The Cage and the Cure

Guides for Dating Vampires #4.5

by D.N. Bryn

"Do you feel dirty, drinking my blood?”

Imprisoned in a secret laboratory, Isaiah’s captors use him as a guinea pig to test the cure for vampirism. His only companion is the lab's second prisoner: the fiery young vampire the lab was built for. They are as powerless as Isaiah, doomed to curse and shout as Isaiah suffers beneath the touch of a shameless scientist who casts him lustful glances when he thinks Isaiah isn’t looking.

Despite the pain and despair of his situation, Isaiah is determined to endure if it brings about his friend’s salvation.

When his experimenter changes their torturous routine for the better, Isaiah discovers the man’s amor of logic and reason has a soft crack of desire he can pry into. For everything he gains though, Isaiah finds himself giving just as much. Trapped between his desire for the touch of a man who’s more monster than anyone with fangs and the shame that mounts with each secretive escapade, Isaiah battles to make the little life he has left count, both for himself and his fellow prisoner.

The more he gives in to his physical needs, though, the more he uncovers a complicated and contradictory man within the scientist: one who may yet be his only salvation. Because he knows, when the cure is found and his friend in the other cell is whisked back to their old, human life, he won’t be going with them. Isaiah will be buried, along with all the other evidence of this terrible endeavor… unless he can convince one troubled scientist to find the key to his cage.

Genres: Vampires, Adult, LGBT, Contemporary, Paranormal

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2026

About the author

D.N. Bryn is a queer, disabled author of speculative fiction and fantasy romance.

Reviews

[The_BookAce · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU DN BRYN FOR THE ARC!!

4.5/5 stars

Nah cause what the flip dude! I ate this novella up so quickly and now I have to wait at least a year for the conclusion of everything 😀

Seeing Isaiah and everything he is going through in this book was intriguing honestly. Seeing how things are catching up with the past books, and then how they get implemented was crazy. Isaiah and Hilker were honestly better than I thought prior to this. I was worried about how their dynamic would go since it’s the scientist x lab rat trope, but it was done well! Obviously, Hilker has the power in this dynamic, but it was refreshing to see him not abuse it all too much.

Yes, Hilker asked for things but when Isaiah said No and Stop, he did indeed stop. So while he did all the experimenting and sample collecting, he isn’t all bad if he will stop when someone says too in the act of sex. And Isaiah was a delight to read about as well. He knew that he shouldn’t want Hilker because of all he has done to him and just testing in the past, and yet his heart directed him there. I truly believe this relationship can work when all of this is dead and in the past once it’s all resolved 🙂‍↕️

Landon, I’m so sorry but I kept calling you Langdon accidentally the whole time 😭 I love you and your relationship to Isaiah, and I will continue to worry about you until I know you are safe (along with Hilker)!! And I am so glad it wasn’t awkward when Isaiah kissed them toward the end and they decided that wasn’t their relationship between them. I didn’t think anything bad would happen, but you never know.

THE ENDING!! No one speak to me ☝🏼 I’m glad Isaiah got away and was able to get back together with Justin and Clementine (🫶🏼), and I’m excited to see how the final book will play out now. I’m gonna be honest, if Isaiah and Hilker don’t have a happy ending along with everyone else, I’ll riot 🔥

And since this is a novella, you obviously miss out on more character development which Isaiah and Hilker could have used but I still loved this. I’m hoping we do see more of them in the next one. You bet your ass I’ll be seated for the finale

*completely unrelated, I kept imagining Hilker as Kamski from DBH because of the cover 🧍🏽

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounding up for Goodreads

THANK YOU D.N. BRYN FOR THE ARC!

It doesn’t feel right to classify Anthony as one of my favorite characters in the series because the man is an absolute bastard. And yet… I am obsessed. Every book he has shown up in I have been intrigues by this man, so when it was announced that he would be one of the main characters in this novella I was both excited and hesitant. The book delivered though. We got more complicated Anthony without going for a full everything’s ok now redemption arc and I love it. He remains a bastard but he is a complicated bastard and that makes for such a fun character.

Also love that Isaiah gets to shine here! Similar to The Stars and the Stage, the novella is mainly single third person POV with brief interludes of Anthony’s POV. (Which was a fantastic choice. No amount of inner monologue will make the complicated bastard man less of a bastard) Really enjoyed Isaiah as the main character and seeing his growth and journey throughout the novella.

Because the novella hasn’t released yet, I’m hesitant to get into all my feelings on the last thirdish of the book even with spoiler tags. (I know I personally cannot resist clicking spoiler tags despite not wanting to be spoiled and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone!) I think I’ll leave it at I really enjoyed the way things played out. The pace does pick up a lot in the last two chapters and the final chapter in particular is abrupt, but it still sticks the landing with both the line level writing and themes. Thank god I was already in the middle of a reread of the series because 2027 is so far away for that final book!

Also: there is no happily ever after or happily for now. This is explicitly stated by the book but I’m restating it here. This is not a genre Romance like the other books in the series. Set expectations accordingly.

[Finneas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Isaiah . I liked him
Loads in the 2nd book he seemed sweet and I wanted him to find a nice secure love soooo soososos bad … so this novella I can feel the impending sadness .

On Anthony . Well initially I thought he was juts an evil crazy scientist with no empathy for others , from his cruel behaviour towards Clem in the 2nd book. BUT in the 3rd book her humanised him slightly with Natalie and his kindness to Mercer and Lydia in the 4th book, giving back the Holy Gold AS WELL AS the chemical make up of Lydia’s medicine , to be given to Clem, made him slightly likeable for the begin of the novella.
He juts seems to prioritise science over others well beings , seems like a complex or something .

Also I am a fan of a typical Romance, like even if it’s dark I need them to show genuine care and to like one another . I’m unsure how this preference will change my opinion of the Novella due to the Writer stating it isn’t a romance but it is romantic . It seem to be more an introspective on human( vampire) nature , about how we make mistakes and need connection in any form. This is what I guess form the foreword .

3% I am a sucker for the slow reveal of the place through description in the inner monologue . It’s a good description, makes it easy to imagine but not too specific that you trying to figure out where everything is in the room. Ya know ? Anyway very enjoyable.

Theory-> I know we share dr bloods son on the boat with Reggie in book 4z but could Landon be Bloods son. Juts from his nothing pitting him there and his cell being disguised as an ordinary roomAnd the fancy avocado on toast ?
23% their twins so Quentin was who was on the boat . landon is in the cell.

So this seems to run along side the fourth book due to Anthony having the holy gold (that he returns ) , so I assume this is in the gap where Anthony has it while Mercer and Rahil are dealing with William Douglas .

I’d like to say 20% in even thought it ain’t a romance all the weird relationships/friendships are very intriguing due to the situation they are in. The desperation and bartering it interesting to say the least . I wouldn’t say it’s a good romance so far, but it sure is a a good book.

24% I think what’s really amazing with this writing is that you can hear the different characters like tone and such in how the dialogue is written and undertones and such. Usually I did it hard to understand how the dialogue is said let alone it feeling like realistic conversation. Probably I put it due to my Autism, I can’t really catch how it’s meant to be said irl. But yeah amazing dialogue as usually!! All the pacing of the turn taking as well as the slightly hint of humour or Banter even in such a horrible place . Very skilled writing !

I enjoy the replacement of science medical vocab with “boxy thingamabob.” Due to otherwise I’d be juts looking up what the words ment in stand of kinda being able to imagine what’s being vaguely described. As well as it clearly presenting the lack of knowledge Isaiah has there fore a lack of control , helps the audience in seeing his point of view .

I quite enjoy how Anthony explained the info of the outside world due to it indirectly be feeding the reader world building , such as how other characters are doing . I also enjoy the involvement of how social media is making Jose viral and the info is form
Social media not newspapers . Also it’s juts a blessing that it doesn’t say “TikTok” juts social media , for the save of immersion in the world .

29% just realised that Natalie “ghosting” Anthony cause he’s a bad boyfriend , is probably because she was turned at the end of book 3, as revealed in book4 and not purely ghosting .

It taken me 4 chapters to realised that their doesn’t seem to be pov per chapter . The pov does seem to be Isaiahs but it ain’t said at the beginning of each chapter like the novels .

33% I’ve clocked that this will probably be captor/captive enemies to possible reluctance allies but definitely fuck buddies .
I feel it in my bones . And the power of foreshadowing.

I enjoy the chapter title of interlude for chapter 5. It’s creates intriguing as well as establishing that it may be different. I just quite enjoy this formatting/structure . Also happed at chapter 9, so I’m correct “interlude” is an interlude from Isaiah’s perspective and a moment of Anthony’s .

40% the relationship between Isaiah and Anthony is intriguing. I’m intrigued. It ain’t morally sound by any means but it does seem realistic. Certainly feels like this novella is gonna be good :)

47% it’s really interesting how Anthony keeps telling Isaiah to “paint him as the villain” and that he is his actions and only thing he can control so what he does next. His perspective of himself that he shares is really intriguing!!
“There was always the freedom to take better action, and always the freedom to take worse ones , too.”
This is a really interesting point on how we are defined by our actions and how we choose to act. Really really fascinating, quite deep!!

59% due to the VR working. Well I have no clue what’s gonna happen now cause I assumed that would be at the end of the novella …

I’m annoyed that chapter 9 is making me kind alike Anthony because he seems to slightly care . Not enough. But a bit. And the fact it’s making him like a human and not a villain, like I can’t juts hate him like the initial books .

Like I hate that Anthony seems human and is making sense . He’s UNDERSTANDABLE !! I know I have such a distain for Myslef that I kinda get him ☹️😨🤢 or like the “appeal” Isaiah finds in him . Ik I’m a terrible person . Like I don’t want to smash his face him anymore or run him over repeatedly.
DAMN YOU D.N.BRYN FOR MAKING ROUNDED CHARACTERS WITH DEPTH AND NOT JUTS 2D EVIL CHARTERS THAT I CAN LOVE TO HATE !!!

Okay I loveeee a good jail break . Reminiscent of Book 1 !! And I hate that it’s making me like Anthony moreee ☹️

73% … I like Anthony 😭😭😰 . He doesn’t seem evil any more 😖 god if he messes up again I’ll kill him I swear !!? He’s juts being slightly too nice to them for my liking .

84% NOOOO IM TOO CONFLICTED FOR THIS !!! “You know I instigates the creation of the unholy gold .. for you.”
“ I did not want to seeyou in pain.”
“i believed I was desensitised to such things, but perhaps there’s hope for me yet.”
SHUT THE HELL UP ANTHONY STOP BEING NICE YOUR CONFUSING ME !!!

“I just wanted you to know that.”
“In case it changes what I think of you?”
“Perhaps ,”yes
NO NO NO I you’re messing with what I think of Him !!! Why is this working on me ?!? 😰

You can’t hit me with reality after that !!
‘“Landon wa snot sacred and your abuse is not saving them. You are both juts victims here…. But one of you has your skin and your class working against you .”
Like that’s true but ARRGHH HARD TO SWALLOW PILLL.

79% to direct comparison between in Isaiah’s inner monologue of being human and vampire , like the difference is not only fascinating but a brilliant way to add to the vampire lore and world building . A subtle reminder of the difference of experiences to the reader . Very very well done !!

“It should have been the world’s responsibility to grow less hateful for him.”
It’s true , but it’s bittersweet because even thought it’s true it doesn’t happen … not always .
“He realised when the point of society should have been that it cared for every person within it , regardless.”
“”They’d come Together to build bigger and brighter things, just so they could tear each other lives down to take those instead.”

D.n.bryn always drops brilliant one liner
Points of social commentary around the 70% mark to the end and I LOVE IT everytime!!!

84% if the book was to end here I’d be quite content because their an open ending with a positive undertone of hope and thy at they’ll be okay … I have a feeling like they won’t be by the end .

86% things went bad real quick …. I’m
Juts hoping for the best. And I assume the next few chapters is when Clem/Justin get the call at the cliffhanger of book 4 ?

90% of this is a horrible turn of events …
94% ITS IS INSANE ACTION APCKEE FINAL 10% WHO DOES THIS ??

97% oh god that’s why Isaiah called at the end of the 4th book.
No matter how much I loveee a cameo of Justin and Clem … I can never like this .

YOU CLIFF HANGER ME AGAIN AGAIN !!! Consecutively book 4 then novella 4.5 AREE YOU DEAD SERIOUS 😤😡😧

Anyway 5/5 star read as usual … maybe 4.5 …

[Oli R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 3rd book from D.N. Bryn and the second I have read in a single sitting. Bryn continues to be an autoread for me and I cannot wait to read the rest of their books.

A few notes before I get into this review:

1- As I mentioned I am a fan of the author however for this series I have skipped around a bit having only previously read The Stars and The Stage (the prequel novella to this series). I really wanted to ARC read for this author and jumped at the chance. And for now, this is something I think I'd advise against. I think you can read this novella as a standalone - the characters and setting are explained concisely but well and the ending is a cliff hanger but also very satisfying - but from my understanding of the characters there is more context that would have been helpful and because of it my opinions below may be different then other reviewers who have read the entire series. Due to the interpersonal dynamics of the characters I think knowing more about specifically Anthony and Isaiah may have slightly changed my opinions. Another reviewer said to read at least book 2 before this one and I have a feeling I will agree. I will come back to this review and edit once I have read the rest of the series.

2 - This story is messy. There is no HEA or HFN. This is not a love story. There are splashes of romance but this is not a romance book. The context / dynamic of the relationships may be a hard stop for some and to be frank understandably so. Decisions are made out of survival. And the author is realistic about societal like colonialism, race, and class and how those things would play a part in a story like this. It can be at times a challenging read but if you do I encourage you to sit with those feelings and examine them especially if you are a white person. Read about the long term impacts of the atrocities of the past and recognize the ongoing impact they have to this day.

3 - From the author's instagram:
"This is a complicated story. It's a story I would not have written as a standalone, one I think functions only in tandem with the rest of the series and it's continuous commentary on marginalization, class, and mutual aid via community, because it alone does not have the space (or the character's own mental and emotional capacities) to fully dive into all the deep and painful topics it brushes against, or connect all the dots between it and the other books."

4 - CW - Confinement, torture, medical trauma, suicidal thoughts/ attempt, forced institutionalization, medical content, toxic relationship, power imbalances.

Ok on to my thoughts:

This book is a messy, emotional story that weaves commentary on class, marginalization with a story of survival and unthinkable decisions. It is complex and heartbreaking and had me on the edge of my seat from the first line.

Hilker is a despicable human and I both love and hate that this book made me have moments of softness for him in this midst of his horrific actions. I won't give details because * spoilers * but I have such conflicting emotions about this man. His actions are on both sides of the spectrum from purely evil, despicable and seemingly heartless to caring and life giving. The character and his relationships are messy and I still haven't quite wrapped my head around his motivations. I am hoping that reading the previous books will help me understand more. If not the previous then the next books.

Isaiah (the MC) is just trying to survive despite the odds against him. He has 2 significant relationships in this book. Hilker, his captor, who performs experiments on him in an effort to find a cure for vampirism, while offering to trade favors that in any other situation would be unthinkable. The power play here is key. It's an illusion of choice but in the end no matter how caring some of Hilker's actions are, ultimately Isaiah's life is in his captors hands.

And then there's Landon. The other prisoner. Also a vampire, the child (teenade I believe) of a higher up in the lab, Landon was turned in an effort to save their life after a terrible car accident. Given the nature of their parents job this just wouldn't do. Declared dead, they are now a science experiment hidden away. The relationship between Landon and Isaiah is one of survival and necessity. In any other context they are likely to not have even crossed paths. But given the circumstances they keep each other alive which is such messy place to start any sort of the relationship. I believe in the end they do get to a healthier point in their platonic relationship but it was a tough start and I am curious where it will go in the upcoming books. Again complicated and messy.

Overall an intriguing story despite the mess, toxicity and challenging content. I really enjoy the author's writing style. How even in novellas, while I am left wanting more it isn't because anything is missing, it's because I just don't want it to end.

Also despite this story's cliffhanger ending, it really was a good place to pause. Significant plot points happen and the overall story of the series is driven forward through a POV that from my understanding of the series has not been explored yet. I really appreciate the format of this series with short stories and novellas in between larger books.

That being said, I am so excited for the next book coming next year. I am grateful to have a bit of time to go back and read the rest of the series though and I immediately started How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager. Yet another book/ series read in 2026 that I am not likely to shut up about any time soon.

Many thanks to the author D.N. Bryn for the ARC and for the care he puts into his stories.

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! But it’s just the intro to the next book. It ends on a cliffhanger and says, “Isaiah, Landon, and Anthony’s story will conclude in the final novel of the series, coming 2027!” I’m a little confused what that means. It’s not their story as in a romance. Because Isaiah and Landon don’t love each other in that way. And is Anthony redeemable? Maybe. But what about Quinn?! I’m not actually sure whose romance the next book will be. But whosever it is, I’m here for it!

[Belinda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cage and the Cure by D. N. Bryn absolutely destroyed me emotionally… and then left me staring at the wall wondering how I’m supposed to survive until the next book. 😭🩸

At this point, I’ve accepted that every book in the Guides for Dating Vampires series exists solely to break my heart and then carefully piece it back together with gold. ✨💔✨ And this novella was no exception.

Despite being much shorter than the previous books, The Cage and the Cure packed an incredible emotional punch. It was fast-paced, intense, and impossible to put down. I devoured it in a single sitting and somehow finished feeling both devastated and desperate for more. 😭📖

One thing I loved was that this wasn’t a romance. There wasn’t a cute love story at the center of it. Instead, we got something much messier and more complicated: a deeply unhealthy relationship built around a scientist and his test subject. 🧪🩸

The dynamic was handled surprisingly well. Hilker undeniably held the power in the relationship, yet it was refreshing to see that when Isaiah said “no” or “stop,” those boundaries were respected. That didn’t magically make everything healthy, but it added nuance to a dynamic that could have become much darker. ⚖️

And while the central relationship was toxic, the novella still gave us something warm to hold onto: a genuinely sweet platonic bond. 🥹❤️ Those moments of care, trust, and connection were some of the most touching parts of the story and helped balance all the heartbreak.

What really stood out was how much emotion D. N. Bryn managed to fit into such a short book. Every conversation felt loaded. Every interaction carried years of pain, guilt, hope, and longing. The story felt big despite its small page count. 🥺✨

By the end, I was an emotional wreck—in the best possible way. The revelations, the complicated feelings, and the lingering questions left me desperate for answers. 😭

Will Book 5 mend all our broken hearts? Will we finally get closure? Will I survive the wait?

Honestly… I don’t know.

What I do know is that I inhaled this novella, loved every second of it, and now have to wait at least a year to see how everything concludes.😭😂

🦇 Perfect for readers who love:
✨ Scientist x Test Subject
🩸 Vampire Fiction
💔 Emotional Damage
🧪 Complex Power Dynamics
🤝 Found Family & Platonic Relationships
😭 Angst-Filled Character Journeys
🖤 Trauma Recovery Themes
📖 Character-Driven Stories
✨ Hope Amid Heartbreak
🦇 Queer Speculative Fiction

Thank you so much to D. N. Bryn for the ARC opportunity. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. ❤️

[Kai Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to be so honest, when I saw who this pairing included, I was (justifiably) nervous. I went back and reread the full series since it had been some time, and after reading book 2, I was like “there is no way I want to see them together. I hate Anthony.” But as he continued to have cameos in the other books, the more I was shown how rich and multifaceted a character he was. He’s such a complicated individual that you vacillate from hating and from begrudgingly being okay with. I can’t remember the quote directly, but Mercer said it best. He’s a bastard, but he also cares (or something of that nature.) In his head, he’s following what is necessary for the greater good of science. He’s willing to be the villain to see progress, but in the same vein, he also does want to help people who are being fucked over by the system.

Then we have Isaiah. Our poor, brokenhearted vampire who fell in love with someone who won’t love him back and is still trying to reconcile with that. Hurt enough to be self destructive and fall into a situation that might be the end of him. And despite all of this, he becomes the anchor that Landon needs to keep going and hold on to some type of hope for the future (which is reciprocated). And is it healthy? Maybe not, but his selflessness and bond keeps him pushing through the worst of moments. I love his snark and sarcasm, and I understood his shame in terms of having a certain kink that he has especially when experiencing it with Anthony.

Anthony and Isaiah’s relationship (and I just mean connection and interactions since they aren’t together) is so messed up in certain ways: i.e. the power imbalance, the trade of intimacy for certain privileges, etc. But there are also moments that had me rooting for them. (Moments that I won’t talk about bc spoilers.) Add in Landon and we have this incredibly messy and complicated thing that I have no idea how it will be resolved in the next book, but I await it with bated breath. I wish there was more of this. I wish it was a bit slower in building up Landon and Isaiah’s connection and even Isaiah and Anthony’s, but I also acknowledge that this novella was made to whet our appetite for their full book, and man did it do it’s job.

D.N. Bryn never fails to create characters that feel so real and situations that mimic life in the best and worst ways. I absolutely love this novella and the series as a whole and can’t wait to see what’s next.

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

[Jasper (Screaming Opossum Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Let the emphasis be on the fact this is not a romance, as D.N. Bryn emphasizes at the beginning of this novella in the “Guide for Dating Vampires” series. Thanks for the ARC.

This is a book of survival in awful circumstances, where Isaiah’s agency has been removed, but apparently there is one line Hilker won’t cross without (dubious, given the power imbalance) consent. Once the experiments Hilker conducts on the kidnapped vampire are no longer just an exercise is pain tolerance, Isaiah sees an avenue to receiving some small comforts- exchanging favors of the adult sort with the scientist who definitely is attracted to him. And Isaiah is also, though he feels guilty about it, attracted to Hilker too. After months of never being touched as more than a human (vampire) lab rat, Isaiah is desperate to feel like he means something again, desperate for touch that isn’t violence. And Hilker can offer what his fellow captive (but not an experiment) Landon can’t- touch. Isaiah also isn’t stupid enough to think he’s ever leaving this lab alive so…

Add into it the fact that Isaiah clearly has a degradation and humiliation k1nk, and you have a match basically made in hell.

But it’s a story that fleshes out some of what’s happening in the background of the other stories prior to now. We see what happened to Justin’s best friend. We see why Hilker commissions Mercer to make a metal compound. Book 5 will still have several plot lines to round up and characters arcs to bring together, but this is another piece to the puzzle and it’s a good one.

This one releases on June 25, so if you hurry, you can get caught up beforehand.

-MM not-romance
-Scientist x kidnapped & captive experiment
-Dubc0n due to power imbalance
-BIPOC MC
-Nonbinary side character
-Degradation and humiliation k1nk
-Biting 🩸
-A touch of Stockholm by the end
-Bi/pan rep (per the author)

#guidefordatingvampires

[ErikaWasReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible entry in the Guide to Dating Vampires series!

The Cage & The Cure is an inter-book novella that reveals Isaiah’s fate, the truth of Landon’s death, and a bit more about the real Dr. Anthony Hilker.

I think this is a brilliant bit of storytelling because the novel is a complete story about how the bonds we build under duress may not always be the healthiest and how platonic love is just as important as romantic love. It also serves as a great way to move the larger storyline forward, and bring everyone to the same point in time before book five (which is coming in 2027!).

I absolutely love Justin & Clementine, but I couldn’t help but feel sad for Isaiah as he watched his best friend and unrequited crush fall in love. I liked that this novella showed that, like most of us, Isaiah didn’t immediately jump into building healthy attachments (especially while being held captive), but instead gave us hope that he is learning to build friendships and romantic relationships differently.

I also love that we got a deeper look into Dr. Hilker, as he has always been such an interesting “bad guy” throughout the series, and it has always felt like there is a bit more to him every time we see him. I also like that he is not instantly changed and that his earlier actions are not walked back; much like Isaiah, he is learning to think differently.

Landon broke my heart. Throughout this series, we have seen characters who aren’t happy with their transition to vampirism but still put one foot in front of the other to reshape and rebuild their lives within these new parameters. When I read, “but even after all these years, my fangs don’t feel right in my mouth,” I started tearing up.

I cannot wait to see Anthony, Isaiah, and Landon’s story continue in book five!

---
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[San Lemonade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cage and the Cure by D.N. Bryn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
👉 Single Third-Person POV (with two brief POV interludes from the other MC)
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚 Guides for Dating Vampires Series Book 4.5
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone, but I Highly Recommend Reading the Series in Order.
👉 Each book follows a different couple with its own HEA, while the overarching plot continues throughout the series.

🌈 Adult MM Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy
📖 Not a Romance
👉 High Angst
📍 Set in San Salud (fictional city near Los Angeles)
👀 Familiar Faces (Loved it! 💖)

👉 BIPOC MC
👉 NonBinary Rep

🧛 Vampire Discrimination
⚖️ Social Commentary
🫂 Community Care
🧪 Unethical Science

🖤 Morally Gray Human x Sassy Vampire
🧪 Scientist x Captive Test Subject

👇 "Princess" x Whipping Boy
💞 Deep Platonic Bond (BFF)
👆 Vampire x Vampire

🔒 Forced Proximity
🩸 Vampire Experimentation
🖤 Survival
🧠 Trauma & Resilience

🩸 Power Imbalance
💔 Toxic & Unhealthy Relationship Dynamics
👉 Degradation Kink
🔥 Medium Spice
👉 No Cheating Happens

🌈 MCs:
🩸📚😏👉 Isaiah "Izzy" (late-20s), Vampire, He/Him:
-Lives in Ala Santa, the oldest district in San Salud, a refuge for vampires and outcasts.
-His best friend Justin (Book 2) calls him "a beautiful disaster."
-Tall, lean, with brown skin, long braids, and striking features.
-Takes on odd jobs to help support the vampire community.
-Helps homeless and displaced vampires find food, shelter, and safety.
-Book lover.
-Chaotic, compassionate, emotionally complex, and resilient.
-Uses humor to survive even the darkest situations.
-Still trying to come to terms with loving someone who could never love him back, and the person he loved... fall in love with someone else.
-Would sacrifice everything for the people he loves.
-Imprisoned in a secret research facility.

🥼🧫👉 Dr. Anthony Hilker (mid-40s), Human, He/Him:
-Long graying brown hair, usually tied in a bun. Thin but toned.
-Brilliant research scientist at Vitalis-Barron Laboratories by day, who also conducts experiments in a secret private laboratory by night.
-Secretly manufactures and deals experimental medications for patients with rare diseases in his work day.
-Morally gray and obsessed with pushing science beyond ethical boundaries.
-Arrogant, manipulative, and willing to sacrifice anyone to achieve his goals.
-Secretly infected his coworker Clementine (Book 2) as part of an unethical experiment to advance his own ambitions.

🩸❤️‍🩹 And of course, Landon (26), Vampire, They/Them (SC):
-Officially declared dead and secretly imprisoned in a research facility.
-Shorter, black hair, strikingly pale skin, tiny fangs, and an elegant, regal presence.
-Fierce, sharp-tongued, and endlessly resilient.
-Uses sarcasm and dark humor to survive the unimaginable.
-Book lover who dreams of the life they were supposed to have.
-Haunted by trauma, yet still desperately clings to hope.
-Shares a deeply emotional queer platonic bond with Isaiah.
-Misses their twin brother Quinn every single day.
-Struggles to accept their vampirism, even after all these years.

⚠️ Content Warnings:
⚠️ Imprisonment and Captivity
⚠️ Nonconsensual Medical Experimentation
⚠️ Physical and Psychological Abuse
⚠️ Depression and Suicidal Ideation
⚠️ Trading Intimacy for Safety or Agency
⚠️ Blood, Violence, and Torture

🏳️‍🌈 Found Family
💔 Emotionally Devastating
🖤 EFN

💭 My Thoughts:
📖 Perfectly written and every page is packed with emotion. I couldn't put it down.
🤗 Ever since I met Isaiah, I've been wishing for his story... I just couldn't stop thinking about him. And of course Isaiah would fall for the bad guy... and of course Anthony couldn't resist the charm and beauty of our sweet and brave Isaiah!!
🖤 Their relationship is deeply unhealthy... but every interaction between them is emotionally charged, impossible to ignore... and somehow kinky. Isaiah is such a flirt. 😏 Only he could behave like that in this situation, so unapologetically himself. 🔥 If they already have this kind of connection in these circumstances, I can't even imagine what's coming next!!!
🥹 What completely stole my heart, though, was Isaiah and Landon's friendship. Their conversations through the wall, the trust they build, and the quiet hope they give each other became the emotional heart of the story.
😭🤧 D.N. Bryn somehow managed to fit an enormous amount of emotion into such a short book. By the end, I was completely heartbroken...
And after that ending, I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to wait to see how Isaiah, Landon, and Anthony's story finally ends 😭😭. And it's the last one... I'm going to miss getting more stories about all of them.
🥹💔

▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎

■ “You know, whatever anyone else may think, if I could take your hand and walk you out of here, I wouldn’t let you go.”
...
A little bump echoed through the wall. “Where’s your head, Izzy?”
Isaiah tapped beside his nose. “Here.”
A slight shuffling followed. “And your hand?”
Isaiah pressed his palm to the wall. He tapped with his finger joins, listening to the sound echo. “Here.”
He swore he could almost—almost—feel as Landon’s hand aligned with his on the other side. He curled his fingers slightly, imagining them interlocking, his dark skin against Landon’s pallor. In his mind, it was beautiful.
“Hold me?” He whispered through the endless barricade separating them, worried it was too low even for Landon’s keen vampire hearing.
“I already am,” Landon whispered back. (Isaiah & Landon)

■ “Please,” Isaiah whispered, and he didn’t know what he was begging for, he just wanted to beg. Wanted to be denied or filled or both.
...
“I will make you feel better than you could ever dream.”
...
Isaiah caught him by the arm. His arm shook. “Stop,” he whispered.
Hilker froze.
...
“Don’t be nice to me.”
...
He licked his lower lip, his mouth forming into a smirk after. “In that case, I’m going to fuck you like the little slut you are.” (Isaiah & Anthony)

👍I'm definitely going to read this again.
😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/sunnylemonadereads

[Tab_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
MOOD: tense, emotional, sad, hopeful
TROPES: enemies to lovers, forced proximity
GENRES: paranormal/fantasy, contemporary, lgbtq+ romance
FAV QUOTE: What was the point of better job opportunities and less hatred, if that meant he had to change for the world?

MAIN CHARACTERS: Isaiah, Anthony Hilker (and Landon)

There is a warning at the beginning that "This is not a romance, though it is, at times, romantic" and since there is no HEA - it can't be a romance but, plot wise it does very much fit in the romance bucket but it different from the rest of the stories in this series so I understand the warning from the author. I know that I know Isaiah but I'm having a hard time remembering when he was introduced.

The one downside is that this is not a complete story. I'm good with the novella length but it really is juts a teaser for the next book. I am looking forward to the last book in the series and the completion of this story.

You do need to read the other books and I would say you need to read them in order to understand how we got here.

Note - I have read: How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager, How to Sell Your Blood and Fall in Love, How to Flaunt Your Chains and Surrender a Vein
I have not read: How to Bare Your Neck and Save a Wreck, The Stars and the Stage

TW: imprisonment/torture, blood, violence, sexual content
CW from the author: This book depicts a relationship with unhealthy elements, including a power imbalance and nonconsensual medial experimentation conduction on a marginalized prisoner.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reading_whimsically · Rating 5 out of 5]

Form: Digital ARC Direct from author
Publication date : June 25th 2026
Length : 137 Pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Diversity: Bipoc Mc , depression, suicidal ideation
Queerness: queer mcs
Associated song: One Day More by les misérables
Content Warnings: Imprisonment, limited non consensual medical research, abuse of marginalised captive in place of a less marginalised captive , degradtion kink


As a lover of the "Guide to Dating Vampires" series, I loved this novella. However, I quickly discovered that you must have read all of the previous books in order to read this one (which I did). I just have a terrible memory. I did struggle to place some characters and recall where they were previously mentioned, so I feel before I read the last two books when they come out, a re-read is needed (oh no, what a shame 👀).

I do like how in this book the romance isn't sugar-coated to be some redemption.

The author straight up told us this is unhealthy. However, this book did give some depth to Anthony's character. He may be morally gray and questionable half the time, but he ain't no monster, no is still no.

I do love the platonic soulmate elements to this novella, and I'm curious how that is going to develop going forward.

I am just a little confused when the story will continue, as at the start it says the 5th book comes out in 2027, but this story continues in 2028. Due to some events, I assume we will get glimpses in book 5, then the conclusion in book 6.

I hope so; I do love a good crossover.

I absolutely will be reading more from this author; you'll have to pry their books from my cold, dead hands.

[Abby]

ARC review. I’m not providing a star rating as I think it could potentially be unfair but I want to share my thoughts on this book.

I’ve really enjoyed the rest of the Guide for Dating Vampires series, and I was looking forward to reading Isaiah’s story. I went in knowing the premise and the content warnings.

However, I was quickly uncomfortable with the power dynamics, the use of Isaiah’s nickname, and the fact that it was only the Black character having medical experiments carried out on him. I would be a huge hypocrite if I ignored these plot points because I am a firm believer that we cannot romanticise history and we need to honour the atrocities of the past appropriately. I do not believe in censorship in writing, I think literature would quickly become boring if we avoided problematic or offensive themes, but I also believe that if you are not part of the group that was harmed, you need to take extra care in what you choose to write about. A white person writing a romance about a Black man having medical experiments carried out on him against his will is something that will never sit right with me.

With regards to the nickname used, I want to note that I understand the historical context, and I know that historically this was not rooted in racism, but regardless, it was definitely a choice to use it in this situation.

I know that this story is not complete, but I’m also not sure that it is redeemable for me.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a big step away from the others in the series in vibes, but it fits the continuation of the story perfectly and I can't wait to see where the next book will take us.

Anthony is a character we've seen a lot through the books, but we never really got to know him on a deeper level. This book shows his thoughts behind his fucked up behavior, but at the same time also shows and explains his kindness for people like the pain drugs he's made in the previous books. It shed a light on a complex character that I really enjoyed.

Isiah as well is a character we've heard about since the second book and it has been a character I've been interested in to know more about. Always kind and gentle, but also so distant at times. Seeing parts of his inner world was amazing and I felt like I finally got to understand this gentle man. The situation he is in however is quite awful and shows so clearly what everyone has been fighting against in the previous books. Gosh I wish I could just whisk him away to safety.
He has his own princess though that helps him through the hardships and that relationship is stunning. They lean on each other as they have nobody else but through the difficult moments such sweet interactions are shared that I hold dear in my heart.

The book leads to a crescendo that has beautiful happy moments and twists I didn't see coming, and I can't wait to read the next one.


I received an eARC and this was my honest review.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up. While you can read this book without reading the previous books in the series (I'd only read book one before this), I think I would recommend reading book two first, as that would give context for Justin, Clementine, and Hilker's pasts. You can understand what's going on without it, but I would have liked that additional context. As the beginning author's note says, this book is not a romance. It's more of... a transactional exchange of sexual favors that leads to catching feelings. This kind of makes it difficult to review, since it doesn't follow the traditional romance story beats, and ends in a way that makes me want the sequel now, which is a slight problem because this book isn't even actually out yet. Ugh.

Isaiah and Hilker are both incredibly messy characters, and both make dangerous and maybe bad decisions with the full knowledge that they are dangerous and maybe bad. Hilker is, to his dubious credit, quite respectful of Isaiah's sexual boundaries, though other boundaries are perforce ignored since Hilker is the scientist in an unethical lab and Isaiah is the kidnapped test subject. As I said - messy. There's a lot of nuance in all of their interactions that gives be the sense that they might be good for each other, if the whole scientist/lab rat situation gets sorted out. 

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been here for a minute you know that I absolutely love the Guides for Dating Vampires series. I recommend it all the time. So while I'm a little sad the the series conclusion is coming next year, we still have this novella before the last book to hold us over. And it is so good!

If you have read the rest of the series then you are familiar with Anthony Hilker. The morally gray scientist who has been hurting and helping vampires since the beginning. I've always found him to be a fascinating, with some good character growth. So I was excited to finally get inside his sexy head this time. I can't wait to see what else he does!

Sweet, sad Isaiah and the special sweet bond he's made with the other vamp in captivity with him is so heartbreaking. And the most emotional part of the story. (I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave it at that for now.) His fight for survival is harrowing and suspenseful!

And I can't forget that the sexy, sensual, scenes between the MCs are always so good throughout this whole series. And these ones are no exception. Making me sweat! 🥵lol
I read this novella in one sitting because I had to know what happened. And now I have to WAIT! 😭 But trust when I say this whole series is worth it. I don't want it to end.
Thank you SO MUCH to DN Bryn for my ARC copy. 🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rachael Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I came into this with my guard up because of the characters involved, but trusting the process because I love D.N. Bryn’s writing so much.

I love that this novella starts off with the disclaimer that while romantic things happen, this is not a romance and that while redeeming actions happen, this is not a redemption story. When I first learned that this story would be about Anthony and Isaiah, I was really skeptical of how I could possibly see Anthony as anything but a villain. Throughout the series he has been well-written as a very complicated character rather than a two-dimensional villain, and yet it is very hard to like him after his previous evils. I can’t believe I got to the end of this book appreciating him so much more! Ugh! I just want to hate him! Yes, he is still evil in a lot of ways, and unethical, but his redeeming actions in this book and towards the end of the previous book really matter.

I think the complicated and sticky nature of the dynamic between Isaiah and Anthony is depicted well. Also, I love Landon! Can’t wait to read more about them!

As always, I love the way that events in the previous books are woven into the current one.

Really looking forward to the last book of the series!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:
l've been completely captivated by D.N Bryn's Guides for Dating Vampires series, so I was
thrilled to recieve an ARC of The Cage and the Cure.

Going in I knew Isaiah and Hilker weren't going to deliver a soft, wholseome romance. The whole lab rat x scientist, toxic doomed-romance dynamic practically guarantees heartbreak. What I wasn't prepared for was just how low Hilker could sink-and yet, somehow, D.N. Bryn once again managed the impossible: making me empathise with, care about. and root for a character I'd alread decided I hated several books ago. It's a talent Bryn seems to possess in abundance. Time and time again, they take their characters at their absolute worst and force me to confront their humanity. I don't always forgive them, but I understand them, and that makes everything hurt so much more. By the end of this novella I was on the brink of tears. I regretted reading it so quickly because suddenly it was over, and now 1 have to wait for more. I'm desperately hoping that one day Isaiah and Hilker (and Landon) get the ending they're yearning for.

Again I mean all this as the highest compliment. I love books that make me feel something visceral, and The Cage and the Cure left me emotionally wrung out in the best possible way.

[Amanda McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. Isaiah is stuck in Vitalis Barron labs with another vampire named Landon, finding comfort with each other sharing a wall as the scientists there do horrible experiments to them because the two are vampires. I wanted to hug Isaiah and Landon so bad as I read this, and I loved the banter and support they gave each other throughout the novella. Anthony Hilker, a scientist at Vitalis Barron, has done awful things to vampires (including but not limited to Isaiah’s friend iykyk) and he now does experiments on Landon and Isaiah. Many people understandably hate him from the previous books in the series, but it was cool to see him from a different angle (I’m still mad at him) and adds complexity to his character. Also appreciated seeing how Isaiah was drawn to Anthony for multiple reasons (Anthony still deserves wet socks forever tho imo) The plot twists were well written and I’m excited to see how this series ends. Overall, great banter, complex characters, fabulous worldbuilding and a bit of spice.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy by the author.

How DN Bryn keeps writing characters that make me feel very protective of them, I will never know. I loved Isaiah so much and really felt for him. He's in a terrible situation, just trying to survive, and still manages to find something that makes him keep surviving regardless. I am on the fence about Hilker. He isn't a good person, but like... he isn't an absolute nightmare either... morally ambiguous at best??? I was so surprised by his actions at every turn.

This feels like the kind of novella that, while not impossible to skip, adds so much depth to characters that we will deal with later on. My heart really went out to the characters, and I loved reading this. It makes me really want to see how they come together/fix the problems that were set up in this.

Full marks. I can't wait to see what happens to these sad boys next.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

I really didn't know what to expect of a book with Anthony as a lead but I was really excited to get to see a bit more of him as a character. And having Isaiah back and getting to know him better was amazing as well. I found the first 1/2 to be quite decent, but I was kind of expecting more angst between Anthony and Isaiah but also Anthony is still Anthony so the direction it went made sense. The last half had me on the edge of me seat though. I wouldn't say Anthony was redeemed or became good but it definitely showed a side of him I don't think we've ever seen before. And the ending has me chomping at the bit for the last book. I have no idea who the romantic leads are going to be! And I also have a feeling it's going to be fairly action packed to bring everything to a conclusion

[james · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? idk i cant remember how i rated the rest of the series so idk how generous to be

anthony hilker youve intrigued me. im very interested in seeing his arc in the next book if there is one. i liked how hes such a casual example of nonmonogamy.

isaiah and landon oh my darlings. theres a bit near the end abt a fleeting emotion that isaiah cant place and then names as happiness, happiness that isnt forever but is more than he previously had. idk dude. what a simple description of light while in the throws of depression. i liked it.

im so mad at having to wait for the last book. i miss merc and clem and rahil. this was a fun binge tho. i still have a few short stories to read, so im not Completely Done, but this book means ive officially caught up w the main timeline / continuity for this series. cheers! lets hope for more intellectually stimulating reads going forward!

[Bookworm Queenager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story, set in the "Guide for Dating Vampires" universe, centers on a familiar character from one of the previous books: the vampire Isaiah.

Despite its short length, the narrative is intense, covering many events in a short period of time. Gradually, the past unfolds, and we learn more about how Isaiah got to where he is and his connection to another captive vampire in the lab.

The developing relationship between Isaiah, being actually a lab rat, and the scientist leading the research, keeps you on edge until the very end.

The story captivated me from the first page. Like other books in the series, this one explores many serious issues about codependency, emotional distress, depression, and self-determination.

I got ARC from the author and I wrote my review voluntary.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to D.N.Bryn for an e-arc!

Ooooh!! This was exactly what I needed to tide me over till the last book in the series!

This was a lot of fun and a lot different of a pairing than our previous books in the series! I really enjoyed the dynamic and as always all the references to past characters and the world building as a whole! This series is so goddamn good, the books can almost stand alone yet are so woven and interconnected it's incredibly well done.

I did really enjoy the toxic dynamic in this, the plot twists kept me on my toes and i absolutely flew through this! As always i JUST WANTED MORE! I ALWAYS WANT MORE. i am obsessed, such a good series with incredible rep and such unique complex queer characters that i can't stop thinking about.

[Dana Preb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cage and the Cure is the latest in the Guide for Dating Vampire Series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book. I love this entire series and this novella is no exception.

This book focuses around Anthony Hilker and Isaiah. I really like that we got to get a closer look at Anthony Hilker and see the depth of his character. Isaiah is also a great well developed character. He is currently a test subject being held captive in a Vitalis-Barron lab. Isaiah develops a sweet bond with another vampire also being held in captivity.

This novella is thought provoking, intense, and at times spicy. This book did not disappoint! I would highly recommend it.

[Autummskies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the universe. It was just long enough to make me care about the characters and makes me excited to read the final book in the series next year!!

As toxic as it was, I did enjoy reading the dynamics between Anthony and Isaiah. Also Landon!! I feel for the boy so much. It was interesting to see Anthony through his own perspective as well as he has been a grey character throughout the series.

This novella also did a bit of world building by seeing Anthony’s research. Does this imply some plot for the next book?? I guess we will see.

Thanks to the author for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

All of the books so far in D.N. Bryn's "Guide for Dating Vampires" series have been top reads for me and this recent novella doesn't disappoint.

Despite the darker themes and it not being a romance, it still had me hooked start to finish. It was interesting to see what had been happening with these characters and how it all loops into the other stories. I'll admit it's been awhile since I read through all the books but this has inspired me to do it, just to pick up on the links.

I'm so completely invested to see where the story continues and how it all eventually weaves together.

[Maxisagayweeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD WHAT

This book had me fully on the edge of my seat and for the entire thing and aaaaaa

Isaiah and Landon are my babies and I love them so much

I have mixed feelings about Anthony because I HATED him in previous books but his character development is amazing and this book really made me feel for him at points

AND THAT ENDING

I promise i will be rereading the whole series up to this book whilst waiting for the last instalment because aaaa i love this series so much

Rounded up from 4.75/5

Huge thank you to DN Bryn for my ARC!!

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional damage in a novella! The Cage & The Cure is such a good read for us angst lovers, it’s very heavy and very deep but it really emphasises the power of love between people even when there’s massive suffering and difficulty involved. Isaiah and Landon’s friendship was genuinely so beautiful and heart wrenching and Hilker’s complexity as a character was interesting to see! Overall I’m so ready to see where Isaiah, Landon and Anthony end up in the next book 💜

Features;
🩻Scientist/Test Subject
🩺Novella
👨‍⚕️Medical Experimentation
🥼Check the CWs!
🩼High Stakes & Major Angst
🧛No HEA

[Shrike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this novella felt like a case study on the complex class and identity conflicts explored by the broader series. While I don't think it's necessary to read every prior book (I haven't yet!), reading one or two is very important to understand the story's gravity. Hilker's lust and Isaiah's desperation could almost pass as dark romance without context. In reality, their situation carries horrific implications that taint every sensual moment with a bitter aftertaste.

Thanks so much to the author for the chance to check out an advance copy. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.