Joining the Brotherhood was supposed to lock my violent past away for good. I was in too deep when I learned their dark secret.
All Brothers must choose a Ward.
A captive woman to own, train and punish. It reignites the sadistic desires I’ve smothered. I try to do the right thing and choose a sweet, submissive woman who wants this life. But fate has other plans, and throws Quinn at my feet instead.
She’s lightning in a bottle, a tiny brat just begging for a firm hand. I should let Kendrick give her away, but one look at her furious eyes and I’m hooked. She won’t kneel for me unless I force her, and the beast inside me roars at the challenge.
As I work on taming my hellcat, a faceless ghost threatens my family. I’m glad Quinn woke the monster, because I’m going to need it.
If you love Stasia Black and Shantel Tessier's dark and twisted stories, you'll go feral for the men of the Onyx Brotherhood.
Zara began writing in her thirties after reading a series of “fade to black” fantasy books and wondering why the hell the author didn’t make them smuttier.
Challenge, accepted.
She loves creating magical fantasy worlds, turbulent relationships and dark, kinky heroes (who could be villains if you squint a bit.)
When she’s not thinking up ways to torment her characters, Zara lives on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia with two kiddos and a husband who make her real life far more magical than her stories.
Brutal Savior is the second installment in the Captives of the Onyx Brotherhood series. This book picks up right where book one left off and it's Jacob's story. I was really intrigued by Jacob after meeting him in Gabriel's book. He is definitely a darker and more complex character and his journey with Quinn is different due to both circumstances and their strong personalities. I really enjoyed the banter between these two. Quinn is definitely a brat and Jacob is uniquely qualified to take on that challenge. Once again, I will say that, to me, this book wasn't really dark. But, just like the first book in the series, it was a lot of fun. I definitely had a good time reading it and can't wait for more in the series!
I just can't with the high level of misogyny. I loved the writing and the spice but I don't love that all of the women just accept their place as lesser beings to their male masters. I would blow that place to smithereens based on principal alone. I kept hoping that the characters. would come together and burn the patriarchy to the ground but they just accept being a stepford wife. But I have to admit the scenes are hot but to accept it as your whole life - nope hard pass!
Jacob’s intention was to have a sweet girl, easy to push into submission, nothing that could set off his anger that he’s worked so hard to control. That becomes difficult when feisty girl Quinn is taken instead, becoming the wrong girl and pushing Jacob into an intense challenge.
Jacob’s mission; train the little brat. Quinn’s mission; get the fuck out of here.
Quinn keeps Jacob on his toes with her purposeful misbehaviour and Jacob delivers the brutal punishments. Some questionable, others wild. No in-between.
The spice and plot was drawn out equally, the plot more so which I LOVED! The mystery and the unexpected unveiling of who seemed to be coming for Jacob, had me shooting out of my seat (as did the epilogue but we’ll get to that later).
Jacob had a past that was briefly mentioned in Wicked Stalker and it had curious. I’m happy I’ve uncovered it here. If I dare say so myself, Jacob’s taken the cake. Sorry Gabriel but he’s the new daddy in town 💅🏼
Now for the whiplash of the EPILOGUE leading into the third book. Oh my god… what the fuck is going on? I need Seb’s story delivered to me on a silver platter please & thank you.
When this book is released to the public, I definitely recommend you read it! My first ARC/read of the year and it got 5 stars out of me.
Everything was delivered and flowed beautifully. Zara has such a fantastic way with words and tying everything together while leaving something open for you to keep you interested for the next instalment!!
Zara J Black HAS DONE IT AGAIN. I was so honoured to receive the second instalment in this series as an ARC again. Just like the last book - I am hooked and need the next one ASAP!
The relationships in Brutal Savior are complex but, beautiful. From the start you don’t know how Quinn is going to reach being in the Compound and she truly is feisty. It was great to see how her and Jacob’s bond developed (as best it can with yknow the whole kidnapping thing… but anyways this is just a book!) I also loved seeing Jacob’s soft sides especially for a man that seems hard as stone… in more ways that one. I understand the Compound is the centre of these books essentially but it was great to have a more in depth story line as well and not JUST following the development of the relationship between the Brother and their Ward.
I really enjoyed book 2 in this series of standalones. I prefer this set of characters to the first ones. They’re enjoyable books that are pretty fast reads, perfect to get you out of a book slump for a bit!!
Quinn and Jacob are so fun to read about. I did think that some plot points could’ve been worked out or expanded on a little bit, but since the focus is supposed to be more on the relationship in these that’s fine.
My main complaint about this series stays though. It might speak more to myself and what kind of books I read, but I don’t really find these that dark. The concept is dark, but the realisation feels pretty light. I would’ve loved for them to be more brutal. They’re still good books, just not necessarily all that dark if you’re used to reading dark romance. So I’d still recommend them because I really like them, I’d just say to temper your expectations on a darkness scale 😝
I’m so excited that I was able to be an ARC reader for this book and its previous one! Zara is simply hitting it out of the park with this series. I may be pretty easy to please when it comes to smutty books, but there’s definitely a right way to do it and a wrong way. And Zara does it RIGHT. Why do I love a good dubcon trope? I have no idea. Great job Zara! 👏🏻
3.5⭐️ 4 🌶️ I am loving this series, not as dark as I thought it would be though. Personally, I liked the first book better. I can’t quite put my finger on what I didn’t like in this book. I did put it down a few times and took me longer to read compared to the first one. I loved Jacob though🥵
This is the second installment in the Captive Of the Onyx Brotherhood series ... I love how the story picks up after how book one ended . It is Jacob's story ... I was so intrigued with Jacob after meeting him in Gabriel's book.. I love the banter between the two main characters and i cant wait for more in this series and meet other characters
Jacob was a hard ass but I loved every dirty minute of it. Quinn was an entertaining heroine. She definitely kept Jacob on his toes. The book kept me engaged and was entertaining and spicy. If you enjoyed Wicked Stalker you will enjoy this one.
This second instalment of the brotherhood was so good. I knew I would love Jacob the most. And Q is so friggen awesome. The storyline was ‘on the edge of your seat’ good and the ending always leaves you needing more!!! I will recommend this series to everyone I can.
The author prefaces the book by letting you know that the story of Jacob and Quinn has a very different flavor than that of Gabriel and Eve in Wicked Stalker. Even with that level-set of my expectations, I enjoyed this installment a lot less.
The biggest problem for me was the lack of character development; the story is just one event after another, with no reflection or analysis to sort through the aftermath. Outside of the bedroom (and training) Jacob is a likable guy. But there is an unpleasant quality to their tale, where he gets to act out his violent fantasies and she’s sturdy enough of body and character not to be broken by it. Jacob is all harsh edges, inflexibility and domination, and we never get to understand how or if Quinn truly learns to enjoy her own pleasure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jacob is forced to take on a Ward in the Brotherhood so he chooses a sweet, submissive woman… but then Quinn enters the picture—a fiery, untamable brat who won’t submit to anyone. Quinn’s defiance unlocks something primal in Jacob, and their push-pull relationship is addictive. You’ll love the tension and the emotional stakes that Zara J. Black brings to the table. 🔥
If you’re a fan of dark, twisted romance with intense chemistry, Brutal Saviour will have you hooked. It’s raw, intense, and at times, downright explosive.
The Onyx Brotherhood men are not here for a typical romance, and neither is this book. Brutal Saviour is fierce, intense, and full of grit—and it will leave you breathing heavy with every page. If you crave dark romance with heart-pounding suspense, dive into this world of twisted power and irresistible chemistry. 💥💀
This was a great continuation of the world set by the first book. The story and characters are well developed and leave you wanting the next book! Always love a determined MMC and a hellcat of a MFC! I do highly recommend this series. It’s like nothing I’ve read before. I did receive an ARC copy but the review is of my own opinion.
Holy Moly! I was not expecting this book to end the way it did. I adore Quinn and her bratty stubbornness as much as I love how Jacob reigns her in. I cannot wait for the next book. Zara's writing is captivating.
I really liked this one! I did enjoy the first one more but I think that was just a character preference. Certainly more Dom/Sub than the first one as well.
ARC read/review. Honestly, I thought I loved the first book of this series (I did), but then I read this and OMFG. I absolutely cannot deal with how much I enjoyed this and how quickly I devoured every word.
Let's start with characters:
Jacob. He worked for me. He could work with me. He could work on me, under me, all of it. I dont even care. Just all of it. That man was H.O.T with a capital "yes sir, please sir" from me. I was super intrigued where his story might go when I was left with that brutal cliffhanger at the end of my ARC read of Wicked Stalker and Zara J. Black absolutely did not disappoint. The SECOND that man shows care to Quinn and her predicament and chooses to meet her before committing her to the fate she unfortunately got handed, I was his. Jacob's background, his hard outer shell, and his sometimes brutal methods are balanced absolutely beautifully with the softer side we get to see. Zara has done a wonderful job of creating a gorgeous, interesting, and super well balanced character in our MMC. Bravo!
Quinn. If I am being super honest I dont usually go for the bratty types. I tend to find them a bit annoying. Quinn, however, was a woman after my own heart; sign me the F up. She was fun, she was funny, she was witty, she was equal parts brave and stupid enough to push boundaries and I was 100% there for every single interaction between her and Jacob. Every bratty thing out of her mouth was just *chefs kiss*
Jim. Um, excuse me, how dare you make me fall absolutely head over heels for a background character? Like I didnt have enough of my heart commited to our two MCs I needed to add a third love in the same story?? If I dont get some sort of Jim's hey day prequel at some point I think I will riot. The way Zara also used his character as a means of showing us and bringing out Jacob's softer side, as well as a character who helped enhance Quinn through their interactions was absolutely incredible writing. Side note (without spoilers)- Jims final choice was absolute gold and the fact that Kendrick allowed it make me hate him a little less somehow?? Also, I kind of need a Kendrick prequel also. (safe to say I am hooked on this universe).
It was also awesome to see some more of Gabe and Eve as well and get some little tidbits into how their relationship has continued to develop past their own book.
Lets talk writing style-
Zara has an absolutely incredible skill at bringing to life interesting, complex and completely addictive characters and I can officially confirm I am an addict to this series. Her writing style is immersive, well paced, and creates such an engaging atmosphere that I couldnt help but be utterly engrossed by this entire book and, once again, left absolutely hanging for more. The spice is top tier ... lets just say new kinks have been unlocked and I am not mad at that fact. The action packed subplots that were included were super interesting and just drove the whole story forward that much more.
Side note- check your TWs. I would say this one was a lot more Brutal (excuse the pun) than the first book
Overall, I need book 3 and anything else you want to give me asap. I have gone from a fan in book one to an obsessive stalker person by book 2. great work!
𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 Jacob wanted someone easy to break—Quinn is anything but that. Feisty, defiant, and determined to escape, she pushes all his limits, forcing him into a brutal game of control and rebellion. Their chemistry is explosive, and every punishment, every act of defiance, crackles with intensity.
The spice is insane, but the plot? Even better. The slow-burn mystery and Jacob’s past (hinted at in Wicked Stalker) had me hooked, and the tension kept me flipping pages late into the night. Quinn’s resistance makes every interaction thrilling, and Jacob’s struggle to keep his darkness at bay adds layers to his character that I loved.
And that EPILOGUE?! Absolute whiplash. The setup for the next book had me screaming. I need Seb’s story immediately. Zara J. Black delivers—her storytelling is seamless, keeping you invested while dropping just enough breadcrumbs to leave you desperate for more.
If you love dark romance with a real plot and mind-blowing tension, Brutal Savior is a must-read. Highly recommend!
Thank Zara for the ARC and this is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book, absolutely surprised me. It managed to give off the same vibes as it's first book counter part, while also giving off a whole new vibe of its own. Let me Set the scene without giving away too many details...
Jacob spent way more time than necessary planning for his perfect ward, only to end up with the WRONG girl at his feet. Not a problem, they can get his perfect girl, BUT they can't let this one go, so what to do with her?
Quinn is not the type of girl that would do well living with the onyx brotherhood, but she belongs to Jacob now and it's up to them as a couple to sort out whose in control and whose going to be utterly consumed.
I will say that I did not like Jacob until 61% on my kindle. So if you read the first few chapters and all you want to do is throw the book away and curse the existence of Jacob West..me too.. me too... but it gets better, and in the end I loved him ALMOST as much as I love Gabriel. If I was more into humiliation, he would have surpassed Gabriel on my love scale.
Please read your TWs before reading this book. It is an amazing read, but nothing is worth your mental health.
Back again the world of the Onyx Brotherhood and their captive wards. I was totally obsessed with book 1, now feeling familiar with the characters and their desire to find a ward to have as their own I was excited to read Jacob and Quinn's story.
Jacob was intent on finding a submissive who would fulfill his every desire the soft to his hard. But of course life never works out that easy, getting exactly what you want. He ended up with a not so meek and soft submissive who will fight him at every turn. A firecracker who would fight him tooth and nail, giving him the challenge and fierce desire for someone who could stand up to him. Even though they were not ideal in the beginning, he made sure they were in the end. I feel they fit strangely together. His straightlaced look to her crazy colored hair and potty mouth ;)
The spice was a spicing in book 2. Jacob is every bit the OTT Obsessed Alphamale. Loved me some Gabriel, but def yet to Jacob for sures. I really enjoy Zara's writing and feel she knows how to tell a sexy tale. With as much sexy times and witty banter between the MMC and the FMC to carry the book along. Equal parts parts spice and plot. The idea behind the brotherhood, seems archaic and old fashioned, but in the spirit of modern times, have found ways to keep the wards entertained and part of the process. I love love love this book. And can't wait for the next;)
And the tropes...... full of yummy trigger warnings that read like a menu for any dark romance girlie.. If you enjoy dark romance with hot and spicy captivity. This is for you ;)))
I read this book as part of a advanced reader copy and I am giving my honest review.
Me caga que todos en esa pinche secta tengan complejo de Dioses salvadores redentores.
No te dejamos opinar porque solamente eres una de nuestras cautivas, pero tienes un trabajo, ¿no es eso suficiente?
No puedes salir nunca más porque simplemente nos perteneces y no creemos que las mujeres tengan derecho a autonomía como lo hacemos los hombres, pero te alimentamos bien, ¿por qué no estás contenta?
Pensé que amaría absolutamente este libro, que las cosas en el complejo tomarían una dirección mejor, pero fue una absoluta tortura. Seguir viendo comentarios y actitudes tan mierdas hacia las mujeres y que ellas lo aceptaran con una sonrisa iba en contra de todo lo que soy como persona.
Estaba fascinada con Jacob, hasta que empezó con sus pinches putos perros pendejos exhibicionismos para humillar a Quinn frente a todos. No hay nada que deteste más.
Lo mío son los protagonistas que odian que siquiera alguien mire en la dirección de su pareja.
Las estrellas son porque mantuvo mi atención continuamente y no pude soltar el libro hasta que lo acabé, a pesar de haber estado frustrada hasta las lágrimas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
All I can say is Jacob West! Now first thing first, these books are morally black. The series itself is called Captives of the Onyx Brotherhood. So if that not your cup of tea then that’s okay, however, if you are a dark-romance lover who loves a possessive morally black MMC and a spitfire brat FMC with forced proximity, heavy spice & kink and a secret society setting then this book is for you.
Jacob and Quinn are thrown together when she is accidentally mistaken for someone else and brought to The Compound to be Jacob’s ward. Unable to return to her life as she knew it, Quinn has two options; adapt or escape. As Quinn crafts her plan and Jacob has to throw out his plan both of their secrets unfold and enemies arise.
While this could be read as a standalone. I’d highly recommend reading book 1 Wicked Stalker - Gabriel & Eve’s story, as it provides a more in depth understanding to this world, and the side characters that appear within this story. Please review your trigger warnings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the series and I knew it would be my favorite. This series revolves around BDSM and each book seems to have a different dynamic. This book play on m/s dynamic and the sub is 100% a brat. It was so well written, i have been looking for a good book with a brat and this one finally scratched the itch. This book is about a girl who was wrongly kidnapped and is stuck in the lifestyle. Jacob (mmc) is left with a choice to keep Quinn (fmc) or kidnap the original girl he wanted. Quinn is a fire cracker and the banter between the main characters is so fun to read. It made me laugh and made the book that much more enjoyable. This was a quick read simply bc i couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what was gonna happen and how Jacob would react to Quinn’s sassy personality. The book also had a great plot. It’s not just all spicy scenes there is a story that brings in an element of mystery and suspense. Overall this is my favorite book of hers so far and i highly recommend it!!
When Jacob selects his ward and the Gilda bring the wrong woman, Jacob has to decide what he wants to do. Jacob had selected a woman that was interested in being a submissive, knowing that she would probably fit in easier. The Gilda grabbed Quinn, and she is the exact opposite of what he had chosen, she is a partier and disobedient. Quinn also has a heart condition that she doesn't exactly manage well. After talking to Kendrick and Quinn, Jacob has to decide if he wants to keep Quinn as his own or have her given to another brother while they capture his originally selected ward. Quinn straight up tells him she wants nothing to do with this life, he hopes after giving her her options she'll choose him, he feels she's exactly what he needs to make him happy. Quinn definitely doesn't disappoint and she makes sure everyone knows she doesn't want anything to do with being his ward. He gets to punish her and treat her how he feels she needs to be. Will he be able to break her and keep her as his or will she end up trying to get away or given to another Brother.
My feelings for Jacob flip flopped so frequently that I was forced to reassess how I previously assumed I’d handle captivity.
Heed the author’s warning though. He doesn’t do safe words or general consent at all. The reader is aware that it’s dubious, but he openly ignores her pleas to slow down as well as, ‘No.’
It probably goes without saying that he’s very selfish in that area. At least Gabriel, from the first book, made Eve’s nightmare more dreamlike.
There’s also a ton of embarrassing public degradation that took me a whole day after reading to recall because I’d blocked it out.
I don’t mind it when it’s in front of strangers, but in front of a group of people she’s meant to spend the rest of her life unwillingly entrenched in their community and has only just gained the respect of? Hated that.
The storyline is consistently interesting beyond their toxic relationship and contains genuine plot twists I appreciated.
I foresaw the basis of the next book happening, but I’m no less excited to experience it unfold.
💚Forced proximity 💚Ex military MMC 💚Headstrong FMC 💚Found Family
I was so excited to receive this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely devoured Wicked Stalker and didn’t know if Brutal Savior could top it, but it definitely did!
I was really excited to read Jacob and Quinn’s story after the cliff hanger in book one. The concept of Quinn being “the wrong girl” sounded so interesting.
The book definitely didn’t disappoint! Jacob is a guy who sticks to rules and plans everything out in advance. Quinn is the exact opposite and loves testing Jacob’s patience. I loved seeing these two fall for each other, it was entertaining to read. I literally stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish this book, I couldn’t put it down!
This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and I cannot wait for book three! I think Sebastian might have potential to become my favorite Brother 👀
Zara girl, you are easily becoming a favorite author because this book was INSANE! I loved Gabriel and Eve’s story, but Quinn was a mistake. Stumbling through life living dangerously with not a care in the world whether she lives or dies. That changes the day the Gilda mistaken her for Jacob’s ward choice, and is dumped into the life of the Brotherhood- and Jacob. Jacob takes on Quinn as his ward, and he quickly learns that this girl is a firecracker trapped in a box. She fights, she’s destructive, she has no filter, but that doesn’t matter to Jacob. As time progresses (and Quinn somewhat acclimates), Jacob’s family is thrown into danger and turmoil. Quinn makes a fast suggestion to save his family, and it was successful. The EPILOGUE THOUGH! Seb, Seb, Seb- what did you do? Loved this book, had all the right spice, the suspense, the character building was incredible. THIS SERIES IS A MUST READ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First, if you haven’t read the first book in this series, Wicked Stalker, stop reading this, go and read that. Then come back. Back? Good. Because holy freaking British BALLS Zara! Our intro to Jacob in Book 1 let us know he had some interesting history but my heart!
Zara J Black has, yet again, spun a story that is intricate enough to allow you to build it in your mind without detracting from the point of the story. And non-spoiler alert—did NOT see that twist coming. That was a freaking meteor strike! I couldn’t help but binge this in one sitting, so I had to go back and read it again to make sure I caught anything I missed when riding this tall, twisted, and dark slide the first time. Second time did not disappoint either. The characters get such a rich development over the course of the book that you can imagine being in the Compound with them. I was most excited for Seb after Gabriel’s story, but I am so glad we got Jacob.
Oh my my, where to start. True to the first book in the series, the tradition of the Brotherhood continues where one of their members must choose a ward. It turns out the wrong girl was taken at the start of this book but they keep her anyway. The dynamic between Quinn & Jacob is very much Bratty Sub/Dom with themes of public punishment, dubcon etc. throughout the book. Please check triggers before reading as some themes may be triggering through the book, eg the idea of kidnapping and mentions of parental neglect here and there. Quinn does eventually give in and submit fully to Jacob and their lifestyle, though it takes him drilling it into her mentally (and literally if you'd say too) for her to come around.
Great lengths for the chapter, nothing too long or too short, there's always something to keep you hooked and want to keep reading.
Favourite quote: "What he's doing is working. He's drilling obedience into me one punishment at a time."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ahh this book just kept getting better and better! The FMC was the perfect amount of feisty to me and didn’t really give in until the end. Jacob was also my perfect MMC, strict and didn’t let Quinn get away with anything. However harsh he seemed he also had a soft side especially for Quinn and I loved that he realised early on how great Quinn was and wasn’t hung up on the mix up for much of the story. You also get to see more of Kendrick which as a character is really intriguing me as to what his back story is.
Like the previous book, this is a dark romance with cult/captive as a main troupe but has a great lightheartedness to it which stops it from being too dark. The character combo for me really hit the spot for me and really hoping for the same rough around the edges character dynamic in Sebs story.
Literally cannot wait to dive back into the onyx brotherhood!!