A new heart-pounding, suspenseful, and supremely romantic novel from New York Times bestseller, Mia Sheridan. When wilderness guide, Harper Ward, is summoned to the small town sheriff’s office in Helena Springs, Montana, to provide assistance on a case, she is shocked to find that their only suspect in the double murder investigation is a man described as a savage.But the longer she watches the … longer she watches the man known only as Lucas, on the station surveillance camera, the more intrigued she becomes. He certainly looks primitive with his unkempt appearance and animal skin attire, but she also sees intelligence in his eyes, sensitivity in his expression. Who is he? And how is it possible that he’s lived alone in the forest since he was a small child?
As secrets begin to emerge, Harper is thrust into something bigger and more diabolical than she ever could have imagined. And standing right at the center of it all, is Lucas. But is he truly the wild man he appears to be? A cold blooded killer? An innocent victim? Or a perplexing mix of all three?
Harper must find out the answers to these questions because the more time she spends with him, the more she risks losing her heart.
more
All the brilliant stars!
An epic diabolical romantic suspense!
The seamless, impeccably weaved plot and the characters’ mysterious plights had me anxiously flipping the pages. There are so many types of survivors in the world, fictional or otherwise, and what occurs in Savaged is a cruel reminder of that. I often found myself grasping and hoping for some semblance of humanity to rear its head.
Lucas/Jak is an unforgettable character, the likes of Archer Hale from Archer’s Voice. The tender romance that slowly develops between Jak and Harper as they try to unravel a mystery and understand each other’s worlds leaves its mark on each mouthwatering page.
While masterfully crafted words, unique storylines, and gut-wrenching angst are something I’m accustomed to and adore about Mia Sheridan’s writing, Savaged takes a bold leap into unfathomable, agonizing circumstances that will leave your heart pounding and bleeding with unbridled compassion. I was on the edge of my seat until the bittersweet satisfying end.
Savaged is a stand-alone. However, in my opinion, it left the door open for future possibilities involving at least one other character if not two. My guesses below.
‘Daire didn’t answer, but Jak saw something flicker in his eyes.’
Or
‘Laurie nodded her head, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Come back to me, (Mark,) she choked.’
One can only hope that Mia will take another daring leap into the hidden world of Spartan warriors. My fingers are certainly crossed! This story is movie worthy!
Unique and perfectly orchastred storyline, surprising twists, suspense which grips your soul, words which grip your heart and a wild and deep love story, are this book’s greatest strengh.
I don’t know why Mia Sheridan is anxious before each of her releases… I mean… Seriously this woman is a genius who writes with her heart, with an unlimited creativity and imagination, with a real understanding of human beings (psychology, morality, feelings…)…
Savaged is a bit different from her other books. First, we have 3 pov. Second, the love story is perfectly intertwined with the mystery part. All through the book we follow an investigation of a double homicide. Page after page we learn more about the crimes, the victims and in parallel we learn more about our heroes. The investigation is more complexed than meets the eye, as our heroes’ pasts. That’s so clever!
Harper is a local wilderness guide. She’s asked to help agent Mark Gallagher to find the murderer. She’s an orphan who always felt stuck in her life, alone, lost, left behind, sometimes surrounded by cruel people… She’s a survivor, a fighter.
In that aspect she’s not so different from Lucas, the “caveman”, the first suspect.
Lucas lives in the wild since so many years, alone, without absolutely nothing but his determination to live. That’s pretty rare to have a hero like him, who spent his life learning how to hunt, how to find a natural shelter, how to co-exist with animals… I hurt for him so many times.
Their love story is totally unique and unconditional. Their destiny was written in the stars. They belong to each other. They survived hell to finally find heaven in the arms of the other.
Agent Mark Gallagher and his wife are importants and that was a beautiful surprise. I loved them, i was deeply moved by their story, their pain and their kindness.
Mia Sheridan has a huge talent to describe all the nuances of human nature. Savaged makes us think about… what’s humanity? (Are we so different, better or worse than animals? Do we need other humans to be human ourselves? How can some humans be so… inhumans?…)
I really love those sentences :
“People were hateful and cruel, vicious, and underhanded. But… but they were also capable of selflessness and acts of deep love and grace.”
While reading i had some theories about Lucas’ story and the murders. I was right but… there were a lot of details i didn’t see coming, a lot of surprises at the end… Clever, clever, clever!
I really really loved the epilogue.
Yes this book is different but yet… It’s 100% Mia Sheridan. Poetry, sensitivity, love, suffering, steam, hope… With Mia love is always stronger, hope is everywhere, good things are waiting for us… It’s worth the fight. Live! And love!
4.5 Stars!
Harper Ward lives in the small town of Helena Springs, Montana where she works as a local wilderness tour guide. Her life gets a lot more interesting when she’s called into the sheriff’s office and asked to work as a consultant on a double murder investigation. They need her expertise and assistance to help canvas the area. Their only lead so far is a suspect that is described as a savage. He’s a big, strong, muscular, wild looking mountain man who goes by the name Lucas. His unruly appearance makes him look primitive, but the more Harper watches him on surveillance the more fascinated she becomes. He’s extremely good looking in an intense brutal kind of way, and he exudes danger and testosterone with just one look. His haunted, sensitive eyes do something to her, and make her want to know him.
Lucas has lived a life of seclusion in the middle of nowhere since he was a child. The forest was his home, and he fought to live through the frigid, harsh winters. In the woods he was sheltered from civilization. He was isolated and didn’t know how to exist in society. His world had always been about struggle and pain, and then he meets Harper, and something clicks into place for him. All his instincts tell him to claim her as his already complicated life is thrown into more turmoil and the truth unfolds all around them.
Savaged is a unique, unforgettable story about two lonely people who share a beautiful connection. It’s full of tragedy, mystery, secrets, healing, and survival. As usual Mia Sheridan wrote an amazing, original book that will draw you in from the start and keep you hooked throughout. Just loved this story and this man!!!
Five stars! I loved it! It kept me guessing the entire book! It’s not what I am used to from a Mia Sheridan book, but I loved it nonetheless!
Mia has really blown me away with this out of the box story. As a long time reader of her books, I have come to expect the unexpected when it comes to what each story will be about. This time around, it is about a young man named Lucas who has been living in the wilds of Montana and is currently a person of interest in a murder investigation. Harper is a local wildnerness guide who the police call in to help the newly appointed investigator traverse the area where said murder occurs.
Mia builds an entire world in the small town of Helena Springs, Montana. The protagonists, Lucas and Harper, have both lived very hard lives, in totally seperate ways. But the farther you read into the book, you realize their lives are alot more entwined than anyone could have ever imagined.
My heart broke for Lucas and the unimaginable way he survived in the wild from the age of eight years old. At times the story was almost too much for me to read, wanting to dive through the pages of the book just to wrap him up in my arms and protect him. Harper’s life was hard as well, losing her parents at the age of seven and having to survive the foster care system. I wanted to wrap her up as well, reading about what she endured growing up. The only thing that saved me was the draw these two had to each other, and the blossoming romance that unfolds throughout the story.
This story kept me glued to the pages. There’s so much woven through the plot: mystery, suspense, intrigue, survival, hope, love, forgiveness. The twists in the plot kept me guessing as to what was going to happen, and a couple of them totally rocked my world! Kudos to Mia for such a complex, inticate story!!
Even though this storyline is concluded, I really hope Mia revisits the little town of Helena Springs, Montana in the future. I need more of these amazing characters!
Terrific story!
I picked up Savaged by Mia Sheridan because I needed something different than what I’ve been reading. I’ve been in a reading trend, and this was the perfect palate cleanser!
Savaged was packed with thrilling mystery, suspense, emotion, and the will to survive! Don’t panic romance readers – it’s definitely filled with romance, but to me not the forward theme, and more of a secondary element. Author Mia Sheridan wove an intricate web, and I loved unrolling each fact and revelation!
If you’re looking for an exciting and suspenseful read, packed with mystery and emotion, and the strength of the human spirit, read Savaged by Mia Sheridan today!
This was first book by this author, and I throughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more.
Engaging. Suspenseful. Riveting.
Unlike any I’ve ever read, Mia enraptured me with her fresh & unique prose. Vivid to the point where all my senses were engaged. I could hear the trees, smell the flowers, feel the cold snow and sense the travails of a child abandoned in the harshest of environments. His pleadings, his cries shredded my heart and I was mad to the point of savagery for heartless, cruel Isaac Driscoll. I wish he was a living entity so I could rip his body and soul like a beast!!!
I’ve yet to come across a more lovable and agonized character like Jack “Lucas” Fairbanks. I wanted to envelope him in my arms, shower him with warmth and affection. Struck down by fate, abandoned by family, the respite he receives from the hell, that is his harsh Montana Landscape, is the sweetest and gentlest soul to cross his path- Harper Ward & his best friend, the Pup
His tentative steps towards civilization, his faltering heart opening to human contact and love, his heartrending loyalty towards his pup, they all make this story so poignant and cruel. But he soon triumphs and turns the definition of Savage around on the so-called civilized world.
The story has come alive in expert hands of Mia, she’s an accomplished writer, no doubt. But there’s so much heart in the story, you cannot walk way unchanged and untouched.
Beautiful tale of courage and endurance of the human spirit. Unforgettable and Unputdownable
Told in dual POV with two narrators who did and excellent job.
5 stars for All The New Words still left to learn
A compelling story of horrific cruelty, incredible courage, and love. Five extraordinary stars!
This book contains an intricately woven plot that combines elements of several genres: mystery, horror, fantasy, and romantic suspense. It’s a story of a child’s survival to manhood in the face of overwhelming cruelty, so anyone prone to depression might be troubled by this one. It’s certainly not an easy or “enjoyable” read, but if you focus on slivers of light and hope in all that darkness and despair, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of this extraordinary tale.
No big plot summary from me this time; hundreds of reviewers have covered that ground already. Instead, I’ll mention the main things I liked and a few things I questioned. First of all, Jak’s incredible courage just blew me away! How on earth could a young boy survive in the Montana wilderness for two winters, living in caves and eating raw meat, with a wolf as his only companion? Impossible? Probably, because Montana winters are brutal! But Jak manages to survive until our villain (Driscoll) finally allows him to live in a rustic cabin so his “adaptation” to deprivation and a harsh environment can be closely recorded and studied. (Driscoll and his cohorts are evil personified!)
Despite Jak’s obvious courage and intelligence, he grows to manhood without ever questioning the tale he’s fed by Driscoll–that the world is at “war” and he’ll be killed if he dares to leave the forest. Come on. The town of Helena Springs can’t be that far away. Driscoll’s cabin even has electricity (a luxury forbidden to Jak). But Jak is a grown man when he finally ventures into the town, where he learns the “war” was a lie. How could an intelligent person believe such a lie for fifteen years? (But now that I think about it, millions of people are duped by even crazier lies every day. I guess Jak’s naivete isn’t so far-fetched after all.)
Anyway, when Driscoll is brutally murdered and Jak is discovered nearby, he’s brought to the sheriff’s office for questioning. Following the interview, he meets Harper Ward, a beautiful wilderness guide who’s agreed to assist in the murder investigation. Naturally, there’s an immediate attraction between the “savage” man and Harper. She notices that he’s wearing a locket that belonged to her mother, who died in a mysterious car wreck–along with Harper’s father–fifteen years ago, but the car and their bodies were never found. Does Jak know where they are? And what does he know about Driscoll’s murder?
Determined to find answers, Harper goes to Jak’s cabin and questions him. When she’s ready to leave, her truck has a dead battery, so she spends the night with him. They fall into lust that gradually morphs into love as the story progresses. (Be advised–the sex scenes are explicit!) Their unusual love is both raw and tender, forming a central theme that draws all of the cleverly twisted plot threads together until they reach a stunning conclusion.
Still, a few things puzzled me. When Jak’s true parentage is revealed, we learn that Jak’s grandfather totally rejected him for twenty-three years because his mother was a drug addict. But when the mother is killed, Jak’s grandfather does a complete turnaround and welcomes him into the family. Why the sudden change of heart? Long-suppressed guilt, perhaps?
Then there’s the unresolved mystery of Harper’s parents’ car wreck. Her parents had been coming back from dinner in Missoula, but their car ended up in a canyon deep in the forest, miles from the highway between Missoula and Helena Springs. Why did Harper’s father turn off the main highway onto dirt back roads? That made no sense to me (except, of course, that their wreck is an essential component of the plot).
But these are small flaws in the rich tapestry of a most unusual and unforgettable story. The final confrontation and stunning revelations took my breath away, followed by an epilogue that warmed my heart. The story ends with a quote from one of Jak’s (and my) favorite books, The Count of Monte Cristo: “All human wisdom is contained in these two words–wait and hope.” Indeed. This remarkable book easily earns five extraordinary stars and my enthusiastic recommendation!
Very emotional book. Love the story, the plot, and the romance. I thought it was well written.
This novel depicts survival in its most elemental sense. Two murders create a series of flashbacks into the lives of Jak and Harper. Both survived a fall from an icy ledge. Harper was found by hikers. Jak was forced to make do with whatever resources he cane up with. How did these two meet. Were they connected in some way? What perceptions about themselves changed?
Couldn’t put it down. Filled with wonder, both terrible and good. Different, interesting and horrendous premise for this book. Well written, and leaves you filled with hope, even after having encountered true evil. A great read.
It’s been years since I’ve read a Mia Sheridan book. Usually she’s hit or miss for me. This one hit all the feels, made me question why I haven’t read her books in so long. Told in third person multiple points of view, not my favorite, yet she completely claimed my curiosity, I didn’t care.
There’s omething about a primitive hero that gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME! Add in a mysterious whodunit and I’m there. The romance is slow burning. Two lost, lonely souls finding peace within each other. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
“Did you know the trees speak to each other?” She wrinkled her brow. “No.”
“They do. They tell secrets in their roots, those deep, dark places that can’t be seen. I think we’re like that too. We know things deep, deep down, secret things, ancient things, that whisper through us, one to the other.
You whispered to me. And I whispered back. You heard, didn’t you?”
As far as the plot. I found it unique with a few twists you won’t guess. Jak’s journey was painful, ugly, showing one’s ability to survive against all odds. This book was packed with gut punching, hopeful, inspiring moments that will stick with me for a long time.
Alright so I did not expect this story at all. Mia is one of the author I won’t miss reading a single book so I went in blind. What an awesome surprise! Savage was very different – unique plot, mysterious, emotional, suspenseful, and quite eerie at times. It’s a heartbreaking story of survival, friendship, romance, and new beginning. I usually prefer sappy love story but Mia’s storytelling is always quite remarkable – I was sucked in from the beginning until the end. What happened to Lucas was horribly sad and the people who did this were down right creepy. The author really fool me with her well-crafted characters. Lucas was not what he appears – a rugged, unkempt, wild, isolated, out of touch with reality. He is brave, strong, intelligent, a survivor. Harper has her own heartbreaks but she too, incredibly smart, compassionate, strongminded young lady. The twist at the end had me reeling. I mean I was guessing the circumstance surround Lucas’s life was the result of some sicko’s mind but I was surprise there were more people involved… the who’s and the why’s… Gah!!! Crazy! Savage is a bit dark with some graphic stuff which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Yes, there were sex, chemistry, and romance but I was more fascinated with the mysterious murder plot and how the hero and heroine’s life were actually intertwined. Savage is a romance, add the captivating and unique plot you have got an unforgettable story of survival and second chance at life. Beautifully written in multiple POVs. Fantastic read!
This was such a captivating story of belonging and family and survival! My heart hurts that people can be so evil while thinking they are doing a beneficial service to the world. The twists and turns kept me guessing about what was good and bad and what would come next. Jak’s survival skills were amazing, even after he tried to find his place in society.
Of all the Mia Sheridan books I’ve read, this one stuck with me the most. It’s such a tragic love story but I admire how Sheridan writes these incredibly strong and feminine heroines who always end up with their perfect match. This book is one of my favorite romantic thrillers.
This was such a good book. Intense, unique and captivating. It hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go. The narration was so good in this. It was perfectly cast and they really brought this incredible story to life. This is romantic suspense done right.
There so much more I want to say, but I also don’t want to ruin or spoil it for anyone else. I’ll just say that reading this book was an experience I won’t soon forget. This was my first Mia Sheridan book, and I am definitely going to be reading more of them.
In the acknowledgments section of Savaged the author wrote: “This story had an abundance of moving parts . . . the mystery, the romance, Jak’s language, an unusual setting where every item the characters used had to be considered… ” It absolutely DID have much to consider and I think Mia Sheridan did a phenomenal job with EVERY part of the story.
Jak’s and Harper’s backstories were well-defined and emotionally powerful. The way in which the author unraveled clues, wove those backstories together, and introduced us to the lives of adult Jak and Harper were extremely fulfilling.
The inexplicable connection between Jak and Harper was very transcendental. Their life stories progressed from one of tragedy to enduring to victory to adapting to discovery and finally, to a physical connection both visceral AND emotive.
Savaged went well beyond being entertaining. It was absorbing, inspiring, and left me feeling SO happy for Jak and Harper’s happily-ever-after! Beautiful!
Completely floored again by this authors words; the uniqueness of her stories draws me in every single time. I can honestly say I have not read another author that even comes close to Mia Sheridan. The darkness, the depravity of peoples motives and the strength of the characters is paramount in every single book of hers I have read so far. No two stories are even similar. One thing I can say is that no amount of guessing on my part even came near. There will always be at least one twist in her stories that will leave you shocked and open mouthed as realisation smacks you in the face like a sledge hammer.
What must go on in this authors mind not only boggles me but also mesmorises me. If anyone has the gift of story telling then this author is it for me. Mia, you are now a one click author for me. I don’t even need to read the burb… I am so confident in your craft that I am happy to take a leap of faith knowing that an amazing adveture awaits.