulls out the proverbial rug under their feet and slaps them with another twist and roadblock.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who wants to read this definitely needs to read the triggers, there are some heavy themes in this. I really liked this one and it resonated with me at some points! I have been in abusive and controlling relationships before. Noelle is running away from her controlling/abusive husband and runs into Adrian, who helps her out. He falls quickly and sees how fragile she is. He is a possessive mafia man and I love it! The trauma bonding was so good and it took her a while to trust him. I would highly recommend this one.

[Rebekah Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgsh this book was fantastic! It has so many twists and turns. Every time I thought it was about to end there was another event that was so hard to watch the characters go through but it brought them closer to each other each time. I will say Read the trigger warnings! Noelle has had to go through some horrible stuff but she is so strong and I loved that Adrian helped her overcome things and there is def trauma bonding. He’s so possessive of her but also gentle and patient. Oo and the spice is so good 🥵 I would for sure recommend this book!

[Chelsey Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caged By Him

3.5 stars!! 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️

We follow Adrian and Noelle on a dark and emotional journey!! Please check your trigger warnings.

Noelle is on the run until she runs into Adrian and he falls first and hard!! Noelle of course has trust issues because she could only ever count on herself! But she slowly lets her guard down! This steamy forced proximity, he falls first, touch her and d!e is just what we are looking for!!

[Jen D84 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️x4
🌶x3

Great story. Love the dual POV. FMC shows her strength and how she isn't completely broken. A raw look at someone fighting to get away from abuse and trouble follows. I loved the MMCs touch her and ☠️ attitude. And they find each other when they would least expect it. Please review your trigger warnings, as this may not be for all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Caged by Him by Simone Sumner
To be Released: 6/20/25
~426pgs

[valley_girl_36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow !! I love me a obsessed, touch her and dye man!! This is a good book filled with emotions and trauma. The Spice is poppin and the plot is addictive right from page one. Be warned you should refer to author notes and such darkness themes and awareness. Noelle is in an abusive relationship and Adrian is obsessed to save her or have her ? You’ll have to decide.

Mafia theme with dual POV which I love! I can’t wait for more from this author because this had me in a chokehold.

[Michelle Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Simone Sumner books and let me tell you I’m obsessed with caged by him the Dark mafia romance. Adrian is the guy that will burn for world for Noelle and touch her you die and I’m all for it. The connection between the two is amazing once Noelle figured out she safe. Noelle and Adrian himself on this emotional journey together that leads to HEA. You will be drawn in the very first page!!!!

[Rebecca Billman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle is stuck in a horrible, loveless marriage. Her husband attacks her whenever he sees fit and there is nothing she can do about it. Everytime she tries to run he finds her and makes her life even more miserable.

Adrian see’s Noelle one day and notices the bruises. From that point on he makes it his mission to be the one to protect her and keep her safe.

Adrian isn’t a hero by any means, but what he feels for Noelle isn’t anything he has ever felt before.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book due to my history of surviving abuse and pain. I like that the author kept the story of the FMC's history real by having her be wary and watchful of the MMC's actions instead just jumping in and being mesmerized by her savior. I also liked the fact that besides being a romance and there being an "I’d burn the world down for you" main male character, it was a story of healing and empowerment for the FMC. This was a great read, and I would recommend it to others.

[Trumpette22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian! Oof that man is the ultimate alpha male. Noelle is so broken and Adrian is just the man for her. Noelle is married however her husband is extremely @busive. She is running away from him and her life to try and survive and in doing that she runs into alpha mafia boss Adrian. He is instantly drawn to her and very protective. He will do everything he can to protect her and build her up. The scenes in this book! So good, the revenge on Landon is chefs kiss. Amazing!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was intriguing from the very first chapter! You have a morally corrupt/morally grey MMC, a touch her and ☠️ scenario that encompasses the whole book but makes for a gripping, edge of your seat novel, and a FMC that has you cheering her one throughout the entire book! This book officially releases on June 20th!

[Randi Zodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to read this before it got released as my first ARC. This book is absolutely amazing I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Make sure to check the trigger warnings. The writing is amazing and all the scenes in this book is very detailed i can’t recommend this book enough I highly recommend it.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author did a nice job of painting the picture in vivid detail. Very descriptive and you could really feel the emotions along with the characters.

I will say there was a lot of repetition of words and phrases that bothered me. And the dialogue and inner thoughts were often cringey. But it got better as the book went on.

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Trust Falls by Simone Sumner I was so excited to read Caged By Him. This book reeled me in from the get go. It was so good. I love Noelle and Adrian. We all NEED an Adrian on our life. He’s so protective and it’s just so awesome to see that. Can’t wait to read the next book by Simone Sumner!!!!

[Tim_tam_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, trauma bonding with an obsessive MMC with mafia vibes. I really enjoyed this book, Adrian falls fast and becomes obsessed very fast. Couldn’t put the book down, I really had to know how everything planned out and wasn’t disappointed. This was my first book by the author and definitely won’t be my last ❤️