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Songbird #2

Songbird Caged

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COMPLETED SERIES AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

I made a choice.
I made a promise.
A promise to wait six months.

It should be easy … but it’s not.

I’ve uncovered secrets and lies. Now, I’ve questioned the commitment we made to each other.
The distance between us grew, and cracks in the relationship started to show.

Only one person could fill the void…my best friend.

He encouraged me to follow my heart. I want to follow my heart.

When my life was threatened, he was there to support me. But he was battling demons of his own, threatening to tear him away from the life he built.
He needs me as much as I need him.

I made a promise.
I made a choice … but was it the right one?

414 pages

First published April 12, 2014

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About the author

Lisa Edward

10 books552 followers
While Lisa Edward has called Melbourne Australia home for her entire life, she has lived and worked in England, and travelled through most parts of Europe and the United States.

She loves nothing more than spending time with her beautiful daughter, or curling up into the early hours of the morning with a great novel.

Her deep appreciation for literature was nurtured from a young age, being taught to respect books and get lost in their stories. She enjoys reading honest and realistic novels that are relatable, thought provoking and leave a lasting impression.

She can’t write without music playing, using the emotions from different songs to invoke that of her characters.

Lisa takes inspiration from her own life experiences, the people around her and those she has met in her travels.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Edward.
Author 10 books552 followers
January 3, 2020
I can't wait for everyone to follow Tara, Riley and Cole's journey in book 2, Songbird Caged!
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews421 followers
April 15, 2014
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Woah. Just when things were seeing some clarity, Lisa Edward manages to shake things up once again!

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I mean, I for one am not a fan of love triangles but the Songbird Trilogy has managed to be one of the few exceptions I’ve managed to actually LOVE!

Songbird Caged starts off right where Songbird left off: with Riley leaving on tour and Tara promising to wait for him.

But… of course, with Cole, our sexy bad boy rocker carrying a torch for her and an undescribable magnetism always pulling them together, we all know what his ensues: DRAMA!

Man, there was so much drama and confusion all over this book!

I felt bad for Tara and yet I didn’t. She made a promise to marry Riley and yet she harbors feelings for Cole. What the hell, girl?!

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At times I thought, “why did she agree to Riley’s proposal?”, or “Is she just clinging to Riley because he’s ‘safe’ whereas Cole was an ex-manwhore who could completely break her?”.

It was kind of frustrating to say the least.

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I mean, while I do LOVE and ADORE Riley, and even though he’s not physically present throughout this read, I just don’t believe that he’s meant to be with Tara and I think he knows it too.

As for Cole, well, he has his moments and his not so great moments. Cole has never been in love before so when he falls for Tara everything is so raw and new for him that he doesn’t know how to handle his actions or emotions since the object of his affections is engaged to another man.

What will become of these three lovers? How will it end? Who will Tara choose in the end?!

Gah, I can't fricken' wait! Way to leave a cliffhanger Lisa!! It made my mouth drop!

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*An ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!*
Profile Image for Monica James.
Author 42 books2,697 followers
April 16, 2014
Lisa Edward is a master storyteller. Her talented vision, combined with her flawless writing, sets a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the second book in The Songbird Trilogy, Songbird Caged.

The characters are so real, so raw, I found myself getting lost in their world, forgetting about the 'real world.'

This novel is beautifully written with engaging characters and a plot that has you wanting more and more.

Bring on book 3!!


Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,817 reviews317 followers
April 22, 2014
Songbird Caged (Songbird #2) by Lisa Edward
4.5 stars!!

“Yes, there are two paths you can go by,
but in the long run
There’s still time to change the road you’re on.” Stairway to Heaven – Led Zepplin


This is going to have to be a short but sweet review. It would be a travesty to say too much and spoil it, but this one certainly runs you through a gamut of emotions. I have always been #teamRiley and although I totally and utterly adore him, after reading this book my allegiances are wavering. This by no way means I think any less of Riley but after seeing the friendship blossom between Tara and Cole even I have to admit they may just be the “better fit.” Arggggggghhhhhhhhhh I can’t believe I just typed that…I must erase that sentence…I must, I must, I must…

Songbird Caged starts off where Songbird finished. Riley is absent for this entire book as he is in the army. This leaves Tara with a lot of time on her hands to reflect and also be lonely. Tara has always valued her friendship with Cole, none more so than now and when life throws shit at you, it is your friends that you need and in Riley’s absence, that falls to Cole.

It was great to see more of Cole and by see more, I mean “the real Cole,” there is a lot more there than meets the eye and Tara and Cole have a lot more in common than I ever thought. I do feel that they are incredibly well suited, Cole has made it blatantly obvious that he will do whatever he can to ensure that he and Tara become one, but he also respects the promise that Tara made to Riley, even if he doesn’t agree with it. As much as it pains me to say this, I do think they are soul mates, they have this undeniable connection that Tara will never have with Riley. It makes you question everything you read and believed in Songbird.

“I saw you two together tonight; I mean really saw you together, for the first time. You are so alike in so many ways, it’s scary. You finish each other’s sentences, you laugh at the same silly jokes that aren’t really funny…” – Kelli

Tara promised to wait the six months for Riley, but it is during his absence that Tara starts to analyse everything, they are so different but she can’t deny the chemistry that they have, but is that all it is? Things happen and with Riley stuck in some war torn country there is not a lot he can do about it, Tara makes decisions without him that he doesn’t necessarily agree with, but Tara wants to move on, she needs something to occupy her time. I did think that Riley was a bit old fashioned in some ways, especially about the man being the provider but he needs to get over that and let Tara do something for herself. However, the way that Tara handled it did have me angry and I felt so sorry for Riley being stuck where he was and not being able to be there for her when he obviously wanted to.

This is one of those love triangles where I am at the stage that I don’t really mind who she ends up with. It is funny as usually you have a clear front runner in your head, but both of these guys are really nice guys, so you can’t actually hate one. I am now more believing of “lust” with Riley and “love” with Cole, but whether Tara will actually see that I don’t know. I really am torn and that is certainly a novelty.

There is one particular moment that I could have killed Cole, sometimes the “douche” stills comes to the surface at the most inopportune moment. I could see why, but what he did was so uncalled for. I didn’t think he could come back from that but Lisa managed to persuade me, again!

So, I am on the fence, it is painful (they have spikes you know!) As much as I want her to be with Riley, I can’t deny that she should be with Cole. However, if that is the way the story goes in Songbird Freed, then Riley better get a happy ever after. My biggest torment is that Riley truly believes that he has found his soul mate in Tara, he loves her totally and unconditionally and I really don’t want to see him get hurt, to the point where I wished death upon him. Thinking about it though, I wonder if Lisa can write ménage?

Oh one more thing…#teamPops! So freakin adorable and so cheeky, I love him! The video…gahhhhhh the video!

“Cole, for goodness sake, tell her how you feel before it’s too late.”
“You came to see me…told me you had met someone special…your eyes met, and you felt like you couldn’t breathe, but you’d also never felt so alive.”
“live your life with Cole, and make every second count.”


A fab instalment to what is becoming an amazing trilogy, I cannot wait for book 3 and I really truly need it now! I can’t wait to see what way this is going to go, I just know that the rest of the journey is going to kill me.

www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for Reanell Tisdale.
533 reviews185 followers
May 1, 2014
3.75 kept on my toes stars!

I was a little unsure how I wanted to rate this based on some issues I had. I can't really address those issues without giving away huge spoilers....one thing I will say is there is a love triangle! Even more than Songbird.

So Songbird Caged picks up where Songbird left off. The girls are sad that men got deployed for 6 months, and Kelli moves back to Melbourne to be closer to Tara. Only Tara has an issue with her hot water tank so Mr. Hotbod Cole invites them to stay with him until if gets fixed.

And this is where my frustration starts. She is engaged to Riley but moves in and sleeps cuddled on the couch with Cole every night. Doesn't seem like she thinks too much about Riley's feelings. She spends nearly all her time with Cole and becomes attached. She keeps saying they can only be friends, but yet pushes the friends boundaries so many times I got whiplash.

I really liked Riley for her, but Cole "spoke" to me more and I connected with his character. So I was rooting for Cole, but felt sorry that Riley was deployed and Tara was practically in a relationship with Cole. The only contact she had with Riley was a couple letters and one Skpe call, and that was just after a steamy moment with Cole.

Then disaster strikes. It's a huge event in the book, and causes things to become less clear as to what will lay ahead for Tara. She's confused and doesn't know which end is up. I would not want to be in her position at all!!

What I loved about the book:
1. Cole. That man is sex on a fucking stick. Some of the things he does for Tara blows my mind!

2. The writing was really good and I was able to connect to the characters.

3. The angst. Oh, god the anticipation of "what happens next" was so good. I wanted to skim ahead just to see what would happen. I didn't of course ;)

4. The masterbation scene. Holy motherfucking shit that was fucking amazing.

My only issues was really how little restraint she showed to Cole while being engaged to Riley. This is a story that not everyone will like. But my thoughts are, it truly is a good story! If you can look past the "almost cheating...really it's cheating" parts to the book.

Now about the ending. What the Hell Lisa!!! Why must you damage me so?! I am going to be dying wanting to know what the hell is going to happen now!!
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,481 reviews174 followers
April 22, 2014
Songbird Caged is an amazing amazing just simply AMAZING read! To say that I love it is an understatement. I have to say that Lisa Edward has manage to do what few authors have and that is to bring me a sleepless night thinking about the characters and where things were going and where they went and the ending good God almighty women I threw my kindle on the bed in tears like what the holy mother lover of all cliff hangers but I did not care because I was on such a roller coaster ride I could not get enough!

Tara has made a promise to Riley a promise quite frankly I don't know if I could do it but she made a promise to wait for him until he is back from his tour duty. Okay sounds easy but she is lonely and there is so much going on that she soon finds herself needing someone. And yes if you are following this series like a stalker well like me you know we have a bad boy that I would love to have my way with because he is so bad and does what he wants and who he wants until he sees someone he wants and can't have her.

That bad boy is Cole and I love him to pieces. I love a love triangle that makes you squirm in your seat and has you so unsure of who to root for man I have to say that this is it because I love love Riley to pieces but dam did Lisa have me rooting for Cole and that sultry voice! This is such an amazing series that will leave you speechless and breathless and have you rooting for all three before you know it.

Lisa I need book three like ASAP like are to breathe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Laura.
304 reviews15 followers
November 7, 2014
Ah the tension in this book was enough to drive me mad. I was engrossed from the start as opposed to book one which took me a bit to warm up to. I love Cole I really do. I'd like to know the secret that pru's family has on his that he has to marry her or they'll tell. I knew Riley wouldn't stay away with a third book I the works. But her poor friend! Getting that news when she's got the little peanut devastating! One tiny thing that bothered me was Tara's insistence on just being friends and she couldn't cheat on Riley. Well sorry my dear the whole book you were "cheating" on him even if you didn't do the deed. Can't wait to dive into the last book. I'm hoping she goes with the man I choose for her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Liz Lawson.
723 reviews29 followers
May 3, 2014
Poor Cole loves Tara and she loves him but tries to keep him at a distance because she's promised to wait for Riley. OMG what a cliffhanger. Poor Cole, will he win her heart, poor Riley, will he be the loser. Tara wants her cake and to eat it.
Profile Image for Shanean.
169 reviews21 followers
April 24, 2014
Am I allowed to give 10 star ratings, because this book is 10 star worthy.

I feel like I was given a huge gooey chocolate cake. Deliciously sinful and oh so good. I knew just two chapters in that I had found a real treasure in the reading world. Songbird Caged isn't just a book that holds your interest it’s a book that demands your attention. I couldn’t stop turning the pages if I wanted to and believe me I DID NOT want to stop. Tara’s emotional rollercoaster of a life was one I was more than willing to continue on.

So lets get down to it:
Tara is such a strong willed, kind hearted and incredibly loyal character. Her relationship and situation in life really had me thinking if I could do the same as her and hold on or give in to temptation. The entire story had me right there alongside her with my mind and heart in overdrive. I kept yelling “go for it kiss him” but then she did the honorable thing. This of course made me want to strangle her and hug her at the same time. I was so torn between Cole and Riley that I couldn’t even make up my mind. I wanted to hate one of them or maybe like one a little less then the other but I couldn’t and it just made the book that much more of an emotional read for me. Then author Lisa Edward made me cry and cry and cry some more. WOW!!! My poor heart and brain just could not get it together.

I love when a book can really mess me up like this. It not only means that I have connected with the characters of the book on a deep emotional level but that the author really put her heart and soul into her work to make it perfect. And to me this book is perfection. Yummy perfection!!!

So needless to say, this book left me with more than one sleepless night. I am still thinking about that ending."Oh the ending"!!!! I just knew this wasn't the end for these three and I can’t wait to see what is next for Tara, Riley an Cole.

So author Lisa Edward are you ready for a new stalking reader??? I kind of need book 3 like RIGHT NOW!!!
Profile Image for Karen Harper.
383 reviews
April 6, 2015
I have a confession to make. I’ve changed teams and even though I still love Ryleigh, I am now Team Cole.
If you read my read my review for Songbird, the first book in the Songbird Trilogy, you would realise that I was looking forward to reading Songbird Caged. However, I was not prepared for how much I LOVED this book! I didn’t think it was possible, but it was better than the first book.
BTW, if you haven’t read Songbird then you need to read this book before reading Songbird Caged. * Spoiler alert coming * At the end of Songbird, Ryleigh had to leave with his Special Forces Unit to undertake a top secret mission to rescue a very important person in Afghanistan.
In Songbird Caged, Lisa Edward continues Tara’s journey but this journey is not an easy one. It is full of detours and bumps while riding a roller coaster of emotions. And, I’m not just talking about Tara. I was on that roller coaster with her. There were a few times I even exclaimed aloud and received strange looks from my son.
I’m finding it hard to express just how much I loved this book. All the characters from Songbird are back, but there are also a few more, most of which I hated. But whoever they were, they played a very important part in Tara and Cole’s story.
I can’t finish this review without commenting on the best non-sex scene I have ever read. It was extremely hot! The real ones were, too.
I really wish that I could give Songbird Caged 10 stars, but since I can’t, I’ll have to settle for 5 AMAZING stars.

Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
115 reviews123 followers
April 21, 2014
I love and hate Lisa Edward. Yea I said that and it’s the truth and only those who have read this exceptional book will understand why. First off Lisa is an amazing writer. She has a way with words that is simply beautiful. She makes you fall in love with the characters, but alas here is where the problem lies. I fell in love with both Riley and Cole. How can I decide. I began Songbird Caged fully team Riley. I spoke in great lengths about my anger over the prospect of a potential love triangle. Damn Lisa put me through the ringer but she did it in such a way that I am now madly in love with Cole. Allainces have switched…..TEAM COLE! This book was brilliant. It had everything I need in a book, drama, angst, and a swoon worthy man…..simple perfection. My heart broke so many times and just when I though it was finally healing ….BAM…the cliffhanger! There are not enough words to say how much I truly loved this book, I read it in one day! Could not put it down and then almost throw my kindle when it was over, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW! I need to know who she ends up with, Do you take bribes????
Profile Image for Melissa.
60 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2014
Some stories are meant to be told. Some characters are meant to be heard. Some people are meant to write .

From the very first time I read it , from the very first book in this series, I knew this to be true.

Songbird Caged to me is the perfect representation of the heartbreaking fact that you can Love someone with all your heart yet be IN LOVE with someone else. That there is an invisible yet tangible connection that draws and links certain people that defies all reason.

Tara is faced with the reality of honouring a promise to a man she LOVES whilst fighting the temptation of the man she is IN LOVE with.

This book truly encompasses EVERYTHING that I love in a book. The character's with amazing dialogue; connection that is perfectly and masterfully established through talented writing that forcefully made me live this story; it was steamy, OH BOY WAS IT HOT; but above all was the clarity in which this story was told.

I can not wait to see how this story unfolds and I will gladly take a front row seat in the journey of Tara, Cole and Riley .


Profile Image for Jessica.
810 reviews20 followers
August 19, 2016
It's hard to write anything about this book without spoiling it. However I will try. I LOVED that we finally got to know Cole much better. I kept wanting more of him in Songbird and my wishes came true. We got to meethis family and the important people in his life. I got a better understanding of who he is and why he acts like he does. I loved him with Tara and their chemistry is just amazing. Tara had alot to think about in this book (not only in the romance department) and in many ways she frustrated me. But considering her situation I also could see where she came from. I can't wait to see how this series concludes. Songbird Caged brings the heartache, the angst, the joy, the hotness and also some frustration, just like I want it. :)
Profile Image for Claudine Van.
716 reviews23 followers
July 9, 2014
OMG!!! What a ride this book was, I laughed I cried and I swooned. I absolutely loved the characters in this book, the story is amazing the heroin has become so strong and she loved so deep it was so wonderful to see that her previous relationship did not hold her back from life and love. BUT how conflicted I was with these to wonderful males, Cole and Riley both hold my heart I feel so conflicted as to who to cheer for my heart goes out to both of them but especially Tara her decisions where so hard to make. And now the mother of all cliffhangers!!! I am so going out of my mind having to wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
40 reviews14 followers
Read
June 9, 2014
I just stumbled upon Songbird and I can say this is one of my best reads of 2014. Loved it so much I immediately bought the 2nd one and just finished it, it was even better than the first. The chemistry between Cole and Tara was beautifully written. When Tara cried in Paris I truly felt her pain and cried right along with her. I cannot wait to see where you take Tara in the next book:)
Profile Image for Cori.
295 reviews19 followers
October 15, 2014
I am absolutely in love with this series!!! Blown me away thus far. Both Cole and Tara are so hot together! The hotel in Paris... Wow! And now that they are finally together.. So happy for the both of them.... But the ending?! Seriously.... What are you doing Lisa?!?!? Come on Oct. 28th!
Profile Image for Nancy.
606 reviews10 followers
March 21, 2015
Stayed up all night reading this one. Wow! Smoking hot book. Cole is just amazing. Sorry, Team Riley, he just can't compare to Cole. Although his Paris shenanigans were abhorrent, he was hurt and retaliating. I could totally forgive him. On to book 3!
Profile Image for Melanie Charlesworth.
171 reviews24 followers
September 12, 2016
... when I was with him it felt so right, as if it were always meant to be. - Tara

Songbird Caged is amazing! I loved it! It is written in Tara's POV, like book 1, Songbird. If you haven't read Songbird yet, you need to read that before reading Songbird Caged. This review may contain spoilers from book 1, so you may want to stop reading if you haven't read it yet.

Songbird was all about Tara finding herself and falling in love with Riley, whom I really liked most of the time and other times made we wonder who the real Riley was. In the center of Tara rediscovering herself, she rekindled her love for music and began playing piano and singing at Songbirds. That is where Cole comes in... My first impression of Cole was that he was a hot-as-hell-and-knows-it-man-whore and big trouble for Tara. She was very attracted to him but she didn't want to be another notch on his bed post, so she didn't put much weight to his flirtations. Tara needs someone stable so she lets herself fall in love with Riley.... Riley, Riley, Riley (as I shake my head) he had me until he got caught in the lie of helping Rebecca. Songbird ends with Riley showing up at Tara's saying he only have a few hours because he was getting shipped out on secret military assignment and he asked her to marry him. Tara agreed and promised to wait him.

I had to remind myself that I was engaged to someone else, as the song came to its end and Cole sang about loving you like never before. I could feel myself falling for him a little more every day. It was worrying, but it also gave me those nervous butterflies that were so exhilarating. - Tara

Songbird Caged picks up where Songbird left off. Tara alone and missing Riley. To fill her time, she works her day job and works and sings at Songbirds. Since Cole and Tara had already been writing music together, they started to hang out more - just as friends. But there was this pull, this magnetism that was getting extremely difficult for Tara to resist. She could not deny that she was attracted to him. Then, she sees a side of him that none of their friends know about. A side that he does not like but Tara completely understands.

"You’re always there. You’re the one constant in my life. The one thing I can always rely on when everything else turns to shit. Without you, my music is incomplete.” - Tara

Cole becomes Tara's rock. Her best friend. and in the process finds herself forgetting what Riley looks like but she is determined to stay faithful to her commitment to Riley.

“You’re my exception to every belief I’ve ever had as far as relationships go. I let my mum and Prue walk all over me because it was easier than fighting it every step of the way. But I have something worth fighting for now—at least I hope I do. I have never met anyone like you, Tara. You break every one of my rules, and what I find really surprising is I like the fact that you break them. I enjoy just hanging out with you. I look forward to seeing you, and miss you when you’re not around. I think about you all the time. I just want to be with you. I feel like a piece of me is missing when you’re not beside me. I know you’ll probably find it hard to trust me at first, but believe me when I say I don’t want anyone but you.” - Cole

I am so in love with Cole! The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger but someone told me about it so I had anticipated it, so it didn't upset me. I will be stalking Lisa Edward to get writing so I can find out who Tara ends up with (Team Cole!). Lisa, if you are reading this - she better choose Cole! LOL
Profile Image for Toni FGMAMTC.
1,986 reviews21 followers
April 8, 2016
First off, I have got to say that I couldn't put this book down. I started it one day and finished it in the middle of the night, read straight through.

This series centers around a love triangle. I do like Riley. He's a great guy, but I just don't feel a connection between Tara and Riley like I do between Tara and Cole.
"I saw you two together tonight; I mean really saw you together, for the first time. You are so alike in so many ways, it's scary. You finish each other's sentences, you laugh at the same silly jokes that aren't really funny."


Book one was mostly Riley, and this book was mostly Cole.

I love Cole (and so does everyone else).
"Ah! It's about Cole isn't it?" He fanned himself. "He is like a god, that man. The most perfect body I have ever seen. And those eyes! What a shame he's straight." He leaned in to me and raised his eyebrows. "Or is it a shame?"
"This is Cole. He's my advisor, sounding-board and motivator. He provides my sanity. I couldn't do any of this without him."

There are so many ups and downs in this story. It's not just a love triangle. There are so many extenuating circumstances and devious characters involved. Every time things began to run a little more smoothly, something else would be thrown into the mix. I would be thinking one way, but then something would happen and change my mind. I think if Tara and Cole can just be mature and keep everyone else out of their lives, they would be great together. I think Riley and Tara have potential, but they aren't really made for each other.

The book ends in a CH, leaving a lot of questions unanswered. I don't believe we have seen how important some of the secondary characters are yet. Also, I don't know if we know which direction the hearts and minds of the main three are going to go. Everyone is being pulled in different directions. The future seems very uncertain for several reasons.

I'm eagerly awaiting the release of book 3! (And I'm hoping Lisa Edward writes in a few a-kicking scenes for a select group of characters.)




***ARC was given by author for an honest review***



toni









full review can be found at http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Profile Image for Finley Sawyer.
Author 5 books11 followers
April 26, 2014
6 Incredible stars!!!!
HOLY CRAP! Can I rate a book a zillion stars? Please? Because I was completely blown away!!! WOW! Just wow! You asked for more Cole, and my god did you get him. Each and every delicious inch of him! "Songbird Caged" is hands down my favorite book of 2014 so far. I am officially TEAM COLE all the way!!!!! I was in love with Riley in Songbird, but completely drawn to and intrigued by Cole. Well, now I can say I am officially and undeniably in love with a fictional character (which I didn't even know was possible to do). I have read a couple series with love triangles which I LOVED, but this one has def topped them all! I was actually surprised at how little Riley was in the book, but it worked very well. And all you team Riley people, don't you worry… just because he is not around much in this book does not mean he is out of the picture.

The story picks up where "Songbird" left off. Tara and Riley are engaged, and Riley has been deployed overseas, and will be there for 6 months. While Riley is gone this is when you start to see the most incredible side of Cole, and he begins to show his true colors from the inside. Him and Tara have become the best of friends, and with Riley being away Cole really helps to keep Tara's spirits uplifted. For once, you see him put someone else above himself. You begin to see just how deep his feelings for Tara have grown. The more time that passes, and the more time she spends with Cole, Tara finds herself battling with such intense feelings for him.. as well as her love for Riley. Wanting to keep her promise to Riley and wait for him, she continues to try and push Cole away… but that proves to be absolutely impossible as these two have such an immensely strong pull towards each other.

"You have the most tempting lips," he whispered, still fixated on my mouth. "One day, you're going to let me kiss them."

"I wanted to taste his lips but I knew if I kissed him, it wouldn't stop there."

The sexual tension was at an all time high. You could feel the electricity jump out from the pages and shock you straight to your soul. Emotions ran wild throughout the entire book, and things you did not expect to see happen, happened. Just when you thought you had it all figured out, you were thrown through a loop and were left picking your jaw up off the floor. When I reached the end I was left wanting to pull my hair out and screaming at the walls all sorts of obscenities. How could Lisa leave the story off like that. Talk about an insane cliffhanger! That was soooooo not fair. It has been days since I finished reading this story, and I am still suffering from the absolute worst book hangover of my life.
I. NEED. BOOK. 3. NOWWWWW!!!!!

Lisa Edwards is beyond amazing! She has the ability to turn simple words into a beautiful and intricate piece of art. The images she is able to create using black and white letters easily turn into the most vibrant and colorful pictures, and you can't help but get lost in the amazing stories which she creates. She is one author everyone should keep their eyes on because she is definitely going places with her incredible talent.
Profile Image for Marlene.
419 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2016
4 Solid Stars!

Songbird Caged picks up where the first book, Songbird leaves off. We continue to see Tara struggle with the feelings she has for both Riley and Cole. She is deeply in love with two men. Two very different men! While Songbird focused on Tara and Riley’s romance, this installment shifts the focus to the building relationship between Tara and Cole.

Riley remains a strong force in Tara’s life, even from thousands of miles away. He has faith that Tara will honor her promise to wait for him to return. His notes left behind in his apartment and letters he sends to her prove his love and remind us of the sweet, romantic man she fell in love with. His letters also show us that he may not be the perfect, supportive man we all thought he was…

While Riley is off fighting for our country, her feelings for Cole, her ‘Best Friend’, continue to grow. Cole becomes her emotional rock which leads them into dangerous and tempting territory. I find Tara to be very selfish through much of this book. How can she believe that her actions while her fiancé is away are honorable or acceptable?

Cole continues to be painted as the womanizer that everyone has always known him to be. However, his feelings for Tara find him making life changes and decisions that shock even himself. This book shows us how romantic, caring and supportive Cole can really be. I know from reading several reviews from the first installment that many do not like Cole. I myself am madly in love with him! He believes he has found ‘The One’ and he is willing to wait as long as it takes for her to see that he is ‘The One’ for her. Has he changed so much that he has become the perfect man? Not by a long shot! He makes mistakes, including a huge one that had the potential to lose Tara forever….

When tragedy strikes someone close to her, Tara realizes that life cannot stand still. She knows that she must make a life altering decision and choose to move forward. At this point in the book, I begin to warm up to Tara again. Do I still think she is selfish? Yes, but she realizes at this point that she can’t hold onto both men. She really can’t have it all.

As this installment begins to wrap up, we are rewarded with the happily ever after that we all love. Oh, wait….BAM! Surprise! It’s far from over. Tara is hit with shocking news that is sure to turn her world upside again. Now what will she do? And now we wait for the conclusion….

As I stated in my review of Songbird, the writing is very well done. I find Lisa Edward to have a smooth, consistent and easy to follow writing style. I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys romance, angst and even a little frustration at times. This was another hit for me and I will be anxiously waiting for the third and final installment.

*This review was also submitted to and posted by Mackable Book Babes Blog.


Profile Image for Katherine.
168 reviews
April 28, 2014

4.5 Cole STARS!!!



I really don’t think I could have liked Songbird Caged more than I have. I truly was at full throttled in it from page one. No, scratch that, I had a weekend marathon starting with Songbird (book 1) and once I finished it I did not blink before starting on Songbird Caged. And I could not for the life of me put it down. I was hooked and I wanted nothing more than to devour every single word, and soak in every emotion the characters were feeling.

Songbird Caged picks up right from where Songbird (#1) left off. Riley leaves a distraught Tara with the promise she will wait for him to come back in six months, but little does she know how heavy the weight of that promise and the engagement ring will be on her.

Tara and Cole keep up the friendship and flirting, but they become closer and closer through the days, the weeks, months. Ok I have to get it off my chest: How is it possible that Tara can’t see Cole’s true intensions and feelings towards her? It was obvious to me and anyone even in Songbird.

Songbird was more about Tara and Riley, but Songbird Caged is about Tara and Cole. Even though in Songbird Riley is the ‘main guy’ I was always drawn to Cole, and I found him better suited for Tara. Don’t get me wrong I liked Riley, but I didn’t feel connected to him, nor did I really grasp him, hence get to know him. In Songbird Cage he is absent so it didn’t help that he just felt like a background character.

Songbird Caged is where Cole really gets to shine in his totality and it is painful to see what a great couple he and Tara are, but she fights it to no end. I wanted to slap her until she realized he is the one for her.

Cole is, well in a few words SWOON-WORTHY, the way his actions revolve around Tara. The way he so rawly feels about her, and wants nothing more than to take care of her and make her happy. But through his frustration and hurt for not being able to have her he does pretty stupid things too. Nevertheless I still rooted for him.

There were a few things I felt were hard to believe being as the day and age we are living in, and the culture the characters are from, and not to mention a particular characters way of living and personality to be somewhat manipulated and forced to be in a certain situation. (I’m being vague to not give anything away)

I had a feeling how things would end so I wasn’t surprised when I got to the end and yep a cliffhanger was there waiting with an evil grin. All I could do was hope that Songbird Freed will not take too long to come out because I’m really invested in this series and VERY much wanting MORE Cole and l want him to get his HEA.

“You need to get a bigger apartment. All those elephants you’re collecting…”~Cole

Love Me Some Cole <3

Awesome engaging read. I NEED book 3 NOW!!!!
April 22, 2014
So this book is just a whole huge roller coaster of emotions. Now that we have all become invested in these friendships and relationships they are all put to the test in this book.

Tara and Riley are engaged but he is gone for 6 months , maybe more or maybe less , she has promised to wait for him despite them only being back together for a matter of weeks. They are in love and n either wants to be without the other. It may seem this will be Tara's biggest hurdle in the story but that is not true.

Kelli and Cooper are also engaged and pregnant. Split apart for the same amount for time as Tara and Riley. Kelli is used to this but now being pregnant will pose a whole new issue during the time apart. Tara will fill in for Cooper and be there for Kelli but with Kelli preoccupied with sickness who will be there for Tara.

Cole has begun to change and as much as his presence irritated and sexually frustrated everyone including Tara in book 1 he has now become her savior and best friend. This is not accepted easily by any of their mutual friends but they do not seem to care and they are determined to prove they can be friends despite the lust and love everyone can see between them. Cole is such a great guy and his emotions are just so raw and real in this book I was blown away. You meet so many different sides of Cole in this story and that alone is worth the read !!

Apartment issues lead Kelli and Tara to stay at Cole's and this starts the whole discovery of the "other" Cole or new Cole. Tara is determined to wait for Riley and will not cheat with Cole regardless of how hard he tries. Cole does respect the boundaries but Tara is very very loose with them. She actually drives me crazy , she tortures herself and Cole over and over to prove a point and in the end it only hurts everyone. I love to watch their friendship blossom into this love but at the same time i feel so guilty knowing Riley is off fighting for the country.

We discover many secrets about Cole and his family and Tara is determined to help Cole escape the ways of his mother , doing this leads her to realize how much she really does care for Cole. Tragedy begins to strike all over the map, bad things happen in 3's and that is very true in this book. Through the devastation Cole , Tara and Kelli come to realize life is too short to not be happy. Choices are made and just when it feels like there is a ray of light....BOOM....a phone call ends it all....

I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also have to mention that the sexual frustration in this book is almost as hot as the actual sex !! What a story and what a mass of emotions. Tara has driven me crazy and i can only imagine what book 3 will be like !!
Profile Image for Romancerwblog.
327 reviews15 followers
April 21, 2014
4.5 out of 5 stars

If you have not read Songbird by Lisa Edward you need to stop reading this review immediately and go one click it. There are spoilers from the first book in this review and trust me you don't want to spoil this!

Since you better have read the first book, you already know that Tara is engaged to Riley and is trying to wait 6 months for his return from a top secret special ops mission. She has no idea where is or what he is facing everyday. As as have said before, I like Riley, I really do, but I just don't think he is the one for Tara. She is a girl that has come out of an abusive relationship and has some self esteem issues, she needs someone to be with her whenever she needs them not once every few weeks or months. I know he is a soldier, and I am not knocking that at all. I just don't think everyone is cut out to be a military wife. I couldn't do it for sure. That being said, Riley is not physically in the book a lot except for a few glimpses while he is away but he plays a huge part in the novel. He really ticks me off with his controlling attitude at times too. He isn't there and Tara can't wait for weeks to get a letter to make a decision sometimes!

Cole is well, Cole. He is supportive and has a ton in common with Tara. They both come from wealthy families, but don't really care about the money. They both adore music and are very talented musicians and they are drawn to each other like crazy. The sexual tension between these 2 characters is unreal. I love that Cole calls Tara on her BS and never gives up hope that one day she will realize he is the one for her. He does a few really stupid things, but overall, I think that they are justified. And he is hot, like crazy hot. And he is one of the sweetest, kindest, romantic book boyfriends I have ever read. Team Cole all the way. ;)

As much as I love Tara, she completely pisses me off sometimes. I wanted to slap her to make her wake up a few times! I'm not condoning cheating, however, I think she should have realized who was right for her and made a decision instead of stringing them both along. But alas, what would the book be if it were that easy! :)

Without giving the book away, somethings happen while Riley is away and just when you think Tara and her man (not saying which one!) are on their way to a HEA, the rug is pulled out from under you and you are just left waiting and cursing Lisa Edward until Songbird Freed is released in the Fall. Really? Can't you type faster?? I am dying to find out what happens!

http://romancerewind.blogspot.com/201...
Profile Image for Books&Dreams.
575 reviews
April 24, 2014
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I gave this book 5 stars.
This is book two in the Songbird series and cannot be read as a standalone.

This is Riley, Tara and Cole's story.

This leaves off where book one ended, Riley is going on leave and can't tell Tara where he is going. He will be gone for 6 mths and he asks her to marry him and to wait for him. She says yes. So in the beginning of this book Riley is gone, and Tara has to learn to live without talking to him everyday and spending time with him. She in turns leans on Cole her best friend to get through it. Cole is so in love with Tara and will take anything he can get from her. That includes being just her friend and helping her deal with Riley being gone anyway that he can.
The relationship between Cole and Tara continues to grow through out the story.
Their bond becomes stronger and stronger and Cole seems to surprise her with everything that he does for her. She doesn't want to cheat on Riley, she has made a commitment to him to wait for him and that is what she intends to do, but Cole is making that very hard on her and before she knows it she is in love with two men. What is she going to do and how is she going to handle this? Is she going to stay true to Riley and wait for him like she said or is she going to give into Cole and trust that he won't turn back into the womanizer that he was before he started hanging out with her?

This book was just as good as the first one in this series, but it was more about Tara and Cole and not so much Riley. So if you were a Riley fan in the beginning and where rooting for him to be with Tara, I think once you read this one you might change your mind a bit and start rooting for Cole. He is an amazing and beautiful and his heart is just what Tara needs. I love Riley but after reading this book I became a Cole fan to the end. I don't think that you can sway me back either. I do love Riley, but I don't think that Riley is the best person for Tara. That does break my heart because they're too great, amazing men but two totally different men. I usually hate love triangles but there is a exception to everything and this would be mine. I loved this story and I cannot wait to see how it ends in the next final book. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Profile Image for Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads.
566 reviews99 followers
April 26, 2014


“Cole, for goodness sake, tell her how you feel before it’s too late.”
“You came to see me…told me you had met someone special…your eyes met, and you felt like you couldn’t breathe, but you’d also never felt so alive.”
“live your life with Cole, and make every second count.”


Hello my name is Bree, I am a wife, mother, blogger and addict. I am addicted to Cole, Riley and Tara. Geesh!! I laughed! I cried.. (Oh how I cried!)

So awhile back we got this book for a blog tour by Lisa Edwards. Songbird. I recall thinking wow I loved the cover. It drew me in and made me want to know what was behind the pages. I read Songbird and I was trapped like a fly in the web. I have been patiently waiting since for book two. (If you missed what I am trying to say. Read BOOK 1!)

Now that we have cleared that up..

Let me say right now- book two does not disappoint.

All it managed to do and quite nicely was make me want more. Now.. Like RIGHT this second. Book two jumps right back in feet first! I am a goner. Cole slays me. He makes me want to sing songs and worship at his feet. He is alpha male 100% but with something special you just don't get all the time.

Riley.. Well come on. He is a soldier, he is caring and kind. I am captivated by his kindness but then I just have to say something is always off for me with Riley. No matter how good, how wonderful. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Then sometimes this book has me wanting to split my heart and soul and half. Smack down the middle people and stay on both sides.

Riley? Cole? Who?? I am more confused than Tara!

Wow - wow - wow! Emotions and wreckage of the heart. Should I? Shouldn't I? So many questions and let's be honest most of the time Tara stays mostly confused. She is up and down. She made promises, and she plans on keeping them. I want to scream from the top of my lungs what I think should happen and needs to happen. I however will not give anymore away. This book has drama and love triangles on lock down and angst - angst - angst! Delicious moments of sexual tension so thick a knife would not cut it! One of the best supporting cast of characters of any series. You find yourself wrapped in them too.

Loved it! Lisa can we discuss the ending? Can you give me a heads up, a hey this is next.... Something. Please - please .. I am not ashamed of begging. I will do it! Bravo I am tied up in knots, praying Cole is on his way over!
Profile Image for Heather Carver.
587 reviews7 followers
October 1, 2014

I was dying to read this book. I loved Songbird and I couldn't wait to find out what happened with Tara, Riley and Cole. It took a lot for me to like Cole at the end of book one so I was hoping he would knock my socks off in this book, but.........
He ripe my heart out and shredded it to pieces and then stomp on it and then handed me my heart saying here I really never wanted this. (Sorry I know harsh, but that's how I felt.) This book made me feel so much and that is good!!


Tara oh Tara where do I start with you? I really liked her in Songbird, but she was very indecisive. She never should have started a relationship right away and she definitely shouldn't have accepted Riley's proposal. I feel that she played Cole throughout the book. She deserved to have Cole walk away from her, but not what he did.
I feel that she lets men treat he like crap. She has a great man away serving his country and she is shacking up with another man. Albeit as just friends or so they say. Though Riley isn't perfect he doesn't deserve her walking all over him. I do understand her not wanting to give him a Dear John letter, but then she should stay committed. Should should end with Riley? No. He deserves better. Should she end with Cole? Maybe. Because she is not a nice person. And I think her and Cole are both self entitled people and thrive on hurting others so they deserve each other.

I think I am the only person who doesn't like Cole. So I don't know what to say about him that is nice.

Riley is made to sound perfect in book one, but he has a lot of flaws. I don't know that he is the man for Tara, but he doesn't deserve what he gets. They moved their relationship way too fast and didn't know enough about each other. He shows he is very controlling in places in this book. He is set in his ways and doesn't seem to want to budge on them. I really hope he doesn't end up with Tara. I think they are both in different parts of their lives and want different things.

I would definitely recommend this series to everyone! It is so amazing when an author can make you feel like you are living in the story. Even though a lot happened that I think is unforgivable I have no choice but to give this book a 5 star!!! I have never LOVED a book and HATED it all at the same time. I only hated certain things not the whole book! Lisa I love your books and cannot wait for more!!
Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews332 followers
April 25, 2014
**JODIE'S REVIEW **

“I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. I’ve also never been more scared. “


NO WORDS LISA EDWARDS!!! Before I go any further if you haven’t read Songbird you need to stop and do that because this book cannot be read as a stand alone. I am going to be honest I wasn’t in LOVE with Book 1. But THANK YOU TINY BABY JESUS for making me read it!!! Honestly, this was everything I wanted, everything I was questioning, there was a reason and you will see. Prepare because sexual tension is something Lisa apparently loves to write and she is really good at it.

Songbird Caged is beyond better then the first book and as soon as I opened it I could not stop reading, I didn’t want to stop reading. So this book starts up where book 1 left off, Tara has promised to wait for Riley and ride off into the sunset when he returns blah, blah let me remind you I am not a Riley fan. From book 1 I never felt Riley was it for Tara. There is something about him that I just don’t agree with. Cole is where she belongs, he’s is different with her and in this book we truly see how much he has changed to prove how serious he is.

“This was the real Cole. This is the man I was hopelessly, desperately in love with.”


But, their relationship isn’t easy in this book...seriously I was trying to take Tara’s clothes off for Cole in this book. I was also ready to shake her and scream JUST TAKE COLE, TAKE HIM!!! By the end of this book I was all YES, THANK YOU and can I kiss Lisa and then it happened?!?! Lisa completely blind sided me and threw in the one thing I was hoping wouldn’t happen and DAMN IT I NEED BOOK 3!!

“I was absolutely fuming. So angry, in fact, I laughed out loud, unable to believe what I’d just read.”


I literally have no words and I am going to end up breaking my kindle if what I want doesn’t happen!! Do you see the emotions I am left with?!?! I think I need therapy and maybe a Cole of my own?!

“I want a boyfriend like that one day,” he said dreamily. “He doesn’t have a gay brother by any chance, does he?”


Or a straight one?

“No sorry, he’s an only child.”

“That’s because when they made that one, they broke the mould.”


DAMN IT isn’t that always the case!!!!
Profile Image for Witchy Richey's Booktastic Reviews.
1,097 reviews66 followers
April 15, 2014
OMG! OMG! I must have the next one, NOW! Things are so going to implode! This was wonderful!

The whole Songbird gang is back in this epic love triangle. Riley is deployed and off fighting for his counrty. Cole and Tara are still vollying back and forth, fighting thier feelings for each other.

Tara is caught in a crap storm. Cole is her soulmate in every way. They are so compatible. She vowed to Riley that she would wait for him to return and agreed to marry him. I understand why she did this, as I understand why she will not break it off with him while he is fighting for his country. BUT she knew she had feelings for Cole and agreeing to marry Riley was always her second choice. Almost as if saying that since Cole is a manwhore, she will settle for Riley cause he will be faithful and true. You always have to fight for what you want! ALWAYS!

Cole is a changed man, in some ways, he is in love with Tara and has changed his manwhore ways. He is a great friend, strong, reliable, and honest. He also has never been in an actual relationship and when his heart is broken he reacts very poorly. Cole's reaction is part of this book will anger many people and make the hate his character. We must remember that Cole is like a kid learning how to ride a bike. He will falter and fall but he will learn and change. His family has some serious secrets and he needs to grow a spine but I am curous what the future will hold.

Riley is not a physical presence in this book, but he is a great presence. I do not like how he is kind of controlling. He doesn't want any part of Tara's money, nor does he want Tara to use it. He wants them to work as partners as they should, but does not treat her as his equal. Not as bad as her previous relationship but still not great. He should be supportive and understanding, not overbearing.

This is a great second installment and I can't wait for the next book. There are twists and turns and the happy ending is far away. Sometimes when we follow our heart others hearts get stomped on in the process. All is fair in love and war. There is the love but I feel the war is about to start!
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