Keep Me Caged

by Ava Bacchus

What happens when you radically underestimate what kind of creature you picked up?

Leo Costa is a former Special Forces soldier turned long-haul trucker who has spent the last year building a life he can control. When he meets Talia, she looks like exactly what he smart, independent, and responsible.

Until she disappears, leaving behind only one a mysterious man from her past.

With no choice but to work together, the two track her path of destruction from Oregon to Arizona, discovering along the way that the woman they thought they were protecting may be the most dangerous person in the story.

Perfect for readers who

Morally gray romance • Possessive protectors • Ex-Special Forces heroes • Hacker heroines • Forced proximity • Touch her and die • Runaway heroines • Vigilantes and antiheroes • Cyber conspiracies • Hidden identities • Found family • BDSM / kink-positive romance • High-stakes suspense • HEA

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2026

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed this book. There were times when I had to go back to make sure I didn't miss something as it is fast paced and there is a lot of past reminder information. I loved the chemistry between our characters and did feel for Nico and how he felt for Talia. Did she end up with the right one, yes but read to find out more. Check your triggers. Can't wait for the other 2.

[Jessica Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced copy from the author.

I did not know what to expect with this book. But I was hooked, confused, intrigued and needed to know what the hell was going on.

I wss trying to figure it out as I was reading but when that twist hit. I did not see it coming. I actually had to re read what I thought I saw and damn.

The spice is soo good.

The trauma .. woah.
My heart broke for talia throught the whole book. From her ex matt, to Enzo/ nic. The videos. Richie. The poor girl just had no sense of danger until it was way too late.

The way Leo loves her and literally blows up his whole life for her. So good.

It was such a good read.

[Sydney]

I got myself to 30% before calling it. She was utterly naive and foolish, making all bad decisions and somehow not getting killed in the process. He comes in to save the day. The ‘BDSM’ didn’t feel… genuine? Everything felt a bit Forced. Her (traumatic) past that she quickly gets over to sleep with a stranger in her hotel room without a condom.. foolish. Her bad history has taught her nothing and she leads with full trust. Sure she’s hesitant and anxious, but she sure doesn’t listen to any of those instincts. I don’t think I got to any part of where the description is eluding to, which was the more disappointing part. Oh well.