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Arctic Absolution #.5
Caged Jaye
Prequel to Arctic Absolution. It’s Jaye Larson’s nineteenth birthday, and all he wants is to spend time with his boyfriend and his mother—the people he loves most and who make life worth living. But, faced by his mother’s demons, the imperfections of his relationship with boyfriend, Kris, and dangerous, homophobic strangers, one by one, all of Jaye’s dreams are soon derailed. Plunging into a waking nightmare, shortly after going to bed alone, he wakes in an alley, pinned down by two men with slow, bloody rape and murder in mind. It’s just the start of Jaye’s fight for his life, and his sanity, as time and time again, he’s forced to make impossible choices and survive, no matter what it costs. (M/M)
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
6 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kelling
29 books390 followersLynn Kelling began writing in order to tell stories that aren’t afraid of the dark, don’t hold anything back and always strive to be memorable, forging lasting attachments between character and reader. Her inspiration comes from taking a closer look at behaviors and ideas lurking at the fringes of life—basically anything that people may hesitate to speak of in mixed company, but everyone wonders about anyway. Her work is driven by the taboo in order to expose the humanity within it. Lynn is an artist, designer and lover of any form of creative self-expression that comes from a place of honesty and emotion, whether it's body art or opera. She has had multiple novels published, has written over fifty works of erotic fiction of varying lengths, and always has several novels in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 17, 2022
After reading Arctic Restitution I had to go back an reread Caged Jaye, the prequel to Arctic Absolution, the story of Jaye Larson’s attack and his following incarceration. Lynn Kelling does an extraordinary job in the telling of the prison system and the process Jaye must go through in order to survive. The story is chilling and extremely graphic so please heed the warnings.
You could absolutely enjoy the other two stories in the Arctic Absolution series without reading Caged Jaye, as Kelling fills in the gaps, so don’t let not reading this one prevent you from this incredible series.
Shockingly Jaye finds himself guilty of premeditated murder after being attacked and is thrown into a situation where he must do anything to survive. Anything!
Upon entering FCI Sheridan prison he approaches Cash Jones, the leader of the inmate gang The Disciples, and asks for protection in exchange for sexual favors.
The conflict for Jaye between whoring himself to Cash and actually enjoying parts of what he must do to survive changes Jaye indefinitely.
Cash is a complicated character and shows his depth immediately during a scene where Jaye convinces Cash to let him “be his bitch”. Even though putting on a show to demonstrate his ownership of Jaye, Cash shows a little bit of kindness to Jaye and gives us insight to the brutal beauty of his psyche.
Caged Jaye explains how Jaye’s character develops and becomes who he is. Jaye’s desire to survive and come through this experience, make it worth something and someday have a life he wants, is solidified during this time. The stage is set for his future relationship with Dixon Rowe. The parallels between Dix and Cash, between Jaye and Dix, and their motivations for everything they do, are all set up in this book.
I know it sounds hard to believe that a story about a 19-year-old boy having to spend two years in prison could be beautiful, but it is.
I love Cash and the tender moments between him and Jaye are so incredibly powerful.
Even through the many varieties of abuse Jaye suffers, after the hallucinations of his ghosts, and the medications which dull and change his reality, Jaye’s need for Cash becomes more than physical. There is love there. Cash’s support, and Jaye’s need to support Cash in return, get Jaye through this trying time. The bond which develops between them is real and it goes both ways.
In Caged Jaye Kelling makes the story of Jaye’s experience in prison a time of self-exploration and discovery. The man Jaye has become as he leaves FCI Sheridan, and knowing what he will face in the year to come is part of his journey. Jaye learns that, “the only support he could count on was what came from within, not without.”
You could absolutely enjoy the other two stories in the Arctic Absolution series without reading Caged Jaye, as Kelling fills in the gaps, so don’t let not reading this one prevent you from this incredible series.
Shockingly Jaye finds himself guilty of premeditated murder after being attacked and is thrown into a situation where he must do anything to survive. Anything!
Upon entering FCI Sheridan prison he approaches Cash Jones, the leader of the inmate gang The Disciples, and asks for protection in exchange for sexual favors.
The conflict for Jaye between whoring himself to Cash and actually enjoying parts of what he must do to survive changes Jaye indefinitely.
Cash is a complicated character and shows his depth immediately during a scene where Jaye convinces Cash to let him “be his bitch”. Even though putting on a show to demonstrate his ownership of Jaye, Cash shows a little bit of kindness to Jaye and gives us insight to the brutal beauty of his psyche.
Caged Jaye explains how Jaye’s character develops and becomes who he is. Jaye’s desire to survive and come through this experience, make it worth something and someday have a life he wants, is solidified during this time. The stage is set for his future relationship with Dixon Rowe. The parallels between Dix and Cash, between Jaye and Dix, and their motivations for everything they do, are all set up in this book.
I know it sounds hard to believe that a story about a 19-year-old boy having to spend two years in prison could be beautiful, but it is.
I love Cash and the tender moments between him and Jaye are so incredibly powerful.
Even through the many varieties of abuse Jaye suffers, after the hallucinations of his ghosts, and the medications which dull and change his reality, Jaye’s need for Cash becomes more than physical. There is love there. Cash’s support, and Jaye’s need to support Cash in return, get Jaye through this trying time. The bond which develops between them is real and it goes both ways.
In Caged Jaye Kelling makes the story of Jaye’s experience in prison a time of self-exploration and discovery. The man Jaye has become as he leaves FCI Sheridan, and knowing what he will face in the year to come is part of his journey. Jaye learns that, “the only support he could count on was what came from within, not without.”
April 15, 2017
Me after having read Caged Jaye.
This book is everything you know it's going to be, and then some.
Very dark
Violent
Very edgy
You remember the feeling you had while watching No Country For Old Men?
No? Maybe that was just me then, but I was on edge throughout because it was so psychologically intense. Always waiting for Javier Bardem and his freaking nail gun... I was constantly waiting for the next blow, and it came.
I definitely enjoyed getting to know more about Cash and the Disciples, Jaye's protectors, of sorts, in jail. Cash is still enigmatic but interesting, interesting... and... interesting. He is definitely a man living in all kinds of shades of grey. Is he likeable? Yes and no. Is he a man of his environment? Yes and no. I believe they're answers you have to formulate for yourself.
Caged Jaye made me flurried. It made me angry for the loss of Jaye's innocence. Just the loss of innocence, the world has so little left these days. Yes, I know how it turns out for Jaye Bird after his incarceration. This is the prequel to one of my all-time favourite books, Arctic Absolution, but I'm still processing the way I feel about the intensity of having a name to a shit deal,
Caged Jaye is full of triggers. For goodness sakes, heed the bloody warning tags. It is not a picnic, that's for sure, and it is not a romance. Is it erotica? Sure, there's erotic writing contained within the pages, Jaye is a Cash's prison bitch, but it's more dark queer fiction than erotica, in my opinion. Lynn Kelling can be an intense writer. When she's on a dark tear, she rips your heart out and kind of patches it up just enough, just slightly, but still leaves you scarred and limping along... and I think she likes it. Obviously I do too, because I willingly, and excitedly, read everything she writes.
5 stars because it tugged at all of my emotions. All of them. I just had to keep reading it. I had to know what would happen next. Because I lived and breathed life inside FCI Sheridan with Jaye Larson, Cash, and the Disciples every turn of the page.
Full non-spoiler review, which is NSFW and graphic in content, at
This book is everything you know it's going to be, and then some.
Very dark
Violent
Very edgy
You remember the feeling you had while watching No Country For Old Men?
No? Maybe that was just me then, but I was on edge throughout because it was so psychologically intense. Always waiting for Javier Bardem and his freaking nail gun... I was constantly waiting for the next blow, and it came.
I definitely enjoyed getting to know more about Cash and the Disciples, Jaye's protectors, of sorts, in jail. Cash is still enigmatic but interesting, interesting... and... interesting. He is definitely a man living in all kinds of shades of grey. Is he likeable? Yes and no. Is he a man of his environment? Yes and no. I believe they're answers you have to formulate for yourself.
Caged Jaye made me flurried. It made me angry for the loss of Jaye's innocence. Just the loss of innocence, the world has so little left these days. Yes, I know how it turns out for Jaye Bird after his incarceration. This is the prequel to one of my all-time favourite books, Arctic Absolution, but I'm still processing the way I feel about the intensity of having a name to a shit deal,
Caged Jaye is full of triggers. For goodness sakes, heed the bloody warning tags. It is not a picnic, that's for sure, and it is not a romance. Is it erotica? Sure, there's erotic writing contained within the pages, Jaye is a Cash's prison bitch, but it's more dark queer fiction than erotica, in my opinion. Lynn Kelling can be an intense writer. When she's on a dark tear, she rips your heart out and kind of patches it up just enough, just slightly, but still leaves you scarred and limping along... and I think she likes it. Obviously I do too, because I willingly, and excitedly, read everything she writes.
5 stars because it tugged at all of my emotions. All of them. I just had to keep reading it. I had to know what would happen next. Because I lived and breathed life inside FCI Sheridan with Jaye Larson, Cash, and the Disciples every turn of the page.
Full non-spoiler review, which is NSFW and graphic in content, at
May 20, 2018
Where to start....This is the pre-quel to Arctic Absolution but i've read this one first......Jaye dragged from his bed and brutally attacked and with no one to help him....His boyfriend dumps him and his mum....Well we don't really find out for definite what happened to her....but they both desert him when he needs them the most and the judicial system feels that because he chased after one of his attackers that he deserves a two year prison sentence and it's on the bus on his way to prison when he realises that his feminine looks and his long curly hair is gonna bring a hell of a lot more trouble so he makes a deal as soon as he can with Cash, the head of a gang called The Disciples.....Now Cash I wasn't sure if I was going to like, but he was part of Jaye staying alive in prison......Jaye became Johnny, Cash's property, under his protection, but Cash couldn't be there all the time and the things that happened to Jaye when Cash wasn't around was brutal to read....I just wanted to hold Jaye tight and promise him he'd come good.....I have just two authors who scare me....Jack L Pyke and Lynn Kelling......Such dark authors who drag you into their characters worlds...break you down and build you back up again....This is Miss Kelling's darkest book I think......It broke me as much as Antidote did from Miss Pyke..(and the one book I can't read again)....Go into this book with the foresight that is not a romance but a young mans journey from a naive gay teenager to a hardened young man who can certainly hold his own, and I can't wait to see how he grows in Arctic Absolution..Well done Miss Kelling....jaye is going to stay with me for a long time and is maybe the youngest man i hold dear to me x
Read
February 5, 2016This novel is a prequel to Arctic Absolution and also works as a standalone story. Jaye, the MC, can kick ass and take care of himself, but please heed the content labels and warnings! This story is dark and contains hard content. This is NOT a romance, but has plenty of erotic material.
June 5, 2018
4 Stars
I've read a handful of Lynn Kelling's books and I have to say I wasn't all that impressed. Given they were the double Twincest ones, that's saying something. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why some people rave about her writing.
Well, I think I get it now.
This was very well written, and meticulously researched. Even the parts that seem horrific and improbable, if really examined given the nature of prisons (rampant abuse by inmates as well as guards and corruption like woah), are completely believable. From the injustice of Jaye's sentence (which, actually, a career prosecutor with designs on a higher profile job would pursue), to the guards turning a blind eye to (or watching, lecherously) the prohibited consensual inmate sexual contact, and even the beef/gang war violence being blatantly ignored...I'm kind of upset that I'm not shocked by it - because it all happens IRL.
I mentioned in my update that I think in some ways that choosing to subjugate yourself to being someone's "prison bitch", allowing this kind of treatment, is almost worse than if it were rape, with all choice and responsibility removed, since anything that happens has been pre-approved - and living with the consequences just seems like a major MindF*ck on top of everything else. I'm actually eager to read the next one to see how Jaye deals with it. While he's still inside he's got a bit of power and has to keep up the facade...but he's also gained a bit of direction, a bit of a backbone and confidence in his ability to fight back.
Anywho, the one thing that I have a hard time believing was the . Too many people would have to be in on the making of that so logistically it seems unlikely. Not sure if it will show up in the next installment, but something tells me it will. (If it doesn't then that was a wasted dramatic opportunity.)
If the second book lives up to this one, I might add more to my TBR.
I've read a handful of Lynn Kelling's books and I have to say I wasn't all that impressed. Given they were the double Twincest ones, that's saying something. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why some people rave about her writing.
Well, I think I get it now.
This was very well written, and meticulously researched. Even the parts that seem horrific and improbable, if really examined given the nature of prisons (rampant abuse by inmates as well as guards and corruption like woah), are completely believable. From the injustice of Jaye's sentence (which, actually, a career prosecutor with designs on a higher profile job would pursue), to the guards turning a blind eye to (or watching, lecherously) the prohibited consensual inmate sexual contact, and even the beef/gang war violence being blatantly ignored...I'm kind of upset that I'm not shocked by it - because it all happens IRL.
I mentioned in my update that I think in some ways that choosing to subjugate yourself to being someone's "prison bitch", allowing this kind of treatment, is almost worse than if it were rape, with all choice and responsibility removed, since anything that happens has been pre-approved - and living with the consequences just seems like a major MindF*ck on top of everything else. I'm actually eager to read the next one to see how Jaye deals with it. While he's still inside he's got a bit of power and has to keep up the facade...but he's also gained a bit of direction, a bit of a backbone and confidence in his ability to fight back.
Anywho, the one thing that I have a hard time believing was the . Too many people would have to be in on the making of that so logistically it seems unlikely. Not sure if it will show up in the next installment, but something tells me it will. (If it doesn't then that was a wasted dramatic opportunity.)
If the second book lives up to this one, I might add more to my TBR.
May 28, 2016
OK, I'm not going to lie.
I found this book extremely hard to read. My heart bled for Jaye. He is 19 trying to make his way in the world when one evening he is pulled from his bed, raped and stabbed. The aftermath of which see him committed to prison for 2 years.
Although he asks to be taken under the wing of a gang leader, life isn't easy for Jaye. The voilence and rape continue.
Having read Arctic Absolution, I do know what happens once Jaye gets out of prison.
I read the author's notes about the amount of research she had to do and that certainly comes across. A well written book, that you don't want to put down and I didn't until I finished.
I found this book extremely hard to read. My heart bled for Jaye. He is 19 trying to make his way in the world when one evening he is pulled from his bed, raped and stabbed. The aftermath of which see him committed to prison for 2 years.
Although he asks to be taken under the wing of a gang leader, life isn't easy for Jaye. The voilence and rape continue.
Having read Arctic Absolution, I do know what happens once Jaye gets out of prison.
I read the author's notes about the amount of research she had to do and that certainly comes across. A well written book, that you don't want to put down and I didn't until I finished.
August 19, 2017
So dark that at times no light could be seen. It's harsh and unrepentant and I loved it. I must be wacked completely to love this one so much. What happened to Jaye is harsh beyond measure - and it continued w/o let up. The feelings and emotions in him completely blew me away. DMC material = yes. Pay attention to the warnings - this is not a romance in any way.
April 8, 2016
Originally reviewed at Sinfully.
4.5 stars
Although this is a prequel to Lynn Kelling’s Arctic Absolution (a 5 star read for me), the books can be read in any order. If you’ve read Arctic Absolution you’ve probably already fallen in love with Jaye Larson and you know he has suffered horribly in his short life, but is a survivor. PLEASE heed the warnings that come with this story; there is graphic violence, brutality, and sexual assault among other possible triggers.
This isn’t a romance. It’s the story of Jaye’s transformation from a happy, optimistic teenager, to the scarred young man we meet in Arctic Absolution. You’ll see just how he became the Jaye who craves Dixon’s protection, is fiercely loyal and would go to great lengths to protect Dixon in return. This is where Jaye is broken almost beyond repair, only to rebuild himself. It takes the reader through most of his prison sentence where he learns how to play the part of prisoner, of Cash’s property, of the young, scared man who doesn’t want trouble. He also learns how to do whatever is necessary to survive.
The Jaye we briefly meet at the start of this book is long dead by the time Arctic Absolution starts. He is celebrating his 19th birthday with a planned dinner with his live-in boyfriend Kris. He has the job he always wanted at a clothing shop and remains optimistic even though things with his boyfriend aren’t perfect and his mother is struggling with drug addiction. After seeing Kris off to visit his family, Jaye returns home and goes to bed only to be awoken by two men dragging him out into the alley behind his apartment with all intents to torture, rape and kill him. After barely surviving the attack, he is truly alone. In the hospital there’s a text from his boyfriend and one missed call from his mother. He never sees or hears from them again. Through his recovery and trial there is no one and he is soon sent off to serve out a two year prison sentence alone.
On his way to prison he realizes what his pretty looks will mean and he comes up with a plan to save himself. Jaye is scared and desperate, but he’s also smart. His instincts served him well before so he follows them again. He plans to give himself to Cash the boss of the Disciples, in exchange for protection. Once inside he becomes “Johnny” and Johnny is Cash’s prison bitch. That means nobody but Cash touches him without permission. Cash is Johnny’s protector and takes that oath seriously. Cash sets the terms and it’s a business agreement, beneficial to both parties. Cash can’t always be there though and those are the times when Jaye’s fears about his vulnerability all seem to come true. His alliance with Cash also makes him a target for anyone that feels Cash has wronged them including rival prison gangs and guards taking advantage when opportunities are presented.
Cash is one of those gray characters you think you should hate, but he is integral to not only Jaye physically surviving in prison, but also to holding onto his mental stability. His mental state has been slowly unraveling since his assault. The ghosts of the men who started it all won’t leave him alone. He hears them and he feels them. He seems to be adjusting and holding on until it comes time to pay off his debt to the guard that is helping Cash’s crew; it’s more than Jaye can handle and he almost completely shuts down. Cash offers him strength and companionship, and there may even be some affection there, but there is not a romance between the two. Even though at times it seems to comfort Jaye, sex with Cash is never confused for anything other than the act of release, payment or a show of power.
Lynn Kelling excels at writing characters who have been damaged and go through an arc of healing and transformation, but Jaye’s change is so extreme and happens over such a short period of time and under such horrific circumstances, you will truly be awed by the strength that he shows, even when barely hanging on. From Arctic Absolution we know he gets through it, though he still struggles with his mental health after his release, which made it a bit easier to get through this story. Heartbreaking doesn’t adequately describe the extent of his torment, loss and pain. Seeing Jaye take back his power, fight the hold his attackers still had on him and transform himself was gruesome, terrifying and thrilling all at once.
Again, this is dark and it’s hard to read. Jaye suffers brutal assaults, rapes and torture. There is a lot of hopelessness and fear, but there is also this utterly amazing character in Jaye who will get under your skin from the moment you start reading and carve out a place in your heart.
4.5 stars
Although this is a prequel to Lynn Kelling’s Arctic Absolution (a 5 star read for me), the books can be read in any order. If you’ve read Arctic Absolution you’ve probably already fallen in love with Jaye Larson and you know he has suffered horribly in his short life, but is a survivor. PLEASE heed the warnings that come with this story; there is graphic violence, brutality, and sexual assault among other possible triggers.
This isn’t a romance. It’s the story of Jaye’s transformation from a happy, optimistic teenager, to the scarred young man we meet in Arctic Absolution. You’ll see just how he became the Jaye who craves Dixon’s protection, is fiercely loyal and would go to great lengths to protect Dixon in return. This is where Jaye is broken almost beyond repair, only to rebuild himself. It takes the reader through most of his prison sentence where he learns how to play the part of prisoner, of Cash’s property, of the young, scared man who doesn’t want trouble. He also learns how to do whatever is necessary to survive.
The Jaye we briefly meet at the start of this book is long dead by the time Arctic Absolution starts. He is celebrating his 19th birthday with a planned dinner with his live-in boyfriend Kris. He has the job he always wanted at a clothing shop and remains optimistic even though things with his boyfriend aren’t perfect and his mother is struggling with drug addiction. After seeing Kris off to visit his family, Jaye returns home and goes to bed only to be awoken by two men dragging him out into the alley behind his apartment with all intents to torture, rape and kill him. After barely surviving the attack, he is truly alone. In the hospital there’s a text from his boyfriend and one missed call from his mother. He never sees or hears from them again. Through his recovery and trial there is no one and he is soon sent off to serve out a two year prison sentence alone.
On his way to prison he realizes what his pretty looks will mean and he comes up with a plan to save himself. Jaye is scared and desperate, but he’s also smart. His instincts served him well before so he follows them again. He plans to give himself to Cash the boss of the Disciples, in exchange for protection. Once inside he becomes “Johnny” and Johnny is Cash’s prison bitch. That means nobody but Cash touches him without permission. Cash is Johnny’s protector and takes that oath seriously. Cash sets the terms and it’s a business agreement, beneficial to both parties. Cash can’t always be there though and those are the times when Jaye’s fears about his vulnerability all seem to come true. His alliance with Cash also makes him a target for anyone that feels Cash has wronged them including rival prison gangs and guards taking advantage when opportunities are presented.
Cash is one of those gray characters you think you should hate, but he is integral to not only Jaye physically surviving in prison, but also to holding onto his mental stability. His mental state has been slowly unraveling since his assault. The ghosts of the men who started it all won’t leave him alone. He hears them and he feels them. He seems to be adjusting and holding on until it comes time to pay off his debt to the guard that is helping Cash’s crew; it’s more than Jaye can handle and he almost completely shuts down. Cash offers him strength and companionship, and there may even be some affection there, but there is not a romance between the two. Even though at times it seems to comfort Jaye, sex with Cash is never confused for anything other than the act of release, payment or a show of power.
Lynn Kelling excels at writing characters who have been damaged and go through an arc of healing and transformation, but Jaye’s change is so extreme and happens over such a short period of time and under such horrific circumstances, you will truly be awed by the strength that he shows, even when barely hanging on. From Arctic Absolution we know he gets through it, though he still struggles with his mental health after his release, which made it a bit easier to get through this story. Heartbreaking doesn’t adequately describe the extent of his torment, loss and pain. Seeing Jaye take back his power, fight the hold his attackers still had on him and transform himself was gruesome, terrifying and thrilling all at once.
Again, this is dark and it’s hard to read. Jaye suffers brutal assaults, rapes and torture. There is a lot of hopelessness and fear, but there is also this utterly amazing character in Jaye who will get under your skin from the moment you start reading and carve out a place in your heart.
May 21, 2017
Wow, just wow!!! It was such a hard, difficult read but also such an insightful one that I can't praise the author enough!!!
Lynn Kelling says she's proud this story, she'd researched it thoroughly to make it believable and that she wrote very quickly...
I have to be honest, I knew it was going to be very hard, very dark, brutal and heart-wrenching story but still I picked it up and I don't regret it in the least!
I actually started reading Arctic Absolution as it was written earlier. I got to the end of the 2nd chapter and I just felt as if it was being directed in a more/less positive direction... But on the other hand, from the snippets of Jaye's nighmarish visions, voices and memories, I've come to learn that this troubled, beautiful young guy had suffered so much and had experiences such terrible things that I just had to read the prequel first. I just didn't think I'd be able to get back to such horrible times of Jaye's life if Arctic Absolution ended with an HEA or strong HFN...
I just couldn't imagine Jaye's fight for mental recovery and building up his self-esteem or better self-respect and then go back and read about the things which had put him in this dark, desolate and hopeless place in the first place.
So I left Arctic Absolution for later, as a streak of hope, of sunshine in this cold, forsaken Alaskan cabin of Jaye's and I dived into Caged Jaye instead.
And OMG, was it a good choice! I knew that Caged Jaye is set earlier and in prison. I knew it would be so dark and without an HEA - but Lynn Kelling managed to give it an HFN of sorts! It was all so rough and so... I don't even have the words to describe how awful Jaye's life in prison was :(
I just trudged through his story, painfully. At some moments I just couldn't continue for a few days, at some moments I just couldn't put it down - it was so intense! I just kept thinking that it would all end eventually cause Jaye finally has to get out and start a new life in Alaska. And it was an enormous consolation.
I must tell you this: the things that happen to Jaye in prison are terrible, you can figure out a lot of it, I imagine. Yes, there is rape and abuse, and assault (or murder attempt) and these terrible ghosts haunting Jaye. But there is also... I don't know, hope seems so big a word for what it is.... But becoming Cash's b*tch - a seemingly miserable lot - has turned out to be a sliver of safety and normalcy for Jaye.
Cash - the big, scarred, scary, hardened criminal - and yet... And yet he has some tenderness underneath all those muscles, tattoos and scars. He shows Jaye off as he shows his total control over Jaye's body but it's all that is - a show - for the others, for his Disciples crew and for his enemies. He must be strong and intimidating, just to able to be caring and tender to Jaye when they're alone. He doesn't show much affection, but he's there, on Jaye's side, right then when Jay needs it the most.
For me the most tender moment of the story was when Cash returned from the hole to find Jaye totally terrified of Ecker, almost crazy with his ghosts, heavily medicated and terribly emaciated from his fears. The moment he almost barks at Jaye to just eat and not to worry about anything else, the moment when he says he'll get rid of Jaye's ghosts - it just melted my heart!!!
Generally, the book is definitely a DMC material - guys, I think you'll like it a lot! The dynamics of the gangs, the graphic violent scenes, but also the hot and rough sex - there's so much to this story! The writing is so... efficient - without embellishments or sugarcoating - just exquisite! It takes so much skill to tell this story in such a captivating though brutal way. Really, I can just say: HATS OFF to Ms Kelling!!! I will read more of her works as surely as I will move on to Arctic Absolution now!
Lynn Kelling says she's proud this story, she'd researched it thoroughly to make it believable and that she wrote very quickly...
I have to be honest, I knew it was going to be very hard, very dark, brutal and heart-wrenching story but still I picked it up and I don't regret it in the least!
I actually started reading Arctic Absolution as it was written earlier. I got to the end of the 2nd chapter and I just felt as if it was being directed in a more/less positive direction... But on the other hand, from the snippets of Jaye's nighmarish visions, voices and memories, I've come to learn that this troubled, beautiful young guy had suffered so much and had experiences such terrible things that I just had to read the prequel first. I just didn't think I'd be able to get back to such horrible times of Jaye's life if Arctic Absolution ended with an HEA or strong HFN...
I just couldn't imagine Jaye's fight for mental recovery and building up his self-esteem or better self-respect and then go back and read about the things which had put him in this dark, desolate and hopeless place in the first place.
So I left Arctic Absolution for later, as a streak of hope, of sunshine in this cold, forsaken Alaskan cabin of Jaye's and I dived into Caged Jaye instead.
And OMG, was it a good choice! I knew that Caged Jaye is set earlier and in prison. I knew it would be so dark and without an HEA - but Lynn Kelling managed to give it an HFN of sorts! It was all so rough and so... I don't even have the words to describe how awful Jaye's life in prison was :(
I just trudged through his story, painfully. At some moments I just couldn't continue for a few days, at some moments I just couldn't put it down - it was so intense! I just kept thinking that it would all end eventually cause Jaye finally has to get out and start a new life in Alaska. And it was an enormous consolation.
I must tell you this: the things that happen to Jaye in prison are terrible, you can figure out a lot of it, I imagine. Yes, there is rape and abuse, and assault (or murder attempt) and these terrible ghosts haunting Jaye. But there is also... I don't know, hope seems so big a word for what it is.... But becoming Cash's b*tch - a seemingly miserable lot - has turned out to be a sliver of safety and normalcy for Jaye.
Cash - the big, scarred, scary, hardened criminal - and yet... And yet he has some tenderness underneath all those muscles, tattoos and scars. He shows Jaye off as he shows his total control over Jaye's body but it's all that is - a show - for the others, for his Disciples crew and for his enemies. He must be strong and intimidating, just to able to be caring and tender to Jaye when they're alone. He doesn't show much affection, but he's there, on Jaye's side, right then when Jay needs it the most.
For me the most tender moment of the story was when Cash returned from the hole to find Jaye totally terrified of Ecker, almost crazy with his ghosts, heavily medicated and terribly emaciated from his fears. The moment he almost barks at Jaye to just eat and not to worry about anything else, the moment when he says he'll get rid of Jaye's ghosts - it just melted my heart!!!
Generally, the book is definitely a DMC material - guys, I think you'll like it a lot! The dynamics of the gangs, the graphic violent scenes, but also the hot and rough sex - there's so much to this story! The writing is so... efficient - without embellishments or sugarcoating - just exquisite! It takes so much skill to tell this story in such a captivating though brutal way. Really, I can just say: HATS OFF to Ms Kelling!!! I will read more of her works as surely as I will move on to Arctic Absolution now!
April 1, 2016
If my face were a book, it would convey shock and awe along with a myriad of other unreadable emotions right now. My jaw is still hanging wide open and I think “holy sh*t” is the only coherent phrase I’m capable of uttering. This book reached right into my core and ripped me wide open. I was so connected to Jaye’s character that it felt like a personal assault every time something happened to him. I’ve never felt more ravaged over the loss of innocence nor more proud of the inner strength of a beloved character as I did with this story. Just wow.
It’s amazing to me what the human spirit can endure and overcome when pushed beyond the brink into the most tragic and unfair circumstances imaginable. It’s the psychology tied to that type of situation – the head games and mind f*ck that it is – along with the pride and triumph of surviving it that are captured and portrayed brilliantly in “Caged Jaye”. This story is believable in its stark brutality. I can fully imagine life behind bars being as desperate, timeless, and fearful as depicted.
There are plenty of characters to hate in this story. You’d think that Cash and his brothers (the Disciples) might be included in that list, but you’d be wrong. Despite being dark, dark, dark, there’s a strange and beautiful connection that shines brightly in the darkness in this story. What Jaye experiences with Cash and the Disciples is unconventional for sure, but shows that humanity can exist in the most unexpected ways and places.
Unlike what I suspect will be the case with most readers, I’m actually reading this book prior to the very popular “Arctic Absolution”. While not planned that way, I’m actually glad it worked out that way since Jaye’s path can only climb up from here. My poor beloved Jaye survived one of the worst bitch slaps life could dole out to him and I need to see some good come to the boy who became a man in the blink of an eye.
As long as you pay attention to the warnings and remember that there’s hope for Jaye beyond this book, you’ll be blown away by and appreciate the detailed back story that shaped his character. Phenomenal and absolutely recommended!!!
Review posted at...
- 5 hearts
Review copy provided by Forbidden Fiction in exchange for an honest review.
It’s amazing to me what the human spirit can endure and overcome when pushed beyond the brink into the most tragic and unfair circumstances imaginable. It’s the psychology tied to that type of situation – the head games and mind f*ck that it is – along with the pride and triumph of surviving it that are captured and portrayed brilliantly in “Caged Jaye”. This story is believable in its stark brutality. I can fully imagine life behind bars being as desperate, timeless, and fearful as depicted.
There are plenty of characters to hate in this story. You’d think that Cash and his brothers (the Disciples) might be included in that list, but you’d be wrong. Despite being dark, dark, dark, there’s a strange and beautiful connection that shines brightly in the darkness in this story. What Jaye experiences with Cash and the Disciples is unconventional for sure, but shows that humanity can exist in the most unexpected ways and places.
Unlike what I suspect will be the case with most readers, I’m actually reading this book prior to the very popular “Arctic Absolution”. While not planned that way, I’m actually glad it worked out that way since Jaye’s path can only climb up from here. My poor beloved Jaye survived one of the worst bitch slaps life could dole out to him and I need to see some good come to the boy who became a man in the blink of an eye.
As long as you pay attention to the warnings and remember that there’s hope for Jaye beyond this book, you’ll be blown away by and appreciate the detailed back story that shaped his character. Phenomenal and absolutely recommended!!!
Review posted at...
- 5 heartsReview copy provided by Forbidden Fiction in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2016
I have been wanting to read this book for awhile but because of the tags was a little afraid. It is everything that has been said about it and more, much more.
How Jaye survived all of the horrific things that happened to him in the two years he was in prison just shows how strong he really is. Now I really need to read something sweet and fluffy! Awesome writing Ms. Kelling!
How Jaye survived all of the horrific things that happened to him in the two years he was in prison just shows how strong he really is. Now I really need to read something sweet and fluffy! Awesome writing Ms. Kelling!
March 21, 2016
This was everything I’ve come to expect from Lynn Kelling; dark, intense, sexy and thought-provoking, with a story that leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Read the full review here: https://agonytate.wordpress.com/2016/...
July 18, 2016
I fell in love with Jaye in Arctic Absolution and my heart broke for him in this one. What a complicated relationship between him and Cash. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down and I'm still thinking about it today.
May 7, 2016
Imma be over here in my blanket fort hugging a teddy bear.....
Two things: NOT a romance, and heed all warning labels.
....but holy crap the feels. I kind of feel like I got beaten up a few times.
Two things: NOT a romance, and heed all warning labels.
....but holy crap the feels. I kind of feel like I got beaten up a few times.
July 17, 2020
5 Stars
I was looking for a dark read and I certainly got my wish. Trigger warning: .
Is there something wrong with me that I actually loved this book? Of course, the abuse and rape were hard to read, but this story was so much more than that. This is a story of a young man overcoming his demons, every obstacle in his way, and coming out the other side a stronger man, more confident and unbreakable than ever before. God, my heart absolutely broke for Jaye. Life beat him down, stomped all over him, and dealt him every shitty hand in the deck. I was rooting for him to just keep trying, to keep pushing through his pain and heartache and seeing his progression as he not only came to terms with his new life, but took control of it, was empowering.
You would think that you'd hate Cash's character - I definitely did. Much to my surprise, I came to really like the guy. When Jaye is sent to prison, he strikes a deal with Cash for protection in exchange for sexual favors. Cash is the boss of the most prominent gang inside the prison and undoubtedly the most respected and feared. He comes off as a scary, brutal thug at first but as time goes on you see him treating Jaye with compassion and consideration. This is not a romance, by any means, but I loved the two of them together regardless. Cash goes to bat for Jaye repeatedly, protecting him from guards and other inmates, constantly putting his neck on the line for Jaye's safety. Their deal slowly evolves into more affectionate intimacies as their bond becomes unbreakable. Cash is nothing like he first seems and was a fantastic character.
This was undoubtedly Lynn Kelling's goal as an excerpt from the author's note states: "Cash was someone I knew my readers would expect to dislike, if not hate, right from the start. My challenge, at which I hope to have succeeded, was to hint at the depths to who he really is beneath the face he presents to the Disciples, so that he could be seen not as an enemy, but as a figure firmly planted in the grey areas of the spectrum of humanity."
While much of the story was graphic and featured extremely heavy content, the scene that gripped me the most was the that occurred. While it was meant to be paying a debt to a guard and Jaye had agreed to it, it went far beyond what he had imagined. I found it brutal, gut-wrenching, and horrifying to read. Jaye's mental breakdown during it was expertly written as the author made me feel everything Jaye felt. This scene will destroy you but is a pivotal turning point for Jaye in the story.
If you can get past the graphic content, I highly recommend this book. Again, it's not a romance by any means but was so worth it and I would classify it as a happy ending all things considered. I'm excited to see where the series leads as the romance plot begins, although it's not with Cash.
Series:
Book 1: Caged Jaye → 5 Stars
Book 2: Arctic Absolution → 3 Stars
Book 3: Arctic Restitution → did not read
I was looking for a dark read and I certainly got my wish. Trigger warning: .
Is there something wrong with me that I actually loved this book? Of course, the abuse and rape were hard to read, but this story was so much more than that. This is a story of a young man overcoming his demons, every obstacle in his way, and coming out the other side a stronger man, more confident and unbreakable than ever before. God, my heart absolutely broke for Jaye. Life beat him down, stomped all over him, and dealt him every shitty hand in the deck. I was rooting for him to just keep trying, to keep pushing through his pain and heartache and seeing his progression as he not only came to terms with his new life, but took control of it, was empowering.
You would think that you'd hate Cash's character - I definitely did. Much to my surprise, I came to really like the guy. When Jaye is sent to prison, he strikes a deal with Cash for protection in exchange for sexual favors. Cash is the boss of the most prominent gang inside the prison and undoubtedly the most respected and feared. He comes off as a scary, brutal thug at first but as time goes on you see him treating Jaye with compassion and consideration. This is not a romance, by any means, but I loved the two of them together regardless. Cash goes to bat for Jaye repeatedly, protecting him from guards and other inmates, constantly putting his neck on the line for Jaye's safety. Their deal slowly evolves into more affectionate intimacies as their bond becomes unbreakable. Cash is nothing like he first seems and was a fantastic character.
This was undoubtedly Lynn Kelling's goal as an excerpt from the author's note states: "Cash was someone I knew my readers would expect to dislike, if not hate, right from the start. My challenge, at which I hope to have succeeded, was to hint at the depths to who he really is beneath the face he presents to the Disciples, so that he could be seen not as an enemy, but as a figure firmly planted in the grey areas of the spectrum of humanity."
While much of the story was graphic and featured extremely heavy content, the scene that gripped me the most was the that occurred. While it was meant to be paying a debt to a guard and Jaye had agreed to it, it went far beyond what he had imagined. I found it brutal, gut-wrenching, and horrifying to read. Jaye's mental breakdown during it was expertly written as the author made me feel everything Jaye felt. This scene will destroy you but is a pivotal turning point for Jaye in the story.
If you can get past the graphic content, I highly recommend this book. Again, it's not a romance by any means but was so worth it and I would classify it as a happy ending all things considered. I'm excited to see where the series leads as the romance plot begins, although it's not with Cash.
Series:
Book 1: Caged Jaye → 5 Stars
Book 2: Arctic Absolution → 3 Stars
Book 3: Arctic Restitution → did not read
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Jay Chase for QUEERcentric Books
4.5 stars
Caged Jaye by Lynn Kelling tells one man’s horrific, violent, and very dark story of survival. Here we explore what happens when a young gay man is brutally attacked, and the author isn’t afraid to look in the shadows to show us details.
It is Jaye Larson’s nineteenth birthday and this sweet young man wants nothing more than to spend time with his troubled mother and boyfriend, Kris. He has a job he loves working in a men’s clothing store and, although his life has not been easy, he is full of vitality and ready to face the world. All at once everything changes.
ALL AT ONCE EVERYTHING CHANGES
Jaye’s world shatters when he finds himself pinned down, facing rape, torture, and sure death. He desperately defends himself, but because of how he does it he faces charges and is sent to prison.
Jaye may be young, but he has a will to survive and understands that he’ll never manage that on his own. With no other option available, he uses the only currency he has – his body – to earn the protection he needs.
JAYE MAY BE YOUNG, BUT HE HAS A WILL TO SURVIVE
Jaye enters a prison full of depraved men, corrupt guards and vicious prisoners. It takes no time at all for us to lose the naive young man we first met. We witness the unspeakable acts perpetrated against him, but since he keeps “survival” at the forefront of his mind we do too.
Along the way our emotions run wild for Jaye and what he endures. We watch how prison changes him, and that change is profound. The naïve young man we first met disappears, and in his place is someone strong and calculating that perseveres.
ALONG THE WAY OUR EMOTIONS RUN WILD
Embedded in his trials are moments of weakness, all the more affecting for their rarity. That hint of vulnerability makes him one of the strongest and most intense characters you will ever encounter.
Caged Jaye is the prequel to Arctic Absolution. It can be read as a standalone and is not a romance. It is purely about survival, and the gay sex that is both consensual and forced. It is an extremely well-written and engaging story of a life no one should ever have to endure. It is dark, gritty, and violent from the brutal and bloody gay bashing at the very beginning, and it is not for the faint of heart.
4.5 stars
Caged Jaye by Lynn Kelling tells one man’s horrific, violent, and very dark story of survival. Here we explore what happens when a young gay man is brutally attacked, and the author isn’t afraid to look in the shadows to show us details.
It is Jaye Larson’s nineteenth birthday and this sweet young man wants nothing more than to spend time with his troubled mother and boyfriend, Kris. He has a job he loves working in a men’s clothing store and, although his life has not been easy, he is full of vitality and ready to face the world. All at once everything changes.
ALL AT ONCE EVERYTHING CHANGES
Jaye’s world shatters when he finds himself pinned down, facing rape, torture, and sure death. He desperately defends himself, but because of how he does it he faces charges and is sent to prison.
Jaye may be young, but he has a will to survive and understands that he’ll never manage that on his own. With no other option available, he uses the only currency he has – his body – to earn the protection he needs.
JAYE MAY BE YOUNG, BUT HE HAS A WILL TO SURVIVE
Jaye enters a prison full of depraved men, corrupt guards and vicious prisoners. It takes no time at all for us to lose the naive young man we first met. We witness the unspeakable acts perpetrated against him, but since he keeps “survival” at the forefront of his mind we do too.
Along the way our emotions run wild for Jaye and what he endures. We watch how prison changes him, and that change is profound. The naïve young man we first met disappears, and in his place is someone strong and calculating that perseveres.
ALONG THE WAY OUR EMOTIONS RUN WILD
Embedded in his trials are moments of weakness, all the more affecting for their rarity. That hint of vulnerability makes him one of the strongest and most intense characters you will ever encounter.
Caged Jaye is the prequel to Arctic Absolution. It can be read as a standalone and is not a romance. It is purely about survival, and the gay sex that is both consensual and forced. It is an extremely well-written and engaging story of a life no one should ever have to endure. It is dark, gritty, and violent from the brutal and bloody gay bashing at the very beginning, and it is not for the faint of heart.
May 7, 2016
A prequel to a really good book, "Arctic Absolution." This one is very dark and disturbing about the abuse Jaye suffered both before he went to prison and during his incarceration. I think even a partial reading of his book is necessary to really appreciate "Arctic Absolution."
August 19, 2016
Stayed up until 2am to finish this one. Wow! Poor Jaye, sometimes I was afraid to keep reading but I am glad that I did.
July 19, 2017
4.5 hard-to-read stars
September 28, 2025
I really loved Jaye’s self-awareness and how determined he was to face his demons. The way he fought to keep his mind intact and survive was impressive. Super excited for what's next.
March 16, 2017
Review by The Blogger Girls.
This is the prequel to Arctic Absolution. If you haven’t read that yet, after you’ve read and accepted the warnings, I highly recommend you do. I fell in love with Jaye in that book, and even though you get a pretty good understanding of his past and the things that happened to make him the way he was in that story, it really doesn’t compare to reading it first hand, which is what we get here.
Caged Jaye takes us back to his teenage years with his first boyfriend, which unfortunately didn’t allow Jaye to experience much good before things took a turn for the worse. When Jaye ends up killing the men who set out to gay bash and rape him, he is sent to prison for murder. Being on the prettier side of the spectrum, he knows he is going to have to take some drastic measures in order to survive his prison term, and he wastes no time setting those things in motion. He manages to place himself in front Cash, of the biggest badass leader in the joint, offering himself in exchange for protection.
Now, don’t get me wrong, none of this was easy for Jaye, but he was pretty desperate, terrified and doing the only thing he could think of to ensure his survival. Ms. Kelling beautifully shows the emotions and turmoil Jaye faces each and every day he is incarcerated. Jaye has it extremely rough – not only with Cash, but with the other inmates and even some of the guards themselves. There was very little positivity in Jaye’s life during this time with nobody to really trust on any level. Cash is a pretty strong deterrent, but there were times when he was in solitary or when Cash’s own deals had to be paid for, that placed Jaye in even more danger.
Through it all, we get to see how Jaye fought and survived. It gave a whole other level of understanding as to the Jaye we know in Arctic Absolution. I loved seeing that understanding into what made Jaye so fierce and protective and how that shaped his relationship with Dixon. While Jaye does end up having some feelings for Cash, there isn’t really anything that can come of it and it definitely seemed more of a relationship based on circumstance with a tinge of Stockholm Syndrome thrown in. The real “romance” or relationship for Jaye happens with Dixon in Arctic Absolution, so be sure to read that for the happier part of Jaye’s life.
This was an amazing story that had me on the edge of my seat and turning page after page to see how Jaye made it out. I think it helped knowing he survived and ended up finding happiness with someone after so much had been taken away from him and from such an early age. I almost wish I had read this story first, but that doesn’t change how fantastic and well written it was and how it made me want to jump right in and reread Artic Absolution all over again to see it in a new light. Another definite winner from Ms. Kelling for me, and I look forward to the next.
April 12, 2016
Caged Jaye is the prequel to Arctic Absolution, but if you wanted to start here at the beginning of Jaye’s story you could. In Arctic, Jaye tells his story with a fair amount of detail that allowed me to visualize it well. So with that in mind, knowing a portion of the story should have tempered the impact here a little. I will tell you that is a false assumption and this book is intensely violent and shows absolutely no mercy. Kelling does not let up for one single second or for one single word throughout the entire book and she has reached a pinnacle with the execution of this novel.
Jaye is a victim. There is no disputing that. He was assaulted, his life was violently and completely dismantled, and he was then violated further by the system. But Jaye is also a survivor. His goal is to survive prison and he trades on his long hair and feminine, youthful body to make it happen. He is put into an impossible position that is difficult for him to comprehend, but he goes on the offensive to stay alive. That’s where Cash comes into play.
Cash is the leader of one of the prison gangs and sets the rules. He agrees to take on Jaye to protect him, but Cash asks for a lot in return. Jaye really has no idea all that he is getting himself into and how can he as his life becomes a series of public humiliations. Everything has a price and the price has a further price on top of it. While Cash is only seen through Jaye’s eyes, in the smallest of movements, Kelling makes him a little more protective and maybe even a little more human. Cash is certainly a product of his environment and a life that we know nothing about. While he has rules to follow and must uphold deals that have most certainly been made off page, in the subtlest of ways he has been given the ability to become slightly less of a monster for brief and fleeting moments in time.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
May 4, 2017
Thought I'd better get started on this in preparation for the imminent release of Arctic Restitution, which hopefully will finally give Jaye and Dixon their well deserved HEA...nudge, nudge Lynn, cos Jaye has already gone through more than enough in his young life.
As far as this story is concerned, it made for frightening reading to be perfectly honest. If I had a 'horror' bookshelf, this would definitely be sitting on there too BUT I can't fault Lynn's writing...yes, you felt as though you could almost reach out and grab/slap/thump any of the corrupt and pervy prison guards and or violent inmates, it was that realistic, and the gang culture obviously exists. Not a pleasant experience, but very well written. 4.5 stars.
As far as this story is concerned, it made for frightening reading to be perfectly honest. If I had a 'horror' bookshelf, this would definitely be sitting on there too BUT I can't fault Lynn's writing...yes, you felt as though you could almost reach out and grab/slap/thump any of the corrupt and pervy prison guards and or violent inmates, it was that realistic, and the gang culture obviously exists. Not a pleasant experience, but very well written. 4.5 stars.
May 13, 2016
Wow this book hits hard.
This tells the story of how Jaye went from being a 19 year old boy who believed in hope and love and a future, to a 20 year old man, jaded and numbed by just how cruel life can really be.
Visciously attacked and almost killed, Jaye was failed by the system and sent to prison for what could only ever be seen as self defense. He knew what would await him behind bars and so set out to secure his safety on his own terms by approaching a group known as the Disciples and namely, their leader Cash, looking for protection.
The story unravels with nothing going in Jaye's favor. Rape, assault, abuse, attempted murder, mental breakdown, this book has so so so many triggers. There are characters that are clear black & white evil, then there are those that are gray. Your heart will break over and over for Jaye and just when you think you have recovered, it will break again.
A very dark and difficult read but written so well you feel you are living it with him.
This tells the story of how Jaye went from being a 19 year old boy who believed in hope and love and a future, to a 20 year old man, jaded and numbed by just how cruel life can really be.
Visciously attacked and almost killed, Jaye was failed by the system and sent to prison for what could only ever be seen as self defense. He knew what would await him behind bars and so set out to secure his safety on his own terms by approaching a group known as the Disciples and namely, their leader Cash, looking for protection.
The story unravels with nothing going in Jaye's favor. Rape, assault, abuse, attempted murder, mental breakdown, this book has so so so many triggers. There are characters that are clear black & white evil, then there are those that are gray. Your heart will break over and over for Jaye and just when you think you have recovered, it will break again.
A very dark and difficult read but written so well you feel you are living it with him.
August 26, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars, based on my Kleenex-rating-system. Any book that can pull such depth of emotion from me deserves 5 stars. Not for the faint of heart; this story is brutal and heartbreaking.
*****Still 4.5/5 stars on the second read. Jaye's quick trip from innocence and optimism, to cold and ugly reality, is absolutely heart-wrenching. But under all that external and internal beauty is a hard-as-iron core of strength. His character invokes my most protective instincts, and this is one of those stories where I wish I could reach into the pages, take him away from the sh*t life has thrown his way, and show him the type of love and friendship such a precious spirit deserves. Sigh.......
*****Still 4.5/5 stars on the second read. Jaye's quick trip from innocence and optimism, to cold and ugly reality, is absolutely heart-wrenching. But under all that external and internal beauty is a hard-as-iron core of strength. His character invokes my most protective instincts, and this is one of those stories where I wish I could reach into the pages, take him away from the sh*t life has thrown his way, and show him the type of love and friendship such a precious spirit deserves. Sigh.......
May 27, 2016
4.5 Stars!
February 9, 2019
This Book Will Blow Your Mind,so be PREPARED TO be Left feeling like you were turned INSIDE OUT!!! That's All I'm gonna say,Just Read this Series,Like Now!!!!! I LOVED IT!!!!!
April 12, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
First of all I can’t believe it was the end of 2014 when I read Arctic Absolution. It is a sign of how much that book stuck with me that when I picked up Caged Jaye I very easily and readily picked up with Jaye’s character. This book explains so much. SO MUCH!
Starting this book even though Jaye was happy, excited to be celebrating his birthday and generally daydreaming about his future you just knew that Lynn Kelling was going to come in and destroy him. It was actually quite disconcerting waiting for that moment when it all went to hell and then when it happened it was gruesome, horrifying and a huge life altering experience. It was like being on a rollercoaster to hell with no opportunity to get off. Not only do you have to live through the assault you also have to stand by whilst he recovers and as he’s left broken and alone and the alone part of it is really very difficult. No one offers support or comfort. No one offers gentle words of reassurance. No one is there to see him off when he ends up in prison – its total author fuckery of your mind!
Gone is gentle Jaye whose most difficult task in life was to get his boyfriend to sleep with him. In his place is a terrified and traumatised young man who now has one goal in life – survival. Those good looks, that svelte figure and all that beautiful hair that in his old life were tools for flirting and feeling good about himself are now all he has left to ensure he stays alive. In a panic on the way to prison he devises a plan that could easily see him dead or worse and when he arrives he goes looking for the devil. The devils name is Cash.
Cash and his disciples are an interesting group who I went from hating to cheering and right back to hating again so many times I was dizzy. Jaye finds a saviour of sorts in Cash by selling himself and his soul but there were moments when Cash was gentle and that was like a balm to Jaye and it also made him more determined to do whatever the other man wanted. It was a trade pure and simple – Jaye kept his life by being Cash’s bitch.
I can’t begin to tell you about the torture and abuse that Jaye encounters in prison and to do so would detract from your reading experience. I will say it’s probably some of the most brutal I have read in a while, really this is Lynn Kelling far darker than even her usual shade of black. That being said it was worth it and I actually read it twice before writing this up.
If dark is your flavour then I would highly recommended.
First of all I can’t believe it was the end of 2014 when I read Arctic Absolution. It is a sign of how much that book stuck with me that when I picked up Caged Jaye I very easily and readily picked up with Jaye’s character. This book explains so much. SO MUCH!
Starting this book even though Jaye was happy, excited to be celebrating his birthday and generally daydreaming about his future you just knew that Lynn Kelling was going to come in and destroy him. It was actually quite disconcerting waiting for that moment when it all went to hell and then when it happened it was gruesome, horrifying and a huge life altering experience. It was like being on a rollercoaster to hell with no opportunity to get off. Not only do you have to live through the assault you also have to stand by whilst he recovers and as he’s left broken and alone and the alone part of it is really very difficult. No one offers support or comfort. No one offers gentle words of reassurance. No one is there to see him off when he ends up in prison – its total author fuckery of your mind!
Gone is gentle Jaye whose most difficult task in life was to get his boyfriend to sleep with him. In his place is a terrified and traumatised young man who now has one goal in life – survival. Those good looks, that svelte figure and all that beautiful hair that in his old life were tools for flirting and feeling good about himself are now all he has left to ensure he stays alive. In a panic on the way to prison he devises a plan that could easily see him dead or worse and when he arrives he goes looking for the devil. The devils name is Cash.
Cash and his disciples are an interesting group who I went from hating to cheering and right back to hating again so many times I was dizzy. Jaye finds a saviour of sorts in Cash by selling himself and his soul but there were moments when Cash was gentle and that was like a balm to Jaye and it also made him more determined to do whatever the other man wanted. It was a trade pure and simple – Jaye kept his life by being Cash’s bitch.
I can’t begin to tell you about the torture and abuse that Jaye encounters in prison and to do so would detract from your reading experience. I will say it’s probably some of the most brutal I have read in a while, really this is Lynn Kelling far darker than even her usual shade of black. That being said it was worth it and I actually read it twice before writing this up.
If dark is your flavour then I would highly recommended.
May 2, 2020
I think this was a great book.
It's the first Lynn Kelling's book i'd read and i'm tempted to read more.
The begining showed a sweet and happy character, full of dreams, who, since that moment, the reader is able to imagine how resilient he is because he hasn't let that, what seems like a difficult childhood, get the best of him. I loved Jaye from that moment, i know most readers had read Arctic Absolution first and they already know the character, but for me, this was the first time i get to know the character and he got me loving him from the first scenes.
The prision was captivating for me, understanding the different gangs, who has the power, the rutines, the rol that the guards play and the fact that Jaye was getting himself into a new world and everything he knew was leave at the door.
Cash and the Disciples were great, they are not good persons but what they represent to Jaye was beyond being good or bad, was about survival, respect and, in sort of way, family.
Cash specifically was magnificent, how intriguing he was. I really loved the way he interact with Jaye, sometimes unexpectedly, some very predictable. The reference to Johnny Cash made me smile.
Jaye was a delight to read, i couldn't help to loved him. It was amazing to see how can someone change so dramatically, but it was made at such a nice and slow pace that it made it very realistic, i don't think any reader might have doubts the experience Jaye had could break someone.
It's interesting to see how the desire to live can take a person to unimaginable paths, it's great to see how brave Jaye is and how much he is ready to compromise in order to get what he needs.
Jaye's ghosts were something i enjoy to read, all the hopelessness and how he try to handle it. It was very well represented
It is an amazing book, but is certaintly not a romance, and is full of violence and it might not be suitable to all reader, so it's very important to read the warnings. I would definitely recomend it to reader that enjoy reading dark theme books.
I think i'll be starting Arctic Absolution today.
It's the first Lynn Kelling's book i'd read and i'm tempted to read more.
The begining showed a sweet and happy character, full of dreams, who, since that moment, the reader is able to imagine how resilient he is because he hasn't let that, what seems like a difficult childhood, get the best of him. I loved Jaye from that moment, i know most readers had read Arctic Absolution first and they already know the character, but for me, this was the first time i get to know the character and he got me loving him from the first scenes.
The prision was captivating for me, understanding the different gangs, who has the power, the rutines, the rol that the guards play and the fact that Jaye was getting himself into a new world and everything he knew was leave at the door.
Cash and the Disciples were great, they are not good persons but what they represent to Jaye was beyond being good or bad, was about survival, respect and, in sort of way, family.
Cash specifically was magnificent, how intriguing he was. I really loved the way he interact with Jaye, sometimes unexpectedly, some very predictable. The reference to Johnny Cash made me smile.
Jaye was a delight to read, i couldn't help to loved him. It was amazing to see how can someone change so dramatically, but it was made at such a nice and slow pace that it made it very realistic, i don't think any reader might have doubts the experience Jaye had could break someone.
It's interesting to see how the desire to live can take a person to unimaginable paths, it's great to see how brave Jaye is and how much he is ready to compromise in order to get what he needs.
Jaye's ghosts were something i enjoy to read, all the hopelessness and how he try to handle it. It was very well represented
It is an amazing book, but is certaintly not a romance, and is full of violence and it might not be suitable to all reader, so it's very important to read the warnings. I would definitely recomend it to reader that enjoy reading dark theme books.
I think i'll be starting Arctic Absolution today.
April 12, 2016
Holy Crap! I’m in love with this book! It was so dark; so raw and unforgiving. Lynn Kelling is definitely on my favorite author list, and I can’t wait to read more of her work. Caged Jaye begins with a glimpse of Jaye’s life before he becomes the victim of a hate crime that, by some twisted fate, ends up landing him in jail. Jaye is a beautiful nineteen year old with long wavy hair. He knows he won’t make it in prison without a protector, but the hell he has to endure in order to survive almost breaks him.
This book took my breath away. It’s been a while since I’ve read something so dark and twisted that had the power to move me so much. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’m not fond of the gray hopelessness often present in prison dramas. However, there was so much going on in the plot that the prison environment never came close to bringing me down. I loved how Jaye grows through his ordeal. Everything that happens to him and how he copes with the pain and humiliation is so real that it rips your heart out. At the same time this book is extremely hot. I just couldn’t believe some of the non-con scenes. They were so erotic and at the same time the extreme angst had my chest in knots. Despite all the hopelessness and desperation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is my first time reading Lynn Kelling, but after finishing this book, I’m seriously addicted. I won’t be able to rest until I’ve hunted down and devoured everything she’s ever written. I recommend Caged Jaye to anyone who loves dark themes, angst, and m/m dark erotica.
Reviewed for The Dark Arts MM Erotica. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book took my breath away. It’s been a while since I’ve read something so dark and twisted that had the power to move me so much. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’m not fond of the gray hopelessness often present in prison dramas. However, there was so much going on in the plot that the prison environment never came close to bringing me down. I loved how Jaye grows through his ordeal. Everything that happens to him and how he copes with the pain and humiliation is so real that it rips your heart out. At the same time this book is extremely hot. I just couldn’t believe some of the non-con scenes. They were so erotic and at the same time the extreme angst had my chest in knots. Despite all the hopelessness and desperation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is my first time reading Lynn Kelling, but after finishing this book, I’m seriously addicted. I won’t be able to rest until I’ve hunted down and devoured everything she’s ever written. I recommend Caged Jaye to anyone who loves dark themes, angst, and m/m dark erotica.
Reviewed for The Dark Arts MM Erotica. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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