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Caging Ella
A paranormal fairy tale re-telling… of vampires, captivity, and love.
They said that Once Upon a Time , Cinderella resided with her monstrous stepmother, ugly stepsisters, and led a life of cruel drudgery, until one day, a fairy godmother helped her attend a ball, where she met a charming prince and lived happily ever after.
But what if he was a dark prince? A vampire? And Ella the daughter of his maid? What if he wanted Ella to birth his children? Could not wait for a taste of her sweet chaste desire…
After six years of captivity with her cruel father and stepfamily, will Ella wish to be free, or will she tie herself to Beau for eternity?
This is the first book in Andie M. Long's dark and twisted fairy tale retellings. Wicked words with happy forever afters.
They said that Once Upon a Time , Cinderella resided with her monstrous stepmother, ugly stepsisters, and led a life of cruel drudgery, until one day, a fairy godmother helped her attend a ball, where she met a charming prince and lived happily ever after.
But what if he was a dark prince? A vampire? And Ella the daughter of his maid? What if he wanted Ella to birth his children? Could not wait for a taste of her sweet chaste desire…
After six years of captivity with her cruel father and stepfamily, will Ella wish to be free, or will she tie herself to Beau for eternity?
This is the first book in Andie M. Long's dark and twisted fairy tale retellings. Wicked words with happy forever afters.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2023
510 people are currently reading
2068 people want to read
About the author
Andie M. Long
109 books1,079 followersAndie M. Long is the author of multiple titles including the popular Supernatural Dating Agency series.
When not writing, or editing for other authors, she spends her time drinking coffee and eating far too many Toblerones. She adores her whippet, Bella, and is tormented frequently by her OH and her teenage son.
She adores the book community, chatting with likeminded people who don't roll their eyes when she talks books, unlike the OH and teenage son...
Sign up to Andie's weekly newsletter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/f8v2u5 and get a FREE copy of DATING SUCKS. The short story prequel to The Vampire wants a Wife - EXCLUSIVE to subscribers.
When not writing, or editing for other authors, she spends her time drinking coffee and eating far too many Toblerones. She adores her whippet, Bella, and is tormented frequently by her OH and her teenage son.
She adores the book community, chatting with likeminded people who don't roll their eyes when she talks books, unlike the OH and teenage son...
Sign up to Andie's weekly newsletter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/f8v2u5 and get a FREE copy of DATING SUCKS. The short story prequel to The Vampire wants a Wife - EXCLUSIVE to subscribers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
September 28, 2023
Cinder.. baby factory??
Too rushed and focused on babies.
Felt written for the end, right from the beginning. If that makes sense. Made for awkward dialog that often felt toward the creepy end instead of developed and what would be more naturally occurring.
The story gave itself no time before whisking off to the next moment. It really would have benefitted from a slower pace that savored the plot points and expanded on what it did have instead of trying to beat itself to the ending.
Romance stories could do without babies in my opinion as well. Leave it to happily ever after. Yes, it's an end goal for some, and that thought is loving, but that is life fulfillment, not hot romance. Not aiming for #MomGoals here.
Honestly should have set this one down at the second chapter when ending became clearer.
Too rushed and focused on babies.
Felt written for the end, right from the beginning. If that makes sense. Made for awkward dialog that often felt toward the creepy end instead of developed and what would be more naturally occurring.
The story gave itself no time before whisking off to the next moment. It really would have benefitted from a slower pace that savored the plot points and expanded on what it did have instead of trying to beat itself to the ending.
Romance stories could do without babies in my opinion as well. Leave it to happily ever after. Yes, it's an end goal for some, and that thought is loving, but that is life fulfillment, not hot romance. Not aiming for #MomGoals here.
Honestly should have set this one down at the second chapter when ending became clearer.
January 3, 2024
Andie, what did i just read
June 18, 2023
What if the prince was a vampire and Ella could share her true feelings on her family?
If Andie M. Long touched it… I want it.
I really enjoyed this fairytale re-telling. Loved the fae and the way the ball was spun. I liked the extra scenes which enviably came back to the classic tale.
It’s dark, twisted and entertaining to read.
If Andie M. Long touched it… I want it.
I really enjoyed this fairytale re-telling. Loved the fae and the way the ball was spun. I liked the extra scenes which enviably came back to the classic tale.
It’s dark, twisted and entertaining to read.
December 30, 2023
Zero stars. Wow. I'm almost speechless. This was, no question, the worst book I've ever read. It was so bad that I kept reading it because I was waiting for a punchline that never came. Just.....wow.
January 30, 2024
2*
A super quick read but I wasn’t expecting the story to go in the direction it did. I was definitely taken aback by the children part of the story, it was probably one of the only downsides along with the age situation, and I suppose his actions were also stalker-ish so actually, there are more than I originally thought (red flags 🚩). Also very smutty and not at all what I thought it might’ve been.
A super quick read but I wasn’t expecting the story to go in the direction it did. I was definitely taken aback by the children part of the story, it was probably one of the only downsides along with the age situation, and I suppose his actions were also stalker-ish so actually, there are more than I originally thought (red flags 🚩). Also very smutty and not at all what I thought it might’ve been.
March 8, 2024
This was very weird. The pacing was so off, I felt absolutely nothing for the characters and the ending was silly (not the good kind) but I think I want to keep reading this series?
Also, the book was PLAGUED with typos.
