What do you think?
Rate this book
Queens & Monsters #3
Corazones salvajes (Queens and Monsters, 3)
Savage (adjective):
1) Not domesticated; wild and untamed
2) A brutal or vicious person
3) Malek Antonov
He’s a myth. A ghost. A legend.
A Bratva assassin so feared, some won’t even dare to speak his name.
He comes in search of vengeance for the death of his brother, but what he finds instead is me.
A girl he thinks is someone else.
Someone unrelated to the man who killed his brother.
Except I am.
And when he finds out my true identity, he decides to take me as repayment for what he lost.
Now, I’m a little bird trapped in a cage, and the only way to survive is to make friends with the monster who captured me.
Except friendship isn’t what the monster has in mind.
1) Not domesticated; wild and untamed
2) A brutal or vicious person
3) Malek Antonov
He’s a myth. A ghost. A legend.
A Bratva assassin so feared, some won’t even dare to speak his name.
He comes in search of vengeance for the death of his brother, but what he finds instead is me.
A girl he thinks is someone else.
Someone unrelated to the man who killed his brother.
Except I am.
And when he finds out my true identity, he decides to take me as repayment for what he lost.
Now, I’m a little bird trapped in a cage, and the only way to survive is to make friends with the monster who captured me.
Except friendship isn’t what the monster has in mind.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2021
6255 people are currently reading
38217 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Geissinger
42 books24.4k followersJ.T. Geissinger is a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty-five novels and novellas. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over twenty million copies and been translated into more than two dozen languages.
She is a three-time nominee in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.
Newsletter ➡️ http://bit.ly/1IbgZZI
Reader group ➡️ http://bit.ly/2xbtnY3
Amazon ➡️ http://amzn.to/1xQN4za
She is a three-time nominee in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.
Newsletter ➡️ http://bit.ly/1IbgZZI
Reader group ➡️ http://bit.ly/2xbtnY3
Amazon ➡️ http://amzn.to/1xQN4za
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,902 reviews
November 22, 2021
4 Trusting Men Like Him Stars ⭐
Compared to her estranged crazy-ass sister Sloane, Riley appears to be a wallflower. When her sister calls to invite Riley to her wedding, she accepts the olive branch being offered. Whisked away on a private jet to an unknown destination, Riley finds herself in the path of a Russian madman.
Someone please shoot me. Just shoot me now and put me out of my misery. I’m the dumbest victim of an impending violent crime who ever lived.
Malek is a ghost. A hired assassin and extremely lethal. Now avenging the death of his brother, he's unhinged and unstoppable. Dead inside, it all changes from the minute he spots and approaches Riley. Any rationality he may have possessed is gone.
“Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
“I am afraid of you.”
He examines my expression. “Not very much.”
“Does that insult your ego? If it will keep you from killing me, I’ll act very scared. I’ll cry and everything.”
For Malek it started as a means to help and save the girl but quickly escalated to kidnapping. Where most woman would be begging for their lives, Riley seems to be content where she is; in the arms of a killer. Something that Malek can't reconcile in his mind. Guess he'll have to keep her.
“Careful,” I whisper, brushing my lips against hers. “Combat makes my dick hard.”
Admittedly I feel that this Queens and Monsters series is a little repetitive. Similar storylines, different characters. However I adore this author. She writes my favourite characters. Deranged heroes, badass heroines and interactions which never fail to make me laugh, plus chemistry that's off the charts. Malek and Riley were no different. Savage Hearts was fun and spicy, a great combination for sure.
Compared to her estranged crazy-ass sister Sloane, Riley appears to be a wallflower. When her sister calls to invite Riley to her wedding, she accepts the olive branch being offered. Whisked away on a private jet to an unknown destination, Riley finds herself in the path of a Russian madman.
Someone please shoot me. Just shoot me now and put me out of my misery. I’m the dumbest victim of an impending violent crime who ever lived.
Malek is a ghost. A hired assassin and extremely lethal. Now avenging the death of his brother, he's unhinged and unstoppable. Dead inside, it all changes from the minute he spots and approaches Riley. Any rationality he may have possessed is gone.
“Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
“I am afraid of you.”
He examines my expression. “Not very much.”
“Does that insult your ego? If it will keep you from killing me, I’ll act very scared. I’ll cry and everything.”
For Malek it started as a means to help and save the girl but quickly escalated to kidnapping. Where most woman would be begging for their lives, Riley seems to be content where she is; in the arms of a killer. Something that Malek can't reconcile in his mind. Guess he'll have to keep her.
“Careful,” I whisper, brushing my lips against hers. “Combat makes my dick hard.”
Admittedly I feel that this Queens and Monsters series is a little repetitive. Similar storylines, different characters. However I adore this author. She writes my favourite characters. Deranged heroes, badass heroines and interactions which never fail to make me laugh, plus chemistry that's off the charts. Malek and Riley were no different. Savage Hearts was fun and spicy, a great combination for sure.
December 13, 2021
– 2.5 stars
Savage Hearts is the third book in the Queens & Monsters series. It's about Riley Keller (h), she is Sloane's little sister (the h from Carnal Urges ), and Malek Antonov (H). Since the story continues right where Carnal Urges left off and has Declan and Kage's POV (Hs of previous books) too, I don't think this book works as a standalone.
THE GOOD
⭐ THE BANTER ⭐
One thing I can always count on with J.T. Geissinger is she comes through with the banter. It's always on point 😌 Even when everything else fails, these characters still kept me entertaining enough with their banter.
⭐ THE SIDE CHARACTERS ⭐
So there are a lot of cameos from characters in the previous books. Kage/Nate (Ruthless Creatures) and Sloane/Declan (Carnal Urges) all appear and they carried this book. With 'they' I obviously mean Sloane, cause that girl is 🔥🔥🔥 I love her and she can make everything so much more entertaining. What else I love about JTG world is that her series are so interconnected and play in the same world. A certain character from the Beautifully Cruel series is also making an appearance to spice things up. I love to see all these characters come together and pretend like they hate each others guts, but they banter like siblings 😇
THE OK
🍬 THE MAIN CHARACTERS 🍬
Riley's characters gave me whiplash, because in one chapter she reminds me of a mini Sloane with her flair for exaggerations and witty responses, but then in other chapters when she's talking about Sloane she was so judgy and annoying.
Malek is very similar to JTG other Heroes in the sense that he's very protective and smitten with Riley very quickly. I was fascinated how he could break into all kind of houses and bathrooms undetected. That's an impressive skill and I'd like him to teach me.
🍬 THE ROMANCE 🍬
Malek's first impression of Riley is priceless. She went from homeless refugee to prostitute that has to sell herself to kinky rich couples (Declan & Sloane). That escalated pretty quickly. 😂
I'm weird like that, but I'm counting how long it takes until the main characters meet and interact for the first time. That's why I know it took 15% til Riley and Malek interact. It doesn't sound that long, but it felt like forever. Idk if that's the reason why their romance was just 'okay', but I still liked some of their earlier banter.
This series is trying to be kinky so badly, but it just doesn't fit to the characters. First the BDSM in Carnal Urges and in this book we have Malek calling himself 'Daddy' and I'm scared.
🍬 THE MAFIA ASPECT & PLOT 🍬
Every assassin, mobster, bratva king is so useless in this series. When has an attempted assassination ever gone through? The answer is N E V E R.
These wannabe gangsters make me believe that I could be the head of the mafia with zero combat skills and still live until I'm 250 years old.
This aspect didn't bother me as much as in Carnal Urges, since I knew not to take the mafia part of this series too seriously, but it's still laughable. These people are so hopeless, I feel so embarassed for them.
As for the plot, I thought it was not a mess like Carnal Urges and had a slighly more coherent plotline. It ties loose ends from the previous books (Diege etc.) so that was a plus. Some parts were still repetitive.
THE BAD
⛔ MAKING PREVIOUS CHARACTERS LOOK BAD ⛔
One thing you don't do is write a book for a character and then drag them when they are the side character in the next book. Riley and Sloane don't have a great relationship at the beginning of the book. They haven't talked to each others for three years and Riley's perception of Sloane is pretty bad. I love Sloane and reading Riley's chapter it feels like Sloane is a shitty sister and that aint it. Even tho Riley has some valid points when it comes to her 'dislike' of Sloane's character, she comes across as extremely jealous and that didn't make me want to sympathize with her. Riley and Sloane's relationship does get better by the end of the book, but still that aspect irked me bc there are some scenes that make Sloane the bad guy.
⛔ THE MIDDLE ⛔
Something about this series is making me feel entertained until a certain point and then after a point (usually it's after the kidnapping) the story feels flat and looses my interest. I was so bored once Malek kidnapped Riley and they were alone in the woods. They had some couple times, but it was so much tell instead of show and very repetitive, because nothing happened.
CONCLUSION
Savage Hearts was neither good nor bad, since I don't even have anything about Riley or Malek to rant or rave about, but the side characters are pretty 🔥 and I'm curious about Spider's story. I want to know how JTG will do with arranged marriage and how that last sentence of the epilogue is making me 👀
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
QUEENS AND MONSTERS SERIES
#1 Ruthless Creatures – 2.5 stars
#2 Carnal Urges – 3.5 stars
#3 Savage Hearts – 2.5 stars
#4 Brutal Vows – tbr
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
Savage Hearts is the third book in the Queens & Monsters series. It's about Riley Keller (h), she is Sloane's little sister (the h from Carnal Urges ), and Malek Antonov (H). Since the story continues right where Carnal Urges left off and has Declan and Kage's POV (Hs of previous books) too, I don't think this book works as a standalone.
THE GOOD
⭐ THE BANTER ⭐
One thing I can always count on with J.T. Geissinger is she comes through with the banter. It's always on point 😌 Even when everything else fails, these characters still kept me entertaining enough with their banter.
"Hey, Hollywood. Thanks for inviting me. Your man is a toad, and this place is a dump." (Riley)
"Wait until you see your bedroom." (Sloane)
"Let me guess. You put me in the attic with the ghosts?"
"No, we put you in the basement so you wouldn't scare the ghosts."
"Appreciate it, hooker."
"No problem, troll."
⭐ THE SIDE CHARACTERS ⭐
So there are a lot of cameos from characters in the previous books. Kage/Nate (Ruthless Creatures) and Sloane/Declan (Carnal Urges) all appear and they carried this book. With 'they' I obviously mean Sloane, cause that girl is 🔥🔥🔥 I love her and she can make everything so much more entertaining. What else I love about JTG world is that her series are so interconnected and play in the same world. A certain character from the Beautifully Cruel series is also making an appearance to spice things up. I love to see all these characters come together and pretend like they hate each others guts, but they banter like siblings 😇
"It's a long story. I'll fill you in later. Right now, I think the three of us need to get on a conference call." (Sloane)
Declan roars, "I'm not getting on the phone with that bloody arsewipe [Kage]!"
Sloane pats his chest. "I meant us three girls, honey."
Sputtering in fury, he says, "You're not talking to Natalie! I forbid it!"
Sloane kisses his cheek. "That's cute."
"You're going to hell." (Riley)
"Ha! They wish!" (Sloane)
THE OK
🍬 THE MAIN CHARACTERS 🍬
Riley's characters gave me whiplash, because in one chapter she reminds me of a mini Sloane with her flair for exaggerations and witty responses, but then in other chapters when she's talking about Sloane she was so judgy and annoying.
Malek is very similar to JTG other Heroes in the sense that he's very protective and smitten with Riley very quickly. I was fascinated how he could break into all kind of houses and bathrooms undetected. That's an impressive skill and I'd like him to teach me.
🍬 THE ROMANCE 🍬
Malek's first impression of Riley is priceless. She went from homeless refugee to prostitute that has to sell herself to kinky rich couples (Declan & Sloane). That escalated pretty quickly. 😂
I'm weird like that, but I'm counting how long it takes until the main characters meet and interact for the first time. That's why I know it took 15% til Riley and Malek interact. It doesn't sound that long, but it felt like forever. Idk if that's the reason why their romance was just 'okay', but I still liked some of their earlier banter.
"You have a flair for exaggeration. Has anyone ever told you that?" (Malek)
"Yes. My creative writing teacher in college described my aggrandizement of language as incredible." (Riley)
"I'm sure it wasn't a compliment."
"I got an A in that class."
"Because he knew if he failed you, you'd have to take the class again. He couldn't bear to live through that twice."
This series is trying to be kinky so badly, but it just doesn't fit to the characters. First the BDSM in Carnal Urges and in this book we have Malek calling himself 'Daddy' and I'm scared.
🍬 THE MAFIA ASPECT & PLOT 🍬
Every assassin, mobster, bratva king is so useless in this series. When has an attempted assassination ever gone through? The answer is N E V E R.
These wannabe gangsters make me believe that I could be the head of the mafia with zero combat skills and still live until I'm 250 years old.
This aspect didn't bother me as much as in Carnal Urges, since I knew not to take the mafia part of this series too seriously, but it's still laughable. These people are so hopeless, I feel so embarassed for them.
As for the plot, I thought it was not a mess like Carnal Urges and had a slighly more coherent plotline. It ties loose ends from the previous books (Diege etc.) so that was a plus. Some parts were still repetitive.
THE BAD
⛔ MAKING PREVIOUS CHARACTERS LOOK BAD ⛔
One thing you don't do is write a book for a character and then drag them when they are the side character in the next book. Riley and Sloane don't have a great relationship at the beginning of the book. They haven't talked to each others for three years and Riley's perception of Sloane is pretty bad. I love Sloane and reading Riley's chapter it feels like Sloane is a shitty sister and that aint it. Even tho Riley has some valid points when it comes to her 'dislike' of Sloane's character, she comes across as extremely jealous and that didn't make me want to sympathize with her. Riley and Sloane's relationship does get better by the end of the book, but still that aspect irked me bc there are some scenes that make Sloane the bad guy.
"I'm sorry, you've reached a disconnect number. Please hang up and try again." (Riley)
"Ah, sarcasm. The last resort of the witless." (Sloane)
"Speaking of witless, I'm not in the mood to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Call me when you grow a brain."
"Why do you insist on pretending I'm not a genius?"
"Just because you graduated summa cum laude from an Ivy League college doesn't mean you're smarter than me."
"This from a person who once asked me how many quarters there are in a dollar."
⛔ THE MIDDLE ⛔
Something about this series is making me feel entertained until a certain point and then after a point (usually it's after the kidnapping) the story feels flat and looses my interest. I was so bored once Malek kidnapped Riley and they were alone in the woods. They had some couple times, but it was so much tell instead of show and very repetitive, because nothing happened.
CONCLUSION
Savage Hearts was neither good nor bad, since I don't even have anything about Riley or Malek to rant or rave about, but the side characters are pretty 🔥 and I'm curious about Spider's story. I want to know how JTG will do with arranged marriage and how that last sentence of the epilogue is making me 👀
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
QUEENS AND MONSTERS SERIES
#1 Ruthless Creatures – 2.5 stars
#2 Carnal Urges – 3.5 stars
#3 Savage Hearts – 2.5 stars
#4 Brutal Vows – tbr
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
November 21, 2021
📚'SAVAGE HEARTS' 📚is the third full length, mafia romance book in J.T. Geissinger's 'Queens & Monsters' series.
How is it possible that the covers get hotter and the guys get deadlier, if you've not read this series and it's been on your radar I highly recommend it, if you like hot alpha killing machines who bow down to no one but are brought to their knees by mouthy tough heroines then definitely #oneclick this series.
We've already met Sloane...
Sloane and Riley appear to be as different as chalk and cheese, Sloane is an extrovert, loud and with a look at me presence and Riley is the complete opposite, an introvert who hides in the shadows and likes her solo life, working as a freelance editor. But delve deeper into the book and their quick wit and sas with a hardcore backbone are as similar as they can be. When Sloane invites Riley to her wedding, well a wedding that she hasn't agreed to yet, Riley hopes that this is a start to mending a bridge that was broken through a misunderstanding which occurred three years ago.
Malek is the best of the best in his line of field of assassins, he's been aptly nicknamed 'Ghost' he's on a mission of revenge to take out the man who killed his brother in cold blood, this man happens to be Sloane's soon to be husband, Declan.
When Malek first claps eyes on Riley he assumes she's there against her will.
I'm about to pull the trigger and put a bullet in Declan's head when a female steps out of the car.
Young and slight. Mousy blondish hair pulled into a sloppy ponytail. Baggy grey sweatpants and flip flops. Eye glasses and an ill fitting sweatshirt. Something about her appearance suggests she's homeless. Perhaps Declan is adopting a refugee.
A misguided perception has him risking it all to save this waif that's under Declan's roof.
This author has such a wicked sense of humour, I giggled, I swooned, I fell in love with these characters, I barely came up for air reading this, devoured in a matter of hours and now I'm left highly anticipating Spiders book!! I fell for him at the first moment he blushed..
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
April 14, 2022
Giant Hot Dangerous Stranger!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️
The heroine: Riley (a.k.a. smalls, little bird) - sister to Sloane from Carnal Urges. Riley is a freelance book editor because she loves reading and it allows her to work from home. She is not a people person so it works for her. She grew up jealous of her tall gorgeous sister who at one point stole a boyfriend from her and they haven’t seen each other since.
The Hero(es): Malek Antonov (a.k.a. GHDS, a.k.a. The Hangman, a.k.a. Ghost) - an assassin for the Bratva, he has gained a reputation as the best and is a legend in the Bratva. He wants revenge against the guy who killed his brother. Kage gives him information on Declan O’Donnell.
The Story: Sloane calls Riley and wants to see her so she books her a private plane that takes her to an unknown destination where she meets Declan, her sister’s fiancé. Riley is the type that arrives in sweatpants and packed more of the same, but her sister gives her a makeover right away.
This story was not at all the standard hitman takes the heroine captive trope. Though he does take her captive, the situation is different than any I have read before and I just loved the way that Malek takes care of Riley. He is a big guy and she is small and fragile and he protects and takes care of her so well. I also loved the fact that Riley is snarky, a bit crazy and unabashedly herself. She always surprises people. I love it when a heroine can be strong yet delicate.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️
The heroine: Riley (a.k.a. smalls, little bird) - sister to Sloane from Carnal Urges. Riley is a freelance book editor because she loves reading and it allows her to work from home. She is not a people person so it works for her. She grew up jealous of her tall gorgeous sister who at one point stole a boyfriend from her and they haven’t seen each other since.
The Hero(es): Malek Antonov (a.k.a. GHDS, a.k.a. The Hangman, a.k.a. Ghost) - an assassin for the Bratva, he has gained a reputation as the best and is a legend in the Bratva. He wants revenge against the guy who killed his brother. Kage gives him information on Declan O’Donnell.
The Story: Sloane calls Riley and wants to see her so she books her a private plane that takes her to an unknown destination where she meets Declan, her sister’s fiancé. Riley is the type that arrives in sweatpants and packed more of the same, but her sister gives her a makeover right away.
“Please stop shouting at me. I’m having a minor breakdown is all. Last week, I was living my nice quiet life in my nice quiet apartment in San Francisco. Since then, I’ve discovered that my sister is getting married to the head of the Irish Mob, and that I caught the eye of a notorious Russian assassin whose hobbies include stalking, appearing out of thin air, making wildly incorrect assumptions about people based on their wardrobes, and handing out large quantities of cash to strangers in restrooms. He’s also on a mission to kill my future brother-in-law. It’s been an eventful few days.”
This story was not at all the standard hitman takes the heroine captive trope. Though he does take her captive, the situation is different than any I have read before and I just loved the way that Malek takes care of Riley. He is a big guy and she is small and fragile and he protects and takes care of her so well. I also loved the fact that Riley is snarky, a bit crazy and unabashedly herself. She always surprises people. I love it when a heroine can be strong yet delicate.
“Jesus, take the wheel. I’m drunk driving.”
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 21, 2021
Savage Hearts is book three in the Queens & Monsters series by J.T. Geissinger. Oh my heart. I feel like something that was maybe missing a little bit in the previous book is back in this one. There were soooo many swoons. First, we should all take a moment and gaze at this cover. And let that image burn into your brain and keep it there while you read the book. Let the swooning begin.
Meet Malek Antonov, an assassin for the Russian Bratva. The Hangman, The Ghost. A man no one really knows and no one wants to ever meet. Malek’s brother, his only living family, is dead at the hands of Declan. Malek wants revenge. But when Malek goes for Declan, has him in his sites, it’s not Declan that demands his attention, it’s the small, waif of a woman he sees getting out of the car. A woman that is about to change everything.
Riley Keller is Sloane’s (Declan’s fiancé’s) younger sister. She and Sloane are not close, haven’t seen each other in three years. Riley always felt like a shadow to the brightness of her sister. Riley is a freelance editor and works from home. When her sister contacts her out of the blue, wanting to repair their relationship and introduce her to Declan, she accepts without having any idea the world she was walking into. A world of warring mafia families, guns, murder, and Malek.
“So you’re telling me you’re a good guy?”
“No. I’m not good. In fact, Riley Rose, I’m the worst man you’ll ever meet.”
Malek really does live up to his name of Ghost. He seems to be able to walk through walls, never detected by the scores of men carrying very large guns surrounding the home where Riley is staying. He has no idea who she is at first and makes VERY incorrect assumptions as to her purpose for being there. And this is where we start to see the real Malek. The man with a heart. Because he wants to help her. When he does learn who she really is, his obsession is already set and he can’t stay away. And when circumstances take a very sharp and shocking turn, he takes matters into his own hands and takes her. Declan killed his brother. So, he’ll take Declan’s future sister in law.
The men in this series are very bad men. They do very bad things. But, when they find their one and only, they will go to the ends of the earth to be and do everything for them. Such is the case with Malek. He cares deeply for Riley. She sasses him, she challenges him, she makes him want to be better for her. Once again, their journey is full of twists and turns, of highs and lows. I fell just as in love with Riley as I did Malek. Together these two were amazing. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Throughout the book, I thought more than once that Spider, Declan’s body guard, needed his own book. And what a surprise when I got to the end and read that he in deed will be next in book four, Brutal Vows. I’ll be counting the days until then.
“You make me believe in miracles, Riley Rose. When I’m with you, I feel like my life hasn’t been such a waste.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Meet Malek Antonov, an assassin for the Russian Bratva. The Hangman, The Ghost. A man no one really knows and no one wants to ever meet. Malek’s brother, his only living family, is dead at the hands of Declan. Malek wants revenge. But when Malek goes for Declan, has him in his sites, it’s not Declan that demands his attention, it’s the small, waif of a woman he sees getting out of the car. A woman that is about to change everything.
Riley Keller is Sloane’s (Declan’s fiancé’s) younger sister. She and Sloane are not close, haven’t seen each other in three years. Riley always felt like a shadow to the brightness of her sister. Riley is a freelance editor and works from home. When her sister contacts her out of the blue, wanting to repair their relationship and introduce her to Declan, she accepts without having any idea the world she was walking into. A world of warring mafia families, guns, murder, and Malek.
“So you’re telling me you’re a good guy?”
“No. I’m not good. In fact, Riley Rose, I’m the worst man you’ll ever meet.”
Malek really does live up to his name of Ghost. He seems to be able to walk through walls, never detected by the scores of men carrying very large guns surrounding the home where Riley is staying. He has no idea who she is at first and makes VERY incorrect assumptions as to her purpose for being there. And this is where we start to see the real Malek. The man with a heart. Because he wants to help her. When he does learn who she really is, his obsession is already set and he can’t stay away. And when circumstances take a very sharp and shocking turn, he takes matters into his own hands and takes her. Declan killed his brother. So, he’ll take Declan’s future sister in law.
The men in this series are very bad men. They do very bad things. But, when they find their one and only, they will go to the ends of the earth to be and do everything for them. Such is the case with Malek. He cares deeply for Riley. She sasses him, she challenges him, she makes him want to be better for her. Once again, their journey is full of twists and turns, of highs and lows. I fell just as in love with Riley as I did Malek. Together these two were amazing. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Throughout the book, I thought more than once that Spider, Declan’s body guard, needed his own book. And what a surprise when I got to the end and read that he in deed will be next in book four, Brutal Vows. I’ll be counting the days until then.
“You make me believe in miracles, Riley Rose. When I’m with you, I feel like my life hasn’t been such a waste.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 2, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked both Malek and Riley and I think their connection felt most genuine out of all couples. Still a bit of a lust at first sight (more than just a bit) but this time it didn’t bother me.
Did anyone else notice that the hero was practically a ghost? The man literally got into any room, space etc and it made no sense at all. He’d just be there no explanation no nada. Like the man would be able to just get into a max security prison for a midnight chat with an old acquaintance like that’s not completely absurd and without an actual explanation of how. I get we wanna read about badass men who are very capable of everything and anything BUT that doesn’t mean my brain flew out the window the minute I read about his abs or growling husky voice.
Another observation is that I probably would have liked this book even more if it didn’t give me deja vu when it comes to the banter and general dialogue. All 3 heroines sounded pretty much the same with Sloan being a bit extra. The men were kinda the same too (especially Kage and Malek). I don’t know but after reading all 3 books one after the other the characters are almost replaceable. Meaning you could take Riley and put it in the first book instead of Nat, and you’d change nothing but the physical appearance.
I had other issues with the book which didn’t have to do with the main relationship. I called it when I read the last book - I didn’t like Sloan and I was right.
My issues were such as Sloan being a shitty sister. Issues such as her trying to makeover her sister to look like her because anything else is apparently hoboish - to me that’s not another display of Sloans charming confidence but of her being a hypocrite who speaks about instilling confidence and a sense of self in young girls but treats her sister poorly and doesn’t remember messing around with her sisters boyfriend and dismisses it when she’s questioned about it, ”like it’s not big deal, men used to be disposable, I didn’t mean anything by it if I did that”.
Also the epilogue of Spider wanting an arranged marriage because a girl didn’t return his feelings is the biggest display of fragile male ego I’ve ever seen. You’ll never see a girl who’s been rejected by a guy because he’s into someone else sign up to marry a complete stranger for life because her feelings were hurt. Nah, she’ll watch some Netflix, inebriate herself to forgetfulness, eat some junk, sign up for some dating app, remind herself it’s a bad idea and then move on with her life - not necessarily in that order. But men are so freaking dramatic!
I liked both Malek and Riley and I think their connection felt most genuine out of all couples. Still a bit of a lust at first sight (more than just a bit) but this time it didn’t bother me.
Did anyone else notice that the hero was practically a ghost? The man literally got into any room, space etc and it made no sense at all. He’d just be there no explanation no nada. Like the man would be able to just get into a max security prison for a midnight chat with an old acquaintance like that’s not completely absurd and without an actual explanation of how. I get we wanna read about badass men who are very capable of everything and anything BUT that doesn’t mean my brain flew out the window the minute I read about his abs or growling husky voice.
Another observation is that I probably would have liked this book even more if it didn’t give me deja vu when it comes to the banter and general dialogue. All 3 heroines sounded pretty much the same with Sloan being a bit extra. The men were kinda the same too (especially Kage and Malek). I don’t know but after reading all 3 books one after the other the characters are almost replaceable. Meaning you could take Riley and put it in the first book instead of Nat, and you’d change nothing but the physical appearance.
I had other issues with the book which didn’t have to do with the main relationship. I called it when I read the last book - I didn’t like Sloan and I was right.
My issues were such as Sloan being a shitty sister. Issues such as her trying to makeover her sister to look like her because anything else is apparently hoboish - to me that’s not another display of Sloans charming confidence but of her being a hypocrite who speaks about instilling confidence and a sense of self in young girls but treats her sister poorly and doesn’t remember messing around with her sisters boyfriend and dismisses it when she’s questioned about it, ”like it’s not big deal, men used to be disposable, I didn’t mean anything by it if I did that”.
Also the epilogue of Spider wanting an arranged marriage because a girl didn’t return his feelings is the biggest display of fragile male ego I’ve ever seen. You’ll never see a girl who’s been rejected by a guy because he’s into someone else sign up to marry a complete stranger for life because her feelings were hurt. Nah, she’ll watch some Netflix, inebriate herself to forgetfulness, eat some junk, sign up for some dating app, remind herself it’s a bad idea and then move on with her life - not necessarily in that order. But men are so freaking dramatic!
July 9, 2023
I love this series even more on my reread!
I thought book 2 was gonna always be my hands-down favorite (Sloane really beats most h’s out there), but dang, book 3 killed my expectations. Plus, seeing previous characters make appearances and have their own chapters added lots of brownie points to this book💁🏻♀️. But I digress…
SIDE NOTE: this entire series is 🎧 DUET narration 😮💨 so so good!
Book 2 ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, and this picks up from there. We saw that Kage (H from book 1) needs to find a way of getting back at Declan (H from book 2), and he finds a way- in the form of Malek (Mal, 33). Mal wants to kill Declan because Declan killed his brother. But Mal doesn’t know that he’s going to meet his match in Riley (24). Except, a case of mistaken identity messes up his mission in killing Declan.
Mal thinks that Riley’s a prostitute, one that’s forced to live in Declan‘s house. He’s ready to kill Declan, (by hiding inside a tower), but then he sees Riley, and he can’t help but be drawn to her and wants to help her. He approaches her, secretly, a couple of times and tries to convince her to run away, but he learns the truth- yet that doesn’t stop him from thinking about her.
Mal wants her- regardless of her connections to Declan, and he knows how to… ahem… convince her 😉. I have never been so drawn to a kiss. Jeeeezus, the kisses that Mal manipulates on Riley were soooo steamy and sensual, my kindle was feeling the aftershocks 😅. My gosh- he’s able to draw out her inner passions, all with just the glide of his lips 🥵🔥… I have never highlighted so many kissing scenes in my life lol. The FEELINGS during these scenes were *chef’s kiss*. All the whole time, the banter 🤌🏻. She reminds me so much of Sloane (book 2 h).
When Mal’s caught in her bedroom and she takes a bullet for him, this shows how selfless she is… but his reaction to her doing was everything. He kidnaps her in order to save her life. The way he nurtures and takes care of her 🥺❤️swoooooon! I will NEVER see a bath the same way again 😩❤️ nothing smexual happens, but man, it doesn’t need to happen. The sizzle’s overflowing (see what I did there 😉). If my man isn’t whispering to me in Russian while I’m healing and taking baths, then I don’t want it 😑 lol.
He worships her… every time they make eye-contact, every breath, every touch… gahh… it was all so visceral and raw🔥🥵. It takes a little while for them to go all the way (60%), and when it does, holy smokes is it passionate💦😅. I didn’t even feel the “slow” burn because of how amazing these characters are. Mal can kidnap me any time 😂😉.
Buuuut… the problems between all three Hs from the books still linger. There needs to be a way to end the animosity- and that’s the biggest rift in this novel.
I loooooooved seeing all the previous books MCs! We get to see their HEA’s after their books ended, which was heartwarming and nostalgic. Sloane’s still A MAZE ING. Her feistiness is ON POINT… and Riley is like a smaller version of Sloane lol. Gahhhh! I looooved it all. I highlighted just as many bantery quotes as swoony ones lol
I wish we had some previous recent relationship/sexual history, but… eh… I’m gonna assume he’s been celibate and I’ll call it a day 🤣.
Overall, I loved this ❤️.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/cheating/owd
-violence
-mention of parent loss (cancer)
-dubcon ish (forced kiss)
-praise kink/breath play/hand necklace/anal play/spanking
-OMD (one-sided): one of the h’s bodyguards likes her; he doesn’t really cause a problem, but he has feelings for her
-no condoms/she’s on the shot/no talk about their previous history though 😏
I thought book 2 was gonna always be my hands-down favorite (Sloane really beats most h’s out there), but dang, book 3 killed my expectations. Plus, seeing previous characters make appearances and have their own chapters added lots of brownie points to this book💁🏻♀️. But I digress…
SIDE NOTE: this entire series is 🎧 DUET narration 😮💨 so so good!
Book 2 ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, and this picks up from there. We saw that Kage (H from book 1) needs to find a way of getting back at Declan (H from book 2), and he finds a way- in the form of Malek (Mal, 33). Mal wants to kill Declan because Declan killed his brother. But Mal doesn’t know that he’s going to meet his match in Riley (24). Except, a case of mistaken identity messes up his mission in killing Declan.
”Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
“I am afraid of you.”
He examines my expression. “Not very much.”
“Does that insult your ego?”
He makes a motion with his head that’s not a yes or a no, but more like a maybe.
“If it will keep you from killing me, I’ll act very scared. I’ll cry and everything.”😂😅🙈
Mal thinks that Riley’s a prostitute, one that’s forced to live in Declan‘s house. He’s ready to kill Declan, (by hiding inside a tower), but then he sees Riley, and he can’t help but be drawn to her and wants to help her. He approaches her, secretly, a couple of times and tries to convince her to run away, but he learns the truth- yet that doesn’t stop him from thinking about her.
”How’d you get in here, anyway? This place is a fortress.”
“Do you always talk this much when you’re about to die?” “Yes. I find pre-death conversation relaxing. Answer the question.”😂
“Now is probably a good time to remind you that I’m still the same person you left the rose for. So if you did kill me, you’d be killing her, too. Just a thought.”
“Are you on drugs?”
“Not at the moment, no. Why, do you have any?”
“There’s something wrong with you. Mentally. Right?”🙈😂
Mal wants her- regardless of her connections to Declan, and he knows how to… ahem… convince her 😉. I have never been so drawn to a kiss. Jeeeezus, the kisses that Mal manipulates on Riley were soooo steamy and sensual, my kindle was feeling the aftershocks 😅. My gosh- he’s able to draw out her inner passions, all with just the glide of his lips 🥵🔥… I have never highlighted so many kissing scenes in my life lol. The FEELINGS during these scenes were *chef’s kiss*. All the whole time, the banter 🤌🏻. She reminds me so much of Sloane (book 2 h).
“One more thing. You have to kiss me back. Lie there like a cold fish, and your friend Spider eats a bullet.”
“I take back what I said about you being a gentleman.”
“I’ll burst into tears over that right after you give me your fucking mouth.” She inhales, closing her eyes and swallowing. When she opens her eyes again, I know it’s war.
“Ready?”
“Go to hell.”
“Can’t. The devil has a restraining order against me.”
“That’s not even original! I saw it on a T-shirt once!”
“You want original?” I put my mouth close to her ear and growl, “I want to impale you on my cock. I also want to wring your neck. I’ll settle for a kiss, instead.”
Who knew the impact of a kiss would be THIS meaningful 🥰
”That’s just…argh! You’re a sick, twisted—”
“Blah, blah, blah, yes. Whatever other bad names you’re about to call me, yes, you’re right.” His voice drops. “Now give me that fucking mouth again. It’s all I’ve been able to think about for the last twenty-four hours.”
When Mal’s caught in her bedroom and she takes a bullet for him, this shows how selfless she is… but his reaction to her doing was everything. He kidnaps her in order to save her life. The way he nurtures and takes care of her 🥺❤️swoooooon! I will NEVER see a bath the same way again 😩❤️ nothing smexual happens, but man, it doesn’t need to happen. The sizzle’s overflowing (see what I did there 😉). If my man isn’t whispering to me in Russian while I’m healing and taking baths, then I don’t want it 😑 lol.
”Any man who even looks at you wrong will die. Any man, including him. If I sense any hint of a threat, if anything whatsoever happens that displeases me, I will make him unalive. Do you understand me?”
He worships her… every time they make eye-contact, every breath, every touch… gahh… it was all so visceral and raw🔥🥵. It takes a little while for them to go all the way (60%), and when it does, holy smokes is it passionate💦😅. I didn’t even feel the “slow” burn because of how amazing these characters are. Mal can kidnap me any time 😂😉.
”Go to sleep, Riley Rose.”
“How can I sleep with you standing there staring at me?”
“You’ve been doing well with it so far. Now close your eyes.” I heave a sigh, flop my arms dramatically at my sides, then obey him and shut my eyes... When I wake up in the morning, Mal is sleeping on his side next to me in bed, his arm under my neck, a leg thrown over both of mine, his big warm hand splayed over my belly. Right over my scar.🥺🥰
Minutes of silence pass. Then he says in a low voice, “Of all the people I’ve met who know what I do, you’re the only one who’s ever treated me like I’m human.” ❤️
Buuuut… the problems between all three Hs from the books still linger. There needs to be a way to end the animosity- and that’s the biggest rift in this novel.
”So you watch American crime shows, huh?”
“They’re very entertaining. Your criminals are the stupidest in the world.”
“They’re not my criminals.”
He cups my jaw and kisses my forehead. “No. You only have one of those.”
“Christ, Riley, you have to tell me what you need, or I can’t give it to you. Despite what you think, I’m not a mind reader!”
I reach up and stroke his beard, smiling. “You’re a psychopath.”
“Don’t try to flirt your way out of this.”
That makes me smile wider. “Only you would think a woman calling you a psychopath is flirting.”
I loooooooved seeing all the previous books MCs! We get to see their HEA’s after their books ended, which was heartwarming and nostalgic. Sloane’s still A MAZE ING. Her feistiness is ON POINT… and Riley is like a smaller version of Sloane lol. Gahhhh! I looooved it all. I highlighted just as many bantery quotes as swoony ones lol
After a long, silent moment, Sloane turns and looks at me. “How fun,” she says drily. “Stockholm Syndrome runs in the family.”😂👏🏻
“…Right now, I think the three of us need to get on a conference call.”
Declan roars, “I’m not getting on the phone with that bloody arsewipe!”
Sloane pats his chest. “I meant us three girls, honey.”
Sputtering in fury, he says, “You’re not talking to Natalie! I forbid it!”
Sloane kisses his cheek. “That’s cute.” She holds her hand out to me. “Come on. The sooner we can sort this out, the sooner his blood pressure can get back to normal.” 💅
“God, this is a fucked-up situation.”
Sloane props herself up on her elbows and gazes at me thoughtfully. “We might be looking at this the wrong way.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, between you, me, and Nat, we have the three most powerful men in the US and Russia totally pussy whipped.”
I say drily, “Always the incurable romantic.”
“I mean, think what we could accomplish!”😈👏🏻
I wish we had some previous recent relationship/sexual history, but… eh… I’m gonna assume he’s been celibate and I’ll call it a day 🤣.
Overall, I loved this ❤️.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/cheating/owd
-violence
-mention of parent loss (cancer)
-dubcon ish (forced kiss)
-praise kink/breath play/hand necklace/anal play/spanking
-OMD (one-sided): one of the h’s bodyguards likes her; he doesn’t really cause a problem, but he has feelings for her
-no condoms/she’s on the shot/no talk about their previous history though 😏
November 20, 2021
-2.75 stars-
pls mal is such a grouchy lil cinnamon roll 😂 but can he not refer to himself as daddy okey bye 😭🏃🏽♀️
"That's what I call you in my head sometimes. The demon waif." After a beat, he says, "Is that bad?"
pls mal is such a grouchy lil cinnamon roll 😂 but can he not refer to himself as daddy okey bye 😭🏃🏽♀️
October 14, 2022
Reread for a Patron Oct 2022
.
.
Reread with audio. Loved it.
*******
*Thank you to the author and Social Butterfly PR for a review copy of this title.*
Savage Hearts is the third book in the Queens & Monsters series and I don't know how it can continue to be this good. I was sure no book could hold a candle to Carnal Urges. Sloane and Declan captured my heart so fully, I didn't know if anyone could compete. Then Riley and Mal came steam rolling onto my kindle.
It's so hard to describe the was Geissinger is able to suck me in. There is just a quality that makes it "snap" in place for me. The banter and the tension, while it is a quality I always feel in her writing, still manages to be unique for each book in this series. The situations our Queens find themselves in when they encounter their Monsters is always perfect for them and it just "fits".
Riley gets sucked into our dangerous world by a simple call from her estranged sister. Sloane is going to marry Declan someday, not sure which, and she wants her younger sister to meet him and to reconnect with her. Riley is skeptical but willing to try after years of keeping herself out of her charismatic sister's orbit. What she is not prepared for is the overwhelming fact that her brother-in-law to be is definitely NOT a normal rich guy. Thought he is smoking hot and she wonders if he has a brother or two.
At the same time, Kage is still trying to find a round about way to get his revenge on Declan without incurring the wrath of his lady love. Which is hopefully going to be made easier by the intro of Malek. A Russian assassin who lost his brother to one of Declan's killing sprees. Kage is ready to set it all up and then watch Declan fall.
Which might have been a smart plan, if Mal didn't get sight of Riley and become fascinated by her. By the time he figures out her connection to Declan, its already too late. He is ready to take her and make her his own little bird. Expect he is going to find that the one who is really ensnared… is himself. And the steam…… well, it is consistent with previous books in the series.
The game of chess between these Monsters and the Queens who love them is getting more complicated than ever. I am actually stunned by how things moved and changed in this entry to the series. I am SO intrigued about where things will go in Brutal Vow (book 4, coming next year), and what that will mean for our characters.
I highly recommend this book if you read the previous two and I can't wait for my friends to read this one so we can talk about it. Geissinger just continues to up the ante and I am hooked forever. I will be reading the rest of her backlist and see how other characters play into our world going forward. I love it all.
This is a 6 star book for me. Yup… this whole series is 6 stars. I can't believe it.
6/5 stars
TW: kidnapping, coercive situations, some dubious consent
.
.
Reread with audio. Loved it.
*******
*Thank you to the author and Social Butterfly PR for a review copy of this title.*
Savage Hearts is the third book in the Queens & Monsters series and I don't know how it can continue to be this good. I was sure no book could hold a candle to Carnal Urges. Sloane and Declan captured my heart so fully, I didn't know if anyone could compete. Then Riley and Mal came steam rolling onto my kindle.
It's so hard to describe the was Geissinger is able to suck me in. There is just a quality that makes it "snap" in place for me. The banter and the tension, while it is a quality I always feel in her writing, still manages to be unique for each book in this series. The situations our Queens find themselves in when they encounter their Monsters is always perfect for them and it just "fits".
Riley gets sucked into our dangerous world by a simple call from her estranged sister. Sloane is going to marry Declan someday, not sure which, and she wants her younger sister to meet him and to reconnect with her. Riley is skeptical but willing to try after years of keeping herself out of her charismatic sister's orbit. What she is not prepared for is the overwhelming fact that her brother-in-law to be is definitely NOT a normal rich guy. Thought he is smoking hot and she wonders if he has a brother or two.
At the same time, Kage is still trying to find a round about way to get his revenge on Declan without incurring the wrath of his lady love. Which is hopefully going to be made easier by the intro of Malek. A Russian assassin who lost his brother to one of Declan's killing sprees. Kage is ready to set it all up and then watch Declan fall.
Which might have been a smart plan, if Mal didn't get sight of Riley and become fascinated by her. By the time he figures out her connection to Declan, its already too late. He is ready to take her and make her his own little bird. Expect he is going to find that the one who is really ensnared… is himself. And the steam…… well, it is consistent with previous books in the series.
The game of chess between these Monsters and the Queens who love them is getting more complicated than ever. I am actually stunned by how things moved and changed in this entry to the series. I am SO intrigued about where things will go in Brutal Vow (book 4, coming next year), and what that will mean for our characters.
I highly recommend this book if you read the previous two and I can't wait for my friends to read this one so we can talk about it. Geissinger just continues to up the ante and I am hooked forever. I will be reading the rest of her backlist and see how other characters play into our world going forward. I love it all.
This is a 6 star book for me. Yup… this whole series is 6 stars. I can't believe it.
6/5 stars
TW: kidnapping, coercive situations, some dubious consent
March 14, 2024
5+++++++++ for the audiobook! Holy hell that was good! Duet narration is a game changer!
December 21, 2021
4 STARS
No one, and I mean no one writes banter quite like J.T. Geissinger. And this girl? Lives for every sexual chemistry loaded barb.
This series has quickly become one of my favorite mafia romance series. It has everything; intense alpha males, feisty heroines, steam, banter, and sizzling romance. And it just seems to get better with each book. I loved Sloane and Declan, and after that ending, I was practically foaming at the mouth for this book. And meeting Sloane's polar opposite sister and the brutal mafia Brava assassin? DELICIOUS.
Riley is everything Sloane isn't. She's the sister that always got overshadowed by Sloane's beauty and personality. When her commitment phobe sister gets engaged, Riley can hardly believe it. Their relationship has always been strained, but Sloane is trying, and Riley agrees to fly in to meet her new fiancé. One thing these two sisters definitely have in common is their wicked humor and sharp wit.
Malek is there for vengeance. Declan killed his brother, and he wants revenge. When he first sees Riley, he thinks that she's prostituting herself to Declan in need of money. Meh, first impressions. But in a bid to rescue her, he learns that Riley is actually his enemy's future sister in law. So what's a man to do? Kidnap her, obviously. Ah, romance.
I loved the banter and chemistry between these two. I loved Malek's intensity and unwilling attraction to Riley. And I absolutely loved Riley's fierceness. This book delivered on all the things I've come to love from this author. And then there's the set up for Spider's book and I AM IN NEED. Can't wait for the next installment.
Find me on:
Please be quiet. My inner demons are demanding that I kill you, and I want to hear what they have to say.”
No one, and I mean no one writes banter quite like J.T. Geissinger. And this girl? Lives for every sexual chemistry loaded barb.
This series has quickly become one of my favorite mafia romance series. It has everything; intense alpha males, feisty heroines, steam, banter, and sizzling romance. And it just seems to get better with each book. I loved Sloane and Declan, and after that ending, I was practically foaming at the mouth for this book. And meeting Sloane's polar opposite sister and the brutal mafia Brava assassin? DELICIOUS.
“Call me a bird one more time, and I’ll—”
“What?” I demand, pressing my chest to hers so I feel her heart pounding right through my shirt. “You’ll do what? Shoot me? Stab me? Drown me in a sea of words?”
“Fuck you.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“You wish, you arrogant prick!”
She’s so mad, she’s almost spitting. I like this side of her. This feisty, angry side. It’s so rare that someone challenges me.
“Careful,” I whisper, brushing my lips against hers. “Combat makes my dick hard.”
Riley is everything Sloane isn't. She's the sister that always got overshadowed by Sloane's beauty and personality. When her commitment phobe sister gets engaged, Riley can hardly believe it. Their relationship has always been strained, but Sloane is trying, and Riley agrees to fly in to meet her new fiancé. One thing these two sisters definitely have in common is their wicked humor and sharp wit.
Malek is there for vengeance. Declan killed his brother, and he wants revenge. When he first sees Riley, he thinks that she's prostituting herself to Declan in need of money. Meh, first impressions. But in a bid to rescue her, he learns that Riley is actually his enemy's future sister in law. So what's a man to do? Kidnap her, obviously. Ah, romance.
I loved the banter and chemistry between these two. I loved Malek's intensity and unwilling attraction to Riley. And I absolutely loved Riley's fierceness. This book delivered on all the things I've come to love from this author. And then there's the set up for Spider's book and I AM IN NEED. Can't wait for the next installment.
Find me on:
November 19, 2021
I feel like a broken record with this series. I've absolutely loved each book. This is by far the best series from this author.
Savage Hearts is Malek and Riley's story. Believe it or not, he's even more dangerous and deadly as the previous heroes. He's the guy no one wants to mess with and yet here's Riley who tempts him in more ways than one. She's got that sass her sister Sloane has. It creates this banter between the two that is highly addictive. I kept finding myself fascinated with how Malek would react to something she said or did. The chemistry is just through the roof.
I love how we have gotten three books in this series so far that have somewhat the same theme and yet each main couple have made their own book different. I still get what I totally love about this series without feeling like it's on repeat. In fact, I'm totally excited to see the hints to the next book. Here's to hoping the author stays inspired to create as many as she can!
Savage Hearts is Malek and Riley's story. Believe it or not, he's even more dangerous and deadly as the previous heroes. He's the guy no one wants to mess with and yet here's Riley who tempts him in more ways than one. She's got that sass her sister Sloane has. It creates this banter between the two that is highly addictive. I kept finding myself fascinated with how Malek would react to something she said or did. The chemistry is just through the roof.
I love how we have gotten three books in this series so far that have somewhat the same theme and yet each main couple have made their own book different. I still get what I totally love about this series without feeling like it's on repeat. In fact, I'm totally excited to see the hints to the next book. Here's to hoping the author stays inspired to create as many as she can!
December 9, 2022
A review from a resentful fan of Ms Geissinger.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I have always said that I don’t like mafia romance but I have been reading this series because Ms Geissinger is my favorite writer and I love her writing no matter what. And I want her to stay as my favorite writer but she seems to be going far away from the things I like in her books and using the things I hate in a romance book.
Therefore, I will repeat in all my reviews that I wish she would stop writing these kind of books and go back to her previous kind of works such as “Wicked Games” and “Bad Habit” series or the stand-alone books such as “Midnight Valentine” and “The Rules of Engagement”.
Enough of this mafia thing, indeed!
*********************************************
Savage Hearts is Book 3 in the Queens and Monsters series and you had better read them all and in order so that you can understand the characters better..
Well, if I need to speak about this series, I should say that I normally don’t like the content in any of them (the killing and the violence etc) but the writing style of Ms Geissinger makes them fun to read. Although I don’t like everything, I enjoy certain things in these books.
Book 1 is the one I liked least in the series because I didn’t like Kage or Natalie much. There is not enough good banter in this book.
Book 2 is better. Although I didn’t like Sloane in Book 1, who is the best friend of the heroine Natalie, I liked her better in Book 2. As for the hero, Declan, I liked him more than I liked Kage, but his obsession for BDSM rubbed me the wrong way because there was not even one normal emotional sex scene in Book 2, all of them were about him being dominant and her submitting to him. However, the strong emotions and delicious banter in the book made me like the whole thing better than Book 1.
Book 3 has the heroine I loved most: Riley. She is just perfect. Lovely, witty, cute, smart and strong.
And Malek was perfect too until he said, “Come for me, baby. Give it to Daddy.” Yikes… 😡😡 That daddy thing makes me want to puke. I am sure there are lovers of daddy kink but it feels just sick to me. And I really really resent Ms Geissinger for using it.
Apart from that daddy thing that disturbed me, Riley and Malek are awesome and they make a good couple. There is really good banter between them and it has made the whole thing enjoyable for me. 🥰😄 The strong attraction and bond between Riley and Malek also make it a good romance. ❤️❤️
There is not much happening in Book 3 but still although it is a long book with 405 pages, I didn't get bored at all. However, I didn't like the conflict because it was such a simple one and an expected twist. Also, it was resolved easily with the easiest and cheapest trick in the romance books: Unplanned pregnancy. 😡😡
Why? Why would you use it, Ms Geissinger??? Why? You are better than that!!!
Whatever…
*********************************************
All in all, Savage Hearts is a book that can be read and enjoyed so I can still recommend it. Although it was not perfect for me and although it once again made me mad about not getting the kind of Geissinger book I have missed terribly, I was still happy about reading her delicious banter and perfect characterization.
Apart from being fun in many parts, the book is also hot and emotional but there is not much mafia action if it is what you are looking for.
The hero and heroine are very likable as I have already mentioned. If only Malek didn’t use the “daddy” word, their relationship would be awesome for me but he went and spoiled it all twice by using it. (Well, thank God, he didn't say it every time they had sex).
*********************************************
The writing flows as in all her books. Ms Geissinger has a talent for captivating writing and I always appreciate that.
Interestingly, there are multiple point of views in this book, such as from Declan and Kage as well as from the hero and the heroine.
One of the lovely parts of the book was the appearance of Killian 🥰❤️😍
*********************************************
Safety
There is no cheating and Malek is not a man-whore (at least it is not mentioned that he was even if he was). There is no OW drama but there is OM drama towards the end.
*********************************************
Rating
Normally, if a book involves "daddy kink" and "unplanned pregnancy", it cannot get a higher grade than 2 stars from me but the rest of this book involves really good banter, strong feelings and all so I cannot deduct too many points for the things I hate. I am trying to be as fair as possible here so I am deducting 1.5 points for the things I disliked and giving it 3.5 stars, rounding it up to 4.
*********************************************
Let me now leave you with some beautiful QUOTATIONS from the book.
A powerful energy of violence and darkness emanates from him. It’s like being in a room with a supermassive black hole. I’m about to be devoured and disappear for all eternity. He’s the most beautiful and the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen.
***
Trusting men like him is what gets women like me killed. But there’s something both powerful and undeniable that draws me to him. An irresistible natural force, like gravity. He knelt next to my bed and took my face in his big rough hand, and my heart opened like a flower. Clearly, I have the same brains god gave a flea.
***
Despite all that, I’m not scared. Jacked up on adrenaline, yes. But deep down, not really scared. But we’ve already established that I’m a moron, so this shouldn’t be news.
“This is where I remind you that you gave me your word you wouldn’t hurt me.”
My tone is so scathing, it makes him blink. But he recovers quickly, leaning closer until our noses are almost touching. “I lied.”
That makes me even angrier. Seething, I glare at him. “Then you’re a piss-poor excuse for a human being. Liars are the worst. You know why? Because they’re cowards. Go ahead and kill me, but be prepared for my ghost to haunt you forever. And when I say forever, I mean it literally. I hold grudges like new mothers hold their infants.”
***
I really wish he didn’t smell so good. Or look so good. His attractiveness is unnerving. I gaze up into his blazing green eyes, wondering how it’s possible my sister and I have such terrible taste in men. It’s a good thing we never met Ted Bundy. Charismatic, violent killers are apparently our thing.
***
She inhales, closing her eyes and swallowing. When she opens her eyes again, I know it’s war. I’ve seen hardened killers look less psychotic. My smile makes her gnash her teeth.
“Ready?”
“Go to hell.”
“Can’t. The devil has a restraining order against me.”
“That’s not even original! I saw it on a T-shirt once!”
***
Second by second, this kiss is killing me. Whenever he decides to end it, I’ll slide to the floor and expire at his feet. Maybe that’s been his plan all along. This is how he’ll murder me. Death by estrogen overload.
***
“I have to go to work today.” He pauses. “I’ll be back late.”
I suspect there’s more he wants to say. The pause felt significant. I wait, my heartbeat going even faster.
After a while, he speaks again. This time his tone has changed. It’s grown dark. “Don’t try to run away.”
I whisper, “I won’t.”
“You should.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
“Why haven’t you asked me to take you home?”
This again. As if I have a logical answer. “Would you if I did?”
That seems to make him even angrier. “That wasn’t my question.”
“I know. It was mine.”
***
Minutes of silence pass. Then he says in a low voice, “Of all the people I’ve met who know what I do, you’re the only one who’s ever treated me like I’m human.”
***
Every mile closer I drove, the harder it was not to jam my foot onto the accelerator. She’s the most powerful magnet, pulling me home.
She came into my life at the moment when I thought I had nothing left, and filled every dark, empty space with sunshine. Stupid, bright, horrible sunshine, which I fucking hate. Except I don’t anymore. Now all I want to do is lie down naked in the sun and bask in the healing glow of its rays. Fuck. I can hardly stand to listen to myself. I’m goddamn pathetic.
In the forest, we could pretend he lived a different life. His absences were short interruptions in an otherwise peaceful little bubble. We were a snow globe on a shelf. But the snow globe shatters the moment we touch down at Sheremetyevo airport, and I’m exposed to the other side of Mal’s life. The darker side. Where all his monsters live.
*********************************************
And sadly, here is a disgusting quotation for me:
😡😡😡
When he slides inside me, I gasp and arch. A lone tear slides down my temple. In a husky voice, he says into my ear, “Daddy’s home.”
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I have always said that I don’t like mafia romance but I have been reading this series because Ms Geissinger is my favorite writer and I love her writing no matter what. And I want her to stay as my favorite writer but she seems to be going far away from the things I like in her books and using the things I hate in a romance book.
Therefore, I will repeat in all my reviews that I wish she would stop writing these kind of books and go back to her previous kind of works such as “Wicked Games” and “Bad Habit” series or the stand-alone books such as “Midnight Valentine” and “The Rules of Engagement”.
Enough of this mafia thing, indeed!
*********************************************
Savage Hearts is Book 3 in the Queens and Monsters series and you had better read them all and in order so that you can understand the characters better..
Well, if I need to speak about this series, I should say that I normally don’t like the content in any of them (the killing and the violence etc) but the writing style of Ms Geissinger makes them fun to read. Although I don’t like everything, I enjoy certain things in these books.
Book 1 is the one I liked least in the series because I didn’t like Kage or Natalie much. There is not enough good banter in this book.
Book 2 is better. Although I didn’t like Sloane in Book 1, who is the best friend of the heroine Natalie, I liked her better in Book 2. As for the hero, Declan, I liked him more than I liked Kage, but his obsession for BDSM rubbed me the wrong way because there was not even one normal emotional sex scene in Book 2, all of them were about him being dominant and her submitting to him. However, the strong emotions and delicious banter in the book made me like the whole thing better than Book 1.
Book 3 has the heroine I loved most: Riley. She is just perfect. Lovely, witty, cute, smart and strong.
And Malek was perfect too until he said, “Come for me, baby. Give it to Daddy.” Yikes… 😡😡 That daddy thing makes me want to puke. I am sure there are lovers of daddy kink but it feels just sick to me. And I really really resent Ms Geissinger for using it.
Apart from that daddy thing that disturbed me, Riley and Malek are awesome and they make a good couple. There is really good banter between them and it has made the whole thing enjoyable for me. 🥰😄 The strong attraction and bond between Riley and Malek also make it a good romance. ❤️❤️
There is not much happening in Book 3 but still although it is a long book with 405 pages, I didn't get bored at all. However, I didn't like the conflict because it was such a simple one and an expected twist. Also, it was resolved easily with the easiest and cheapest trick in the romance books: Unplanned pregnancy. 😡😡
Why? Why would you use it, Ms Geissinger??? Why? You are better than that!!!
Whatever…
*********************************************
All in all, Savage Hearts is a book that can be read and enjoyed so I can still recommend it. Although it was not perfect for me and although it once again made me mad about not getting the kind of Geissinger book I have missed terribly, I was still happy about reading her delicious banter and perfect characterization.
Apart from being fun in many parts, the book is also hot and emotional but there is not much mafia action if it is what you are looking for.
The hero and heroine are very likable as I have already mentioned. If only Malek didn’t use the “daddy” word, their relationship would be awesome for me but he went and spoiled it all twice by using it. (Well, thank God, he didn't say it every time they had sex).
*********************************************
The writing flows as in all her books. Ms Geissinger has a talent for captivating writing and I always appreciate that.
Interestingly, there are multiple point of views in this book, such as from Declan and Kage as well as from the hero and the heroine.
One of the lovely parts of the book was the appearance of Killian 🥰❤️😍
*********************************************
Safety
There is no cheating and Malek is not a man-whore (at least it is not mentioned that he was even if he was). There is no OW drama but there is OM drama towards the end.
*********************************************
Rating
Normally, if a book involves "daddy kink" and "unplanned pregnancy", it cannot get a higher grade than 2 stars from me but the rest of this book involves really good banter, strong feelings and all so I cannot deduct too many points for the things I hate. I am trying to be as fair as possible here so I am deducting 1.5 points for the things I disliked and giving it 3.5 stars, rounding it up to 4.
*********************************************
Let me now leave you with some beautiful QUOTATIONS from the book.
A powerful energy of violence and darkness emanates from him. It’s like being in a room with a supermassive black hole. I’m about to be devoured and disappear for all eternity. He’s the most beautiful and the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen.
***
Trusting men like him is what gets women like me killed. But there’s something both powerful and undeniable that draws me to him. An irresistible natural force, like gravity. He knelt next to my bed and took my face in his big rough hand, and my heart opened like a flower. Clearly, I have the same brains god gave a flea.
***
Despite all that, I’m not scared. Jacked up on adrenaline, yes. But deep down, not really scared. But we’ve already established that I’m a moron, so this shouldn’t be news.
“This is where I remind you that you gave me your word you wouldn’t hurt me.”
My tone is so scathing, it makes him blink. But he recovers quickly, leaning closer until our noses are almost touching. “I lied.”
That makes me even angrier. Seething, I glare at him. “Then you’re a piss-poor excuse for a human being. Liars are the worst. You know why? Because they’re cowards. Go ahead and kill me, but be prepared for my ghost to haunt you forever. And when I say forever, I mean it literally. I hold grudges like new mothers hold their infants.”
***
I really wish he didn’t smell so good. Or look so good. His attractiveness is unnerving. I gaze up into his blazing green eyes, wondering how it’s possible my sister and I have such terrible taste in men. It’s a good thing we never met Ted Bundy. Charismatic, violent killers are apparently our thing.
***
She inhales, closing her eyes and swallowing. When she opens her eyes again, I know it’s war. I’ve seen hardened killers look less psychotic. My smile makes her gnash her teeth.
“Ready?”
“Go to hell.”
“Can’t. The devil has a restraining order against me.”
“That’s not even original! I saw it on a T-shirt once!”
***
Second by second, this kiss is killing me. Whenever he decides to end it, I’ll slide to the floor and expire at his feet. Maybe that’s been his plan all along. This is how he’ll murder me. Death by estrogen overload.
***
“I have to go to work today.” He pauses. “I’ll be back late.”
I suspect there’s more he wants to say. The pause felt significant. I wait, my heartbeat going even faster.
After a while, he speaks again. This time his tone has changed. It’s grown dark. “Don’t try to run away.”
I whisper, “I won’t.”
“You should.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
“Why haven’t you asked me to take you home?”
This again. As if I have a logical answer. “Would you if I did?”
That seems to make him even angrier. “That wasn’t my question.”
“I know. It was mine.”
***
Minutes of silence pass. Then he says in a low voice, “Of all the people I’ve met who know what I do, you’re the only one who’s ever treated me like I’m human.”
***
Every mile closer I drove, the harder it was not to jam my foot onto the accelerator. She’s the most powerful magnet, pulling me home.
She came into my life at the moment when I thought I had nothing left, and filled every dark, empty space with sunshine. Stupid, bright, horrible sunshine, which I fucking hate. Except I don’t anymore. Now all I want to do is lie down naked in the sun and bask in the healing glow of its rays. Fuck. I can hardly stand to listen to myself. I’m goddamn pathetic.
In the forest, we could pretend he lived a different life. His absences were short interruptions in an otherwise peaceful little bubble. We were a snow globe on a shelf. But the snow globe shatters the moment we touch down at Sheremetyevo airport, and I’m exposed to the other side of Mal’s life. The darker side. Where all his monsters live.
*********************************************
And sadly, here is a disgusting quotation for me:
😡😡😡
When he slides inside me, I gasp and arch. A lone tear slides down my temple. In a husky voice, he says into my ear, “Daddy’s home.”
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
November 19, 2021
Oh my gosh!!! I am in LOVE with Malek and Riley!!! How does this author make me love each new couple more than the one before?!!!
Riley was a quirky, fun, tough little “chevrotain”. With her smiles and her quick comebacks, her lack of fear, and her loyalty to those around I couldn’t help but love her. And I’m all about the hero with no real expectation for the heroine. However, there is no denying that I absolutely adored Riley from pretty much the first moment. Is it any wonder that Mal fell for her fast and hard?
Mal was brutal, determined, and scary as heck. He had a dark energy about him and yet Riley was able to pierce his tough exterior just by being herself. But even as he was promising death to those she cared about, he was protective, jealous and possessive of her. I loved watching him fall for her wild, untamed ways and her snarky remarks.
This had the perfect type of humor throughout. It’s sophisticated, easily instilled among the dialogue, and fits each character perfectly. That touch of humor was part of the reason I never wanted to put this down. I found myself smiling from ear to ear or often times laughing out loud.
There were definitely moments of drama or high angst but even in those moments, these characters are reinforcing who they are, what means the most to them and showcasing the development they’ve made along the way. Even as I was ranting and raving, holding back a sob, or wishing I could smack a certain someone, I loved it all!
This book can standalone, although really, and this is from someone who doesn’t like to read series, you will love it all the more if you read the previous books. However, you can’t go wrong with them either. This does end with a nice epilogue that sets us up for the next book and oh my gosh!!! I cannot wait to see what’s in store for HIM!!!
Multi POV - primarily h/H
Safe
Triggers
Riley was a quirky, fun, tough little “chevrotain”. With her smiles and her quick comebacks, her lack of fear, and her loyalty to those around I couldn’t help but love her. And I’m all about the hero with no real expectation for the heroine. However, there is no denying that I absolutely adored Riley from pretty much the first moment. Is it any wonder that Mal fell for her fast and hard?
Mal was brutal, determined, and scary as heck. He had a dark energy about him and yet Riley was able to pierce his tough exterior just by being herself. But even as he was promising death to those she cared about, he was protective, jealous and possessive of her. I loved watching him fall for her wild, untamed ways and her snarky remarks.
This had the perfect type of humor throughout. It’s sophisticated, easily instilled among the dialogue, and fits each character perfectly. That touch of humor was part of the reason I never wanted to put this down. I found myself smiling from ear to ear or often times laughing out loud.
There were definitely moments of drama or high angst but even in those moments, these characters are reinforcing who they are, what means the most to them and showcasing the development they’ve made along the way. Even as I was ranting and raving, holding back a sob, or wishing I could smack a certain someone, I loved it all!
This book can standalone, although really, and this is from someone who doesn’t like to read series, you will love it all the more if you read the previous books. However, you can’t go wrong with them either. This does end with a nice epilogue that sets us up for the next book and oh my gosh!!! I cannot wait to see what’s in store for HIM!!!
Multi POV - primarily h/H
Safe
Triggers
April 11, 2022
Their interactions should have been romantic and hot, but they weren't. I was never fully invested because their connection made no sense to me.
The only heroine in this JTG universe who stands out to me and feels like someone worthy of an insanely powerful, uncompromising man’s full fledged obsession is Tru from Beautifully Cruel. With every other couple, I’m left not even remotely understanding why the heroes are so smitten.
These heroines who have nothing to offer but weak sarcasm and weird quirkiness are getting a little old. It’s giving ✨self-insert fantasy✨. They're caricatures, not people. I can't get invested.
The second most powerful, lethal man in The Bratva is telling her “I’m tied up in chains at your feet” and I’m just wondering… but, WHYYY? *Cardi B voice* What is the reason!!??
The only heroine in this JTG universe who stands out to me and feels like someone worthy of an insanely powerful, uncompromising man’s full fledged obsession is Tru from Beautifully Cruel. With every other couple, I’m left not even remotely understanding why the heroes are so smitten.
These heroines who have nothing to offer but weak sarcasm and weird quirkiness are getting a little old. It’s giving ✨self-insert fantasy✨. They're caricatures, not people. I can't get invested.
The second most powerful, lethal man in The Bratva is telling her “I’m tied up in chains at your feet” and I’m just wondering… but, WHYYY? *Cardi B voice* What is the reason!!??
March 6, 2022
Quirky fictional female characters are the real pandemic
September 7, 2025
a crime against literature, and the series.
March 15, 2023
The following is a bit spoiler-y so beware.
I’m putting this one at just a schosh under 4 stars. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. This had all the elements of the last two books and Malek was the swooniest big gorilla of a hero but it just didn’t give me the same feels as the previous in the series. It was good, it just didn’t blow me away.
I can pinpoint my dissatisfaction with this book into two things:
1. Riley. Yes she was a sassy and strong character but she was too like Sloane. Spider and crew even said countless times in the story ‘you are just like your sister’, and she was very much like Sloane but not quite as good as Sloane. We didn’t have a heartbreaking backstory like Sloane, we didn’t really get much backstory with Riley at all. She was just a pale caricature of her sister with no charm or glamour. Ya she was supposed to be socially awkward and geeky, but wasn’t really. We are told she’s an introverted geek but we aren’t shown it. She tells off the head of the Bratva in Russia ffs, that’s not the actions of a wallflower. I really needed to see her differentiated from Sloane in a more definable way like maybe lean into the geek, accentuate the awkward, I dunno, I’m not an author.
And 2.
There were a couple other details that needled at me as well, like how and why did Declan murder Malek’s brother? We know he did, it’s the catalyst for the couple’s meeting, but we don’t know why and I think it was an important detail. I get that Declan kills lots of people, but I felt like I needed some specifics. And Sloane was kind of portrayed as a callous airhead in this, but that could just be because that’s how Riley sees her so I can forgive that.
Other than that this was a good story. It was swoony and hot and there were some awesome moments when we get to read from Kage and Declan’s perspectives. That was very satisfying to my need for more of both of these men. And Spider, sigh.... oh Spidey, she’s not good enough for you, you deserve better than Sloane’s mini me.
So worth reading if you are doing the series, and definitely needs to be read in series order.
Now I’m off to read Spider’s story, and it better be good because that handsome neck tattooed Irish gangster deserves his hea.
I’m putting this one at just a schosh under 4 stars. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. This had all the elements of the last two books and Malek was the swooniest big gorilla of a hero but it just didn’t give me the same feels as the previous in the series. It was good, it just didn’t blow me away.
I can pinpoint my dissatisfaction with this book into two things:
1. Riley. Yes she was a sassy and strong character but she was too like Sloane. Spider and crew even said countless times in the story ‘you are just like your sister’, and she was very much like Sloane but not quite as good as Sloane. We didn’t have a heartbreaking backstory like Sloane, we didn’t really get much backstory with Riley at all. She was just a pale caricature of her sister with no charm or glamour. Ya she was supposed to be socially awkward and geeky, but wasn’t really. We are told she’s an introverted geek but we aren’t shown it. She tells off the head of the Bratva in Russia ffs, that’s not the actions of a wallflower. I really needed to see her differentiated from Sloane in a more definable way like maybe lean into the geek, accentuate the awkward, I dunno, I’m not an author.
And 2.
There were a couple other details that needled at me as well, like how and why did Declan murder Malek’s brother? We know he did, it’s the catalyst for the couple’s meeting, but we don’t know why and I think it was an important detail. I get that Declan kills lots of people, but I felt like I needed some specifics. And Sloane was kind of portrayed as a callous airhead in this, but that could just be because that’s how Riley sees her so I can forgive that.
Other than that this was a good story. It was swoony and hot and there were some awesome moments when we get to read from Kage and Declan’s perspectives. That was very satisfying to my need for more of both of these men. And Spider, sigh.... oh Spidey, she’s not good enough for you, you deserve better than Sloane’s mini me.
So worth reading if you are doing the series, and definitely needs to be read in series order.
Now I’m off to read Spider’s story, and it better be good because that handsome neck tattooed Irish gangster deserves his hea.
May 3, 2022
What can I say? If I made a pros and cons list, they’d be pretty even except for the last 20-25%. Which upped my rating quite a bit.
Here’s the cons:
How is it possible that I adored Sloane in her book but couldn’t stand her in this? Yeah, Riley didn’t paint a pretty picture but it was Sloane herself that annoyed the crap out of me. Honestly, her sister wasn’t much better.
I’m not a fan of arguing in real life. So, why the hell would I enjoy listening to non-stop bickering in fiction?!
And here’s the pros:
Mal on the other hand, maybe my favorite MMC that this author has ever written. And that’s going into the last book adoring Declan. What can I say? I love me a cinnamon roll, the quieter the better. I especially loved how he took care of Riley and whispered how much ge adored her in Russian from the get go.
And for the first time in this series I felt the emotions. I believed how much they loved each other. The tumultuous roller coaster in the last quarter helped. I also think because it was a slow burn.
Overall I enjoyed the ride, I just wish I enjoyed it as much as the first two. Hopefully poor Spider will win supreme. That guy has definitely earned it.
Here’s the cons:
How is it possible that I adored Sloane in her book but couldn’t stand her in this? Yeah, Riley didn’t paint a pretty picture but it was Sloane herself that annoyed the crap out of me. Honestly, her sister wasn’t much better.
I’m not a fan of arguing in real life. So, why the hell would I enjoy listening to non-stop bickering in fiction?!
And here’s the pros:
Mal on the other hand, maybe my favorite MMC that this author has ever written. And that’s going into the last book adoring Declan. What can I say? I love me a cinnamon roll, the quieter the better. I especially loved how he took care of Riley and whispered how much ge adored her in Russian from the get go.
And for the first time in this series I felt the emotions. I believed how much they loved each other. The tumultuous roller coaster in the last quarter helped. I also think because it was a slow burn.
Overall I enjoyed the ride, I just wish I enjoyed it as much as the first two. Hopefully poor Spider will win supreme. That guy has definitely earned it.
December 24, 2022
I skipped this book in the series and went to the 4th one and thank god i did, Whew!!!
I skipped this because i read some reviews and didn't like how Sloane was going to be in her sister's book because i loved her in hers.
And guess my surprise when it's not Sloane but Spider instead. I don't think if i read his book after this one i would have loved it as much i did so Umm i don't know what to feel about him anymore. 😑
I skipped this because i read some reviews and didn't like how Sloane was going to be in her sister's book because i loved her in hers.
And guess my surprise when it's not Sloane but Spider instead. I don't think if i read his book after this one i would have loved it as much i did so Umm i don't know what to feel about him anymore. 😑
November 20, 2021
3.5-4🌟
Wasn't this supposed to be Diego's book?
Sloane had a sister?
Who the hell was Malek?
On the other note this was by far my favourite book in the series.
◇Riley was like a watered down version of Sloane full of sass, sarcasm and i loved her!
◇Sloane was a terrible sister and self centered bitch who may or may not slept with Riley's bf after he dumped her on her bday. I really felt bad for Riley.😩 Still don't get it why this was written but okay..
◇The insta love was finally toned-down a little.
◇The mafia part is starting to get ridiculous so i'm convinced that the author is trolling us. This series is like a parody of mafia books.
◇Mal was hilarious. His dry humor was my favourite.
“You’re leaving me here alone? What if I die while you’re gone?”
“Then I suppose I’ll have some digging to do when I get back.”
My mouth drops open. “Okay, that was just mean.”
“Would you prefer cremation? I can arrange a funeral pyre for you, if you like.”
◇My fav part was when they were at his cabin in Russia and he took care of Riley and gave her baths every night. He was honestly a real sweetheart.🥺
“Yes, there’s a sofa. No, I’m not going to sleep on it. I need to be in this room. I need to hear if you cry out. I have to know if you’re in pain or you need anything. Don’t ask me why, because I won’t tell you. Now go to fucking sleep.”
◇Why is Kage keep popping up with his own pov. Dude go have babies with Natalie, you're not that relevant.
ALSO I'M SO MAD ABOUT DIEGO😭
From everything that had happened, him pretending to have amnesia just to get out of the mafia we're probably not going to get his book😭
What about Diego? Is he still in the hospital?”
“He went to live with his sister in New York. He still can’t remember a thing that happened. He’s working at a diner as a short-order cook.”
REALLY?? Is this what he deserved?? I'm disappointed😪
For the looks of that epilogue the next book is going to be about Spider.🙄
Wasn't this supposed to be Diego's book?
Sloane had a sister?
Who the hell was Malek?
On the other note this was by far my favourite book in the series.
◇Riley was like a watered down version of Sloane full of sass, sarcasm and i loved her!
◇Sloane was a terrible sister and self centered bitch who may or may not slept with Riley's bf after he dumped her on her bday. I really felt bad for Riley.😩 Still don't get it why this was written but okay..
◇The insta love was finally toned-down a little.
◇The mafia part is starting to get ridiculous so i'm convinced that the author is trolling us. This series is like a parody of mafia books.
◇Mal was hilarious. His dry humor was my favourite.
“You’re leaving me here alone? What if I die while you’re gone?”
“Then I suppose I’ll have some digging to do when I get back.”
My mouth drops open. “Okay, that was just mean.”
“Would you prefer cremation? I can arrange a funeral pyre for you, if you like.”
◇My fav part was when they were at his cabin in Russia and he took care of Riley and gave her baths every night. He was honestly a real sweetheart.🥺
“Yes, there’s a sofa. No, I’m not going to sleep on it. I need to be in this room. I need to hear if you cry out. I have to know if you’re in pain or you need anything. Don’t ask me why, because I won’t tell you. Now go to fucking sleep.”
◇Why is Kage keep popping up with his own pov. Dude go have babies with Natalie, you're not that relevant.
ALSO I'M SO MAD ABOUT DIEGO😭
From everything that had happened, him pretending to have amnesia just to get out of the mafia we're probably not going to get his book😭
What about Diego? Is he still in the hospital?”
“He went to live with his sister in New York. He still can’t remember a thing that happened. He’s working at a diner as a short-order cook.”
REALLY?? Is this what he deserved?? I'm disappointed😪
For the looks of that epilogue the next book is going to be about Spider.🙄
November 23, 2021
Savage Hearts is a wonderful entry into the Queens and Monsters series. This is my favorite entry so far. Riley is a welcome addition to the other heroines including Sloane and Natalie. She is blunt, forceful and a determined force that completely throws Malex off balance. He is instantly enamored with Riley and finds himself drawn to her and cannot leave her alone.
When their identities are revealed to one another Malek's obsession only increases exponentially and Riley herself is drawn to Malek's possessiveness and protectiveness. Overall this was an exciting story that was filled with heartstopping moments alongside perfect tension that makes for a great forbidden romance.
When their identities are revealed to one another Malek's obsession only increases exponentially and Riley herself is drawn to Malek's possessiveness and protectiveness. Overall this was an exciting story that was filled with heartstopping moments alongside perfect tension that makes for a great forbidden romance.
September 11, 2022
FUCKING FINALLY.
It took OVER THREE MONTHS to finish this.
Anyway, it was easy to get back into it, though, which I appreciated. I did not care whatsoever about the plot. I skimmed quite a lot of the book, idc. The banter was HILARIOUS. Also the smut was HOT ngl.
Somehow I’m actually interested enough to read the last and final book.
It took OVER THREE MONTHS to finish this.
Anyway, it was easy to get back into it, though, which I appreciated. I did not care whatsoever about the plot. I skimmed quite a lot of the book, idc. The banter was HILARIOUS. Also the smut was HOT ngl.
Somehow I’m actually interested enough to read the last and final book.
November 8, 2024
2nd rr: 4.5✨ Still such a fun read! In love with Malek and Riley🩷
4.25🌟 Kidnapping trope will always be loved by me
4.25🌟 Kidnapping trope will always be loved by me
November 18, 2021
Gah!!! I really don't know how JT Geissinger does it. But every new story she writes in her Queens and Monsters series just keeps getting better and better!! I am SO obsessed with Malek and Riley. This story was SO sexy *fans self* and the banter was out of this world. The connection and sexy tension this hero and heroine shared was palpable and came off the pages. This was such an amazing read!
Without giving away any spoilers, readers have to go into this story knowing that this series is NOT a series of standalones. The stories, characters and storylines are interconnected and it's imperative that they be read in order. With that being said this book was FABULOUS as we received point of views from our favorite leading men from the previous books with crazy secrets blowing up all that we thought we knew. I love LOVE Loveddd Malek as he was bad but so delicious it isn't even funny and Riley was his perfect sassy match. I can't wait for the next book as this author has me HOOKED! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers, readers have to go into this story knowing that this series is NOT a series of standalones. The stories, characters and storylines are interconnected and it's imperative that they be read in order. With that being said this book was FABULOUS as we received point of views from our favorite leading men from the previous books with crazy secrets blowing up all that we thought we knew. I love LOVE Loveddd Malek as he was bad but so delicious it isn't even funny and Riley was his perfect sassy match. I can't wait for the next book as this author has me HOOKED! 5 stars! ~Ratula
May 9, 2022
Savage Hearts keeps me all night. It is now 2 in the morning and I just finished it. And I like it very much. Although the theme of the whole series is the same, I like the banter between Mal and Riley.
They both maddening.
Miss Geissinger certainly knows how to write mafia romance with a dash of sarcasm. And humor. There is not much of that dark aspect in this book. Just a very complicated family dynamic.
A family dynamic that is a mirror image of Modern Family's drama.
I can not wait for Spider's story.
4 stars
They both maddening.
Miss Geissinger certainly knows how to write mafia romance with a dash of sarcasm. And humor. There is not much of that dark aspect in this book. Just a very complicated family dynamic.
A family dynamic that is a mirror image of Modern Family's drama.
I can not wait for Spider's story.
4 stars
April 17, 2025
After having two stellar books, it's not a surprise that this didn't quite reach that standard. That said - it's still a solid 4……
Malek Antonov (33, sexy Russian god, Bratva assassin) wants revenge against Declan for killing his brother, Mikhail (when D went on that killing spree in the last book). He seeks out the help of Kage (naughty boy) to find out where Declan is hiding. When Mal locates Daddy D is, he believes the homely girl at the estate is a prostitute that Declan is abusing. He finds himself feeling protective of her and wants to save her. The “prostitute” is actually Sloane's little sister, Riley Keller (24, nerd, not as funny as she thinks). When Mal learns the real identity of Riley, his feelings of protection change.
Twizzlers, prostitution, kidnapping, spiders, Harry Potter, Russia, bears, deer mouse, finally some sex, super sperm, promotions, 13, heartbreak, and eventually an HEA +1.
Even though it’s not as good as the first book, I don’t regret buying it.
SEX: This was a slow burn. Riley was stubborn at the beginning, which was frustrating for me. There was a good reason for the delay, but I still didn’t like it. First time is at 56% and it’s immediately followed by another round. I was much happier with that. The sex is hot and filthy and I enjoyed it A LOT.
RILEY: She’s definitely better on paper than she is on audio. The snarky attitude Sloane has does not work with Riley. Plus, the barbs and snark come at the completely wrong times. She argues with him about everything and it’s not in a funny way. There are two specific instances where Riley makes these grand speeches and I’m completely rolling my eyes the entire time. One of them is because of the person she’s saying things to. The other is because the speech is just DUMB. I thought out of all the things she could say, THIS is what she decided on???
MAL: Um…. He’s a delicious Russian killer…. Why wouldn’t I love him? I like that he’s built like a grizzly bear. I could just imagine being snuggled in his arms, all safe and loved.
TEARS: Dude…… Every single time I’ve read/listened to this book, I’ve cried at the exact same scene. I can envision it a little too well and I cry. Even though I hate crying when I read, I appreciated it in this one. At least it was something different.
AUDIO: I've both read and listened. I prefer to read this one. Brooke Daniels narrates, and she did Natalie’s voice as well. But Riley isn’t a strong FMC and she comes across as whiney. You still get Troy Duran so maybe it’s worth it?
MISSED: I really wanted to get info on Sloane & Riley’s dad.
This series is still one of the best I've ever read. Book 1 & 2 are both 5 stars. Book 3 & 4 are both 4 stars. That's not bad!
"You make me wish I’d lived a different life. You make me wish I could go back in time and start over again.…. You make me believe in miracles, Riley Rose. When I’m with you, I feel like my life hasn’t been such a waste."
Malek Antonov (33, sexy Russian god, Bratva assassin) wants revenge against Declan for killing his brother, Mikhail (when D went on that killing spree in the last book). He seeks out the help of Kage (naughty boy) to find out where Declan is hiding. When Mal locates Daddy D is, he believes the homely girl at the estate is a prostitute that Declan is abusing. He finds himself feeling protective of her and wants to save her. The “prostitute” is actually Sloane's little sister, Riley Keller (24, nerd, not as funny as she thinks). When Mal learns the real identity of Riley, his feelings of protection change.
Twizzlers, prostitution, kidnapping, spiders, Harry Potter, Russia, bears, deer mouse, finally some sex, super sperm, promotions, 13, heartbreak, and eventually an HEA +1.
"Riley Rose. My beautiful obsession. This monster belongs to you, sweet girl. I’m tied up in chains at your feet."
Even though it’s not as good as the first book, I don’t regret buying it.
SEX: This was a slow burn. Riley was stubborn at the beginning, which was frustrating for me. There was a good reason for the delay, but I still didn’t like it. First time is at 56% and it’s immediately followed by another round. I was much happier with that. The sex is hot and filthy and I enjoyed it A LOT.
RILEY: She’s definitely better on paper than she is on audio. The snarky attitude Sloane has does not work with Riley. Plus, the barbs and snark come at the completely wrong times. She argues with him about everything and it’s not in a funny way. There are two specific instances where Riley makes these grand speeches and I’m completely rolling my eyes the entire time. One of them is because of the person she’s saying things to. The other is because the speech is just DUMB. I thought out of all the things she could say, THIS is what she decided on???
MAL: Um…. He’s a delicious Russian killer…. Why wouldn’t I love him? I like that he’s built like a grizzly bear. I could just imagine being snuggled in his arms, all safe and loved.
TEARS: Dude…… Every single time I’ve read/listened to this book, I’ve cried at the exact same scene. I can envision it a little too well and I cry. Even though I hate crying when I read, I appreciated it in this one. At least it was something different.
AUDIO: I've both read and listened. I prefer to read this one. Brooke Daniels narrates, and she did Natalie’s voice as well. But Riley isn’t a strong FMC and she comes across as whiney. You still get Troy Duran so maybe it’s worth it?
MISSED: I really wanted to get info on Sloane & Riley’s dad.
This series is still one of the best I've ever read. Book 1 & 2 are both 5 stars. Book 3 & 4 are both 4 stars. That's not bad!
December 21, 2023
3.5/5
Yep, totally obsessed with this series.
Yep, totally obsessed with this series.
"There’s not a compliment in the world that could do you justice."
"You make me think the world isn’t a shitty place after all, that goodness exists and happiness isn’t make-believe and true love is possible. You make me believe in miracles, Riley Rose. When I’m with you, I feel like my life hasn’t been such a waste."
November 22, 2021
4.5 'Little bird' Stars!
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
This book. This series, guys! I am so surprised with myself because I don’t normally go for mafia romance, but J.T. Geissinger’s Queens & Monsters series has me completely addicted. I really loved the first two installments, so I am not surprised that I loved the third one. I mean, yes, is it realistic to fall in love with your kidnapper? Heck no. But romance is not realistic (most of the time) and it’s a way to escape the actual reality. And you know what? In J.T’s world I am all over the idea of a sassy editor falling for a hot Russian assassin. And I am pretty sure I am not the only one!
So, Savage Hearts is the third installment in the series and it’s all about Riley Keller (you remember Sloane from Carnal Urges, right? This is her little sister!) and Malek Antonov, a Russian assassin ready to take revenge on his brother’s death, which happened to be done by none other than Declan O’Donnell (Riley’s future brother-in-law). Riley is right in the middle of everything and she gets kidnapped by Malek when he discovers who she really is. But neither expects the sexual tension and the connection that starts building between them. What will be stronger, love or revenge? You’ll have to read the novel and find out!
“I take back what I said about you being a gentleman.”
“I’ll burst into tears over that right after you give me your fucking mouth.”
You know why I love this mafia series so much? Because J.T. Geissinger manages to give us a complex dark romance which also happens to be full of banter and sassiness. I am sure I have said this many times but J.T.’s heroines are my JAM. They do not take shit from anybody and I freaking love that. Riley is just as kickass as Malek and together? WOW. That chemistry burns the pages, let me tell ya! But, again, not surprised about that because J.T. is an expert of all things steamy and hot AF alphas. And when that is mixed with banter, connection and all the feels you didn’t expect? You get this wonderful book and characters that will stay in your mind for a long while.
“My beautiful obsession. This monster belongs to you, sweet girl. I’m tied up in chains at your feet.”
Therefore, I am rating Savage Hearts with 4.5 STARS because it’s another amazing addition to the series that I can assure keeps getting better with each book. I love these characters, seeing all layers of their personalities and how that affects the developing relationship. Riley and Malek were so good together, complete opposites that work so well as a power couple. And their chemistry, burning HAWT! I am so excited we are getting more stories in the series and I cannot wait to read Spider’s because I am so ready after that epilogue. If you are a fan of the previous installments, be sure not to miss this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
This book. This series, guys! I am so surprised with myself because I don’t normally go for mafia romance, but J.T. Geissinger’s Queens & Monsters series has me completely addicted. I really loved the first two installments, so I am not surprised that I loved the third one. I mean, yes, is it realistic to fall in love with your kidnapper? Heck no. But romance is not realistic (most of the time) and it’s a way to escape the actual reality. And you know what? In J.T’s world I am all over the idea of a sassy editor falling for a hot Russian assassin. And I am pretty sure I am not the only one!
So, Savage Hearts is the third installment in the series and it’s all about Riley Keller (you remember Sloane from Carnal Urges, right? This is her little sister!) and Malek Antonov, a Russian assassin ready to take revenge on his brother’s death, which happened to be done by none other than Declan O’Donnell (Riley’s future brother-in-law). Riley is right in the middle of everything and she gets kidnapped by Malek when he discovers who she really is. But neither expects the sexual tension and the connection that starts building between them. What will be stronger, love or revenge? You’ll have to read the novel and find out!
“I take back what I said about you being a gentleman.”
“I’ll burst into tears over that right after you give me your fucking mouth.”
You know why I love this mafia series so much? Because J.T. Geissinger manages to give us a complex dark romance which also happens to be full of banter and sassiness. I am sure I have said this many times but J.T.’s heroines are my JAM. They do not take shit from anybody and I freaking love that. Riley is just as kickass as Malek and together? WOW. That chemistry burns the pages, let me tell ya! But, again, not surprised about that because J.T. is an expert of all things steamy and hot AF alphas. And when that is mixed with banter, connection and all the feels you didn’t expect? You get this wonderful book and characters that will stay in your mind for a long while.
“My beautiful obsession. This monster belongs to you, sweet girl. I’m tied up in chains at your feet.”
Therefore, I am rating Savage Hearts with 4.5 STARS because it’s another amazing addition to the series that I can assure keeps getting better with each book. I love these characters, seeing all layers of their personalities and how that affects the developing relationship. Riley and Malek were so good together, complete opposites that work so well as a power couple. And their chemistry, burning HAWT! I am so excited we are getting more stories in the series and I cannot wait to read Spider’s because I am so ready after that epilogue. If you are a fan of the previous installments, be sure not to miss this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
January 4, 2022
Hands down I loved this couple!!! Riley and Mal were meant to be and Mal was top boyfriend!! Even if he needed to grovel more for me near the end.
Riley she was amazing I loved her way more then her well sister.. I swear she was fantastic she wasn't shy on how she spoke and didn't really fear anyone well she did fear Mal lol 😆 I loved her sass her wit she was just so awesome!!! And as for her man.. well Mal had one job and that was to kill her future brother in law since he did kill his brother but Mal got sidetracked thinking Riley was a poor prostitute and wanting to save her. And my boy tries until he finds out her real identity and well he still stubborn but the Ghost has a job revenge.
The banter when Mal kidnaps/saves Riley is so yummy the sexual tension 💦 who wouldn't wanna guy everyone fears. And the way he bathes her and takes care of her when she was injured 😭😭😭😭 HE EVEN CALLED HIMSELF DADDY!!!! (wish he did that more lol) there was some drama near the end that I wish he grovled more about but it's okay.
Next is spider.. and I wanna read it but I feel sorry for his woman since he got his heartbroken.. makes me wonder how dickish he shall be.
Om drama sorta (one of the guards falls for h its onesided), No cheating, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowishburn
Age gap
33H/24h
Push away from both
Violence
Ptsd
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
Riley she was amazing I loved her way more then her well sister.. I swear she was fantastic she wasn't shy on how she spoke and didn't really fear anyone well she did fear Mal lol 😆 I loved her sass her wit she was just so awesome!!! And as for her man.. well Mal had one job and that was to kill her future brother in law since he did kill his brother but Mal got sidetracked thinking Riley was a poor prostitute and wanting to save her. And my boy tries until he finds out her real identity and well he still stubborn but the Ghost has a job revenge.
The banter when Mal kidnaps/saves Riley is so yummy the sexual tension 💦 who wouldn't wanna guy everyone fears. And the way he bathes her and takes care of her when she was injured 😭😭😭😭 HE EVEN CALLED HIMSELF DADDY!!!! (wish he did that more lol) there was some drama near the end that I wish he grovled more about but it's okay.
Next is spider.. and I wanna read it but I feel sorry for his woman since he got his heartbroken.. makes me wonder how dickish he shall be.
Om drama sorta (one of the guards falls for h its onesided), No cheating, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowishburn
Age gap
33H/24h
Push away from both
Violence
Ptsd
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,902 reviews