Savage Warrior

The Caraksay Brotherhood #5

by Ashe Barker

In the aftermath of a devastating accident that claimed the life of his friend, Stefan Romansque - Rome - is consumed by survivor's guilt, clinging to it like a suffocating cloak. His sole intention is to tend to his wounds in seclusion, but his plans are abruptly shattered when he discovers an intruder lurking within his private Highland sanctuary. 

Arina Kovalyova, a woman desperately fleeing for her life, seeks refuge only to stumble upon a captor more terrifying than those she had escaped. Will Rome become her unexpected ally, or does he pose an even graver threat? This hardened criminal offers protection, but as her attraction to him intensifies, she risks losing everything she holds dear. 

United as unlikely bedfellows, Rome and Arina must confront a relentless adversary and forge an extraordinary alliance, fighting for their survival against all odds. Can they overcome their inner demons and trust one another enough to navigate the treacherous path ahead? 

In this gripping tale, lose yourself in a world where trust is scarce, danger lurks at every turn, and two ill-matched lovers must find the strength to stand together against a merciless foe. 

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

Until 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.

Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.

She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.

When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Caraksay Brotherhood series each can be read as a standalone connecting through the brotherhood I started with book one and patiently waited for the next one (okay I am not telling the whole truth there was no patience involved) but I did wait 😊 and now we get Rome’s story so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!. Although, like the previous books, there are some triggers so be prepared. Arina will make you want to reach through giving her a huge hug, assuring things will work out her life has been terrible honestly that is an understatement, her mom died, then father died, leaving her responsible for her younger sister, brother, she has done things no young girl should do ending up in the hands of some truly evil men who traffic her and she is now hiding out in a cold empty cabin beaten, afraid in need of help in walks in a huge scary man. Rome sexy as all get out broken after losing his best friend due to an accident due to no fault of his, he did everything in his power to save him but just couldn’t the guilt is eating him alive so his brothers sent him away to accept his death, deal with his guilt, but runs into a young women beaten half naked freezing and after hearing her story calls his brothers to inform sex traffickers are in the area putting wheels in motion to catch them also to help the young women in his cabin. Arina has been taken from her home in Russia wanting to get back to her sister and brother but has endured so much pain unsure of where her family might be since she last saw them, they were 14 years and eight years old and add to that an intense attraction for Rome something she never thought she would feel for any man after the way she has been abused two very unlikely people who you wouldn’t think would match but they are exactly what each other needed to heal will they find her family, will they break up the sex ring saving other girls, will Rome protect her, will they heal one another, can they both find a normal that works for them, will she find some peace from the nightmare she has lived, will he find the peace in realizing there wasn’t anything he could do to save his best friend, and can they find happiness some where on the roller coaster ride they have embarked upon?

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Caraksay Brotherhood find themselves helping those desperately in need of a champion

Rome considers himself responsible for one of his bothers “Moses” who had unfortunately drowned when their vehicle had skidded on ice and they had fallen into the lock. He had tried to find his friend but unfortunately Moses could not swim and had not stood a chance, Rome had nearly killed himself by diving the area for hours until he had been pulled from the water by passersby.

Both of his bosses can see that he needs to get away so that he can sort out is thoughts and feelings without having to beat it into his colleagues, who to be honest are also losing patience with their bruises and bruised ego as under orders not to retaliate.

Rome decides to visit the fishing cabin as ordered where he finds a stow-away who is a young woman that has been badly beaten, she is barely dressed and the cabin is freezing due to the heavy snowfall.

Fortunately, as he is able to speak Russian, he discovers that Arina and her sister Natalia and brother Andrei who are fourteen and six years only, she had been working multiple jobs trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table since the death of their father months before.

At every turn she has been beaten and now she has had to resort to working serving drinks in a seedy bar where much more is offered by women more desperate or less selective than her. She is tricked into believing there is a job where she will be a hostess for a week, the pay will enable her to feed her family and find somewhere to live with less worry for weeks.

Rome is able to put two and two together and knows that she has bee trafficked and brought from Russia to Scotland which means that there is someone trafficking in their area and he wants to help Arina and notify his boss as well.

It soon becomes apparent thar Arina and her subsequent escape has caused quite a man hunt and whoever it is wants her dead and Rome and the Savages want to discover who is behind all the muscle being shown.

I guarantee that you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the end and you will be rooting for Arina and Rome as they do what they do best and try to help those that are in need, unfortunately this time it turns around and bites them back.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stats23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, I don’t recall ever having read a book that started off in such a depressing manner. Arina’s life is just so tragic, first losing her mom and then her sickly father passes away leaving her as the sole provider for her younger sister and brother. They are destitute. She tries everything she can, including things that a young woman should never have to consider. Ultimately some very evil people take extreme advantage of her vulnerable position and she falls into the hands of sex traffickers. Her treatment is so graphically described, and her situation so intolerable that I just about put the book aside. However, since I have such a great admiration of Ashe Barker’s writings, and having read all the previous Caraksay books, I trusted the story would get better, and indeed it did. Stefan’s (Rome’s) life is in a very dark place as well, so much so that he is packaged off for a stretch of solitude at a remote cabin. Through a series of coincidences, both good and bad, Arina and Stef cross paths at said cabin and an unlikely relationship begins. Nothing seems to go well for them, their own tragedies causing issues between them and then the fact that the traffickers are still after Arina. A very fast paced, action packed, adventurous escape ensues and the Caraksay mafia is called in to assist. I don’t want to give away any of the red hot action, but remember that the sex traffickers are vicious and the Caraksay’s are a criminal organization, so a lot of graphic violence is to be expected….. and it is delivered. The ability of Rome to save Arina, and then her siblings, is always in doubt and the ending is quite a surprise, but it also leaves the reader with great expectations. Totally engrossing book, virtually impossible to put down. This is the hardest hitting Caraksay Brotherhood book yet and it will absolutely leave you wanting for more. 5 Stars.
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Savage Warrior” is part of ‘The Caraksay Brotherhood’ series by Ashe Barker. This action-adventure story starts off strong and just keeps building until the very last page. I couldn’t put it down.

Arina grew up poor but happy in Belarus with two loving parents and two younger siblings. After losing one parent, life got tougher, but it was still good. Then tragedy strikes again and everything falls apart. As the eldest sibling, Arina is determined to keep her small family safe and together – but the cruel grip of poverty keeps tightening around them. She ends up victimized in horrific ways and is forcibly taken far from her young brother and sister.

Stefan is known to everyone as Rome, a nickname that derived from his last name, Romansque. He’s part of the trusted inner circle of a powerful mafia boss. That boss, Ethan, recognizes how badly Roman is struggling in the aftermath of the death of his best friend in a terrible accident. It was nobody’s fault, and it nearly killed Roman and his friend, but survivor’s guilt is slowly killing Roman. Ethan forces him to go to a remote cabin to spend some time thinking, processing, and taking a break to come to grips with what happened. The last thing Roman ever expects is to find a badly beaten young woman asleep in the cabin.