Also, the book was PLAGUED with typos.
April 20, 2024
This is Cinderella meets a murder revenge plot and a vampire breeding kink.
Everything happened so fast I didn’t have time to connect to the story or characters. This is a perfect example of a book that cut too much out and could’ve benefited from another 50-75 pages.
Everything happened so fast I didn’t have time to connect to the story or characters. This is a perfect example of a book that cut too much out and could’ve benefited from another 50-75 pages.
July 31, 2023
So weird. But a quick easy read.
I love a good fairytale retelling, this is probably the strangest story of Cinderella I've ever encountered. I'm not even sure what to think TBH.
My biggest issue was the mix of modern and classic language / artifacts and happenings in the story. People live in manors/castles with maid service and old school customs but have cellphones and fly on airplanes? It's also not another world because all of the references are for this world. I almost dnf'd for this reason alone.
The tone of everything felt a bit rushed too. The story is very bing, bang, boom, done.
Not amazing writing or a really well told story but for some strange reason it was enjoyable and it's an easy read so it gets 3 stars. I think I just really enjoyed the premise and how different this was to other Cinderella stories.
I love a good fairytale retelling, this is probably the strangest story of Cinderella I've ever encountered. I'm not even sure what to think TBH.
My biggest issue was the mix of modern and classic language / artifacts and happenings in the story. People live in manors/castles with maid service and old school customs but have cellphones and fly on airplanes? It's also not another world because all of the references are for this world. I almost dnf'd for this reason alone.
The tone of everything felt a bit rushed too. The story is very bing, bang, boom, done.
Not amazing writing or a really well told story but for some strange reason it was enjoyable and it's an easy read so it gets 3 stars. I think I just really enjoyed the premise and how different this was to other Cinderella stories.
February 5, 2024
I have no idea why I read this, but it was truly a terrible time
April 30, 2024
This book gave me the Ick factor the entire way through. Only finished it because it was so short and I thought it'd turn around.
Read
October 5, 2024Nice short fairytale retelling. With paranormal aspects vampires and Faes . Morally grey MMC Beau. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I had seen elsewhere that it is spicy (I think I’ve gone too far to the dark side 🤣) but these scenes are short and brief. So maybe a good introduction into darker romance .
Easy read in a few hours as it’s short like a novella. So it’s simple and straight to the point throughout.
And I loved how appropriate the title is .
Easy read in a few hours as it’s short like a novella. So it’s simple and straight to the point throughout.
And I loved how appropriate the title is .
July 21, 2025
1.25⭐️ - it was fine to read but i was also like …what? at some lines. Got this on a stuff your kindle day and needed something to read at work and it served its purpose
October 25, 2024
This was a book with the lowest rating on my whole TBR!
It was not half as bad as some other book's I've read that are favorites to many.
It just shows how tastes differ.
I started this book with low expectations, and sure there were some moments where the story went places that opposed any sane logic, BUT the overall experience was good enough for an intriguing info of the next book to be added to my TBR!
It was not half as bad as some other book's I've read that are favorites to many.
It just shows how tastes differ.
I started this book with low expectations, and sure there were some moments where the story went places that opposed any sane logic, BUT the overall experience was good enough for an intriguing info of the next book to be added to my TBR!
Read
January 7, 2026This one had potential but it really fell flat from the mark. It was rushed, lacked character development, skimmed over a lot of plot points, and genuinely felt like something a high schooler could have written. Besides the mention of impregnating and using “seed” in replace of semen, that first sex scene wasn’t half bad. Everything turned to shit after that scene, though. I mean, it was pretty shitty to start off but I had hope for it.
Instead of writing a book that felt like a sparknotes summary, take time to enjoy the pace you’re setting and enjoy the flow of the plot. The vampire literally talks about slowing down in life and how humans love to rush things and that’s exactly what Andie did in this book. The only climax this book had was the main character in bed. Deepen the plot, add more background to the characters, bring feeling in, and actually make those 3 weeks of knowing the vampire feel like 3 years. Maybe then, I would’ve felt sympathetic for Ella when shit hit the fan.
Andie passes 12 years time in the matter of what? 2 chapters? Am I supposed to feel anything during that time? The only thing I felt were my eyelids drooping and my need to skim through to the predictable ending. Again, had potential but fell short.
Instead of writing a book that felt like a sparknotes summary, take time to enjoy the pace you’re setting and enjoy the flow of the plot. The vampire literally talks about slowing down in life and how humans love to rush things and that’s exactly what Andie did in this book. The only climax this book had was the main character in bed. Deepen the plot, add more background to the characters, bring feeling in, and actually make those 3 weeks of knowing the vampire feel like 3 years. Maybe then, I would’ve felt sympathetic for Ella when shit hit the fan.
Andie passes 12 years time in the matter of what? 2 chapters? Am I supposed to feel anything during that time? The only thing I felt were my eyelids drooping and my need to skim through to the predictable ending. Again, had potential but fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
It was a very quick read. An interesting read about a girl who lived as a servant just like Cinderella but with a supernatural vampire spin to it. Just a little spicy 🌶️ but grabbed your attention.
January 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this fairy tale retelling! It kept me wanting to read more and more each time I ended a chapter.
December 27, 2025
Book Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
------------------- Summary Of Review: --------------------------
Caging Ella pulled me into an emotionally intense and unsettling story that didn’t let go until the very last page. From the start, the atmosphere felt heavy and claustrophobic, perfectly matching the themes of captivity, trauma, and survival. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a deeply emotional journey that explores darkness, healing, and complicated connections.
