Savaged

Mia Sheridan — 2019

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 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.

Reviews

Priscilla Stanfield@priscillas01

Jan 27, 2025

3.75/5⭐️ • 2/5🌶️

This was good. Not my favorite but it had way more suspense to it than a past one I read. There were some sort of Archer’s Voice vibes in this one. I didn’t like it as much but it was there. I do remember knowing it was well planned out as I read it but to be honest I ant remember most of the book now as I’m writing the review now.

Jasmine@lovelyximperfect

Jan 21, 2023

I overall really enjoyed it!! The first half kind of gave me Becoming Calder vibes and that is definitely not a bad thing because it's probably my favorite novel of hers and I've been hoping for something to give me a similar feeling since I read it. I love that like Becoming Calder you are just thrown right away into the story with the main character and forced to figure things out as you go along. I couldn't put the first half of this book down because it was so intriguing and exciting. I will say I figured out what was going on pretty early but that didn't change my reading experience, really it only made me more interested to see it all unravel. Unfortunately, I did find it dragging during the end but that could be just me because it's been happening a lot this year when I read. Also, I didn't feel the same level of chemistry with Harper and Jak that I did with other couples in her books and I still can't figure out why but there was something missing. This is the kind of book at the moment I had a great time reading but never got invested enough that I would probably read again.

Lynn Braden@ftbooklover

Jan 19, 2023

Thanks to Bree from In Love & Words for recommending this book.

Lucas also known as Jak has lived alone in the wilderness ever since being thrown over a cliff along with three other boys. For a long time, Jak doesn't know what happened to those other boys, but he does eventually learn to survive on his own and sometimes trade with Issac Driscoll who allows Jak to live on his land. When Issac is murdered along with another local woman, Agent Mark Gallagher quickly dismisses Jak as a suspect and hires nature guide, Harper Ward to help him explore the area around Driscoll's house, looking for clues. Harper has her own issues including reconciling the loss of her parents when she was young, but when she meets Jak, their connection is immediate and she finds that she and Jak have more in common than either could have imagined.

Savaged is a good story with interesting, fleshed out characters and a unique plot. Multiple POVs add layers to a story that is already full of plot points and mystery. Not all of the questions raised are answered by the end of the book, leaving it feeling unfinished, especially since there is no sequel. The romance between Jak and Harper is sweet with little conflict between the characters since most of the story focuses on several mysteries we follow throughout the book. While the story is engaging and the characters likable, the ending comes across as far-fetched and implausible, while the pacing is uneven. Overall, however, Savaged is successful story reminiscent of Tarzan with a little bit of science fiction and mystery mixed in.