Fractured Flight

The Caged Bird #1

by E.L. Finley

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Dragons, Why Choose, Magic

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2026

About the author

E. L. Finley is a Midwestern author of paranormal and why choose romance. As an avid reader, E. L. Finley writes about the sassy heroines, devoted heroes, and magical shenanigans she'd like to read about. She focuses on creating characters that pull you in and crafting worlds that you never want to leave. When she isn't writing or reading, you can find E.L. Finley baking anything with chocolate, bungling home improvement projects, or binging spy shows.

Reviews

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Shifters
*Abused FMC
*Protective MMCs
*Trauma Bonding
*They fall first
*Established Harem (5)
*Slow Burn
*Book 1 / 2?
Journey of discovery 🥰
This is my first read of this authors and I can say I’m eagerly awaiting the next book and will absolutely be checking out their backlist 😄
Our FMC has a tragic backstory and she’s so endearing as she tries to find her own way in life and overcome everything she’s been through, you really feel for her and she’s believable in the way she reacts and responds to things 🥰
She has a chance encounter with strangers at different points, who coincidentally know each other, and they seem to be very familiar with her very quickly 🫣 each of the men have distinct personalities, with well thought characteristics! I’m looking forward to learning a bit about them, their backstory and that depth development in the next book!
It’s a slow burn but if fits with the trauma Lark has experienced that’s not to say there isn’t a strong connection between them 😍
There’s some shockers dropped in the last couple of chapters, especially about what she really is, and that cliffhanger is a brutal 😳 eagerly awaiting the next one!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured Flight is my first E.L. Finley book, and it was a delight! I loved reading about new lore and Finley's unique take on a popular supernatural. There was a great backstory that was revealed through flashbacks, and combined with the conversations, it really helped me get to know the characters. All of them (even Azrael) tugged at my heartstrings because none of them has had it easy. They were flawed but wonderful. I instantly and genuinely liked Lark from the very first chapter. She's broken but was unbelievably sweet. I would like to see some growth from her as the series continues. The romance was a slow burn. It's pretty clear that there is a connection, but Lark has been through a lot, and she needs time. I love how most of the guys were with her. Azrael is going to continue to be a pain for a while. He's going to need to do an unbelievable amount of groveling.


This book was classic urban fantasy. Magic mixed with modern everyday life. The story was super easy to read, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Finley was very elusive about the mystery surrounding Lark; it was a nice touch. The big reveal at the end proved my theory was correct. I loved reading Fractured Flight. However, Finley did me dirty. She dropped the mother-of-all bombs and left it on a killer cliffhanger. I'm screaming into the void! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first in series book gets you with the intrigue and emotional storyline, then reels you all the way in the 5 hot men that you know are fated mates, but the FMC, Lark, doesn’t! The backstory and world building is all that I have come to expect from this author, and the build up to the cliffhanger … well it worked because I have a book hangover and cannot wait for more.

If you love a why choose, fated mates shifter romance, urban fantasy with a dark emotional feel (PTSD, grief and ongoing trauma) but with a sense of better things to come (eventually), this is for you. Did I mention hot men, on bikes, I feel that is important 😂, and also found family with best friends, a starting over (escaping) story that has you hoping for the HEA that Lark deserves.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Cliffhanger!

5 🌟
Super grateful to LiteraryInspired and E. L. Finley for letting me get this early. Sorry for the delay!

Lark, hiding out from her family after the loss of her older sister, meets a group of guys while looking for a motorcycle. And that right there, starts this twisted, intense, multi mated grand ol time! Hal, Colt, Rook, Remy and Azrael are the men of this book. One has one of the nastiest personalities yet seems to be a big softie. Once they all figure out what's going on, it's almost too late and Lark is in immense danger from the fae! There's the CLIFFHANGER!!!! Absolutely can not wait for Book 2 to come out!

[Cheyyleigh]

Not going to rate this because I feel like I didn't read enough to do so, but writing a review so if I go try again I don't.


Dear me,
The writing was very immature. The main character repeats herself in her head enough in the first chapter you get annoyed. The beginning conversation with the love interests also feels awkward and cringey so you wanted to dip early. Don't try for the fifth time.

[Nadine K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an Honest review.

Fractured Flight is a Story about Lark and 5 men.

Lark escapes her abusive parents home and fiance. She left with her two best friends and builds her own life. While she goes out of her way to buy herself a motorcycle she meets the guys.

I don't want to spoil anything of the story but wow. Lark is strong and tried to be independent. She doesn't know what kind of shifter she is and just tried to figure out to live on her own with her abilities.

It's a strong story about lost, heartache, friendship and love.
I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one. I would definitely recommend it just like all the other books by E.L. Finley!

[Lisa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so captivating and emotional. I could feel and understand the pain, fear and hopelessness Lark experienced. I very much appreciated that Hal, Rook, Azrarel, Colt, and Remy didn’t push. They provided protection and understanding.
I seriously could not recommend this book more. Kudos to author E. L. Finley.

[Your_bookish_fantasy Kerri-louise Whitham · Rating 4 out of 5]

**🅽︎🅾︎ 🆂︎🅿︎🅾︎🅸︎🅻︎🅴︎🆁︎🆂︎**
𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- Fractured Flight

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
🗣(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5
🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶 🫑/ 5
♟️𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹- >>>💀<<<
🎃: 𝐶𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 🌑: 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑦 ⚔️: ᵒᵒᵒʰʰʰ ˢᵗᵃᵇᵇʸ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ••• 💀: 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 M̶E̶N̶U̶ 😳 -𝑖 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠!! ☠️: P͟I͟T͟C͟H͟ F͟C͟u͟K͟I͟N͟G͟ B͟L͟A͟C͟K͟!


𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
•📖# 340 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
•𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁? 1 day!
•# multi 𝗣𝗢𝗩
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- march 6th 2026
•𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? Character
•𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- THE CAGED BIRD BOOK1
•𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨?✅
•𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- med to fast
•𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? ✅
•𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)✅mental health
•𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀; 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄, 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚, 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝑖𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒚, 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒇𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑯𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌, 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈.



🚨🅲︎🅷︎🅴︎🅲︎🅺︎ 🆃︎🅷︎🅴︎ 🆃︎🆆︎!🚨


●𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤
🤩Epic Side Characters
🫦Oᴘᴘᴏsɪᴛᴇs Aᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ
👩‍❤️‍👨𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
🙅 𝕽𝖊𝖏𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘
🍭𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕪 𝕍 𝔾𝕣𝕦𝕞𝕡𝕪
🌡𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝔸𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥, 𝕋𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟
💘𝐻𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡
💈 ᗷᗩᑎTᗴᖇ
🍆𝑅𝑒𝑣 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑚
🧨𝕊𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕪 𝔽𝕄ℂ
🌕𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠


🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
What I loved most about this book was the FMC strong independent vibes! She’s a bad ass biker chick who may be on the run but she knows what she wants, what she doesn’t want and she knows her self worth!

I enjoyed the various locations and settings in the book, we get to explore the outdoors, homes and even a rally so there was a lot to keep the reader entertained.

I appreciated the variety of personalities in her mates, what I didn’t understand though is why no one ever said anything to her about the mating bond, even after she found out there was no real information offered, I’m hoping this is rectified in book 2 though. I truly loved how the shifter species was kept a surprise to the reader and hope no one blows that as it was a great added layer to the mystery and suspense of the plot!

I am very excited for book 2 and am hoping for a huge amount of steam and spice with these boys! And some revenge would be nice too! I’m waiting for the bomb shell to drop when we get a full account of her memories too.

I had a little disappointment when it came to the fated mates part, one of the adverts for the book said she was on the run and had 5 reasons to stop running, so I was expecting some scenario where she told the boys she was leaving/ moving on and they would have to come clean or at least fight for her to get her to stay. I love a good jealousy trope and though we would get that here what with the bimbos being around but again, it just wasn’t really explored-They are personal preferences though.

I really hope book 2 includes some heavy grovelling when they find out about her past treatment and her feelings of inadequacy

🧝‍♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
Ok so I love the characters and the development they show. The best friends are perfect! With a rich history and a strong connection that can’t be broken.

😥 𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕟𝕠 𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤?
It was soooo very close to 5 stars but something was just missing, there were a lot of secrets so we couldn’t get too much information but I would have liked some deeper connections, maybe some more time to get to know the boys and their hopes and dreams or a little more treasuring each other with holding hands, dates, chaste kisses. It just felt like something was missing, like being taken to the top of the rollercoaster but then stopping there. It needed just a little more to nudge it over.
My personal taste would have been jealousy, revenge, suffering, or a secret trist between just one of the boys.

⏳ 𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕚 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕?
Absolutely yes in all ways!

🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Dark and haunted past leaves so much trauma to overcome, but with such a feisty and independent FMC the reader is taken on a great ride of emotions, secrets, yearning and danger! Get this on your TBR!


𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...



IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

***********************

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lark will never be caged again. That’s the promise she made to herself when she left the gilded cage she called home, her pack, and everything she knew six months ago.

Lark learned early that survival meant pleasing everyone else. In a house ruled by impossible expectations, she became exactly what her parents wanted—soft-spoken, obedient, invisible. The only person who ever truly saw her was her older sister. She was everything Lark wasn’t allowed to be. Loud. Reckless. Wild enough for both of them.

But she made a choice that cost her everything, and Lark’s world shattered.

So she left.

A new town. A fresh start. A promise to live the life she always wanted for herself.

To prove she’s living, not just surviving, Lark decides to start riding motorcycles again and crash’s straight into them. Five men. Intense. Mysterious. Watching her like they already know her secrets. The pull is immediate—and terrifying.

Because Lark doesn’t trust herself anymore.

Her past taught her that love comes with bruises, that desire hides teeth, and that she’s terrible at telling monsters from men.

Lark swore she wouldn’t fall again. But they keep showing up. All five of them slowly chip away at her walls. They don’t demand. They don’t cage. They see her strength even when she can’t.

As Lark’s old life catches up with her and secrets are revealed; she has to make a choice. Does she stay small and safe inside the cage she knows… or risk everything for a love that might finally set her free?

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Vampires, Shifters, Magic, Caged FMC, Pack Life, Survival, Impossible Expectations, Soft-Spoken/Obedient/Invisible FMC, Loud/Reckless Older Sister of FMC, FMC on the Run, MC Riding FMC, MC Riding MMCs, 5 Intense/Mysterious MMCs, Trauma, Monsters, MMCs keep showing Up, Chip away at Walls, FMCs Old Life Returns, Why Choose, Tiger Shifter, Cheetah Shifter, Rare Dragon Shifter, Found Family, Hidden Identity, Biker/Organized Crime Vibes, Forced Proximity, Touch Her and Unalive, Fantasy, Paranormal.

Fractured Flight is the 1st book in The Caged Bird Series by E.L. Finley.

Dang, this book honestly enthralled me, gutted me, and hit me emotionally more then I could have ever expected.

As soon as I met Lark, I saw a bit of myself in her. Her emotional responses and her walls, those are mine, even in the way Lark wants to please people, the way she tries to take up as little space as possible, and trying to be invisible, I’ve done that my entire life, never wanting to take up too much space, never wanting to be seen. For me, Lark’s trauma could be seen in the way it shaped her inner dialogue.

And we end up spending a lot of time in Larks head, we feel the complete and total weight of everything the way she was brought up, the continual criticism, the burden of her survivor’s guilt, and all the “what if’s” Lark thought through her grieving process. All that emotional layer felt so real and, there were so many times, that it all felt so painfully relatable for so many people.

One of the great things that E.L. Finley did was she didn’t rush through Lark’s healing process. We see Lark’s found family, especially Cooper and Charlie, give her the stability she needs the most. And the 5 bikers, Remy, Colt, Halston, Rook, and Azrael support her, each one in their own unique and different ways – from the awkward golden-retriever energy to the deep brooding intensity to even the overprotective dominance – and each one of their differences create this interesting and unique dynamic around Lark.

The one thing that I did long for, and hopefully we will get to see this in future books, but I wanted to see more growth and healing from Lark. We see Lark healing from her trauma and grief, but I wanted to see her stepping into her own strength more – I wanted to see her defending herself more out in the open, I wanted to see her soften some of her self-criticism she’s lashed on herself so harshly.

The twist on the shifters was another brilliant element and the presence of the outside elemental threats, that added tension and set up the future drama. One of the conflicts that arose, that one conflict felt as though it could have been stretched out, this conflict felt rushed as it reached it’s resolution, but, I do have to say that it was a stunning contribution to the momentum of the storyline, the plot and the sub-plot.

E.L. Finley didn’t make this a spicy book, so if you are looking for a book that is spice driven, this isn’t the book you’re looking for or you at least need to adjust your expectations before you start this book. This book focuses more on emotional healing and building a solid relationship over the explicit spicy scenes.

Now, here is where I have to warn you, Fractured Flight does end on a cliffhanger like so many other books that are a part of a series – and I don’t say this to make you feel obligated to pick up the next book in the series – but, this cliffhanger does encourage you long to know what happens next.

If you are looking for a book that’s an emotionally centered paranormal romance focused around trauma, found family, and slowly finding yourself, rebuilding your life, healing your heart and finally letting go of your pain and letting down your walls after a devastating loss. And now, I am truly curious to see how Lark continues to see how Lark continues to grow and heal in the rest of the series.

I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. E.L. Finley has quickly become a must-read author for me. And I can’t wait to read more of her work.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Fractured Flight by E.L. Finley
Series: The Caged Bird #1

Genre: Paranormal romance | Why choose
Vibes: healing after trauma, found family, shifters, protective MMCs, slow burn connection

Sometimes freedom means learning how to live again after surviving.

Lark spent her entire life trapped in a gilded cage, molded into the perfect daughter by impossible expectations. Quiet. Obedient. Invisible. The only person who ever truly saw her was her sister, the one person brave enough to live loudly and freely.

Then everything fell apart.

Now Lark is determined to start over somewhere new and finally live the life she promised herself she would. But when she decides to reclaim a small piece of freedom by riding motorcycles again, she unexpectedly collides with five men who seem to see far more in her than she is ready to show.

And somehow… they already feel connected to her.

What makes this story so compelling:

🖤 A deeply relatable FMC struggling with people pleasing and self worth
🐺 Paranormal elements with shifters and hidden secrets
🔥 Five very different MMCs slowly breaking down her walls
💔 Trauma healing and learning to trust again
✨ Found family dynamics and protective energy

Lark’s journey is the emotional heart of the story. Watching her navigate life after everything she has endured makes her incredibly easy to root for. She is cautious, guarded, and still figuring out who she is outside of the expectations that once controlled her life.

The five men she meets each bring something different to the dynamic. Their personalities are distinct and layered, and while the attraction is immediate, the emotional development unfolds more slowly as Lark learns to trust again.

The slow burn works well here because it respects the trauma Lark has experienced. The connection is strong, but the story gives her space to grow and rediscover her strength.

And then those final chapters drop some major revelations.

Including the truth about what Lark really is.

Just be warned… this is book one, and that cliffhanger is brutal.

If you love:

🐺 Paranormal why choose romance
🖤 Protective MMC energy
✨ Trauma healing journeys
🔥 Slow burn relationship development

this one is definitely worth picking up.

💬 Do you prefer slow burn reverse harem stories, or do you like the relationships to develop faster?

#ELFinley
#FracturedFlight
#WhyChooseRomance
#ParanormalRomance
#ReverseHarem

[Mette Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This book pulled me in emotionally more than I expected.

From the beginning, I could see parts of myself in Lark — especially her people-pleasing tendencies and the way trauma shapes her inner dialogue. We spend a lot of time in her head, feeling the weight of her upbringing, the constant criticism, the survivor’s guilt, and the endless “what if” thoughts that follow grief. That emotional layer felt very real and, at times, painfully relatable.

What I appreciated most was how the story doesn’t rush her healing. Her chosen family, especially Cooper and Charlie, provide stability, and the five bikers each support her in different ways. They all have distinct personalities — from awkward golden-retriever energy to brooding intensity to overprotective dominance — and their differences create an interesting dynamic around her.

That said, I found myself wanting just a little more growth from Lark. While we clearly see her processing trauma and grief, I hoped she would step more confidently into her own strength — defend herself more openly and soften some of the harsh self-criticism. The groundwork is there, and I’m hoping that development continues in the next book.

I also enjoyed the “shifters with a twist” element and the presence of outside threats, which adds tension and sets up future drama. One conflict in particular felt like it could have been stretched out a bit longer before resolution, but it still contributed to the overall momentum.

This isn’t a spice-heavy book, so readers expecting a smut-driven reverse harem may want to adjust expectations. The focus here leans more toward emotional healing and relationship building than explicit scenes.

And fair warning: it ends on a cliffhanger. I’m personally not a fan of cliffhangers — I don’t love feeling obligated to immediately pick up the next book — but it definitely ensures you’ll want to know what happens next.

Overall, this is an emotionally centered paranormal romance about trauma, chosen family, and slowly rebuilding yourself after loss. I’m curious to see how Lark continues to grow in the rest of the series.

[Cathy Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is actually 4.5 stars but Goodreads doesn't allow for partial stars.

This is a Why Choose, Reverse Harem, paranormal shifter dark romance. We follow our FMC Lark, who left her pack 6 months previously when she could no longer take the abuse from her family. She moved to a new town with her best friends Charlie and Cooper, hoping for a new start and to live the life her older sister always wanted for her.

Lark decides she is going to get back into riding motorbikes and goes to one of the dealerships to buy a bike. That is when she comes across a mysterious, gorgeous, intense group that seem to know her, or at the very least want to get to know her better. But she is broken, traumatised, and doesn’t trust herself when it comes to men, she doesn’t want to find herself in a similar position to the one she was in back in her pack, so she closes herself off to everyone around her. But the more she is around them the harder it is to remain closed off, a bit like exposure therapy! And slowly but surely she unconsciously lets down her guard and starts to let them in.

Wow! What an awesome book! This is a beautifully written story that is packed to the rafters with fear, betrayal, trauma, grief, loss, secrets, likes and abuse, but it is also full of love, friendship, support, chosen family, fated mates, and the coolest shifters of all time, but that’s all I’m saying on shifters because I don’t want to spoil it!

The grief and loss is so well written, it is so emotional and raw that it was like I was reliving my own loss. So did I ugly cry? Yes, yes I did. Do I care? No I don’t. It may have ripped my heart out but all I can do is hope that the next book does a bit of healing. And can I take a moment to mention that cliffhanger! Damn!

As soon as I finished reading this book I immediately preordered book 2. My only issue is that I have to wait until October. I think this author has just become one of my auto-orders. I loved everything about this book and it was a 4.5 star read for me, I would highly recommend.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly relatable character

Well I certainly didn't expect to relate so much to Lark. People pleasing to the detriment of her own self worth and needs....yeah I've definitely been there and it still comes up.

We meet Lark as she strolls into the motorcycle dealership looking for her first bike. Of course the sales people are men who don't think she in handle nor afford a bike of her own. However, when three hot guys come in she isn't sure what to expect next. Lark doesn't really value her life as much as she should. Ever since she lost her sister, ran from her ex and her family she has just been surviving.

Lark is a shifter but isn't like any other shifter she has ever met. She isn't even completely sure what she is but she knows its best to hide it whenever possible.

I absolutely adore the guys....well all but Az at least. I know there must be more of a story behind his surly attitude. Its obvious he is hiding his pain and I can't wait to see more of his story.

The other guys all have varying degrees of golden retriever energy and I adore them. I love all the random not dates they go on while getting to know each other.

Park's past is filled with fear, loss and trauma. Thankfully she has her besties with her. They are very protective of her and I adore them for it. Seeing Az in his little soft moments gives me hope for him. I think those two desperately need each other.

Now let's talk about that freaking ending.... Just as we learn what she actually is and that obviously these men are her mates (which is super obvious so this isn't a spoiler) she gets upset by Az. What happens next left my jaw on the floor looking for more pages.

What a fantastic start to a new series. It's definitely a slow burn but I didn't mind it since we needed to learn so much. However, I now need book two immediately.

[Spinneretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

WARNING! CLIFFHANGER! This is a 5/5 on the trauma scale, which means if you are a cliffhanger hater, you might want to wait until book two is out before reading it!

A trip to buy a motorcycle, turns into an event, when shifter Lark runs into a group of shifters who both fascinate her, and scare her. She finds herself drawn into their lives, little by little, even as she ends up falling into danger.

Lark is grieving. Her sister Wren died six months before the story starts, and this book explores the paths of guilt, grief, and self loathing- Lark herself is on a path where she is trying to learn to live for herself and not for others, and in essence, that is what this book is about- Lark’s personal journey. The males she meets and befriends along the way are an important part of her journey, but the story is mostly one of Lark’s coming to terms with what happened. It makes for an intense story at times, but it’s an engrossing one. Many will resonate with Lark and the way she feels, as well as the things she goes through. Her survivour’s guilt is profound, and makes you want to shake sense into her at times, even as you sympathise with her.

Ultimately this is a great story, with an intriguing heroine, and mysterious heroes. It ends with a bit of a bang, leaving the reader hanging in the most heinous of fashions, and probably demanding more!
I will be keeping my eyes open for the second book, and hope that in the meantime, I might be spoilered slightly so I know what happens next.

Recommended for RH fantasy lovers that want a book with a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received an advanced copy of this book for an HONEST review.

this book is about Lark, the fmc, who has left her family and her hometown following the death of her sister, wren. Lark is an awkward, but kind shifter who meets 5 men in a new city she moved to with her two best friends, Charlie and Cooper.

I dont want to spoil anything else but wow. I really enjoyed this book. its definitely a slow burn but so worth it. the build up and the secrets that come out throughout the book are really good. I also appreciate how this isnt just another 'shifter book'. ive read my fair share of paranormal and fantasy books to know when its a good original. the whole feel of the book is different from most shifter stories that ive read.

what makes this a 5 star read for me? other than it being unapologetically original, but the feelings I felt throughout the book. I laughed (Remy has to be my fav for that emotion), I was pissed (definitely az's doing), and I swooned (Hal and Rooks doing). I wasnt sure how to feel about colt for a while there. it felt like he scared her just as much as Azrael did but I did love how protective he was of her. I even cried at a couple of spots.

I will say, in regards to triggers, dont take it lightly when reading over the trigger warnings. this book has a lot of heavy topics in it, and youre mental health matters more than reading a book.

highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed. cannot wait for book two!! (yes it ends on a very steep cliff)

[Shelf Whispers · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
✨When buying a bike turns into flirting with armed mafia shifters, you know Lark’s life is anything but ordinary.✨

Content Warnings
⚠️ Physical & Domestic Abuse
⚠️ Sexual Assault
⚠️ Death of Loved One

Summary
Fractured Light follows Lark, a shifter determined to reclaim her independence after years of control and grief. Her attempt at freedom collides with mafia shifters, found family bonds, and the lingering shadows of her past. Between danger, healing, and unexpected attraction, Lark’s journey is both cosmic and deeply human.

Personal Reaction
This story hit me hard with its emotional depth. Lark’s grief over Wren and her struggle with self-worth felt raw and real, while her sharp wit kept the narrative alive with humor. The found family dynamic—Charlie, Cooper, and Rook’s flight—was beautifully written, offering her space to heal without pressure. I especially loved how each bond carried its own flavor: Hal’s wisdom, Colt’s warmth, Remy’s encouragement, and even Azrael’s volatile complexity.

Closing Impression
Fractured Light is haunting, tender, and unexpectedly funny. It’s perfect for readers who crave cosmic romance with dark edges, shifter lore, and quirky tropes that balance heartbreak with hope. If you love stories about resilience, found family, and dangerous attraction, this one will stay with you long after the last page.

[The Magical Romantasy Tour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never in my life have I related to a character more than I relate to Lark. While I can’t relate to the abuse she has endured, the level of people pleasing to the detriment of herself is something that hits really close to home.

This was such a phenomenal read and I loved every minute of Larks journey. None of these characters have had easy lives and that truly shows through the way they approach their relationships.

Going in, I didn’t pay much attention to the synopsis past the general information so I didn’t realize that it was the first book of a series. By the time I was halfway through I realized that there was no way the story was going to wrap up by the end of the book. So now I’m going to go crazy waiting for the next one after the wicked cliffhanger. All I can say is there better be some major hands and knees groveling in book two!

If you are a fan of paranormal why choose romances with compelling and complex characters and insta love and insta hate from the MMCs this book is definitely for you!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Caged Bird Book 1

Ummmm, what?! Can I just say how much fun this book was? Seriously though, this was one of the most unique paranormal reverse harem books I've read in like ever. Not only was the plot entertaining, emotional, and interesting, but these characters were phenomenal.

Lark is such a resilient BA FMC, and her five guys Rook, Colt, Azrael, Hal, and Remy each had amazing personalities bringing something different to their dynamic. They were protective in a respectful way. This reverse harem was on the sweeter more emotional side. The slow burn leads to them building up a strong foundation to the bonds they share.

I am beyond extatic. i had the chance to read this book. This book was easy to binge. The only thing i hated was that cliffhanger and having to wait to read the next book. Im so invested i need more!

Tropes:
Paranormal
Why choose
Bikers
Shifters and Fae
Twins
Fated Mates
Slow-burn
Found Family
Multiple POV

Check TW

Thank you, Peachy Keen PR and E.L. Finley, for the opportunity to read this book.

[Chrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured Flight by @elfinley.author is a why-choose shifter romance about a woman who left her pack six months ago with a promise to her dead sister and a strict rule about not falling for anyone again. Then five men showed up. Tiger shifters, a rare dragon, biker energy, and a whole lot of forced proximity. A heroine trying to actually live, not just survive. I'm very much here for it.

🔥 Why Choose
🐅 Shifter Romance (tiger, cheetah, rare dragon)
🏠 Found Family
🕵️ Hidden Identity
🏍️ Biker / Organized Crime Vibe
📍 Forced Proximity
🩸 Touch Her and You Die

A great start to a new series. This author is brand new to me and did a beautiful job of setting the stage and drawing you in, I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the characters and can't wait to see how things will play out between them all.

**ends on cliffhanger

@literaryinspired

[Angela Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's a great why choose and shifter rolled into one. The characters are so relatable and I kind of wish I knew how to ride a motorcycle. Lark has had a rough life that's left her with low self-confidence. Fate brings her together with Hal, Rook, Remy, Colt, and Azrael. Each gorgeous man has a different side that we see as Lark spends time with each one. I loved the multiple POVs so you can see what each character is feeling or thinking. There is some good humor in the book as well as some very serious subjects that are handled well. It's a slow burn but that fits the book and how the characters evolve. I want to know more about all of them but sadly I have to wait for the next book in October. In the meantime I'm going to check out the other books because I really enjoyed this author.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Caged Bird duet(?) This is also my first time reading a book by E.L. Finley. I can guarantee it will not be the last time. This book made me cry a few times!!
This was a sad, tragic and heartbreaking read! It made me tear up quite a few times, which is not really my thing. But this book definitely got to me. I loved the story and especially the FMC. She is such a tragic and broken soul. Her backstory unalived me. The MMCs are hot and smexy. I do have a favorite and no, it is not the alphahole! It is the awkward one! I absolutely love him!!
Thank you, E.L. Finley, for this amazing introduction into this world! I need to know more about it and the people in it. I would love to know more about her besties. What are their backgrounds and what happens to them?!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is my first read by this author and it definitely wont be my last, this was such a captivating read. The slow burn between the characters as well as the slow burn to finding out what the men are was done to well. I honestly could not put this book down once I had started it.

We get introduced to Lark freshly run away from her home with her 2 best friends by her side supporting her after the horrors she has been through, fast forward to her meeting 5 captivating men who she is just drawn to for some unknown reason. The bonds she forms with all of these men are just so unique and interesting and i absolutely cant wait to find out what happens next because that ending left me on the edge of my seat NEEDING to know more.


If you love, then definitely read:
* Reverse Harem
* Paranormal
* Shifters
* Multiple POV
* Slow burn
* They fall first
* Protective MMCs

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

She left her pack with one promise to keep and one rule: don't fall again. She is absolutely about to break that rule five times.

Fractured Flight by @elfinley.author is out today and after reading it as an ARC reader for @literaryinspired, I can confirm: the stakes are real, the shifters are feral in all the right ways, and the heroine's arc from invisible to unstoppable is exactly what I needed.

Heavy content handled with care. Emotional payoff fully delivered. Free on Kindle Unlimited now.

🔥 Why Choose

🐅 Shifter Romance (tiger, cheetah, rare dragon)

🏠 Found Family

🕵️ Hidden Identity

🏍️ Biker / Organized Crime Vibe

📍 Forced Proximity

🩸 Touch Her and You Die

#LiteraryInspiredARCs #WhyChooseRomance #ShifterRomance #ParanormalRomance #KindleUnlimited #FoundFamily #ARCReview #BikerRomance

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Fractured Flight by @elfinley.author. Today. It's out now and it's free on Kindle Unlimited.

Why-choose shifter romance. Tiger shifters. A rare dragon. Biker vibes. Hidden identity. Forced proximity. Found family. A heroine trying to keep a promise to her dead sister and not fall for five men who absolutely refuse to let her disappear.

E.L. Finley delivers. Heavy content handled with real care and an ending that earns every hard page.

Go grab it.

🔥 Why Choose

🐅 Shifter Romance (tiger, cheetah, rare dragon)

🏠 Found Family 🕵️ Hidden Identity 🏍️ Biker / Organized Crime Vibe 📍 Forced Proximity 🩸 Touch Her and You Die

Thanks @literaryinspired for the early access!

#LiteraryInspiredARCs #WhyChooseRomance #ShifterRomance #KindleUnlimited #ParanormalRomance #TouchHerAndYouDie #BikerRomance #FoundFamily

[Chloe Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is an ARC Review. I got this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a slow burn but the build up and the secrets that are revealed are so worth it. I also like that is not your typical shifter romance.
What makes this a 5 star book for me, is the feelings I felt through the book while reading it. I laughed, got mad, and I became smitten with all the MMCs. I also teared up at a couple of spots in the book.
Also I will say to read the trigger warnings and don’t take them lightly. There are quite a lot of heavy topics in this book.
Highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next book to come out. ( the book also leaves off on a very big cliffhanger)

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me, and WOW -- I could not put this book down. Lark is an extremely compelling main character; I relate to her tendency to people-please, even though her circumstances are far more intense. There was good emotional depth from the characters, and it's fascinating to watch how their backstories help them navigate these new relationship waters. The twists and turns kept me on my toes as Lark begins to understand her power in who she truly is what that might mean for her. By the time I realized this would be a series (not a one-off), I was HOOKED. The cliffhanger has me desperate for more; already counting down for the next one. Fantastic (complex) romance, highly recommend.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Lark's story! From beginning to end, I found myself not wanting to stop.
The plot was original and captivating.
There was action, a bit of danger, secrets, and some mystery. In addition, we got humor and emotional moments. This was definitely a slow burn, but it was done perfectly. The relationships forming naturally. Along with some growth and healing.
Lark truly made a great FMC. She is resilient, funny, kind, and has an inner strength just waiting to break free. I love the guys. I have no favorites right now.
I think this was an excellent beginning to Lark's story! I can't wait for more. Especially after those revelations at the end!!
Side note: I loved the family and friendship she has with Cooper and Charlie.

[rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe this author needs to know what it feels like to be punch….

I don’t mean that in a mean way. But she obviously doesn’t know what it’s like or she would not right about the H getting punch till she almost blacks out and strangled. Then getting up and trying to comfort the guy who did. It. “I know you didn’t mean it.” What? Same h who was beaten by her fiancée and running from him….
After the H beats her and strangles her. She then say it doesn’t matter, she understands. It’s the words that hurt…..
What the heck is going on??? Then she doesn’t want to go home. She wants to go have dinner with all the boys. Even though her face is all beaten up. Like it’s no big deal.

[Danae Southerland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I actually went into this book knowing it was a why choose trope with magical shapeshifter premise and I made the assumption that it was going to be a spicy why choose (which I assumed incorrectly).

Even though it was not spicy, this book was absolutely captivating and had me wanting to read any free chance I had. I love each of the characters and getting to know them. I do feel like there was a lot of build up to get to the meat of the story but it was still so good!

But that ending…..that’s just RUDE (in the best way). But I REALLY need to read book 2 ASAP now.

[Trudie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading a lot of books in this genre recently and this is definitely one of the best. I was lucky enough to get an ARC but like it so much I bought the book just so my review could be verified. Unlike most stories with this trope, the heroine isn’t a badass woman who can take care of herself and when she meets her fated mates they all fall in love. This one is different. The heroine tries to be tough, but sees herself as weak, broker and unlovable while the heroes all have their own ghosts to contend with. The author has done a great job with the characters, make them all so different, yet they still work well together. She has done a masterful job of slowly bringing out their history. This book is full of emotion. My only complaint is it ended too soon—I wanted to keep reading. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out (I have already pre-ordered it)