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Caged #3
Framed
He left without pause – without looking back. The single connection to normality I had was driving back to Boston, to a life interrupted by the knowledge that legends and lore may not be just that, and left to contemplate what other monsters may be in existence beyond what he’d witnessed that night. I was left to acknowledge that my friend was gone, my partner was lost, and yet another person’s life was damaged because of knowing me.
Maybe a cage was exactly where I belonged.
The deaths of three PC brothers have yet to be solved, and Ruby once again finds her head sitting squarely on the chopping block. To make matters worse, a revenge-crazed werewolf keeps hijacking her mind, replaying all the details of his gruesome attacks.
As she struggles to navigate her way through this life of supernatural violence, Ruby realizes that the dreams of normal women her age may never become her reality. No white dress. No family of her own. She fears that everything and everyone she knows is in danger — and it’s all because of her. When she finally accepts those fears as fact, Ruby takes drastic measures to ensure the safety of those she loves most…
Even if it means forfeiting her own.
Maybe a cage was exactly where I belonged.
The deaths of three PC brothers have yet to be solved, and Ruby once again finds her head sitting squarely on the chopping block. To make matters worse, a revenge-crazed werewolf keeps hijacking her mind, replaying all the details of his gruesome attacks.
As she struggles to navigate her way through this life of supernatural violence, Ruby realizes that the dreams of normal women her age may never become her reality. No white dress. No family of her own. She fears that everything and everyone she knows is in danger — and it’s all because of her. When she finally accepts those fears as fact, Ruby takes drastic measures to ensure the safety of those she loves most…
Even if it means forfeiting her own.
284 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2012
198 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Amber Lynn Natusch
49 books1,551 followersAMBER LYNN NATUSCH is the author of the bestselling Caged series for adults. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, and is still deeply attached to her Canadian roots. She loves to dance and practice Muay Thai―but spends most of her time running a chiropractic practice with her husband, raising two young children, and attempting to write when she can lock herself in the bathroom for ten minutes of peace. Dare You to Lie is her debut YA novel with Tor Teen.
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April 11, 2018
Note from Jena: I have been patiently…….ok….that’s a lie. A better way to put this would be I have been ‘quietly impatient’ for the release of Framed. A little over a month ago, Amber Lynn Natusch sent me an infuriating tease of a piece. The first twenty-something pages! Can you believe that?!?! What’s worse is the fact that it left off at a HUGE cliffhanger! No joke – she got an e-mail from me saying “you can’t do that to me!!!!” Well, I have sat (im)patiently waiting since then. Dropped little hints here and there (“how are edits going?” “do you have a solid release date yet?”) to try to get an idea of when I would see it. Not really “bugging” her, just trying to be all stealthy and get the goods! Well, a few weekends ago, she totally made my day! Not only did she send me a copy, she also sent one to the super fabulous and always hilarious Ginny Lurcock. Then I was chatting with Amber and she made a great suggestion about us doing a review together. So that’s what we are doing here today.
Jena: So I just finished Framed and I have to say, it’s not only a great addition to this series, but it’s officially taken the top spot as my favorite book out of the series so far!
Ginny: Oh my god… I’m glad you think so too! I was dying to get my hands on the third book in the Caged series, and it did not disappoint.
Can we talk about Sean first? I really want to talk about Sean first. I have to admit, I feel a bit bad looking back at my old reviews on how hard I was on Sean. After long LONG long discussions with Amber, I’ve become a total Seanvert. Which is a Sean convert… which I just made up… did you notice Amber makes me create new words? Yeah, her books require an improvement on the English language, that’s how good they are.
If I hadn’t been a Seanvert before Framed… I really would have been after. HO-LY-SHIT. It’s like someone took the best bits of Barrons, the Old Spice Guy, the Most Interesting Man in the World (from the Dos Equis ads) and the Ryan Gosling memes everyone loves (and by everyone, I mean me) threw them into a blender and out came Sean.
Jena: I SOOOOOO AGREE!!!! I will be honest. I couldn’t STAND Sean in the first two books! You know how your friends will HATE a guy that wronged you just on the basic principle that you are their friend and therefore he is the devil?? Well, that’s how I felt!!! Poor Rubes and all the jerking around and the emotional terrorism and all that crap. All it did was earn him a big black mark in my book. Framed has turned me into a Seanvert as well. (Great term, beeteedubbz!!!! That’s fantastic!!!!) Now, as is displayed in EVERY frackin’ book I read, I have always gone for the bad boy. Cheered on the villain. I don’t know why and I am sure there is something DEEPLY wrong with me because of it. Jericho Barrons, Eric Northman, Damien Salvatore, Cam, Frank, and Daniel the Devil’s Protégé. So naturally, the first time I read the Caged, I loved loved LOVED Eric. I had my hopes so high that Sean wasn’t going to be the hero. In Haunted, I was still a little bitter about Caged so I held out. Luckily, she had Coop around and he made things……interesting. In Framed, Sean 100% redeemed himself!!!! In a huge way!!!
Now, what are your opinions on Cooper??? I have always loved him as a character but not as anything more than a big brother type. Framed completely changed how I look at Coop too!!! Not that I am waiting for them to pick out wedding invitations or anything but Framed made me realize that he may not be totally out of the running for Man Meat of the Year.
Ginny: (I am so glad you went too Cooper next.) I had the opposite reaction to Coop. From the SECOND he appeared in Caged I was all *sits up and takes notice*. Even when he had his issues in Haunted I just wanted to give him a great big hug. So when you get to that bit in the hallway (trust me, you’ll know it when you read it), my heart was literally pounding and I was doing a little chair dance.
I’m not waiting for them to pick out China patterns either… but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the perfect wedding gift all planned out in my mind…
Which of course makes me feel bad for Sean. Which makes me feel like I’m betraying Coop… GAH! I do not envy Ruby the choice she’s going to have to make. You can feel it lurking there, just under the surface. Someday soon she’s going to have to pick between the man who makes her blood burn, and the man who is her rock.
Jena: I was afraid that The Hallway scene was going to take a massive turn for the violent. *dear readers – we’re not telling so go read the book!* Well, I guess it kinds sorta did in a way but I thought that there were going to be some very final consequences as a result of The Hallway. In a way, that sorta remains to be seen.
So let’s chat Character Development! That sounds incredibly boring but I can’t think of a better way to say “let’s talk about the ways a character changes to keep them interesting.” Anyway…
Everyone from the whole of the PC to Sean to Coop to Rubes to Ronnie to Peyta to Matty (What the WHAT?!??!) went through some serious changes in this book. Who and what stood out to you??
Ginny: Well obviously Ruby for starters… I mean our home girl ends up going through some seriously heavy shit in this book, probably more than in the first two if you can believe that. Even with everything though, she manages to handle herself with a certain grace that, faced with a similar situation, I doubt I would be able to muster.
Even with all that heavy shit though, I feel like Ronnie stood out even more. I mean after the ending of Haunted you knew shit was going to get real, but I couldn’t have even begun to predict how. There are a lot of curse words I can think to describe Ronnie’s journey in this one… but not a lot beyond those curses that doesn’t give key points away. Take my advice though and put aside any bad thoughts you have towards Ronnie… it’ll just make you feel guilty later.
Amber has this real sick way of building characters up just to tear them back down… and since you were there for their accent, you join them in their fall as well. This time she pushed Ronnie and the reader of the emotional cliff and smiled as she watched us fall. I can actually picture that smile too… that’s what makes it worse.
Jena: I totally agree with regards to Ruby and Ronnie both. I feel that they both morphed a bit in this book. I think that Ruby really learned a lot about herself in this book and it was growing that she really needed to do to move forward with her life and whatever path may lay ahead of her.
The one character that really stood out to me in this book is Scarlet! I think that Scarlet really stole the show. Not because she’s a big ‘ol bad ass. We already knew that. I think that she really had some moments to shine in this book and show us the stuff she’s really made of. Since ruby learned who/what she was in Caged, a part of me has really been hoping to see more face time with her and I feel that we are really moving that way. We are getting a glimpse of what makes Scarlet tick and as scary as it may be, it’s a fantastic view!
I also think that it goes without saying (after our earlier talking points) that Sean should be lumped in with this group. As we are both Seanverts, I think you can agree on that. There’s a reason that we ARE Seanverts and the events of Framed and the things we see in Framed are what did it.
Ginny: OH MY GOD HOW COULD I FORGET SCARLET?! I feel like such a bad Scarlet fan. Or maybe it’s just because I have that shrine to Scarlet in my closet that I think everyone else should too…
Scarlet really did steal the show this book. I mean, she did one really shitty thing to Ruby, REALLY SHITTY, but you can’t even hold that against her. I mean, every time Ruby got herself into trouble Scarlet was there to bail her out. Even when Ruby didn’t know she was in trouble. Jena is right, this time around Scarlet’s ubernicity wasn’t exclusively in the realm of “ass kicking” or “being a catty bitch to Sophie.” Shit needed taking care of, and she took care of it. We even got to see her put on her gum shoes and solve a mystery.
Hell, even Sean gave her props.
And yes, Sean did grow, but if I talk about him I’ll swoon over that line. You know… the line… Crap… I’m swooning just thinking about it.
*runs to get a glass of water*
Jena: Don’t hurt yourself with a swoon-a-thon!!!! Seriously. That’s been known to KILL people!
Ok, breathe….
Yes, Sean definitely had his moment to shine in this one. The Line was a wonderful one. It totally redeemed him in my eyes. Obviously, that is not the ONLY thing in Framed that made me a Seanvert but it was a big one.
So let’s talk technicalities for a minute. One thing that I always look for when reading a book is the technical stuff. I don’t mean picking apart the book for a missed comma or an uncrossed T. I look for the framework of the story. I felt that Amber Lynn Natusch did a fantastic job with Framed. Caged and Haunted are wonderful books but this one most definitely took the cake, IMHO. She’s got a talent for urban fantasy as a whole but she also has a good solid grasp on writing a mystery. That was something that impressed me greatly about her writing style in the first 2 installments.
Well, I feel that she took it to a whole new level with Framed. This installment in the series is much darker feeling and……well, not that I sit around trying to predict the ending of every book I read but I wasn’t able to get a read on the big reveal in this one. Not even a little bit. And it’s a BIG REVEAL. It’s more like a landslide of several big reveals and I couldn’t have been more stunned!
Ginny: I do sit around trying to figure out whodunit. It’s just this thing… it’s like a sickness… Really though, crazy theories is what makes mysteries fun for me. In “Framed” I had an “I don’t trust…” an “I hope it’s…” and a “oh I wonder if…” All of which I sent to Amber. She was nice enough to not out and out laugh at me for the one that was so off base I think I owe the character an apology card.
And probably a basket of fruit.
None of which were the reveal I’m pretty sure you’re talking about, since I don’t think anyone could see that coming from a mile away. It was the literary equivalent of being hit by a subway train above ground… in New Hampshire… There was no way you could have predicted it. In fact, I’m preemptively calling anyone who says “oh I totally knew about that before it was revealed” a liar and a mystery hipster. Don’t be that person.
I totally agree with Jena, structurally the Caged series is aces. It’s not like one of those stories where you go “the idea was there but…” or “I really liked the characters but…” I love the characters, I love the setting, the idea is unique, and she has the mad writing skills to pull it all off.
Jena: Glad you feel that way! Well, I think we are going to wrap it up there. I don’t want to get going on a tangent and say things like “Can you believe that XXXXXXXX did XXXXXXXXX?!?!?!” or “I and blown away by the fact that XXXXXXXXXX is XXXXXXXXXX!!!”
Overall, Ginny and I both give Framed 5 toothy werewolf grins!!! Although this could easily be read as a standalone novel, you are most definitely screwing yourself if you don’t read Caged and Haunted first. All three are a fast-paced, quick read and you shouldn’t miss the story!!!
Jena: So I just finished Framed and I have to say, it’s not only a great addition to this series, but it’s officially taken the top spot as my favorite book out of the series so far!
Ginny: Oh my god… I’m glad you think so too! I was dying to get my hands on the third book in the Caged series, and it did not disappoint.
Can we talk about Sean first? I really want to talk about Sean first. I have to admit, I feel a bit bad looking back at my old reviews on how hard I was on Sean. After long LONG long discussions with Amber, I’ve become a total Seanvert. Which is a Sean convert… which I just made up… did you notice Amber makes me create new words? Yeah, her books require an improvement on the English language, that’s how good they are.
If I hadn’t been a Seanvert before Framed… I really would have been after. HO-LY-SHIT. It’s like someone took the best bits of Barrons, the Old Spice Guy, the Most Interesting Man in the World (from the Dos Equis ads) and the Ryan Gosling memes everyone loves (and by everyone, I mean me) threw them into a blender and out came Sean.
Jena: I SOOOOOO AGREE!!!! I will be honest. I couldn’t STAND Sean in the first two books! You know how your friends will HATE a guy that wronged you just on the basic principle that you are their friend and therefore he is the devil?? Well, that’s how I felt!!! Poor Rubes and all the jerking around and the emotional terrorism and all that crap. All it did was earn him a big black mark in my book. Framed has turned me into a Seanvert as well. (Great term, beeteedubbz!!!! That’s fantastic!!!!) Now, as is displayed in EVERY frackin’ book I read, I have always gone for the bad boy. Cheered on the villain. I don’t know why and I am sure there is something DEEPLY wrong with me because of it. Jericho Barrons, Eric Northman, Damien Salvatore, Cam, Frank, and Daniel the Devil’s Protégé. So naturally, the first time I read the Caged, I loved loved LOVED Eric. I had my hopes so high that Sean wasn’t going to be the hero. In Haunted, I was still a little bitter about Caged so I held out. Luckily, she had Coop around and he made things……interesting. In Framed, Sean 100% redeemed himself!!!! In a huge way!!!
Now, what are your opinions on Cooper??? I have always loved him as a character but not as anything more than a big brother type. Framed completely changed how I look at Coop too!!! Not that I am waiting for them to pick out wedding invitations or anything but Framed made me realize that he may not be totally out of the running for Man Meat of the Year.
Ginny: (I am so glad you went too Cooper next.) I had the opposite reaction to Coop. From the SECOND he appeared in Caged I was all *sits up and takes notice*. Even when he had his issues in Haunted I just wanted to give him a great big hug. So when you get to that bit in the hallway (trust me, you’ll know it when you read it), my heart was literally pounding and I was doing a little chair dance.
I’m not waiting for them to pick out China patterns either… but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the perfect wedding gift all planned out in my mind…
Which of course makes me feel bad for Sean. Which makes me feel like I’m betraying Coop… GAH! I do not envy Ruby the choice she’s going to have to make. You can feel it lurking there, just under the surface. Someday soon she’s going to have to pick between the man who makes her blood burn, and the man who is her rock.
Jena: I was afraid that The Hallway scene was going to take a massive turn for the violent. *dear readers – we’re not telling so go read the book!* Well, I guess it kinds sorta did in a way but I thought that there were going to be some very final consequences as a result of The Hallway. In a way, that sorta remains to be seen.
So let’s chat Character Development! That sounds incredibly boring but I can’t think of a better way to say “let’s talk about the ways a character changes to keep them interesting.” Anyway…
Everyone from the whole of the PC to Sean to Coop to Rubes to Ronnie to Peyta to Matty (What the WHAT?!??!) went through some serious changes in this book. Who and what stood out to you??
Ginny: Well obviously Ruby for starters… I mean our home girl ends up going through some seriously heavy shit in this book, probably more than in the first two if you can believe that. Even with everything though, she manages to handle herself with a certain grace that, faced with a similar situation, I doubt I would be able to muster.
Even with all that heavy shit though, I feel like Ronnie stood out even more. I mean after the ending of Haunted you knew shit was going to get real, but I couldn’t have even begun to predict how. There are a lot of curse words I can think to describe Ronnie’s journey in this one… but not a lot beyond those curses that doesn’t give key points away. Take my advice though and put aside any bad thoughts you have towards Ronnie… it’ll just make you feel guilty later.
Amber has this real sick way of building characters up just to tear them back down… and since you were there for their accent, you join them in their fall as well. This time she pushed Ronnie and the reader of the emotional cliff and smiled as she watched us fall. I can actually picture that smile too… that’s what makes it worse.
Jena: I totally agree with regards to Ruby and Ronnie both. I feel that they both morphed a bit in this book. I think that Ruby really learned a lot about herself in this book and it was growing that she really needed to do to move forward with her life and whatever path may lay ahead of her.
The one character that really stood out to me in this book is Scarlet! I think that Scarlet really stole the show. Not because she’s a big ‘ol bad ass. We already knew that. I think that she really had some moments to shine in this book and show us the stuff she’s really made of. Since ruby learned who/what she was in Caged, a part of me has really been hoping to see more face time with her and I feel that we are really moving that way. We are getting a glimpse of what makes Scarlet tick and as scary as it may be, it’s a fantastic view!
I also think that it goes without saying (after our earlier talking points) that Sean should be lumped in with this group. As we are both Seanverts, I think you can agree on that. There’s a reason that we ARE Seanverts and the events of Framed and the things we see in Framed are what did it.
Ginny: OH MY GOD HOW COULD I FORGET SCARLET?! I feel like such a bad Scarlet fan. Or maybe it’s just because I have that shrine to Scarlet in my closet that I think everyone else should too…
Scarlet really did steal the show this book. I mean, she did one really shitty thing to Ruby, REALLY SHITTY, but you can’t even hold that against her. I mean, every time Ruby got herself into trouble Scarlet was there to bail her out. Even when Ruby didn’t know she was in trouble. Jena is right, this time around Scarlet’s ubernicity wasn’t exclusively in the realm of “ass kicking” or “being a catty bitch to Sophie.” Shit needed taking care of, and she took care of it. We even got to see her put on her gum shoes and solve a mystery.
Hell, even Sean gave her props.
And yes, Sean did grow, but if I talk about him I’ll swoon over that line. You know… the line… Crap… I’m swooning just thinking about it.
*runs to get a glass of water*
Jena: Don’t hurt yourself with a swoon-a-thon!!!! Seriously. That’s been known to KILL people!
Ok, breathe….
Yes, Sean definitely had his moment to shine in this one. The Line was a wonderful one. It totally redeemed him in my eyes. Obviously, that is not the ONLY thing in Framed that made me a Seanvert but it was a big one.
So let’s talk technicalities for a minute. One thing that I always look for when reading a book is the technical stuff. I don’t mean picking apart the book for a missed comma or an uncrossed T. I look for the framework of the story. I felt that Amber Lynn Natusch did a fantastic job with Framed. Caged and Haunted are wonderful books but this one most definitely took the cake, IMHO. She’s got a talent for urban fantasy as a whole but she also has a good solid grasp on writing a mystery. That was something that impressed me greatly about her writing style in the first 2 installments.
Well, I feel that she took it to a whole new level with Framed. This installment in the series is much darker feeling and……well, not that I sit around trying to predict the ending of every book I read but I wasn’t able to get a read on the big reveal in this one. Not even a little bit. And it’s a BIG REVEAL. It’s more like a landslide of several big reveals and I couldn’t have been more stunned!
Ginny: I do sit around trying to figure out whodunit. It’s just this thing… it’s like a sickness… Really though, crazy theories is what makes mysteries fun for me. In “Framed” I had an “I don’t trust…” an “I hope it’s…” and a “oh I wonder if…” All of which I sent to Amber. She was nice enough to not out and out laugh at me for the one that was so off base I think I owe the character an apology card.
And probably a basket of fruit.
None of which were the reveal I’m pretty sure you’re talking about, since I don’t think anyone could see that coming from a mile away. It was the literary equivalent of being hit by a subway train above ground… in New Hampshire… There was no way you could have predicted it. In fact, I’m preemptively calling anyone who says “oh I totally knew about that before it was revealed” a liar and a mystery hipster. Don’t be that person.
I totally agree with Jena, structurally the Caged series is aces. It’s not like one of those stories where you go “the idea was there but…” or “I really liked the characters but…” I love the characters, I love the setting, the idea is unique, and she has the mad writing skills to pull it all off.
Jena: Glad you feel that way! Well, I think we are going to wrap it up there. I don’t want to get going on a tangent and say things like “Can you believe that XXXXXXXX did XXXXXXXXX?!?!?!” or “I and blown away by the fact that XXXXXXXXXX is XXXXXXXXXX!!!”
Overall, Ginny and I both give Framed 5 toothy werewolf grins!!! Although this could easily be read as a standalone novel, you are most definitely screwing yourself if you don’t read Caged and Haunted first. All three are a fast-paced, quick read and you shouldn’t miss the story!!!
July 9, 2016
2.5 stars
It was annoying, that's what it was.
Don't get me wrong, the book was good, I'm happy that with every new one the series gets better regarding plot, writing and intrigue.
But.
Why. The. Fucking. Love. Triangle.?!
I just knew the author was going to shove that down our throats! Man, sometimes I hate that I'm right.
Ruby had her moments when I appreciated her thinking and courage. No, wait. That was all Scarlet. She was the only one making good decisions. Ironic, right?
All Ruby did was whine, run and avoid her problems, and be a stupid fucking emotionally wreck.(can't choose between the two of them, my ass. She's a selfish bitch who doesn't want to make a choice because she knows she'll lose one of them in the process. All she's doing now is losing both of them. I wouldn't stand for it.)
I don't know what's more idiotic. This book, or me because I'll still read the next one?
It was annoying, that's what it was.
Don't get me wrong, the book was good, I'm happy that with every new one the series gets better regarding plot, writing and intrigue.
But.
Why. The. Fucking. Love. Triangle.?!
I just knew the author was going to shove that down our throats! Man, sometimes I hate that I'm right.
Ruby had her moments when I appreciated her thinking and courage. No, wait. That was all Scarlet. She was the only one making good decisions. Ironic, right?
All Ruby did was whine, run and avoid her problems, and be a stupid fucking emotionally wreck.(can't choose between the two of them, my ass. She's a selfish bitch who doesn't want to make a choice because she knows she'll lose one of them in the process. All she's doing now is losing both of them. I wouldn't stand for it.)
I don't know what's more idiotic. This book, or me because I'll still read the next one?
September 13, 2014
The only thing I disliked about this 3rd book in the series is that the love interest portion has been dragged on to the extent that it's become old news. I believe that the continuing liaison should have been carried a step further to maintain interest and inject some progress into a romantic relationship.
This is an ongoing issue that I have with many series. I find it a complete and utter bore that takes away credibility from both the character's nature and also any implied intimacy or passion between a couple.
This is an ongoing issue that I have with many series. I find it a complete and utter bore that takes away credibility from both the character's nature and also any implied intimacy or passion between a couple.
July 20, 2012
So wish I didn't read this in one day! Now have to wait until September!! Arghhghhhgg! Why why why didnt I stop reading! Fantastic book, come ruby pull it together and get with Sean!!!!!!
February 7, 2014
Another great book in this series. It's so easy to read these because you don't want to put them down. I'm torn between Sean and Cooper - love both of them! I'm eager to get started on the next book!
August 3, 2012
Note from Jena: I have been patiently…….ok….that’s a lie. A better way to put this would be I have been ‘quietly impatient’ for the release of Framed. A little over a month ago, Amber Lynn Natusch sent me an infuriating tease of a piece. The first twenty-something pages! Can you believe that?!?! What’s worse is the fact that it left off at a HUGE cliffhanger! No joke – she got an e-mail from me saying “you can’t do that to me!!!!” Well, I have sat (im)patiently waiting since then. Dropped little hints here and there (“how are edits going?” “do you have a solid release date yet?”) to try to get an idea of when I would see it. Not really “bugging” her, just trying to be all stealthy and get the goods! Well, a few weekends ago, she totally made my day! Not only did she send me a copy, she also sent one to the super fabulous and always hilarious Ginny Lurcock. Then I was chatting with Amber and she made a great suggestion about us doing a review together. So that’s what we are doing here today.
Jena: So I just finished Framed and I have to say, it’s not only a great addition to this series, but it’s officially taken the top spot as my favorite book out of the series so far!
Ginny: Oh my god… I’m glad you think so too! I was dying to get my hands on the third book in the Caged series, and it did not disappoint.
Can we talk about Sean first? I really want to talk about Sean first. I have to admit, I feel a bit bad looking back at my old reviews on how hard I was on Sean. After long LONG long discussions with Amber, I’ve become a total Seanvert. Which is a Sean convert… which I just made up… did you notice Amber makes me create new words? Yeah, her books require an improvement on the English language, that’s how good they are.
If I hadn’t been a Seanvert before Framed… I really would have been after. HO-LY-SHIT. It’s like someone took the best bits of Barrons, the Old Spice Guy, the Most Interesting Man in the World (from the Dos Equis ads) and the Ryan Gosling memes everyone loves (and by everyone, I mean me) threw them into a blender and out came Sean.
Jena: I SOOOOOO AGREE!!!! I will be honest. I couldn’t STAND Sean in the first two books! You know how your friends will HATE a guy that wronged you just on the basic principle that you are their friend and therefore he is the devil?? Well, that’s how I felt!!! Poor Rubes and all the jerking around and the emotional terrorism and all that crap. All it did was earn him a big black mark in my book. Framed has turned me into a Seanvert as well. (Great term, beeteedubbz!!!! That’s fantastic!!!!) Now, as is displayed in EVERY frackin’ book I read, I have always gone for the bad boy. Cheered on the villain. I don’t know why and I am sure there is something DEEPLY wrong with me because of it. Jericho Barrons, Eric Northman, Damien Salvatore, Cam, Frank, and Daniel the Devil’s Protégé. So naturally, the first time I read the Caged, I loved loved LOVED Eric. I had my hopes so high that Sean wasn’t going to be the hero. In Haunted, I was still a little bitter about Caged so I held out. Luckily, she had Coop around and he made things……interesting. In Framed, Sean 100% redeemed himself!!!! In a huge way!!!
Now, what are your opinions on Cooper??? I have always loved him as a character but not as anything more than a big brother type. Framed completely changed how I look at Coop too!!! Not that I am waiting for them to pick out wedding invitations or anything but Framed made me realize that he may not be totally out of the running for Man Meat of the Year.
Ginny: (I am so glad you went too Cooper next.) I had the opposite reaction to Coop. From the SECOND he appeared in Caged I was all *sits up and takes notice*. Even when he had his issues in Haunted I just wanted to give him a great big hug. So when you get to that bit in the hallway (trust me, you’ll know it when you read it), my heart was literally pounding and I was doing a little chair dance.
I’m not waiting for them to pick out China patterns either… but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the perfect wedding gift all planned out in my mind…
Which of course makes me feel bad for Sean. Which makes me feel like I’m betraying Coop… GAH! I do not envy Ruby the choice she’s going to have to make. You can feel it lurking there, just under the surface. Someday soon she’s going to have to pick between the man who makes her blood burn, and the man who is her rock.
Jena: I was afraid that The Hallway scene was going to take a massive turn for the violent. *dear readers – we’re not telling so go read the book!* Well, I guess it kinds sorta did in a way but I thought that there were going to be some very final consequences as a result of The Hallway. In a way, that sorta remains to be seen.
So let’s chat Character Development! That sounds incredibly boring but I can’t think of a better way to say “let’s talk about the ways a character changes to keep them interesting.” Anyway…
Everyone from the whole of the PC to Sean to Coop to Rubes to Ronnie to Peyta to Matty (What the WHAT?!??!) went through some serious changes in this book. Who and what stood out to you??
Ginny: Well obviously Ruby for starters… I mean our home girl ends up going through some seriously heavy shit in this book, probably more than in the first two if you can believe that. Even with everything though, she manages to handle herself with a certain grace that, faced with a similar situation, I doubt I would be able to muster.
Even with all that heavy shit though, I feel like Ronnie stood out even more. I mean after the ending of Haunted you knew shit was going to get real, but I couldn’t have even begun to predict how. There are a lot of curse words I can think to describe Ronnie’s journey in this one… but not a lot beyond those curses that doesn’t give key points away. Take my advice though and put aside any bad thoughts you have towards Ronnie… it’ll just make you feel guilty later.
Amber has this real sick way of building characters up just to tear them back down… and since you were there for their accent, you join them in their fall as well. This time she pushed Ronnie and the reader of the emotional cliff and smiled as she watched us fall. I can actually picture that smile too… that’s what makes it worse.
Jena: I totally agree with regards to Ruby and Ronnie both. I feel that they both morphed a bit in this book. I think that Ruby really learned a lot about herself in this book and it was growing that she really needed to do to move forward with her life and whatever path may lay ahead of her.
The one character that really stood out to me in this book is Scarlet! I think that Scarlet really stole the show. Not because she’s a big ‘ol bad ass. We already knew that. I think that she really had some moments to shine in this book and show us the stuff she’s really made of. Since ruby learned who/what she was in Caged, a part of me has really been hoping to see more face time with her and I feel that we are really moving that way. We are getting a glimpse of what makes Scarlet tick and as scary as it may be, it’s a fantastic view!
I also think that it goes without saying (after our earlier talking points) that Sean should be lumped in with this group. As we are both Seanverts, I think you can agree on that. There’s a reason that we ARE Seanverts and the events of Framed and the things we see in Framed are what did it.
Ginny: OH MY GOD HOW COULD I FORGET SCARLET?! I feel like such a bad Scarlet fan. Or maybe it’s just because I have that shrine to Scarlet in my closet that I think everyone else should too…
Scarlet really did steal the show this book. I mean, she did one really shitty thing to Ruby, REALLY SHITTY, but you can’t even hold that against her. I mean, every time Ruby got herself into trouble Scarlet was there to bail her out. Even when Ruby didn’t know she was in trouble. Jena is right, this time around Scarlet’s ubernicity wasn’t exclusively in the realm of “ass kicking” or “being a catty bitch to Sophie.” Shit needed taking care of, and she took care of it. We even got to see her put on her gum shoes and solve a mystery.
Hell, even Sean gave her props.
And yes, Sean did grow, but if I talk about him I’ll swoon over that line. You know… the line… Crap… I’m swooning just thinking about it.
*runs to get a glass of water*
Jena: Don’t hurt yourself with a swoon-a-thon!!!! Seriously. That’s been known to KILL people!
Ok, breathe….
Yes, Sean definitely had his moment to shine in this one. The Line was a wonderful one. It totally redeemed him in my eyes. Obviously, that is not the ONLY thing in Framed that made me a Seanvert but it was a big one.
So let’s talk technicalities for a minute. One thing that I always look for when reading a book is the technical stuff. I don’t mean picking apart the book for a missed comma or an uncrossed T. I look for the framework of the story. I felt that Amber Lynn Natusch did a fantastic job with Framed. Caged and Haunted are wonderful books but this one most definitely took the cake, IMHO. She’s got a talent for urban fantasy as a whole but she also has a good solid grasp on writing a mystery. That was something that impressed me greatly about her writing style in the first 2 installments.
Well, I feel that she took it to a whole new level with Framed. This installment in the series is much darker feeling and……well, not that I sit around trying to predict the ending of every book I read but I wasn’t able to get a read on the big reveal in this one. Not even a little bit. And it’s a BIG REVEAL. It’s more like a landslide of several big reveals and I couldn’t have been more stunned!
Ginny: I do sit around trying to figure out whodunit. It’s just this thing… it’s like a sickness… Really though, crazy theories is what makes mysteries fun for me. In “Framed” I had an “I don’t trust…” an “I hope it’s…” and a “oh I wonder if…” All of which I sent to Amber. She was nice enough to not out and out laugh at me for the one that was so off base I think I owe the character an apology card.
And probably a basket of fruit.
None of which were the reveal I’m pretty sure you’re talking about, since I don’t think anyone could see that coming from a mile away. It was the literary equivalent of being hit by a subway train above ground… in New Hampshire… There was no way you could have predicted it. In fact, I’m preemptively calling anyone who says “oh I totally knew about that before it was revealed” a liar and a mystery hipster. Don’t be that person.
I totally agree with Jena, structurally the Caged series is aces. It’s not like one of those stories where you go “the idea was there but…” or “I really liked the characters but…” I love the characters, I love the setting, the idea is unique, and she has the mad writing skills to pull it all off.
Jena: Glad you feel that way! Well, I think we are going to wrap it up there. I don’t want to get going on a tangent and say things like “Can you believe that XXXXXXXX did XXXXXXXXX?!?!?!” or “I and blown away by the fact that XXXXXXXXXX is XXXXXXXXXX!!!”
Overall, Ginny and I both give Framed 5 toothy werewolf grins!!! Although this could easily be read as a standalone novel, you are most definitely screwing yourself if you don’t read Caged and Haunted first. All three are a fast-paced, quick read and you shouldn’t miss the story!!!
Jena: So I just finished Framed and I have to say, it’s not only a great addition to this series, but it’s officially taken the top spot as my favorite book out of the series so far!
Ginny: Oh my god… I’m glad you think so too! I was dying to get my hands on the third book in the Caged series, and it did not disappoint.
Can we talk about Sean first? I really want to talk about Sean first. I have to admit, I feel a bit bad looking back at my old reviews on how hard I was on Sean. After long LONG long discussions with Amber, I’ve become a total Seanvert. Which is a Sean convert… which I just made up… did you notice Amber makes me create new words? Yeah, her books require an improvement on the English language, that’s how good they are.
If I hadn’t been a Seanvert before Framed… I really would have been after. HO-LY-SHIT. It’s like someone took the best bits of Barrons, the Old Spice Guy, the Most Interesting Man in the World (from the Dos Equis ads) and the Ryan Gosling memes everyone loves (and by everyone, I mean me) threw them into a blender and out came Sean.
Jena: I SOOOOOO AGREE!!!! I will be honest. I couldn’t STAND Sean in the first two books! You know how your friends will HATE a guy that wronged you just on the basic principle that you are their friend and therefore he is the devil?? Well, that’s how I felt!!! Poor Rubes and all the jerking around and the emotional terrorism and all that crap. All it did was earn him a big black mark in my book. Framed has turned me into a Seanvert as well. (Great term, beeteedubbz!!!! That’s fantastic!!!!) Now, as is displayed in EVERY frackin’ book I read, I have always gone for the bad boy. Cheered on the villain. I don’t know why and I am sure there is something DEEPLY wrong with me because of it. Jericho Barrons, Eric Northman, Damien Salvatore, Cam, Frank, and Daniel the Devil’s Protégé. So naturally, the first time I read the Caged, I loved loved LOVED Eric. I had my hopes so high that Sean wasn’t going to be the hero. In Haunted, I was still a little bitter about Caged so I held out. Luckily, she had Coop around and he made things……interesting. In Framed, Sean 100% redeemed himself!!!! In a huge way!!!
Now, what are your opinions on Cooper??? I have always loved him as a character but not as anything more than a big brother type. Framed completely changed how I look at Coop too!!! Not that I am waiting for them to pick out wedding invitations or anything but Framed made me realize that he may not be totally out of the running for Man Meat of the Year.
Ginny: (I am so glad you went too Cooper next.) I had the opposite reaction to Coop. From the SECOND he appeared in Caged I was all *sits up and takes notice*. Even when he had his issues in Haunted I just wanted to give him a great big hug. So when you get to that bit in the hallway (trust me, you’ll know it when you read it), my heart was literally pounding and I was doing a little chair dance.
I’m not waiting for them to pick out China patterns either… but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the perfect wedding gift all planned out in my mind…
Which of course makes me feel bad for Sean. Which makes me feel like I’m betraying Coop… GAH! I do not envy Ruby the choice she’s going to have to make. You can feel it lurking there, just under the surface. Someday soon she’s going to have to pick between the man who makes her blood burn, and the man who is her rock.
Jena: I was afraid that The Hallway scene was going to take a massive turn for the violent. *dear readers – we’re not telling so go read the book!* Well, I guess it kinds sorta did in a way but I thought that there were going to be some very final consequences as a result of The Hallway. In a way, that sorta remains to be seen.
So let’s chat Character Development! That sounds incredibly boring but I can’t think of a better way to say “let’s talk about the ways a character changes to keep them interesting.” Anyway…
Everyone from the whole of the PC to Sean to Coop to Rubes to Ronnie to Peyta to Matty (What the WHAT?!??!) went through some serious changes in this book. Who and what stood out to you??
Ginny: Well obviously Ruby for starters… I mean our home girl ends up going through some seriously heavy shit in this book, probably more than in the first two if you can believe that. Even with everything though, she manages to handle herself with a certain grace that, faced with a similar situation, I doubt I would be able to muster.
Even with all that heavy shit though, I feel like Ronnie stood out even more. I mean after the ending of Haunted you knew shit was going to get real, but I couldn’t have even begun to predict how. There are a lot of curse words I can think to describe Ronnie’s journey in this one… but not a lot beyond those curses that doesn’t give key points away. Take my advice though and put aside any bad thoughts you have towards Ronnie… it’ll just make you feel guilty later.
Amber has this real sick way of building characters up just to tear them back down… and since you were there for their accent, you join them in their fall as well. This time she pushed Ronnie and the reader of the emotional cliff and smiled as she watched us fall. I can actually picture that smile too… that’s what makes it worse.
Jena: I totally agree with regards to Ruby and Ronnie both. I feel that they both morphed a bit in this book. I think that Ruby really learned a lot about herself in this book and it was growing that she really needed to do to move forward with her life and whatever path may lay ahead of her.
The one character that really stood out to me in this book is Scarlet! I think that Scarlet really stole the show. Not because she’s a big ‘ol bad ass. We already knew that. I think that she really had some moments to shine in this book and show us the stuff she’s really made of. Since ruby learned who/what she was in Caged, a part of me has really been hoping to see more face time with her and I feel that we are really moving that way. We are getting a glimpse of what makes Scarlet tick and as scary as it may be, it’s a fantastic view!
I also think that it goes without saying (after our earlier talking points) that Sean should be lumped in with this group. As we are both Seanverts, I think you can agree on that. There’s a reason that we ARE Seanverts and the events of Framed and the things we see in Framed are what did it.
Ginny: OH MY GOD HOW COULD I FORGET SCARLET?! I feel like such a bad Scarlet fan. Or maybe it’s just because I have that shrine to Scarlet in my closet that I think everyone else should too…
Scarlet really did steal the show this book. I mean, she did one really shitty thing to Ruby, REALLY SHITTY, but you can’t even hold that against her. I mean, every time Ruby got herself into trouble Scarlet was there to bail her out. Even when Ruby didn’t know she was in trouble. Jena is right, this time around Scarlet’s ubernicity wasn’t exclusively in the realm of “ass kicking” or “being a catty bitch to Sophie.” Shit needed taking care of, and she took care of it. We even got to see her put on her gum shoes and solve a mystery.
Hell, even Sean gave her props.
And yes, Sean did grow, but if I talk about him I’ll swoon over that line. You know… the line… Crap… I’m swooning just thinking about it.
*runs to get a glass of water*
Jena: Don’t hurt yourself with a swoon-a-thon!!!! Seriously. That’s been known to KILL people!
Ok, breathe….
Yes, Sean definitely had his moment to shine in this one. The Line was a wonderful one. It totally redeemed him in my eyes. Obviously, that is not the ONLY thing in Framed that made me a Seanvert but it was a big one.
So let’s talk technicalities for a minute. One thing that I always look for when reading a book is the technical stuff. I don’t mean picking apart the book for a missed comma or an uncrossed T. I look for the framework of the story. I felt that Amber Lynn Natusch did a fantastic job with Framed. Caged and Haunted are wonderful books but this one most definitely took the cake, IMHO. She’s got a talent for urban fantasy as a whole but she also has a good solid grasp on writing a mystery. That was something that impressed me greatly about her writing style in the first 2 installments.
Well, I feel that she took it to a whole new level with Framed. This installment in the series is much darker feeling and……well, not that I sit around trying to predict the ending of every book I read but I wasn’t able to get a read on the big reveal in this one. Not even a little bit. And it’s a BIG REVEAL. It’s more like a landslide of several big reveals and I couldn’t have been more stunned!
Ginny: I do sit around trying to figure out whodunit. It’s just this thing… it’s like a sickness… Really though, crazy theories is what makes mysteries fun for me. In “Framed” I had an “I don’t trust…” an “I hope it’s…” and a “oh I wonder if…” All of which I sent to Amber. She was nice enough to not out and out laugh at me for the one that was so off base I think I owe the character an apology card.
And probably a basket of fruit.
None of which were the reveal I’m pretty sure you’re talking about, since I don’t think anyone could see that coming from a mile away. It was the literary equivalent of being hit by a subway train above ground… in New Hampshire… There was no way you could have predicted it. In fact, I’m preemptively calling anyone who says “oh I totally knew about that before it was revealed” a liar and a mystery hipster. Don’t be that person.
I totally agree with Jena, structurally the Caged series is aces. It’s not like one of those stories where you go “the idea was there but…” or “I really liked the characters but…” I love the characters, I love the setting, the idea is unique, and she has the mad writing skills to pull it all off.
Jena: Glad you feel that way! Well, I think we are going to wrap it up there. I don’t want to get going on a tangent and say things like “Can you believe that XXXXXXXX did XXXXXXXXX?!?!?!” or “I and blown away by the fact that XXXXXXXXXX is XXXXXXXXXX!!!”
Overall, Ginny and I both give Framed 5 toothy werewolf grins!!! Although this could easily be read as a standalone novel, you are most definitely screwing yourself if you don’t read Caged and Haunted first. All three are a fast-paced, quick read and you shouldn’t miss the story!!!
January 2, 2019
Well DNF
Only characters i liked were Scarlet and peyta and connor i guess.
cut the rest out and i may have read it further ;D
Only characters i liked were Scarlet and peyta and connor i guess.
cut the rest out and i may have read it further ;D
June 20, 2018
Thank God these books keep getting better. A solid 3.5
I do not like the new development with Cooper... I don’t see why she has to lose a friend when everyone knows how it’ll end.
I don’t understand why/how every man falls in love with her? Is it something in her genetics? It’s weird and tiresome... I’m tired of the back and forth... chose who you want her to be with and develop that relationship. Her love interest are all over the place.
I do not like the new development with Cooper... I don’t see why she has to lose a friend when everyone knows how it’ll end.
I don’t understand why/how every man falls in love with her? Is it something in her genetics? It’s weird and tiresome... I’m tired of the back and forth... chose who you want her to be with and develop that relationship. Her love interest are all over the place.
February 3, 2018
Amazing
Well I've finished book 3. And I swear it just keeps getting better and better with each one. This is an excellent series. But start with book one. You'll love it.
Happy Reading
Well I've finished book 3. And I swear it just keeps getting better and better with each one. This is an excellent series. But start with book one. You'll love it.
Happy Reading
April 11, 2018
Wow wow wow
Another great book. The characters are wonderful and the story is great and Ruby is growing!! I am off to trade the next one in this wonderful series. So glad you're on Kindle Unlimited
Another great book. The characters are wonderful and the story is great and Ruby is growing!! I am off to trade the next one in this wonderful series. So glad you're on Kindle Unlimited
September 11, 2017
Paranormal
Strange wrap up to fiat three books with more implied. Intriguing story with multiple threads intercrossing throughout. Anxiously awaiting the next book.
Strange wrap up to fiat three books with more implied. Intriguing story with multiple threads intercrossing throughout. Anxiously awaiting the next book.
May 16, 2018
Great
This series just gets better and better. The author keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. On to the next book.
This series just gets better and better. The author keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. On to the next book.
November 12, 2020
Great series, lots of books. Read this a few years ago. It takes a good book for me to remember it years later. This was a good one.
March 26, 2025
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Urban Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates, Werewolves, Chosen Family, Greek Mythology
𝗣𝗢𝗩: FMC
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
The Caged world will forever be one of my absolute favorite worlds, and I decided that a full reread was in order. I may not have started this world from the true beginning, but the whole world is absolutely epic.
This book brings yet another problem for Ruby/Scarlett, this time she is basically on the proverbial chopping block as she is the main suspect for what is happening to the Brothers. They need to figure out how to prove their innocence when Ruby is the only one who can see what the real killer is doing.
The ending twist on who is responsible had me completely on the edge of my seat, and there is definitely more to come with the visions.
𝗣𝗢𝗩: FMC
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
The Caged world will forever be one of my absolute favorite worlds, and I decided that a full reread was in order. I may not have started this world from the true beginning, but the whole world is absolutely epic.
This book brings yet another problem for Ruby/Scarlett, this time she is basically on the proverbial chopping block as she is the main suspect for what is happening to the Brothers. They need to figure out how to prove their innocence when Ruby is the only one who can see what the real killer is doing.
The ending twist on who is responsible had me completely on the edge of my seat, and there is definitely more to come with the visions.
May 31, 2012
*May Contain Mild Spoilers*
I liked this one better than the last. No wasted space and the pace was dead on. Even though I thought this book wasn't at all bad and it was definitely a step up from the last, I still had a couple of issues that kept me from marking it as a Top Read.
I'm still on the fence on whether I truly like or care about the protagonist. A particular issue I had were the non-sequiturs or inconsistencies by the protagonist. For example, even though Ruby spends a few pages on explaining that she in fact agrees with her friends, that driving is the last thing she should be doing in her current condition, she turns around and does exactly that in the scene that follows. My other issue is the sex scene. I can understand the author is trying to keep it clean, and in doing so, doesn't include much description on that front. However, when you say that the moment the couple "joins" they both come instantly, it just seems utterly unrealistic and ridiculous.
I also had issues with the dialogue in general. It just didn't seem to flow all that well or natural at times. And my last issue is with the Scooby-doo cliched ending wrap-up. Whenever the hero nets the bad guy at the end and he provides you with a super lengthy & neat explanation/monologue, with just a bit of prodding, that's when you know you've reached pay dirt. Don't pass go or collect $200 dollars.
In regards to the book's main plot, I never really felt any of the dramatic tension the conflict intended on building, since I never felt the protagonist was truly in any danger. Maybe I need to work on my suspension of disbelief a bit more. I also felt a lack of romantic tension and heat between Ruby and any of her many suitors. I actually I got more from the police officer she kept running into and maybe the odd scene where she befriends a lady shopping, which I guess wasn't intended judging by the turn of the events. And I almost forgot my biggest WTH moment, where my brain just didn't want to accept, was the big Sean reveal. I know, I know, this is fantasy and you should already have your I-Believe party hat on, but I don't think I'm buying what's being peddled on that front. Time will tell.
In summary, even though I had some "issues" with this book, I general liked it and really thought it was thoroughly entertaining and well paced. There's a lot of great scenes and wth moments. And if I can't decide whether I like the protagonist, I can safely say I do like her alter-ego and Cooper for that mater. Sean I can do without.
I liked this one better than the last. No wasted space and the pace was dead on. Even though I thought this book wasn't at all bad and it was definitely a step up from the last, I still had a couple of issues that kept me from marking it as a Top Read.
I'm still on the fence on whether I truly like or care about the protagonist. A particular issue I had were the non-sequiturs or inconsistencies by the protagonist. For example, even though Ruby spends a few pages on explaining that she in fact agrees with her friends, that driving is the last thing she should be doing in her current condition, she turns around and does exactly that in the scene that follows. My other issue is the sex scene. I can understand the author is trying to keep it clean, and in doing so, doesn't include much description on that front. However, when you say that the moment the couple "joins" they both come instantly, it just seems utterly unrealistic and ridiculous.
I also had issues with the dialogue in general. It just didn't seem to flow all that well or natural at times. And my last issue is with the Scooby-doo cliched ending wrap-up. Whenever the hero nets the bad guy at the end and he provides you with a super lengthy & neat explanation/monologue, with just a bit of prodding, that's when you know you've reached pay dirt. Don't pass go or collect $200 dollars.
In regards to the book's main plot, I never really felt any of the dramatic tension the conflict intended on building, since I never felt the protagonist was truly in any danger. Maybe I need to work on my suspension of disbelief a bit more. I also felt a lack of romantic tension and heat between Ruby and any of her many suitors. I actually I got more from the police officer she kept running into and maybe the odd scene where she befriends a lady shopping, which I guess wasn't intended judging by the turn of the events. And I almost forgot my biggest WTH moment, where my brain just didn't want to accept, was the big Sean reveal. I know, I know, this is fantasy and you should already have your I-Believe party hat on, but I don't think I'm buying what's being peddled on that front. Time will tell.
In summary, even though I had some "issues" with this book, I general liked it and really thought it was thoroughly entertaining and well paced. There's a lot of great scenes and wth moments. And if I can't decide whether I like the protagonist, I can safely say I do like her alter-ego and Cooper for that mater. Sean I can do without.
October 22, 2012
Oh The Twists! Another fantastic novel by Amber Lynne Natusch!
Once again tension is high between the Brothers and Ruby/Scarlet. To be honest, I was starting to get really sick of them doubting her. I understand why but they condemned her from the start! I was sad to see Matty go all judgmental when Scarlet saved his life and I really hope that with time he'll view it from a different perspective and come back to Ruby at least as friends and dance partners.
I hated how Ronnie assumed she knew everything about Ruby and Cooper and was quite frankly a bitch throughout the book. You'd think she'd have at least a small bit of understanding considering they'd protect Peyta with their lives...
The relationship with Sean developed a little more but it's still not exactly what I'd hoped for emotionally. There needs to be more heightened tension between him and Ruby. Right now it's just verbal sparring and iterating the words, I love you. I feel like it lacks that emotional tension and angst, yearning hearts, if you will.
**SPOILERS**
Now for the surprising twists. I was completely surprised by the turn that Ruby and Cooper's relationship took. At the same time it kind of felt right. I feel more of a bond between Ruby and Cooper than that between Ruby and Sean. From the direction most of the books have taken I'm going to guess that Ruby and Sean are meant to be together so we need some serious bonding between those two because right now I'm all for Cooper.
I'm glad that dick, Jer, finally got his comeuppance. I really like his brother Jay (and I'm glad to see the budding relationship between him and Peyta) and couldn't believe Jer tried to kill him! What an ass! It's also such a relief that Sophie is finally out of the picture!! I hated her! I hope we never see her again!
Another big surprise was that the Rev turned out to be Peyta's father and now he has some fixation on Scarlet/Ruby? I'm sure that will play out in the next book or so. It should be interesting and I look forward to it. Although I have this feeling of dread that Amber is going to kill off someone Ruby loves and my heart will be sad to see any of them go, particularly Cooper, Peyta, or Sean. I guess there's only one way to find out...
Fantastic book!! Now onto #4 Scarred!!
July 19, 2012
*Spoilers*
This book was by far the best in the series. Ruby/Scarlet are becoming stronger and smarter. Scarlet teaches her something pretty important in this book...never give up no matter what. I love the little rants they get into Ruby vs. Scarlet. But they are showing that they are not as different as one should suspect. They are slowly becoming the same person with the same desires and emotions. Sean seems like a total annoyance in this book, always barging in wanting answers and seems like he doesn't respect or trust Ruby. Always double guessing her and interrogating her. All he ever has to tell her is bad news and he is all about business in this book. Sean is just always taking what he wants without any remorse...and I can foresee how Peyta can play a big part in that. Now that Sophie is out of the picture....Now he has time for her...what a ass! In the beginning of the series, I loved Sean...but now I am falling more in love with Cooper. I wish that Ruby would succumb to her feelings towards Cooper, she is in total denial. Yes, she loves Sean, but he is so bipolar, and doesn't know when to fight or just let things play out. Not to mention, her "gravity" both weighing her down and keeping her grounded, very much opposite. She will have to choose soon enough. *Please be Cooper!* I cannot wait for the next book. Hopefully Ruby has more time to focus on who she really wants, and who she will have to hurt in the process. Oh...one last thing, I felt robbed on the sex scene...it was like one sentence long. Hopefully the next time she has sex, it won't be a sentence long. I do hope it is with the same person though...I don't think the heroine of any story should be a girl who sleeps around with everyone.
This book was by far the best in the series. Ruby/Scarlet are becoming stronger and smarter. Scarlet teaches her something pretty important in this book...never give up no matter what. I love the little rants they get into Ruby vs. Scarlet. But they are showing that they are not as different as one should suspect. They are slowly becoming the same person with the same desires and emotions. Sean seems like a total annoyance in this book, always barging in wanting answers and seems like he doesn't respect or trust Ruby. Always double guessing her and interrogating her. All he ever has to tell her is bad news and he is all about business in this book. Sean is just always taking what he wants without any remorse...and I can foresee how Peyta can play a big part in that. Now that Sophie is out of the picture....Now he has time for her...what a ass! In the beginning of the series, I loved Sean...but now I am falling more in love with Cooper. I wish that Ruby would succumb to her feelings towards Cooper, she is in total denial. Yes, she loves Sean, but he is so bipolar, and doesn't know when to fight or just let things play out. Not to mention, her "gravity" both weighing her down and keeping her grounded, very much opposite. She will have to choose soon enough. *Please be Cooper!* I cannot wait for the next book. Hopefully Ruby has more time to focus on who she really wants, and who she will have to hurt in the process. Oh...one last thing, I felt robbed on the sex scene...it was like one sentence long. Hopefully the next time she has sex, it won't be a sentence long. I do hope it is with the same person though...I don't think the heroine of any story should be a girl who sleeps around with everyone.
September 24, 2012
FRAMED brought out a lot of emotions and development of pretty much every character in the series. Ruby and Scarlet are at the most connected they have been and it makes for some very interesting inner conversations. The love triangle that I have felt was going to develop has finally come into play and I could not be happier with where it is going. I'm going to do something a bit different then usual as there is a high risk of giving away spoilers. So instead of my normal reviews I will leave you with some of my thoughts while going through FRAMED
Wow that was rough....Hallway Scene, HOT Enough said......AWWW MAN......Ohh Cooper how I love you....I think we need to have someone shoot Ronnie in the ass...Sophie must die!!!......DO IT ALREADY!!....*cry*........Oh Matty how could you? I thought better of you. .....Cooper Swoooooon....Wow I did not see that coming...Sean, was that really necessary? Could you be more of an ass?...........That wont end well.........Rev dude, you are beyond creepy.........Death to Sophie!!.........Your finally alone with him and your going to LEAVE? Yeah that's probably for the best.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, the world building and storyline have a way with drawing you in and holding you hostage. I read books 1 through 3 back to back and the series ruined me for any other books for 24 hours!! Bring on SCARRED.
Wow that was rough....Hallway Scene, HOT Enough said......AWWW MAN......Ohh Cooper how I love you....I think we need to have someone shoot Ronnie in the ass...Sophie must die!!!......DO IT ALREADY!!....*cry*........Oh Matty how could you? I thought better of you. .....Cooper Swoooooon....Wow I did not see that coming...Sean, was that really necessary? Could you be more of an ass?...........That wont end well.........Rev dude, you are beyond creepy.........Death to Sophie!!.........Your finally alone with him and your going to LEAVE? Yeah that's probably for the best.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, the world building and storyline have a way with drawing you in and holding you hostage. I read books 1 through 3 back to back and the series ruined me for any other books for 24 hours!! Bring on SCARRED.
December 21, 2018
This is the third book in the Caged series. It picks up right where book 2 left off, with Ruby marked for death by the PC after being framed for the murders of several PC brothers. I don't want to say too much about the plot for fear of revealing spoilers. I will say I really like how Natusch reveals pieces of the puzzle in each book. We learn a little more about the supernatural world with each novel. We're not fed everything at once, but neither are we strung along without answers.
Framed is probably the fastest paced of the three books, so it reads quickly. Ruby's still a bit immature, but I enjoy her voice. Sometimes she seems so dense in her ability to read people (really Ruby, you couldn't tell the guy liked you?), but considering her background, it's understandable.
Now, though, we have to wait for the fourth book. I read the first three almost back to back, with little wait. Since book for isn't due until Fall, it feels like a while before we hear from Ruby, Sean, and Copper again.
Framed is probably the fastest paced of the three books, so it reads quickly. Ruby's still a bit immature, but I enjoy her voice. Sometimes she seems so dense in her ability to read people (really Ruby, you couldn't tell the guy liked you?), but considering her background, it's understandable.
Now, though, we have to wait for the fourth book. I read the first three almost back to back, with little wait. Since book for isn't due until Fall, it feels like a while before we hear from Ruby, Sean, and Copper again.
May 5, 2012
Natusch does it again. The third installment is just as good as the previous volumes. Not only does she keep use interested but she also manages to keep us guessing as to what is happening with all her twists and turns.
Ruby has lots to deal with from a psychotic rouge werewolf to visions of murderer the PC suspects she committed. And if that weren't enough the men in her life are giving her more grief than one girl can process; not to mention Ronnie's lack of enthusiasm about Ruby's other personality.
We learn a bit more about Sean, who is my favorite for Ruby, though we also find out some interesting things about Cooper, Ronnie, and Petya.
Overall, Natusch did a wonderful job. The only moment that bothered me was the confrontation between Sophie and Scarlet. The revelations made there seemed to be pulled out of thin air a bit. Still a great story.
Ruby has lots to deal with from a psychotic rouge werewolf to visions of murderer the PC suspects she committed. And if that weren't enough the men in her life are giving her more grief than one girl can process; not to mention Ronnie's lack of enthusiasm about Ruby's other personality.
We learn a bit more about Sean, who is my favorite for Ruby, though we also find out some interesting things about Cooper, Ronnie, and Petya.
Overall, Natusch did a wonderful job. The only moment that bothered me was the confrontation between Sophie and Scarlet. The revelations made there seemed to be pulled out of thin air a bit. Still a great story.
September 2, 2012
I have to say, again, that I am very pleased with this series. I don't want give too much away, so I will generally give you my thoughts
As always, Ruby continues to make me laugh, as well as Scarlet. They are probably one of the best female characters I have come across.
I know I wanted Cooper and Ruby to hook-up but Sean wins me over in this book, especially at the end.
The storyline is this book was okay. I thought things moved kind of slow, and the ending was kind of rushed. Also, I know Ruby has a little character growth, but it wasn't enough to me.
Like I have said in my previous reviews about this series, READ THIS SERIES. You will not be disappointed!
As always, Ruby continues to make me laugh, as well as Scarlet. They are probably one of the best female characters I have come across.
I know I wanted Cooper and Ruby to hook-up but Sean wins me over in this book, especially at the end.
The storyline is this book was okay. I thought things moved kind of slow, and the ending was kind of rushed. Also, I know Ruby has a little character growth, but it wasn't enough to me.
Like I have said in my previous reviews about this series, READ THIS SERIES. You will not be disappointed!
December 10, 2014
This series just keeps getting better and better. The suspense and mystery is so interesting and I am totally obsessed. What I really love about this series is the cliff hanger. Each book has not just one mystery to solve. However, each of story has a conclusion to the main mystery of the book. The underlying mystery is unsolved and moves into the next book. Although cliff hangers can be irritating Natusch solves and completes one, so I don't mind it so much when the other is left as a cliffhanger. It also keeps me interested and anxious to get my hands on the next book. I can't wait to read book 4 tonight! An amazing werewolf story with some great twists and turns!
January 5, 2014
I liked the storyline for this book as well as the characters that were introduced.
However, the book needs to be looked over by an editor. I found multiple errors, and it makes it difficult to get into a book when you are reading and there are constantly issues. This book probably deserves a two for the editing, but a four for the plot.
I am enjoying the characters as they are evolving in each of the books of this series. I will read the next one, to see what will happen next to the main character Ruby and her wolf Scarlet.
However, the book needs to be looked over by an editor. I found multiple errors, and it makes it difficult to get into a book when you are reading and there are constantly issues. This book probably deserves a two for the editing, but a four for the plot.
I am enjoying the characters as they are evolving in each of the books of this series. I will read the next one, to see what will happen next to the main character Ruby and her wolf Scarlet.
April 29, 2012
This series is wicked awesome...suspense kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. I simply could not put this book down, finished it in an afternoon. I can't wait for the next installment. I hope the Ruby/Scarlet picks a relationship direction in the next book. This on and off again thing with Sean is frustrating particularly when she has Cooper waiting in the wings (sort of). Cooper's given up so much for Ruby....sigh!
April 27, 2012
Amber lynn has done it again!
This book grabs you by the collar and spins you around like a dancer and won't let go until the last page.
The character development is well written enough that it was easy to slip right back into the emotions and plot without skipping a beat.
The pace does not let you go. Before I knew it I was halfway through the book.
I highly recommend this book. It has action (tons of),suspense,drama, and a touch of....well you'll see
This book grabs you by the collar and spins you around like a dancer and won't let go until the last page.
The character development is well written enough that it was easy to slip right back into the emotions and plot without skipping a beat.
The pace does not let you go. Before I knew it I was halfway through the book.
I highly recommend this book. It has action (tons of),suspense,drama, and a touch of....well you'll see
February 14, 2013
Finally! This third book of the Caged series was so much fun to read. It's full of foul mouthed humor, a stalking rogue were, and... Scarlet goes into heat! The connecting, or melding, of Ruby and Scarlet has really opened up her character more. There are a lot of new discoveries, most a bit predictable, but the lies and deceit that come along with the revealings is what makes me continue reading. It's the little details that keep my mind involved in the story.
January 17, 2018
I was lucky enough to get a proofing copy of this title along with Jena. You can check out our discussion here. Because the only thing better than Amber's Caged series is discussing it with friends.
You should read this installment. There are events that I'm still trying to wrap my head around 20 days later.
You should read this installment. There are events that I'm still trying to wrap my head around 20 days later.
May 11, 2012
I can't help it. I love this series. I think Ruby and her alter ego Scarlet are the perfect blend of good and evil and in this book they become more of the same person blurring those lines. I also have a soft spot for Cooper, and not just because he shares a first name with my son. I can't wait for he next one.
May 8, 2012
warning spoiler alert! i liked this book just as much as the first 2. however, matty was ny favorite character in the last book. in this one he flips out and doesn't want to be friends with Ruby anymore. Wtf? kinda pissed me off, but then again i like the unexpected. on that note, i love cooper and Ruby. can't wait to see what happens next.
November 25, 2012
A really awesome book with a master villain plan and strong characters. This series gets better and better whereas the first book was OK, This book was totally ingenious particularly the part about mixing demigod myths and werewolf myths. If you have been patient upto the first two books this book is a must read.
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