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Savage Sanctuary: A Forbidden Debt Romance
Only a few unlucky people in Crowne Point know what a tattoo on the Horsemen mean. It’s a serious, eternal thing, a reminder of the night a person sold their soul to the under world. Like how once upon a time the Reaper saved my life, then promised to kill me.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
25 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 4, 2026
I’m back. It’s been five actual years…WHERE IS THE BOOK?
Where is it? MCG WHERE IS THE BOOK??!?!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Love Notes for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.
Sometimes a book isn’t a safe haven, but a place where everything rubs raw.
'Savage Sanctuary' is exactly that kind of story. Dark, intense, and emotionally raw. Mary Catherine Gebhard pulls the reader into a world where pain and desire walk side by side, and where love is anything but soft or simple.
Gemma starts out as a character who keeps you at a distance, superficial, self-destructive, and at times deeply frustrating. Yet that is precisely where the strength of this book lies. Layer by layer, what hides beneath the façade is revealed. Her growth isn’t polished or neat, but messy and painfully human, and that makes it feel real.
Grim is a character who fits seamlessly into this dark universe. Protective, obsessive, and loyal to the extreme. Their relationship is no romantic fairytale, but a collision between two broken souls. The chemistry is intense, sometimes uncomfortable, but always tangible. This is a romance that doesn’t try to please, it confronts.
The atmosphere of Crowne Point and the underworld setting add a suffocating sense of tension that seeps into every page. The Horsemen bring extra depth and create a found-family dynamic that contrasts beautifully with the isolation of the main characters. The book can be read as a standalone, but the emotional impact and interwoven connections are far stronger when the entire Crowne Point series is read.
Still, the story isn’t flawless. Certain emotions are repeated, causing the pace to slow at times, and not every character choice remains equally convincing. That is what keeps this book just shy of a full five stars.
'Savage Sanctuary' is not an easy read, but it is one that lingers. For readers who enjoy dark romance with psychological depth, sharp edges, and characters who must break before they can be rebuilt, this is a gripping and memorable experience.
Dark Romance | Broken Characters | Obsessive MMC | Found Family | Emotional Trauma | Slow Burn | Crowne Point Series | Enemies to Lovers | Antihero | Redemption Arc | Protective Hero | Alpha Male | Angst | Forbidden Love
Sometimes a book isn’t a safe haven, but a place where everything rubs raw.
'Savage Sanctuary' is exactly that kind of story. Dark, intense, and emotionally raw. Mary Catherine Gebhard pulls the reader into a world where pain and desire walk side by side, and where love is anything but soft or simple.
Gemma starts out as a character who keeps you at a distance, superficial, self-destructive, and at times deeply frustrating. Yet that is precisely where the strength of this book lies. Layer by layer, what hides beneath the façade is revealed. Her growth isn’t polished or neat, but messy and painfully human, and that makes it feel real.
Grim is a character who fits seamlessly into this dark universe. Protective, obsessive, and loyal to the extreme. Their relationship is no romantic fairytale, but a collision between two broken souls. The chemistry is intense, sometimes uncomfortable, but always tangible. This is a romance that doesn’t try to please, it confronts.
The atmosphere of Crowne Point and the underworld setting add a suffocating sense of tension that seeps into every page. The Horsemen bring extra depth and create a found-family dynamic that contrasts beautifully with the isolation of the main characters. The book can be read as a standalone, but the emotional impact and interwoven connections are far stronger when the entire Crowne Point series is read.
Still, the story isn’t flawless. Certain emotions are repeated, causing the pace to slow at times, and not every character choice remains equally convincing. That is what keeps this book just shy of a full five stars.
'Savage Sanctuary' is not an easy read, but it is one that lingers. For readers who enjoy dark romance with psychological depth, sharp edges, and characters who must break before they can be rebuilt, this is a gripping and memorable experience.
Dark Romance | Broken Characters | Obsessive MMC | Found Family | Emotional Trauma | Slow Burn | Crowne Point Series | Enemies to Lovers | Antihero | Redemption Arc | Protective Hero | Alpha Male | Angst | Forbidden Love
November 23, 2020
GRIM AND GEMMA ARE GOING TO END ME FOR SURE 😩❤️❤️❤️
A book about the underworld king and the aloof bitchy heroine? Count me in! They're going to serve so hard 💃
A book about the underworld king and the aloof bitchy heroine? Count me in! They're going to serve so hard 💃
January 20, 2026
This is a dark romance with some hard hitting and disturbing topics, so please check the trigger warnings - I loved the darkness and could not put this one down
Reaper is a dark and dangerous bad boy who's totally in love with Gemma (America's princess), he's also one of the four horsemen of Crowne Point underworld
It's well written with fabulous characters, especially the four horsemen, the spicy scenes are good and we definitely get a slow burn
I cannot wait to read Lock's story 💕
Thank you Mary and The Smuthood for the ARC opportunity
Reaper is a dark and dangerous bad boy who's totally in love with Gemma (America's princess), he's also one of the four horsemen of Crowne Point underworld
It's well written with fabulous characters, especially the four horsemen, the spicy scenes are good and we definitely get a slow burn
I cannot wait to read Lock's story 💕
Thank you Mary and The Smuthood for the ARC opportunity
December 7, 2022
when is this coming out?????😭😭😭😭
January 24, 2026
4 stars: I liked it, would recommend it to others, and I will likely read the rest of the series!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gemma Crowne is “America’s Princess,” always perfect, and always “on.” But she has a darkness inside, and self-destructive tendencies disguised as a party girl getting high and drunk every night.
Grim is The Reaper- the head of The Four Horsemen. He and his found family brothers take contracts and do jobs for dangerous people in The Underworld. Grim has been captivated by Gemma since their first encounter in a high school supply closet, when he got to see the dark emotions hidden behind her perfect facade. Together, with the Horsemen, Grim and Gemma free each other from their respective cages, and show the other that life is worth living.
“I shouldn’t want this, but then that was Grim and I, a sky of starry shouldn’ts that somehow made a constellation.”
🔪super possessive MMC
🔪he kills anyone who hurts her (literally, touch her and 💀 )
🔪she transforms from America’s Princess to Queen of the Underworld
🔪she wants to die, but she’s his reason for living
🔪”it was always you” vibes
I want to thank Mary Catherine Gebhard and The Smuthood for the ARC that I read to leave this honest review! 🖤
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gemma Crowne is “America’s Princess,” always perfect, and always “on.” But she has a darkness inside, and self-destructive tendencies disguised as a party girl getting high and drunk every night.
Grim is The Reaper- the head of The Four Horsemen. He and his found family brothers take contracts and do jobs for dangerous people in The Underworld. Grim has been captivated by Gemma since their first encounter in a high school supply closet, when he got to see the dark emotions hidden behind her perfect facade. Together, with the Horsemen, Grim and Gemma free each other from their respective cages, and show the other that life is worth living.
“I shouldn’t want this, but then that was Grim and I, a sky of starry shouldn’ts that somehow made a constellation.”
🔪super possessive MMC
🔪he kills anyone who hurts her (literally, touch her and 💀 )
🔪she transforms from America’s Princess to Queen of the Underworld
🔪she wants to die, but she’s his reason for living
🔪”it was always you” vibes
I want to thank Mary Catherine Gebhard and The Smuthood for the ARC that I read to leave this honest review! 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
I am stupid obsessed with this highly addictive story. It is SO good. I finished another book thinking I'd do a couple pages before bed, but nope... finished the entire thing in one go. Incredible dark read with lots of character development and hard hitting themes. This was by far one of those books that will live with you for a long while. I am so happy we got Gemma's story and Reaper didn't disappoint as the dangerous bad boy. I am also very much obsessed with Lock now too. I hope we get all of their stories one day. I am here for it. Dark, Dangerous and more of that emotional angst and turmoil that makes these books really special. It digs deep and is exceptionally raw as it explores and delves into tough emotions and spills the pain on the page. Amazing.
January 22, 2026
This is a great dark romance read! This is the story of Gemma and Grim. Gemma is from a prominent family while Grim is one of the Four Horseman. These two met several years back and Grim has ‘owned’ Gemma since, and while he’s not supposed to get close he has and is in love with her. Can’t wait to read the next story in the series!
January 24, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐️
finally Mary Catherine is back after 5 years!! I loved the previous book in the series and was so excited to check this one out too.
This story was dark, I’ve always had a soft spot from ice princesses and no wonder I felt the same for Gemma. She felt so real and her struggles made me want to give her a hug.
Grim was an enigma. He was equal parts possessive, dedicated and dark as one would expect from the main lead. I love how he was always keeping Gemma safe and she had him by her side.
I personally did enjoy this book but something felt missing which I’ve not been able to pin point but still I’ll be seated for the next book in the series.
“The problem with our love story was there were no monsters, no villains and evil doers. There was no fate to fight or dragon to slay.
Because the problem with our story was us.
It had always been us.
We were the monsters, we were the villains, we were wrong for each other.
Poison.”
finally Mary Catherine is back after 5 years!! I loved the previous book in the series and was so excited to check this one out too.
This story was dark, I’ve always had a soft spot from ice princesses and no wonder I felt the same for Gemma. She felt so real and her struggles made me want to give her a hug.
Grim was an enigma. He was equal parts possessive, dedicated and dark as one would expect from the main lead. I love how he was always keeping Gemma safe and she had him by her side.
I personally did enjoy this book but something felt missing which I’ve not been able to pin point but still I’ll be seated for the next book in the series.
January 31, 2026
lowkey confusing, kinda cringe, but I was entertained and now I’m hyped for the next ones
February 3, 2026
This was trashy but fun
January 20, 2026
Broken Gemma & dangerous Grim 🖤
This was a new to me author & i was not disappointed.
I loved the slow burn. I love that Grim would burn the world down for Gemma even if he couldn’t bring himself to commit.
“It wasn’t my and Gemma’s first dead body—our love story was littered with them.”
Grim, the man you are. 🤣
Honestly, i can’t wait to see more from the other Horsemen.
“We’re not giving you away,” Lock said. “We’re walking you down this aisle and into the family. You’re stuck with us.” 🥹❤️
This was a new to me author & i was not disappointed.
I loved the slow burn. I love that Grim would burn the world down for Gemma even if he couldn’t bring himself to commit.
“It wasn’t my and Gemma’s first dead body—our love story was littered with them.”
Grim, the man you are. 🤣
Honestly, i can’t wait to see more from the other Horsemen.
“We’re not giving you away,” Lock said. “We’re walking you down this aisle and into the family. You’re stuck with us.” 🥹❤️
January 21, 2026
This was amaziiiiing it kept me reading non stop! The chemistry between Grim and Gemma was amazing! They complement each other so well! I love how he’s supposed to be this dangerous man and he totally is but he just wants to keep Gemma safe all the time! Even from herself! 😭💖
The spice and the slow burn is so, so good!!! ❤️🔥
Their love story is really twisty but is so well written!
That epilogue ending omg! I can’t wait for the next book 🤯
The spice and the slow burn is so, so good!!! ❤️🔥
Their love story is really twisty but is so well written!
That epilogue ending omg! I can’t wait for the next book 🤯
February 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Savage Sanctuary was a dark romance with real depth and an engaging storyline. Even though this book can be read as a standalone, I feel that reading the previous books would add even more emotional layers to the story.
Grim and Gemma were intense and complex characters, and their growth throughout the book was beautifully done. The story doesn’t shy away from serious themes, which made everything feel more raw and meaningful. Their connection was dark, dangerous, and emotional at the same time.
This book made me want to dive straight into the rest of the Horsemen, because now I need to know everything about them. If you love dark romance with depth and emotional tension, this one is definitely worth reading. 🖤
Thanks for the ARC!
Savage Sanctuary was a dark romance with real depth and an engaging storyline. Even though this book can be read as a standalone, I feel that reading the previous books would add even more emotional layers to the story.
Grim and Gemma were intense and complex characters, and their growth throughout the book was beautifully done. The story doesn’t shy away from serious themes, which made everything feel more raw and meaningful. Their connection was dark, dangerous, and emotional at the same time.
This book made me want to dive straight into the rest of the Horsemen, because now I need to know everything about them. If you love dark romance with depth and emotional tension, this one is definitely worth reading. 🖤
Thanks for the ARC!
December 12, 2020
I'm so so so curious and can't wait for this book! Book 1-4 were delicious but im still hungry!!! And OMG I can't wait for Jack and Lottie. Wow.
February 4, 2026
Dit boek is donker en vol passie. Het duurde even voordat ik echt in het verhaal kwam, want er bleven steeds dingen onduidelijk. Maar hoe verder je in het verhaal kwam, hoe meer antwoorden je kreeg en hoe meer je van de karakters ging houden.
De relatie tussen rich girl Gemma en Horsemen Grim is verknipt. Maar oh zo mooi verknipt. Ze passen zo mooi bij elkaar.
Ik kijk uit naar een eventueel vervolg, al zal dat nog wel even op zich laten wachten.
Hartelijk dank aan House of Hearts voor het recensie exemplaar.
De relatie tussen rich girl Gemma en Horsemen Grim is verknipt. Maar oh zo mooi verknipt. Ze passen zo mooi bij elkaar.
Ik kijk uit naar een eventueel vervolg, al zal dat nog wel even op zich laten wachten.
Hartelijk dank aan House of Hearts voor het recensie exemplaar.
February 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I could give this a million stars, I would!
WOW! Being back in this world! This story was so good! Grim and Gemma were literally made for each other! But now I want all the books about the other Horsemen!
If I could give this a million stars, I would!
WOW! Being back in this world! This story was so good! Grim and Gemma were literally made for each other! But now I want all the books about the other Horsemen!
January 31, 2026
Disturbing but deeply entertaining. I was very confused for the first half of the book, not really understanding a lot of the world but it all made sense eventually and was well worth the read
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this arc from house of hearts in exchange for an honest review.
This author was new to me and I'm so glad I signed up for this arc. From the first chapter it was so hard to put the book down. The chemistry between Gemma & Grim was amazing! They came from 2 different societies, yet the were destined to be together. Their story was fascinating from the beginning and never had a dull moment! Such a great read!
This author was new to me and I'm so glad I signed up for this arc. From the first chapter it was so hard to put the book down. The chemistry between Gemma & Grim was amazing! They came from 2 different societies, yet the were destined to be together. Their story was fascinating from the beginning and never had a dull moment! Such a great read!
Want to read
November 26, 2020Reading Gemma and Grims interactions in Destroyed Destiny got me so excited. I enjoyed their banter and am intrigued to know how they know each other and get a better picture of their story.
Whats to come next in the series:
Lottie and Jacks
St. Germaine triplets
Find me on: Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub
Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
Whats to come next in the series:
Lottie and Jacks
St. Germaine triplets
Find me on: Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub
Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
February 4, 2026
BLURB: Only a few unlucky people in Crowne Point know what a tattoo on the Horsemen means. It's a serious, eternal thing, a reminder of the night a person sold their soul to the underworld. Like how once upon a time the Reaper saved my life, then promised to kill me.
Check the content warnings because the author dives DEEPLY into some heavy themes that could be triggering for some folx. Be aware: Parts of my review will discuss these themes, so if that feels like a spoiler for you -- read at your own risk. Personally I do not think I disclose any plot twists and if you have already read the TW list then nothing below should be "new" to you.
REVIEW: Savage Sanctuary by Mary Catherine Gebhard is book five in the Crowne Point series. It is a DARK, high angst, foreboding, character-driven story that explores soul-binding contracts through a forbidden romance.
MCG's writing is hauntingly beautiful and brutal in equal measures. Her characters are messy, imperfect, and surprisingly relatable (minus their penchant for vi0lence and bl00d.) MCG does a great job ratcheting up the tension and creating an intoxicating desire to see what comes next. There were times when I literally thought I would suffocate from the knee deep tension. The plot flowed at an enticing pace and kept me turning the pages long after I should've gone to sleep.
Gemma's story is tragic in the most privileged sense. She appears to have a perfect life from the outside, but feels trapped in friendships that are shallow, deceptive and ugly. She feels as if she is dying on the inside and is continuously self-destructive. Her depressive moods and anxious thoughts are present throughout the entire book. Su!cidal thoughts and tendencies are explored.
Grim is a feral, morally gray and obsessively protective MMC, who is also supposedly aloof about his connection to Gemma. His push and pull with Gemma is frustrating and confusing since we don't learn many specifics about him until well into the second half of the story. When pieces of the puzzle are slowly revealed, his character's quirks and behavior makes much more sense and he finally becomes likable.
Gemma Crowne and Grim (aka Reaper, Santos) have a seriously complex, codependent relationship fraught with agonizingly raw emotions and a whole lotta sp!cy chemistry. They are drawn to each other's brokenness and yearn for their individual darkness and shared crepuscule. Neither feels capable of being honest or vulnerable with the other. This leads to lots of emotional manipulation and hurt feelings. However, as we began peeling back their layers of trauma and mental illness, it became clear that both Gemma and Grim were living in survival mode, unable to move past their demons. Each lived their life as a puppet to another and needed to learn self-compassion so they could embrace who they were meant to grow into.
Another reviewer stated it perfectly: "This story doesn't shy away from darkness -- it leans into it, then dares the characters to survive it together."
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because the twist / problem towards the end of the book (80-85% mark?) popped up very quickly. The issue / situation was not thoroughly explored, nor was not technically resolved, so the HEA felt sketchy at best. But perhaps that is intentional so the author can come back to this series in the future and add additional books, if she so chooses?
Overall, Savage Sanctuary is a dark, twisted, and unforgettable romance that I thoroughly enjoyed, but definitely gave me the occasional pause. Your mental health is important. Read the CWs! This story won't be for everyone. A huge thank you to Mary Catherine Gebhard and The Smuthood for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
The author's authentic and vulnerable note at the end of the book brought tears to my eyes. As a person who has struggled deeply with suicidal ideation and attempts, I related on a personal level with the way MCG wrote such raw and deeply hurting MCs. I have looked into a future that seemed bleak and wanted to just end the chaos inside my head. I appreciate the way MCG brought those dark thoughts into the light and did not shy away from them. Talking about these messy and "forbidden" thoughts helps normalize the pain so many people struggle with. I am so grateful that when MCG was struggling, she was able to find her way back into the light and provide us with this story. I think it has the power to inspire others to keep trudging along until they, too, can hopefully find their way forward. If you or someone you love is struggling, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Please reach out for help. The world needs you. Call 988 (USA) or visit 988lifeline.org to text or chat.
Great Dedication:
"For the girls who wished the monster under the bed would eat them."
Quotes I Loved:
"I dreamed of someone who would see inside me and not shrivel in disgust. Who would pick whatever roses bloomed in my shadows, because they loved the pain my thorns brought."
"Because I don't just love you... You live in my bones, in my marrow. ... A thousand years from now when my bones have dissolved into the soil, when I'm nothing but dust and ashes, the earth will still feed on my love for you."
"This tattoo doesn't mean I own you, it means you own me. Your safety, your well-being, your life, are all mine to keep safe. If you want something, I'll give it to you before you have to ask. You will always have a home here. We are your family. They will protect you from anything, even me. You will never be alone."
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: first person, alternating
HEA: yes, for now
Cliffhanger: no
Tropes: dark romance, debt / contract, redemption arc, good girl / bad boy, touch her and d*e (literally), it was always you, anti-hero, forbidden relationship, found family, emotional trauma, slow burn
Series / Standalone: standalone in an interconnected series
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
Check the content warnings because the author dives DEEPLY into some heavy themes that could be triggering for some folx. Be aware: Parts of my review will discuss these themes, so if that feels like a spoiler for you -- read at your own risk. Personally I do not think I disclose any plot twists and if you have already read the TW list then nothing below should be "new" to you.
REVIEW: Savage Sanctuary by Mary Catherine Gebhard is book five in the Crowne Point series. It is a DARK, high angst, foreboding, character-driven story that explores soul-binding contracts through a forbidden romance.
MCG's writing is hauntingly beautiful and brutal in equal measures. Her characters are messy, imperfect, and surprisingly relatable (minus their penchant for vi0lence and bl00d.) MCG does a great job ratcheting up the tension and creating an intoxicating desire to see what comes next. There were times when I literally thought I would suffocate from the knee deep tension. The plot flowed at an enticing pace and kept me turning the pages long after I should've gone to sleep.
Gemma's story is tragic in the most privileged sense. She appears to have a perfect life from the outside, but feels trapped in friendships that are shallow, deceptive and ugly. She feels as if she is dying on the inside and is continuously self-destructive. Her depressive moods and anxious thoughts are present throughout the entire book. Su!cidal thoughts and tendencies are explored.
Grim is a feral, morally gray and obsessively protective MMC, who is also supposedly aloof about his connection to Gemma. His push and pull with Gemma is frustrating and confusing since we don't learn many specifics about him until well into the second half of the story. When pieces of the puzzle are slowly revealed, his character's quirks and behavior makes much more sense and he finally becomes likable.
Gemma Crowne and Grim (aka Reaper, Santos) have a seriously complex, codependent relationship fraught with agonizingly raw emotions and a whole lotta sp!cy chemistry. They are drawn to each other's brokenness and yearn for their individual darkness and shared crepuscule. Neither feels capable of being honest or vulnerable with the other. This leads to lots of emotional manipulation and hurt feelings. However, as we began peeling back their layers of trauma and mental illness, it became clear that both Gemma and Grim were living in survival mode, unable to move past their demons. Each lived their life as a puppet to another and needed to learn self-compassion so they could embrace who they were meant to grow into.
Another reviewer stated it perfectly: "This story doesn't shy away from darkness -- it leans into it, then dares the characters to survive it together."
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because the twist / problem towards the end of the book (80-85% mark?) popped up very quickly. The issue / situation was not thoroughly explored, nor was not technically resolved, so the HEA felt sketchy at best. But perhaps that is intentional so the author can come back to this series in the future and add additional books, if she so chooses?
Overall, Savage Sanctuary is a dark, twisted, and unforgettable romance that I thoroughly enjoyed, but definitely gave me the occasional pause. Your mental health is important. Read the CWs! This story won't be for everyone. A huge thank you to Mary Catherine Gebhard and The Smuthood for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
The author's authentic and vulnerable note at the end of the book brought tears to my eyes. As a person who has struggled deeply with suicidal ideation and attempts, I related on a personal level with the way MCG wrote such raw and deeply hurting MCs. I have looked into a future that seemed bleak and wanted to just end the chaos inside my head. I appreciate the way MCG brought those dark thoughts into the light and did not shy away from them. Talking about these messy and "forbidden" thoughts helps normalize the pain so many people struggle with. I am so grateful that when MCG was struggling, she was able to find her way back into the light and provide us with this story. I think it has the power to inspire others to keep trudging along until they, too, can hopefully find their way forward. If you or someone you love is struggling, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Please reach out for help. The world needs you. Call 988 (USA) or visit 988lifeline.org to text or chat.
Great Dedication:
"For the girls who wished the monster under the bed would eat them."
Quotes I Loved:
"I dreamed of someone who would see inside me and not shrivel in disgust. Who would pick whatever roses bloomed in my shadows, because they loved the pain my thorns brought."
"Because I don't just love you... You live in my bones, in my marrow. ... A thousand years from now when my bones have dissolved into the soil, when I'm nothing but dust and ashes, the earth will still feed on my love for you."
"This tattoo doesn't mean I own you, it means you own me. Your safety, your well-being, your life, are all mine to keep safe. If you want something, I'll give it to you before you have to ask. You will always have a home here. We are your family. They will protect you from anything, even me. You will never be alone."
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: first person, alternating
HEA: yes, for now
Cliffhanger: no
Tropes: dark romance, debt / contract, redemption arc, good girl / bad boy, touch her and d*e (literally), it was always you, anti-hero, forbidden relationship, found family, emotional trauma, slow burn
Series / Standalone: standalone in an interconnected series
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
Want to read
October 12, 2021If this is a preview i get in Destroyed Destiny I cant wait!!
“Someone once told me the villain and the princess have a relationship too, even if it’s unwanted. Is he your villain? Or your hero?” Gemma captured her plump lower lip between her top two teeth, brow furrowing. “He’s both.”
“Someone once told me the villain and the princess have a relationship too, even if it’s unwanted. Is he your villain? Or your hero?” Gemma captured her plump lower lip between her top two teeth, brow furrowing. “He’s both.”
December 11, 2020
Still recovering from Gray & Story... but hey ! Count me in !! #Gremma
Review of advance copy received from Author
Savage Sanctuary wrecked me in the quiet, devastating way only Mary Catherine Gebhard can manage. And losing her talents for the last 6 years made me ravenous for this one. Still, after such a long time out from publishing, I was a little apprehensive. Would I love her words as much as I once had? Would I be as completely entrapped as before?
Let’s set that record straight right off the bat. Mary Catherine Gebhard writing is still razor-sharp—it’s brutal yet beautiful, and unapologetically deep and intimate. Every line feels deliberate, every emotion deeply felt for both me and her characters. Grim and Gemma aren’t a soft romance; they’re a collision. A contract forged in blood and obsession. A love that doesn’t ask permission and sure as hell doesn’t play fair.
Gemma is one of those heroines who sneaks up on you. Beneath the polished princess exterior is a woman splintering under expectation, control, and loneliness. And watching her slowly reclaim herself is just as powerful as the romance itself. Grim, on the other hand, is dark devotion incarnate. He's possessive, protective, and painfully loyal. He doesn’t just love Gemma. He belongs to her in the most feral, ruinous way.
The tension between them is thick, emotional, and intoxicating. Their back and forth had my heart in a vise, and it was getting tougher and tougher to draw a full breath. Until suddenly, they ignited. This is slow-burn desire sharpened by debt, power, and inevitability. And when the heat finally breaks? It’s raw. It’s deliberate. Intimate in a way that cuts deep. It’s never gratuitous, always purposeful, an all-around signature style that MCG executes gloriously. Every touch feels like a promise and a threat all at once.
What really elevates Savage Sanctuary is the atmosphere. Crowne Point still hums with danger and loyalty; the kind that demands blood, silence, and absolute devotion… until it doesn’t. Where allegiance is sacred, and betrayal is inevitable. Yet the Horsemen add a found-family edge that contrasts beautifully with Gemma’s isolation. But make no mistake, these are not the boys next door. The danger they radiate is ever-present, a constant undercurrent that shadows every interaction. This story doesn’t shy away from darkness—it leans into it, then dares the characters to survive it together.
Mary Catherine Gebhard doesn’t write safe love stories. She writes the kind that linger. The kind that leaves marks. And she absolutely deserves a round of applause because Savage Sanctuary is her best work yet.
And yes—I’m already clearing my schedule to reread the entire Crowne Point series, because Grim and Gemma deserve to be felt all over again.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (intense, intimate, emotionally charged rather than nonstop explicit yet still five-alarm fire scorching)
Quotes that live in my soul:
Genre:
🖤 Dark Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Themes:
🖤 Contract/Indebted romance
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Saved by the monster
🖤 Spoiled heiress/bad boy
🖤 Possessive MC
🖤 Saved by the monster
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Interconnected standalone
Let’s set that record straight right off the bat. Mary Catherine Gebhard writing is still razor-sharp—it’s brutal yet beautiful, and unapologetically deep and intimate. Every line feels deliberate, every emotion deeply felt for both me and her characters. Grim and Gemma aren’t a soft romance; they’re a collision. A contract forged in blood and obsession. A love that doesn’t ask permission and sure as hell doesn’t play fair.
Gemma is one of those heroines who sneaks up on you. Beneath the polished princess exterior is a woman splintering under expectation, control, and loneliness. And watching her slowly reclaim herself is just as powerful as the romance itself. Grim, on the other hand, is dark devotion incarnate. He's possessive, protective, and painfully loyal. He doesn’t just love Gemma. He belongs to her in the most feral, ruinous way.
The tension between them is thick, emotional, and intoxicating. Their back and forth had my heart in a vise, and it was getting tougher and tougher to draw a full breath. Until suddenly, they ignited. This is slow-burn desire sharpened by debt, power, and inevitability. And when the heat finally breaks? It’s raw. It’s deliberate. Intimate in a way that cuts deep. It’s never gratuitous, always purposeful, an all-around signature style that MCG executes gloriously. Every touch feels like a promise and a threat all at once.
What really elevates Savage Sanctuary is the atmosphere. Crowne Point still hums with danger and loyalty; the kind that demands blood, silence, and absolute devotion… until it doesn’t. Where allegiance is sacred, and betrayal is inevitable. Yet the Horsemen add a found-family edge that contrasts beautifully with Gemma’s isolation. But make no mistake, these are not the boys next door. The danger they radiate is ever-present, a constant undercurrent that shadows every interaction. This story doesn’t shy away from darkness—it leans into it, then dares the characters to survive it together.
Mary Catherine Gebhard doesn’t write safe love stories. She writes the kind that linger. The kind that leaves marks. And she absolutely deserves a round of applause because Savage Sanctuary is her best work yet.
And yes—I’m already clearing my schedule to reread the entire Crowne Point series, because Grim and Gemma deserve to be felt all over again.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (intense, intimate, emotionally charged rather than nonstop explicit yet still five-alarm fire scorching)
Quotes that live in my soul:
Genre:
🖤 Dark Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Themes:
🖤 Contract/Indebted romance
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Saved by the monster
🖤 Spoiled heiress/bad boy
🖤 Possessive MC
🖤 Saved by the monster
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Interconnected standalone
January 28, 2026
This book was good. I think it could've been a 4 star for me.. but not gonna lie. I was completely lost for the first 12-ish chapters.. or more. When we meet the FMC, Gemma, she's already in a contract with the MMC, Grim, they're already weirdly infatuated with each other, and they already have this whole backstory we don't know about, but it's written as if we should know their relationship during the last 5 years.
I understand this is the 5th book in the series, so I did a little research to see if I needed to read any of the prior books. The first book is about FMC's sister. Her story is briefly mentioned by Gemma. The next 3 books are about her brother, which is also summarized. OK, got it. I didn't read these earlier books- I didn't think I needed to, but maybe you do need to because like I said.. I felt like I was missing so much of the story between the two MCs...
We do get a flashback eventually to 5 years ago when Gemma and Grim meet, when he stops her from doing something, and she's indebted to him, but we still don't exactly know the terms of the contract, which is revealed a little later, and we don't get too much of that part of the story either. I was really bummed out that we didn't get more of it, that we didn't get the actual start for the two of them. It was such a tragic and emotional moment that even it is mentioned later in the book, I don't think it hit as hard as it could've, had it been the prologue or the book had been written in chronological order. I felt a little cheated out of what I can only imagine would've been a great backstory.
That said... The way Gemma's mental health is described at the beginning, and all her substance abuse issues, were written really well; her lack of caring about what happens to her, her attracting monsters on purpose, etc. As the book progresses, we get to see some of her growth and healing, and her mindset changes along the way. It evolves in an organic way on the pages.
The MMC- he was full of mystery and I honestly kept waiting for the storyline to reveal some paranormal or supernatrual plot twist.. I wanted that so badly. He is part of the 4 Horsemen, a feared, idolized leader of a club with 3 of his friends. And that's about as much as we know lol. Even though his POV provided some insight into his obsession with Gemma, we still didn't get too much details. I did love the way his friends were ride or die and were down to take care of and protect Gemma even though she was only Grim's. Love that camaraderie.
The contract between them didn't really make sense to me.. I got the why- why he did it, why she let him.. It was like this secret the whole book but when it came out, I didn't get why anyone knew, why it affected the situations with the Horsemen and all that.. I also didn't understand why the tattoos were a big deal or whatever. That wasn't explained well.
As I said, this book was good, but it could've been so much better, and I think it could've been so much darker too, had we gotten the full story start to finish.
Thanks to the author for providing the e-arc for my honest review.. I may have to go check out Grayson's story because... 3 books... haha Maybe I'll get more Grim.
I understand this is the 5th book in the series, so I did a little research to see if I needed to read any of the prior books. The first book is about FMC's sister. Her story is briefly mentioned by Gemma. The next 3 books are about her brother, which is also summarized. OK, got it. I didn't read these earlier books- I didn't think I needed to, but maybe you do need to because like I said.. I felt like I was missing so much of the story between the two MCs...
We do get a flashback eventually to 5 years ago when Gemma and Grim meet, when he stops her from doing something, and she's indebted to him, but we still don't exactly know the terms of the contract, which is revealed a little later, and we don't get too much of that part of the story either. I was really bummed out that we didn't get more of it, that we didn't get the actual start for the two of them. It was such a tragic and emotional moment that even it is mentioned later in the book, I don't think it hit as hard as it could've, had it been the prologue or the book had been written in chronological order. I felt a little cheated out of what I can only imagine would've been a great backstory.
That said... The way Gemma's mental health is described at the beginning, and all her substance abuse issues, were written really well; her lack of caring about what happens to her, her attracting monsters on purpose, etc. As the book progresses, we get to see some of her growth and healing, and her mindset changes along the way. It evolves in an organic way on the pages.
The MMC- he was full of mystery and I honestly kept waiting for the storyline to reveal some paranormal or supernatrual plot twist.. I wanted that so badly. He is part of the 4 Horsemen, a feared, idolized leader of a club with 3 of his friends. And that's about as much as we know lol. Even though his POV provided some insight into his obsession with Gemma, we still didn't get too much details. I did love the way his friends were ride or die and were down to take care of and protect Gemma even though she was only Grim's. Love that camaraderie.
The contract between them didn't really make sense to me.. I got the why- why he did it, why she let him.. It was like this secret the whole book but when it came out, I didn't get why anyone knew, why it affected the situations with the Horsemen and all that.. I also didn't understand why the tattoos were a big deal or whatever. That wasn't explained well.
As I said, this book was good, but it could've been so much better, and I think it could've been so much darker too, had we gotten the full story start to finish.
Thanks to the author for providing the e-arc for my honest review.. I may have to go check out Grayson's story because... 3 books... haha Maybe I'll get more Grim.
January 27, 2026
When I’m nothing but dust and ashes, the earth will still feed on my love for you. ~ Grim
I have been agonizing over how to write my review. There is so much I would like to unpack but I also don’t want to spoil it by giving too much away. I was thrilled to be chosen as an ARC reader for “Savage Sanctuary.” I devoured the book in the matter of about 36 hours then returned to read it a second time as I was sure I had missed various nuances.
At first blush, Gemma is a spoiled atypical American elitist, she appears to think she is better than others and can do anything she wants and get away with it. But as we get to know her, really know her, throughout the novel we can see that she is anything but the typical American elitist. She is the product of her mothers games of chess and the world around her. Although Gemma wears the mask of the American socialite, behind closed doors, when she is being herself, we see that she wears a mask that has been put upon her by a mother who is desperate to retain a foothold in a society that cares nothing for the people but cares only for the appearances.
As her character develops we see that Gemma is desperate to get away from the mediocrity of modern American social elitism. Although she is a strong independent woman, she craves someone to take the lead and save her from herself. Enter Grim. Although not really because Grim was there long before Gemma is out of control and craving peace, he’s been there watching, waiting, loving her in his own way, Protecting her from herself by way of the contract she agreed to years before, The contract you ask? Well, you will have to read it to learn about it.
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, sometimes we need someone else to save us from ourselves, and sometimes the very destruction we crave is what gives us life. I laughed, I cried, I told everyone I knew about this novel and how Gemma reminded me of not only myself, but every woman I’ve ever met who felt like she had to wear a mask to be loved.
There is spice, there is danger, a little destruction and an OTT MMC who gave “touch her and d*e vibes” while also giving the FMC space to figure herself out and come to terms with her need to submit and let someone else care for her. I’m looking forward to the next for our functionally dysfunctional young adults from Crowne Point.
I have been agonizing over how to write my review. There is so much I would like to unpack but I also don’t want to spoil it by giving too much away. I was thrilled to be chosen as an ARC reader for “Savage Sanctuary.” I devoured the book in the matter of about 36 hours then returned to read it a second time as I was sure I had missed various nuances.
At first blush, Gemma is a spoiled atypical American elitist, she appears to think she is better than others and can do anything she wants and get away with it. But as we get to know her, really know her, throughout the novel we can see that she is anything but the typical American elitist. She is the product of her mothers games of chess and the world around her. Although Gemma wears the mask of the American socialite, behind closed doors, when she is being herself, we see that she wears a mask that has been put upon her by a mother who is desperate to retain a foothold in a society that cares nothing for the people but cares only for the appearances.
As her character develops we see that Gemma is desperate to get away from the mediocrity of modern American social elitism. Although she is a strong independent woman, she craves someone to take the lead and save her from herself. Enter Grim. Although not really because Grim was there long before Gemma is out of control and craving peace, he’s been there watching, waiting, loving her in his own way, Protecting her from herself by way of the contract she agreed to years before, The contract you ask? Well, you will have to read it to learn about it.
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, sometimes we need someone else to save us from ourselves, and sometimes the very destruction we crave is what gives us life. I laughed, I cried, I told everyone I knew about this novel and how Gemma reminded me of not only myself, but every woman I’ve ever met who felt like she had to wear a mask to be loved.
There is spice, there is danger, a little destruction and an OTT MMC who gave “touch her and d*e vibes” while also giving the FMC space to figure herself out and come to terms with her need to submit and let someone else care for her. I’m looking forward to the next for our functionally dysfunctional young adults from Crowne Point.
February 3, 2026
ARC Review
4.5 ⭐ 3.4 🌶️
Going with the flow is supposed to make your life easier isn't it? You're supposed to follow along and be the flawless perfect daughter, with the plastic smile that everyone loves to hate. But what happens when the cracks won't stop growing and the darkness just keeps bleeding? When you can't keep it in and all you can think about is what would happen if you just didn't have to THINK anymore? The second time I met Grim, he took that option away from me. Now I am indebted to him, and the only way out is to give back what he took from me. But how do you survive the King of the Underworld? And do I want to?
This book was the perfect definition of a Dark Romance. I love all triggers so I was a go, but if you have triggers check into them before you venture in, because as always, You do matter! 🤍
"Rich Girl" Gemma is a mixture of contradictions for me. In some ways I don't like her, but I understand why she is the way she is and why she does the things that she does. It's not her mental struggles that make me feel the way I feel about her, and I do understand that is part of what makes her act the way that she does, and the MAJOR part is the toxicity that she surrounds herself with.
The Four Horsemen are a dangerous lot for sure, dedicated to eachother and doing what they have to to protect each other... But Grim has one weakness, and she happens to be America's Princess. But he will protect her at all costs, even from herself. Especially from herself. But she sure is making it hard on him. And his brothers are starting to notice.
I am going to go back and read Mary's past work because there are things brought up in the book that I hope are in her previous books as it would really be sad if the mentioned stories aren't dug deeper into! This one was just everything I needed. Gritty, suspenseful, possessive, spicy... With a found family and acceptance of who you are as you are. I cannot wait until the next one comes!
Thank you so much to Mary for letting me into her World and to The Smuthood for the ARC 🥰
4.5 ⭐ 3.4 🌶️
Going with the flow is supposed to make your life easier isn't it? You're supposed to follow along and be the flawless perfect daughter, with the plastic smile that everyone loves to hate. But what happens when the cracks won't stop growing and the darkness just keeps bleeding? When you can't keep it in and all you can think about is what would happen if you just didn't have to THINK anymore? The second time I met Grim, he took that option away from me. Now I am indebted to him, and the only way out is to give back what he took from me. But how do you survive the King of the Underworld? And do I want to?
This book was the perfect definition of a Dark Romance. I love all triggers so I was a go, but if you have triggers check into them before you venture in, because as always, You do matter! 🤍
"Rich Girl" Gemma is a mixture of contradictions for me. In some ways I don't like her, but I understand why she is the way she is and why she does the things that she does. It's not her mental struggles that make me feel the way I feel about her, and I do understand that is part of what makes her act the way that she does, and the MAJOR part is the toxicity that she surrounds herself with.
The Four Horsemen are a dangerous lot for sure, dedicated to eachother and doing what they have to to protect each other... But Grim has one weakness, and she happens to be America's Princess. But he will protect her at all costs, even from herself. Especially from herself. But she sure is making it hard on him. And his brothers are starting to notice.
I am going to go back and read Mary's past work because there are things brought up in the book that I hope are in her previous books as it would really be sad if the mentioned stories aren't dug deeper into! This one was just everything I needed. Gritty, suspenseful, possessive, spicy... With a found family and acceptance of who you are as you are. I cannot wait until the next one comes!
Thank you so much to Mary for letting me into her World and to The Smuthood for the ARC 🥰
February 7, 2026
Am I the reason you’re condemned?
Enraptured. Feral. Gorgeous. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. It was consuming. I felt everything. I was immersed. I wanted to be a part of that world. Darkness versus light. Beautiful. Stunning. What you are born into, and expected to be, is not always who you are. “I just bought you time.’ ‘You gave me a few pomegranate seeds…”
The way that Grim literally shares her pain with her had me salivating. It was more than just being together. Their existences were intertwined. There was no ending or beginning between them. No question of when or if, merely how. They are one being. “…wore her husband’s petrified heart as a necklace. I don’t think there’s anything more romantic.”
I loved the way that Grim helped Gemma become her own. It’s who she always was though. She fought for it. She took the final step. All he did was show her there was another path. Gemma carved out a piece of her own life. She chose differently than her siblings and mother, but she still chose freedom. The guts on this girl are too notch. “This diamond was seeded with my blood, grown just for you. I’d cut my heart out if you asked, but maybe this will work for now. My heart is yours, my blood is yours. Always.“
I would absolutely die for any art from this story! Wholly ethereal! As beautiful as great classic gothic literature. Northanger Abbey for the modern world. “My favorite was the story of Psyche and Eros. It wasn’t as famous as some, like Hades and Persephone. But it…stuck with me. Eros was supposed to kill Psyche, but instead he fell in love with her.”
I need more of the Horsemen!!! Please give me Lock & Zaddy, Raze & Blaire, plus Wraith & Kennedy! I need to have a story for all of the Horsemen. I will definitely be reading many more works of this author in the very near future. I need to consume it all!
Suggested reading order to date:
1. Heartless Hero
2. Stolen Soulmate
3. Forbidden Fate
4. Destroyed Destiny
5. Savage Sanctuary
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Enraptured. Feral. Gorgeous. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. It was consuming. I felt everything. I was immersed. I wanted to be a part of that world. Darkness versus light. Beautiful. Stunning. What you are born into, and expected to be, is not always who you are. “I just bought you time.’ ‘You gave me a few pomegranate seeds…”
The way that Grim literally shares her pain with her had me salivating. It was more than just being together. Their existences were intertwined. There was no ending or beginning between them. No question of when or if, merely how. They are one being. “…wore her husband’s petrified heart as a necklace. I don’t think there’s anything more romantic.”
I loved the way that Grim helped Gemma become her own. It’s who she always was though. She fought for it. She took the final step. All he did was show her there was another path. Gemma carved out a piece of her own life. She chose differently than her siblings and mother, but she still chose freedom. The guts on this girl are too notch. “This diamond was seeded with my blood, grown just for you. I’d cut my heart out if you asked, but maybe this will work for now. My heart is yours, my blood is yours. Always.“
I would absolutely die for any art from this story! Wholly ethereal! As beautiful as great classic gothic literature. Northanger Abbey for the modern world. “My favorite was the story of Psyche and Eros. It wasn’t as famous as some, like Hades and Persephone. But it…stuck with me. Eros was supposed to kill Psyche, but instead he fell in love with her.”
I need more of the Horsemen!!! Please give me Lock & Zaddy, Raze & Blaire, plus Wraith & Kennedy! I need to have a story for all of the Horsemen. I will definitely be reading many more works of this author in the very near future. I need to consume it all!
Suggested reading order to date:
1. Heartless Hero
2. Stolen Soulmate
3. Forbidden Fate
4. Destroyed Destiny
5. Savage Sanctuary
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh how I missed Mary Catherine Gebhard's writing! Savage Sanctuary is exactly like the title. It's full of savage emotions and it's a sanctuary of angst. America's sweetheart and the king of Crowne Point's underworld shouldn't be even mentioned in one sentence, let alone have a happily ever after. But they are soulmates in the most twisted, unhinged, epic, heartbreaking way. The author decimated my heart and I am here for the torture. The writing is brutally honest and heartaching to the extreme. It's a mess of power plays, mind games, forbidden love and filthy passion. And I cannot have enough of it.
Contract / Indebted romance
Forbidden romance
Second Chance
Saved by the monster
Spoiled heiress/bad boy
Possessive MC
Saved by the monster
Touch her and die
Everyone wants to be Gemma Crowne. Beautiful. Rich. Popular. But no one sees her broken soul. No one knows that she is just one step away from destroying herself. No one can understand how she is killing herself slowly trying to be the perfect princess. The constant scrutiny, the family scandals, the depression. Its too much. Until Grim, one of the four Horsemen, forces her into a contract. Oh how crooked and tortured and broken this love is. He runs the criminal kingdom with his friends but he also wants to get out of the evil puppeteer's control. And for Gemma, he chose to stay. He owns her. She is indebted to her. And a contract with any Horseman is for forever. Her heart, her body, her soul, her life..all belong to him. He shows disdain and indifference but he is actually obsessed and crazy for her. Gemma thought she couldn't ever get under the dark King's skin but she was there from the beginning. In her world, every step is a plan. She had to play the mastermind. This is the kind of love story that thrives in darkness and choas. Gemma didn’t want the pretty perfect world. She wanted honest love and raw passion and true allegiance. Did she imagine Grim would give it? No. But Grim is the only one who ever saw her less than perfect side and worshipped her. He loves the sassy and fiery Gemma beyond the perfect mask. I love the suspense and action packed vibes enhancing the love story. I cannot wait to go back to Crowne Point.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Contract / Indebted romance
Forbidden romance
Second Chance
Saved by the monster
Spoiled heiress/bad boy
Possessive MC
Saved by the monster
Touch her and die
Everyone wants to be Gemma Crowne. Beautiful. Rich. Popular. But no one sees her broken soul. No one knows that she is just one step away from destroying herself. No one can understand how she is killing herself slowly trying to be the perfect princess. The constant scrutiny, the family scandals, the depression. Its too much. Until Grim, one of the four Horsemen, forces her into a contract. Oh how crooked and tortured and broken this love is. He runs the criminal kingdom with his friends but he also wants to get out of the evil puppeteer's control. And for Gemma, he chose to stay. He owns her. She is indebted to her. And a contract with any Horseman is for forever. Her heart, her body, her soul, her life..all belong to him. He shows disdain and indifference but he is actually obsessed and crazy for her. Gemma thought she couldn't ever get under the dark King's skin but she was there from the beginning. In her world, every step is a plan. She had to play the mastermind. This is the kind of love story that thrives in darkness and choas. Gemma didn’t want the pretty perfect world. She wanted honest love and raw passion and true allegiance. Did she imagine Grim would give it? No. But Grim is the only one who ever saw her less than perfect side and worshipped her. He loves the sassy and fiery Gemma beyond the perfect mask. I love the suspense and action packed vibes enhancing the love story. I cannot wait to go back to Crowne Point.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
January 29, 2026
“a thousand years from now when my bones have dissolved into the soil, when i’m nothing but dust and ashes, the earth will still feed on my love for you.”
5🪽🪽🪽🪽🪽
story and grayson were the reason i fell in love with mcg’s writing in the first place, so coming back to crowne point after six years felt personal. SIX. YEARS. that’s how long it’s been since we were last here, and somehow savage sanctuary feels like coming home. this book carries the weight of the wait. you can feel the patience, the restraint, the intention behind every chapter. crowne point hasn’t softened. neither has the writing. it’s still heavy, intimate, and completely unapologetic about the kind of story it’s telling.
gemma. OH I LOVE THIS GIRL SO MUCH. she is exactly the kind of heroine i will always love: misunderstood, judged, dismissed as shallow when she’s anything but. she wears the perfect mask because she was taught to survive that way, not because she’s empty underneath. watching her peel back those layers. all the loneliness, the pressure, the quiet desperation to stop performing hit hard. she doesn’t need saving because she’s weak. she needs space to exist as herself. grim understands that in the only way he knows how: by watching, waiting, protecting from the edges, and loving her in a way that’s dark, possessive, and absolute.
nothing about their relationship is easy or fair, and that’s what makes it work. the burn is suffocating in the best way. the dynamic is filled with heavy tension, loaded looks, and words that cut deeper than touch.
this book lingered with me. it reminded me why crowne point left a mark all those years ago and why mcg’s stories still feel intimate. the wait was brutal but this was worth every second.
tropes:
standalone • debt/contract romance • enemies to lovers • saved by the monster • rich girl/bad boy • forbidden/taboo • touch her and die • a teeny bit of second chance
5🪽🪽🪽🪽🪽
story and grayson were the reason i fell in love with mcg’s writing in the first place, so coming back to crowne point after six years felt personal. SIX. YEARS. that’s how long it’s been since we were last here, and somehow savage sanctuary feels like coming home. this book carries the weight of the wait. you can feel the patience, the restraint, the intention behind every chapter. crowne point hasn’t softened. neither has the writing. it’s still heavy, intimate, and completely unapologetic about the kind of story it’s telling.
gemma. OH I LOVE THIS GIRL SO MUCH. she is exactly the kind of heroine i will always love: misunderstood, judged, dismissed as shallow when she’s anything but. she wears the perfect mask because she was taught to survive that way, not because she’s empty underneath. watching her peel back those layers. all the loneliness, the pressure, the quiet desperation to stop performing hit hard. she doesn’t need saving because she’s weak. she needs space to exist as herself. grim understands that in the only way he knows how: by watching, waiting, protecting from the edges, and loving her in a way that’s dark, possessive, and absolute.
nothing about their relationship is easy or fair, and that’s what makes it work. the burn is suffocating in the best way. the dynamic is filled with heavy tension, loaded looks, and words that cut deeper than touch.
this book lingered with me. it reminded me why crowne point left a mark all those years ago and why mcg’s stories still feel intimate. the wait was brutal but this was worth every second.
tropes:
standalone • debt/contract romance • enemies to lovers • saved by the monster • rich girl/bad boy • forbidden/taboo • touch her and die • a teeny bit of second chance
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews