Danielle Bannister

Danielle is a new author to me, and this book did not disappoint. Danielle keeps you on the edge of the seat, turning the pages to see what happens next. Amanda has had a really hard life, which hasn't been kind to her. She has left her abusive boyfriend and is couch surfing with her friend and looking for a job. When she finds an ad for an apartment within her budget with the money she has available, she fills out an application. When she gets there, she thinks the price must be wrong since it's a new apartment building under construction. Her landlord to be Connor, advises her that's because the construction is still going on, but it might rise at a later date. Amanda follows him to check out the apartment and is impressed with the apartment and the security. Amanda is about to find to her detriment Connor is not what he seems, and it is all a trap.
If you love a fast-paced read with suspense and some hotness, you will enjoy this. There may be some triggers for people in this book. Therefore heed the author's warnings. This book ends on a huge cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next.… (mere)

Oh my wow! I was completely engaged in this story from the moment I picked it up and by the time we get about three quarters through I couldn't read fast enough! I was devastated when I got to the end as I need more. I was happy to find out that we will indeed get more of these characters that I have grown to love, even the ones we are not supposed to! I will definitely be checking out more books by this author, as the writing style is so gripping, that even stories about dark topics leaves you engrossed and wanting more.… (mere)

This book had me on edge as to whether or not I wanted to keep reading, but I am glad I did. Danielle Bannister tastefully handled the topics of human trafficking, domestic abuse, rape and Stockholm Syndrome. I found myself turning each page, eager to find out what happens next. Amanda is fresh out of a bad relationship where she was abused mentally and physically. She had a hard time growing up with a bad father before being placed in the system. When the couch she's been sleeping on is no longer available, she seeks out a rental unit she can try to afford. Amanda responds to an ad that seems too good to be true. The rental manager, Connor Brooks, is extremely attractive looking and easy to talk to. Amanda looks at the unit, knowing there is a catch to the low rent, and Connor tells her he will give her time to look over the contract and think it through. It's not until after Connor leaves that Amanda realizes there is no contract, all the furniture is bolted to the ground, and the front door is locked with a thumbprint scanner. She's been locked in a cage as a "pet" to be sold off to the highest paying buyer. Connor abuses the pets he has to break them into compliance. He lines up a buyer he has been itching to sell a pet to for years, Malcolm Luxx. This could be the break Amanda is looking for, as she recognizes Malcolm as a kid she grew up with. All the while, Amanda is realizing she's physically attracted to Connor and is having some of the best sexual experiences of her life with her captor. The Cage does end on a cliffhanger, but I am thoroughly looking forward to the second book, the Safehouse. Like with any dark romance book, I recommend all to read trigger warnings first. I found myself liking one male character and hating the other, which is pushing my hopes for the second book's plot. I am curious to see how this will play out!… (mere)