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Caged by Flame
Aaliyah Williams didn’t ask to be dragged into the world of vampires.
Now, she’s trapped in the estate of Demetri Cyprian, a vampire as cruel as he is captivating. But the deeper she sinks into his world, the more impossible it becomes to tell the difference between love and hate. Now, they have to work together to convince the coven that she's his prisoner, even at the cost of her own sanity.
In a vampire court where pleasure is a weapon and pain is currency, Aaliyah must decide what she’s willing to lose to survive.
Him? Or herself.
Now, she’s trapped in the estate of Demetri Cyprian, a vampire as cruel as he is captivating. But the deeper she sinks into his world, the more impossible it becomes to tell the difference between love and hate. Now, they have to work together to convince the coven that she's his prisoner, even at the cost of her own sanity.
In a vampire court where pleasure is a weapon and pain is currency, Aaliyah must decide what she’s willing to lose to survive.
Him? Or herself.
374 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2025
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Mariah L. Stevens
18 books111 followersMariah L. Stevens is a half-Black author and artist who lives in the PNW. She is diagnosed with Autism, BiPolar 1, and CPTSD. Mariah has been writing since she was 13 years old, and she plans to use her passion and life experience to help other survivors through the power of prose. She is a sex trafficking and Bulimia survivor that advocates for recovery and a life worth living. She encourages mental health awareness, as well as ED awareness in Black individuals, and weaves all of these elements into her work with the sole purpose of helping others seek recovery.
Mariah is a very creative person. She loves to write, draw, design fabric, sew lolita-style dresses, design her own book covers, and do different types of crafting. She loves Japanese fashion, Kingdom Hearts, Disneyland, and her cat, Chiiyo.
Mariah listens to metalcore and post-hardcore, has way too many pictures of MGK and Zendaya in her phone, and has 3 Kingdom Hearts tattoos.
She also really loves Godzilla.
Mariah is a very creative person. She loves to write, draw, design fabric, sew lolita-style dresses, design her own book covers, and do different types of crafting. She loves Japanese fashion, Kingdom Hearts, Disneyland, and her cat, Chiiyo.
Mariah listens to metalcore and post-hardcore, has way too many pictures of MGK and Zendaya in her phone, and has 3 Kingdom Hearts tattoos.
She also really loves Godzilla.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 7, 2025
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Caged by Flame, the second book in Mariah Stevens’ series. I really enjoyed the first book, so I was excited to dive back into this world and continue the story.
One of the things I love most about this series is the dynamic between the main characters — the banter, the chemistry, and the emotional tension are all spot-on. I also really appreciate that Mariah doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. The trauma, pain, and emotional struggles are written with honesty and depth instead of being glossed over, which makes the story feel so much more real and raw.
That said, I did find the female main character a bit whinier in this book. It felt like she sometimes overlooked how much the male main character was struggling with his own trauma and emotions. This made her come across as a little selfish at times, and I found myself wishing their relationship would move forward rather than circle around the same issues as in book one.
Overall, I still really enjoyed the book. The story is engaging, the writing is solid, and I continue to love these characters — though I think I’m leaning more toward the MMC this time around! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where their journey goes next.
One of the things I love most about this series is the dynamic between the main characters — the banter, the chemistry, and the emotional tension are all spot-on. I also really appreciate that Mariah doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. The trauma, pain, and emotional struggles are written with honesty and depth instead of being glossed over, which makes the story feel so much more real and raw.
That said, I did find the female main character a bit whinier in this book. It felt like she sometimes overlooked how much the male main character was struggling with his own trauma and emotions. This made her come across as a little selfish at times, and I found myself wishing their relationship would move forward rather than circle around the same issues as in book one.
Overall, I still really enjoyed the book. The story is engaging, the writing is solid, and I continue to love these characters — though I think I’m leaning more toward the MMC this time around! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where their journey goes next.
November 23, 2025
DARK so read your triggers!
Aaliyah and Demetrius story continues in this book wonderfully. Not as dramatic of a cliffhanger has book 1 but great nonetheless.
Aaliyah and Demetrius story continues in this book wonderfully. Not as dramatic of a cliffhanger has book 1 but great nonetheless.
November 4, 2025
So first of all let me say that this book is DARK so you definitely need to check your triggers.
I had not read this series so I went back and read the first book before I started this one. I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this book and I am so glad I did.
This book brings the angst! If you read to actually feel something this is the book for you. I would be frustrated with the MMC but then five minutes later I’d be cheering for him. Even after finishing the book I find myself thinking about each of the main characters.
Our couple has so much stacked against them and they have so many barriers - both within and without- that it is a constant challenge to get a moment of peace. I think that makes it all the sweeter when the two finally get a good moment together.
There is depth to the FMC and MMC. I appreciate the author’s dedication to really helping the reader understand the back story of each character and understanding why each is acting the way they are. So many times with these types of books they get a bit cookie cutter but that never happened here. I was emotionally tied to each of our main characters because they really were unique.
This author also knows how to write a villain - and there are several in this book. The villains are truly despicable and haunting. Every time you think they can’t get worse - UGH!!
After how dark this book ended I am really hoping for a HEA in the final book. I have to say that while I love being an ARC reader, I now have to wait longer for the last book in this series! 😞 Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to get an ARC for the final book! 🤞
I had not read this series so I went back and read the first book before I started this one. I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this book and I am so glad I did.
This book brings the angst! If you read to actually feel something this is the book for you. I would be frustrated with the MMC but then five minutes later I’d be cheering for him. Even after finishing the book I find myself thinking about each of the main characters.
Our couple has so much stacked against them and they have so many barriers - both within and without- that it is a constant challenge to get a moment of peace. I think that makes it all the sweeter when the two finally get a good moment together.
There is depth to the FMC and MMC. I appreciate the author’s dedication to really helping the reader understand the back story of each character and understanding why each is acting the way they are. So many times with these types of books they get a bit cookie cutter but that never happened here. I was emotionally tied to each of our main characters because they really were unique.
This author also knows how to write a villain - and there are several in this book. The villains are truly despicable and haunting. Every time you think they can’t get worse - UGH!!
After how dark this book ended I am really hoping for a HEA in the final book. I have to say that while I love being an ARC reader, I now have to wait longer for the last book in this series! 😞 Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to get an ARC for the final book! 🤞
November 7, 2025
This sequel is an emotional powerhouse, delivering intense angst that will make you feel every moment. It’s a thrilling ride of unexpected twists and turns driven by high tension and masterful conflict. The author creates unique, non-cookie-cutter main characters with excellent depth. The dynamic between them is captivating. Demetri is a fascinatingly dark, unhinged, and morally grey lead, while Aaliyah shows satisfying growth to become stronger and more defiant.
The couple’s relationship is battered by overwhelming challenges—both internal and external—making their few moments of peace intensely earned and sweet. Finally, the despicable villains are masterfully written and genuinely haunting, ensuring the stakes remain agonizingly high.
The book ends on an incredibly dark and high-stakes note. Given everything this couple has endured, I am desperately hoping for a well-deserved Happily Ever After (HEA) in the trilogy's conclusion. The wait for the final book is going to be agonizing!
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This book is exceptionally dark. Please check the trigger warnings before starting.
The couple’s relationship is battered by overwhelming challenges—both internal and external—making their few moments of peace intensely earned and sweet. Finally, the despicable villains are masterfully written and genuinely haunting, ensuring the stakes remain agonizingly high.
The book ends on an incredibly dark and high-stakes note. Given everything this couple has endured, I am desperately hoping for a well-deserved Happily Ever After (HEA) in the trilogy's conclusion. The wait for the final book is going to be agonizing!
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This book is exceptionally dark. Please check the trigger warnings before starting.
November 30, 2025
This sequel is an emotional punch to the gut, packed with heavy angst that makes you feel every single moment. It’s a gripping, tension-filled ride full of sharp twists and high-stakes conflict. The author’s character work shines—these protagonists are anything but generic. Demetri is a dark, unhinged, morally grey force, while Aaliyah’s growth into a stronger, more defiant heroine is incredibly satisfying to watch. Their relationship is pushed to the brink by relentless internal and external obstacles, which makes their rare moments of peace feel all the more precious. The villains are disturbingly well-crafted and unforgettable, keeping the tension sky-high from start to finish. The book closes on an extremely dark, high-stakes cliffhanger. After everything this couple has survived, I’m truly hoping the final installment gives them the Happily Ever After they deserve. Waiting for the conclusion is going to be brutal. Trigger Warning: This story is very dark. Please review the trigger warnings before diving in.
November 19, 2025
I enjoyed book 2 a lot! The character relationships continued to grow and I continued to root for Aaliyah and Demetri the entire time. I spent the majority of the book saying “come on you two!” And then “FINALLY”. Aaliyah did aggravate me anytime she questioned Demetri and his lack of emotions and response to her. It’s like she forgot he is a vampire, being sent out to torture others for information. And he is easily manipulated by his sire bond that he had to constantly fight to keep her protected. I just wanted to reach through the book, shake Aaliyah and say “he’s trying”. Tillian and Faye were good lowkey side characters but it was hard for me to connect with them because they were always going outside to the hedge maze, not spending time with Aaliyah.
I was happy with how book 2 ended but wish Silas could have been in that group.
I was given a free copy to read and 100% recommend this book. Can’t wait to see what happens next for them all.
I was happy with how book 2 ended but wish Silas could have been in that group.
I was given a free copy to read and 100% recommend this book. Can’t wait to see what happens next for them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
This second installment is nothing short of a kick-ass descent into madness and mystery. The author drags readers deeper into a rabbit hole that demands to be explored, daring you to chase the black rabbit into a world where vampires reign and shadows whisper.
It’s a dark, unflinching narrative, layered with intensity and packed with emotional landmines. Multiple triggers are woven into the story, so readers should tread carefully—but for those willing to face the abyss, the payoff is immense. The writing grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go, pulling you further into a twisted underworld that feels both dangerous and irresistible.
This isn’t a book for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who crave raw, unsettling storytelling and aren’t afraid to confront the darker corners of imagination. If you’re ready to dive headfirst, prepare yourself: once you enter this world, there’s no turning back.
It’s a dark, unflinching narrative, layered with intensity and packed with emotional landmines. Multiple triggers are woven into the story, so readers should tread carefully—but for those willing to face the abyss, the payoff is immense. The writing grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go, pulling you further into a twisted underworld that feels both dangerous and irresistible.
This isn’t a book for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who crave raw, unsettling storytelling and aren’t afraid to confront the darker corners of imagination. If you’re ready to dive headfirst, prepare yourself: once you enter this world, there’s no turning back.
December 7, 2025
First of all, apologies – I’ve never been this late with an ARC review 😢
Wow, what a sequel. If Demetri was dark in the first book, here he’s getting closer to pure black. His possessiveness and protection toward Aaliyah is fierce, but at the same time he’s manipulating others in a way that feels like grooming—subtle, disturbing, and deeply unsettling.
Mariah pushes the villains even further this time—darker, sharper, unforgettable. If the first book got under my skin, this one got into my soul.
This book was noticeably more violent than the first, though the previous one ended more abruptly and brutally.
Please note: the story contains very difficult and potentially triggering themes, so check the warnings before diving in.
I really hope I get to read the third part. I definitely recommend this if you love dark romance and vampire stories—intense, haunting, and impossible to put down.
November 9, 2025
Read and enjoy with caution
Obsession, danger and passion fill every page of Caged by Flame.
Firstly, the warnings - this is a dark book. It isn’t pitch black by any means, but bad things happen to our characters (particularly Aaliyah). There is the aftermath of an unsuccessful unaliving attempt, fake memories, slavery, all-in grape and memory manipulation. If you suspect this is not the book for you, you’re probably right.
Following directly on from the end of book one, Bound by Silence, Aaliyah remains Demetri’s captive. Demetri continues to walk a fine line trying to keep Aaliyah safe while maintaining his position within the vampire coven. Aaliyah struggles with the realisation she is becoming progressively darker and more morally grey. Both are fighting their emotions and attraction to each other - but not particularly well.
The emotional journey of this book is less like a rollercoaster and more like trying to surf a tsunami. Their relationship is volatile to say the least, with a true love-hate dynamic playing out. It reads almost like a tango - moments of togetherness mixed with high passion and a desire to push away your partner before pulling them back.
The romance is very much open door, with frequent extended scenes. Like book one, we are left on a bit of a cliffhanger. When read with care, this is a story worth reading and it will appeal to fans of darker PNR.
Obsession, danger and passion fill every page of Caged by Flame.
Firstly, the warnings - this is a dark book. It isn’t pitch black by any means, but bad things happen to our characters (particularly Aaliyah). There is the aftermath of an unsuccessful unaliving attempt, fake memories, slavery, all-in grape and memory manipulation. If you suspect this is not the book for you, you’re probably right.
Following directly on from the end of book one, Bound by Silence, Aaliyah remains Demetri’s captive. Demetri continues to walk a fine line trying to keep Aaliyah safe while maintaining his position within the vampire coven. Aaliyah struggles with the realisation she is becoming progressively darker and more morally grey. Both are fighting their emotions and attraction to each other - but not particularly well.
The emotional journey of this book is less like a rollercoaster and more like trying to surf a tsunami. Their relationship is volatile to say the least, with a true love-hate dynamic playing out. It reads almost like a tango - moments of togetherness mixed with high passion and a desire to push away your partner before pulling them back.
The romance is very much open door, with frequent extended scenes. Like book one, we are left on a bit of a cliffhanger. When read with care, this is a story worth reading and it will appeal to fans of darker PNR.
November 10, 2025
This book is very DARK. Beware of the trigger warnings. Aaliyah discovers she has more power over Demetri than she thought possible and it provides glimpses of his true self. She is a strong, independent and curious person. She knows just what pushes his buttons. Demetri finally admits his true feelings for Aaliyah and they try to build a relationship but the Coven leaders want Aaliyah for themselves and it takes all of their wits to hide their relationship. I'm ready for book 3 and a happily ever after for the two of them after everything they have gone through.
November 16, 2025
This is Book 2 in the series and continues on with Aliayah and Demetri's story.
It did not disappoint, every page leaves you wanting more!
Get lost in their world, the ups, the downs, the build up to an explosion of spice, the heartache and the demons they both face and have to survive! I loved every page in the book and CAN NOT WAIT for book 3!
If you love books about Witches, Vampire's, war, everything supernatural then you NEED to read this series!
💀Eniemies to Lovers.
🖤Forced Proximity.
💀Dark Romance.
🖤Spicy.
💀Vampires.
🖤Magic.
💀Vampire parties.
It did not disappoint, every page leaves you wanting more!
Get lost in their world, the ups, the downs, the build up to an explosion of spice, the heartache and the demons they both face and have to survive! I loved every page in the book and CAN NOT WAIT for book 3!
If you love books about Witches, Vampire's, war, everything supernatural then you NEED to read this series!
💀Eniemies to Lovers.
🖤Forced Proximity.
💀Dark Romance.
🖤Spicy.
💀Vampires.
🖤Magic.
💀Vampire parties.
November 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really loved these characters, giving Vampire Diaries energy. Aaliyah is sweet, brave, and fearless. But Demetri? He is Damon Salvatore and Klaus Mikaelson combined… but raised by the Volturi from Twilight. Protective, dangerous, complicated, and absolutely impossible not to fall for.
This is book 2 in the series and it’s packed with action and spice, the worldbuilding is vivid, and the fast pacing pulled me in instantly. I couldn’t stop reading, this story had me hooked from beginning to end.
Huge thank-you to Mariah L. Stevens for the ARC. I’m so excited for what’s next. 🖤🔥
I really loved these characters, giving Vampire Diaries energy. Aaliyah is sweet, brave, and fearless. But Demetri? He is Damon Salvatore and Klaus Mikaelson combined… but raised by the Volturi from Twilight. Protective, dangerous, complicated, and absolutely impossible not to fall for.
This is book 2 in the series and it’s packed with action and spice, the worldbuilding is vivid, and the fast pacing pulled me in instantly. I couldn’t stop reading, this story had me hooked from beginning to end.
Huge thank-you to Mariah L. Stevens for the ARC. I’m so excited for what’s next. 🖤🔥
November 30, 2025
This second book of the Gilded Cage Trilogy, Caged by Flame, continues with more amazing spice, very, very dark moments and the villains keep on delivering the hate...
Our FMC continues to be amazing, in this book she grows and finds she has more power than she even thought, and our MMC continues to be his morally dark and obsessed self!
Check your trigger warnings for this one and get ready for an amazingly dreadful voyage that you’ll love.
Can’t wait to know their ending in book three!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our FMC continues to be amazing, in this book she grows and finds she has more power than she even thought, and our MMC continues to be his morally dark and obsessed self!
Check your trigger warnings for this one and get ready for an amazingly dreadful voyage that you’ll love.
Can’t wait to know their ending in book three!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
In the first book of the Gilded Cage Trilogy, Bound with Silence, I thought the male MC was morally grey. Well, in Caged by Flame, I'm pretty sure he's leaning towards morally black. But in the best ways? The story continues with more drama, yearning, and dodging the crazy vampire world.
If you're looking for a trilogy that's a dark romance, beauty and the beast meets blade with serious touch her and die energy? Look no further. Cause Mariah has created a paranormal dark romance that I cannot put down. Can't wait for Book 3!
If you're looking for a trilogy that's a dark romance, beauty and the beast meets blade with serious touch her and die energy? Look no further. Cause Mariah has created a paranormal dark romance that I cannot put down. Can't wait for Book 3!
December 2, 2025
I need more of Demetri. Like, right now.
I don’t know how I’m going to survive until the next book is released.
A quick piece of advice: this book is really, really dark, so please check your TWs.
The story is so well written — full of details and deep insights into the FMC’s thoughts — and the development of the MMC’s background is exactly what we were missing.
Full of vampires, blood, and spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — an amazing combination you don’t want to miss.
Thanks for the ARC opportunity! As soon as you announce the next book, I’ll be preordering it.
I don’t know how I’m going to survive until the next book is released.
A quick piece of advice: this book is really, really dark, so please check your TWs.
The story is so well written — full of details and deep insights into the FMC’s thoughts — and the development of the MMC’s background is exactly what we were missing.
Full of vampires, blood, and spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — an amazing combination you don’t want to miss.
Thanks for the ARC opportunity! As soon as you announce the next book, I’ll be preordering it.
November 3, 2025
Omg the heartbreak and tension in this book is crazy. So many reasons to hate Demetri yet we still love him. So many people pulling the strings on him and Aaliyah and memories that are real or being woven that it’s hard to tell which end isn’t and I’m enjoying the ride. Watch your triggers because it gets pretty dark at near the end. Really hoping for a happy ever after because these two need a break
November 11, 2025
"Because if I let you in and I lose you, it will fucking des-
troy me." Demetri
This is an honest arc review.
Damn now broody vampire definitely is a great combo. I enjoy this book from start to finish and was captivated to know what would happen.
The mmc Demetri was dark unhinged and a crazy compelling character I throughly enjoyed him immensely 🥵🥵 and the main fmc Aaliyah had more growth she became stronger more defiant and stood her ground more which I greatly enjoyed.
This is a dark book so please check out the triggers before you proceed.
