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Guides for Dating Vampires #4.5
The Cage and the Cure
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 30, 2026
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.
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.
May 24, 2026
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 🧍🏽
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 🧍🏽
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2026
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. ❤️
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. ❤️
June 25, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
June 25, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Read
June 13, 2026ARC 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.
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.
June 25, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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. 🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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. 🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
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.
June 28, 2026
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
June 27, 2026
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.
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.
June 29, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
June 24, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!!
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!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
Features;
🩻Scientist/Test Subject
🩺Novella
👨⚕️Medical Experimentation
🥼Check the CWs!
🩼High Stakes & Major Angst
🧛No HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Thanks so much to the author for the chance to check out an advance copy. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
June 25, 2026
This one is best read in series context rather than as a standalone, and it’s worth checking out the themes before starting. There’s no romance arc here in the traditional sense, and no HEA. What there is: beautiful character development, toxic dynamics that evolve in genuinely interesting directions, tropes handled with the care they require, and a pace that picks up particularly well toward the end. Complex, compelling, and worth the read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 29, 2026
This was deliciously dark and just so much fun. This wont be my longest review, because I do think it's best without knowing too much, but I will say if you're a fan of the series, you may go feral for this one. And you do have to have read the series for full enjoyment! I love the way Bryn wrote this and the way we get little glimpses into what Anthony is thinking/feeling and how everything is juxtaposed together. Overall it's very toxic, and decidedly not a romance, BUT it leaves you yearning for what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
I AM DEAD
Honestly, I don't know how I am supposed to last until 2028. I read this SO SLOW to prolong it and it's over and I have to wait how long for the next (and LAST?!) book and I am going to lose my mind I can't even ...
Hilker, the doctor we all love to hate ... Is not entirely? What he seams? He is but he isn't?
Isaiah is just ... I love him. So much.
Landon? Just ... Breaks my heart.
I am on edge and I am not entirely sure what to do with myself now ...
I AM DEAD
Honestly, I don't know how I am supposed to last until 2028. I read this SO SLOW to prolong it and it's over and I have to wait how long for the next (and LAST?!) book and I am going to lose my mind I can't even ...
Hilker, the doctor we all love to hate ... Is not entirely? What he seams? He is but he isn't?
Isaiah is just ... I love him. So much.
Landon? Just ... Breaks my heart.
I am on edge and I am not entirely sure what to do with myself now ...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt thrown into this, which is admittedly my fault because I haven’t read any of the other books yet. Oops. Apart from that, I enjoyed the novella. The focus on strong (queer) platonic bonds was beautiful and refreshing. I also enjoyed how this played with the concept of having a sexual relationship with someone that isn’t romantic in nature at all. I was so engrossed that I was shocked by the ending. I definitely would’ve enjoyed this more if I knew who all the background characters were.
June 10, 2026
ARC received from the author, thanks!
CW: medical experiments, forced confinement, torture
I really enjoyed this one! It was great to see some side characters get to tell their own story. Though, DN Bryn, how dare you make me feel like Hilker isn’t the absolute scum of the earth, HOW DARE!
I am now so excited for the last book in the series, though obvs I wish there would just be in an infinite number of these wonderful vampire books.
CW: medical experiments, forced confinement, torture
I really enjoyed this one! It was great to see some side characters get to tell their own story. Though, DN Bryn, how dare you make me feel like Hilker isn’t the absolute scum of the earth, HOW DARE!
I am now so excited for the last book in the series, though obvs I wish there would just be in an infinite number of these wonderful vampire books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
D.N. Bryn is giving fans of their Rules for Dating Vampires series a treat with their novella, The Cage & the Cure. Readers find out what has happened to Isaiah as well as Anthony Hilker (the scientist we love to hate). Is this the end or a beginning? This story is full of so much emotion and detail. I loved seeing the relationships between Landon, Isaiah, and Anthony develop through the story. I can't wait for the next book!
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