Savage

Marcano Moguls #4

by J.L. Quick

Rafael prides himself in being a cold-hearted, brutal killer for the Marcano’s.

Until he met Lucia.

When he rescues her from a fate worse than death, the unlikely pair bond seeking vengeance, ending the lives of everyone who wronged her.

It's just another job. something to quench his thirst for bloodshed... or is it something more savage?

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2024

About the author

J.L. Quick is an author of spicy, dark, contemporary (18+) romance novels and novellas. Utilizing a mixture of her life experiences and Master's degree in Psychology, she creates deep, rich characters who battle their demons while finding savage and brutal love. In her free time, she enjoys reading, food festivals, visiting distilleries, and cult-classic movies. J.L. Quick resides in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband and the pack of pitties.

Reviews

[What the smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
There is a certain level of spice and storyline required to make a book hard to put down. This book has it all. From the hell that is endured to the revenge that is taken. The need to see what happened next drove me to finish this book in one sitting.

[jenniferlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucia had a rough life….betrayed by her father…..abused & left for dead by her husband….wishing she were dead herself until a weird turn of events brings her knight in shining armor to her rescue

Rafael was a drug cartel enforcer….he had killed many & was destined to kill many more….walking in to take care of a job he finds a woman left for dead…there’s something about her that he can’t walk away from

She finds a warmth & a feeling of safety in him….He feels the need to teach & protect her….they come from opposite cartels but sometimes that doesn’t really matter

I loved their story….its a quick read but there is a lot….Lucia’s life is a huge trigger warning….before reading this book make sure it is something you can handle….I do not trigger or not easily & even I felt uncomfortable for her….she had a rough life & not of her choosing….Rafael helped her to heal & took his time with her….I love when a man can read the room or a situation correctly…..

[spicybookmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

⛓️Savage is the final book in the The Marcano Moguls Series and whoa did we step into the darkness. Please check the trigger warnings as this book hits on some very dark sensitive subject matter and you need to make sure this book is right for you.
🖤 For me, this book is thoughtfully and perfectly written. JL Quick knows how to pack a lot of punch into her books and fill them with incredible characters, captivating plot, and the most well written passionate kinky spice.
⛓️ Lucia has been dealt the most horrendous hand in life and has suffered an insurmountable amount of time at the hands of her family. Rafael is cold and calculating. Driven by loyalty to family and responsibility, even his dark heart cracks when his path crosses with Lucia. Somehow, their broken pieces work together to bring healing and cathartic revenge. He is the epitome of burn the world down for those he cares for and a man of his word. The raw passion and primal play is top shelf spicy goodness.
🖤 There is a lot of violence, danger and suspense mixed into the most delicious spice creating a fantastic revenge romance. This is an incredibly fast read that hits all the emotional marks you want in a deep dark romance. As always, I am very enthusiastic when it comes JL Quick’s writing. Her books are fantastic. I highly recommend this one and all of her others. I cannot wait to see what world we step into next.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading this book as it is a dark, spicy romance. That being said and getting the disclaimer taken care of I absolutely devoured this book! Lucia and Rafael were amazing together and the chemistry and the spice made for an intriguing and intense read. Rafael was so protective over her and since Lucia goes through a lot she needed someone who was completely devoted and protective of her. I won’t spoil anything but if you enjoy dark romance, mafia romance and tons of spice this book is for you. Thank you to J.L. Quick and Happily Booked PR for the ARC of this wonderful dark story!

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional read, especially the first few chapters from Lucia's pov. She went through some horrific things before she was rescued by Rafael. For most people Rafael is an unhinged and dangerous killer. But to Lucia he's an unhinged protective dark knight. He's determined to help her get revenge on every man who brutalized her. During the process become closer and closer falling for each other more and more. The spice between these two is top tier. See Lucia from a scared, broken woman to badass who took pleasure in ending the men who hurt her the worst, was perfection.

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short, savage, and feral read and it was great. It had the whole 'I spit on your grave' revenge going on and it was glorious to see her take back her power.

[laur · Rating 2 out of 5]

*this arc was sent in exchange for an honest review*

To be honest this book just wasn’t for me. I’ve loved every JL book I’ve read in the marcano moguls series so far, I’m sure some may find this enjoyable but it’s definitely not my favourite.

As always, thank you JL for letting me read this early.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

He saved her and then helped her get the Vengeance she deserved

I loved Rafael & Lucia’s story. He’s so hard and never soft for anyone and then he finds her and just has to do whatever it takes to have her. I couldn’t put this book down. It was short and spicy. The way he saved her then helped her get revenge was amazing. He gave her back her power after she had been literally broken.

The spice was 4🌶️ very spicy just like you expect from JL. But there was significant plot so it wasn’t more smut than plot. The way Rafael was just obsessed with Lucia and wanted to worship and take her made me feel all sorts of things.

This is the final book in the Marcano Moguls series. But they are interconnected standalones so you do not need to read the others to read this book.
Lucia had been dealt the worst hand. The beginning chapters from her POV are rough. Please mind the triggers.

A couple of my favorite quotes:

“Fucking look at me, little lamb, and listen to every fucking word. You didn’t survive fucking hell to bleed out on my bathroom floor. Don’t give them the fucking satisfaction of breaking you. You. Fucking. Fight.” ~Rafael

“You are so fucking strong, little lamb. You’ll see. There’s a fucking savage inside of you. I can feel it as real as I feel my own.” ~ Rafael

The sight of him shouldn’t do the things to me that it does.
My entire life, not once have I had a man go to bat for me. No one ever attempted to protect me, let alone defend me. And now, my father’s enemy—a man who was a stranger to me no more than a few short weeks ago—has made it his sole mission to seek vengeance on every man that ever wronged me. ~ Lucia

They thought she was small, weak, and disposable. They were so fucking wrong. She’s a formidable fucking force, and they will all rue the day that they dared to cross her. She doesn’t need me to seek her vengeance. No, my little lamb is more than capable of making every last one of them pay. ~ Rafael

“Tell me who this perfect fucking cunt belongs to, and I’ll make you come until you’re begging me to stop. Because I would happily spend the rest of my days buried inside of you. I’d die a happy fucking man with you wrapped around my cock.” ~ Rafael

“You’re fucking mine, little lamb,” ~ Rafael
—————————
Tropes & triggers: Dark romance, mafia romance, arranged marriage, murder/violence, torture, touch her and die, he falls first, HEA, non-con (on page w/ FMC)

[Naj_ana_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Savage By J.L. Quick ✨

This is probably the darkest book I've read from JL Quick this far. The triggers are not that heavy compare to some I've read before but I think what made it darker for me was that this one was definitely more descriptive about it. Lucia went through so much suffering during her forced marriage. To have all this torture done and have it ignored by the one person that was supposed to protect her. Her father, him pretty much throwing her at the lions den. Hector was brutal and vial. The amount of torture he put Lucia through, last thing he was expecting was Rafael. 

Rafael is on the hunt. He is determine to protect those close to him and that is Alejandro Marcano and his family. His main goal is to eliminate any treat to them so when he finds a broken shell of a woman that has the biggest connection with his enemy he will soon find out that his protection will now be expanding as well. This was a fast read, I devoured it in one seating but it still gave me all the emotions that I savagely craved. Specially Lucias revange.  

If you love
💫 Forced/Arranged Marriage
💫 Touch her and die
💫 Vengance
💫 He Falls First

Type: Dark Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stand Alone or Series: Marcano Moguls Series
TWs: Non-Con, Trafficking, Murder, Torture, Forced Medical Procedures, Body Mutilation, Suicidal Attempt/Ideation, 🍇.

💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
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[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage may be a relatively quick read, but it sure packs a punch. Dealing with a lot of hurt, healing, and vengeance, this read was a real journey, and although some of the subject matter was difficult to read, it was definitely worth it.
 
Lucia is your typical mafia pawn, gifted to somebody as a wife to solidify an allegiance. However, there was nothing that could have ever prepared her for the cruel and callous life her husband put her through. The discussions of what she has been through, although not overly graphic and detailed, are still enough to know and understand the suffering she has been through, and my heart broke for her after reading about her ordeal. When she has finally broken and given up on life, she is rescued by Rafael, who initially thinks she's dead as she's in such a bad state, but when he realises she is still alive, he makes it his mission to save her and exact vengeance on those who hurt her.
 
Witnessing them together was beautiful, as we saw him help Lucia heal. He's not a good man; he is dark and has done bad things, but he makes Lucia feel safe, which is a wonderful thing to witness. A big part of her healing journey is getting revenge on those who hurt her, and like a phoenix rising, she comes out the other side of this book as a new person compared to who she was at the beginning of the book, and it's glorious.
 
 

[Dea Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafael doesn't do relationships. He doesn't do feelings. He's a merciless killer for the Mercano's. Rafael's on a job one day when he comes across Lucia, and he rescues her. That day, Lucia changes something in him. Now they both work together to get revenge against every man who ever hurt her.

Before saying anything about this book, I need to stress that if you have any triggers, please read the TWs before reading this one because this book has some parts that are very heavy and can be hard to read for some. With that said, this was another great novella in the Marcano Moguls series. Rafael is a closed off man who doesn't do feelings, but when he finds the broken, tortured Lucia he has a primal need to take care of her and to show her how much of strong woman she is. Lucia, who was just ready to give up completely, is finally shown love by a man who has never let himself love anyone before. These two together are explosive, especially when they are out for revenge. Such a great dark romance!

[Nasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Savage" definitely starts heavy therefore check first the TW and then dive in.

This is the 4th book of the Marcano Mogul Series and its all about Lucia, daughter of the rival Cartel and Rafael, enforcer for the Marcanos.

Lucia, was arranged by her father to marry Hector. He is cruel and heartless. Hector starts to abuse Lucia and leaves her to die. Everything changes when Rafael is searching for some men to take care of his job and discovers a woman tied up in bed and was left to her fate.

Normally Rafael wouldn't care but something is different with her, it feels different. He saves and takes his time to help her. Lucia feels safe and strong beside Raf and shows how resilience she is.

J. L. Quick is definitely the author who didn't not disappoint with quick reads. Raf and Lucias story is short and well-written, with very good amount of spice. Their broken pieces heal and work together, and they take their revenge. I liked Rafael and Lucia's story and if u like dark sensitive subjects, enjoy the read.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now fully invested in this series from JL Quick nd have thoroughly enjoyed each book that has come along.

There’s domestic abuse, SA, a morally black MMC that cares for no one except her, trauma, fighting, healing, war, revenge, you touched her & d!e, protector, spicy spice and a repurposed bread knife!

This book definitely includes some darker themes regarding Lucia and what she is subjected to. But Rafael, a k!ller in the truest sense of the word finds something more than a broken women and he shows her just how strong she can be. He’s rough but gentle with her, until she wants that other side of him.

The way these two characters interact and develop their relationship was so good to read. I just wanted Lucia to come back from everything she endured with the support of her big, brooding bad boy Raf.

I recommend this series as each book hold something different but all pull you into the story and leave you wanting more.

[Cal D · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fourth book of the Marcano Moguls series, we get to know Rafael, one of the higher-ups/trusted man of the Marcano cartel, and Lucia, the daughter of a rival cartel’s kingpin.

THOUGHTS 💭
🖤 This book discusses/showcases horrors on the page in both the present and in flashbacks. Approach this book with caution. I don’t really have triggers and this one was rough for me.
🖤 I love ruthless, merciless men who soften for the right woman.
🖤 Lucia and Rafael’s connection transcends her trauma and the abuse she suffered. Lucia shows incredible resilience.
🖤 The spice between Lucia and Raf is spiiiiiiicy. JL dipped into primal play, which was 🔥.

I’ve really enjoyed this series so far! While this wasn’t my favorite of the series, Lucia and Raf’s story made me feel all the things (but mostly rage, horror, sadness, and spice).

Thanks so much to JL Quick for the ARC of this book.

[Jacqueline Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage (The Marcano Moguls Series Book 4)
Please read the trigger warning this deals with some heavy topics. Lucia has been betrayed by the ones who are supposed to love and protect her. Her dad offering her to her future husband, her husband who used her to get on top and those who shall not be mentioned. After what feels like years an unlikely hero appears.Rafael a drug cartel enforcer enjoys killing and has no second thoughts about killing those who deserve it. The reaction he has to Lucia is unfamiliar and he cant walk way. In her sleep she feels safest in his arms. Rafael encourages her to fight and prove everyone wrong and she does that. A great moment between the two of them when they can communicate without words. Lucia became a bad chick and I loved that for her. Definitely a tough read at time so be careful with your MH.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Please check the trigger warnings before reading this one cause it gets pretty heavy.

Lucia unfortunately finds herself in a terrible situation all because of who her father is and she has no way out or that’s what she thinks until Rafael comes into the picture.

I swear these men just get better and better. 🥵 Rafael is literally the epitome of “who did this to you!?” and honestly I’m all here for it. Lucia goes through a lot and I mean A LOT, but Raf is there every step of the way to help her heal. I really enjoyed watching the development of their bond form and how she gained her strength back. I always love J.L.’s work cause she always delivers to perfect amount of spice. 😮‍💨

[Arlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heavy, but fast read. Like I devoured it in one sitting. I love Rafael, and that he is such a savage, who's never loved anyone. The way he softens for her is everything.
I was nearly in tears, and could not put this book down.
Lucia goes through so many atrocities, and is the epitome of a revenge story. PLEASE pay attention to your trigger warnings, as it touches some heavy subjects. I love a badass FMC who gets revenge on those who wrong her. Such a delicious, dark, and depraved read.
I can't believe this is already the 4th installment of the Marcano Moguls!!
I genuinely can't decide which one I love more.

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, please check trigger warnings for this book as it is quite trigger heavy right from the beginning. If you can push through the first couple chapters, I promise it's definitely worth it! This book was fantastic. I loved the MMC Raf and especially loved the FMC Lucia. Raf is a dangerous, ruthless enforcer who finds Lucia, battered and on the brink of shattering completely. The revenge they serve is so sweet and well deserved. Lucia is a strong woman that's for sure and Raf is oh so yummy! I want to find me a man to chase me like Raf does Lucia. Easy 5 star read 📚

[Courtney Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to read. If you choose to read this, check trigger warnings!

With that said, I finished this book within a few hours. I loved Rafael and Lucia. Lucia's story is absolutely heartbreaking, but Rafael's need to protect her was such an important part of this story. I do think a lot of it felt rushed and it could have been a much longer book to make it feel real and have it be more of a slow burn just with the trust building between the two MCs. But I also don't love slow burns so I was okay with it!

What a way to finish out this series!

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafael

"No one messes with the Diaz Cartel. No one betrays Alejandro Marcano. For the better part of twenty-five years, it has been my job to protect both."

Lucia

"She’s a formidable force, and they will all rue the day that they dared to cross her."

These two are freakin off the charts combustible together! Rafael is SAVAGE, he already knows this. Lucia is FIERCE, it just takes her a minute to figure it out. But when she does, look out! This book is absolutely fantastic and the characters. There are no words!

