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Gilded Cages #1
Gilded Cages
“All I want is a puppy for my baby boy. That’s all. Just a good puppy for my boy. The better you behave, the happier you’ll be.”
When Cammy’s Daddy asked him if he wanted a puppy, he expected the fluffy, four-legged kind. Instead, he finds that his Daddy meant something else entirely... and he isn't sure what to think of the new addition to the household.
Zay’s life might not have been perfect, but it was still better than being kidnapped and sold. When his new Master tells him he’s going to be Cammy’s puppy, he has to decide just what he’s going to do…
When Cammy’s Daddy asked him if he wanted a puppy, he expected the fluffy, four-legged kind. Instead, he finds that his Daddy meant something else entirely... and he isn't sure what to think of the new addition to the household.
Zay’s life might not have been perfect, but it was still better than being kidnapped and sold. When his new Master tells him he’s going to be Cammy’s puppy, he has to decide just what he’s going to do…
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2019
211 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
R. Phoenix
82 books569 followersR. Phoenix has an unhealthy fascination with contrasts: light and dark, heroes and villains, order and chaos. She believes that love can corrupt and power can redeem. Her muse is a sadomasochistic slave driver who thinks it's terribly amusing to give her the best ideas when she just got comfortable and warm in bed, and she passes on that torture to her readers. She also tries entirely too hard to be funny, and she mercilessly inflicts her terrible sense of humor upon anyone who speaks to her. She'd love it if you'd say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
November 22, 2019
Lawd the kind of fuckery in this world! Who knew i would enjoy Age play, Diaper play/Diaper lover? Umm maybe Jan, Moony and Xia. Thanks for the little nudge, i got my fix. I feel refreshed. There is some fucked up kink out here.
I devoured this book so fast. From page one, i was completely hooked. The writing is interesting and readable, so easy to follow.
This is the story of Daddy, His boy Cammy and Cammy's puppy Zay.. When i say puppy i mean this:
Yaap! 🤣🤣🤣
Daddy is one fucked up psycho, his character was really interesting. Though i felt a little bit let down that we didn't get to know him more. i really wanted to know what made Daddy, a Daddy! I love Daddy!! 😂Lawd! I sound like Cammy.
Cammy and Zay broke my little perverted peanut heart to pieces. The mind games daddy played with this two would break anyone's heart.
Not recommended to everyone. It would have been 5 stars but i felt like it ended abruptly, i wanted more.
Imo it is not that dark, i wonder why Amazon removed it from their website, yet they sell, BDSM sex toys and diapers.
I devoured this book so fast. From page one, i was completely hooked. The writing is interesting and readable, so easy to follow.
This is the story of Daddy, His boy Cammy and Cammy's puppy Zay.. When i say puppy i mean this:
Yaap! 🤣🤣🤣
Daddy is one fucked up psycho, his character was really interesting. Though i felt a little bit let down that we didn't get to know him more. i really wanted to know what made Daddy, a Daddy! I love Daddy!! 😂Lawd! I sound like Cammy.
Cammy and Zay broke my little perverted peanut heart to pieces. The mind games daddy played with this two would break anyone's heart.
Not recommended to everyone. It would have been 5 stars but i felt like it ended abruptly, i wanted more.
Imo it is not that dark, i wonder why Amazon removed it from their website, yet they sell, BDSM sex toys and diapers.
March 30, 2020
4 Solid Stars
Gilded Cages by R. Phoenix has all the things that make me uncomfortable and nervous. It took me out of my comfort zone. This book contains Ageplay, ABDL, Puppy play, Stockholm syndrome, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual scenes with dubious or lack of consent. I hate some of them in my books, I tried them before but I couldn’t even go more than 2 chapters before but the interesting part is I really liked this one! I don’t know why! Maybe I was in the right mood or maybe it was on the author’s writing, I don’t know! But I really liked it! It was told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Gilded Cages" series and it’s a bit cliffy but not huge one. This book was told from two very different mindsets and each of them has their own reasons for enjoying or hating the events but I should confess I enjoyed Zay’s Pov more! Cammy was too innocent for my taste. He was really like a baby boy who won’t believe his daddy’s doing something wrong and maybe he’s right but still… Another thing is I really would love to know more about The Master. The why and how he could be two different persons with his boys! I liked him and disliked him at the same time, for me he was a bit shady and yet again I’d like to know how is he going to tame Zay. Overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well but proceed with caution.
Gilded Cages by R. Phoenix has all the things that make me uncomfortable and nervous. It took me out of my comfort zone. This book contains Ageplay, ABDL, Puppy play, Stockholm syndrome, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual scenes with dubious or lack of consent. I hate some of them in my books, I tried them before but I couldn’t even go more than 2 chapters before but the interesting part is I really liked this one! I don’t know why! Maybe I was in the right mood or maybe it was on the author’s writing, I don’t know! But I really liked it! It was told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Gilded Cages" series and it’s a bit cliffy but not huge one. This book was told from two very different mindsets and each of them has their own reasons for enjoying or hating the events but I should confess I enjoyed Zay’s Pov more! Cammy was too innocent for my taste. He was really like a baby boy who won’t believe his daddy’s doing something wrong and maybe he’s right but still… Another thing is I really would love to know more about The Master. The why and how he could be two different persons with his boys! I liked him and disliked him at the same time, for me he was a bit shady and yet again I’d like to know how is he going to tame Zay. Overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well but proceed with caution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2019
updated 25/11/19
4 solid stars.
Holy shit.
What a fucked up story. So good!
The abuse, mind games, conditioning, sick/crazy/toxic relationship, humiliation, age play, puppy play, you name it, so, so disturbingly good.
What a mad combo! I wasn't sure about this, but it's definitely a winner.
Wanna go dark? look no more.
***Available on Kindle Unlimited ATM
4 solid stars.
Holy shit.
What a fucked up story. So good!
The abuse, mind games, conditioning, sick/crazy/toxic relationship, humiliation, age play, puppy play, you name it, so, so disturbingly good.
What a mad combo! I wasn't sure about this, but it's definitely a winner.
Wanna go dark? look no more.
***Available on Kindle Unlimited ATM
January 29, 2020
For dark, taboo erotica nobody can push boundaries quite like R. Phoenix, and Gilded Cages is a lubricious delight. The depth Phoenix delves into these characters, exploring their actions, reactions and motivations, makes for a thoroughly captivating story. Just fair warning, this book is completely consuming, and I read the whole thing in one sitting.
Even though Gilded Cages is told through the victims’ points-of-view, the character at the heart of this story is the abuser. (Since we never learn his name, I’m going to call him D/M, short for Daddy/Master.) The ideal predator, to the outside world D/M likely seems an upstanding, middle-aged ER doctor. He’s described by both of the victims as “handsome”, and based on their interactions throughout the story, he’s a clever manipulator and skilled brainwasher.
When D/M seizes the opportunity to 'rescue' eighteen-year-old Cammy from his abusive parents, he actually takes several years to condition him. To hear it described by Cammy, Daddy is his loving partner in an ABDL relationship. Cammy accepts the drugged bottles (and other things) D/M uses to control him. It’s sometimes unpleasant, but par for the course.
Spun as another 'rescue', D/M purchases Zay from a white slavery ring with the intent to train him as a puppy for Cammy. Explaining that Daddy has needs his boy cannot fulfill, the pup will also serve as a hole Master will use to satisfy his darker desires.
The deeper we get into this story; the more twisted and frightening D/M becomes. As R. Phoenix gradually reveals chilling details of Cammy’s grooming, we begin to understand the depth of his abuse. One thing is clear though, Cammy isn’t completely brainwashed. He consciously weighs consequences when making decisions, and knowingly manipulates his daddy. Does Daddy realize this? We don’t know…
When weeks of torturing Zay doesn’t turn him into the perfect pup, D/M switches tactics. He improves Zay’s living conditions, letting him spend more time with Cammy, and employing more traditional grooming techniques, which yield some interesting results. It’s chilling to watch as the dynamic changes between the three men, and how brilliantly D/M orchestrates it all.
The ending of Gilded Cages is spectacular, and R. Phoenix leaves us with something to think about. What does it take to be happy, to get what we need? And what really is freedom? The debt and worries of life are just another cage we each live in. Maybe a life free from all that might not be so bad…?
*Just a note. R. Phoenix has mentioned she is working on a sequel, so fingers crossed we won’t have to wait long to find out what’s in store for these three. And while you’re waiting, be sure to check out the free bonus chapter available from Prolific Works. https://claims.prolificworks.com/publ...
Even though Gilded Cages is told through the victims’ points-of-view, the character at the heart of this story is the abuser. (Since we never learn his name, I’m going to call him D/M, short for Daddy/Master.) The ideal predator, to the outside world D/M likely seems an upstanding, middle-aged ER doctor. He’s described by both of the victims as “handsome”, and based on their interactions throughout the story, he’s a clever manipulator and skilled brainwasher.
When D/M seizes the opportunity to 'rescue' eighteen-year-old Cammy from his abusive parents, he actually takes several years to condition him. To hear it described by Cammy, Daddy is his loving partner in an ABDL relationship. Cammy accepts the drugged bottles (and other things) D/M uses to control him. It’s sometimes unpleasant, but par for the course.
Spun as another 'rescue', D/M purchases Zay from a white slavery ring with the intent to train him as a puppy for Cammy. Explaining that Daddy has needs his boy cannot fulfill, the pup will also serve as a hole Master will use to satisfy his darker desires.
The deeper we get into this story; the more twisted and frightening D/M becomes. As R. Phoenix gradually reveals chilling details of Cammy’s grooming, we begin to understand the depth of his abuse. One thing is clear though, Cammy isn’t completely brainwashed. He consciously weighs consequences when making decisions, and knowingly manipulates his daddy. Does Daddy realize this? We don’t know…
When weeks of torturing Zay doesn’t turn him into the perfect pup, D/M switches tactics. He improves Zay’s living conditions, letting him spend more time with Cammy, and employing more traditional grooming techniques, which yield some interesting results. It’s chilling to watch as the dynamic changes between the three men, and how brilliantly D/M orchestrates it all.
The ending of Gilded Cages is spectacular, and R. Phoenix leaves us with something to think about. What does it take to be happy, to get what we need? And what really is freedom? The debt and worries of life are just another cage we each live in. Maybe a life free from all that might not be so bad…?
*Just a note. R. Phoenix has mentioned she is working on a sequel, so fingers crossed we won’t have to wait long to find out what’s in store for these three. And while you’re waiting, be sure to check out the free bonus chapter available from Prolific Works. https://claims.prolificworks.com/publ...
November 22, 2019
**Taps microphone**
**Screams into the void**
NON-CON, rape, humiliation, puppy play, age play, kidnapping, and I'm sure I'm missing a ton of other content warnings.
Now that we got that out of the way...
The first book I've ever read from R. Phoenix was Want which was a painful DNF. If you read my review it might look like the DNF was because of the age play, but it actually wasn't. God knows I can read almost anything if the writing is good (I'm looking at you Claustrophilia). "Want" lacked in character development and emotional depth, in making me connect with the characters and plot. It was simplistic, many reactions didn't make sense and the dialogue needed work.
We-he-he-ll, Gilded Cages is another thing completely.
The author really stepped up her writing game, giving us 3 characters so different and unique that I couldn't stop reading about. It might sound a simple story at first, but it felt much more than that to me. It's a book about psychological conditioning, manipulation and dubious submission, written so well, that I wasn't even bothered by those damn diapers.
*clap-clap-clap-clap*
Can't believe Amazon almost removed this one from their site. It's not even that dark--or, my sense of depravity has gone to hell-- but It needs to be said it's NOT for everyone.
I wish this could have been a 5 stars book but it felt like it ended just when the story was getting started. It needed at least a couple more chapters to feel complete.
I had fun reading, then had fun talking to Moony, Jan and Shile about it, and I think I'm going to re-read it again soon. If someone ever asks me if I know a good puppy and age play book I'll say search no further.
Ah, the dark books, I've been missing them this year. Thank you R. Phoenix for this one.
**Screams into the void**
NON-CON, rape, humiliation, puppy play, age play, kidnapping, and I'm sure I'm missing a ton of other content warnings.
Now that we got that out of the way...
The first book I've ever read from R. Phoenix was Want which was a painful DNF. If you read my review it might look like the DNF was because of the age play, but it actually wasn't. God knows I can read almost anything if the writing is good (I'm looking at you Claustrophilia). "Want" lacked in character development and emotional depth, in making me connect with the characters and plot. It was simplistic, many reactions didn't make sense and the dialogue needed work.
We-he-he-ll, Gilded Cages is another thing completely.
The author really stepped up her writing game, giving us 3 characters so different and unique that I couldn't stop reading about. It might sound a simple story at first, but it felt much more than that to me. It's a book about psychological conditioning, manipulation and dubious submission, written so well, that I wasn't even bothered by those damn diapers.
*clap-clap-clap-clap*
Can't believe Amazon almost removed this one from their site. It's not even that dark--or, my sense of depravity has gone to hell-- but It needs to be said it's NOT for everyone.
I wish this could have been a 5 stars book but it felt like it ended just when the story was getting started. It needed at least a couple more chapters to feel complete.
I had fun reading, then had fun talking to Moony, Jan and Shile about it, and I think I'm going to re-read it again soon. If someone ever asks me if I know a good puppy and age play book I'll say search no further.
Ah, the dark books, I've been missing them this year. Thank you R. Phoenix for this one.
November 11, 2019
Um. Hi.
So, don’t read this if you don’t like reading about fucked-up situations. I feel like I’ve started one or fourteen reviews with that sentiment. But... if you’re okay with sordid content, this one rather exceeded my expectations.
The writing was really good. I bought the characters and the evolution of the story, and I felt solidly invested in what was going to happen. I can’t tell you that I was always happy or satisfied with what did happen, but I can live with that as long as I can BUY it. And I could, dammit.
If you’re strictly a SSC RACK* reader, move along. Nothing to see here.
There was a bit of room for improvement, but on the whole, it is difficult to find books in the depraved realm that are developed as well as this one. For the few who can stomach the content, it’s a strong recommend from me and satan.
Note: I read the version that I purchased from Smashwords after Amazon banned this one initially. I don’t know how the version that’s currently available is different, how/if it was altered in order to make Amazon not fucking censor it. GRRR.
*Safe, Sane, and Consensual / Risk-Aware Consensual Kink
So, don’t read this if you don’t like reading about fucked-up situations. I feel like I’ve started one or fourteen reviews with that sentiment. But... if you’re okay with sordid content, this one rather exceeded my expectations.
The writing was really good. I bought the characters and the evolution of the story, and I felt solidly invested in what was going to happen. I can’t tell you that I was always happy or satisfied with what did happen, but I can live with that as long as I can BUY it. And I could, dammit.
If you’re strictly a SSC RACK* reader, move along. Nothing to see here.
There was a bit of room for improvement, but on the whole, it is difficult to find books in the depraved realm that are developed as well as this one. For the few who can stomach the content, it’s a strong recommend from me and satan.
Note: I read the version that I purchased from Smashwords after Amazon banned this one initially. I don’t know how the version that’s currently available is different, how/if it was altered in order to make Amazon not fucking censor it. GRRR.
*Safe, Sane, and Consensual / Risk-Aware Consensual Kink
June 7, 2022
tw: rape, sex slavery, claustrophobic tendencies
sometimes i just wanna smack myself for all these reads i keep on stumbling on. before venturing to the land of mm romances, rick riordan, jk rowling, and jenny han were my jam. even morgan matson too. i was this somehow innocent reader with sparkling eyes and now i'm different. this book is downright vile. and i just can't stop reading it from start to finish. i feel like i was hypnotized by it that even though each chapter is triggering and depressing i couldn't take my eyes away from it. in here, we follow three main cast: daddy (we didn't even knew his name), cammy (conditioned to be a little forever so age play), and zay (bought to be their puppy so obviously puppy play). love how r phoenix writing was simple but very compelling. you could feel the emotions in it especially in those chapters narrated by zay. as for the romance? none. but i think there is a potential to have one in the next book but even if it didn't it will still be justified for me. they need fucking therapy.
I can't help but wish he hadn't touched anyone else since he'd taken me in, but he's taught me that men have desires. Boys aren't meant to take care of their own needs, but men... Men need release.
sometimes i just wanna smack myself for all these reads i keep on stumbling on. before venturing to the land of mm romances, rick riordan, jk rowling, and jenny han were my jam. even morgan matson too. i was this somehow innocent reader with sparkling eyes and now i'm different. this book is downright vile. and i just can't stop reading it from start to finish. i feel like i was hypnotized by it that even though each chapter is triggering and depressing i couldn't take my eyes away from it. in here, we follow three main cast: daddy (we didn't even knew his name), cammy (conditioned to be a little forever so age play), and zay (bought to be their puppy so obviously puppy play). love how r phoenix writing was simple but very compelling. you could feel the emotions in it especially in those chapters narrated by zay. as for the romance? none. but i think there is a potential to have one in the next book but even if it didn't it will still be justified for me. they need fucking therapy.
March 6, 2021
What did I just read & why couldn’t I put it down??!!
Wow!
Talk about pushing limits!
To titillate you, R. Phoenix includes:
Capture-prisoner
Age play
Puppy play
Non-con
Stockholm syndrome
Water sports—not water polo 😉💦
Bondage
Cages
Love
Need
And a beautiful final scene that will get your rocks off—ahem, or so I’ve heard!
Be prepared...
to hate & not hate Daddy/Master
to feel sorry for/want to slap Cammy
to want to see just how deep Zay will fall/fly
My rec? Read through the list and venture forth!
Wow!
Talk about pushing limits!
To titillate you, R. Phoenix includes:
Capture-prisoner
Age play
Puppy play
Non-con
Stockholm syndrome
Water sports—not water polo 😉💦
Bondage
Cages
Love
Need
And a beautiful final scene that will get your rocks off—ahem, or so I’ve heard!
Be prepared...
to hate & not hate Daddy/Master
to feel sorry for/want to slap Cammy
to want to see just how deep Zay will fall/fly
My rec? Read through the list and venture forth!
October 20, 2019
Holy shit...this book is my new favorite thing. The story opens from the perspective of Cammy, a traumatized young man who's been rescued (I use that term loosely) by a man known only as "Daddy." Daddy doesn't want his baby boy to be lonely, and Daddy has needs that fall outside the realm of what Cammy can do.
It's not your typical Stockholm Syndrome/kidnapping narrative by any means. It's in the same vein as R. Phoenix's The Beast's Beauty and The Beauty's Beast (both of which I enjoyed immensely), but this really takes the cake. I love how the characters' motives are both a) complex, and b) believable.
For starters, there's "Daddy." I was enthralled by the twisted dynamic between the three characters. Here's hoping for a sequel! I'm not ready to say good-bye to these boys!
It's not your typical Stockholm Syndrome/kidnapping narrative by any means. It's in the same vein as R. Phoenix's The Beast's Beauty and The Beauty's Beast (both of which I enjoyed immensely), but this really takes the cake. I love how the characters' motives are both a) complex, and b) believable.
For starters, there's "Daddy." I was enthralled by the twisted dynamic between the three characters. Here's hoping for a sequel! I'm not ready to say good-bye to these boys!
Read
November 11, 2019Me while reading = 😳😳😳😳
Needless to say, I skimmed quite a bit and have to say this wasn’t for me.
No rating.
Needless to say, I skimmed quite a bit and have to say this wasn’t for me.
No rating.
January 20, 2020
Well that was pretty intense ! Found this on the 2010 MM awards - top3 in kink - well hello, certainly was the right category. Not sure I loved the characters but I can appreciate the intensity.
August 17, 2020
3.5 Stars
I read this on a whim after it popped up in my newsfeed and boy, was it a ride.
First and foremost, this is NOT a romance. I repeat - NOT a romance. Do not go into this expecting a happy ending somehow and sunshine and butterflies. Gilded Cages is extremely dark, twisted, and fucked-up. The story consists of some heavy BDSM, non-consent, abuse, psychological manipulation, and a psychopath "Daddy". If you don't want to or cannot read disturbing content, this is not the book for you.
My heart broke for Zay. The author did a great job of letting the reader understand why he made the choices he did, even though it wasn't what he wanted at all. They also somehow managed to make Cammy a sympathetic character, with his story being slowly revealed. It goes without saying but "Daddy" was a sadistic asshole and I hated him. There's a lot of kink, most of it non-consensual and some hard scenes to read. The violence wasn't on the same level as something like Waiting in the Throes or Stealing Innocents but was still difficult to read.
I took off half a star because the ending felt abrupt and lackluster. It wasn't a cliffhanger by any means but the story didn't feel complete either. I would love it if the author decided to write a sequel and either delve deeper with Stockholm syndrome or somehow give these poor characters a happy ending.
ETA: This is actually a series. I wasn't aware of that when I read the first book.
Series:
Book 1: Gilded Cages →3.5 Stars
Book 2: Tarnished Cages → 3 Stars
I read this on a whim after it popped up in my newsfeed and boy, was it a ride.
First and foremost, this is NOT a romance. I repeat - NOT a romance. Do not go into this expecting a happy ending somehow and sunshine and butterflies. Gilded Cages is extremely dark, twisted, and fucked-up. The story consists of some heavy BDSM, non-consent, abuse, psychological manipulation, and a psychopath "Daddy". If you don't want to or cannot read disturbing content, this is not the book for you.
My heart broke for Zay. The author did a great job of letting the reader understand why he made the choices he did, even though it wasn't what he wanted at all. They also somehow managed to make Cammy a sympathetic character, with his story being slowly revealed. It goes without saying but "Daddy" was a sadistic asshole and I hated him. There's a lot of kink, most of it non-consensual and some hard scenes to read. The violence wasn't on the same level as something like Waiting in the Throes or Stealing Innocents but was still difficult to read.
I took off half a star because the ending felt abrupt and lackluster. It wasn't a cliffhanger by any means but the story didn't feel complete either. I would love it if the author decided to write a sequel and either delve deeper with Stockholm syndrome or somehow give these poor characters a happy ending.
ETA: This is actually a series. I wasn't aware of that when I read the first book.
Series:
Book 1: Gilded Cages →3.5 Stars
Book 2: Tarnished Cages → 3 Stars
May 16, 2022
i know this is dark and not a romance at all but i haven’t laughed so much in ages.
every time i thought that daddy is nuts because he has a tiny dick i just can’t stop laughing.
every time i thought that daddy is nuts because he has a tiny dick i just can’t stop laughing.
November 18, 2019
4.5 stars - It’s been a while since I read a good dark slavery/non-con story, and this one packs a double whammy. One aspect is Cammy, who was apparently saved from his abusive family by Daddy and who now lives solely as a little/boy for Daddy to take care of. While some aspects of his life took some getting used to (diapers, bottles, etc., for example), he has come to embrace his role as Daddy’s baby boy. Cammy sees Daddy as his savior and a beacon of light in what was otherwise a very dark life. Cammy’s biggest problem these days is loneliness while Daddy is working, so Daddy decides to get a puppy.
Of course, it isn’t a real puppy, but another man, which at first causes Cammy some distress over having to share Daddy’s affections. But Daddy needs other things that he can’t or doesn’t want to have with Cammy, such as being rougher sexually. As much as I felt bad for Cammy, even though he is happy with his life, it is tenfold for Zay, who finds himself forced into puppy mode after being bought from human traffickers/slave traders. He was kidnapped from his life that seemed to be on track and has little choice but to obey with whatever anyone wants to do with him. Daddy makes it clear he has no choice right from the get go and is a very different person with Zay than the one he shows Cammy. Not only does Daddy make it near impossible for Zay to make any attempt at getting away, the threats are real and punishments are harsh and not hesitated to be carried out.
Zay tries to keep his mind together and focused on getting away. Unfortunately, he is losing that ability little by little as he is forced to do things and be exactly what Daddy expects, all for the sweet, naive and mostly innocent Cammy. Zay and Cammy’s bond seems to be growing, but with Cammy being practically smitten with Daddy, the chance of an ally seems slim. Alternatively, if they did get away, what kind of life would Cammy actually have when he cannot do the basest things for himself? Then there is the issue of Zay’s own body betraying him. Things will be much better if he just obeys, which he is finding out to be true. It is all quite the mindfuck, and I wasn’t quite ready to see this story end where it did. Thankfully, it seems there is a sequel in the works, as I’m really looking forward to seeing how this all plays out for everyone involved. If you can handle the age play stuff (and yes, I had more trouble with that than the non/con), and like dark stories with slavery aspects, be sure to give this one a go.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Read
May 1, 2023DNF @45%. So I learned that puppy kink and extreme age play are not my thing😂. Plus add in a kidnapping and lots of dub-con/non-con and humiliation kink (which I usually like but didn’t here), and you’ve got yourself quite a wild ride.
March 5, 2023
Do I love reading about new kinks? YES! Do I love smut with barely any fucking? NO! Was I bored out of my mind …… YES 😭 this book is like one LONG first act, a rushed middle, and a nonexistent finale. The sex was stale, and the characters were all soooo fucking underdeveloped. What passes for “story” here is laughable. The dynamics of the characters are woefully unexplored; for a story that is told from Zay and Cammy’s perspective, I was completely bewildered by how the two BARELY even interacted. No tension—no drama: just a bunch of tedious noncon bullshit that went in circles and didn’t reach the depths of darkness and humiliation I suspected it would. A book this kinky has no excuse being this tedious. It just kept building toward nothing; It’s all foreplay and no climax. Booooo. 😪
November 6, 2019
The story is similar to the author's The Beast's Beauty books. Isaiah (Zay) has been kidnapped and sold and now has been bought by Daddy as a puppy for his boy Cammy. Cammy and his Daddy seem to be in a consensual, loving Daddy/little relationship (as an aside this was my first exposure to age play/ABDL and it was a good introduction, but I'm still on the fence about reading more of this kink in the future) but Daddy wants Cammy to have a puppy to keep him company during Cammy's lonely days at home while Daddy is out working.
Cammy is unsure about the situation, but he desperately wants to have someone to keep him company. If only Zay would listen to Daddy, Cammy knows he'd come to like staying with them. Isaiah is quickly aware that he has a slim chance of escaping the situation (a fact he is constantly reminded about by the sadistic man who makes him call him Master) but he also has feelings of protectiveness over Cammy almost from the start. Isaiah isn't going to just give in to what his Master wants, but as time goes on the inevitability of the situation weighs stronger on him.
I liked having the story told from both Cammy and Isaiah's points of view. Cammy's past with Daddy comes out slowly. The dynamics are all twisted, but there is an undeniable bonding between Isaiah and Cammy. The story did keep me on the edge of my seat and broke my heart so many times.
This is not a romance, not a HEA/HFN. This is a dark story, full-on non-con, physical and psychological abuse and brainwashing with some Stockholm Syndrome. There is an abrupt ending, but the author is working on a sequel and I'll be looking out for it.
Cammy is unsure about the situation, but he desperately wants to have someone to keep him company. If only Zay would listen to Daddy, Cammy knows he'd come to like staying with them. Isaiah is quickly aware that he has a slim chance of escaping the situation (a fact he is constantly reminded about by the sadistic man who makes him call him Master) but he also has feelings of protectiveness over Cammy almost from the start. Isaiah isn't going to just give in to what his Master wants, but as time goes on the inevitability of the situation weighs stronger on him.
I liked having the story told from both Cammy and Isaiah's points of view. Cammy's past with Daddy comes out slowly. The dynamics are all twisted, but there is an undeniable bonding between Isaiah and Cammy. The story did keep me on the edge of my seat and broke my heart so many times.
This is not a romance, not a HEA/HFN. This is a dark story, full-on non-con, physical and psychological abuse and brainwashing with some Stockholm Syndrome. There is an abrupt ending, but the author is working on a sequel and I'll be looking out for it.
August 1, 2020
Emotive and captivating psychological erotica. Love the strong noncon-dubcon BDSM element. Master and subs are in extreme TPE relationship.
This book brought me two of my favourite D/S play, Ageplay and Puppy Play. On top of that, the icing is that sinfully delicious noncon-dubcon element. The readers also get glimpses of the sadist and masochist mind and understand what makes them tick.
It is SO sweet watching the master bending his new slave to the way he was him to be and watching that new boy struggling between giving in or rebelling saving himself from breaking down completely. I just love it when they don't throw in the towel too soon. Best still, not at all.
There is also the presence of Stockholm Syndrome, especially displayed by that thoroughly brainwashed Cammy, the baby boy of that devious master. That boy is not a willing participant of the prevented desire of his lover/master from the beginning. Right now, he is the best little baby boy for his master after years of 'conditioning'. Moments of freedom where he gets pull-ups and walks on his two feet within the compound of his home/cage is the highest mercy his so-called lover would grant him from time to time, provided he earns it with his total submission.
Everything and every moment of this book is heaven to me except for an out-of-character, and over-the-top incident which I doubt the puppy boy has the kind of trigger or motivation to carry out that bleak and extreme way of finding freedom. Sure there are some not so brilliant writing issues but, I am biased to the fabulous story. It feeds my desire and fantasy.
To sum it up, this is dark stuff here, please enter with care. Get ready for some good mindfuck. You really do not need to be too wary as the darkness is mainly on a psychological level than a physical one. So nope, no mindless torture of the flesh or the so-called torture-porn, only torture of the mind *devious grin*. Nonetheless, the S in me feels so gratified reading this gem. Really my cup of tea, a strong cup of tea the way I like it. Thank you so much for this.
*Reviewed on August 1, 2020
April 1, 2023
What a fucked up story! Really mind fuck. The list of trigger warnings is long: abuse- conditioning- rape- little/ daddy- dom/ sub/ pet (not play, all time dog)- sadist- Stockholm syndrome- sex trafficking - Deprivation of liberty- diapers- humiliation- bdsm and so on and so on. The worst: it could be real. On my way to the second and i hope at least Zay gets free
November 24, 2019
Wha....???
Is that the end?!? Why do I feel like there should be more than was provided? I don’t feel like the story has ended! It wasn’t even a HFN 😟
I don’t know what I expected but it certainly wasn’t THAT. As all other reviewers have mentioned, it’s certainly a dark story. I think it softened at the end but it definitely wasn’t tender. I can’t believe it ended where it did! I need more!
This is more of a 3.5 stars for me but I rounded it down because it feels like I’ve been left hanging. The author captured the different feelings and realities of Cammy and Zay perfectly. Such a stark difference. It’s rather eerie in contrast.
Anyways, I’m hoping for a sequel of sorts. Hopefully. Because it can’t have been the end! 😫
Is that the end?!? Why do I feel like there should be more than was provided? I don’t feel like the story has ended! It wasn’t even a HFN 😟
I don’t know what I expected but it certainly wasn’t THAT. As all other reviewers have mentioned, it’s certainly a dark story. I think it softened at the end but it definitely wasn’t tender. I can’t believe it ended where it did! I need more!
This is more of a 3.5 stars for me but I rounded it down because it feels like I’ve been left hanging. The author captured the different feelings and realities of Cammy and Zay perfectly. Such a stark difference. It’s rather eerie in contrast.
Anyways, I’m hoping for a sequel of sorts. Hopefully. Because it can’t have been the end! 😫
December 21, 2019
Christ was this good
Good lord, where do I even start? I guess with the obvious and that is, this is dark. I mean very dark. There is no HEA, no hope for a HFN, and this should definitely not be classified as romance because this was no love story. It is just a dark, twisted MM erotic tale. And I loved every second of it.
I truly don't know what to say about this piece because I defiantly think you should go in blind to truly experience it. As long you know you're not going to leave with a cute little happy book. But if you want a little more background I will say there is a lot to unpack here but I will do my best.
First, I loved the characters. Every single one of them. Cammy was cute and innocent and oh how my heart ached for him. Zay was human and real which I really appreciated. I think oftentimes with books like this the captive loses what makes them human. They stop having natural human reactions and actions so a romance can develop. No such happens here because again this is not a romance. Zay stays human (or as human as he can be with someone forcing him to be a pup). And human reactions to a situations like this are survival. He is 100% in survival mode. Even as that survival instinct tells him the only way to survive is the get out. His character was beautifully done.
Then there is our nameless Daddy/ Master. Oh, how I love this mysterious man. He is a twisted psychotic gem. Not a psychopath, because he does care about Cammy and Zay in a way. But he definitely wouldn't bomb the test either if you know what I mean.
Second, or finally, I guess, this story, that has kidnap and stock home syndrome, is respectful to the lifestyle. Effing what!? How!? I know but hear me out. Everything, from the age play to the puppy play, is explained so well. Plus there is aftercare. AFTERCARE! This isn't torture porn or fake alpha dominance. It's real D/s. Yes, the situation isn't healthy but the BDSM happening is.
I loved this book and it is definitely going to stick with me for a minute. If you like dark MM, read it. If not, there's other books out there. But for me and my jush, 5 stars. God, I love this woman.
Good lord, where do I even start? I guess with the obvious and that is, this is dark. I mean very dark. There is no HEA, no hope for a HFN, and this should definitely not be classified as romance because this was no love story. It is just a dark, twisted MM erotic tale. And I loved every second of it.
I truly don't know what to say about this piece because I defiantly think you should go in blind to truly experience it. As long you know you're not going to leave with a cute little happy book. But if you want a little more background I will say there is a lot to unpack here but I will do my best.
First, I loved the characters. Every single one of them. Cammy was cute and innocent and oh how my heart ached for him. Zay was human and real which I really appreciated. I think oftentimes with books like this the captive loses what makes them human. They stop having natural human reactions and actions so a romance can develop. No such happens here because again this is not a romance. Zay stays human (or as human as he can be with someone forcing him to be a pup). And human reactions to a situations like this are survival. He is 100% in survival mode. Even as that survival instinct tells him the only way to survive is the get out. His character was beautifully done.
Then there is our nameless Daddy/ Master. Oh, how I love this mysterious man. He is a twisted psychotic gem. Not a psychopath, because he does care about Cammy and Zay in a way. But he definitely wouldn't bomb the test either if you know what I mean.
Second, or finally, I guess, this story, that has kidnap and stock home syndrome, is respectful to the lifestyle. Effing what!? How!? I know but hear me out. Everything, from the age play to the puppy play, is explained so well. Plus there is aftercare. AFTERCARE! This isn't torture porn or fake alpha dominance. It's real D/s. Yes, the situation isn't healthy but the BDSM happening is.
I loved this book and it is definitely going to stick with me for a minute. If you like dark MM, read it. If not, there's other books out there. But for me and my jush, 5 stars. God, I love this woman.
October 21, 2019
Gilded Cages by R. Phoenix is a dark tale that draws you in and takes you on a journey into a twisted but intriguing situation.
We have three main characters in this story that we get to hear from. Daddy/Master, who is the kinky villain who holds the other two captive in order to create his own private fantasy. Then there is Cammy, a traumatized young man held under Daddy's control for years now.... molded into a boy, a tiny... wearing diapers, being dependent and falling into the trap of Stockholm Syndrome. And Finally we have Zay, who is kidnapped and sold to Daddy/Master to become their Pup... caught between wanting to escape and wondering why his body is reacting the way it is to the punishments and treatment.
This story has a lot of dark themes, and yet it captures your interest and keeps you reading. It's very well written, and told mainly from the point of view of Cammy and Zay but does provide a little sneak peek into Daddy/Master's mind, as well. Definitely recommended reading for fans of R Phoenix or for those who love the twisted themes, the broken characters, the dark scenes... the hurt that doesnt get ordinary comfort.
We have three main characters in this story that we get to hear from. Daddy/Master, who is the kinky villain who holds the other two captive in order to create his own private fantasy. Then there is Cammy, a traumatized young man held under Daddy's control for years now.... molded into a boy, a tiny... wearing diapers, being dependent and falling into the trap of Stockholm Syndrome. And Finally we have Zay, who is kidnapped and sold to Daddy/Master to become their Pup... caught between wanting to escape and wondering why his body is reacting the way it is to the punishments and treatment.
This story has a lot of dark themes, and yet it captures your interest and keeps you reading. It's very well written, and told mainly from the point of view of Cammy and Zay but does provide a little sneak peek into Daddy/Master's mind, as well. Definitely recommended reading for fans of R Phoenix or for those who love the twisted themes, the broken characters, the dark scenes... the hurt that doesnt get ordinary comfort.
January 29, 2020
This lone star is only for the way the story flows, the grammar and stuff, but the rest of the book is pure abuse.
SPOILERS
I have read a lot of bdsm, ageplay and the like, but I have never felt so uneasy in all those stories. The bdsm scene is all about consent and there is NO CONSENT WHATSOEVER in this story. It’s manipulation, abuse, blackmail, rape, force and I did not find it hot, in not one scene of them all. Even the care ‘Daddy’ showed was only when Cammy/Zay did what Daddy asked of them, setting boundaries and talking about important stuff or even a safeword weren’t there (would’ve been pretty ridiculous they had one because of the whole kidnapping thing). It really was disgusting how Daddy took advantage of them and talked himself out of feeling bad about what he did by excusing it as ‘saving them from an even worse situation’. The only thing I liked was Cammy giving Zay a kiss. The rest was all heartache and anger and the thought that this book is a real bad representation of how the bdsm lifestyle really is and that people who read this for their first introductory book to bdsm get a very wrong idea about it all.
SPOILERS
I have read a lot of bdsm, ageplay and the like, but I have never felt so uneasy in all those stories. The bdsm scene is all about consent and there is NO CONSENT WHATSOEVER in this story. It’s manipulation, abuse, blackmail, rape, force and I did not find it hot, in not one scene of them all. Even the care ‘Daddy’ showed was only when Cammy/Zay did what Daddy asked of them, setting boundaries and talking about important stuff or even a safeword weren’t there (would’ve been pretty ridiculous they had one because of the whole kidnapping thing). It really was disgusting how Daddy took advantage of them and talked himself out of feeling bad about what he did by excusing it as ‘saving them from an even worse situation’. The only thing I liked was Cammy giving Zay a kiss. The rest was all heartache and anger and the thought that this book is a real bad representation of how the bdsm lifestyle really is and that people who read this for their first introductory book to bdsm get a very wrong idea about it all.
February 21, 2020
WAAY better than I expected!
As the headline states, this book was WAAY better than I expected! I was worried it was going to bother me - disturb me, even - but it didn't! I freaking loved this book! I couldn't put it down! I love Cammy and Zay! I just want to take care of both of them! I have to say that I'm not - will I ever be - a fan of Daddy/Master. That man's got some serious issues, but it also doesn't surprise me that he has this Savior complex. I mean, he's a surgeon, and they're known for having God complexes, but it's more than that at the same time. I admit that I was fully prepared not to like this book, but reading the excerpts posted on Facebook, and I found myself getting more and more into it with every one. Now, I'm hooked, and I proudly say that I don't care. R. Phoenix has created a world that you can't help but be drawn hopelessly into. And once she's got her hooks into you, you'll never want to leave.
As the headline states, this book was WAAY better than I expected! I was worried it was going to bother me - disturb me, even - but it didn't! I freaking loved this book! I couldn't put it down! I love Cammy and Zay! I just want to take care of both of them! I have to say that I'm not - will I ever be - a fan of Daddy/Master. That man's got some serious issues, but it also doesn't surprise me that he has this Savior complex. I mean, he's a surgeon, and they're known for having God complexes, but it's more than that at the same time. I admit that I was fully prepared not to like this book, but reading the excerpts posted on Facebook, and I found myself getting more and more into it with every one. Now, I'm hooked, and I proudly say that I don't care. R. Phoenix has created a world that you can't help but be drawn hopelessly into. And once she's got her hooks into you, you'll never want to leave.
April 16, 2023
Oh boy..R Phoenix certainly knows how to write dark..Daddy wants a pup for his boy Cammy and what he gets is Zay...This is a heartbreakingly great read...Cammy loves his daddy but Zay hates his new master....Taken from his life he now has to cope with learning how to be a pup..There's some hard scenes..One especially but in his way it's a beautiful book..You will feel for Zay and Cam...Cam loves his Daddy and doesn't really see that what he's doing is wrong..I'd love to see more from these three with maybe Zay becoming comfortable if he can.....A must read x
July 24, 2023
This book is....dark. At first, I wasn't sure what to think of this, and I had to take some time to figure out how to give this one a review that it deserves. I still haven't found the right words for this dark, twisted book. Yet....it's soooo good I want more books like this. Loved it.
Read
September 14, 2022Disturbing. So much psychological trauma here. Feeling a distinct need to bleach my brain now. I enjoy a dark read every so often but I like them to end happily and this does not. In fact the ending is really sudden and book 2 immediately starts which *****spoiler********************************************
also doesn’t end in a HEA. If I’d known going into this first book that would be the case I wouldn’t have started it. I don’t mind slogging through some dark scenes if all the pain ends up to be worth it but without that I just feel depressed at the end of the book.
*****spoiler********************************************
If the 2nd book had them escaping and finding freedom or the Master dying I’d probably be rating this fairly high as I think the author has done a good job of writing an absolute mindfuck of an experience and some really deep psychological trauma. It makes me sad to think of this happening in the real world though.
also doesn’t end in a HEA. If I’d known going into this first book that would be the case I wouldn’t have started it. I don’t mind slogging through some dark scenes if all the pain ends up to be worth it but without that I just feel depressed at the end of the book.
*****spoiler********************************************
If the 2nd book had them escaping and finding freedom or the Master dying I’d probably be rating this fairly high as I think the author has done a good job of writing an absolute mindfuck of an experience and some really deep psychological trauma. It makes me sad to think of this happening in the real world though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
I feel like...the story starting to pull back on the yoke of the plane. we were flying up up up...then we coasted and stayed there. It became..comfortable with no turbulance. Then, the story ended.
So does this make a story bad? no, it does not. But I also feel like there wasn't really any climax to the story. No rise to fall off the cliff to make your heart race or get excited about what's to come.
it was just...what it was once the duo became a trio.
Then, feelings started to plateau and that was it. We coasted to the end.
I don't know.
I appreciate the author's bravery in the story content itself. How it was brought about, how it was portrayed. But again....was there an actual climax to the story? (no pun intended).
*I rank this book 3.75 rounded to 4. This book is about almost ivory on my darkness scale.
So does this make a story bad? no, it does not. But I also feel like there wasn't really any climax to the story. No rise to fall off the cliff to make your heart race or get excited about what's to come.
it was just...what it was once the duo became a trio.
Then, feelings started to plateau and that was it. We coasted to the end.
I don't know.
I appreciate the author's bravery in the story content itself. How it was brought about, how it was portrayed. But again....was there an actual climax to the story? (no pun intended).
*I rank this book 3.75 rounded to 4. This book is about almost ivory on my darkness scale.
October 22, 2019
I read this last night but I don’t know how I feel about it. It was insanely disturbing.
I suck at writing reviews and I don’t want to spoiler anyone with this one. I honestly don’t know what to say...except that I started it last night and finished it last night. It’s disturbing but I had to see how it was going to end.
Did I like it? I still don’t know. It has an aspect of the “Age-Play” thing that I do not care for: the Little aspect...but this book clarified some misconceptions that even I had about this kink. It’s still not my thing at all, but I’m beginning to maybe understand it better.
Anyways, I rather read books that disturb me than reading books that are just meh, so I guess I liked this one.
I suck at writing reviews and I don’t want to spoiler anyone with this one. I honestly don’t know what to say...except that I started it last night and finished it last night. It’s disturbing but I had to see how it was going to end.
Did I like it? I still don’t know. It has an aspect of the “Age-Play” thing that I do not care for: the Little aspect...but this book clarified some misconceptions that even I had about this kink. It’s still not my thing at all, but I’m beginning to maybe understand it better.
Anyways, I rather read books that disturb me than reading books that are just meh, so I guess I liked this one.
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