The emotional tension in this book is constant. The isolation, fear, and vulnerability woven throughout the story made every chapter feel raw and powerful. I loved how the author focused on Ella’s inner strength and resilience, showing her fight to survive while slowly reclaiming her sense of self. Her character development was one of the strongest parts of the story.
The dynamic between the characters is complex and morally gray, filled with conflicting emotions that made the story impossible to look away from. The romance is intense and layered, balancing trauma with moments of connection and emotional release. Nothing feels rushed, and every interaction carries weight.
The spice level sits at a 4/5, intense and emotionally charged without overpowering the story. The intimate moments feel earned and tied closely to the characters’ emotional journeys rather than existing purely for shock value.
This book is not for everyone, and checking trigger warnings is absolutely essential before reading. That said, if you enjoy dark romance that focuses on emotional depth, survival, and healing, Caging Ella delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience.
This is the kind of story that stays with you—heavy, emotional, and haunting long after you finish reading. 🖤📖🕯️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
------------------- Summary Of Review: --------------------------
Caging Ella pulled me into an emotionally intense and unsettling story that didn’t let go until the very last page. From the start, the atmosphere felt heavy and claustrophobic, perfectly matching the themes of captivity, trauma, and survival. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a deeply emotional journey that explores darkness, healing, and complicated connections.
The emotional tension in this book is constant. The isolation, fear, and vulnerability woven throughout the story made every chapter feel raw and powerful. I loved how the author focused on Ella’s inner strength and resilience, showing her fight to survive while slowly reclaiming her sense of self. Her character development was one of the strongest parts of the story.
The dynamic between the characters is complex and morally gray, filled with conflicting emotions that made the story impossible to look away from. The romance is intense and layered, balancing trauma with moments of connection and emotional release. Nothing feels rushed, and every interaction carries weight.
The spice level sits at a 4/5, intense and emotionally charged without overpowering the story. The intimate moments feel earned and tied closely to the characters’ emotional journeys rather than existing purely for shock value.
This book is not for everyone, and checking trigger warnings is absolutely essential before reading. That said, if you enjoy dark romance that focuses on emotional depth, survival, and healing, Caging Ella delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience.
This is the kind of story that stays with you—heavy, emotional, and haunting long after you finish reading. 🖤📖🕯️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
So, I wanted to like this book so badly, but sadly, it just fell flat. The concept and idea of the retelling is wonderful. Cinderella, where the "prince" is a vampire, sign me up. I did enjoy the take on Ella's family – how the dad was a piece of cheating crap and how her mother worked her butt off at the castle so she one day would be able to get Ella back from her evil father & step mother. I also enjoyed how Ella enacted her revenge upon her family (mother excluded). I also love that Ellas' "faerie godmother" is an actual fae.
Unfortunately... that is where what I liked about the book ends. It felt incredibly rushed without deep character development. There was so much potential for this story to be great. I would have loved to see, in detail, Beau falling for Ella while he watched her secretly for six years. There was also an avenue where we could have seen a blossoming relationship -even if it was platonic at first- between Beau & Ella during Ella's late night excursions in the park (before she knew who Beau was).
As soon as Ella's mother dies, it's like... BAM.. Ella is moving in with Beau, they kiss, and *magically* ,they wanna have each other's babies. All within a SMALL time frame. No courting. No wooing of Ella. There is no explanation of Ella being infatuated with Beau since he's pretty much the first man she's had contact with.
I was also disappointed in how dark the book was. There is only a single scene of Beau attacking and killing on behalf of Ella – it is very short-lived. With him being a vampire, I would have loved to see more of his dark side come out to play. It would have been nice to see his duality more & how Ella is similar to him.
While this book was not a slam dunk, in my opinion, it does have good bones & I would still recommend reading it.
Unfortunately... that is where what I liked about the book ends. It felt incredibly rushed without deep character development. There was so much potential for this story to be great. I would have loved to see, in detail, Beau falling for Ella while he watched her secretly for six years. There was also an avenue where we could have seen a blossoming relationship -even if it was platonic at first- between Beau & Ella during Ella's late night excursions in the park (before she knew who Beau was).
As soon as Ella's mother dies, it's like... BAM.. Ella is moving in with Beau, they kiss, and *magically* ,they wanna have each other's babies. All within a SMALL time frame. No courting. No wooing of Ella. There is no explanation of Ella being infatuated with Beau since he's pretty much the first man she's had contact with.
I was also disappointed in how dark the book was. There is only a single scene of Beau attacking and killing on behalf of Ella – it is very short-lived. With him being a vampire, I would have loved to see more of his dark side come out to play. It would have been nice to see his duality more & how Ella is similar to him.
While this book was not a slam dunk, in my opinion, it does have good bones & I would still recommend reading it.
June 22, 2024
Dicen que la curiosidad mato al gato…
La verdad es que el resumen se veía bueno. Cenicienta con un giro más oscuro? I’m totally in.
Pero después… primero no podía saber si esto era antiguo, moderno o atemporal. Al final era moderno. Pero con un castillo.
El “príncipe” es un vampiro, hay fae (una es “la hada madrina”) y aparentemente brujas por la referencia a la hora de las brujas, ah y mencione que también hay referencias al más allá? No, si este libro tiene de todo… solo que mal desarrollado. Apresurado y sin mucho sentido.
En resumen, muy apresurado, todo sale “bien” demasiado pronto, no hay conflicto (al menos ninguno real).
Spicy? Si pero en realidad no.
Lo que más odie es que fue un “instalust” (probablemente acabo de inventar eso) seguido inmediatamente del instalove y no hubo desarrollo del romance en realidad.
Y el breeding kink… simplemente quería sacarme los ojos de sus cuencas con eso (O sea… seis hijos en cinco años? Hay algo llamado periodo de abstinencia o me equivoco? tal vez no funciona así con este tipo de vampiros? No lo sé… Porque nunca lo explicaron!)
La verdad es que el resumen se veía bueno. Cenicienta con un giro más oscuro? I’m totally in.
Pero después… primero no podía saber si esto era antiguo, moderno o atemporal. Al final era moderno. Pero con un castillo.
El “príncipe” es un vampiro, hay fae (una es “la hada madrina”) y aparentemente brujas por la referencia a la hora de las brujas, ah y mencione que también hay referencias al más allá? No, si este libro tiene de todo… solo que mal desarrollado. Apresurado y sin mucho sentido.
En resumen, muy apresurado, todo sale “bien” demasiado pronto, no hay conflicto (al menos ninguno real).
Spicy? Si pero en realidad no.
Lo que más odie es que fue un “instalust” (probablemente acabo de inventar eso) seguido inmediatamente del instalove y no hubo desarrollo del romance en realidad.
Y el breeding kink… simplemente quería sacarme los ojos de sus cuencas con eso (O sea… seis hijos en cinco años? Hay algo llamado periodo de abstinencia o me equivoco? tal vez no funciona así con este tipo de vampiros? No lo sé… Porque nunca lo explicaron!)
January 1, 2024
There was a solid premise but, unfortunately, poor execution. Not enough character depth and her family did not suffer enough (in my opinion). It ultimately felt very rushed and, while I understand the reasoning behind the time jump, I personally was not a fan and I almost DNF’d because of it. The spice level was meh and I disliked reading about other sexual partners. That’s not my jam. Also I don’t want to be “that guy” but it was a bit odd that Beau essentially watched Ella grow up starting from age 12.
Ironically, one of the most unrealistic parts of this fae/vampire/fairytale retelling was that a vampire of an indeterminate age has virtually no financial means and has to sell off antiques from his home in order to maintain it…? You’re telling me Beau has been a vampire for however many years and it took him basically until the end of the book to even consider investments??? Get it together my guy! Also Ella prefers to sleep in a cage so there’s that I guess
Ironically, one of the most unrealistic parts of this fae/vampire/fairytale retelling was that a vampire of an indeterminate age has virtually no financial means and has to sell off antiques from his home in order to maintain it…? You’re telling me Beau has been a vampire for however many years and it took him basically until the end of the book to even consider investments??? Get it together my guy! Also Ella prefers to sleep in a cage so there’s that I guess
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
First thing I want to say that this book could’ve had really great potential. I love the characters love the twist on the Cinderella story and the darker fantasy that was given into this story.
Let’s chat about all the things I didn’t like.
I didn’t like the length of the book. I feel like this book could’ve been 3 to 4 times the size of what it was and given with much more detail. This book needed a lot more slow burn for the main characters. I feel like with these characters because the book was so small it just went from 0 to 100 to point that it almost gave me. Well it didn’t almost it gave me the ick. Yes the MMC was obviously watching over Ella for a longer period of time so he kind of knew her better than she knew him however upon their first meeting having a sexual encounter and the deep obsession that from that just didn’t seem logical. I feel like if we had been given a longer story with a lot more building sexual tension a lot more slow burn and I’m actually building a relationship where they learn about each other and they you know like things about each other as you go it would’ve been much better for me.. I also feel like the interactions didn’t 100% nail in the head for me. Some of the dialogue coming from the MMC made me feel uncomfortable. a perfect example being after they’ve just had their first intercourse him telling her that they’re not gonna do it again until she’s 100% ready because he wants to impregnate her with his seed. I really truly feel like that’s not something. Somebody would say after one night first time interaction. I also feel like this book could’ve gone into more depth in a lot of areas. There was a few really big time jumps across the story. I feel like we could’ve had more fillers in there to build your connection with the characters.
Honestly in the beginning when I started reading this book, I thought it would’ve just been a great romance novel without bringing the vampire and the fairy into the mix. I feel like it could’ve been done in a way where the MMC was a rich billionaire but then reading through the book a little bit more I really like the idea of the MC being a vampire. I just really wish There was more to this book. I think it was too fast and I actually would’ve loved to have read a lot more depth into this book. I feel like it would’ve been a really good read if it wasn’t everything I’ve said above. I really would’ve loved some more explanation around the birdcage where they came from why he had one. Did he have one before she found the other one or did he have that made because of her? There’s just so many things that have kind of been left on explained as well.
Truly I would’ve loved to have given this book 45 star rating and I probably would’ve if it had been a decent size book with a lot more detail and explanation and trope that I really love the slow burn.
One last night I must say I love how much smut
was present in this book considering how small it was .
Let’s chat about all the things I didn’t like.
I didn’t like the length of the book. I feel like this book could’ve been 3 to 4 times the size of what it was and given with much more detail. This book needed a lot more slow burn for the main characters. I feel like with these characters because the book was so small it just went from 0 to 100 to point that it almost gave me. Well it didn’t almost it gave me the ick. Yes the MMC was obviously watching over Ella for a longer period of time so he kind of knew her better than she knew him however upon their first meeting having a sexual encounter and the deep obsession that from that just didn’t seem logical. I feel like if we had been given a longer story with a lot more building sexual tension a lot more slow burn and I’m actually building a relationship where they learn about each other and they you know like things about each other as you go it would’ve been much better for me.. I also feel like the interactions didn’t 100% nail in the head for me. Some of the dialogue coming from the MMC made me feel uncomfortable. a perfect example being after they’ve just had their first intercourse him telling her that they’re not gonna do it again until she’s 100% ready because he wants to impregnate her with his seed. I really truly feel like that’s not something. Somebody would say after one night first time interaction. I also feel like this book could’ve gone into more depth in a lot of areas. There was a few really big time jumps across the story. I feel like we could’ve had more fillers in there to build your connection with the characters.
Honestly in the beginning when I started reading this book, I thought it would’ve just been a great romance novel without bringing the vampire and the fairy into the mix. I feel like it could’ve been done in a way where the MMC was a rich billionaire but then reading through the book a little bit more I really like the idea of the MC being a vampire. I just really wish There was more to this book. I think it was too fast and I actually would’ve loved to have read a lot more depth into this book. I feel like it would’ve been a really good read if it wasn’t everything I’ve said above. I really would’ve loved some more explanation around the birdcage where they came from why he had one. Did he have one before she found the other one or did he have that made because of her? There’s just so many things that have kind of been left on explained as well.
Truly I would’ve loved to have given this book 45 star rating and I probably would’ve if it had been a decent size book with a lot more detail and explanation and trope that I really love the slow burn.
One last night I must say I love how much smut
was present in this book considering how small it was .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
Not what I expected
I didn't know this story was going to be based on the breeder trope, as it wasn't tagged anywhere, with the first half of the book also bordering on ped*philia. The female lead is a 17-turning-18-year-old and the male lead is a vampire, age non-disclosed but looking at least 40 with greying hair. After the main characters first meet, I read it all only to find out how bad it was going to get ...
****spoilers from here on out****
("" = direct quotes)
He has been watching her since she was 12 and one day reveals himself to her while she is crying in a park at night. He calls her a "potentially vulnerable female" and claims he's "saving [his] seed for the right person to carry [his] children", which is an awful thing to say to a child in and of itself but her reaction to this creep is "There was something about him. [...] He was letting me have an opinion. Was listening to me." No. No, thank you.
She moves in with him, proves to be his perfect "vessel", and they have s*x once, on the condition that the next time they do it, he'll get to impregnate her. Top notch manipulation. There is a time skip and they have their respective happy ending with her being a breeding mare at 30 something.
Apart from the trope not being my thing at all, the story was just lacking. It could have been interesting if the author put more focus on either the macabre side, going all in on the manipulation, trauma and her falling apart, or the romantic side, making the characters likable, their feelings credible, but it was neither. For example, after the main traumatic event, the female lead runs on adrenaline only, taking everything in without questioning, but then never takes the time to actually process what happened and what she saw. Let her be broken, let her panic. Also, I understand why the first s*x scene was necessary for the plot, but did it really need to be as detailed? Why not have a detailed one at the end, when she is of age, instead of him going all out on a child?
All in all, the story could have been dark and psychological, but it was just iffy.
I didn't know this story was going to be based on the breeder trope, as it wasn't tagged anywhere, with the first half of the book also bordering on ped*philia. The female lead is a 17-turning-18-year-old and the male lead is a vampire, age non-disclosed but looking at least 40 with greying hair. After the main characters first meet, I read it all only to find out how bad it was going to get ...
****spoilers from here on out****
("" = direct quotes)
He has been watching her since she was 12 and one day reveals himself to her while she is crying in a park at night. He calls her a "potentially vulnerable female" and claims he's "saving [his] seed for the right person to carry [his] children", which is an awful thing to say to a child in and of itself but her reaction to this creep is "There was something about him. [...] He was letting me have an opinion. Was listening to me." No. No, thank you.
She moves in with him, proves to be his perfect "vessel", and they have s*x once, on the condition that the next time they do it, he'll get to impregnate her. Top notch manipulation. There is a time skip and they have their respective happy ending with her being a breeding mare at 30 something.
Apart from the trope not being my thing at all, the story was just lacking. It could have been interesting if the author put more focus on either the macabre side, going all in on the manipulation, trauma and her falling apart, or the romantic side, making the characters likable, their feelings credible, but it was neither. For example, after the main traumatic event, the female lead runs on adrenaline only, taking everything in without questioning, but then never takes the time to actually process what happened and what she saw. Let her be broken, let her panic. Also, I understand why the first s*x scene was necessary for the plot, but did it really need to be as detailed? Why not have a detailed one at the end, when she is of age, instead of him going all out on a child?
All in all, the story could have been dark and psychological, but it was just iffy.
January 6, 2024
OK,,,,
Have to give this one star for a few reasons...
(This review gets quite negative btw)
1) The writing felt quite choppy, there was no clear distinctive voice between characters, which is probably one of the most essential aspects of POV-changing books. Especially since there were only two actual characters.
2) The concept felt kind of half-assed. We have this whole Cinderella retelling that honestly was done okay, but what bugged me was just how quickly the story glossed over the whole vampires living among us kind of thing, then there was also a single sentence that explained the coexistence of fae. Nothing about why a whole fae party was happening at this vampires house, honestly no reason for fae to be involved besides one to be the staff of the castle. Seemed incredibly pointless. Also communication with the dead at witching hour, because why not. A character dies just for the main to spend an hour in the void with them.
3) istg the ending was written by ai. There was no substance, felt rushed, felt detached.
4) the sex was awful. Don't bother putting sex scenes into a book if they take less than a page to start and end, this book had like 3, could've had none. The possessiveness and pet-play that was happening made me un-comfy, like this girl wanted to be put in a cage after spending years stuck inside her own house as a slave for her step-family? like,,, WHAT?? (also her bio-dad was the worst)
5) on top of all that I literally had to stop reading for a few days because this book triggered me into a severe anxiety attack which caused two panic attacks... so fuck this book
Have to give this one star for a few reasons...
(This review gets quite negative btw)
1) The writing felt quite choppy, there was no clear distinctive voice between characters, which is probably one of the most essential aspects of POV-changing books. Especially since there were only two actual characters.
2) The concept felt kind of half-assed. We have this whole Cinderella retelling that honestly was done okay, but what bugged me was just how quickly the story glossed over the whole vampires living among us kind of thing, then there was also a single sentence that explained the coexistence of fae. Nothing about why a whole fae party was happening at this vampires house, honestly no reason for fae to be involved besides one to be the staff of the castle. Seemed incredibly pointless. Also communication with the dead at witching hour, because why not. A character dies just for the main to spend an hour in the void with them.
3) istg the ending was written by ai. There was no substance, felt rushed, felt detached.
4) the sex was awful. Don't bother putting sex scenes into a book if they take less than a page to start and end, this book had like 3, could've had none. The possessiveness and pet-play that was happening made me un-comfy, like this girl wanted to be put in a cage after spending years stuck inside her own house as a slave for her step-family? like,,, WHAT?? (also her bio-dad was the worst)
5) on top of all that I literally had to stop reading for a few days because this book triggered me into a severe anxiety attack which caused two panic attacks... so fuck this book
January 22, 2024
Ella is a young girl, kept in the cellar and as a servant to her rich father and step-mother. After receiving the news that her true mother dies, she is invited to a ball in honor of her mother with the rest of her family at a decaying castle in their town. The owner, Mr. Salinger, has been watching Ella through the years, unable to step in and help her until her 18th birthday thanks to a bargain with her now deceased mother. Once Ella's birthday comes, he allows her to take her revenge on her horrible family.
This is such a great idea for a book! I love how this is a vampire Cinderella retelling with some unexpected spice and Overall, however, the book fell flat. There was no depth to the characters, and the timeline and world-building had absolutely no foundation. It felt like a ton of stuff was thrown at the reader. I was very easily confused, as the beginning of the book felt like 'old-timey' until they started talking about cars and watches and smart phones. Apparently this is set in the UK (which isn't found out about until after 85% of the way through the book).
Grammar errors and run-on sentences are scattered through the book, though thankfully more so in the beginning. I am a stickler for good editing and grammar so if a book that has errors to the point of annoyance is usually an automatic DNF for me. Luckily, in this book, the errors weren't overwhelming and easy to get through. I really, really enjoy the concept of this book and the theme/plot but I also have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the "gone for 12 years" at the end of the book before coming back to the love interest. (1/2024)
3 out of 5 stars.
This is such a great idea for a book! I love how this is a vampire Cinderella retelling with some unexpected spice and Overall, however, the book fell flat. There was no depth to the characters, and the timeline and world-building had absolutely no foundation. It felt like a ton of stuff was thrown at the reader. I was very easily confused, as the beginning of the book felt like 'old-timey' until they started talking about cars and watches and smart phones. Apparently this is set in the UK (which isn't found out about until after 85% of the way through the book).
Grammar errors and run-on sentences are scattered through the book, though thankfully more so in the beginning. I am a stickler for good editing and grammar so if a book that has errors to the point of annoyance is usually an automatic DNF for me. Luckily, in this book, the errors weren't overwhelming and easy to get through. I really, really enjoy the concept of this book and the theme/plot but I also have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the "gone for 12 years" at the end of the book before coming back to the love interest. (1/2024)
3 out of 5 stars.
July 10, 2024
Modern Cinderella with vampires. Ella is trapped as a house maid by her father and step mother, in a twist her mother died and she was not given time to grieve. She iis abused by all around her until a stranger shows up and allows her to attend her mothers funeral. Her moth had been working for Beau (I hate that name lol) in his castle. Turns out Beau is a Vampire and Ellas mother was his friend and maid. She had made a deal with beau that Ella could come live with him at 18 until she found something else to do. An escape. In a rush of hate Ella asks Beau to kill her father, send her step mother to jail, and send her step siblings to work as maids for the royal family. Then she falls for Beau. In a couple of weeks (which might I add was totally skipped in the book) they are together and she devotes herself to him. Talk about trauma bonding. All she has known is captivity. And he is just another capture. Before I could get too mad he realizes what he is doing and kicks her out. Clearly she is distraught but decides to go travel the world. The book skips again and she is 30. She can't forget him and goes back to his castle to buy it. He is clearly there waiting for her. And the book ends with them have babies.
I read it in under 3 hours. At best it was lackluster. I do like the plot but it needed more details. The POVs were lacking depth and I felt like Ella was four different people through out the entire book. Captive Ella who did what she was told but and some spunk. Captive Ella who had confidence. World traveler who was void of all emotion. And Wife Ella who ...made babies? I don't know. Not great but not totally horrible.
I read it in under 3 hours. At best it was lackluster. I do like the plot but it needed more details. The POVs were lacking depth and I felt like Ella was four different people through out the entire book. Captive Ella who did what she was told but and some spunk. Captive Ella who had confidence. World traveler who was void of all emotion. And Wife Ella who ...made babies? I don't know. Not great but not totally horrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
📚 Caging Ella (Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales #1)
Reviewed by: Ginger the Kitty 🐾
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.3 / 5 dramatic tail flicks
Hello. It’s Ginger. I don’t scare easily, and I don’t tolerate sloppy storytelling… but this one? Still very good. I purred. With notes.
🐾 My Thoughts (typed during a nap):
This is a dark, twisted take on Cinderella that leans hard into obsession, captivity, and morally questionable decisions — which, frankly, is my aesthetic.
The story pulls you in fast and doesn’t let go… almost too fast. Some parts felt rushed, like my human opening a treat bag and then immediately closing it. Rude.
✨ What I Loved:
The concept is deliciously dark and addictive.
Ella is strong, sharp, and not just a passive victim — I respect that.
The chemistry is intense and emotionally charged.
The spice is well-balanced — not overwhelming, not shy.
🙀 What Made Me Hiss:
The pacing needed to slow down in places. I wanted to savor the tension more.
Just when things got really interesting… it moved on.
I would’ve liked more spice. Not a lot more. Just… another lick.
🌶 Spice Level:
Medium. Good heat, solid tension, but could’ve burned just a little hotter.
📌 Final Verdict:
Dark, compelling, and hard to put down, even if it moves a bit too quickly for my liking. I still enjoyed it a lot and would absolutely recommend it to readers who like twisted fairy tale retellings with spice and obsession.
4.3 out of 5 stars.
Would sit on this book again — and glare until the sequel appears.
Reviewed by: Ginger the Kitty 🐾
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.3 / 5 dramatic tail flicks
Hello. It’s Ginger. I don’t scare easily, and I don’t tolerate sloppy storytelling… but this one? Still very good. I purred. With notes.
🐾 My Thoughts (typed during a nap):
This is a dark, twisted take on Cinderella that leans hard into obsession, captivity, and morally questionable decisions — which, frankly, is my aesthetic.
The story pulls you in fast and doesn’t let go… almost too fast. Some parts felt rushed, like my human opening a treat bag and then immediately closing it. Rude.
✨ What I Loved:
The concept is deliciously dark and addictive.
Ella is strong, sharp, and not just a passive victim — I respect that.
The chemistry is intense and emotionally charged.
The spice is well-balanced — not overwhelming, not shy.
🙀 What Made Me Hiss:
The pacing needed to slow down in places. I wanted to savor the tension more.
Just when things got really interesting… it moved on.
I would’ve liked more spice. Not a lot more. Just… another lick.
🌶 Spice Level:
Medium. Good heat, solid tension, but could’ve burned just a little hotter.
📌 Final Verdict:
Dark, compelling, and hard to put down, even if it moves a bit too quickly for my liking. I still enjoyed it a lot and would absolutely recommend it to readers who like twisted fairy tale retellings with spice and obsession.
4.3 out of 5 stars.
Would sit on this book again — and glare until the sequel appears.
January 22, 2024
Actual Rating: .25 Stars (rounded up)
A weird book, an absolutely weird book that is lost in time and space. It doesn't know if it wants to be a high fantasy but then will randomly bring in a laptop or cell phone. This was a fast read and if it wasn't I probably wouldn't have finished.
The writing was rough and choppy, probably due to the issues with time placement. The point-of-view changes were confusing and didn't really feel necessary. The concepts of fae and vampires was really brushed over. The character descriptions felt like they walked out of a 2013 Wattpad, self-insert fanfiction.
It was full of misogyny and stalking. There is a fine line between dark fantasy and being a terrible person who stalks women. There is also an incredibly fine line a breeding kink and wanting to be used for breeding. The "spice" scenes were awful, rushed, and difficult to understand. Let me tell you, the most fun I had with this book was sending the poorly written sex scenes to my partner so we could laugh at them.
Women do not have to be put in cages. The cage had no purpose unless the author wants to demonstrate how women who had abusive childhoods often turn to abusive relationships. I don't know if it was a a fetish thing or what.
If red flags could be books, this would be it. I cannot believe what I read.
A weird book, an absolutely weird book that is lost in time and space. It doesn't know if it wants to be a high fantasy but then will randomly bring in a laptop or cell phone. This was a fast read and if it wasn't I probably wouldn't have finished.
The writing was rough and choppy, probably due to the issues with time placement. The point-of-view changes were confusing and didn't really feel necessary. The concepts of fae and vampires was really brushed over. The character descriptions felt like they walked out of a 2013 Wattpad, self-insert fanfiction.
It was full of misogyny and stalking. There is a fine line between dark fantasy and being a terrible person who stalks women. There is also an incredibly fine line a breeding kink and wanting to be used for breeding. The "spice" scenes were awful, rushed, and difficult to understand. Let me tell you, the most fun I had with this book was sending the poorly written sex scenes to my partner so we could laugh at them.
Women do not have to be put in cages. The cage had no purpose unless the author wants to demonstrate how women who had abusive childhoods often turn to abusive relationships. I don't know if it was a a fetish thing or what.
If red flags could be books, this would be it. I cannot believe what I read.
January 1, 2025
4.75
Loved reading caging Ella and love that it was a dark and twisted fairytale retelling of Cinderella and love that Freya Ella’s mother became friends with beau in the book who is a vampire and lives in moonstone castle where Freya worked before she died and love that iris who is Fae was there for Ella and love the spicy scenes between beau and Ella and I hate Ella’s father grant and her stepmother and stepsisters in the book so much and I love that Ella got to travel the world after leaving moonstone castle thanks to beau and Ella couldn’t sleep on a mattress but she could sleep in a big birdcage she found in the garden of the castle but I love the ending when Ella returns back to beau since she wants to buy moonstone castle but instead beau and Ella get back together to become is vampire wife and they have six children in the end and I can’t wait to read sharing snow next in the series and I just love that this was a quick, spicy read and love andie m long writing so much easy to get into and my first book of 2025
Very Spicy
Dual PoV
Captivity
Under 200 pages
Paranormal romance
Dark Fairytale retelling of Cinderella
Vampires
Loved reading caging Ella and love that it was a dark and twisted fairytale retelling of Cinderella and love that Freya Ella’s mother became friends with beau in the book who is a vampire and lives in moonstone castle where Freya worked before she died and love that iris who is Fae was there for Ella and love the spicy scenes between beau and Ella and I hate Ella’s father grant and her stepmother and stepsisters in the book so much and I love that Ella got to travel the world after leaving moonstone castle thanks to beau and Ella couldn’t sleep on a mattress but she could sleep in a big birdcage she found in the garden of the castle but I love the ending when Ella returns back to beau since she wants to buy moonstone castle but instead beau and Ella get back together to become is vampire wife and they have six children in the end and I can’t wait to read sharing snow next in the series and I just love that this was a quick, spicy read and love andie m long writing so much easy to get into and my first book of 2025
Very Spicy
Dual PoV
Captivity
Under 200 pages
Paranormal romance
Dark Fairytale retelling of Cinderella
Vampires
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Actual rating 1.5
spoilers ahead
Ella is a girl with a horrible family that she hates because she is their servant. A few days before her 18th birthday her mom dies, on her funeral she gets to talk to her. Meanwhile she kills of her step family with no remorse and then after regrets it. :/ She falls for the vampire Beau (he was her mother's friend and is really old). The story was plainly said, extremely rushed. She knows Beau for 2 days before they both end up in bed together. He tells her that he doesnt want to waste any more sperm on her until she decides she wants to have kids with him. Then the whole concept with the cages follow, and it was shallow. Beau then sends her away and funnily enough after 12 years and a proposal realizes that she wants to be with Beau and goes back to him. This whole book was just empty and everything was over so fast. The she turns into a baby making machine for him. The ending killed me, mentally and physically
spoilers ahead
Ella is a girl with a horrible family that she hates because she is their servant. A few days before her 18th birthday her mom dies, on her funeral she gets to talk to her. Meanwhile she kills of her step family with no remorse and then after regrets it. :/ She falls for the vampire Beau (he was her mother's friend and is really old). The story was plainly said, extremely rushed. She knows Beau for 2 days before they both end up in bed together. He tells her that he doesnt want to waste any more sperm on her until she decides she wants to have kids with him. Then the whole concept with the cages follow, and it was shallow. Beau then sends her away and funnily enough after 12 years and a proposal realizes that she wants to be with Beau and goes back to him. This whole book was just empty and everything was over so fast. The she turns into a baby making machine for him. The ending killed me, mentally and physically
July 23, 2025
In this thoroughly modern Cinderella story, Ella's mother was merely divorced during Ella's teen years. She went to work for the rich vampire up the hill from Ella's father. When she dies Ella goes up the hill and asks for her mother's job.
This is no "modest and submissive" Little Cinderella. This Ella is frankly vindictive, and she wallows in anti-nice-girl behavior--not only enjoying kinky sex with the vampire, but cheating on him with other men at every chance, using and dumping those men, ordering torture.
Older versions of Cinderella tended, perhaps because of their roots in witch-hunting days, to be overtly Christian. This one seems to be anti-Christian, not only or even so much in the X-rated sex scenes but in Ella's overt cruelty. She's not only out for revenge on a stepmother who deserves it. She seems generally anti-human. I like a heroine who's not made out of spun sugar, but this Ella goes too far. For my taste she's too mean.
This is no "modest and submissive" Little Cinderella. This Ella is frankly vindictive, and she wallows in anti-nice-girl behavior--not only enjoying kinky sex with the vampire, but cheating on him with other men at every chance, using and dumping those men, ordering torture.
Older versions of Cinderella tended, perhaps because of their roots in witch-hunting days, to be overtly Christian. This one seems to be anti-Christian, not only or even so much in the X-rated sex scenes but in Ella's overt cruelty. She's not only out for revenge on a stepmother who deserves it. She seems generally anti-human. I like a heroine who's not made out of spun sugar, but this Ella goes too far. For my taste she's too mean.
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