[Heather Roue · Rating 5 out of 5]

3.5/5 🌶️
**ARC Review**

To start, this book was HEAVY on the front end. So please check the TWs before you read. Trafficking and SA are a main part of the story initially.

With that said, I really enjoyed what JL did with the story. Since it was quite heavy, I wasn’t sure at first how I was going to feel but I really liked the book and I loved the FMCs growth and the MMCs thoughtfulness towards her.

Once the spice hits, it hits haha. And I like how JL navigated the FMCs past with her present urges.

I definitely recommend giving the book a read 💋

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! This story was tough to read. If you have any triggers, this is likely not the book for you, but if you can stomach the vile nature of this story, the end will definitely be vindicating. I thought Rafael was the perfect character and he challenged and liberated Lucia in the exact way that she needed. My only complaint was that I felt like the one person who should have been the recipient of vile and disturbing torture got off way too easily and I think it would have been more cathartic had Lucia been able to get the revenge she deserved.

[Lakshmi Praveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my darker! That is how this book goes. It's building up darker n darker and Savage is pure dark. Check trigger warnings and then read this book. Phew , Lucia is a broken battered sold woman and is on the brink of existence and in comes Raf who rains hell on earth. This book kept me on the edge throughout and loved every second of it. In true JL fashion this dark romance had all the shmicks I love. Can't wait for more!!

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another saucy, delicious novella from J.L. Quick! I loved this one! Lucia has had a traumatic life as the daughter of one of the cartel members. Some of the scenes may be really tough for some so tread lightly. Rafael is part of the Marcano family as basically their enforcer who gets things done.

The author really knows how to write a good novella with a plot and lots of spicy scenes. There is a hot, hot, hot, scene or two in the woods 😉.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! It's Raphael & Lucia's story & they had one to tell. She has been through some horrible things & he rescues her. This was a short & quick read, please keep in mind, it wasn't an easy one. The things she's been through are truly atrocious & when he finds her, she's in very bad shape. After a lot of help from him & others, she becomes so strong & the spice is fantastic! Highly recommend this series & author!

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Marcano Moguls series, we get to know Rafael, one of the higher-ups/trusted man of the Marcano’s organization, and Lucia, the daughter of a rival organization’s kingpin.

Lucia is found in the worst case scenario, in a nasty house while Raf is trying to find two other people in the organization. Their hot and cold relationship throughout the whole book, will keep you reading. How Raf finds her, fixes her and makes her whole. It’s dark and beautiful all at the same time.

[Candace P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafael and Lucia

This book was go go go! I felt like I was holding my breath through 75%!

I loved how Rafael was ruthless, but had a tender side for Lucia and seemed to know exactly what she needed!

I'm so impressed how the the author takes us from trauma to healing quickly, but still making it feel like a developed story!

Check the CW/TWs for this one! Lucia has a hard start so keep that in mind if you pick this one up!

[Jeanette T. Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Marcano Moguls series. This book is fantastic, but you will want to check your triggers on this one because it does touch on some very dark topics. The story of Rafael and Lucia is heart-wrenching, but also uplifting. He helps her rise above some serious crap to reclaim her life, even if it might be at the expense of her soul. I loved it. This entire series has been amazing.

[Kaylee’s Easily Entertained · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you take one thing seriously about my reviews, let it be this. Please please check the trigger warnings before reading this book. I went in blind and normally that’s something I would love but this time not so much. Bright side - it wasn’t a major trigger, so I was able to continue and I did really like the book. But I found a trigger today.
Also, as usual I anticipate spice but JL just delivers in a whole different fashion 👩‍🍳💋

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

He found her barely alive and living in hell. Rafael is not usually a man who has much mercy. He is someone who does what must be done and he enjoys it. But when he sees the broken woman, he does the unthinkable. He takes her. Lucia knows nothing but pain at the hands of men. She thinks this brute of a man is no different, but why does he make her blood sing and her soul feel less broken around him? This was so addicting I couldn't help but want more.