I’m very interested to see where the final book in this trilogy goes. I feel like I can’t pick anything that could happen so that is thrilling it really is a series that twists and turn how you don’t expect.
- slow burn
- morally grey vampire / human blood source
- enemies to lovers
- witch magic and vamp powers
- close proximity plus more
Only thing was it felt a little repetitive in this book so maybe a few tweaks and changes would have made it a 5⭐️ read so it’s a 41/2 for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
troy me." Demetri
This is an honest arc review.
Damn now broody vampire definitely is a great combo. I enjoy this book from start to finish and was captivated to know what would happen.
The mmc Demetri was dark unhinged and a crazy compelling character I throughly enjoyed him immensely 🥵🥵 and the main fmc Aaliyah had more growth she became stronger more defiant and stood her ground more which I greatly enjoyed.
This is a dark book so please check out the triggers before you proceed.
I’m very interested to see where the final book in this trilogy goes. I feel like I can’t pick anything that could happen so that is thrilling it really is a series that twists and turn how you don’t expect.
- slow burn
- morally grey vampire / human blood source
- enemies to lovers
- witch magic and vamp powers
- close proximity plus more
Only thing was it felt a little repetitive in this book so maybe a few tweaks and changes would have made it a 5⭐️ read so it’s a 41/2 for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 4, 2025
This is the second book in The Gilded Cage Trilogy. It was so good! You get to learn more about the MMCs background and why he is the way that he is. You get to see how different situations unfold. It puts you through the wringer with all of the characters. There's action and spice and heartbreak and happiness. I would definitely recommend!!
November 4, 2025
Holy Batman what a ride. First again trigger warnings check em...Now Dimitri is insufferable, he's like a man child. Their back and forth banter, love and hate just adds to the tension andnwhen if finally combusts oo the heat. Beauty and the Beast if you haven't already caught it. I need the final installment.
Favorite quote" My protector, My hero, My killer".
Favorite quote" My protector, My hero, My killer".
November 12, 2025
This is the second book in a trilogy. Once again, the author expertly weaves darkness and light into her two main characters and the world around them. Their relationship grows, as does the strength in their personalities. It was hard to put this book down, it was written that well. I cannot wait to continue with this storyline
November 12, 2025
Omg, really another cliffhanger. Ugh, jk. Lol. This book is almost as good as the first book. I love the hot and spicy scene. It did break my heart reading some parts. This book is more than five stars. I can't wait for the next book because I need to know what happens. Because that ending had me on the edge of my seat. Must read, until the next one.
December 18, 2025
I loved the first book and I ate this one (book 2) up. It had me feeling all the emotions while kicking my feet. Demetri and Aaliyah together are going through it. The slow burn in these books is nail biting but only because I want them to just do it already. I won’t give spoilers away but just reed these books. I’m going to need the 3rd one immediately.
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book…. My god 😍🤩 Just as good as the first.
BUT! If you don’t like smut in a book, stay FAR away from this 🥵🥵🥵 oooooft! 😝😂
The story is amazing, the way it’s written, so good.
WHEN IS THE THIRD BOOK COMING?! 😍😍🤩🤩
This book…. My god 😍🤩 Just as good as the first.
BUT! If you don’t like smut in a book, stay FAR away from this 🥵🥵🥵 oooooft! 😝😂
The story is amazing, the way it’s written, so good.
WHEN IS THE THIRD BOOK COMING?! 😍😍🤩🤩
November 13, 2025
Oh my god this book was fabulous! It gripped me so tight I literally could not put it down. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. I haven’t felt this strongly about a book in a long! time.
November 17, 2025
This series are just getting better better and better, darker and darker more twisted. How can ask for more? ME because I want book 3
November 26, 2025
Another rollercoaster of emotions! 🖤🖤🖤
Spice was a spicy 🥵
Mind the trigger warnings ⚠️
Spice was a spicy 🥵
Mind the trigger warnings ⚠️
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews