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Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.
The mantra is good enough for the Marines; it’s good enough for me.

Improvise... Near the top of the world, I fight for my life against my opponent, Sebastian Stark. He has the upper hand in strength, but I have the cunning to turn the tables on him. I battle the elements, my demons, and him until Stark and I manage to strike a deal to ensure freedom for us both—and the women we love.

Adapt... Being alone comes naturally to me. I’ve spent most of my life alone. Sharing my experiences, opening up to another human being, developing a relationship—all these things are foreign to me. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even meant to be.

Overcome... I’ve been away from Lia for far too long, yet I still have commitments I must keep. When I make my way home, I will tell her I have decided to end the life I have led and move on to become the man she needs. I can overcome my demons; I must. But will Lia be willing to wait?

91 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2015

15 people are currently reading
686 people want to read

About the author

Shay Savage

44 books3,798 followers
Shay Savage is an independent author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. Her hobbies include off-roading in her big, yellow Jeep, science fiction in all forms, and soccer. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”

Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!

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5 stars
122 (26%)
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185 (40%)
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93 (20%)
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32 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️.
1,045 reviews1,535 followers
May 18, 2015

4.5 Stars!

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Isolated (Evan Arden #4)
is a quickie novella giving us "Evan's side of the story" from the events of Bastian's Storm. . Do not read this book before Bastian's Storm. They're different series but a reader would be clueless diving into this book after simply reading Evan Arden #3.


It's been quite some time since I've read Bastian's Storm . I read this in prep for the copy of Irrevocable I'm slated to read this week. I'm SO glad I read this novella. It put me back into this storyline hook-line-and-sinker. One thing Shay Savage has in spades is the ability to write a suspenseful story in technicolor. It is seriously like a movie in my head. I know that sounds corny but I don't get that from all my suspenseful reads. Her anti-heroes are not "good people" yet they're tortured men you just just want to fix- make it all better.


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So, here we get Evan Arden's POV. What were his thoughts during those final hours of the tournament on the mountain? How did he fare after he and Bastian parted ways? What did he claw, stumble and struggle to finally come home to? Will he finally be free from the Chicago crime family? Will his PTSD gradually wane after finally being away from crime and in love with Lia?


I started my reading of Shay Savage books with Surviving Raine. Since that time, I've been hooked. He writing draws me in and I find myself up half the night trying to get to the resolution. It's sometimes gritty and highlights the not-so-great aspect of the human psyche but there's always a love story in the mix. The love of a good woman that pushes these men to try to be better. But when it's ingrained ingrained in their being, will love ever prevail? Gish I hope so. But it's a fun ride till it eventually does!


Now I'm completely mentally invested again! Moving on to Irrevocable!




For more reviews, follow us at...

Profile Image for S.M. West.
Author 38 books1,242 followers
May 1, 2015
4.5 EVAN STARS

Thanks Shay for this wonderful gem!! Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I really wanted to have both POVs for the tournament that pit two of my book boyfriends against each other and here it is!

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This novella is in Evan's POV of how he gets out of the nasty spot he's in...


and what happens next. Fucking awesome how not too far in Shay drops a bomb


that totally explains my attraction to these two men and I never saw it coming. Had me contemplating a few things in both Bastian's books/POV and Evan's.



Shay, I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're brilliant.

Evan's story was so him and so...


I thought I knew how'd it pan out based on the title and it was the case. I would have given this 5 stars but Evan did a few dick things that yes, he needed to in order to survive/cope/prepare for the tournament but it pissed me off and also reinforced the position he finds himself in . At the end, where he ends up makes sense although sad

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Shay promises more of Evan and I sure as hell hope so, it can't end like this!
Profile Image for Shay Savage.
Author 44 books3,798 followers
February 21, 2015
OK - so Evan returns on March 9th! This quick read (this is a NOVELLA, not a full-length novel) will give you Evan's account of the battle between him and Bastian at the end of Bastian's Storm and what happens after. I'm working on the next book now, so hopefully you won't have long to wait until you find out what happens next! In the meantime, hang onto your seats and your hearts...it's going to get messy.

Love y'all!

Shay Savage
Profile Image for Lucia.
755 reviews918 followers
December 3, 2016
Evan Arden is back!
(Warning: this review contains spoilers from Bastian's Storm)


"Lia gave me a reason to kill - to protect her. She also gave me a reason to live."

Have you ever wondered what happened to Evan after his unexpected truce with Bastian Stark? I have. Death match between Sebastian Stark and Evan Arden made it to my Top Book Moments of 2014 list so I was more than excited when Shay Savage decided to write this novella and continuation of Evan's story (featuring mentioned fight scene).

In my opinion, Evan Arden is Shay Savage's most spectacular creation. Whenever she writes in his POV, she nails the tone of and voice of this messed up, PTSD-suffering, ex-military and mafia hit man perfectly. There is no surprise than Isolated once again made it to my list of my favorite male POV stories.

"There's nothing but me and my thoughts - never a good combination."

I need to mention that I was surprised how angsty this novella was. I didn't expect it. I hope Mrs. Savage writes another Evan Arden's book as soon as possible and puts my mind at ease!

*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*

MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
March 4, 2017
Pre-order available!!! http://amzn.to/1E2eIKb

**Isolated takes place after Bastian’s Storm (series crossover from the Evan Arden Trilogy).**

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Only one man was supposed to walk away from this, it was either going to be Evan Arden or Sebastian Stark, but that all changes when Evan comes up with the plan. A way both men can walk away from this with their lives. A way for both men to return to the women who saved them. But for Evan, his determination to become the man he knows Lia deserves might be a little too late.

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I loved getting my hands back on Evan. God did I miss him. Having him in Bastian’s Storm just wasn’t enough for this reader. But this. Holy shit. I felt like hitting something towards the end and by the end... yeah, still wanted to hit something. And I loved every second of it. I love high angst reads and this novella was crammed full of it at the end. I cannot wait to get more Evan and to see if some of the information revealed in this novella will come into play with the next installment.

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I am a huge fan of Shay Savage and the way she delivers the male POV in her stories. I love that Evan is so screwed up and I love how he knows it, embraces it even. This novella sets up the next part of this series perfectly and there is no way anyone can walk away after reading this not wanting more.

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ARC
Profile Image for  ~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~.
1,174 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2025
4.5/5

This 4th installment to the Evan Arden Saga kept me engaged and on edge the entire time. So that's why it gets the high rating.

Evan being a complete phuck head in this one, is what cost the book that half star 🌟 though.

Like I said in my book discussion, where Evan is in this book and why, is not surprising or even all that anger inducing to me, because of what Evan has said to us repeatedly regarding this.. But I must say it was still deeply disappointing. Heartbreaking even.

Watching the aftermath of his choices is what got me wanting to hurt him a little..😠

At this point I have no idea, as always, where Evan is actually leading me to. But that doesn't stop me from taking his hand or grabbing his belt from behind and allowing him to lead the way.

I hope book 5, the final installment gives me a great sense of closure with Evan. I'm truly scared of what his final destination is going to be though..🥺

I'm heading there now..

Evan, sweetie.. I will always love you. Even defend your crazy a&&.. But right now, where you've left me? I just want to stab your nut sac with a hot 🔥 poker repeatedly and watch you squirm and beg for mercy and forgiveness.

#EvanArden💦
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews428 followers
March 9, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author's PA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ! ☆

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**Although you can read this novel as a standalone, it was actually meant to be a part of the Evan Arden Trilogy.**

I had not been aware that this book was a part of a series, and while I did understand what was generally going on, I couldn't help but feel that I was missing some tidbits of previous plot/character knowledge and therefore felt out of touch with the subject content from time to time.

That all said, Isolated was a great novel that made me gah-gah over Evan Arden. I mean, can he be any more hot, intelligent, cunning, and angst ridden?!

Evan sure goes through a lot as he exercises his demons while trying to come up with a solution that can ensure peace and tranquility for all.

But seeing as there is much disgruntlement and need for money, power, and dominance in the mix…it’s a little easier said than done.

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And Evan knows that Lia deserves better than that and he’ll do whatever it takes to ensure her safety. Even if it is, a life without him in it.

But at what cost will trying to overcome the monsters of his past allow him to pave way to his future? Will it cost him his claim to redemption and absolution? Not to mention, to hold on to his one love, Lia?

Author Shay Savage literally pulls all the punches, as I was really put on a catapult, or should I say roller coaster-- as I did not know what to expect from Evan and his plans for him and Sebastian as well as their women.

Great introduction for me into this series, even if I did start out rather late and abruptly into it! Now I need to pick up the prior three installments and catch up on what the heck was going on in the first place! lol

Kawehi
Profile Image for Elfina Renee.
611 reviews226 followers
Read
November 27, 2015
I was so happy, no thrilled to get back to Evan Arden series, so no matter what I'm giving the author her five well deserved stars. Five perfect beauties for storyline, sexy ass characters and plot steeped in violence.
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I'm doing all this now before I go on a tangent, and raise hell..so onto the review! Spoiler alert... spoiler alert, do not go any further if you haven't read the book!...........
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews739 followers
May 19, 2015
4 - "You got balls." Stars!

I am going to be honest and say that I haven't read all the Evan Arden books, in fact I have only actually read Otherwise Alone I knew this novella was Evan's viewpoint of what happened on the island when he went up against Sebastian Stark, I have read that series, and this novella basically takes up from the latter stages of that book and then follows over from there.



I didn't feel lost at any point when reading. I knew who Lia was from reading that first novella, and although Shay gives you enough information to keep you from feeling confused, she also keeps back enough detail from those books that I know when I get to the rest of the series the main parts of the stories are still for me to discover whilst i'm reading.

I want what Bastian has managed to achieve.

Isolated gives you a really great insight into Evan's mind as he takes on Bastian, and the aftermath of their battle on Mt. Windsor. I found Evan's dry personality quite funny at points, but it also gives a great insight into just how battle-scarred this guy really is. This isn't a full story, it's more of a check in, a close of one chapter. With the potential of the next chapter left temptingly open for now...



ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
Profile Image for Laura Elizabeth.
620 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2015
PISSED OFF SPOILERAGE BELOW


I was so excited for this. I was dying to know how Evan got home. We knew he did, since Franks was taken out. So when I saw the price of $2.99 for this, I thought maybe it was a full novel. After I read it I want every blessed damn penny back. This thing didn't even take an hour to read. Nothing pisses me off more than an author messing with a done and dusted HEA/HFN. The deal he makes with Bastian? ALL FOR NOTHING SINCE HE CALLS RINALDO AS SOON AS HE GETS HOME. Then he is back to square one. No Lia, hallucinating away and back to work for RINALDO.

Dear Author, you suck.
Profile Image for Shurrn.
561 reviews902 followers
October 29, 2015
I'm a lover of Even Arden.
Absolutely adore this twisted character.

That being said, Isolated was more of a transition book - overlapping the events of Bastian's Storm and presenting the reader with only small bits of new information.

Isolated was obviously a springboard to Irrevocable (Even Arden #5) which I will most certainly read, but it didn't do much for me as far as new information goes.
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
May 28, 2015

When a revelation hits you right into your face at the very beginning, you start to wonder...



then the middle came and I was like - all right, all right...we're moving, yeah!

and then towards the end...WTF? NO, NO, NO, Noooooo!!!!

"I will always love you, but it isn’t enough."

"I’m too late. She’s gone. She’s fucking gone."


the f*ck?!

and I can't help it, I'm just like this again



and then I have no words except...



and this...




“I’d stared at the papers for hours, trying to make sense of it all.”

Me too, man! Me too!


i just can't seem to calm down...

Profile Image for Victoria Paige.
Author 32 books1,043 followers
Read
March 10, 2015
What the fuck? Why? I feel like strangling Evan. Possible trigger for some . I get why he does it. But didn't we leave that behind in book 2? This also has one of my greatest pet peeves . That said, I'm invested in the characters and I want to see how things play out. However, I really want to know upfront how many more books are going to be in this series. I'd rather read a complete story no matter how many days it takes me, which is why I waited forever to read the Evan Arden trilogy in one fell swoop. And then Bastian Storm happened (although I thought that addition was brilliant), and now this. I still maintain Shay Savage writes fabulous male POV and I think Evan Arden is her best.

Profile Image for Angie **loves angst**.
270 reviews15 followers
March 11, 2015
This book hurt my heart so much. Just when I thought everything was all rainbows and flowers Shay Savage switches it all up and leaves me with a bleeding heart. Poor Evan. I truly felt his pain and struggle. In this novella we're taken back to the tournament where Bastien and Evan battled each other. Even though Ive read many books featuring these characters it's always refreshing to read more about them. There's a revelation at the beginning that left my mouth open, and the end left me panting for more. I can't wait to see where Shay takes Evan's storyline.
Highly recommended for fans of Evan and Bastien. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Toni FGMAMTC.
2,098 reviews26 followers
April 8, 2016
Excellent read! If you are a fan of the Evan Arden series or the Surviving Raine series, you will want to read this book. Shay Savage does badass man like no one else. I adore Evan's character. His mental issue is enduring to me, and his blunt, straight forward, no nonsense, no hesitation, it-is-what-it-is approach is attractive.

This novella shows Evan's POV in the tournament from Bastian's Storm and what came after. Even though some of the happenings were already given in that book, getting them from Evan's side is very different. Also a major revelation is dropped that I did not see coming.

Evan loves Lia. She is the only thing that soothes his troubled mind. He's trying to leave his world behind for her, but can he truly do it?
"You're a killer."
I swallow. I open my mouth, wanting to protest, but I can't.
"I'll...I'll change..."
I don't believe the words as I say them.

I highly recommend and cannot wait for more Evan.
4+ stars





***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***














FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Profile Image for anna.
612 reviews36 followers
March 10, 2015
Way to go, Shay Savage, and destroy my dream of a HEA for my baby boy.

It's no secret that the lady can write a mean POV from the guy's perspective and, to be honest, she must be my favourite author based on that particular aspect. Bastian and Evan (my babies), being as effed-up as they are, managed to capture my heart from the very start, each in his own book. And after Otherwise Unharmed, I had high hopes that Evan would get the rest he so needed after everything, but ooh look at that. Evan is an idiot.

You just couldn't stay away, could you, Evan? Huh? It's not that the outcome of this novella came as a surprise after Bastian's Storm, but I didn't want him to screw everything up so quickly and my heart broke for Lia, because that girl deserved the truth. I think, unlike Bastian, Evan is far too much tied up to this life he leads and of course, I expected the transition to be difficult on his part, but I couldn't take the lying. I feel for Lia, y'know, and I wanted something better for both of them. Which I hope will eventually happen in the upcoming book or books, for those characters. *cough*they better be together*cough*

Ah, that revelation about Evan and Bastian in this book! THAT REVELATION. I want more interaction, maybe, in the next book? Please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top?

I just... Too much happened in so few pages and I want to learn more about Evan's life, like right now. When will we have the next book? I do love my hunky guy's POV.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,382 reviews121 followers
May 21, 2015
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**I received an ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.**

Isolated begins with the avalanche scene at the end of Bastian's Storm. I was on the edge of my seat with that book wondering how or if Savage was going to make them both victorious. I was excited to learn we were getting Evan's pov.

Right off the bat we're shocked with some information Evan found out on Bastian during his research on his competitors. Stone cold Evan Arden doesn't let that affect him, however.

We learn how Evan got off that mountain. Very clever. And we get details of Evan's promise to Bastian. We also learn about his long, pain-filled journey home to his cabin and his Lia. Thoughts of her kept him going during the last moments of the tournament and made him eager to get home. But...how is she to know? Is he too late?

This novella was completely satisfying. Evan is a very interesting man but he definitely needs to work out his issues before can even think of being a proper boyfriend. This novella ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but Savage promises more Evan by summer. Yay!

Fans of the Evan Arden series will love this book. Well done!
Profile Image for Carmen.
841 reviews23 followers
March 9, 2015
Shay Savage's novella, Isolated picks up a story thread not fully woven in the fabric of her 2014 novel - Bastian's Storm. A deal was struck in BS between the two characters, Stark and Arden and the first two chapters of the novella re-introduces the truce to the reader, in a way, giving the story a quasi stand alone feel to it. (for the scant readers who haven't read the Surviving Raine series ) The rest of the novella focuses on Arden getting his part of the deal done. Simple you think? Not in a Savage book! Six pages into the first chapter, an unexpected plot twist is revealed which completely changes the dynamic of the story. Suddenly this story becomes more than just two killers trying to get off the island and grab their respective HEAs. Suddenly there is a layering of emotions and motives where before only two battling strangers stood.

Isolated. is a short read but Shay Savage's talent of bringing flawed, dark, anti -heroes to life shines through. in this 6 chapter gem. As with all novellas, I am left wanting more . .which Shay Savage promises to deliver. . Eventually ;D
**ARC review
Profile Image for Elissa.
8 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2015
5 star for a novella? You're damn right! Why? Because as always it is about the feelings. To be able to go inside Evan's head, which can be quite the scary place, and feel his pain, sorrow, and torment is unbelievable at times. Emotions played out for me in this novella that I have experienced in only a few full length novels. I ask myself how do I feel so compassionately about a man who has done many evil things, how do I love this character yet at the same time would fear him. But that's what makes Shay so good at what she does. She takes everything you think is wrong and makes you wonder, wonder if Evan is really the monster he shows us to be or is there a chance for Evan to find what we are all searching for? Peace, Love, Acceptance....I look forward to finding out more.
Profile Image for ~Steph K~.
418 reviews149 followers
May 4, 2015
**ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review by the girls and I at www.sizzlingpages.com **

I WANT MORE!!! I love Evan, and after getting this small dose of him again, makes me realize how much I've missed him. I'm totally hooked again, and after devouring this book I am going to be waiting on pins and needles until the rest of Evan's story plays out. Shay.... please write faster!!!

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Profile Image for Paloma .
783 reviews169 followers
March 20, 2015
whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

shay...what...it can't end like this

thank god that in the end you said theres another Evan Arden book...because this was ballocks

granted..it was interesting to see what happened after the tournament...but shitttttttttt

my poor baby

he doesn't deserve
Profile Image for Beth .
622 reviews65 followers
May 15, 2015
ON SALE $0.99!--> http://amzn.to/1A4rGZY

 evanarden teaser2



Evan Arden fans, he is back and you have to read Isolated! If you are new to these books then read the author's note:

Though I try to make each and every one of my stories a stand-alone, sometimes you just need to read the other books first. This is intended to be read AFTER Bastian's Storm, and it's definitely a plus if you have read the entire Evan Arden trilogy. That said, I've tried to incorporate enough information that you shouldn't be lost if you haven't read the other books first, but it's highly suggested. Enjoy!

(Minor Bastian's Storm spoilers ahead)
Have you been wondering how the hell Evan escaped the frozen island in the arctic circle at the end of Bastian's Storm? Well, I thought it was pretty cool how it all goes down from Evan's POV. Evan always has a contingency plan, so you never know what he has up his sleeve.

'Always have a contingency plan.'

I thought this novella was a terrific introduction to the next phase of Evan's story. He's still suffering greatly from his time as a POW. I don't see that going away, but I hope one day he can finally find peace. I'd love for Evan to eventually have a HEA. However, that's the beauty with Shay Savage's writing - you never know where she's going to take her characters.

Isolated will leave you stunned and salivating for the next book. You're not going to want it to end. I know I'm dying to find out what's in store for Evan and Lia. I also have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Bastain Stark... I hope. ;)

'I have no doubt that he'll make it despite his injuries. He's one tough bastard, and I admire him.'
Profile Image for Khaoula.
33 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2015
Oh sweet sweet misery
Evan Evan Evan, what am I suppose to say after this ...

Isolated had screwed me over, in the most luscious ways ever .
It was an intense short journey full on everything , love, lost, promises, grief, joy...

I'm unable to place my emotions on this one , it was all too consuming for me to handle, but I loved every bit of it and craved the story too deeply

It is a masterpiece, and simply pure genius !

Shay


ovation photo: Ovation tumblr_mqgdakQEJd1rrx588o1_500_zpsfd6c1fc8.gif


Shelfs :
-All-time-fav
-Gasp-worthy
-Anti-heroes
-Semi-tenebrous
-next
-Re-read-asap


Playlist :
" She's gone " by Steelheart, it's the perfect song. Believe me!
Profile Image for Elaine.
504 reviews72 followers
May 26, 2015
4 You Hit The Right Target Stars


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Shay Savage has done it again. By telling the story of what really happen with Evan and Bastian on that mountain. She has let us delve further into broken Evans mind but at the same time kept me totally engrossed with the turning of each page in this short story and keeping it fresh.

Loved the ending and hopefully a new beginning for Evan and its got me excited for
Irrevocable
Because I so want Evan to have his HEA.................
Profile Image for ~ Cariad ~.
1,926 reviews54 followers
March 12, 2015
I loved every word, on every page. Could happily read it again - just in awe of Shay Savage. Evan is the man!! I LOVE him.

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My full Sizzling Pages review...

Pre-review:
Absolutely chuffed to bits and blown away excited to be gifted this arc!!

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