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Evan Arden #1-5
Evan Arden: The Complete Boxed Set
Evan Arden isn't your average hero. In fact, he's as damaged as they come. A former Marine sniper suffering from PTSD, Evan battles his inner demons throughout his life as a hit man for the top Chicago mafia boss, Rinaldo Moretti.
Take a journey into the mind of a broken man as he tries to keep hold on his slender grasp of sanity, get his job done without getting killed, and maybe find a little peace in his life. As his mental state slowly degrades and his paranoia increases, Evan is unable to control his own actions.
From the Arizona desert to the streets of Chicago, The Evan Arden Series will constantly keep you on your toes. Evan is ruthless and merciless in all his relationships, and no one is safe as he begins to breakdown.
Take a journey into the mind of a broken man as he tries to keep hold on his slender grasp of sanity, get his job done without getting killed, and maybe find a little peace in his life. As his mental state slowly degrades and his paranoia increases, Evan is unable to control his own actions.
From the Arizona desert to the streets of Chicago, The Evan Arden Series will constantly keep you on your toes. Evan is ruthless and merciless in all his relationships, and no one is safe as he begins to breakdown.
ebook
First published November 18, 2015
49 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Shay Savage
44 books3,798 followersShay Savage is an independent author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. Her hobbies include off-roading in her big, yellow Jeep, science fiction in all forms, and soccer. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.
From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”
Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!
From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”
Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
read-when-i-am-brainless
March 1, 2017HERO IS A CHEATER CHEATING ON EVERYONE!
Not one faithful bone in his body!!!
Just noooo!
Check out Roksana's review for more information
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Not one faithful bone in his body!!!
Just noooo!
Check out Roksana's review for more information
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 5, 2015
If you've never read Evan's story, now is the perfect time! Preorder before November 18th to get it for cheap! :)
June 26, 2016
Evan Arden
I don’t really know what to say.
I’m speechless.
I’m floored. Incensed. Relieved. Overwhelmed.
I finished the series late last night and spent the rest of my sleep with jumbled up dreams of the book. I have very mixed feelings about Evan Arden and there is no way I can talk about this book to just anyone. Argh! Everything I want to say would only be understood by someone who read it because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.
This is the kind of series you really need to have a buddy to read with. You are going to want vent, scream, discuss, speculate, analyze, judge, and cry with a friend. Shay Savage pulls no punches with this book. This is not your typical romance. She may offend some people and she most definitely will shock you and surprise you. She will make you feel. Think. This series will bring out every damn emotion you have. My best advice is set aside a chunk of time for this because you're either gonna want to dnf it or be like me and not be able to put it down until every last page is turned. I highly suggest the reading order Shay has on her website. I read the Surviving Raine series first because I didn’t know the two series were connected but it would be much better to read in order...
Chronological order:
Otherwise Alone
Otherwise Occupied
Uncockblockable (optional read)
Otherwise Unharmed
Surviving Raine
Bastian's Storm
Isolated
Irrevocable
The Evan Arden series is written from his perspective, Shay Savage does an amazing job writing from the male point of view. If I didn’t know who the writer was I would definitely think a man wrote the books. Evan Arden is a hardened, war-torn man and do not go into this expecting a dreamy alpha hero to sweep you off your feet. Evan Arden could be enjoyed by male of female and I would not categorize this a romance though it does have steamy scenes and romantic elements...
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys excellent writing, action, suspense, intrigue, military, mafia, and romance genres.
Lieutenant Evan Arden is an honorably discharged Marine POW suffering from severe PTSD after being rescued from 18 months of torture in an Iraqi camp in the desert.
He is recruited for his skills as a sniper to be a hit man for Rinaldo Moretti, a Chicago mafia crime boss. Evan is very tortured by his past but very persevering and tenacious. He is also extremely perceptive, nothing hardly gets past his notice. Three things get him by and that’s his beloved Great Pyrenees dog Odin, his Barrett sniper rifle, sleeping with prostitutes to get him through his nightmare filled nights.
I don’t think I should say much more than that. You need to read it for yourself. Don’t read any spoilers. Don't expect hearts and flowers. This is gritty, this is in your face, abrasive, explicit, and extraordinary. Yes, there are things I found offensive, things I wish were written differently and even though I didn’t like how some of the storyline developed its still a 5 star read. Evan Arden and the Surviving Raine series is an epic in scope, visually cinematic and unforgettable. I was about to say unputdownable but that wouldn’t be true. There were times I had to put the book down because my emotions got the best of me. My mind needed a break. But aren’t those stories the most unique, the most memorable? Evan Arden will stay with me for a long time come.
She was everything I needed, and I was fucking poison to her.
“You’re perfect for me,” I said, “and I’m just…just bad for you.”
“You went overseas to serve in the best way you could. You led people in battle. You were willing to give up your life for someone you didn’t even know. You stayed strong in your heart, no matter what they did to your body, and never gave them any information even though it might have been easier on you if you had.”
“You’re warm,” she said as her body pressed against mine, “and you’re so smart. You’re gentle, and strong, and handsome. You’re compassionate and self-sacrificing.”
“You are perceptive,” she continued. “You always know exactly what I want and need. You’re loyal and brave. You have endured so much—far more than any one person should ever have to face—but you kept going.”
And that's all any of us can do in the wake of adversity...keep going.
April 26, 2025
I read this box set as a group buddy read in my group;
Midnight's Embrace
I rated and reviewed each book separately. Those review links are posted below.
This series was first published as just a 3-book trilogy back in 2013 when I first read it.. Author Shay Savage then decided to add two more books in 2015. Bringing this from a Trilogy to a Saga..
This year, 2025, was the first time I ever read books 4 and 5.
Book #1-
My Review
Book#2-
My Review
Book#2.5-
.
My Review
Book#3-
My Review
Book#4-
My Review
Book#5- OMFG! What a closing to a Saga!
Irrevocable
My Review
Midnight's Embrace
I rated and reviewed each book separately. Those review links are posted below.
This series was first published as just a 3-book trilogy back in 2013 when I first read it.. Author Shay Savage then decided to add two more books in 2015. Bringing this from a Trilogy to a Saga..
This year, 2025, was the first time I ever read books 4 and 5.
Book #1-
My Review
Book#2-
My Review
Book#2.5-
.My Review
Book#3-
My Review
Book#4-
My Review
Book#5- OMFG! What a closing to a Saga!
IrrevocableMy Review
April 12, 2018
Read Otherwise Alone 09/15/17 4*
Shay Savage, the queen of writing the best inner dialog! Always finding the perfect balance of moving the plot along, character building, and expectation for what the character (that would be you, Evan yumminess) will say in their head next! Bravo, dear author. Well done, dear author.
Read Otherwise Occupied 09/25/17 5*
Shay Savage, the queen of lost souls and stone cold killers. This part of Evan's journey nearly gutted me.
Read Uncockblockable 10/19/17 3*
Nick meets Melina and knows instantly she's The One.
Fun, quirky quickee (with a bit of brooding Evan sightings). I'm sure we'll be reading more about this couple in future books.
Read Otherwise Unharmed 10/21/17 5*
Everything comes full circle! Questions answered. More questions formed. Loyalties and betrayals revealed. Loss and hope (glimmers?) But I feel you might only be otherwise HFN...
See you next in Bastian's Storm...next up Surviving Raine Then I'll head back here to read Isolated.
Edited April 2018.
Completed the duet series, Surviving Raine, Sebastian Stark's books. Book one, Surviving Raine by far my fav and an unexpected delight. 5 stars worth of unrepentant F'd up assholery dickwadiness, you owned it Bastian, and survival mode perfection. Book two, Bastian's Storm, was okay. A bit drawn out. But THAT scene with Bastian and Evan on the mountain was totally worth it! 4 sentimental stars.
Read Isolated 04/09/18 4*
Short, but laden with truths about Evan. Not to be missed.
Read Irrevocable 04/12/18 5*
What can I say? I could not have predicted that Evan could ever be redeemed, because it was clear in the first few chapters the direction the author steered his journey.
“But you have to understand there are lines that can’t be crossed.”
What a ride its been! The author did not gloss over his trangressions and shortcomings, but still those barest of human actions made me want to root for Evan step of the way. You might not like how it wraps up. Evan could never put a bow on his life and call it a present. This author always evokes feelings that take me out of my comfort zone with a skilled wordsmith fashion that has me coming back time and time again.
Shay Savage, the queen of writing the best inner dialog! Always finding the perfect balance of moving the plot along, character building, and expectation for what the character (that would be you, Evan yumminess) will say in their head next! Bravo, dear author. Well done, dear author.
Read Otherwise Occupied 09/25/17 5*
Shay Savage, the queen of lost souls and stone cold killers. This part of Evan's journey nearly gutted me.
Read Uncockblockable 10/19/17 3*
Nick meets Melina and knows instantly she's The One.
Fun, quirky quickee (with a bit of brooding Evan sightings). I'm sure we'll be reading more about this couple in future books.
Read Otherwise Unharmed 10/21/17 5*
Everything comes full circle! Questions answered. More questions formed. Loyalties and betrayals revealed. Loss and hope (glimmers?) But I feel you might only be otherwise HFN...
See you next in Bastian's Storm...next up Surviving Raine Then I'll head back here to read Isolated.
Edited April 2018.
Completed the duet series, Surviving Raine, Sebastian Stark's books. Book one, Surviving Raine by far my fav and an unexpected delight. 5 stars worth of unrepentant F'd up assholery dickwadiness, you owned it Bastian, and survival mode perfection. Book two, Bastian's Storm, was okay. A bit drawn out. But THAT scene with Bastian and Evan on the mountain was totally worth it! 4 sentimental stars.
Read Isolated 04/09/18 4*
Short, but laden with truths about Evan. Not to be missed.
Read Irrevocable 04/12/18 5*
What can I say? I could not have predicted that Evan could ever be redeemed, because it was clear in the first few chapters the direction the author steered his journey.
“But you have to understand there are lines that can’t be crossed.”
What a ride its been! The author did not gloss over his trangressions and shortcomings, but still those barest of human actions made me want to root for Evan step of the way. You might not like how it wraps up. Evan could never put a bow on his life and call it a present. This author always evokes feelings that take me out of my comfort zone with a skilled wordsmith fashion that has me coming back time and time again.
March 19, 2019
DARK, GRITTY, DISTURBING, DEEPLY EMOTIONAL, & TOTALLY UNEXPECTED!!!
Title: Evan Arden
Series: Evan Arden
Author: Shay Savage
Designation: Complete Collection Box Set, No Cliffhanger #romanticthriller/suspense #action/adventure #organizedcrime #formermilitary
My Rating: Four Emotional Stars****
This compilation includes a total of six books - Book 1: Otherwise Alone, Book 2: Otherwise Occupied, Book 2.5(Companion Novella): Uncockblockable, Book 3: Otherwise Unharmed, Book 4(Novella): Isolated, Book 5: Irrevocable
***WARNING: If you're a reader who enjoys or prefers one hero with one heroine and no situations that could be seen as cheating, you may want to pass on this entire series.
Oh my! What the heck did I just read? I've always considered myself to be quite adventurous in the books I choose to read and at almost 70 years young, I truly thought I'd read a little of almost everything. I was wrong. I've never, ever read anything like the Evan Arden Series and, once again, Shay Savage has turned my world upside down, just as she did with Transcendence, the first novel I read by this author. I'm a relative newcomer to Savage's work, so this series took me completely by surprise. And OMG, I'm still reeling from the emotional fallout caused by Evan Arden! I find myself remembering the quote from Savage's Goodreads biography in which she states: “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.” And she did just that! I don't think I've ever wanted to strangle a character as much as I did former Marine sniper Evan Arden, yet I also wanted to wrap him in my arms and comfort him, help him, and save him from himself. My poor brain was completely fried, muddled with a plethora of conflicting emotions about former Marine sniper turned Mafia hitman, Lieutenant Evan Nathaniel Arden. Evan was such a complicated character, probably the most complex and certainly most engaging protagonist I've ever encountered. He was handsome, cocky, analytical, and extremely intelligent. Unfortunately, Evan didn't have much of a moral compass, if any at all, but he did have moments in which you could glimpse a flicker of hope. At times, he could be vulnerable, sweet, and endearing, like a lost puppy you wanted to rescue, but his moods and temperament could change in the blink of an eye, becoming violent, unfeeling, emotionless, cold-hearted, cruel, and out of control with no warning at all. Evan Arden was a very dangerous man - a dyed in the wool killer with little or no remorse for his actions. At first, I thought he may have been a true sociopath with no conscience, or at the very least a psychopath, but in reality Evan may have been nothing more than a confused, unstable young man with no parents, no family, the lack of any positive role models other than a Chicago mafia crime boss, and a very troubled past. He also was severely affected by crippling PTSD after being held as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan for 18 months. Yeah, I'd probably be a little psychotic, too, after suffering the extreme torture Evan endured, only to be finally rescued and then deprived of the only thing he felt he was ever good at, the only thing he truly enjoyed - killing people as a sniper for the Marines. Of course, as much as I would like to justify Arden's behavior as simply mental illness as a result of his PTSD, that's simply not the case, as evidenced by his behavior growing up in a Catholic orphanage. Evan was given to the church shortly after his birth and remained with the nuns until he was emancipated at 17. Nuh-uh, no spoilers from me, but you'll be more than a little shocked after you read what happens while Evan was living with the nuns. The good sisters never tell Evan anything about his birth parents but - well, I'll just let you discover it on your own. *Shock Factor: 10* Obviously, Evan Arden was the protagonist of this series, mostly. What do I mean by mostly? Well, all the books but one featured Evan Arden as the primary character, but included in this collection is a companion novella titled Uncockblockable, which features Nick Wolf, a secondary character in all the other books. Nick is the illegitimate son of Evan Arden's mentor and mob boss, Rinaldo Moretti. I think this story may have been written separately, possibly as a request from her fans. I'll admit I was a little confused when suddenly the storyarc went from everything Evan Arden to suddenly a book about Nick. It fits with the timeline but not really as part of Evan's story, though it does set the stage for an important relationship between Nick and Milena Severinov, a beautiful young woman seen by Nick's family as part of the enemy camp because her surviving family is part of the Russian mob. Five of the books are written with a first-person narrative from Evan's perspective, but Uncockblockable is written from Nick's point of view. But back to Evan. I refuse to call Evan Arden a hero, or even an antihero, although he does have his moments when I thought there might be a chance for his redemption. But again, no spoilers from me. You'll just have to read the series and decide for yourself.
So, did I like this book? Surprisingly, I did, very much; I just didn't love it. It's not your everyday, traditional love story where boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy marries girl, and then boy and girl live happily ever after. Not in this series, folks. It's about as untraditional as you can get and certainly not just one trope but a combination of several. But I still enjoyed it immensely! I found myself once again completely captivated, white-knuckling my ereader, my heart beating wildly and gasping for breath, and still unable to stop reading. It was like watching a trainwreck you knew was going to happen, but you simply couldn't look away! I laughed, I sighed, I sniffled, I sobbed, I ranted, raved, raged, and shook my fists in anger, and at the end, I just shook my head, befuddled, bewildered, yet strangely satisfied, and said, "Wow, what an awesome ride! Would I recommend it? Hmm... Yes, I think I would but only for a targeted, adult audience who enjoy a combination of romantic suspense and psychological thriller, but without aforementioned preferences and expectations of one hero, one heroine, and a sweet happily ever after. I really can't be more specific without giving spoilers, but I will say, this story is raw, emotional, gritty, dark, and does include profanity, explicit sex, graphic violence, and some situations that may be considered cheating by many readers. So, be forewarned! And did I mention Evan is a beast in bed? Oh yeah, in a bed, on the floor, against the wall, on the counter and anywhere else that catches his fancy! lol... Yup, Evan Arden is one sexy, stud muffin! *swoon* This series is definitely NOT for the faint of heart! Will I read this author again? Abso-freak-lutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: Evan Arden
Series: Evan Arden
Author: Shay Savage
Designation: Complete Collection Box Set, No Cliffhanger #romanticthriller/suspense #action/adventure #organizedcrime #formermilitary
My Rating: Four Emotional Stars****
This compilation includes a total of six books - Book 1: Otherwise Alone, Book 2: Otherwise Occupied, Book 2.5(Companion Novella): Uncockblockable, Book 3: Otherwise Unharmed, Book 4(Novella): Isolated, Book 5: Irrevocable
***WARNING: If you're a reader who enjoys or prefers one hero with one heroine and no situations that could be seen as cheating, you may want to pass on this entire series.
Oh my! What the heck did I just read? I've always considered myself to be quite adventurous in the books I choose to read and at almost 70 years young, I truly thought I'd read a little of almost everything. I was wrong. I've never, ever read anything like the Evan Arden Series and, once again, Shay Savage has turned my world upside down, just as she did with Transcendence, the first novel I read by this author. I'm a relative newcomer to Savage's work, so this series took me completely by surprise. And OMG, I'm still reeling from the emotional fallout caused by Evan Arden! I find myself remembering the quote from Savage's Goodreads biography in which she states: “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.” And she did just that! I don't think I've ever wanted to strangle a character as much as I did former Marine sniper Evan Arden, yet I also wanted to wrap him in my arms and comfort him, help him, and save him from himself. My poor brain was completely fried, muddled with a plethora of conflicting emotions about former Marine sniper turned Mafia hitman, Lieutenant Evan Nathaniel Arden. Evan was such a complicated character, probably the most complex and certainly most engaging protagonist I've ever encountered. He was handsome, cocky, analytical, and extremely intelligent. Unfortunately, Evan didn't have much of a moral compass, if any at all, but he did have moments in which you could glimpse a flicker of hope. At times, he could be vulnerable, sweet, and endearing, like a lost puppy you wanted to rescue, but his moods and temperament could change in the blink of an eye, becoming violent, unfeeling, emotionless, cold-hearted, cruel, and out of control with no warning at all. Evan Arden was a very dangerous man - a dyed in the wool killer with little or no remorse for his actions. At first, I thought he may have been a true sociopath with no conscience, or at the very least a psychopath, but in reality Evan may have been nothing more than a confused, unstable young man with no parents, no family, the lack of any positive role models other than a Chicago mafia crime boss, and a very troubled past. He also was severely affected by crippling PTSD after being held as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan for 18 months. Yeah, I'd probably be a little psychotic, too, after suffering the extreme torture Evan endured, only to be finally rescued and then deprived of the only thing he felt he was ever good at, the only thing he truly enjoyed - killing people as a sniper for the Marines. Of course, as much as I would like to justify Arden's behavior as simply mental illness as a result of his PTSD, that's simply not the case, as evidenced by his behavior growing up in a Catholic orphanage. Evan was given to the church shortly after his birth and remained with the nuns until he was emancipated at 17. Nuh-uh, no spoilers from me, but you'll be more than a little shocked after you read what happens while Evan was living with the nuns. The good sisters never tell Evan anything about his birth parents but - well, I'll just let you discover it on your own. *Shock Factor: 10* Obviously, Evan Arden was the protagonist of this series, mostly. What do I mean by mostly? Well, all the books but one featured Evan Arden as the primary character, but included in this collection is a companion novella titled Uncockblockable, which features Nick Wolf, a secondary character in all the other books. Nick is the illegitimate son of Evan Arden's mentor and mob boss, Rinaldo Moretti. I think this story may have been written separately, possibly as a request from her fans. I'll admit I was a little confused when suddenly the storyarc went from everything Evan Arden to suddenly a book about Nick. It fits with the timeline but not really as part of Evan's story, though it does set the stage for an important relationship between Nick and Milena Severinov, a beautiful young woman seen by Nick's family as part of the enemy camp because her surviving family is part of the Russian mob. Five of the books are written with a first-person narrative from Evan's perspective, but Uncockblockable is written from Nick's point of view. But back to Evan. I refuse to call Evan Arden a hero, or even an antihero, although he does have his moments when I thought there might be a chance for his redemption. But again, no spoilers from me. You'll just have to read the series and decide for yourself.
So, did I like this book? Surprisingly, I did, very much; I just didn't love it. It's not your everyday, traditional love story where boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy marries girl, and then boy and girl live happily ever after. Not in this series, folks. It's about as untraditional as you can get and certainly not just one trope but a combination of several. But I still enjoyed it immensely! I found myself once again completely captivated, white-knuckling my ereader, my heart beating wildly and gasping for breath, and still unable to stop reading. It was like watching a trainwreck you knew was going to happen, but you simply couldn't look away! I laughed, I sighed, I sniffled, I sobbed, I ranted, raved, raged, and shook my fists in anger, and at the end, I just shook my head, befuddled, bewildered, yet strangely satisfied, and said, "Wow, what an awesome ride! Would I recommend it? Hmm... Yes, I think I would but only for a targeted, adult audience who enjoy a combination of romantic suspense and psychological thriller, but without aforementioned preferences and expectations of one hero, one heroine, and a sweet happily ever after. I really can't be more specific without giving spoilers, but I will say, this story is raw, emotional, gritty, dark, and does include profanity, explicit sex, graphic violence, and some situations that may be considered cheating by many readers. So, be forewarned! And did I mention Evan is a beast in bed? Oh yeah, in a bed, on the floor, against the wall, on the counter and anywhere else that catches his fancy! lol... Yup, Evan Arden is one sexy, stud muffin! *swoon* This series is definitely NOT for the faint of heart! Will I read this author again? Abso-freak-lutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
June 18, 2020
Excellent series
Shay Savage is probably one of my favorite authors who is able to write from a male perspective so accurately ( well, at least I think) . Most of her books are written from the male perspective. Evan Arden is a character that I have read about in other books. I have always been curious about his story. When I saw that his whole series was in a boxed set, I hit “buy now” immediately.
This series is hard to read at times. Evan is so troubled and out of control. It is hard to imagine anyone surviving all he has experienced. This book takes you places that have you saying “what the hell” then “poor Evan” then “Oh, my gosh” . Evan is a hit man for a Chicago Mafia family. He has earned himself a reputation that has everyone he meets afraid to look him in the eye but There is so much more.
Warning: These stories are graphic and violent at times. But depicts the nature of Evan’s profession and his time as a POW.
Shay Savage is probably one of my favorite authors who is able to write from a male perspective so accurately ( well, at least I think) . Most of her books are written from the male perspective. Evan Arden is a character that I have read about in other books. I have always been curious about his story. When I saw that his whole series was in a boxed set, I hit “buy now” immediately.
This series is hard to read at times. Evan is so troubled and out of control. It is hard to imagine anyone surviving all he has experienced. This book takes you places that have you saying “what the hell” then “poor Evan” then “Oh, my gosh” . Evan is a hit man for a Chicago Mafia family. He has earned himself a reputation that has everyone he meets afraid to look him in the eye but There is so much more.
Warning: These stories are graphic and violent at times. But depicts the nature of Evan’s profession and his time as a POW.
April 26, 2025
This series was completely awesome. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't read it fast enough. Ms. Savage did something unique here and gave us the male POV in this series, which I LOVED. Honestly, I wish I could see more of this from other authors.
This was a wild ride, and I was here for it. Evan is a complicated character and it was crazy being inside his head. My heart was breaking for him in many parts of the story. But even during the craziest times, I felt like I GOT him. In one of the books, I was angry with him, but only because I felt like he was messing up his own chance at happiness for HIM.
Shay saved the best for last in the final book in the series. I'm sitting here with a smile on my face after reading the final page, feeling like Evan got a good ending.
Well done, Ms. Savage.
This was a wild ride, and I was here for it. Evan is a complicated character and it was crazy being inside his head. My heart was breaking for him in many parts of the story. But even during the craziest times, I felt like I GOT him. In one of the books, I was angry with him, but only because I felt like he was messing up his own chance at happiness for HIM.
Shay saved the best for last in the final book in the series. I'm sitting here with a smile on my face after reading the final page, feeling like Evan got a good ending.
Well done, Ms. Savage.
November 5, 2015
Boxed set of Evan Arden? Don't mind if I do...can't get enough of him.
Otherwise Alone (Evan Arden #1)
Loved it....I need more.
Otherwise Occupied (Evan Arden #2)
I don't even know where to begin....This so did not end like I thought it was going to, the roller coaster ride was amazing though.
I've got a huge crush on Evan Arden, and he's a complete tool, I just can't get enough. I teetered between wanting him to find Lia and wanting him to stay with Bridgett.
Savage doesn't disappoint in this thriller read though...she left me wanting more but gave me enough that I wasn't left disappointed. Shocked, yes, scratching my head? Definitely....ready for Otherwise Unharmed and thank God I've on;y got to wait three days.
A must read....
Uncockblockable (Evan Arden #2.5)
Loved this....I've had the pleasure of meeting both Nick and Brian in real life so that alone made the story even better for me.
Love the man-whores inner monologue....classic man. It was custom.
Otherwise Unharmed (Evan Arden #3)
This was an ARC by the author for an honest review.
I don't even know where to start with my love for this series...I feel as though I was late to the party, but glad I came because it was the best one yet.
I had lunch with Savage a couple weeks ago, and we were discussing the release of this book. I was ashamed to say I hadn't read any of the series yet. Yes, it was on my Kindle, I don't know what was holding me back. I love her stories, and have way before we became friends.
In our discussions, she mentioned that Evan was a hit man and an ass man....Well, that alone got my attention. I love mafia books, so I decided that I'd go ahead and Read Otherwise Alone. I was sad it was so short, but happy I didn't have to wait for Otherwise Occupied. I blew right through that one as well, only to purchase Uncockable. I read it in two days, finishing at work because I just had to know what happened with Nick.
One day before the release LJ Anderson sent me an e-mail asking if I wanted to read an ARC of Otherwise Unharmed. Well of course I did, LJ made my whole day and I was giddy knowing I was about to finish Evan's story.
This book blew me away, blew me away.....leaving Evan the way we did, in handcuffs being taken away by the feds I never thought he'd end up the way he did. Otherwise Unharmed, is so action packed, but yet we see a softer side of Evan we've never seen before.
He screws up quite a bit, what man doesn't? But what's so cool about him is when he does, he says, I've no fucking clue what I'm doing. He fights with Lia, his mob boss, and even the guards at the prison.
There were things I thought I knew, or I thought I saw coming....but then Savage would completely take it in the direction I never saw and it would surprise me. When I finally figured out what was going on, so had Arden.
This series is a must read....like put aside time and do nothing but read. Once you start you can't stop, it's amazing.
I'm looking forward to what Ms. Savage has in the works, I already know I'm on board to read them...
Isolated (Evan Arden #4)
I loved Evan Arden. He was a complete ass, but in the end I wanted what was best for Lia. He was psychotic, irritable, but sexy all at the same time.
I honestly got why he did things the way he did. Did I like it? Hell no, he made me want to smack him. I had dreamed of whacking him throughout this whole series.
I loved knowing what happened after the competition, and how Evan got off the island. His internal monologue cracked me up; he rationalized every thought. Nothing got past him.
Finding things out that I never knew, I was shocked to say the least. I never saw this coming. I truly believed Evan was happy about it, or as happy as he gets about things.
The way Shay left it makes me both happy and sad. I can’t say too much or I’ll give it away. The way her mind works with twists and plots, I think it would be interesting and scary to be inside her mind for a day.
It was short, and I was left wanting more. I’m sure it will come in due time, but until then, I’ve got my own imagination.
Irrevocable (Evan Arden #5)
**I received an ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. **
Now when I first started reading this while Shay was writing it, my first thought was WTF. Now, that I've read the whole thing, I freaking loved it.
I know not everyone is going to love it, some are going to hate it. In my mind Evan got the life he deserved with the right woman for him in the end.
I was happy to see lose ends tied up, and got quite a few answers I needed. To say I was shocked at the twists would be an understatement. I didn't see them coming, not even close....the betrayals, the partnerships, the secrets revealed shocked me to the core.
I'll miss Evan, but I'm happy to see he got what he needed and (didn't know he) wanted out of life.
Otherwise Alone (Evan Arden #1)
Loved it....I need more.
Otherwise Occupied (Evan Arden #2)
I don't even know where to begin....This so did not end like I thought it was going to, the roller coaster ride was amazing though.
I've got a huge crush on Evan Arden, and he's a complete tool, I just can't get enough. I teetered between wanting him to find Lia and wanting him to stay with Bridgett.
Savage doesn't disappoint in this thriller read though...she left me wanting more but gave me enough that I wasn't left disappointed. Shocked, yes, scratching my head? Definitely....ready for Otherwise Unharmed and thank God I've on;y got to wait three days.
A must read....
Uncockblockable (Evan Arden #2.5)
Loved this....I've had the pleasure of meeting both Nick and Brian in real life so that alone made the story even better for me.
Love the man-whores inner monologue....classic man. It was custom.
Otherwise Unharmed (Evan Arden #3)
This was an ARC by the author for an honest review.
I don't even know where to start with my love for this series...I feel as though I was late to the party, but glad I came because it was the best one yet.
I had lunch with Savage a couple weeks ago, and we were discussing the release of this book. I was ashamed to say I hadn't read any of the series yet. Yes, it was on my Kindle, I don't know what was holding me back. I love her stories, and have way before we became friends.
In our discussions, she mentioned that Evan was a hit man and an ass man....Well, that alone got my attention. I love mafia books, so I decided that I'd go ahead and Read Otherwise Alone. I was sad it was so short, but happy I didn't have to wait for Otherwise Occupied. I blew right through that one as well, only to purchase Uncockable. I read it in two days, finishing at work because I just had to know what happened with Nick.
One day before the release LJ Anderson sent me an e-mail asking if I wanted to read an ARC of Otherwise Unharmed. Well of course I did, LJ made my whole day and I was giddy knowing I was about to finish Evan's story.
This book blew me away, blew me away.....leaving Evan the way we did, in handcuffs being taken away by the feds I never thought he'd end up the way he did. Otherwise Unharmed, is so action packed, but yet we see a softer side of Evan we've never seen before.
He screws up quite a bit, what man doesn't? But what's so cool about him is when he does, he says, I've no fucking clue what I'm doing. He fights with Lia, his mob boss, and even the guards at the prison.
There were things I thought I knew, or I thought I saw coming....but then Savage would completely take it in the direction I never saw and it would surprise me. When I finally figured out what was going on, so had Arden.
This series is a must read....like put aside time and do nothing but read. Once you start you can't stop, it's amazing.
I'm looking forward to what Ms. Savage has in the works, I already know I'm on board to read them...
Isolated (Evan Arden #4)
I loved Evan Arden. He was a complete ass, but in the end I wanted what was best for Lia. He was psychotic, irritable, but sexy all at the same time.
I honestly got why he did things the way he did. Did I like it? Hell no, he made me want to smack him. I had dreamed of whacking him throughout this whole series.
I loved knowing what happened after the competition, and how Evan got off the island. His internal monologue cracked me up; he rationalized every thought. Nothing got past him.
Finding things out that I never knew, I was shocked to say the least. I never saw this coming. I truly believed Evan was happy about it, or as happy as he gets about things.
The way Shay left it makes me both happy and sad. I can’t say too much or I’ll give it away. The way her mind works with twists and plots, I think it would be interesting and scary to be inside her mind for a day.
It was short, and I was left wanting more. I’m sure it will come in due time, but until then, I’ve got my own imagination.
Irrevocable (Evan Arden #5)
**I received an ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. **
Now when I first started reading this while Shay was writing it, my first thought was WTF. Now, that I've read the whole thing, I freaking loved it.
I know not everyone is going to love it, some are going to hate it. In my mind Evan got the life he deserved with the right woman for him in the end.
I was happy to see lose ends tied up, and got quite a few answers I needed. To say I was shocked at the twists would be an understatement. I didn't see them coming, not even close....the betrayals, the partnerships, the secrets revealed shocked me to the core.
I'll miss Evan, but I'm happy to see he got what he needed and (didn't know he) wanted out of life.
January 2, 2016
4 stars!
The complete box set of the Evan Arden series.
The story was a series of perfectly executed loops and twirls that left me dizzy yet craving more.
Evan Arden is a military vet suffering from PTSD. That in itself is a bad thing but coupled together with him being a hitman for the mob, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Evans mental situation deteriorate through the story and Evan could have ended up becoming the villain but luckily, Shay Savage did an excellent job building his character in a way that made me love him despite everything else.
This is not a traditional love story. BUT don’t let that discourage you from reading it.
It is an amazing tale of overcoming your inner demons.
I would definitely recommend that you pick up a copy of this series TODAY!!
The complete box set of the Evan Arden series.
The story was a series of perfectly executed loops and twirls that left me dizzy yet craving more.
Evan Arden is a military vet suffering from PTSD. That in itself is a bad thing but coupled together with him being a hitman for the mob, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Evans mental situation deteriorate through the story and Evan could have ended up becoming the villain but luckily, Shay Savage did an excellent job building his character in a way that made me love him despite everything else.
This is not a traditional love story. BUT don’t let that discourage you from reading it.
It is an amazing tale of overcoming your inner demons.
I would definitely recommend that you pick up a copy of this series TODAY!!
Want to read
November 24, 2015On sale on Amazon at the moment (Nov 24 2015)
April 18, 2021
DNF after reading the first book in this set - Otherwise Alone.
Who in their right mind stumbles across a shack in the middle of nowhere....meets a man on his front porch with a rifle....offers you water...then offers you potatoes and canned peaches....and then you decide to lay down with him in his twin size bed....and THEN proceed to have unprotected sex (multiple times) with him.....a complete and utter stranger (who’s also strange)????? Am I reading the same book as everyone else???? What in the what!!??
I went ahead and looked at spoilers for the next book (even though I had no desire to follow these characters). Anyway, In the next book, the author writes about him having a relationship with a prostitute. Even though at the end of the first book he’s waxing poetic about the heroine and her magical vagina?? Nope, not for me.
Who in their right mind stumbles across a shack in the middle of nowhere....meets a man on his front porch with a rifle....offers you water...then offers you potatoes and canned peaches....and then you decide to lay down with him in his twin size bed....and THEN proceed to have unprotected sex (multiple times) with him.....a complete and utter stranger (who’s also strange)????? Am I reading the same book as everyone else???? What in the what!!??
I went ahead and looked at spoilers for the next book (even though I had no desire to follow these characters). Anyway, In the next book, the author writes about him having a relationship with a prostitute. Even though at the end of the first book he’s waxing poetic about the heroine and her magical vagina?? Nope, not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this series , I loved every moment of Evans journey the the characters and plot are amazing most of the time Evan is fantastic , the res just one moment in Irrevocable that I wanted kick him in the nuts . I don't think I've ever read 1100 or so pages so fast before
August 21, 2017
Left with mixed feelings barely 3 stars
This is a very difficult review to write considering I totally loved the two previous series that I've read from this author. They both got amazing 5 stars from me. All of her heroes are troubled, broken, difficult and complex men who, in order to survive and recover mentally and psychologically from life's ordeal, need strong, loving female presence. The author beautifully describes their point of view and their emotions and internal turmoil.
Evan in this series is no different but somehow his story just didn't sit well with me. It was definitely too long without really any meaningful progression, the last book in the series was in my opinion unnecessary (although the background story was good) as it really went back to square one where it all started. The whole fiasco with being so, so in love with Lia (drilled into readers minds for so many books) and desperately needing her but at the very end not fighting for her was just total disappointment. And yes one can understand the complexities of his character and what he went through to explain all that but then the story should have ended, for me, at that point, after all not all the love stories have happy endings. But dragging it further and repeating the same theme from book one when he reverts back to hookers (again) to help him sleep and falls, eventually, in love with one (again almost) is just for me lack of imagination and it doesn't convince me as a reader about the genuine and true nature of his emotions and integrity of his character. I just couldn't connect with him and his mindset no matter how much I tried. He was too broken and way too selfish to change and accept anything or anyone on terms other than his. Lia was supposed to be THE one and was replaced by another THE one(?!) sorry but not good enough. Her letter also explaining her decision to leave Evan too superficial, detached and almost fake. Although their relationship occupied majority of the story it's a shame it did not get the end it deserved.
My only explanation for this inadequate storyline handling would be the fact that it was this author's first book and I might have been lenient had it not been for the fact I read the other two excellent series before this and had, as a result, really high expectations from this one.
I only hope her other books are available on KU and as good as Sebastian's and Liam's stories as I really enjoyed them. I'm afraid, Evan although seemed to be a promising, fascinating and complex character died down quickly without exciting fireworks leaving behind only disappointment.
This is a very difficult review to write considering I totally loved the two previous series that I've read from this author. They both got amazing 5 stars from me. All of her heroes are troubled, broken, difficult and complex men who, in order to survive and recover mentally and psychologically from life's ordeal, need strong, loving female presence. The author beautifully describes their point of view and their emotions and internal turmoil.
Evan in this series is no different but somehow his story just didn't sit well with me. It was definitely too long without really any meaningful progression, the last book in the series was in my opinion unnecessary (although the background story was good) as it really went back to square one where it all started. The whole fiasco with being so, so in love with Lia (drilled into readers minds for so many books) and desperately needing her but at the very end not fighting for her was just total disappointment. And yes one can understand the complexities of his character and what he went through to explain all that but then the story should have ended, for me, at that point, after all not all the love stories have happy endings. But dragging it further and repeating the same theme from book one when he reverts back to hookers (again) to help him sleep and falls, eventually, in love with one (again almost) is just for me lack of imagination and it doesn't convince me as a reader about the genuine and true nature of his emotions and integrity of his character. I just couldn't connect with him and his mindset no matter how much I tried. He was too broken and way too selfish to change and accept anything or anyone on terms other than his. Lia was supposed to be THE one and was replaced by another THE one(?!) sorry but not good enough. Her letter also explaining her decision to leave Evan too superficial, detached and almost fake. Although their relationship occupied majority of the story it's a shame it did not get the end it deserved.
My only explanation for this inadequate storyline handling would be the fact that it was this author's first book and I might have been lenient had it not been for the fact I read the other two excellent series before this and had, as a result, really high expectations from this one.
I only hope her other books are available on KU and as good as Sebastian's and Liam's stories as I really enjoyed them. I'm afraid, Evan although seemed to be a promising, fascinating and complex character died down quickly without exciting fireworks leaving behind only disappointment.
November 15, 2015
I read these as separate books and loved them in general (not a fan of the novella though).
March 29, 2024
The start was good
I really enjoyed the first books, but I was really disappointed with the last one. Evan worked hard to get where he could have a relationship and fall in love, and he just gives it up and moves on?
I normally like this authors books, but I guess this one is just one I couldn't connect with.
I really enjoyed the first books, but I was really disappointed with the last one. Evan worked hard to get where he could have a relationship and fall in love, and he just gives it up and moves on?
I normally like this authors books, but I guess this one is just one I couldn't connect with.
July 14, 2021
Stopped at chapter 4 of 'Irrevocable' due to . Dropping down from 4 stars to 3 due to that.
August 8, 2020
Loved it
Read this box set in about a day.. Evan wasn’t as interesting as Bastien but still a good story. I hated he didn’t end up with Lia and poor Odin.
Read this box set in about a day.. Evan wasn’t as interesting as Bastien but still a good story. I hated he didn’t end up with Lia and poor Odin.
April 27, 2025
This series was insane!! In the best possible way!!! Lt. Evan Arden, it was an honor and a privilege to meet you! You are definitely unforgettable!😍
December 30, 2020
This can't be it!!! I loved Evan just the way he was, and now the books are over, this can't be it!!! I need a character as deranged and detached as I am, please make another character like him.
November 28, 2015
Evan Arden: The Complete Box Set
By: Shay Savage
5/5 stars
Evan Arden is a former military sniper who suffers from PTSD. The only things that keep his nightmares away are sex & having a woman in bed with him. But when he left the military, he realized that he had no real skills that transitioned into everyday life as a citizen. That’s when he gets connected with the Moretti mafia family in Chicago and becomes the hitman/sniper for them. But his life is still in complete disarray.
Evan makes progress, but also suffers major setbacks. There are people around who are a great help to him, and some who just use him which hinders his progress and hurts him in the long run. He has a difficult life, but there are some things/people who make it all better.
I really didn’t want Shay Savage to end this series with the last book. Mainly, I’m greedy, love her writing and love how she writes from the male perspective, even if I want to smack the men at certain times and tell them to pull their head out. So even though the series is complete, it will go on in my mind!
By: Shay Savage
5/5 stars
Evan Arden is a former military sniper who suffers from PTSD. The only things that keep his nightmares away are sex & having a woman in bed with him. But when he left the military, he realized that he had no real skills that transitioned into everyday life as a citizen. That’s when he gets connected with the Moretti mafia family in Chicago and becomes the hitman/sniper for them. But his life is still in complete disarray.
Evan makes progress, but also suffers major setbacks. There are people around who are a great help to him, and some who just use him which hinders his progress and hurts him in the long run. He has a difficult life, but there are some things/people who make it all better.
I really didn’t want Shay Savage to end this series with the last book. Mainly, I’m greedy, love her writing and love how she writes from the male perspective, even if I want to smack the men at certain times and tell them to pull their head out. So even though the series is complete, it will go on in my mind!
06-reasons
September 16, 2016I was going to read this series but based on some of the things that I have read on Goodreads then I'm going to have to pass.
- This was supposed to be a trilogy but there are suddenly 5 books. Please authors don't milk it for everything that you've got.
. The books are about Evan and Lia until the last book where Lia is out of the picture. and he is with someone else, kind of misses the point then writing the first 3 books right? Or reading them.
- You earn your bread and butter through you fans so so shitting on their loýalty not a good idea.
This is just my personal opinion on the matter therefore can only be taken at face value.
- This was supposed to be a trilogy but there are suddenly 5 books. Please authors don't milk it for everything that you've got.
. The books are about Evan and Lia until the last book where Lia is out of the picture. and he is with someone else, kind of misses the point then writing the first 3 books right? Or reading them.
- You earn your bread and butter through you fans so so shitting on their loýalty not a good idea.
This is just my personal opinion on the matter therefore can only be taken at face value.
April 20, 2016
Ok
This book was ok. If you go into the book thinking it's a romance, like I did, then this book is terrible. But of you think of it as general fiction about hit man, with a hint of romance, then it's pretty good. We see Evan with a woman in the first novella, and to me I thought that it would be about Max and her. But instead it's about a lot of organized crime, hits, and hookers. There is plenty of descriptive sex, especially back door,..but not with the woman in the first book. Evan cheats, imo, but since I had long since scrapped the idea it was a romance, I got over it. The ending I felt was a copout, and wrapped things up too neatly
This book was ok. If you go into the book thinking it's a romance, like I did, then this book is terrible. But of you think of it as general fiction about hit man, with a hint of romance, then it's pretty good. We see Evan with a woman in the first novella, and to me I thought that it would be about Max and her. But instead it's about a lot of organized crime, hits, and hookers. There is plenty of descriptive sex, especially back door,..but not with the woman in the first book. Evan cheats, imo, but since I had long since scrapped the idea it was a romance, I got over it. The ending I felt was a copout, and wrapped things up too neatly
Read
March 7, 2016Unexpected!
I really like messed up, traumatized Evan Arden. This book was hard to read because I knew how damaged he was and he was in such a bad place with his "job", which was compounding things. I love Sebastian, Jonathan and Eddie-boy. I anticipated an ending so different from what it was. Lia? Very sad. Bridget? Also sad. Alina? Unexpectedly wonderful. The ending? Far better than I could have predicted.
I really like messed up, traumatized Evan Arden. This book was hard to read because I knew how damaged he was and he was in such a bad place with his "job", which was compounding things. I love Sebastian, Jonathan and Eddie-boy. I anticipated an ending so different from what it was. Lia? Very sad. Bridget? Also sad. Alina? Unexpectedly wonderful. The ending? Far better than I could have predicted.
May 28, 2016
Wow!
I didn't know whether I was rooting for Evan or against him! He was a ticking time bomb - for so many valid reasons (orphaned, PTSD...) His decisions continually had me screaming at him as I ripped through each page in the series. Ultimately I wanted to save him and see him saved. This was a griping story of a troubled man, living in a complicated world, trying to find a way to survive.
I didn't know whether I was rooting for Evan or against him! He was a ticking time bomb - for so many valid reasons (orphaned, PTSD...) His decisions continually had me screaming at him as I ripped through each page in the series. Ultimately I wanted to save him and see him saved. This was a griping story of a troubled man, living in a complicated world, trying to find a way to survive.
December 5, 2015
Liked it
Some of this was hard to read with Evan's flash backs. I was sad for his life alone. The series is good. I like that Alina and Evan work so well. I love that he ends up with a brother and in the end he has people that really care about him. The series is kind of depressing but the end brings it all together in a nice hea.
Some of this was hard to read with Evan's flash backs. I was sad for his life alone. The series is good. I like that Alina and Evan work so well. I love that he ends up with a brother and in the end he has people that really care about him. The series is kind of depressing but the end brings it all together in a nice hea.
December 10, 2015
Disappointed in last book
January 2, 2016
Excellent series!
April 17, 2017
At 60%, just about to start book 4, only to realise that I need to read the Surviving Raine series for the remainder of Evan's series to make sense. This has me miffed as I'd decided I didn't want to read Surviving Raine as the blurb and reviews put me off. Premise seems a bit far fetched. THEN I accidentally read a spoiler in the reviews for Evan 5 which has made me really question if I want to continue reading knowing I won't get the HEA I want. A shame, as books 1-3 were 5 star reads for me.
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