Caged in Darkness

Caged Duet #1

by Amy Thorn

ISAAC Getting kicked out of the army was the worst day of my life. I never thought I'd find direction again, until my brother suggested I prospect for the Black Death Riders Motorcycle Club. I wanted brotherhood, loyalty, and respect. I didn't expect to find him. Thanatos. He's the devil on a steel horse and I'm falling for him. He has demons, a darkness caging him that I can't break through. If I'm not careful, he might drag us both into the abyss. THANATOS Ever since my sister was killed, I've been on a path of self-destruction. They don't call me after Death for no reason. I've slain more men than I can count, and I did it with a smile. I'm broken, destroyed, living in torment and I don't deserve one moment of happiness—until Isaac walks into my life, and I find I want all of that and more. But my path of destruction has put my club on the radar of people who will kill us all without a second thought. I never considered the consequences of my war with them, until Isaac got in their path. Now, the only good thing I've ever had in my life might be taken from me, and there's nothing I can do about it. *Warning : Contains adult content, reading age 18 +. Graphic violence and dark emotional scenes that may trigger some readers.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, LGBT, Military Fiction, Contemporary

178 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ]

dnf @47%


This was just too shallow to be enticing. And there was just enough storyline to somewhat justify all the anger within this Outlaw MC’s president and the want to retaliate. Throw in a new, hot prospect for the smut and you have a book. Only not one I wanted to finish. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m out.

**********
Caged Duet:

Book 1 - Caged in Darkness - dnf
Book 2 - Caged in Fire - I guess I’ll never know

[cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

not gonna lie, i kinda ate with this one.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Po przeczytaniu opisu tej książki
Oczekiwania
2 silnych męskich bohaterów, dużo przemocy, różnica wieku....no tylko się zakochać
Co otrzymujemy
3 zdania powtarzane prawie w każdym rozdziale. Opis wyglądu bohaterów, które otrzymaliśmy w dwóch pierwszych rozdziałach, ale cóż moglibyśmy zapomnieć, więc dlaczego nam nie przypomnieć w następnych, bo my czytelnicy mamy słabą pamięć 🙄🙄 do tego zakończenie z piekła rodem. 2 ostatnie rozdziały były okay , ale tylko tyle dobrego mam do powiedzenia o tej książce.

Przeczytam ostani rozdział w drugiej książce, albo poczekam na recenzję 🙃

[Gloria (in a slump? idk) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I step into his space, my hands cradling his cheeks.
"You make me weak," I say, my voice soft

This one is sort of soapy honestly. It's not bad. Just waiting for book 2!! Because there was a cliffhanger and I need to know what happens. Also, I have a feeling it will be significantly better because Thanatos will no longer be questioning his feelings? I hope so. The redundant "I want you, but I can't have you, because I'll ruin you" dialogue was kind of exhausting. I loved the writing though!

Edit: changing my rating solely because of that cover...damn 🥵🥵
___

Am I really going to do that thing where I start a book knowing full well it's a duet and there will 100% be a cliffhanger? Yes

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged in Darkness combines the most addictive tropes: MC, military, MM, instant attraction, and age gap, all wrapped in darkness. This book is steamy and the beginning is pure perfection. It simply lures you in and leaves you craving for more.

It takes place in London and the descriptions are so on point that you can almost visualize it. Amy Thorn created a brilliant story full of breadcrumbs, guaranteed to make you turn page after page. Broken and flawed characters that are perfect in their imperfection. Thanatos is the president of the Black Death Riders MC. He is full of rage, commanding, and oozes power. No one contradicts him or gets in his way.

Isaac is lost after being discharged from the Army. So when his brother sponsors him to be a prospect for the Black Death Riders, he seizes the opportunity. He has demons of his own. The last he expects when he finally feels part of something is to be attracted to his boss.

Than and Isaac's interactions are primal yet complex. They share their vulnerability once the door is closed, and it's mesmerizing. And when they finally are getting somewhere, the book ends. Yes, there is a cliffhanger. But it's so worth it because this story is phenomenal.

[Badh · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of intensity going on in this. Than and Issac both have serious demons that they are trying to deal with, and a lot of anger.

I enjoyed the story, and I will read the second one, but I am kinda torn as to how I feel about both Isac and Than, more Than, at least. I think that he is all in his head, a lot, and he's existing only in anger and vengeance, and when he gets that, things are going to be problematic.

I think that the relationship is a little too instalove for this kind of story, but that's just me.

[Felicity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I didn't vibe with this book. Not sure if this is the author's first book (if so please don't hate me) or just a pen name. Regardless, I'll break it down for ya.

Both MCs were plagued by their pasts. Obsessively. In each chapter they reiterated the same toxic thoughts.. it was too redundant for me. Maybe that was due to some of the sentences being verbatim?? After a while they came off as filler sentences.

Than was supposed to be this tormented badass Prez, yet for me he came off as a whiney Eeyore. Zac was suffering from pstd and missing the brotherhood of the military. He was trained to kickass and follow orders.. yet he'd push and pull Than and often times in front of the other brothers.. as a prospect....

I will state I did like how supportive he was towards Than regarding Tillie.

As for their budding relationship it gave me whiplash.. it was very, yes! No! Yes! No... Katy Perry's song Hot N Cold would be perfect for them. It felt very juvenile at times. Also, emotionally and sometimes physically abusive.

With all that being said, it's just my opinion. If you'd like a dark soap opera biker themed book then this book is for you!! Happy Reading.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Gay Romance Reviews, for introducing me to this new author.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was interesting.. some spots were a bit long and drawn out but overall it kept me curious. i liked it and i cant wait for the next one.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

4 Stars

ohh I liked this one, warts and all. It’s not perfect by any means but it kept me entertained.

I enjoy the dark gritty world of bikers added to the fact it threw in human trafficking ring and I was all in. Both guys here carry their scars around with them daily.

I loved Isaac. I loved that he took responsibility for his actions throughout, even when he did stupid things, he took the punishment and understood why he received it. I did queston some of the stupid things he did though as the guy was in the army for years so he is conditioned to taking orders and following them as well as respecting rank, so why was he questioning Than, continually going against orders as well pushing against and challenging his authority. The relationship moved very quickly and I wasn't really sure what Isaac saw in Than as he was treated pretty poorly, so why did he keep coming back. (this didn't change my enjoyment at all)

I found Than a harder character to like as he was so closed off. I understood the reasons for it and the POV changes really helped here as we got into his head. I didn't find him as brutal as he was probably meant to be portrayed. Yes he could do damage to people against him and that part was brutal but in everyday things he let Isaac challenge him from the start, I expected him to snap back a lot more.

Loved the ending, even with the cliff hanger- I'm so glad I waited to read this one until I had the second one ready to go.

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit!! If I could give more than five stars for this book then I would!! This book gripped me from the first page and didn't let up. AT ALL. My emotions have been thrown seven ways Sunday and I am trying hard to gather them all together. Although in all honesty, my dark little soul is relishing in it all!
Isaac is home after being discharged by the army, he is carrying scars, some you don't see as well as others. He is swapping one brotherhood for another by prospecting for an MC that his brother is VP of.
From the get-go Isaac is drawn to Thanatos, the President of the Black Death Riders MC. He connects with his dark (and boy is it dark!), its like their broken bits fit together like a jagged puzzle.
Than feels some kind of peace with Isaac and that scares the shit out of him. These two together are freaking fire!! In more ways than one. The power play between them is off the charts! But Than needs his head in the game to bring down people who hurt his family.
This author has knocked it out the park with this and knocked me on my arse! And that ending?!! My emotions are still reeling. Ms Thorn, you have left me breathless.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our full post for CAGED IN DARKNESS on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Biker Romance
Triggers: Human Trafficking Hidden because they may contain spoilers.
Notice: This is a cliffhanger.

I will start by saying that Isaac (a.k.a. Zac) getting "kicked out" of the Army is misleading. Being injured and unable to go back is not something to be embarrassed about.

Zac is looking for a new place in life. He misses his brothers from the Army, but when his biological brother offers him another brotherhood, Zac knows that he will dedicate his life to a new cause.

Thanatos (a.k.a. Than) is a beast of a man. He has a darkness inside of him that nobody can contain and when he unleashes, blood and gore will follow. He runs his club with an iron fist, but he knows that he respects his brothers too. He would die for any of his brothers and knows that their cause is a righteous one.

When Zac and Than meet for the first time, it ignites a spark in both men. Neither truly believed that they could feel anymore. Not after experiencing so much pain and death. Who could, or would, love their dark souls?

They have a feisty chemistry and even though it's quick, you can feel that they need each other equally. Both are fighting demons and it's only the calm they feel when together that allows them hope.

As the Black Death Riders seek out those who would harm others in the name of money, Than's enemies will stop at nothing to kill him and his brothers. This is an involved story and while it's short, you will be invested in what's going to happen next.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I have been on a kick of reading dark books lately and this one hit the mark. I loved Isaac and Thanatos. I enjoyed everything about this book even though at times it seemed drawn out, and Thanatos and his "I want you but can't have you" crap. You can only deal with hearing that so many times in a book. Things were just getting really good and then BAM the book ended... on a cliffhanger. Ugh. Oh well. Can't wait to read the next book.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Caged in Darkness by Amy Thorn is the first book in the Caged Duet. Thanatos is the president of the Black Death Riders MC based in London. He has his brothers and an unstoppable mission to avenge his sister against the evils that stole her from him. Isaac is a veteran returning home from war with more than physical scars. He decides that joining his brother as a member of Black Death Riders will give him someplace to belong. Isaac doesn’t expect the instant spark between himself and the president but struggles to hide it as Thanatos begins to show signs of the same attraction. But living as a member of Black Death Riders is dangerous as the men who took Tillie’s life are looking to destroy the club, especially Thanatos.

Thanatos is a broken man who struggles to allow himself to trust the feeling he immediately has for Isaac. Isaac brings light back into the heart he thought would never beat again after losing Tillie. But with that newfound brightness comes the fear that Damaris will have something to take from him. His choice to throw himself at Isaac and then deny his feelings hurt but the moments of true vulnerability won me back. He just wants to protect Isaac even if he goes about it in ways that hurt Isaac's feelings.

“I don’t know what love is, but what I do know is I feel an intense heat in my chest whenever I’m with Isaac. I don’t want to be parted from him and I fear for his safety at every second. Is that love?”

Isaac is looking for the brotherhood that was torn from him when his brother in arms were stolen from him overseas. He struggles with living when so many didn’t and knows that he needs the structure of the motorcycle club. As a prospect he takes his life in his hands when he stands up for and against Thanatos orders. He knows that his connection to Thanatos is stronger than even the president wants to acknowledge so he takes chances to protect him even when told otherwise. Isaac is a strong man who just wants the light that Thanatos brings into his life even if it comes to danger.

“Than is complicated. We’re complicated. I know that, but I don’t care. I’ll take him however he comes. We’re both broken, fractured, damaged but ready to open up completely to another person. I’m willing to do that and part of me thinks that Than might even be receptive to that now.”

As a duet I should have gone into it expecting a cliffhanger but of course as the story absorbed me I was like NOOOOO when it came to it’s abrupt end. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Than and Isaac. I want nothing more than to have hearts and flowers be their ending but for two extremely damaged men I don’t see the road towards happily ever after being easy.

4 stars for an action packed romantic thriller where two broken men find light in each other.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
After his sister got murderer by the Damaris syndicate, Thanatos swore revenge. Destroy, murder, it’s what he lives for.

After been thrown out of the army Isaac wants to join his brothers MC Black Death Riders, Ethan who’s the Vice President.

When Thanatos and Isaac their eyes meet there is an instant attraction. But Isaac gets dismissed by Thanatos in a rude, cruel hurtful way. The man has a thick wall.
He’s haunted by demons, just like Isaac.

The story is rough and tough, the author picturing the guys as deadly, harsh, and vicious, at some level I got it. It’s a pity the author made such little progress with the story.
There was an irritating repetitive mention of guilty feelings, I already got it after the first time.
At 47% nothing really happened yet and still, there is repetitiveness.
The gunfights were unrealistic, the president reloading a gun without looking around, didn’t work for me. The torture was more convincing.
The story ends with a cliff, even though I have issues with the story I’m still quite curious about the continuation.

[Christopher Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty, intense, dark, chaotic – kind of what you’d imagine an outlaw motorcycle club would be like. And not just part of the time. These guys live this life, and it is their life, rarely interrupted by downtime.

Seeking revenge for the loss of his sister, loved by everyone, Than and his MC are hellbent on destroying the crime syndicate responsible. So focused is Than on revenge, his humanity is barely hanging on. Violence and death define him. Isaac, army vet and younger brother to the MC’s VP, plagued by loss and demons of his own, is a new prospect. Their darkness seems to attract.

Through the violence, the two men repel and attract each other, until a critical moment where they connect. Now they need to see the MC’s mission through and discover if either has the capability of living a more normal life.

But we don’t find out. This book ends as a cliff-hanger.

A great, unique MC read – maybe it went too far in embracing the darker side of the outlaw MC trope, but it’s definitely not something I’ve read before. The MC’s personal angst and self-loathing is pretty intense, and it’s a fast-burn attraction.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

It’s been a while since I read a book set around a motorcycle club and Amy Thorn is a new author to me and, from what I can see, this is the author’s debut book. The book edges darker, but with a lot of the violence either being off page or having happened in the past, it is not overrun with violent images.

The book moves fast and it was a quick read, even given the subject matter. Told from both Isaac’s and Thanatos’ first person POVs, we are dropped into their lives already in motion. Isaac never thought a motorcycle club would be his life, but with his brother there, Isaac knows he needs a place to belong after leaving the military. However, he trades one battle for another. When Isaac and Thanatos meet for the first time, they both know there is something between them, but with Isaac being a prospect and Thanatos set on revenge and self-destruction, they odds are against them from the start.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caged in Darkness (Caged Duet #1) by Amy Thorn
4 stars
M/M Biker Romance
Triggers: Human Trafficking
Notice: This is a cliff hanger.
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

I will start by saying that Isaac (AKA Zac) getting "kicked out" of the army is misleading. Being injured and unable to go back is not something to be embarrassed about.

Zac is looking for a new place in life. He misses his brothers from the army, but when his biological brother offers him another brotherhood, Zac knows that he will dedicate his life to a new cause.

Thanatos (AKA Than) is a beast of a man. He has a darkness inside of him that nobody can contain and when he unleashes, blood and gore will follow. He runs his club with an iron fist, but he knows that he respects his brothers too. He would die for any of his brothers and knows that their cause is a righteous one.

When Zac and Than meet for the first time, it ignites a spark in both men. Neither truly believed that they could feel anymore. Not after experiencing so much pain and death. Who could or would love their dark souls?

They have a feisty chemistry and even though it's quick, you can feel that they need each other equally. Both are fighting demons and it's only the calm they feel when together that allows them hope.

As the Black Death Riders seek out those who would harm others in the name of money, Than's enemies will stop at nothing to kill him and his brothers. This is an involved story and while it's short, you will be invested in what's going to happen next.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

I have been on a kick of reading dark books lately and this one hit the mark. I loved Isaac and Thanatos. I enjoyed everything about this book even though at times it seemed drawn out and Thanatos and his "i want you but can't have you" crap. You can only deal with hearing that so many times in a book. Things were just getting really good and then BAM the book ended.....on a cliffhanger. Ugh. Oh well. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Lesetiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the blurb interesting and was therefore already curious about the content of the book. I was totally entertained by the story, even if it wasn't perfect.
I liked the writing style and I liked the change of perspective, because you could put yourself so well into the protagonists.
The two protas Isaac and Than both carry scars from their past. I liked Isaac from the beginning, even though I couldn't always understand his actions. But he always took responsibility for what he did.
Than, on the other hand, I had my problems with, he's more the type who doesn't say much. So it was all the more important to read his mind.
But I didn't always understand why Isaac kept coming back to Than, because Than didn't really treat him well. Still, it was fun to watch their relationship develop.
The story was interesting and exciting and I had a cliffhanger waiting for me at the end, so now I want to read the second volume right away!

[Jessica The Ink Spell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Molto ripetitivo in alcuni contenuti e un po' sempliciotto nella costruzione, ma mi è piaciuto molto.
Lo stile della Thorn è super scorrevole e i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati.
Una cinquantina di pagine in più non avrebbero fatto male.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged in Darkness by Amy Thorn delivers darkness, violence, heat, action, and emotion. I could not put it down.  The story... the characters...I was hooked!

[Esmée D'Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 ⭐️

[Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the tension between Thanatos and Isaac. Like calls to like in that their darkness sees the other's, but Isaac proves to be a lifeline for Than, who is close to drowning in regret and grief. His anger is on a hair trigger, and Isaac offers a calm reprieve from his demons. Well, until that mean cliffie, that is! I know things will be different in the conclusion. Isaac will need Than to be his guiding light.

[Jess_feelzinsane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a whole course meal 😋 👌

Loved. Loved this! Im a sucker for MM😊🖤🙌couldn't put this book down!! If youre looking for a book that will have you gripped by the throat without breathing til you finish it...this is it!!

[Grace ❤️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I could not get through this. I LOVE the idea of the story and I was really looking forward to it but, for me, the writing was just a mess. My biggest issue was the seriously underdeveloped main characters with repetitive dialogue that made me feel like I was listening to my 7 year old tell me the same freaking story over and over again. I couldn’t get into the story at all and it was one of the more frustrating books I’ve ever tried to read. I don’t even care to know how it ends if it means I have to get through the tedious hot and cold same conversation over and over and over again writing/plot. I wanted to love this I really did and I really wish the execution matched the idea but I just couldn’t do it.

[Juniper · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The premise for this book is intriguing and the chemistry between the main characters is real and compelling. The overall effect is hurt a bit by a somewhat awkward tendency to repeat thoughts/ideas/descriptions, which makes for something of an experimental loop— it sometimes feels like we get information multiple times, which dilutes rather than magnifies its impact. This is also part one of two, so people expecting a resolution won’t find it quite yet. Overall, despite some rough edges, I’m intrigued enough that I want to see more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

UGH cliffhanger!!! If I was aware ahead of time this was going to be ongoing story of the two MCs I'm not sure I would have started it. I was interested due to the back stories of Thanatos and Issac. Well it was a struggle reading it because I felt this was trying too hard to be dark, gritty and violent. I felt for Thanatos quest for revenge but his I'm a monster...I feel nothing attitude was just over the top. I dont know...I tried to enjoy it some but to me it didn't pull off the bad/dangerous biker vibe...well most of the other guys in the club were more believable than the actual president...geesh.

[NikNak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this book a 3.75 but have rounded up.

I have mixed feelings about these types of books and I come across this "issue" quite a lot so I am beginning to think that the actual issue lies with me, not the author or the story.

I do like myself a good romance and I also like myself a bit of fluff, however all in good moderation. When it steers towards the cheesy I tend to start getting uncomfortable fast.
That't not to imply that this book is cheesy, that it definitely isn't.

We meet Isaac at the beginning, he's been recovering from his release from the Army (due to a knee injury) and struggling outwith the routine and brotherhood that he has become accustomed to over the years in the forces.
Isaac comes back to London and joins his brothers MC Club as the new guy. Naturally he has a lot to prove and is at the bottom of the feeding chain until he earns his members patch over the next 12 months.
We then get to me a very dark and brooding Thanatos , the Clubs President whos hiding (not so much!) many demons, in particular he's had quite a shitty upbringing, raised his sister who was kidnapped, trafficked and subsequently died as part of a gang/club war. Thanatos carried a lot of guilt and self hatred but also a burning desire for revenge and murder.
Without giving too much away, it is quite evident early on that these 2 have a physical response to one another, Thanatos fights it more but we do get some decent steamy scenes :D

The plot of this book is two-fold, one - the clubs beef with Damaris (the traffickers) and two - the growing physical and emotional connection between the 2 MCs.


I did really enjoyed this book in large part, the build up was good. I like myself some grumpy MCs. I also love myself some angst, and boy oh boy does this book have angst!
The part which I was referring to in my introduction was where you come across a story that almost seems slow burn, you've been reading through the push and the pull, the ups and downs. There's great build up to give us an idea as to why these characters would be so reluctant and THEN it happens, they get it on and all of a sudden the story turns from an angst ridden dark romance to a rom-com! Now this one isn't quite as extreme as some of the other books I have read, however I did still get the whole 0 - 100 vibe here. Whilst there were no love confessions, there were a lot of "you are mine..GRRR ARRGHH, no one touches you!! vibes, and I didn't feel that the story was quite there yet, we skipped the fundamental part between being physical and actually getting to know one another, so in that aspect it lacked a little for me.

My only other small gripe was that there was A LOT, A LOT of repetitive inner monologue, in particular by Thanatos. "I'm bad, I'm a Monster, I feel nothing" mentioned at least every time his chapter came round.

This is a new to me author and i'm happy to dive into book 2 and find out what's in store for these guys because we got a cliffy for this one! :)

Thank you and good evening.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Isaac was discharged from the Army, his life lost meaning. With no brothers in arms to fight alongside and protect, Isaac drifted. When his brother, Ethan, offered to sponsor him as a prospect in the Black Death Riders Motorcycle Club, Isaac saw it as his chance to find brotherhood and family again. But life in this MC isn’t a part time job and soon Isaac finds himself in the middle of a different kind of war. As the Black Death Riders go after a rival syndicate, Isaac fights his feelings for the MC president, Thanatos. Than has too many demons and too many enemies to risk having feelings for Isaac, but when neither one can hold back anymore, Than and Isaac will put their love and their lives on the line for a chance at something they never thought they’d get again.

Caged in Darkness is the first book in a duology by Amy Thorn. I absolutely loved this book, but I will warn you now: this first book in the duology ends on a major cliffhanger. If cliffhangers aren’t your thing, I would definitely suggest waiting until the second book, Caged in Fire, is released before attempting this one.

Overall, I thought Caged in Darkness was a very well done book. There’s emotion, action, past traumas, and healing, all set in a dark world full of revenge. I really enjoyed the setting; it was modern London, but it was dark and gritty and seedy. I also found the plot to be a bit more unique than the standard motorcycle club novels I usually come across; instead of MCs staking claim and warring against each other, I loved that Thorn had Thanatos and his MC warring against a crime syndicate. While their methods weren’t usually on the legal side of the law, the Black Death Riders MC were out to right wrongs and shut down the horrible things going down in dark alleys and abandoned buildings. They, especially Thanatos, saw themselves as the bad guys, but it was definitely not that black and white. Isaac was a great character, especially to act as a complement and a foil to Thanatos. While Than became battle-hardened on the streets, Isaac is haunted by his time in Afghanistan. Both are alphas in their own right, and those competing personalities made for some great tension on the page. Both main characters were wonderfully developed; with troubled pasts, both Isaac and Thanatos came across as tough and vulnerable, especially when it came to love and letting someone in.

There is mentions of and flashbacks to war, trauma, and severe feelings of guilt, but I think Thorn wrote it well while her characters approached it with sensitivity. The plot was action packed from start to finish, and I wish the second book in the duology was out while I write this because I really need to know what happens after Caged in Darkness ends.

[Georgette B · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I broke my cardinal rule of selecting a book by an author with which I was unfamiliar, knowing it would end in a cliffhanger. But I am so glad I did!!! This book had me hooked at page one. Where to begin without giving spoilers….

This is a book about loss; learning how to trust your heart after trauma; and the battle between head, heart, & body. There were son Amy of my favorite elements in this book: dual POV, dark romance, instalove, organized crime, and traces of a military theme.

Dual POV- yes there was repetition, but with a dual POV, you are getting the story from two different vantage points. There will be times when the timeline of one person telling the story overlaps with the other person. Although the events are the same, the perspective isn’t. This is the best part of a dual POV.

Hurt and trusting yourself after trauma- Isaac and Than are both wounded souls who don’t believe themselves capable of loving another. Both men had violent upbringings and learned to depend primarily on themselves and found unconditionally love only in their respective siblings. While Isaac’s brother is very much alive and serves as the VP of the MC, Than’s sister was taken in a very violent way by a rival gang. Although Isaac is more willing to give it a try, Than is so deeply wounded by the loss of his sister, he thinks himself irredeemable. When he is away from Issac, Than is able to think logically and identify all the reasons he and Isaac are a bad idea with a capital “B”; however, when he is in Isaac’s orbit his body and heart take over and he can only act. The author does a great job of capturing the turmoil Than is feeling while warring with opening himself up to loss by loving Isaac and potentially causing his best friend to lose a brother.

Instalove- ok let’s face it this is a 182 page book, they get to live very quickly, but because of all the back and forth, it does not seem rushed.

Dark and organized crime elements-it is dark so there are depictions of violent acts.


Did the author make me feel the pain and points of view of the characters? Yes

Was I irritated by some of the things the characters did? Yes

Do I feel like the author got me to feel what she intended me to feel? Yes

I am not sure if this was the debut book by this writer, but she has me hooked. Good book, worth the read. If you are as impatient as I am, wait until you can read both books back to back, but do read the book!! I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest and admit that I decided to read this book mostly because of that cover. Phew! 🥵 And yes, the blurb caught my attention too, but mostly the cover. 🔥

2.5 stars rounded up

I actually liked Than. Yes, he had his demons. Yes, he resorted to violence to silence them. Yes, that needed to stop. He was a troubled man who let guilt overrun his life. It was obvious that he had never found an incentive to heal/get over some of his emotional wounds/turmoil. So of course, when Isaac comes crashing into his life he finds himself unable to accept the future he represents.

As for Isaac, he was a great character too. Like Than, he had his demons and thought that belonging to "something" would keep him from drifting deeper into their abyss. Unfortunately for him, he ended up between a rock and a hard place--fiercely attracted to the one man in the Mc whose demons ruled his entire life and having to prove his worth within the Mc and getting himself in one big jam.

The problem with stating a book is a "Dark Romance" is that I go in expecting an actual dark romance. I've read my share and have enjoyed them immensely so of course, my expectations are high when I dive-in into the story. I enjoyed the Mc universe the author brought to the page, the secondary characters and the overall conflict. I didn't mind the gory details, the violence that made it to the page or the ones referenced. I think they all helped to paint a vivid picture of the world Isaac and Than chose to live in. I didn't even mind the cliffhanger! Unfortunately, what didn't work for me was the romance. It wasn't as great a read as I though it would be and I didn't become invested in it as much as I expected.

I was expecting Than and Isaac's journey to be rough and I got some of that but to me this all felt a bit too insta-lovish for a true dark romance. We got the emotional whiplash, the violence, the gritty descriptions of the kind of life they led, but I didn't get enough of the connection these two shared-- the actual development of a romance. Shared emotional instability does not a lasting connection make. At least not for me. Maybe it was more of a "me" problem, IDK. I understood Than's inner struggles. The war between the guilt he allowed himself to feel and these "new" feelings he was having for Isaac. But IMHO, when these inner monologues become repetitive (and I mean REPETITIVE!) it takes away from the impact they may have on the reader. Personally, I ended up skimming through these parts--a lot. In Issac's case, I wasn't as convinced as he was of the connection he shared with Than. Within a couple of day of meeting him, some heated glances and a steamy exchange he's already declaring that Than owns him--body and soul. 🙄 I'm sorry, I can't. Nope.

I'm still reading the next installment in the duet because I'm eager to know how the author is going to tie all these loose ends together. I'm hoping that the romance element is developed to its fullest and that Than and Isaac's connection gains enough growth to make their romance viable to me.