Arina and Roman are an unlikely couple and yet each ends up being just what the other needs. There is so much to the plot of this book, yet it all flows smoothly together. If you’ve read other books in the series you’ll have a deeper understanding of the secondary characters, but even if you haven’t had that pleasure yet, you’ll still be able to enjoy this story. Along with the drama and suspense that fills the pages, there are moments of humor, heartbreak, passion, and other emotions. I was sorry when the book ended but I’m looking forward to the next story in the series!.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Savage Warrior' is the fifth book in Ashe Barker's "The Caraksay Brotherhood" series and it's as action-packed as all the proceeding books so be warned, this could turn into an all-night adventure you can't put down! Arina, our heroine, has been dealt a hand that would make the devil clap with glee. First her mother, then her father died leaving her, as the oldest child, responsible for her 14-year-old sister and 8-year-old brother. Working three jobs and still not able to provide everything they need she winds up having to make choices that no young woman should ever have to make just in order to survive. Then we meet our Hero. Rome was the driver of the car that slid on the ice and landed in a loch ultimately killing his best friend. He's eaten up with survivor's guilt and become a liability, not only to himself but to the Brotherhood as well, so he's sent away to come to grips with his reality and emotions. When Rome arrives at the hideaway he finds a beaten and broken Arina. Finally getting her story, Rome calls the Brotherhood to let them know there are traffickers in the area. These two broken individuals not only need to find a way to heal themselves but come together because danger is now lurking in every corner. What an emotional rollercoaster this book turned out to be. Be warned, there are several things that could cause triggers so if you're prone, take it to heart. Would I recommend this book? You bet!!.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me and love it! This is the first book I read from this author, and I have to say I’m hooked. Although this book has a lot of DARK areas, such as trafficking, abuse, killings, and death, it is still something that I could read again. This book is about Arina and Rome. She is trying her best to support her siblings as both of her parents have passed away. She goes to this seedy place with hopes to get a job that will pay her enough to get out of this runt that she is in; however, these people are only in it for human trafficking, and she is unaware of it. During the first shot, she and the other women had, they ran and now she is in an abandoned cabin, and this is where Rome comes into play, but she originally thinks it is from the group that abducted her and the others. Rome is there as he was instructed by his boss to go there and recoup his recent loss. I love this and can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say this story is action packed and full of suspense would be an understatement. It has a little bit of everything from sex trafficking to romance and up to this point the good guys are ahead, even if they are Mafia. The connection between Stefan (Rome) and Arina is fast and is eventually a forever and this is basically their story with a secondary plot that is continuing. Barker knows how to write a book that will keep your attention and have you asking for more. This story leads into the next book that would be Gabe and Megan or at least I hope it is. This is the first book I have read in this series and it pulls characters from previous books and that is something I like about series. This is an excellent read and one that I would highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book was wonderful, it is full of contrasts between the squalid conditions of Belarus and the comfort and fresh air of the Scottish highlands. The cruelty of Anya and the traffickers and the kindness of Roman and Megan. Ashe Barker describes them so that you feel as though you are there and experiencing what Rome and Arina are experiencing. The horror of the Crimson Door and everything that follows is right out of the headlines but is every bit as horrific. The misery of Arina’s existence and the misery that Rome is going through seem to bring them together and their relationship grows from there. The darkness of the trafficking is offset by the lightness of Caraksay and the boys playing on the beach until everything goes wrong and then the mysterious stranger appears and there is a huge cliffhanger!

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Warrior is the 5th story in The Caraksay Brotherhood series. Rome and Arina's story is one of survival, of picking yourself up and starting fresh, of learning to trust again and figuring out that sometimes you just can't manage on your own. There is a lot of heartache at the beginning of the book and Arina's background story especially is incredibly hard to read. There's lots of action, quite a bit of violence. But there's also an instant attraction, steamy yet tender sexy times with a slightly kinky twist and heart-warming scenes of acceptance and friendship before the unexpected finale that manages a HEA for our couple while leaving the rest of the organization on tenterhooks and giving a glimpse into the explosive next book.
I was fortunate to have received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this series are pulse-pounding, edge of your seat reads. I was biting my nails for the first twenty percent of this book. What was going to happen to Ariana. Enter stage left, Stefan. I was in love with his character from the first time I saw his name. Brooding but caring. Human trafficking is such a scary thing to think about. I cannot even imagine what the women, men and children go through and this story really shines a light on how they are treated. I’m telling you, nail-biting. Ariana and Stefan work together to get her back to her siblings but everything but the kitchen sink is thrown in their way. Will they survive the chaos? Will love prevail? Of course. Great writing.

There is a tiny cliffhanger at the end (not for this story but for the next, I hope). Boy oh boy, you will have to read to see what it is.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

OMG! Wow, I was astounded reading this book, the story was exhilarating, I was holding on to the edge of my seat and the characters were absolutely captivating. This story was about Arina and Stefan (Rome), Rome was angry at himself when his best friend died, Rome headed to a fishing cabin to be alone, when he got there he found someone in the bed. Arina worked a lot to pay the bills her father was so sick he died about a week later. Arina promised her father that she will keep them together. Arina got a new job at a seedy men's Club, there was so much action, suspense, danger, violence, killings, kidnapping, trafficking, drugs, lust, passion, pleasure, and maybe even love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest addition of the Caraksay Brotherhood did not disappoint! This featured regular supporting underboss Stefan Romansque (Rome to all who work for the Savage family) and how he becomes the unexpected savior of human trafficking victim and plain down on her luck Arina. Arina is a young woman who is caring for her young siblings when she agrees to working in a pretty shady club out of desperation to feed her family. Unfortunately, she is kidnapped and marked for sale but manages to escape and ends up in Stefan's cabin...snowed in. There's forced proximity, "one bed," enemies-to-loves...this book really features the works. The storytelling is well crafted and sets up nicely for Dr. Megan's story next- which I have to say I am really excited to read soon!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arina is on the run, beaten and near death when she ends up in a cabin, where Rome arrives to deal with his pain in solitude. He alerts the others to the human trafficking and clues she was able to give him. Together they help each other heal and also to fight to survive.
The characters are huge with personalities, strengths and determination. The action packed storyline takes hold from the very first page with a roller coaster ride of drama, danger, nightmares, twists, abuse, steam, terrifying situations and endearing ones, too. The plot lines are so explosive in many directions. Definitely not a book you will be able to put down until done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I've not read the whole series but I'll be picking up the other books and reading them. This is action-packed, dark, delicious, and dangerous, with secrets, violence, killings, drugs, passion, hope, and love, Let's face it I was hooked at the very beginning. Rome is dealing with survivor's guilt and has been sent away when he runs into a woman, beaten, freezing, and half-naked. After hearing Arina's story Rome calls his brotherhood and lets them know that traffickers are in the area. Can these two characters heal each other? I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable story is about Rome and Arina. It's the fifth book in this series, but I didn't feel lost while reading this book since this was my first. It's an intense romance story that kept me engaged. The characters are likable with chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them. Rome suffers from survivor's guilt on the death of Moses who died during a car accident and Arina life is dark and abusive as she struggles to take care of her brother and sister. Out of options she takes a job out of the city that leads her to be found by Rome. What happens afterward was a dark romance of danger, intrigue, deep in-depth soul searching, and steamy romance that I received a copy via Goodreads and volunteer to read and review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-packed story is filled with drama and suspense that had me glued to Rome and Arina. She was the sole provider for her sisters and brother before she was kidnapped and taken away. Rome is able to communicate with her because he understood her language and when he learned all that had happened to her he wants to help and put an end it. The fact that both he and Arina suffer tragic episodes in their lives makes this story one emotional rollercoaster that is filled with twists and turns that blew me away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Abatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Plot - Lots of Action

My rating: 5

Tropes: Suspense - Protector

Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No OW/OM sex
No Cliffhanger (Intro to next book)

"Savage Warrior" is a great book. It is fast paced, with action, suspense and steam.
Nice MCs and secondary characters.
I just needed a little bit more on romance (especially in the second half) however, the plot was so good that covered for that.
I liked a lot the dual point of view in various situations.
I will definitely read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to forgive yourself and heal....to survive

Savage Warrior is the fifth book in The Caraksay Brotherhood series. I have read and own the previous books in this series and Savage Warrior did not disappoint. The story can be read as a stand-alone but there are some things that point back to previous books, nothing that you cannot figure out though. The action continues with Arina and Rome's story, but be warned there are some potential triggers for some readers. Both characters are trying to survive while also being weighed down by life. When Rome finds Arina there is danger lurking and they will have to find a way to trust each other to get out alive.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Arina wanted to do was provide for her younger siblings after their father had passed away and out of desperation, she took a hosting position in another country but was tricked into being trafficked. Rome needed to get away and clear his head after his close friend passed away but ended up finding Arina in the remote cabin and needing his help. It is pretty fast paced and the plot is going to be continued on to the next book. This series has been great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow each book talks about each love interest and I can’t remember Moses but the main character who works for Ethan is morning his death and then you have our female who had found herself in a bad situation and the two of them end up in this remote cabin and the chemistry is off the charts and the action is non stop good and there are so many ways this story continues with another character love love this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting story with strong characters in Rome and Arina. The author brings a gripping story filled with danger and a strong lack of trust between two lovers. She pulled me in with the intense storyline and kept me glued to the pages and left with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers a fantastic read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefan/Rome is trying to cope with and recover from the loss of his best friend. Arina has been through a lot, be prepared it isn’t an easy read. She is able to escape and ends up at a cabin where Rome finds her as he has been sent there to deal with his loss. What will happen with sparks fly between them, can they heal each other and can Rome keep her safe? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and emotion. Great characters, intense chemistry and a read that draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Warrior by Ashe Barker is Book 5 of The Caraksay Brotherhood Series. This is the story of Arina and Stefan "Rome". Arina had started out with a good childhood but after the death of one of her parents things started going downhill. Then in her present day she has been trying to keep her small family together but something happens to her and she is taken. Stefan is going through somethings himself and it is suggested he take a break up in a cabin. But he ends up finding Arina who is in need of help. I hope to read more from this author.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this one! I stayed up all night finishing it, and I still wasn't ready for it to end. Arina isn't a shrinking violet type of character and even though she's going through something, and she knows Rome is a dangerous guy, she's willing to risk everything by standing up to him. Rome is also going through some things, and I love the way Arina brings him back. There's a lot going on in this one and all of it kept my interest. It's fast pace, full of action, suspense, danger, steam, and passion - everything I love in a mafia romance.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense Story of Human Trafficking and Survival

At the start of this story, Ariana is in a spot of trouble and Moses is stewing is his guilt. Things get worst for both before it gets better, but when they meet (in a most violent and startling way), things start looking better. I found Ariana’s ordeal to be really tense to the point of being anxiety-inducing (I just had to keep reading) and the ending is crazy action packed. I can’t wait for the next book in this series - the ending of this one was so exciting!

[Caroline Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even as a new reader to the author and series I found myself completely immersed from start to finish and couldn't wait to see what happened next, which led to me devouring it in one sitting! The dynamic between Arina and Rome was electric and their chemistry intense. Expect plenty of suspense, danger, tension, sizzling chemistry, friendship and much more throughout their story. Now I need to read the rest of the series before moving to the next book... Can't wait!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Warrior is the highly captivating, well written and beautifully built, dark fifth book of ‘The Caraksay Brotherhood’ series.
Packed to the brim with raw emotion, exhilarating action, nerve-wrecking, heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a constant air of danger, this page-turner never lets the reader rest easy for long and makes for one heck of a fast paced, highly engaging ride from very beginning to climaxing, cliffhanger end.

I received an advanced copy of this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Caraksay Brotherhood series!

A remote cabin is the place Rome is being sent to "hopefully" heal! The death of his friend has hit him extremely hard.

What he finds, kicks off another intense, heart-breaking, heart-healing romance by this talented author.

Arina's life has been even more devastating than Rome's, and honestly, hard to read about.

Thank goodness there are some morals with the Caraksay mafia family!

Fast-paced, dark, un-put-down-able read!

[Sewanee Kracalik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve borrowed each book of this series on kindle unlimited. Each one is as good or better than the first. I’ve been completely mesmerized with each extension of this series right through to the end of this one. Then BOOM another cliffhanger. I was not expecting another one, especially one as critical to the series as this. I’m not sure I’m ready for another, then possibly another. As much as I’ve enjoyed the read, I’m getting discouraged.

[Shanna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Warrior: The Caraksay Brotherhood-Book 5 by Ashe Barker. Story is well written and full of angsty and dark drama, plenty of action, bits of suspense, and explosive chemistry between Rome and Arina. I enjoyed their story and their hard-won journey to a HFN. I would recommend this book, series, and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.