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Savannah Royals
A bayou con artist with a thirst for riches. A blue blood boy with a heart of gold. And the criminal mastermind who brings them together…then tears them apart.
By day, Katarina Quinn masquerades as a well-bred lady of Savannah. At night, she runs with a ragtag gang of con artists and thieves. She’s a downright professional. And pros never make rookie mistakes like falling for the target—especially when they’re already in love with the criminal underlord of the city.
Enter Matthew DaMolin, a wittily charming, newly minted physician, who just so happens to be the son of one of the great American dynasties. Matthew is Kat’s ticket into a highly exclusive club, a place to rub shoulders with the likes of the Rockefellers and the Astors. The thief inside Kat is salivating, but much to her surprise, so is the woman. When her interest shifts from professional to personal, it threatens her place in both Savannah’s criminal underworld and high society.
With a street war brewing amongst the city gangs of Savannah and a jewel heist against Matthew’s family on the horizon, Kat’s two worlds collide in a clash of knives and double-crosses. Caught between the cunning, indomitable rogue she’s loved since childhood and the captivating, earnest man targeted by her schemes, she must choose…
Whose throat will Kat press her dagger against when the dust settles?
Savannah Royals is a Prohibition era heist romance filled with thieving shenanigans and double-crosses, a morally grey cast, and a piping hot love triangle. Perfect for fans of MacLean’s Bareknuckle Bastards series and those who loved Six of Crows...but wanted more romance! It can be read as a standalone.
By day, Katarina Quinn masquerades as a well-bred lady of Savannah. At night, she runs with a ragtag gang of con artists and thieves. She’s a downright professional. And pros never make rookie mistakes like falling for the target—especially when they’re already in love with the criminal underlord of the city.
Enter Matthew DaMolin, a wittily charming, newly minted physician, who just so happens to be the son of one of the great American dynasties. Matthew is Kat’s ticket into a highly exclusive club, a place to rub shoulders with the likes of the Rockefellers and the Astors. The thief inside Kat is salivating, but much to her surprise, so is the woman. When her interest shifts from professional to personal, it threatens her place in both Savannah’s criminal underworld and high society.
With a street war brewing amongst the city gangs of Savannah and a jewel heist against Matthew’s family on the horizon, Kat’s two worlds collide in a clash of knives and double-crosses. Caught between the cunning, indomitable rogue she’s loved since childhood and the captivating, earnest man targeted by her schemes, she must choose…
Whose throat will Kat press her dagger against when the dust settles?
Savannah Royals is a Prohibition era heist romance filled with thieving shenanigans and double-crosses, a morally grey cast, and a piping hot love triangle. Perfect for fans of MacLean’s Bareknuckle Bastards series and those who loved Six of Crows...but wanted more romance! It can be read as a standalone.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
15 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Barrett
2 books46 followersLindsay Barrett is a Maggie and RWA award-winning author who crafts dark stories with lots of kissing. An avid world traveler, most of Lindsay’s writing inspiration comes from perpetual wanderlust. When she isn’t snowshoeing atop glaciers in Alaska, drinking bourbon in Kentucky, or binge eating tapas in Spain, she can be found in her home state of Maryland, where she lives with her husband and their tiny titan (read: prince) of a rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 18, 2025
I still cannot believe that this is a debut. The writing and story telling was so well done, I was able to visualize everything and felt immersed in the story. I absolutely love the era, the vibes, and the setting of this book! The relationship dynamics were very interesting and I was so stressed and worried with how it would all pan out, but I am very pleased with the way it ended! I did like Kat, but Matthew was the star of the show here for me. What a man! If you’re looking for a fun book to read, you love a 1920’s vibe, and love a fearless FMC who is quite a spitfire, definitely check this one out.
Thank you so much to Lindsay Barrett and Nerd Fam for sending me an ARC for this book! And congratulations on your debut novel! 🥳
Thank you so much to Lindsay Barrett and Nerd Fam for sending me an ARC for this book! And congratulations on your debut novel! 🥳
May 24, 2025
This was a pretty enjoyable read. It was well written and had well fleshed out characters. The main character was not my favorite, but she was interesting and complex. Matthew, on the other hand, was an angel. Truly. I love him. Absolutely loved Abe as well.
This book was very much based on found family. As a major fan of found family, this was awesome. I loved reading about their relationships.
I truly can’t understand how the romance could be so messy and not messy at the same time? While I unfortunately didn’t love the premise or romance in itself, it was handled very impressively. I was a bit uncomfortable with the ages of a part of the romance, but it turned out all right.
I absolutely loved the vibe of the book. Dark, murky and at the same time cosy? It was perfect.
One thing that bothered me a lot was the fast pace. Everything happened so fast and didn’t always feel fully thought out. It went a lot back and forth and all decisions characters took didn’t really feel final.
I’m a bit disappointed inte the heist part of this book. I would have liked to see and feel more in those scenes. It felt a bit repetitive and simple, when it should have been a bit more complicated and complex.
All in all, I enjoyed it. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
This book was very much based on found family. As a major fan of found family, this was awesome. I loved reading about their relationships.
I truly can’t understand how the romance could be so messy and not messy at the same time? While I unfortunately didn’t love the premise or romance in itself, it was handled very impressively. I was a bit uncomfortable with the ages of a part of the romance, but it turned out all right.
I absolutely loved the vibe of the book. Dark, murky and at the same time cosy? It was perfect.
One thing that bothered me a lot was the fast pace. Everything happened so fast and didn’t always feel fully thought out. It went a lot back and forth and all decisions characters took didn’t really feel final.
I’m a bit disappointed inte the heist part of this book. I would have liked to see and feel more in those scenes. It felt a bit repetitive and simple, when it should have been a bit more complicated and complex.
All in all, I enjoyed it. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
September 1, 2025
Great premise, but the flat characters and limp romance made it feel like YA playing dress-up as NA.
April 18, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens & Pluviophile Publishing, LLC for the arc!
**1 star** I hate to give a one-star rating when the author clearly is passionate about their work but this was pretty bad.
Set in prohibition era Georgia, Katarina “Kat” Quinn grows up in the Catacombs and finds herself running with a group of con artists and thieves called the “Savannah Wolves”. She’s romantically involved with the handsome criminal underlord, all while attending a prestigious finishing school. Through the connections she gains at school, Kat is exposed to the great American dynasties and meets physician Matthew DaMolin. Kat now having intel on their prized possessions, works with her fellow gang members on a jewel heist while navigating the expectations of high society. As her new connection with Matthew deepens, her focus splits between the two worlds. Feelings develop, lines blur, and Kat begins to struggle between her loyalties to her found family versus her new future.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the inconsistencies. The very first chapter, Kat seems to break the fourth wall but then this writing style disappears shortly after. It’s a small detail so I got past that. But then, we’re told she attends a finishing school while being part of a gang, yet we never actually see her in any school setting beyond where she sleeps. There’s no mention of classes, lessons, or even other students (besides her roommate). How is she paying for this school? The author conveniently explains it away by saying the girls are essentially on loan until they find a husband.
This is marketed as a “Prohibition era heist romance” and suggests fans of “Six of Crows” will enjoy it. But it did not feel like this was set during the prohibition era. And the heists that took place were so underwhelming, it was not the forefront of the story–it was almost too easy. This does not compare to SOC by any means as it lacks any emotional turmoil but rather focuses on the many sexual tensions instead.
The smut. This is supposedly NA or adult fiction. It seems the author intended for closed-door scenes, but throws in random graphic details anyway. It felt like she started explicit scenes with the intention to be fully detailed, then gave up halfway through and shut the door mid-act. It came across as lazy. Either commit to fully writing the scene or keep it closed-door from the start.
There also seems to be a main theme of polyamory and this was so nonchalantly mentioned. From the little research I’ve gathered, the 20s saw a loosening in social norms including unconventional relationships but it was still pretty frowned upon. I almost wish more attention was put on this particular theme because the storyline was moving at such a glacial pace, there’d be something to be intrigued about.
Lastly, the story became super repetitive. There wasn’t a fully concrete story or any end goal. After reading the author’s note, where she says this was going to be a fantasy heist, I would have rather read that book. Having some established world building, storyline, anything really, would have made this book infinitely better.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
**1 star** I hate to give a one-star rating when the author clearly is passionate about their work but this was pretty bad.
Set in prohibition era Georgia, Katarina “Kat” Quinn grows up in the Catacombs and finds herself running with a group of con artists and thieves called the “Savannah Wolves”. She’s romantically involved with the handsome criminal underlord, all while attending a prestigious finishing school. Through the connections she gains at school, Kat is exposed to the great American dynasties and meets physician Matthew DaMolin. Kat now having intel on their prized possessions, works with her fellow gang members on a jewel heist while navigating the expectations of high society. As her new connection with Matthew deepens, her focus splits between the two worlds. Feelings develop, lines blur, and Kat begins to struggle between her loyalties to her found family versus her new future.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the inconsistencies. The very first chapter, Kat seems to break the fourth wall but then this writing style disappears shortly after. It’s a small detail so I got past that. But then, we’re told she attends a finishing school while being part of a gang, yet we never actually see her in any school setting beyond where she sleeps. There’s no mention of classes, lessons, or even other students (besides her roommate). How is she paying for this school? The author conveniently explains it away by saying the girls are essentially on loan until they find a husband.
This is marketed as a “Prohibition era heist romance” and suggests fans of “Six of Crows” will enjoy it. But it did not feel like this was set during the prohibition era. And the heists that took place were so underwhelming, it was not the forefront of the story–it was almost too easy. This does not compare to SOC by any means as it lacks any emotional turmoil but rather focuses on the many sexual tensions instead.
The smut. This is supposedly NA or adult fiction. It seems the author intended for closed-door scenes, but throws in random graphic details anyway. It felt like she started explicit scenes with the intention to be fully detailed, then gave up halfway through and shut the door mid-act. It came across as lazy. Either commit to fully writing the scene or keep it closed-door from the start.
There also seems to be a main theme of polyamory and this was so nonchalantly mentioned. From the little research I’ve gathered, the 20s saw a loosening in social norms including unconventional relationships but it was still pretty frowned upon. I almost wish more attention was put on this particular theme because the storyline was moving at such a glacial pace, there’d be something to be intrigued about.
Lastly, the story became super repetitive. There wasn’t a fully concrete story or any end goal. After reading the author’s note, where she says this was going to be a fantasy heist, I would have rather read that book. Having some established world building, storyline, anything really, would have made this book infinitely better.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
April 10, 2025
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Bareknuckle Bastards comp and Six of Crows but make it *romance*? Methinks I need to read it! And my god did this book deliver. I devoured it!
Katarina (Kat) is a dynamic histrom FMC, such a spitfire. Loved her voice! This is a love triangle book with two male leads, one an upper class aristocrat type and the other a crime boss figure. I loved both male leads, but Matthew stole my heart. I’m always hopeless for a good cinnamon role hero. Sex scenes are open door and feature multiple partners. There was also a poly relationship in this book. Seeing depictions of diverse love on the page (and female agency!) is so refreshing in histrom and the author did it really well here.
Overall, this book was jam packed with both romance and action. The pacing was breakneck, the heists were great (didn’t see the final twist coming!), and the sex was so steamy. That strip pool scene? Hotter than hot! I was impressed with the quality of the writing in this book and will definitely look out for more by this author in the future!
A Bareknuckle Bastards comp and Six of Crows but make it *romance*? Methinks I need to read it! And my god did this book deliver. I devoured it!
Katarina (Kat) is a dynamic histrom FMC, such a spitfire. Loved her voice! This is a love triangle book with two male leads, one an upper class aristocrat type and the other a crime boss figure. I loved both male leads, but Matthew stole my heart. I’m always hopeless for a good cinnamon role hero. Sex scenes are open door and feature multiple partners. There was also a poly relationship in this book. Seeing depictions of diverse love on the page (and female agency!) is so refreshing in histrom and the author did it really well here.
Overall, this book was jam packed with both romance and action. The pacing was breakneck, the heists were great (didn’t see the final twist coming!), and the sex was so steamy. That strip pool scene? Hotter than hot! I was impressed with the quality of the writing in this book and will definitely look out for more by this author in the future!
April 8, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Katarina grew up in the Savannah catacombs where she ran with a group of criminals called the Wolves. Now she finds herself attending the Telfair academy learning the skills to be a high society woman, where she meets one of Savannah's most eligible bachelors Dr. Matthew DaMolin.
This story of survival and growth in a changing world was extremely captivating. I found the writing to be really well done and really immense you into the world Lindsay has built, taking inspiration from Savannah of the past with a little bit of creative licensing. I can't wait to read what Lindsay writes next.
Katarina grew up in the Savannah catacombs where she ran with a group of criminals called the Wolves. Now she finds herself attending the Telfair academy learning the skills to be a high society woman, where she meets one of Savannah's most eligible bachelors Dr. Matthew DaMolin.
This story of survival and growth in a changing world was extremely captivating. I found the writing to be really well done and really immense you into the world Lindsay has built, taking inspiration from Savannah of the past with a little bit of creative licensing. I can't wait to read what Lindsay writes next.
May 13, 2025
This one didn't quite work for me. It wasn't horrible, it just didn't feel like a romance. I loved the premise, the era, the potential dynamics but nothing fully engaged me or made me care about the characters and root for a romantic relationship.
April 17, 2025
3.5/5 🌟
A little Six of Crows grit, a little City of Girls 1920s glam—Savannah Royals delivers a fun blend of danger, romance, and vintage sparkle. The heist plot adds momentum, while the setting drips with art deco charm and secret society intrigue.
Nothing particularly blew me away, and the writing didn’t hit those lyrical highs that linger—but it was cute and had just enough tension to keep me flipping pages. The love story was sweet, if a bit unbelievable at times, and the ensemble cast brought a playful dynamic.
If you’re craving a glamorously edgy romp with old-money, sticky fingers, and found-family vibes, this is a fun read.
A big thanks to Nerd Fam for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A little Six of Crows grit, a little City of Girls 1920s glam—Savannah Royals delivers a fun blend of danger, romance, and vintage sparkle. The heist plot adds momentum, while the setting drips with art deco charm and secret society intrigue.
Nothing particularly blew me away, and the writing didn’t hit those lyrical highs that linger—but it was cute and had just enough tension to keep me flipping pages. The love story was sweet, if a bit unbelievable at times, and the ensemble cast brought a playful dynamic.
If you’re craving a glamorously edgy romp with old-money, sticky fingers, and found-family vibes, this is a fun read.
A big thanks to Nerd Fam for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 14, 2025
4.5⭐️
wow wow wow i adored this! this is the atmospheric historical romance i didn’t know i needed. and as a born and bred southern girl who loves visiting savannah, this book felt like a love letter to the beauty of the south at times.
Kat is a character that you love to root for. Her decisions around Paul and Matthew felt genuine, especially for her age. I also loved her father/daughter like relationship with Ray, they made my heart melt.
Matthew DaMolin is the man that every woman deserves. The way he openly accepted every facet of Kat and didn’t force her to change is exactly what Kat needed in her life. That quiet reassurance that the person you love will love you unconditionally.
I also, as always, adored our band of side characters. I loved the ever evolving friendship of Mellie and Kat!
All in all, an amazing book from Barrett! Thank you to the author and the Nerd Fam for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
wow wow wow i adored this! this is the atmospheric historical romance i didn’t know i needed. and as a born and bred southern girl who loves visiting savannah, this book felt like a love letter to the beauty of the south at times.
Kat is a character that you love to root for. Her decisions around Paul and Matthew felt genuine, especially for her age. I also loved her father/daughter like relationship with Ray, they made my heart melt.
Matthew DaMolin is the man that every woman deserves. The way he openly accepted every facet of Kat and didn’t force her to change is exactly what Kat needed in her life. That quiet reassurance that the person you love will love you unconditionally.
I also, as always, adored our band of side characters. I loved the ever evolving friendship of Mellie and Kat!
All in all, an amazing book from Barrett! Thank you to the author and the Nerd Fam for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 8, 2025
I have been salivating for this book to come out! This story is so full of rich characters that I couldn’t get enough of, amazing writing that hooked me right away, and a storyline that I devoured. I can’t wait to have this on my shelf!!
May 12, 2025
”One selfish decision in a wholly unselfish life does not the measure of a man make, Matthew.”
This was such a fun and fresh read that I became absolutely obsessed with by the end and can’t recommend enough!
This prohibition era heist romance with a love triangle and black cat x golden retriever (and cinnamon roll) energy was fantastic! I absolutely loved Kat and her family dynamic with her fellow Wolves and how well they worked together. From her rough upbringing in the catacombs to her schmoozing with the elite at her ladies school, her double life was fun to follow and I loved every character and side character. The love triangle between Kat, Matthew, and Paul was simply *chefs kiss*, and that’s coming from someone who is not typically a fan of love triangles. I loved that Kat never had to sacrifice who she really was and how close her friendships were with her fellow Wolves. I loved the sex positivity of the book and let me just say that I NEED Matthew biblically.🧎♀️I ATE this book up!
This was a unique romance that’s perfect for any fan of found families, heists, cunning and confident FMCs that don’t compromise who they are, love triangles that leave you guessing until you know exactly who the right choice is, and a cast full of characters that you’ll love. I’ll definitely be preordering a physical copy for my shelves!
Thank you to the author and her team for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a fun and fresh read that I became absolutely obsessed with by the end and can’t recommend enough!
This prohibition era heist romance with a love triangle and black cat x golden retriever (and cinnamon roll) energy was fantastic! I absolutely loved Kat and her family dynamic with her fellow Wolves and how well they worked together. From her rough upbringing in the catacombs to her schmoozing with the elite at her ladies school, her double life was fun to follow and I loved every character and side character. The love triangle between Kat, Matthew, and Paul was simply *chefs kiss*, and that’s coming from someone who is not typically a fan of love triangles. I loved that Kat never had to sacrifice who she really was and how close her friendships were with her fellow Wolves. I loved the sex positivity of the book and let me just say that I NEED Matthew biblically.🧎♀️I ATE this book up!
This was a unique romance that’s perfect for any fan of found families, heists, cunning and confident FMCs that don’t compromise who they are, love triangles that leave you guessing until you know exactly who the right choice is, and a cast full of characters that you’ll love. I’ll definitely be preordering a physical copy for my shelves!
Thank you to the author and her team for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 12, 2025
I’ve been so lucky to read some creatively impressive ARCs this year and Savannah Royals was yet another book that kept me swiping pages during every spare moment. This was such a fun romp and I can’t say I’ve ever read a book quite like this or with this specific history.
The love interests are in a bit of a love triangle, dare I say love square? The two male characters are as opposite as possible. On one hand you have Paul, child of the Savannah underworld (literally—who knew there were tunnels under the city?!) who has been running a theft/heist ring since he was old enough to pickpocket. On the other hand there’s Matthew, golden boy doctor whose family is one of the wealthiest in the U.S. Kat has known and loved Paul since childhood, but meeting Matthew is something she never expects and comes to enjoy.
I really appreciated Kat as a heroine. She lives unapologetically and is sexually free. For someone so secretive with her two lives (past and present), she is quite open with her personal desires. She initially views Matthew as an easy mark, but I loved how her getting to know him transformed her views on not only how she viewed him but herself too.
Barrett’s writing is so engaging and she hooked me from the start. I loved that I never quite knew how the story would end and had so much fun reading Kat’s trysts and heists. The descriptive jewelry and costume scenes had me lusting for rubies and Coco Chanel and the pre-Prohibition era worked so well for the setting of Jekyll Island and southern wealth. Imagine a brunette Grace Kelly from To Catch a Thief coupled with the sexiness of Cat Woman, and you get an idea of Kat as a character. There are lots of light and dark metaphors the play in nicely to how each character is portrayed and I felt like I understood how each relationship for Kat was important at meeting her needs. For sure, you may have a different view on love triangles by the time you finish reading! I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭 (openly discussed, but with limited descriptions)
Historical hook: 👑♦️
The love interests are in a bit of a love triangle, dare I say love square? The two male characters are as opposite as possible. On one hand you have Paul, child of the Savannah underworld (literally—who knew there were tunnels under the city?!) who has been running a theft/heist ring since he was old enough to pickpocket. On the other hand there’s Matthew, golden boy doctor whose family is one of the wealthiest in the U.S. Kat has known and loved Paul since childhood, but meeting Matthew is something she never expects and comes to enjoy.
I really appreciated Kat as a heroine. She lives unapologetically and is sexually free. For someone so secretive with her two lives (past and present), she is quite open with her personal desires. She initially views Matthew as an easy mark, but I loved how her getting to know him transformed her views on not only how she viewed him but herself too.
Barrett’s writing is so engaging and she hooked me from the start. I loved that I never quite knew how the story would end and had so much fun reading Kat’s trysts and heists. The descriptive jewelry and costume scenes had me lusting for rubies and Coco Chanel and the pre-Prohibition era worked so well for the setting of Jekyll Island and southern wealth. Imagine a brunette Grace Kelly from To Catch a Thief coupled with the sexiness of Cat Woman, and you get an idea of Kat as a character. There are lots of light and dark metaphors the play in nicely to how each character is portrayed and I felt like I understood how each relationship for Kat was important at meeting her needs. For sure, you may have a different view on love triangles by the time you finish reading! I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭 (openly discussed, but with limited descriptions)
Historical hook: 👑♦️
May 1, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
🫶🏻 As always please check triggers before reading if you have any, your mental health is important 🫶🏻
I requested this baby because the cover is cute (I mean how can you not actually judge a book by its cover a little..) and I was intrigued by the idea of a historical romcom.
This one oozes Bonnie and Clyde vibes but like if they were more like Bonnie and Clyde and Jeff and Ricardo if you get what I’m SAYING. This began as a surprising polyamorous, why-choose type romance that evolves into a “you are MINE” romance. And, while I don’t typically enjoy why-choose, this story was just too addicting for me to care 👀
Let me get out my notes 📝
• First off, this is a DEBUT and I had to keep reminding myself that because this book is so incredibly well written and researched
• Takes place in 1919-1920 Savannah, Georgia
• We get gangs, we get con artists, we get suspense
• Insane banter between our FMC and really anyone she’s talking to ever but specifically our MMCs
• “Boarding school and collegiate finishing school for young ladies of the south” yes our con artists FMC goes there
• Prestige
• Doctor as one of the MMCs
• Mind bending plot twists
• Fast paced story
• Tragedy 🎭 ???
• Found family in the mix
• Inclusive, progressive, important
If you are into the 1920s era, Bonnie & Clyde vibes, strong willed FMCs, romance in all of its forms, then this one may be for you my friend because I ate it UP.
This one may have finally pulled me from the dregs of my SOTR hangover and it was an easy five star ⭐️
🫶🏻 As always please check triggers before reading if you have any, your mental health is important 🫶🏻
I requested this baby because the cover is cute (I mean how can you not actually judge a book by its cover a little..) and I was intrigued by the idea of a historical romcom.
This one oozes Bonnie and Clyde vibes but like if they were more like Bonnie and Clyde and Jeff and Ricardo if you get what I’m SAYING. This began as a surprising polyamorous, why-choose type romance that evolves into a “you are MINE” romance. And, while I don’t typically enjoy why-choose, this story was just too addicting for me to care 👀
Let me get out my notes 📝
• First off, this is a DEBUT and I had to keep reminding myself that because this book is so incredibly well written and researched
• Takes place in 1919-1920 Savannah, Georgia
• We get gangs, we get con artists, we get suspense
• Insane banter between our FMC and really anyone she’s talking to ever but specifically our MMCs
• “Boarding school and collegiate finishing school for young ladies of the south” yes our con artists FMC goes there
• Prestige
• Doctor as one of the MMCs
• Mind bending plot twists
• Fast paced story
• Tragedy 🎭 ???
• Found family in the mix
• Inclusive, progressive, important
If you are into the 1920s era, Bonnie & Clyde vibes, strong willed FMCs, romance in all of its forms, then this one may be for you my friend because I ate it UP.
This one may have finally pulled me from the dregs of my SOTR hangover and it was an easy five star ⭐️
June 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Coming from different worlds… it doesn’t matter so much at the end of the day. As long as you understand what makes you similar—that will always be far more important than what makes you different. After will always be more important than before.”
I devoured this book!!! From the very first chapter to the epilogue I loved every bit of it. I especially loved the lgbtq & polyamorous bits. Matthew’s mom was my favorite side character!!
The Wolf pack gang consists of a group of 4 orphans who came up from nothing in bayou. As they grow older their marks change and so do their strategies. With Kat, the one female of the group, studying at the prestigious Academy that helps broaden their marks. What Kat wasn’t expecting was a ray of sunshine she just wanted to bathe in. Insert Matthew DaMolin. Kat has always been with the Wolf pack leader, Paul, since they were teens. She may have a tussle with another friend or at the same time but things with Matthew feel…different. As she gets to know Matthew more she really seems to be falling for him. With these new feelings comes new sights. Kat wants out. But one last job needs to be done. Will this make or break her?
If you’re looking for a rag tag time in the 20s, with sticky finger heists, quality banter, and some perfectly twisty love triangles you should pick this up!
Thank you to Nerd Fam and Lindsay Barrett for my eARC copy. 🫶🏼
“Coming from different worlds… it doesn’t matter so much at the end of the day. As long as you understand what makes you similar—that will always be far more important than what makes you different. After will always be more important than before.”
I devoured this book!!! From the very first chapter to the epilogue I loved every bit of it. I especially loved the lgbtq & polyamorous bits. Matthew’s mom was my favorite side character!!
The Wolf pack gang consists of a group of 4 orphans who came up from nothing in bayou. As they grow older their marks change and so do their strategies. With Kat, the one female of the group, studying at the prestigious Academy that helps broaden their marks. What Kat wasn’t expecting was a ray of sunshine she just wanted to bathe in. Insert Matthew DaMolin. Kat has always been with the Wolf pack leader, Paul, since they were teens. She may have a tussle with another friend or at the same time but things with Matthew feel…different. As she gets to know Matthew more she really seems to be falling for him. With these new feelings comes new sights. Kat wants out. But one last job needs to be done. Will this make or break her?
If you’re looking for a rag tag time in the 20s, with sticky finger heists, quality banter, and some perfectly twisty love triangles you should pick this up!
Thank you to Nerd Fam and Lindsay Barrett for my eARC copy. 🫶🏼
July 6, 2025
Savannah Royals by Lindsay Barrett, a mashup of romance and Prohibition-era heist novel, is a fun, action-packed read set in Savannah, Georgia. Female main character Katarina “Kat” Quinn was born in the unforgiving Catacombs beneath the city and lost her mother at an early age. Now, she has made her way up the ladder of Savannah’s hierarchical society and is an upcoming graduate of the prestigious Telfar Academy. She has even attracted the recent attentions of the eligible and famously wealthy Matthew DaMoulin. But nothing can keep her from her roots and the “Wolfpack” she formed during her younger years with her friends Abe and Tony and her first love, their charismatic leader, Paul — or so she thinks.
The dynamic characters and humorous, lively banter in this book kept me turning the pages. Kat was one of my favorite FMCs out of all the romance novels I’ve read since my recent foray into the genre. While I strongly advise checking content warnings, I admire the author for her treatment of the serious subject of (as she succinctly puts it in the author’s note) “love that has twisted into something unrecognizable.” The novel’s only downside was its falling action, which was a little too tidy and predictable. However, this didn’t stop it from being one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
The dynamic characters and humorous, lively banter in this book kept me turning the pages. Kat was one of my favorite FMCs out of all the romance novels I’ve read since my recent foray into the genre. While I strongly advise checking content warnings, I admire the author for her treatment of the serious subject of (as she succinctly puts it in the author’s note) “love that has twisted into something unrecognizable.” The novel’s only downside was its falling action, which was a little too tidy and predictable. However, this didn’t stop it from being one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
June 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A new debut in historical romance, and another one you don’t want to miss! Set in the turn of the 1920s in Savannah, Georgia, this was such a refreshing take on the genre, and I was immediately excited for this change of pace. The setting leads to this wonderful blend of darkness and light, and the way the characters reflected this was so superb. Katarina is such a raw and honest character. Her confidence and surety right from the start is such a turn-on, but the hidden depths are what really kept me engaged. Her complex relationship with the pack was messy, tender, and such an interesting exploration of love. And then her eventual relationship with Matthew was like a breath of fresh air.
Lindsey did something in this novel I didn’t think possible- I rooted for the “nice guy” over the childhood love interest….and while she made it difficult to choose, Matthew was the clear choice for Kat. Not only was the sexual tension hot between these two (seriously, just that first pool scene was 10x hotter than her threesome!!!!!), but he had such a way of breaking through her rough exterior and giving her a sense of calm. The way the author captures Kat’s very different feelings around Paul and Matthew was such a perfect reflection of how she was truly feeling about them. When she was with Paul, she felt frantic, angsty, and stressed, while with Matthew, she feels more serene and comfortable in her skin.
I loved this book because, ultimately, it’s Kat’s journey, with just some hot men onboard. Yes, there’s a hea, but I was mostly so proud of her for choosing what was best for her even if she thinks she doesn’t deserve it. This was a gritty and emotional story which was reflected in not only the characters, but the setting- and I loved soooo very much of it! Every character was so compelling and I was invested in not only Kat’s hea, but in our other wolves too (and Mellie, bc I always love a girls-girl unexpected reluctant bestie). I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a different take on historical romance that still holds true to the genre. It was the perfect blend of messy love triangle, surprisingly tender moments, and complicated found family dynamics!
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A new debut in historical romance, and another one you don’t want to miss! Set in the turn of the 1920s in Savannah, Georgia, this was such a refreshing take on the genre, and I was immediately excited for this change of pace. The setting leads to this wonderful blend of darkness and light, and the way the characters reflected this was so superb. Katarina is such a raw and honest character. Her confidence and surety right from the start is such a turn-on, but the hidden depths are what really kept me engaged. Her complex relationship with the pack was messy, tender, and such an interesting exploration of love. And then her eventual relationship with Matthew was like a breath of fresh air.
Lindsey did something in this novel I didn’t think possible- I rooted for the “nice guy” over the childhood love interest….and while she made it difficult to choose, Matthew was the clear choice for Kat. Not only was the sexual tension hot between these two (seriously, just that first pool scene was 10x hotter than her threesome!!!!!), but he had such a way of breaking through her rough exterior and giving her a sense of calm. The way the author captures Kat’s very different feelings around Paul and Matthew was such a perfect reflection of how she was truly feeling about them. When she was with Paul, she felt frantic, angsty, and stressed, while with Matthew, she feels more serene and comfortable in her skin.
I loved this book because, ultimately, it’s Kat’s journey, with just some hot men onboard. Yes, there’s a hea, but I was mostly so proud of her for choosing what was best for her even if she thinks she doesn’t deserve it. This was a gritty and emotional story which was reflected in not only the characters, but the setting- and I loved soooo very much of it! Every character was so compelling and I was invested in not only Kat’s hea, but in our other wolves too (and Mellie, bc I always love a girls-girl unexpected reluctant bestie). I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a different take on historical romance that still holds true to the genre. It was the perfect blend of messy love triangle, surprisingly tender moments, and complicated found family dynamics!
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2025
I knew from the first moment I saw the details of this book that I would love it--Prohibition, heists, falling for your mark? Yes please--and Lindsay Barrett delivers in this gorgeous debut! From the lushness of the setting and time period to the sizzling romance, this was one of the best books I've read in years. Kat's character and growth throughout, from the Catacombs to the upper crust, was beautifully crafted, especially her relationships as she ventured outside her comfort zone and into the world beyond how she'd been trained to survive. As a romance reader, this hit perfectly for the "SOC but more kissing" vibe. This author knocked it out of the park and I can't wait to read more from her!
June 23, 2025
This was a lovely read. I wish the fact that she was a wolf played more of a role in this story. Unfortunately, fantasy elements were only mentioned. No one ever transforms or even appears to be “other.” Seemed unessecary and would have still made this story a great romance read. Something about the 20s is always an appeal. I think it's because it is such a revolutionary time for women's empowerment. There is such a great balance of heist and romance for this book. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Lindsay Barret for the ARC.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Lindsay Barret for the ARC.
June 12, 2025
This is a fast-paced historical fiction set in 1919/1920 Savannah. FMC, Kat, has been orphaned when her mother overdoses in the Catacombs of Savannah. She is then adopted by Paul, a boy only slightly older than she but with more survival skills. Survival skills in the wolf pack are based on theft. Fast forward 15 years, and Kat is attending a fancy finishing school together in an effort to increase the wolf packs access to bigger heists. All is moving along as planned until we meet Dr. Matt...then things get complicated.
please check the TWs before reading this book. it is an excellent debut and I look forward to reading ore faat-paced mafia tales from Lindsay Barret. Thank you to Lindsay Barrett for sending me and eARC to review.
please check the TWs before reading this book. it is an excellent debut and I look forward to reading ore faat-paced mafia tales from Lindsay Barret. Thank you to Lindsay Barrett for sending me and eARC to review.
June 18, 2025
3.75 stars. I don't know much about Savannah Georgia in the 1920 so I can't speak to any historical accuracy if that is something you care about, but I can say this book was very enjoyable and unexpectedly salacious! There is drama, romance, found family, heists, betrayal and revenge! It definitely sucked me in quickly with the opening line, "When I was six, I became a wolf."
Thank you to NerdFam and the author for the ARC of this book! I would recommend!
Thank you to NerdFam and the author for the ARC of this book! I would recommend!
April 28, 2025
Matthew's love is sunlight, water, and air. The look on his face, pure reverence. What a heady way to be loved.
There are so many things to adore about this debut historical romance. I love that the author employs all of the beloved tropes and emotional beats in ways that make the plot and characters completely different from all of the historical romances on the market right now. This is one of the most enjoyable reads I've had all year.
Savannah Royals can't be neatly categorized as a straight forward romance, or as romantic suspense, but a combination of the two. The main characters make up a street gang specializing in luxury stolen goods. Paul, Kat, Abe, and Tony make up The Wolves, a shadowy street gang they formed as orphaned street kids struggling to survive in the Savannah underground. In addition to their efforts to compete against rival criminal gangs, The Wolves are planning an elaborate heist that will cement their fame as the most outrageous and masterful thieves the city has ever seen.
Kat's job is to ingratiate herself as a charming debutante in the sparkling world of the rich and powerful that have made Savannah a Southern playground for the American bourgeoisie, including the Astors, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts. Her latest mark is Matthew DaMolin, a dedicated physician and second son of the DaMolin family, titans of publishing and owners of a legendary and priceless necklace. As Kat and Matthew's relationship deepens, Kat's long-time love, Paul, grows increasingly paranoid that Kat is being wooed away from her impoverished roots.
The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, trust, and love as we follow Kat and her complex relationships with Paul and Matthew, as well as with Abe and Tony. I loved the organic emotional tension that the author developed between all of the characters. This is an open door romance, but the author does not rely on steamy scenes to fill gaps in the plot or as a vehicle for conflict.
A love triangle that gives angsty tension, but also doesn't want me to throw hands at one or all of the involved parties, is an achievement, and the author nailed it with this one. The character arcs were sympathetic, compelling, and layered, and I found myself up in my feels for all of them at various points during the book.
This is an unequivocal 5-stars, and I cannot wait to read more from this gifted writer. Lindsay, please, please, tell me that we will get Abe's story next?!
Thank you to Lindsay Barrett for the opportunity to read an ARC prior to publication. I was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 10, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for letting me be on the ARC team for this wonderful book!!
This book will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for the characters! There’s love, excitement, mischief, spice 😏, and enough entertainment to keep you turning pages!!
Lindsay has done a wonderful job taking the reader back to the 1919-1920s era Savannah not just in the books setting but also through language, fashion references, characters, criminal mischief, and the whole kit and caboodle!
This book will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for the characters! There’s love, excitement, mischief, spice 😏, and enough entertainment to keep you turning pages!!
Lindsay has done a wonderful job taking the reader back to the 1919-1920s era Savannah not just in the books setting but also through language, fashion references, characters, criminal mischief, and the whole kit and caboodle!
April 15, 2025
This is an exceptional book.
1920s heist romance, with all the good stuff: thieving, double-crosses, morally grey cast, love triangle ( is it a triangle if there are more people involved?), intriguing plans and high stakes. We get everything we need from this story a bayou con artist with a thirst for riches.
And a blue blood boy with a heart of gold.
And so much more...
The twists and turns had me gasping and tearing up. The characters are funny and witty. I love the found family and the characters that are in the story. They are all so different but I would give my life for each of them. The different kinds of friendships and love that are depicted just made my heart so full.
What im trying to say is that this is a five star read for me.
Thank you Lindsay Berrett and the Nerd fam for trusting me with an eARC for this incredible book
1920s heist romance, with all the good stuff: thieving, double-crosses, morally grey cast, love triangle ( is it a triangle if there are more people involved?), intriguing plans and high stakes. We get everything we need from this story a bayou con artist with a thirst for riches.
And a blue blood boy with a heart of gold.
And so much more...
The twists and turns had me gasping and tearing up. The characters are funny and witty. I love the found family and the characters that are in the story. They are all so different but I would give my life for each of them. The different kinds of friendships and love that are depicted just made my heart so full.
What im trying to say is that this is a five star read for me.
Thank you Lindsay Berrett and the Nerd fam for trusting me with an eARC for this incredible book
April 28, 2025
The grit and glamour of 1920 Savannah, Georgia…
Savannah Royals is as sultry as a Southern summer. Lindsay Barett blends grit, glamour, and an emotional gut punch in this story that had me completely hooked. I read a lot, and it’s unusual that a story sticks with me like this one has.
Katerina is our morally flexible, deeply human narrator, shaped by survival. Paul is her friend, survival lifeline, lover, and master who rules their motley crew of thieves and con artists—The Wolves.
Enter Matthew, wrapped in suspenders and unshakable goodness. We only get Kat’s POV, but his gentle, gracious, nonjudgmental presence is the balm she never knew she needed. Sometimes he feels too good to be true, but we want him to be true for Kat’s sake.
There’s a love triangle, a found family of scrappy survivors, and even a briefly polyamorous moment that feels true to the era and the characters’ emotional chaos. The second half of the book is like unraveling a complicated knot. The tension between longing and loyalty, desire and self-worth, is poignant and painful. I ached for Kat—I wanted her to believe she could want more, be more, and that maybe, just maybe, she deserved her HEA.
The spice is emotional, intimate, and rooted in the characters' journeys. But the real slow burn is Kat’s journey to her own freedom to live, and Matt’s patient, hopeful presence as she finds it.
Every detail from the setting to the social dynamics felt fresh for the genre but grounded in real historical tension—especially for women navigating autonomy in a world that barely allowed it.
This is the kind of book you stay up late reading and then immediately text your friends about. Emotional, sexy, and smart as hell. A stellar debut!
Savannah Royals is as sultry as a Southern summer. Lindsay Barett blends grit, glamour, and an emotional gut punch in this story that had me completely hooked. I read a lot, and it’s unusual that a story sticks with me like this one has.
Katerina is our morally flexible, deeply human narrator, shaped by survival. Paul is her friend, survival lifeline, lover, and master who rules their motley crew of thieves and con artists—The Wolves.
Enter Matthew, wrapped in suspenders and unshakable goodness. We only get Kat’s POV, but his gentle, gracious, nonjudgmental presence is the balm she never knew she needed. Sometimes he feels too good to be true, but we want him to be true for Kat’s sake.
There’s a love triangle, a found family of scrappy survivors, and even a briefly polyamorous moment that feels true to the era and the characters’ emotional chaos. The second half of the book is like unraveling a complicated knot. The tension between longing and loyalty, desire and self-worth, is poignant and painful. I ached for Kat—I wanted her to believe she could want more, be more, and that maybe, just maybe, she deserved her HEA.
The spice is emotional, intimate, and rooted in the characters' journeys. But the real slow burn is Kat’s journey to her own freedom to live, and Matt’s patient, hopeful presence as she finds it.
Every detail from the setting to the social dynamics felt fresh for the genre but grounded in real historical tension—especially for women navigating autonomy in a world that barely allowed it.
This is the kind of book you stay up late reading and then immediately text your friends about. Emotional, sexy, and smart as hell. A stellar debut!
April 26, 2025
The first thing that caught my eye was the gorgeous cover. These kinds of illustrated covers are what we crave (when they're not real people, haha). And second, I'm so happy about the inside of the book: the story was so good, packed with action but is also sexy,really entertaining, if you ask me.
It feels different from what's on the market, and that's also cool; it has Peaky Blinders vibes, so if you like that series, this book is perfect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It feels different from what's on the market, and that's also cool; it has Peaky Blinders vibes, so if you like that series, this book is perfect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2025
I thought this sounded really good when I first heard of this book. Love the old comic look for the cover. Set in Prohibition era in Savannah, and Katarina “Kat” runs with gang of con artists and thieves at night set up with promises of heists to come. I had a slight difficult time getting into the story and connecting with the setting and characters of Kat and physician Matthew. Needed more world building. The pacing was too fast and the book seems a bit lengthy where at times if felt it dragged in some areas for me. I'm still curious and willing to try of Lindsay's other works in the queue to be released.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 26, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review! 1920s heist romance, with all the good stuff: thieving, double-crosses, morally grey cast, love triangle (is it a triangle if there are more people involved?), intriguing plans and high stakes. We get everything we need from this story a bayou con artist with a thirst for riches, and a blue blood boy with a heart of gold. The twists and turns had me gasping and tearing up. The characters are funny and witty. I love the found family and the characters that are in the story.
October 23, 2025
Absolutely loved it! Set in the 1920s, prohibition era with con artists/jewelry thieves and a love triangle (square?) Captivating and so well written, it completely immerses you into the world and had me envisioning a movie being played out. Such a strong debut novel!
July 23, 2025
This book had me crying at 9am. All the stars.
April 8, 2025
A quick note first: I received an advance copy of this book from the author - all opinions expressed are my own.
Savannah Royals is Peaky Blinders in 1920s Savannah, Georgia, and it does everything so well, you’ll feel like you’re right there, experiencing these things with the characters.
Lindsay had me from the very first line, where her FMC Kat tells us that she became a “wolf.”
I needed to know more, needed to read on, and the book did not disappoint. From the amazingly atmospheric opening that has us experiencing life in the pre-1920s Savannah catacombs (One day I’ll need a prequel, okay? Pretty please …), where she became part of a ragtag group of “thieves,” to the Roaring 20s themselves, where Kat has found her way into the high society, preparing her biggest heist yet, this book kept me hooked.
The characters - first and foremost our protagonist Kat, a “cat-burglar” par excellence - are all amazingly round and vibrant and ALIVE, even the smallest side character roles jump off the page. (And I will admit here that I fell for the “wrong guy” right from the start. And I knew it! Still, Lindsay managed to also make me fall in love with all the other love interests / our main MMC, to the point I was willing to go with any and all pairings she’d throw at me because this woman can write! And she’ll rip your heart out and put it back together with ease.)
With dark, handsome, and dangerous Paul, Kat plans to lift a beautiful ruby necklace off handsome upper crust doctor Matthew DaMolin. The only problem? She falls for her target - something that has never happened before. But can you blame her? Matthew is kind and caring, and he saves lives! He’s also charming and adorable and hot!
Watching them banter and grow closer through all of this, was so fun. And by the end, I was really torn if I wanted Kat to be with him or still with Paul (my love! lol)
Lindsay made it work. She made it work so well that I can SEE her characters even now, and I have decided to make SAVANNAH ROYALS a yearly reread. (I don’t always reread books; but those I do, I grow obsessed over. And I am OBSESSED with Kat, and Paul, and Matt. Okay, mostly Paul. Come find me, fellow #TeamPaul friends!)
I can’t wait for the next book Lindsay puts out - and if we were to get a sequel down the line, I’d be first in line for that one. I just can’t let this world or these characters go.
So good.
Savannah Royals is Peaky Blinders in 1920s Savannah, Georgia, and it does everything so well, you’ll feel like you’re right there, experiencing these things with the characters.
Lindsay had me from the very first line, where her FMC Kat tells us that she became a “wolf.”
I needed to know more, needed to read on, and the book did not disappoint. From the amazingly atmospheric opening that has us experiencing life in the pre-1920s Savannah catacombs (One day I’ll need a prequel, okay? Pretty please …), where she became part of a ragtag group of “thieves,” to the Roaring 20s themselves, where Kat has found her way into the high society, preparing her biggest heist yet, this book kept me hooked.
The characters - first and foremost our protagonist Kat, a “cat-burglar” par excellence - are all amazingly round and vibrant and ALIVE, even the smallest side character roles jump off the page. (And I will admit here that I fell for the “wrong guy” right from the start. And I knew it! Still, Lindsay managed to also make me fall in love with all the other love interests / our main MMC, to the point I was willing to go with any and all pairings she’d throw at me because this woman can write! And she’ll rip your heart out and put it back together with ease.)
With dark, handsome, and dangerous Paul, Kat plans to lift a beautiful ruby necklace off handsome upper crust doctor Matthew DaMolin. The only problem? She falls for her target - something that has never happened before. But can you blame her? Matthew is kind and caring, and he saves lives! He’s also charming and adorable and hot!
Watching them banter and grow closer through all of this, was so fun. And by the end, I was really torn if I wanted Kat to be with him or still with Paul (my love! lol)
Lindsay made it work. She made it work so well that I can SEE her characters even now, and I have decided to make SAVANNAH ROYALS a yearly reread. (I don’t always reread books; but those I do, I grow obsessed over. And I am OBSESSED with Kat, and Paul, and Matt. Okay, mostly Paul. Come find me, fellow #TeamPaul friends!)
I can’t wait for the next book Lindsay puts out - and if we were to get a sequel down the line, I’d be first in line for that one. I just can’t let this world or these characters go.
So good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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