Savage Season

by Tara Ellis

He owns the city. She's about to own his heart...

Czar Savage was never meant for love. Cold. Calculating. The eldest son of Houston's most notorious crime family, he was born into blood and baptized in violence. To the world, he’s untouchable. To women, he’s a dangerous temptation. But to himself, he’s a monster too broken for love.

Until her…

Kyla Reed buried her heart the night her father was murdered. Since then, she’s allowed no one past her walls. She lives her life by control. Structure. Logic. She doesn’t let her heart lead, doesn’t trust, and doesn’t love.

Until him…

Their attraction is electric. Forbidden. Inevitable.

But this isn't a fairy tale. It's a collision course built on secrets that could destroy them both. When the truth of her past finally collides with the violence of his present, their fragile bond will be tested by fire. In the end, Kyla is left asking

Can she love a monster?
Can she trust a killer?
Can she survive a Savage?

Genres: Romance

602 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2025

About the author

Tara Ellis is the author of Black Romantic Suspense novels.

Her novels blend romance with a touch of danger, and she believes every heroine deserves a happily-ever-after. When she’s not plotting dangerous secrets and shocking twists, Tara is somewhere binging on true crime television shows.

Keep up with Tara on Facebook by liking her page @authortaraellis and Instagram @authortaraellis1

Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

TARA MF ELLIS knows how to write a MF BOOK. I honestly don’t know how to properly write a review for this book like wow 🤯.

This was a 5 star and I was at the edge of my seat throughout the book STRESSED when the big reveal happened mid way. I love how realistic and complicated Czar and Kyla relationship was. Czar was really a layered morally gray character. You can see him straddling being passionate and just a psychopath but one thing about it he loved Kyla DOWWWN. All the side characters really supported the plot and ugh the mind of MF Tara. She has me stressed asf im not gonna lie.

If you haven’t read her other books PLEASE DO ugh idc this book was amazing !!!!!

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression of this author and it didn’t disappoint! Can’t wait for the next book.

[Krissy’s Korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING

This was my very first read from this author and it won’t be my last. This book was soooo good and it gave me everything I wanted in a book. There’s love, madness, hate, action, betrayal, lies, deceit like you name it.

Following Czar Savage, a known kingpin in Houston who is to be as ruthless as they come. No emotions no feelings and he falls for Kyla. It’s unusual for him but their worlds collide in a way that neither of them expected. This was more than romance but an action pack world wind of emotions. I would highly recommend this read. So good!

[Tina Sharane · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 Tara muthafuckin' Ellis, ladies and gentlemen!!!!! That's it! That's the review!

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by this author. I really enjoyed it.

[Meeka Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man O Man this was such an amazing read about raw unconditional (literally) love, forgiveness, redemption, betrayal and so much more. This was hands down one of my favorite reads of the year. I can’t wait to read the next book about this family.

[_SimplyRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars is the max but it deserves so much more! This book was PERFECTION and my first 5star read this year! Tara has an ability to pull you in with a plot that continues to develop until the very last page! The mix on genres does it for me everytime. This is a mystery, thriller, and romance wrapped into one!

She never fumbles when writing about mental health in her books, you can tell that she does real research on the diagnosis and constructs a story that walks you through a persons progression with said diagnosis!

Czar Savage is a man that was doomed emotionally from birth, believe that his blood is poisoned by an inability to feel. Being a sociopath to him is a birthright and he has allowed that diagnosis to shape him into a cold hearted killer..

In walks Kyla a demure house keeper, whose eyes tell a story of true pain that has shaped her into a woman on a mission to revenge the death of her father. What she thought she had figured out, is not what really is after all and the journey to uncover the truth has the ability to break her heart completely..

Czar a man who never knew the true definition of love falls in love hard and fast, and he’s willing to go against everyone he knows for her! Whew 🔥

Literally no notes! PERFECTION.. I cannot wait until the next Savage story drops!

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stress and plot twists! I loved Czar Savage tho🌹

[L. Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not aware of Tara Ellis’s pen game, but after this book I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work down the line. The author knows how to write a great book and deserves a few rounds of applause for this one. When I tell you that it felt as if a movie was coming to life every time I read - that’s exactly what was happening.

I had so many reactions and theories. Every single one pretty much failed because that’s how unpredictable the book was.

The story finds a way to pull you in and keep you engaged throughout the whole book. Every time I thought “how can this character come back from this?” The author found a way to detangle the situations in such ways where it gave you a sense of peace after riding a storm. I enjoyed every bit of it.

Kyla x Czar made a great pair even when questionable choices were made. I’m glad it all worked out in the end.

“Sink or swim”

~

I’m also glad that the book was separated into Acts rather than 3 separate books because it would have sucked to have ended on a cliffhanger after a lot of the revelations and scenes. I forgot how much I enjoyed a thick book.

Looking forward to the second one.

[Antoinette (_literaryaura_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second read from this author and again she didn’t disappoint. I found some moments to be predictable however they didn’t detract from the story. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait for the second installment of this series.

[JMonique · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top reads this year!

This book was gooood! From start to finish! From the very first chapter I was drawn in to the life of Czar Savage! This book kept me on my toes!! Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen things shifted to the unexpected! Czar & Kyla were exactly what each other needed to heal from past wounds & childhood traumas! Their love defied all odds! Their loyalty was tested & really made you question can love conquer all 🤔! I’ve never wanted a happy ending so badly!! I just loved the way they loved each other!!! In their words “Sink or swim” 🥰. This was such a good read!!

[Keiaira Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage But Sweet

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Dark, messy, and addictive! The tension had me hooked from start to finish, and the ending gave me the perfect mix of love and redemption. Long book, but Tara Ellis delivered 🔥👏🏾.

[Danielle Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good and well written! This story really made me think — would I sink or swim in their situation? It’s my first read from this author, but definitely not my last!

[Nyaisia J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got 200 pages in and couldn’t finish the only character I sort of liked was the best friend. The back and forth between liking czar or not got on my nerves.

[Danielle Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soooo good!!! First read by this author and I was impressed!!! I devoured all 599 pages!!! Love is definitely a powerful thing!! It’ll have you don’t things you didn’t think you would!! This story got me from the beginning! All the twists and turns I didn’t see coming kept me on edge!! Yall need to read this!! Can’t wait for the next season

[Cardi Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shook!!!

I am just going to sit here after this. I have no words. It was so good. I was told there were plot twists but none that I expected. Idk what to even do with myself. I LOVED it.

[Khaliat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second read from this author, and she hasn’t disappointed me yet. I honestly don’t even know how to put this review into words. Czar and Kayla had me hooked the whole time. I was literally yelling, “Kayla, what are you doing???” because I was so scared for her. And when the secret came out, I was nervous about how they’d work things out, because I really wanted them together. I’m glad everything worked out in the end, though. The writing was beautiful.

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Season was a masterpiece story - urban fiction with a suspenseful twist. Czar and Kyla were polar opposite but it was lust at first sight for Czar, that quickly turned to an obsessive love. The tension, chemistry, breadcrumbs, secrets, and plot twists were astounding. Tara Ellis continues to surprise me. I loved everything about this book, 599 pages wasn’t enough pages for me.

[Bradley Book Bites · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s talk about Czar Savage. This man literally doesn’t give a damn about no one. He’s literally incapable of having any emotions until he comes across Kyla who’s he’s housekeeper and their love story is a rollercoaster of never want a ride on. It was crazy, suspenseful, reckless, raw. It was everything. Czar has this beautiful talent of always getting his way and I would’ve folded like pretzel immediately. Even with how crazy and unhinged this man is … LITERALLY LOL. I couldn’t put this book down. I was glued into from beginning to end. There’s love, betrayal, crazy family dynamics, law enforcement and some crazy graphic scenes but the plot was absolutely chefs kiss. For almost 600 pages I need more of Czar and Kyla.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage season!

I seen this book floating around social media and when a trusted book bestie said to read this I quickly moved it up on my TBR and I’m glad I did!

This story had so many twist and turns that kept my attention at all times, every page her had a purpose. I truly didn’t know what was going to happen or how Czar and Kyla would make it as a couple once secrets were revealed.

This is also my first Tara Ellis book and now it’s time to do deep dive into her catalog! I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Savage family.

[Kendyll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend: One of my favorite books this year!Tara Ellis did not come to play with this one. From the first page, the story comes speeding off the start line and the foot never comes off the gas! So many twists and turns, and so much action with romance in the mix. When I say EVERYBODY had some mess with them... there were so many secrets revealed as the story went on. This book was literally pressure from start to finish. Kyla really stressed me out this whole book but I enjoyed the way things turned out. i loved seeing the relationship grow between Czar & Kyla who both thought they'd never find true love.
I would love to read more about Royalty and I'm excited for the next season about Deuce!

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster

This book, this book, this book. I experienced every emotion possible. This book hits it all, happy, sad, pissed.....you name it. I had to put this book down for a moment just to breathe and get my anxiety under control. Tara Ellis this was a wonderful work of penmanship. Please continue to share your talent. This is a must read.

[Roneshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I really enjoyed this read. Tara brought the raw, secrets, betrayal and everything in between. I loved that I was able to feel the emotions and growth of Czar and Kyla, she had me crying over here lmao. Pick the book up you will not be disappointed.

[Avery Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written that 600 pages felt like nothing. I couldn’t put it down , had to know what happened next. Loved the character development and the spiritual lesson of forgiveness. 10/10 can’t wait for Deuce’s book.

[Carissa G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best books I have read in 2025!!! This book had so many twists and turns and every time you thought you had the story figured out, you didn’t! Literally there was another bomb dropped at 93% of the book! Crazy! But nothing was left unanswered!

Can’t wait for Season 2!!!


🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[Brianna Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell y’all this book is 10/10. I was a little discouraged in the beginning because we find out a lot of information from the jump, and from there you can kinda speculate what was gonna happen and who did what. However when I tell you that there was more plot twist then I can imagine and didn’t see coming. I couldn’t not put this book down it was soooo good.

Czar and Kyla. Man o man. There stories are wild and it’s just amazing seeing the character development between the two. I love how their story ended.

Julius is as cold as they come. I couldn’t believe some of the decisions he made and who they would affect. Greed is a powerful thing!

Y’all just gotta read the book. I don’t wanna give it away too much but definitely a 10/10 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[Jerrell Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never been so stressed reading a book in my LIFE. Kyla took me through it. But I’m ready for season two!

[Yasmeen Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

So my initial review (which I wrote almost before the end of the story) had me Almost raiting this story a 5 star but stopping short because of what I felt was unnecessary suspense and cliffhangers in the last 20% of the book. It was as if the author just didn’t want to wrap it up! It was like get to the point already. It ruined an otherwise good story. HOWEVER, I STAND CORRECTED, this is a 5 star read if you like, part thriller/ part romance. Again, good story the “and another thing aspects of stories at the end gave me whiplash… but man it was wrapped up nicely!! PS. It Stands with Demon’s Dream (Yup I said it!)

[Rachel Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW TARA

Sociopath? Unhinged? Mean to the world but soft for her? Say less. 🖤🔥 I’m Obsessed!
This was solid mf GOLD! whew Czar !!

[Arlinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

TEN TEN TEN!

what a damn story. one hundred percent came full circle.. loved all of the details & everything included. i have mo critiques.