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Evan Arden #1-3
Otherwise Complete
Evan Arden isn't your average hero. In fact, he's as damaged as they come. A former Marine sniper suffering from PTSD, Evan battles his inner demons throughout his life as a hit man for the top Chicago mafia boss, Rinaldo Moretti.
This action-packed trilogy starts with the novella Otherwise Alone. Evan is hiding away in an Arizona cabin with only his faithful dog , Odin, for company when he find Lia Antonio stumbling around, lost in the desert. To say Lia hits it off with this hit man is an understatement, but as hot as their brief encounter may be, Evan knows he's not the kind of guy she wants to pursue.
Back in Chicago, it's back to the "normal" life of a killer for organized crime as Evan's story continues in Otherwise Occupied. He does everything he can to occupy himself and keep away thoughts of the beautiful woman he met in Arizona, but nothing seems to work.
Evan is ruthless and merciless in all his relationships. Unable to sleep with wartime nightmares in his head, Evan turns to a prostitute to help him sleep at night. As his mental state slowly degrades and his paranoia increases, Evan is unable to control his own actions.
No one is safe.
In Otherwise Unharmed, Evan makes a deal with federal agents for his release from prison, and he's tossed into the beginnings of an all-out war between mafia families in Chicago. No one can know his true loyalties if he has any chance of keeping those he cares about alive.
He knows if he is to have any chance at life with Lia, he has to get out of the business, but who retires from the mafia?
In his efforts to make things right, Evan crosses the wrong man and finds himself on the business end of the crosshairs. With his acute perception and intelligence, he tries to stay a step ahead of his former co-workers, but this time, it isn't just his own life on the line - he's got to protect Lia from the man who once called him son.
This action-packed trilogy starts with the novella Otherwise Alone. Evan is hiding away in an Arizona cabin with only his faithful dog , Odin, for company when he find Lia Antonio stumbling around, lost in the desert. To say Lia hits it off with this hit man is an understatement, but as hot as their brief encounter may be, Evan knows he's not the kind of guy she wants to pursue.
Back in Chicago, it's back to the "normal" life of a killer for organized crime as Evan's story continues in Otherwise Occupied. He does everything he can to occupy himself and keep away thoughts of the beautiful woman he met in Arizona, but nothing seems to work.
Evan is ruthless and merciless in all his relationships. Unable to sleep with wartime nightmares in his head, Evan turns to a prostitute to help him sleep at night. As his mental state slowly degrades and his paranoia increases, Evan is unable to control his own actions.
No one is safe.
In Otherwise Unharmed, Evan makes a deal with federal agents for his release from prison, and he's tossed into the beginnings of an all-out war between mafia families in Chicago. No one can know his true loyalties if he has any chance of keeping those he cares about alive.
He knows if he is to have any chance at life with Lia, he has to get out of the business, but who retires from the mafia?
In his efforts to make things right, Evan crosses the wrong man and finds himself on the business end of the crosshairs. With his acute perception and intelligence, he tries to stay a step ahead of his former co-workers, but this time, it isn't just his own life on the line - he's got to protect Lia from the man who once called him son.
- GenresDarkRomantic Suspense
ebook
First published November 23, 2014
About the author
Shay Savage
46 books3,815 followersShay Savage is an independent author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. Her hobbies include off-roading in her big, yellow Jeep, science fiction in all forms, and soccer. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.
From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”
Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!
From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”
Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 24, 2014
Evan Arden isn't your average hero. In fact, he's as damaged as they come. A former Marine sniper suffering from PTSD, Evan battles his inner demons throughout his life as a hit man for the top Chicago mafia boss, Rinaldo Moretti.
From originally meeting Lia in the Arizona desert back to the streets of Chicago, The Evan Arden Trilogy will constantly keep you on your toes. Evan is ruthless and merciless in all his relationships, and no one is safe as he begins to breakdown.
Take a journey into the mind of a broken man as he tries to keep hold on his slender grasp of sanity and save the woman he loves.
From originally meeting Lia in the Arizona desert back to the streets of Chicago, The Evan Arden Trilogy will constantly keep you on your toes. Evan is ruthless and merciless in all his relationships, and no one is safe as he begins to breakdown.
Take a journey into the mind of a broken man as he tries to keep hold on his slender grasp of sanity and save the woman he loves.
August 3, 2021
Shay Savage writes some of the best/worst tortured hero POV out there. This series mentally exhausted me. Living inside Evan’s f*cked up brain for this long (over 800 pages) was too much. I downloaded all 6 books in this series and have read a few of chapters of book 4 & 5. I was deeply disappointed in Evan’s choices after book 3 and didn’t have any desire to continue on.
As someone who has lived with a family member suffering from wartime PTSD, I will say that Shay wrote a very honest story here. I wish that Evan had been able to get the help he desperately needed.
So many of our warriors need help, and they don’t receive enough in this country.
As someone who has lived with a family member suffering from wartime PTSD, I will say that Shay wrote a very honest story here. I wish that Evan had been able to get the help he desperately needed.
So many of our warriors need help, and they don’t receive enough in this country.
August 21, 2017
Incomplete story
This series consists of 3 books about Evan but in reality this is not the end of the story. As I have read the remaining two other books my review of this trilogy is not going to be objective. Had this trilogy ended here it would have gotten 5 stars. It has almost everything: excellent storyline, complex, troubled and intriguing main characters. The story is told from male point of view and it shows depth and the extent of internal turmoil Evan went through. One can only sympathise with what happens to him and realize what long standing consequences war has on human psyche. There is no doubt the author put an effort into this story idea. Evan is the central character and the story evolves around him, he is a likeable character in this trilogy certainly enough to award him 5 stars.
However, this dramatically changes in the next 2 books where the story continues and he manages to become very selfish, dysfunctional, psychologically disturbed person. He is no longer credible character able to change, show and convince the reader that he has somewhere deeply buried values with meaning to him that can save him and send some positive message beyond that. He really becomes annoyingly selfish, too broken to be repaired individual that basically needs a women who will say and behave as he pleases. As a result he looses the love of his life Lia and finds hooker Alina who becomes new love of his life. Rather than him making an effort to fight his demons and change, with the pretext for understanding him Alina becomes exactly what he wants (and as such is she better for him than Lia?). He does become a little bit better man after sustaining brain injury from gun shot and recovering after coma (not that Alina could accomplish that change in his character) but obviously really this is poor trick to justify anything in the story.
Unfortunately their relationship does not convince the reader. From that point the story really looses its strengths and deeper meaning. The background story is interesting but it's main characters Evan and Alina I'm afraid not.
As such I cannot separate the trilogy from the rest and inevitably this trilogy at best can be awarded only 3 stars. In my opinion, if one doesn't want to be disappointed with the way the story goes they need to stop at the trilogy.
This series consists of 3 books about Evan but in reality this is not the end of the story. As I have read the remaining two other books my review of this trilogy is not going to be objective. Had this trilogy ended here it would have gotten 5 stars. It has almost everything: excellent storyline, complex, troubled and intriguing main characters. The story is told from male point of view and it shows depth and the extent of internal turmoil Evan went through. One can only sympathise with what happens to him and realize what long standing consequences war has on human psyche. There is no doubt the author put an effort into this story idea. Evan is the central character and the story evolves around him, he is a likeable character in this trilogy certainly enough to award him 5 stars.
However, this dramatically changes in the next 2 books where the story continues and he manages to become very selfish, dysfunctional, psychologically disturbed person. He is no longer credible character able to change, show and convince the reader that he has somewhere deeply buried values with meaning to him that can save him and send some positive message beyond that. He really becomes annoyingly selfish, too broken to be repaired individual that basically needs a women who will say and behave as he pleases. As a result he looses the love of his life Lia and finds hooker Alina who becomes new love of his life. Rather than him making an effort to fight his demons and change, with the pretext for understanding him Alina becomes exactly what he wants (and as such is she better for him than Lia?). He does become a little bit better man after sustaining brain injury from gun shot and recovering after coma (not that Alina could accomplish that change in his character) but obviously really this is poor trick to justify anything in the story.
Unfortunately their relationship does not convince the reader. From that point the story really looses its strengths and deeper meaning. The background story is interesting but it's main characters Evan and Alina I'm afraid not.
As such I cannot separate the trilogy from the rest and inevitably this trilogy at best can be awarded only 3 stars. In my opinion, if one doesn't want to be disappointed with the way the story goes they need to stop at the trilogy.
July 8, 2015
This entire series is written from the male POV and the author does a fantastic job of it! I love the way this author writes and so far, I haven’t read any of her books that I haven’t absolutely loved. I fell in love with Evan’s character right from the start.
Otherwise Alone is the first book in the series and is just a short prequel, about 50 pages, that tells the story of how Evan and Lia meet. Hot and steamy…and not just because they’re in Arizona!!
Otherwise Occupied was a darker story that centered around Evan’s PTSD and the crime aspect of his life. Evan is back in Chicago as the hitman for his mob boss, Rinaldo Moretti. This will take you through what his life if like and you really get to know Evan in this book. While there are quite a few references to Lia in this book, she never makes an appearance until the very end. There really was no romance to this story but it wasn’t necessary because it held my attention and kept me on my toes. The twist towards the end of the book really caught me off guard although I think I should’ve realized it was coming. Talk about a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Otherwise Unharmed…Holy shit, I think I need a drink after that one!! That was an amazing thrill ride that you just don’t want to get off of! There was so much action and romance in this book, and once again it was told from Evan’s POV. Just fantastic! Savage nailed it with this one, by far my favorite of the series so far. Evan is so damaged you can’t help but love him and Lia turns out to be a really tough little spitfire. Even though he’s a killer, he has a soft side for Lia and his dog, Odin. This one had my heart racing one minute and then tears rolling the next. There is no cliffhanger at the end of this book however there are still more books to come in the series.
Uncockblockable is a short story about Nick, Rinaldo Moretti's son. Again, it's written in the male POV and I absolutely love how well this author can pull that off. This isn't vital to the Arden series but it's a refreshing, entertaining introduction to Nick and how he and Milena meet. I would definitely include it if you're planning on reading the series.
Otherwise Alone is the first book in the series and is just a short prequel, about 50 pages, that tells the story of how Evan and Lia meet. Hot and steamy…and not just because they’re in Arizona!!
Otherwise Occupied was a darker story that centered around Evan’s PTSD and the crime aspect of his life. Evan is back in Chicago as the hitman for his mob boss, Rinaldo Moretti. This will take you through what his life if like and you really get to know Evan in this book. While there are quite a few references to Lia in this book, she never makes an appearance until the very end. There really was no romance to this story but it wasn’t necessary because it held my attention and kept me on my toes. The twist towards the end of the book really caught me off guard although I think I should’ve realized it was coming. Talk about a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Otherwise Unharmed…Holy shit, I think I need a drink after that one!! That was an amazing thrill ride that you just don’t want to get off of! There was so much action and romance in this book, and once again it was told from Evan’s POV. Just fantastic! Savage nailed it with this one, by far my favorite of the series so far. Evan is so damaged you can’t help but love him and Lia turns out to be a really tough little spitfire. Even though he’s a killer, he has a soft side for Lia and his dog, Odin. This one had my heart racing one minute and then tears rolling the next. There is no cliffhanger at the end of this book however there are still more books to come in the series.
Uncockblockable is a short story about Nick, Rinaldo Moretti's son. Again, it's written in the male POV and I absolutely love how well this author can pull that off. This isn't vital to the Arden series but it's a refreshing, entertaining introduction to Nick and how he and Milena meet. I would definitely include it if you're planning on reading the series.
March 10, 2015
4.5 Stars. This was my first time reading a full length (series) by Shay Savage. When I found out the series was based around the mafia/assassin, I was sold.
I have to agree with another reviewer where I am glad that I read the entire series all together. The first part of the trilogy, Otherwise Alone, in two words, short & hot! The second part, Otherwise Occupied, turned darker. This book went into detail about his PTSD and the workings of the crime family. The final book, Otherwise Unharmed, wrapped the series up nicely. I loved reading about Evan & Lia's relationship and how Lia helps settle/calm Evan.
Overall, this was a great Mafia read. I understand that Evan makes an appearance in Bastian's Storm, so I will definitely be reading that series in the near future.
I have to agree with another reviewer where I am glad that I read the entire series all together. The first part of the trilogy, Otherwise Alone, in two words, short & hot! The second part, Otherwise Occupied, turned darker. This book went into detail about his PTSD and the workings of the crime family. The final book, Otherwise Unharmed, wrapped the series up nicely. I loved reading about Evan & Lia's relationship and how Lia helps settle/calm Evan.
Overall, this was a great Mafia read. I understand that Evan makes an appearance in Bastian's Storm, so I will definitely be reading that series in the near future.
July 24, 2015
Otherwise satisfied
Action and some suspense made it hard to stop reading. An adrenaline filled thrill ride of sex and violence all while watching the main character struggle with his inner turmoil. Very intense and captivating. One star off for gratuitous sex. I'm not opposed to graphically explicit scenes, but I'm at the point of one or two at the beginning of a relationship (because first times are always the most interesting) and then let's give them some privacy. It can be tricky finding just the right balance.
Action and some suspense made it hard to stop reading. An adrenaline filled thrill ride of sex and violence all while watching the main character struggle with his inner turmoil. Very intense and captivating. One star off for gratuitous sex. I'm not opposed to graphically explicit scenes, but I'm at the point of one or two at the beginning of a relationship (because first times are always the most interesting) and then let's give them some privacy. It can be tricky finding just the right balance.
November 25, 2014
I would have 4 starred the books if I had read them separately but this bundle is simple perfection. A hit man's HEA story is one not easily navigated and the second part in the Arden trilogy is a dark gritty read. Evan is a killer and gender has no baring on his scruples. It takes a final emotionally charged installment to reach a satisfying conclusion and I am glad for the back to back read. Enjoy this bundle from the extraordinarily talented Ms. Savage!
January 18, 2015
I have to admit that I found it hard to get into these characters. Evan's storyline was intriguing but I have found his way of dealing with things difficult to process. I started getting more into it with the return of Lia and for the final 4/5 chapters I was completely engrossed and couldn't put it down.
December 25, 2014
Wow
Wow oh wow. This is a really good series. I love Evan and his crazy sense of humor. You love him, feel bad for him and wonder why he says half the things he does. This is a must read.
Wow oh wow. This is a really good series. I love Evan and his crazy sense of humor. You love him, feel bad for him and wonder why he says half the things he does. This is a must read.
Did Not Finish
September 23, 2016It started out nice and it was really intriguing, but at some point it became something else. Things were really weird and confusing, and I wasn't interested enough to find out what's going to happen next.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews