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Gilded Cage

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A Twisted Tales Novel

𝑰𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 π’˜π’Šπ’•π’‰ 𝒂 π’Œπ’Šπ’”π’”; π’”π’π’Žπ’†π’•π’‰π’Šπ’π’ˆ π’…π’π’„π’Šπ’π’† 𝒂𝒏𝒅 π’”π’˜π’†π’†π’•. 𝑰𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 π’˜π’Šπ’•π’‰ 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅, π’Žπ’–π’“π’…π’†π’“, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒔.
Once upon a time, there was a girl with hair like gold. She was subjected to the cruelty of this world.
For she was no princess but a mere pawn, her beauty something others sought.
In this world, she didn’t know who to trust, because to the cruel prince, she didn’t want to belong.
This made her callous and cold. The once sweet girl turned into a monster on her own.
So she struck a deal with an unsuspecting knightβ€”but they spoke in riddles, deceit, and lies.
𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 π’†π’—π’†π’“π’šπ’•π’‰π’Šπ’π’ˆ 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 π’ˆπ’π’Šπ’•π’•π’†π’“π’” π’Šπ’” π’ˆπ’π’π’…. π‘Ίπ’π’Žπ’†π’•π’Šπ’Žπ’†π’”, π’Šπ’•β€™π’” π’”π’π’Žπ’†π’•π’‰π’Šπ’π’ˆ π’Žπ’–π’„π’‰ π’˜π’π’“π’”π’†...

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2021

54 people are currently reading
876 people want to read

About the author

C. Lymari

37Β books1,103Β followers
Claudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she's not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she's fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel.

Claudia writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.


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5 stars
123 (37%)
4 stars
78 (24%)
3 stars
73 (22%)
2 stars
35 (10%)
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15 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Jena .
2,313 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2022
DNF 18%.

Safety

The H was sexually abused by his step mom, she took all his firsts..
She gave him twisted pleasure and made him seek pain for relief.
I wish the author had said what the trigger warning was, I wouldn’t have picked it up if I had known.

If you’re gonna say trigger warning in the beginning of the book, please say what the triggers are.

H is beta, and in the beginning of the book, he seemed more obsessed with his stepmom than he is with the h. Then he rapes his stepmom anally. The scene was descriptive, and this is when the H started having feelings for the h.

Gross. Dnf.


*****
β€œ
In one night, she went from Mother to fucking Hilda, and I learned to yearn the pain because it took away from feeling the things she did to me. If I was in pain, it diluted the fucked-up pleasure she brought me. When I convinced my father to send me away, I felt free, like I could finally be me, except she was always there in the back of my mind. She had taken all my firsts and tarnished them. Now I was so fucked up I couldn’t live without the pain. It had become my favorite clutch. That’s why I welcomed the beatings Liam gave me because they made me feel relief, but also hated them because that’s when Hilda wanted to come to console me.”


*****

Then he rapes his stepmom when he’s 18.

********

β€œYou want to get fucked, Hilda?” I said through gritted teeth. She didn’t answer me, and even if she did, it wouldn’t have mattered. I flipped her. I was no longer the lanky kid she had consoled night after night. Somewhere along the way, I grew, and I just didn’t notice. Hilda turned to look at me, and the moment she opened her mouth to speak, I finished loosening my tie and wrapped it around her mouth and tied it behind her head. I pressed her body down to the mattress, knowing that I was slowly suffocating her and making it hard to breathe.
β€œIs this what you wanted?” I hissed in her ear. She muttered gibberish I couldn’t comprehend. Slowly I started to push up her nightgown. She was wet from earlier when she was playing with herself. Her body was stiff, she kept screaming at me through the makeshift gag, but I didn’t care to make out her words. I reached for my zipper, and my cock sprang free. I was rock fucking hard, and it had nothing to do with the woman in front of me. For the first time, I was the one in control, and that feeling was like nothing I had felt before. β€œYou like to fuck me so much. Let’s see if I like fucking you.”

She tensed up as soon as I spread her ass cheeks. She was dry as hell, and my dick was in pain, but the mere fact that she wasn’t enjoying having her ass fucked made me want to do it even more. I lost control, and somewhere along the way, her pleas became screams. Her body started to shakeβ€”she was terrified, and I fucking came. When I pulled out, I knew I was never going to be the same. β€œGet the fuck out,” I ordered her before I went to take a shower. Forget what I said. Death could be patient, but I didn’t have to be.,

********
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,549 reviews2,237 followers
October 14, 2022
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: A book in the Twisted Tales collection
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 Stars



Aspen Miller was born tethered to the Stiltskin family. As their property, all she ever wanted was her freedom. But earning one could cost her the only person who understood the cage she was trapped in.



I enjoyed the direction the author took in this dark Rumpelstiltskin retelling. The basic premise was interesting, but the execution could be smoother. Parts of the book were choppy, especially with the past/present transitions. There were also things alluded to but never confirmed.

β€œWhat do you want most in the world?”


As for the characters, I loved the dynamics between Aspen and Mason, with neither being a true villain or victim. The non/dub-con scenes completed my satisfaction.

Gilded Cage is a tale of survival and revenge. It would appeal to readers who enjoy secret society dark fairytale retelling.





πŸ”—βšœοΈπŸ”—. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . πŸ”—βšœοΈπŸ”—



For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



Profile Image for Pisces.
304 reviews14 followers
July 23, 2024
Another reread and I fell in love with Mase all over again

So, this was love?
Betrayals.
Lies.
Deceptions.
A lonely road you had to travel alone.
But if done right, it was worth more than all the gold in the world.
β€œYeah…” I said in a husky voice. β€œI love you.”
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,240 reviews264 followers
December 7, 2021
Modern day slavery has Aspen working for the family her ancestors have been forced to work for. She develops a weird relationship with the families son, the black sheep, Mason Stiltskin.

This book is full of lies, secrets, and betrayal.
Over a span of many years, games are set in place to take over the Kings of this monarchy.

When Aspen is still a young teenager she makes a deal with the Devil and end up betraying her only friend Mason in order for a chance at some resemblance of freedom.
β€œOur demons chased us, and Mason had always been a monster of my creation.”

This book was so good, and twisty with a pinch of darkness. There are definite triggers. I would check that if you have any.
It is also a very juicy dark romance.

It takes a very careful planning over the course of years to seek revenge and to utterly destroy his family and the other Kings power, and while he had every intention of doing the same to Aspen, his infatuation and lust for her overrides it all.

I’m telling you guys, this book is juicy. And so well written.

β€œSo, this was love? Betrayals. Lies. Deceptions. A lonely road you had to travel alone. But if done right, it was worth more than all the gold in the world.”

Mason is kinky, dominant, and very possessive. They both have tragic past’s but they do find their own happily ever after.
Profile Image for 💜VGreedyReader🖤.
649 reviews129 followers
December 30, 2021


⭐️5 brighter than gold stars ⭐️

An opulent feast for the senses. An angsty filled retelling to please even the most demanding reader.

~𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 π’Žπ’‚π’”π’•π’†π’“π’” 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’Šπ’ π’•π’‰π’†π’Šπ’“ 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 π’”π’π’Žπ’†π’‰π’π’˜ π’„π’π’π’—π’Šπ’π’„π’† 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 π’˜π’† 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 π’π’Šπ’Œπ’† 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 π’˜π’‰π’ 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 π’…π’Šπ’†π’…. 𝑰𝒇 π’šπ’π’– π’Œπ’Šπ’π’ 𝒂 π’Žπ’π’π’”π’•π’†π’“, π’˜π’Šπ’π’ 𝒂 π’Žπ’π’π’”π’•π’†π’“ π’šπ’π’– π’ƒπ’†π’„π’π’Žπ’†?~

You can run from you past, but how fast do you need to be before it catches up to you demanding you pay for your sins? Aspen is about to find out…
Born in a world where she is a nobody, surrounded by greed, lies and deceit. Aspen has been a pawn since she was born her own parents used her beauty as an asset to profit from. There is one thing Aspen has always wanted and when the occasion to grab it presents itself she seizes it, regardless of who gets hurt, her freedom is worth the price.

~π‘«π’‚π’“π’Œπ’π’†π’”π’” π’…π’Šπ’…π’'𝒕 π’‹π’–π’…π’ˆπ’†; π’Šπ’• π’˜π’‚π’” π’‚π’π’˜π’‚π’šπ’” π’“π’†π’‚π’…π’š 𝒕𝒐 π’˜π’†π’π’„π’π’Žπ’† π’šπ’π’– π’˜π’Šπ’•π’‰ 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 π’‚π’“π’Žπ’”~

Weston was born in the same world Aspen lives in, however he inhabits the other side, he is the Master of the house, but even people high on top have their demons. Mason may seem to have everything but not all that shines is gold. His only peace comes from a girl with blonde hair and golden eyes, he owns her but he wants to set her free and when he’s ready to give her everything she goes and betrays him. Well, Mason may fall but when he rises there will be hell to pay, and those who stabbed him in the back will give him more than gold, he’s ready to claim their souls, starting with Aspen.

~π‘­π’π’“π’ˆπ’†π’• π’˜π’‰π’‚π’• 𝑰 π’”π’‚π’Šπ’…. 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 π’‘π’‚π’•π’Šπ’†π’π’•, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 π’…π’Šπ’…π’'𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆~

This is a retelling part of the twisted tales collection, told in dual POV Ms Lymari delivers the perfect story, set in an imaginary world, however her cold and detached analysis in portraying a hard stark realty isn’t so far fetched, this may be a fairy tale but you won’t see the world through rose tinted lenses. The lyrical writing makes this a true masterpiece, the characters are well developed, I especially appreciated how they remained consistent to their true selves while growing at the same time. I wished I would have spent more time with them after their happily ever after, that last part felt a bit rushed compared to general story structure.

~π‘³π’Šπ’‡π’† π’˜π’‚π’”π’'𝒕 π’‡π’‚π’Šπ’“. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 π’˜π’‚π’” 𝒂 π’ƒπ’‚π’•π’•π’π’†π’‡π’Šπ’†π’π’…. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 π’ƒπ’†π’Šπ’π’ˆ π’˜π’†π’‚π’Œ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 π’šπ’π’– 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 π’ˆπ’π’• π’šπ’π’– π’Œπ’Šπ’π’π’†π’…~

No words I can say will do justice to this story so reading it is the only way to truly appreciate how good it is.
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,177 reviews410 followers
June 16, 2024
Soulful and twisted attraction

Two from different worlds yet with so much in common in this twisted Rumpelstiltskin tale. Mason "Mase," firstly a child of the ruling classes of secret society elite and drawn to the hired help, Aspen. Each desiring a personal freedom their lives would only afford them if they made them elsewhere. And when the time arrives that Mase asks Aspen what she would really want if she could have it, all matter of twists, allure, power exchanges, and tests come into play.

A very exciting tale in which interestingly the hero, despite being born elite, was not the traditional sexy, stud, in charge even while by appearances Mason lived an exceptional lifestyle. Similarly the heroine was among the servant wrung of society, but because of her beauty and family rivalry among elite, was desired. I loved Mase, his sensitivity, brokenness, and all-consuming love for Aspen. He was not a selfish character and he rose above, actually conquered his painful past. Aspen, instead, was selfish but I didn't dislike her. The characters were so well-written that even though her behavior might have annoyed me, it caused the interaction between the two to be that much more captivating and intriguing, always wondering what would happen next. Mase knew how to handle Aspen, and it particularly made him the absolute he was to become.

A host of insidious characters in the mix, from parents, to school colleagues, to adult society members, added to Aspen's often unwarranted behavior, there was no lacking to the angst in this tale.

Progressive pace, medium to fast burn, sexual attraction abounds. I would consider the steam more simmering, a mid-level spice mixed with some healthy hate.

From a sorrowful past to a powerful future, this was enjoyable read, creative with a sublime happily ever after.
Profile Image for Ana Manjić.
626 reviews52 followers
December 7, 2021
"We were so many things, but at the same time, nothing at all.
He was my master, but not really.
I was his friend, but not truly.
There had been feelings, but we never released them.
We were just a bunch of little incomplete, broken pieces."



She always amazes me.
Absolutely perfect dark romance.
From the beginning till the end.. the storytelling, the plot, the theme... absolutely brilliant!
Mason & Aspen - betrayals, lies, deception, lonely road to the happy ending.

Definitely recommend this to all lovers of dark and twisted.

"Be a good girl today, and I'll give you the world tomorrow."
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,554 reviews82 followers
December 19, 2021
***4,5 "Goldie!!!" stars***

OUT NOW!!!



"Not everything that glitters is gold.
Sometimes, it's something much worse..."


This was a magnificent, dark and twisted retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin"!!!
I adore the darkness that Claudia Lymari is bringing into her stories, I love the way that she is approaching her characters...
This was a magical retelling, in the modern world...
Claudia portayed perfectly the greed of the people and how they had lost their values...
I adored this story and the hero, Mason Stiltskin had stolen my heart, even though there was lurking a darkness inside of him...

"I was always the victim, and when I tried not to be, I was the villain."

There was a girl that was nobody in a world that there were many somebodys.
She was craving freedom, to flee away from the cage that society had put her.
There was a boy who was somebody, still he was living on the bottom...
Only a girl with golden hair and whiskey eyes could soothe his soul...
This boy wanted to give the girl what she was longing for, no matter what it would cost him, but she betrayed him...
This girl took a glimpse of the other side and she struck a deal with the devil and she realized that she fleed her cage to get captured in a bigger cage, even though it was golden and in order to do it, she betrayed the only person that meant something to her...

"He was my master, but not really.
I was his friends, but not truly.
There had been feelings, but we never released them.
We were just a bunch of little incomplete, broken pieces."


Honestly, there are no words to describe Mason and Aspen's relationship...
Aspen just wanted freedom and she made the wrong moves and now, she is paying the price.
Mason was an antihero who turned out to be everything... He was betrayed for almost everyone, but he was like a phoenix. He would rise from the ashes and he will make the ones who hurt him pay...
Especially, the woman who betrayed him...

"I'll do this for you, Aspen... In return, you'll give me the thing you love the most."

There was so much betrayal, lies and deception in this story...
There was a rotten society in here who was making whoever wasn't ideal for them to bleed and hurt...
Aspen made me furious too many times in here with her actions toward Mason...
Mason was a tortured creature and honestly, I wanted him to be a little bit more cruel to those that hurt him, especially to Aspen.
Still... the tension between these two was so palpable and they gave me such a wild ride!!!

"Shame that someone so beautiful reeks like hell."

"He brought me pleasure, but he also was one of the only people who could bring me pain."


I adore the dark and twisted retellings...
I love this certain collection!!!
I love these sinister versions of known fairytales that are set on the modern world...
If you are a dark romance lover like me, you need to read this book and every single one of the rest stories in the twisted tales collection...
Trust me, this book will make you see Rumpelstiltskin with different eyes and you'll never want to give up this dark world that C. Lymari had created!!!

"Life wasn't fair. Love was a battlefield. And being weak for the ones you cared for got you killed."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,763 reviews174 followers
December 10, 2021
This story was absolutely perfection! It’s the perfect dark romance the writing was amazing from beginning till end I was completely captivated the plot the characters it’s dark it’s twisted it’s full of lies betrayal deception and heartache this is a definite must read for us dark romance lovers!
Profile Image for kindlequeenandcoffee.
702 reviews75 followers
December 5, 2021
4.5/5⭐️ 3.5/5πŸ”₯
STEAM: 4/5🌢

This was actually fucking cute and twisty πŸ₯ΊπŸ˜©
Full review to come.
Profile Image for CC.
1,255 reviews730 followers
October 15, 2022
4 β˜…



As a servant, Aspen Miller knew her station in life but when there was an opportunity for freedom, she didn’t hesitate to take the chance despite the consequences. As part of a founding member of the Infinite Order, power was in Mason Stiltskin’s legacy, yet his past made him crave one thing above all else.

β€œMy devil was as handsome as he was cruel. He was the kind of the underworld, and I had been running from him since I was nineteen.”

Narrated in dual POV, Aspen and Mason share a rare bond due to their family dynamics, but what makes them unique is that they both straddle the line of villain and victim from a young age. With both willing to push boundaries, it makes for a deviously hot push/pull, as Mason is quite enticing with his pent-up anger and calculating ways. Though there were dark elements that catapulted the storyline, some of the storytelling seemed choppy to me when it came to the Order and Aspen’s ultimate motivation. That said, I was definitely in Mason’s camp.

Gilded Cage is about revenge and survival. This book would appeal to those seeking a dark and erotic retelling of Rumplestiltskin.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

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Profile Image for Hana.
562 reviews
December 18, 2021
Thank you AspenMason for getting me out from my reading slump
Profile Image for Dominique Jackson.
753 reviews40 followers
December 7, 2021
A Twisted Tale indeed.
I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised!
Aspen was born into a life of servitude. She had no hope of ever being free, and truly had no expectations...
Mason did not have the life Aspen believed him to have, but his life began to improve whenever she was around... until the unthinkable happens.

This book has betrayal, it has revenge, and it has a heroine who's a virgin... three of my favorites! C Lymari is a new author to me, but I definitely enjoyed the writing style!

This book loses a star for me because I'm not a huge fan of the time jumps that occurred, due to it being a shorter book. I also think there could have been more of a grovel on either Mason OR Aspen's side, but other than that I liked it!

Know that going into this book there will be triggers for some of you, so check those out before reading!
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
562 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2021
Gilded Cage is a dark romance retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with two unique characters from different worlds. In this case, we have Mason who is an outsider in his wealthy and powerful community. Mason, himself, feels weak and has one friend that he can relate to. The cherry on his β€˜winning life’ sundae is that he has been blessed with a stepmother from H E double L. (**note the sarcasm**)

Aspen has only one job, which is to serve the Stiltskin family, and consequently, only knows of one life. Through this life, she meets one person that she connects with. Mason. She has no friends and no interaction except for what is maintained on the grounds she works for. One night proves to be her downfall when she makes a deal with the devil and doesn’t realize how bad it is until it is too late.

This story was so gritty, mysterious, a bucket full of emotions, a plot that would make a chess player proud, and twists and turns. I must admit that I either overlooked or forgot that this was a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, but that didn’t hinder the visual imagery that Ms. Lymari was trying to portray. The ability to follow along in my head like a flipbook animation was addicting to read.

FIVE β€˜OUTSTANDING’ STARS!!

Profile Image for Moni.
324 reviews26 followers
August 16, 2022
All Hail King Mason πŸ‘‘ Him thinking about Aspen and planning to take her away from that cruel people πŸ₯ΊπŸ₯Ί My best man deserves every happiness in the world.

Mason love for Aspen was so pure and the way he admire her from far since the moment he saw her is so heartwarming.

𝑺𝒉𝒆 π’˜π’‚π’” π’ƒπ’†π’‚π’–π’•π’Šπ’‡π’–π’. 𝑨 π’“π’‚π’š 𝒐𝒇 π’”π’–π’π’”π’‰π’Šπ’π’† 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 π’ˆπ’π’π’π’Žπ’š 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆.

Who wouldn't love the guy when he speaks like this ??!!! Definitely Not Me !!!

Frankly i hated Aspen for what she did in the early stages of book but i would be lying if i didn't love her because she saw Mason even when everybody thought he is not handsome. She cared for him and loved him so much.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
961 reviews80 followers
December 10, 2021
Gilded Cage by C. Lymari is a dark, twisted fairytale retake on Rumplestiltskin. With the story being told through the dual perspective of Aspen Miller and Mason β€˜Mase’ Stiltskin.

Out of the Twisted Tale Novels I have read so far, I would have to say Gilded Cage stood out the most to me. One of the reasons for that was the way C. Lymari set up the narrative. It was done in a unique and different way, that made it not only set itself apart from the other Twisted Tale Novel stories. But it’s what also caused your attention to be captured by the story from the get go.
The story is ultimately broken down by being set in three parts, that take place in three different moments of time within Aspen and Mason’s life. Starting with the past, moving into what could be considered the present and ending in the future by the end. While it may not seem like it was distinctive, to me it was considering we are given a peek into the future right at the very start. Only to then set off all the way from the beginning, in this case the past.

With the set up that C. Lymari did for Gilded Cage it was easy to follow without any effort needed. Setting you on a journey with following the lives of Aspen and Mason from the moment they met all the way to a HEA. However it wasn’t without turbulence, considering the trials and tribulations that both endure and suffer throughout as they grow within the narratives progression. The dark, depraved acts, which lead to lies, betrayal and heartache. On top of the chaos that ensued from the drama caused by the mysteries surrounding the secrets kept hidden away. It lead to one crazy, twisted, corrupted whirlwind of a cyclone like story, spinning you around whilst pulling you in deeper with no way out.

With the story split into parts, C. Lymari ensured in giving a deeper and wider depth of character development in regards to Aspen and Mason, giving us many different pieces of both of them for the completion of the puzzle along the way. But that didn’t necessarily mean we were given the answers straight away in figuring out the enigmas that they were, especially in Mason’s case.
Gilded Cage was like doing a puzzle, the further you got into it the more pieces you found to put together. Indicating to the questions being asked, with the answers coming along as the story progressed in the form of said pieces. Being able to decipher where and how everything surrounding the two snapped together falling in place and bringing together the ultimate picture to the story of Aspen and Mason.
At the same time, we were given a strong and clear knowledge into their world too. It was another piece that set the story apart and made it notable. Given the narrative focuses in a world that revolves around modern day slavery, something I didn't expect and surprised me. Especially with the twist C. Lymari put on it.

It should be stated that when it came to the ending, it did feel a bit abrupt. By that I mean the climax leading to the turning point felt too rushed, with everything being said and done in the blink of an eye. I just wish it had been played out a little more, with the pacing a little slower to allow time to take it all in and absorb. As opposed to snap, bang and done!

With that said, Claudia Lymari did a great job with Gilded Cage since I did enjoy it. Which is why it’s safe to say this book is definitely one of my favourites so far from the Twisted Tale Novels.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jordin.
80 reviews15 followers
December 11, 2021
One of my favorite tropes/niches in a book is secret friends with troubled home lives. Mason and Aspen come from two completely different social backgrounds in the society they live in. Where the rich take what they want, from who they want. The poor have to fight for equality and basic necessities. A tale of lies, deceit and betrayal. And how two MCs can over come their past.

Aspen is a servant to a very high society family. Who has their fair share of skeletons in their closet. Ridiculed and belittled daily, Aspen doesn’t want to share the same fate her family did. She wants a better life and to be treated like a normal person.

Mason is the son to one of the most prestige families in the Order Infinite. A high society with so many secrets and crimes they can’t even trust each other.

This was different from most secret society type books I’ve read (in a good way). Our MMC wasn’t always this strong alpha character. He had his fair share of demons and I loved his character growth in this book. Even if it wasn’t β€œnormal”. I loved that Gilded Cage started off with our MCs as kids. It gave a good look into their childhoods and way of life before becoming adults. There were points that Aspen wasn’t my favorite character. But as the author states she needs to go through her own trials before she becomes redeemable.

Overall I really liked this twisted version of Rumpelstiltskin.


β€œThey say that killing stains your soul, but I was okay with it because it had also set me free.”
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,789 reviews400 followers
December 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
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Gilded Cage by C. Lymari was a twisted Rumpelstiltskin retelling that took inspiration from the original fairytale to make into a sinful and adrenaline filled and emotional version.
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The Order Infinit is group of powerful people who migrated from United Kingdom to United States and infiltrated all sectores to become rich. They keep the servants like old time. And Aspen thought she will spend the life like her parents. But her parents have a plan and she will end up betraying the only person who behaved like his friend, Mason Stiltskin. Now he is back and ready to shatter this apparently perfect life she has.
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The story spans across years and it is full of suspense. Revenge. Deceptions. Power plays. Secret society. Death. Fire. Mason has been ridiculed and bullied by other from the Order because of his appearance. Even when his family is one of the Order. But he endured and became strong till he was enough to take down his enemies. And unfortunately Aspen got tangled in the mess. She only wanted to be free but was used as a pawn by everyone. Except Mason. He cared for her even when he hated her. I loved the storyline. So many twists. A total rollercoaster. For me the romance was lacking a bit. Whenever Aspen and Mason were in the same frame, there was hate and suspicion and pain. I didn't see them falling in love. They hardly spent any time together to see all the emotional connection growing.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Storied Conversation.
608 reviews668 followers
December 10, 2021
Aspen was born into a world where lies and deceit are like currency. Her parents used her from the moment they realized they could profit from her beauty. So when the chance to gain her freedom comes around she takes it without a second glance. The only problem is she ends up betraying the boy who loves her.

Mason was born into the same world the only difference is he's the master of the house while Aspen is on the lowest rung. didn't matter to Mason and her betrayal cuts him deep. When he climbs his way out that betrayal he is ready to make everyone pay starting with Aspen.

This retelling is part of the twisted tales collection and is set in an imaginary world. However, it could easily be set in today's world. It is the fairy tale we all know without the glossed over view of childhood. Life is cruel and those who we love betray us in the worst possible ways. Yet from that could come the love of lifetime.

I enjoyed every moment of this book. From the first page to the last I was drawn in. The writing is so good and the characters are pretty matched. I loved that they stayed true to themselves above all else.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Β This review was originally posted on Wickedly RomanceΒ 
Profile Image for Meghan.
87 reviews188 followers
December 17, 2021
A dark retelling of Rumplestiltskin? Say no more.

A secret elite society keeps servants who are bound to them. Mason Stiltskin, our MC, is part of one of the powerful families. He has endured major trauma throughout his life which in turn causes him to be distant, angry, and tormented. He finds friendship in Aspen his servant. Her family claws their way to gaining their freedom at the expense of Mase and the rest of his family. The story spans over a few years, showing the back and forth of Mason trying to get revenge on Aspen, who is now engaged to his nemesis, all the while not being able to deny his feelings for her.

Mason is BOOK BOYFRIEND MATERIAL. He is cold, and spiteful with a tiny soft spot for Aspen. He also has scars, jade eyes, and a triple tongue piercing 🀀

Aspen is self loathing but determined to see things through. She goes from being sweet and innocent to cold and calculated.

The tension in this book was page turning good. It was moderately spicy but I personally prefer a good slowburn and this had that.

Fair warning, this book does have a surprise pregnancy towards the end. One of my least favorite tropes BUT hear me out, it worked sososo well. I didn’t hate it at all.

I found the writing to be a teeny but repetitive at times and some descriptions to be lacking, but I cannot write for shit so this is more of warning if that stuff matters to you.

Overall, this book was a GOOD time. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~.
1,560 reviews48 followers
December 10, 2021
A dark romance retelling of Rumpelstiltskin? OMG, hell, yes please! I was so excited for this book – and it didn’t disappoint. It’s twisted, wild and sooo good. A story full of secrets, lies, and a touch of darkness. A secret society. Modern day servitude. A young girl and her master. A servant and the black sheep of his family. A deal with the devil and a betrayal that destroys them both. Careful years of planning revenge. An infatuation that overrides the need for vengeance.

Aspen Miller and Mason Stiltskin’s story spans many years and is set in a vivid imaginary world. Both characters are well-developed, always staying true to themselves and their values, yet growing, evolving to become better, stronger, more complex. The one complaint I have is that I would have wished for a bit more groveling on Mason’s part and some more actually romantic moments between the two to see their love, their bond growing deeper.

This angsty, dark and steamy friends to enemies to lovers romance is an amazing addition to the Twisted Tales Collection and probably one of my favorites so far.
Profile Image for Marisa.
862 reviews33 followers
December 11, 2021
Each book of the Twisted Tales collection has had such a unique twist on classic fairytales and the Gilded Cage was no different. It actually took me a little bit to realize what fairytale this was and I love the creative liberties that the author took in weaving this tale.

I really enjoyed that this story spanned years. Each part added to the complicated puzzle and when the final picture was finally revealed it was a beautiful happy ending. Since the story did span years, you were able to see how the characters changed and how their decisions affected their lives and those around them. You could also understand why events happened the way that they did. However, there was always a little some thing that added a bit extra to the story.

The FMC and MMC had such a complicated and interwoven history and life. You could never choose who you wanted to cheer for but in the end, of course, all was revealed and there was that HEA.

This is such a creative retelling, and yet not a retelling. More of an inspired tale and I enjoyed picking out the pieces that I could recognize. Another great addition to the Twisted Tales collection.
Profile Image for  β€’Ciciβ€’ Theory of A Dreamer Book Blogβ™₯.
3,435 reviews156 followers
December 11, 2021
4.25 Stars!!

Having read Ms.Lymari's work a few times before i always look so forward to picking up another one of her books! As soon as i found out about this Twisted Tales novel i could not contain my excitement for it! It quickly became an anticipated read of mine and i picked it up as soon as i could. I really enjoyed Gilded Cage!

Aspen and Mason's journey hooked me so quickly! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen in this story which had me even more glued to my kindle. I loved how from beginning to end i felt so many things with these characters.

I really liked getting to dig deeper with them as well!

With Gilded Cage, Ms.Lymari has created such a great and dark read that will keep you turning the pages! It was a unique take on Rumpelstiltskin. I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Profile Image for Megan.
437 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2021
I love the twisted fairytale element. At first, it threw me off because I had forgotten it was a twisted retelling and thought it convenient for main character Mason to have such a surname.

Mason is incredibly easy to read about. Claudia does an amazing job focusing on both vulnerabilities and strengths and it made Mason so much more appealing to have both insecurities and confidence. A bit of reality in the world of fiction.

I really enjoyed this. The angst, the push and pull, the idea of the Order. It was a really exciting book, and not too fast or slow paced. But very exciting, not a chance to be bored. This couple ooze sexual chemistry, they hate as much as they lust and hold your horses, it gets HOT.

Again, this book features some dark scenes so please heed the trigger warnings!!
Profile Image for hopelesslyinlovewith_books.
817 reviews19 followers
December 4, 2021
This book was phenomenal! Unlike anything I’ve read before. The way C. Lymari spun this dark fairytale had me hooked right from the beginning. Amazing writing! I didn’t want it to end!

In modern times a secret society of the rich AND the help. The masters and the slaves. The Masters stay rich and the slaves are bred to stay the slaves generation after generation. Mason Stiltskin is the son of one of those rich and powerful families. He has deep dark secrets but he’s alone. Aspen is the daughter of the slaves working in Mason’s house so Aspen is learning to take her parents place. Mason and Aspen begin a strange friendship until Aspen stabs Mason in the back for the chance of freedom with his enemy the Kings. Mason vows to get his revenge on the King family and Aspen but his obsession with Aspen might just be his downfall.


Profile Image for queen_of_the_books_18.
887 reviews242 followers
December 10, 2021
C.Lymari never fails to bring all of the twists are turns and Gilded Cage is a perfect example of the dark twisted tale that she always weaves with her books.

Mason and Aspen are fated to be together but outside powers always get in their way. Their love was never easy from the start and the twists and turns that C.Lymari brings you with this Rumplestiltskin retelling will leave you on the edge of your seat.

If you love secret societies, rich vs poor and a plot that is so intricate that it will leave you breathless then you need to read Gilded Cage today!
Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
645 reviews52 followers
December 10, 2021
I'm obsessed with fairytale retellings! The darker the better and C. Lymari went DAAARK with her story, Gilded Cage, that is a play on Rumplestiltsken.

"You should never thank the devil until you know the fine print of the deal you made with him. "

This story is dark, sordid, twisted, and with twists and turns that kept me on my toes.

Betrayal and survival are the key themes in this story and no one is left unscathed in this story.

This story is not what I expected. It's not even what I expected halfway in. Every time I thought I knew where this story was headed, C. Lymari would pull the rug out from under me.

If you are a dark romance fan, I highly suggest reading Gilded Cage!
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
410 reviews16 followers
December 15, 2021
If you want a dark romance that will blow your mind, make your heart bite like crazy and take your breath away with all those twists, Angst, and savage turns on, call the master, C. Lymari, or just come in to her perfect damaged world by picking up this book. What she did? Well, read this, and then you'll see. It is going to be the only thing you'll be able to think about. You'll want more and more. You'll text Claudia for the antidote, lol!
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
Profile Image for Alexandria  Redmourn.
134 reviews13 followers
December 10, 2021
gilded cage is a unique book, with a plot i haven't stumbled upon before, and i absolutely loved it!

from the characters to the plot to the plot-twists and all the angst and betrayal sprinkled in, there was not much to be desired for.

the character development of mason was my favourite thing and of course he is my favourite character. the way he rose from being an underdog to becoming the king of the underworld just made me so ecstatic for him.

i highly suggest giving this book a read, if you can handle the trigger warnings. it's a great book featuring modern slavery, lots of angst and betrayal and a killer plot!

[ trigger warnings: self-harm, grooming, paedophilia, sexual assault, death, murder, torture, dub-con, physical abuse, cheating. ]
Profile Image for Dona M.
390 reviews44 followers
December 10, 2021
A twisted fairy tale retelling with vengeance and smut. Sign me tf up. Swan song introduced me to c.lymari and I was so excited to read her dark romance.
Mase and Aspen had such a turbulent and tragic love story, full of sin and deception. Greed for power and obsession mixed with their innocent love that gets moulded into something toxic made this such a beautiful read. I loved reading both of their journey. Their chemistry was abundance and mase really took my heart.
The spin on the fairy tale characters, and the villain wins this one and not the prince.
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