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Scarred Savages
Scarred. Rejected. Desperate.
After years of being paraded before potential mates, I finally found my scent match—only to be publicly and ruthlessly rejected.
Crushed and drowning in debt from my time at the institute, I have one week to pay it off or face the the flesh market. But when an alpha steps in with a shocking offer, my life takes an unexpected turn.
He’ll clear my debt—for a price.
Submit to his pack. Become theirs in every way.
Five savage shifters.
One broken me.
However, these males are nothing like I expected—they see beyond my scars.
For the first time, I feel wanted.
For the first time, I’m beginning to heal.
But my new mates are keeping secrets from me. And those secrets might devastate me far more than any rejection ever could.
Content This is the first book in The Northcrest Pack series. Expect raw moments and dark paranormal romance themes, including questionable use of weaponry.
After years of being paraded before potential mates, I finally found my scent match—only to be publicly and ruthlessly rejected.
Crushed and drowning in debt from my time at the institute, I have one week to pay it off or face the the flesh market. But when an alpha steps in with a shocking offer, my life takes an unexpected turn.
He’ll clear my debt—for a price.
Submit to his pack. Become theirs in every way.
Five savage shifters.
One broken me.
However, these males are nothing like I expected—they see beyond my scars.
For the first time, I feel wanted.
For the first time, I’m beginning to heal.
But my new mates are keeping secrets from me. And those secrets might devastate me far more than any rejection ever could.
Content This is the first book in The Northcrest Pack series. Expect raw moments and dark paranormal romance themes, including questionable use of weaponry.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
86 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Dark
5 books131 followersJC Dark lives in Montreal, Canada, and shares her life with her fluffy rescue cat, Mr. Goose. She’s known for collecting book boyfriends at an impressive pace, rivaling only her accumulation of shoes.
For exclusive bonus scenes and sneak peeks delivered directly to your inbox, and information on upcoming books visit: jcdark.com
For exclusive bonus scenes and sneak peeks delivered directly to your inbox, and information on upcoming books visit: jcdark.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 28, 2025
Soooo somewhere along the lines of reading 101 different book synopses and finally settling on this one, I kinda sorta got it in my head that this was a one-and-done, standalone kind of situation. Well, it turns out I was completely wrong and nowhere does it say that anywhere.
Other than me getting the jump scare of my life on the last page of this book and having my life flash before my eyes due to the cliffhanger that I was not expecting. This one was on me. I should know by now that if there's only 5 chapters left and there's too much left in the air that I wasn't getting a HEA. In my defense, it has been a long few days and I usually start reading at 11 PM.
Onto the story! This story had just enough of a plot to keep me invested in the blossoming relationship in the harem. It wasn't all happy puppies and sunshine between them. There were ups and downs, especially between the men. Some were more secretive than others. The twist at the end was the ultimate secret being revealed. Here I thought I couldn't be bamboozled. It's never the too obvious choice, she said. *faceplam*
I have a very strong dislike of Hudson and Damien.
Overall, I am looking forward to getting some answers in the next book!
Other than me getting the jump scare of my life on the last page of this book and having my life flash before my eyes due to the cliffhanger that I was not expecting. This one was on me. I should know by now that if there's only 5 chapters left and there's too much left in the air that I wasn't getting a HEA. In my defense, it has been a long few days and I usually start reading at 11 PM.
Onto the story! This story had just enough of a plot to keep me invested in the blossoming relationship in the harem. It wasn't all happy puppies and sunshine between them. There were ups and downs, especially between the men. Some were more secretive than others. The twist at the end was the ultimate secret being revealed. Here I thought I couldn't be bamboozled. It's never the too obvious choice, she said. *faceplam*
I have a very strong dislike of Hudson and Damien.
Overall, I am looking forward to getting some answers in the next book!
October 24, 2025
This book kept me engaged and laughing throughout. A perfect mix of dark, spicy and funny.
You can really feel JC writing developing in this book. I can’t to see what happens next, but let’s not murder any more pillows in the process
You can really feel JC writing developing in this book. I can’t to see what happens next, but let’s not murder any more pillows in the process
October 23, 2025
amazing 🤩
Can’t wait for the next one!!! Love me some axel ❤️❤️❤️ this was truly amazing, from the beginning I couldn’t put it down.
Can’t wait for the next one!!! Love me some axel ❤️❤️❤️ this was truly amazing, from the beginning I couldn’t put it down.
October 23, 2025
I haven't read a shifter fated mate book quite like this before, and I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics between Luna and all the men, Axel is a firm favourite. The ending was very intriguing, so I'm looking forward to book two to see what happens.
October 18, 2025
Holy fuck that was good a mix of fun spice darkness everything my only complaint is well I need more also.....who knew pillows could be so angering 😉🤭
October 18, 2025
Scarred Savages
No spoilers, but quotes included!
FMC
> Luna
‘I am not quiet.’
She’s a badass with a broken soul. Her character wasn’t annoying, TSTL or a pushover.
MMCs
> Axel
“Think I’ve ruined you for other weapons?”
This guy can be 100% added to your psychotic MMC list. 10/10. No notes
> Oliver
‘“What’s so special about—? It’s only the greatest store ever created!…’
Up there in the sweet and most sensitive MMC list. Absolutely adore this character.
> Hudson
‘…within her gaze lies a flicker of resilience that reassures me I made the right decision.’
The pack leader. The protector. He’s got some secrets and they’re gonna burn a few people. His reasoning is sound but I think he’s too far gone for logic now.
> Damien
“You seem to be in the wrong place at the right time…’
He and I aren’t on speaking terms currently. Or maybe I’m mad at the author. my feelings are confusing.
> Ethan
‘It’s a harsh world out there, Luna. Especially for our kind. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Always thinking, overthinking. Critical of the world with an analytical mind. He’s an absolute sweetheart.
Characters:
Despite questionable decisions, there was a whole lot of character growth. I felt as though the characters were individual yet they overlapped with some characteristics which makes the pack work.
Would like to see more of Hudson and I am so hoping we get some flashbacks for relevance in the next book.
Plot:
There’s actual plot! And it’s so interesting. Some awesome tropes we love (I’m a shifterverse lover) and also some world building that is brand new for me. Loving where this is going.
Smut:
There’s romance and smut. It’s well balanced and not just added to fill space or forced between characters.
Ending:
I’m going to need therapy. It’s a cliffhanger and it’s hurting me.
Overall:
I love series books where they are short and sweet. JC has balanced the length of the book and the development of the storyline well. There’s so much missing to the story and it makes me so keen for the rent of the books.
ARC reader.
No spoilers, but quotes included!
FMC
> Luna
‘I am not quiet.’
She’s a badass with a broken soul. Her character wasn’t annoying, TSTL or a pushover.
MMCs
> Axel
“Think I’ve ruined you for other weapons?”
This guy can be 100% added to your psychotic MMC list. 10/10. No notes
> Oliver
‘“What’s so special about—? It’s only the greatest store ever created!…’
Up there in the sweet and most sensitive MMC list. Absolutely adore this character.
> Hudson
‘…within her gaze lies a flicker of resilience that reassures me I made the right decision.’
The pack leader. The protector. He’s got some secrets and they’re gonna burn a few people. His reasoning is sound but I think he’s too far gone for logic now.
> Damien
“You seem to be in the wrong place at the right time…’
He and I aren’t on speaking terms currently. Or maybe I’m mad at the author. my feelings are confusing.
> Ethan
‘It’s a harsh world out there, Luna. Especially for our kind. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Always thinking, overthinking. Critical of the world with an analytical mind. He’s an absolute sweetheart.
Characters:
Despite questionable decisions, there was a whole lot of character growth. I felt as though the characters were individual yet they overlapped with some characteristics which makes the pack work.
Would like to see more of Hudson and I am so hoping we get some flashbacks for relevance in the next book.
Plot:
There’s actual plot! And it’s so interesting. Some awesome tropes we love (I’m a shifterverse lover) and also some world building that is brand new for me. Loving where this is going.
Smut:
There’s romance and smut. It’s well balanced and not just added to fill space or forced between characters.
Ending:
I’m going to need therapy. It’s a cliffhanger and it’s hurting me.
Overall:
I love series books where they are short and sweet. JC has balanced the length of the book and the development of the storyline well. There’s so much missing to the story and it makes me so keen for the rent of the books.
ARC reader.
October 23, 2025
Woah
Scared Savages is the first book in this RH shifter series.
Secrets, lies, rejection, and betrayal...all the things you need to start an amazing new series. Luna lost her parents and was badly burnt in a fire. And when she is rejected, her bill for the institute is due immediately. So she has two choices. The flesh trade or accept Alpha Hudson's offer.
Timid but determined, she finds herself in a house with five men. She thinks that she is there for one reason, but it seems that there is way more going on. And her rejected mate is determined to take her, and destroy everything she knows about the men who are finding a way into her heart. How much is the truth and how much is a big fat lie? And what is a certain alphas part of the lie and how many is he betraying?
I can't wait for the next book!
Scared Savages is the first book in this RH shifter series.
Secrets, lies, rejection, and betrayal...all the things you need to start an amazing new series. Luna lost her parents and was badly burnt in a fire. And when she is rejected, her bill for the institute is due immediately. So she has two choices. The flesh trade or accept Alpha Hudson's offer.
Timid but determined, she finds herself in a house with five men. She thinks that she is there for one reason, but it seems that there is way more going on. And her rejected mate is determined to take her, and destroy everything she knows about the men who are finding a way into her heart. How much is the truth and how much is a big fat lie? And what is a certain alphas part of the lie and how many is he betraying?
I can't wait for the next book!
October 25, 2025
OMG!!! So good!
How am I supposed to wait for next book?!! I've read all of JC Dark books and this one is my favorite so far. I'm really not that much into shifters books usually but now... I may have a book hangover. Not sure what I'm supposed to do with my life until book 2 is coming out 😂. I loved the characters and fell for them. Can't wait to get more into Damien and Hudson stories.
How am I supposed to wait for next book?!! I've read all of JC Dark books and this one is my favorite so far. I'm really not that much into shifters books usually but now... I may have a book hangover. Not sure what I'm supposed to do with my life until book 2 is coming out 😂. I loved the characters and fell for them. Can't wait to get more into Damien and Hudson stories.
October 23, 2025
One redeeming quality was Luna's wit, even managed to make me chuckle a few times. Will probably check out book two.
October 21, 2025
Oh my goodness, this was so good. It was so easy to read, and I couldn't get enough of Luna or her guys.
So we have our fmc, Luna. I kind of want to be her when I grow up. She is fiesty, smart, beautiful (even if she doesn't believe it herself), and honestly, really kind and just herself no matter what.
Our mmc's are Oli, Damien, Hudson, Ethan, and Axel. Hudson is Pack Alpha and watches over everyone but holds many secrets. Ethan is the healer amongst this group but has a calculating yet gentle approach. Oli is the youngest and just the sweetest. Axel, I think he is my favourite. Yes, he is unhinged, but in the cutest way possible. Damien, he isn't great and seems to have a bone to pick with Luna, for some unknown reason.
The plot sucked me right in. After Luna loses her parents and almost her life to an event, as a child, she is brought to the Shifter Institute to live and to learn what is required of her as a mate. Things aren't as they seem, and she ends up making a deal with the Northcrest Pack. Over time, she starts to slowly lower her walls and let this pack in. Luna finds herself again and grows closer to these men, getting to know them and learning about their lives. A problem that Luna has constantly faced in the past is that she has never been able to shift due to her injuries, but the guys don't care, and that maybe her wolf will come once she finds some normalcy. But something bigger is going on in the background, and it kind of comes crumbling down around her. I have a lot of theories and questions. These men have a lot of explaining to do. That cliffhanger was insane but totally made sense 🤯🤯🤯
Thank you so much, JC, and your incredible team for the opportunity to read this story. I am very blessed to be a part of your ARC team 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤 multiple pov
💛 why choose
🩶 shifters
🖤 forced proximity
💛 unhinged mmc
🩶 found family
🖤 scarred fmc
💛 so many secrets
🩶 spicy
So we have our fmc, Luna. I kind of want to be her when I grow up. She is fiesty, smart, beautiful (even if she doesn't believe it herself), and honestly, really kind and just herself no matter what.
Our mmc's are Oli, Damien, Hudson, Ethan, and Axel. Hudson is Pack Alpha and watches over everyone but holds many secrets. Ethan is the healer amongst this group but has a calculating yet gentle approach. Oli is the youngest and just the sweetest. Axel, I think he is my favourite. Yes, he is unhinged, but in the cutest way possible. Damien, he isn't great and seems to have a bone to pick with Luna, for some unknown reason.
The plot sucked me right in. After Luna loses her parents and almost her life to an event, as a child, she is brought to the Shifter Institute to live and to learn what is required of her as a mate. Things aren't as they seem, and she ends up making a deal with the Northcrest Pack. Over time, she starts to slowly lower her walls and let this pack in. Luna finds herself again and grows closer to these men, getting to know them and learning about their lives. A problem that Luna has constantly faced in the past is that she has never been able to shift due to her injuries, but the guys don't care, and that maybe her wolf will come once she finds some normalcy. But something bigger is going on in the background, and it kind of comes crumbling down around her. I have a lot of theories and questions. These men have a lot of explaining to do. That cliffhanger was insane but totally made sense 🤯🤯🤯
Thank you so much, JC, and your incredible team for the opportunity to read this story. I am very blessed to be a part of your ARC team 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤 multiple pov
💛 why choose
🩶 shifters
🖤 forced proximity
💛 unhinged mmc
🩶 found family
🖤 scarred fmc
💛 so many secrets
🩶 spicy
October 23, 2025
JC Dark's newest series, The Northcrest Pack, starts with Scarred Savages. It's a shifter romance that reminds me a little of an omegaverse, but it's not. Either way, I enjoyed it.
Luna is a smart-alec, and I love it. The last several years have been horrible to her, so she gets to be a little sassy. She was continuously knocked down, but she didn't stay down. Luna's a fighter. How Luna and the guys get together is shady AF. However, things aren't quite what they seem, and truthfully, I'm still not one hundred percent sure what's up with the situation. The guys slowly win me over one by one. Oliver (aka Oli) was absolutely adorable. He was incredibly sweet and a true friend when Luna needed one. There's always one. Axel is madder than a Hatter, and I love him for it. He's crazy, but he's gone for Luna. He's obsessive, caring, loyal, and gentle with her in a way that he isn't with others.
The story was pretty steady as Luna adjusted to life with the guys. There were some nice moments between her and the guys, but as the story went on, I could obviously tell that something wasn't right. The guys were hiding something, and I was dying to know what. Two twists happened at once that left me a little conflicted but also curious about what's going to happen next. The last few chapters were excellent. There was just so much happening. That includes a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Like, what?! I was shocked. There are so many secrets and so many lies. I don't know where the story is going, but I look forward to finding out in the next book.
Luna is a smart-alec, and I love it. The last several years have been horrible to her, so she gets to be a little sassy. She was continuously knocked down, but she didn't stay down. Luna's a fighter. How Luna and the guys get together is shady AF. However, things aren't quite what they seem, and truthfully, I'm still not one hundred percent sure what's up with the situation. The guys slowly win me over one by one. Oliver (aka Oli) was absolutely adorable. He was incredibly sweet and a true friend when Luna needed one. There's always one. Axel is madder than a Hatter, and I love him for it. He's crazy, but he's gone for Luna. He's obsessive, caring, loyal, and gentle with her in a way that he isn't with others.
The story was pretty steady as Luna adjusted to life with the guys. There were some nice moments between her and the guys, but as the story went on, I could obviously tell that something wasn't right. The guys were hiding something, and I was dying to know what. Two twists happened at once that left me a little conflicted but also curious about what's going to happen next. The last few chapters were excellent. There was just so much happening. That includes a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Like, what?! I was shocked. There are so many secrets and so many lies. I don't know where the story is going, but I look forward to finding out in the next book.
November 10, 2025
It was an alright read. spoilers.
I think what keeps happening with books on Kindle I pick up it's just not very in depth. You can see what they were going for, we have seen it well done a million times and yet it just is an echo of the genre. Nothing in this books stands out as amazing but it's a scarred female looking for acceptance story.
I also feel like the relationships were surface level and we don't see much progress plot wise or at all until the last 3 pages which can get annoying as a reader in this genre.
overall I'm not sure I'll be reading the next one but it wasn't horrible
I think what keeps happening with books on Kindle I pick up it's just not very in depth. You can see what they were going for, we have seen it well done a million times and yet it just is an echo of the genre. Nothing in this books stands out as amazing but it's a scarred female looking for acceptance story.
I also feel like the relationships were surface level and we don't see much progress plot wise or at all until the last 3 pages which can get annoying as a reader in this genre.
overall I'm not sure I'll be reading the next one but it wasn't horrible
October 25, 2025
Okay cliffhanger much?! That was mean! As a reader that devours 50+ books a month it is pretty difficult to surprise me. JC delivered an slowly unraveling mystery here, especially at the end. The characters are well written, managing to create distinct characters even with 5 MMCs to navigate. The FMC is likable—traumatized, but strong, stands up for herself without being a brat. I have to say, I was disappointed in the shifter reveal at the end there. So not bada**!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
Wow, what a fab start to a series! I loved Luna so much-she was such a tough cookie, full of sass and bravado! And the guys- nearly all of them were so sweet to her but then that twist at the end, OMG my jaw hit the floor!
Also loved the twist of her shifted form! Can't wait to read the next instalment.
Also loved the twist of her shifted form! Can't wait to read the next instalment.
October 21, 2025
JC has done it again! This book is captivating, mysterious and you truly fall in love with the characters. It does end on a cliff-hanger, and I am on the edge of my seat knowing that I have to wait an undetermined amount of time for the next book.
To JC, bravo! Another one of your books that I have loved.
To JC, bravo! Another one of your books that I have loved.
October 17, 2025
I LOVED this book. I had so much fun with the story and characters! I fell in love with all the men, and Luna was such a strong FMC, it really made you root for her! I can’t wait for the next one to see how the story continues.
October 24, 2025
I absolutley loved the book - the characters were deep and made me fall in love with the book. The plot twist absolutley shook me but I can't wait for book 2. Finished it in a day cause I just kept coming back too it, <3.
November 12, 2025
A lot of lovey dovey fluff but I needed to stick around for the betrayal reveal. The betrayal that I was prepared for…. WAS NOT THE BETRAYAL WE GOT! The last paragraph made me gasp, then the last sentence had me shout, ‘WTF?’.
Now I gotta wait a lifetime for book 2!!!
Now I gotta wait a lifetime for book 2!!!
November 29, 2025
Such a good read
Oh my goodness. What a start to a series. Great storyline and amazing characters. The kind of story that is a ‘Just one more chapter before…..’ read. And the end! :0
Oh my goodness. What a start to a series. Great storyline and amazing characters. The kind of story that is a ‘Just one more chapter before…..’ read. And the end! :0
February 1, 2026
This book is great. But don’t read it unless you have the power wait for the second book as this one ended on a massive cliff hanger with her getting kidnapped by her false scent match and then being informed that Daumier was the mole in the pack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce livre,j'aime bien son style d'écriture.Les personnage sont intéressants.😉
October 24, 2025
3.5⭐️
October 28, 2025
love this story!!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I love all of the characters and can’t wait for the next book!!!!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I love all of the characters and can’t wait for the next book!!!!!!
October 31, 2025
😻
So Damien can definitely go suck a lemon ! Don't freaking like him one dam bit! Poor Luna hope the guys except Hudson find her!
So Damien can definitely go suck a lemon ! Don't freaking like him one dam bit! Poor Luna hope the guys except Hudson find her!
November 14, 2025
🫶🏻
Loved it 😍 and the surprise twist at the end had me 😮 can’t wait to start book 2 ❤️
Loved it 😍 and the surprise twist at the end had me 😮 can’t wait to start book 2 ❤️
November 20, 2025
3.75 stars
December 25, 2025
pretty average but fun
just one thing: i cannot stand the writing, which feels ai reviewed.
just one thing: i cannot stand the writing, which feels ai reviewed.
December 31, 2025
What do you mean that’s the end of book 1?! I’m loosing my mind. I’m crying. How am I supposed to just on with my day now?
Help
Help
January 7, 2026
Love it waiting for next one 🥺🙏
January 28, 2026
Mind the cliff.
Story was good and most of the characters were like able enough, I just hate cliffhangers with a fiery passion.
Story was good and most of the characters were like able enough, I just hate cliffhangers with a fiery passion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews