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Lion Hearts #5

Savage Exile

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He can't save himself, but he'll save her...

Rhys is a disaster: too violent for his old pride, and more accustomed to using his fists instead of his words. He's managed to carve out a place among the Crowley lions, but his temper still rides him hard. The only balm is Sage, a shattered woman with a core of fire. He wants to bring it out of her. Can he avoid getting burned?

She’s tired of living under her father’s thumb...
Sage narrowly escaped a forced mating, but she can't quite manage to pick up the pieces. Except when she's around Rhys. The rumbly lion makes her ache for something more. But good things don’t last for Sage, and her father's demand she return to the man who bought her cuts her to her core.

Can a broken woman find redemption in the arms of her disaster of a mate? Or will old wounds and enemies be too strong for even the toughest lions to overcome?

Savage Exile, a steamy paranormal romance, is book five in the Lion Hearts series. For readers who love a broken alpha hero willing to gamble everything on a second chance with a woman learning to live on her own terms.

Download now for a gritty, intense romance wrapped in fangs and fur.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2020

118 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Cecilia Lane

53 books221 followers
If you'd like to be notified of new releases and special sales, subscribe here: http://cecilialane.com/CLML

Cecilia grew up in a what most call paradise, but she insists is humid hell. She escaped the heat with weekly journeys to the library, where she learned the basics of slaying dragons, magical abilities, and grand adventures.

When it became apparent she wouldn’t be able to travel the high seas with princes or party with rock star vampires, Cecilia hunkered down to create her own worlds filled with sexy people in complicated situations. She now writes with the support of her own sexy man and many interruptions from her goofy dog.

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5 stars
189 (67%)
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64 (22%)
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23 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,411 reviews234 followers
April 16, 2022
Loving Sage wasn’t a betrayal of Hannah. He didn’t love her any more or any less. It was just...different. New. An extra page to a book he thought had been closed forever. She gave him new life.

4.25 stars

This was such a bittersweet ending to another brilliant shifter series by the amazing Cecilia Lane! Even though I don't enjoy the widow trope, I loved the sweet yet sexy dynamic between Rhys and Sage. Rhys was a fierce yet vulnerable hero, while Sage was shy but just as strong.

This story was quieter than previous books, but I loved seeing all of my favorite couples again, especially Trent and Hailey and Dash and Collete. I cannot wait to continue reading more books by Cecilia Lane! ♡
Profile Image for Lisa.
447 reviews24 followers
May 27, 2021
Good

This book was so much better..
the fight and what’s happens from book 1 till books 5 had a good run and I am so glad I read Rhys story.
The first book was the best one still the 2-3-4 hmmm Orkish...
Then this book 5 was great it is a shame it didn’t flow and be a great as the first book. But it is what it is and I am glad I read them..
Profile Image for Mikky.
986 reviews284 followers
September 29, 2024
Currently putting up past reviews from my Blog on GR because I forgot at the time oops 😅

I was expecting so much more than I got with this book. Granted this is the fifth book in the series and the first book I've read so there was bound to be some confusion to past events in past books. That wasn't the only problem though.

The characters, especially the main couple, were meh. There wasn't much substance to them. They were "broken" in their own way due to circumstances in their respective pasts. That was as interesting as they got.

The ending I could see coming from a mile away. It was rushed and I skimmed through most of it if I'm being honest. I just wanted to get this book over with by that point. Overall, this book wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Danna Lee.
107 reviews
October 28, 2020
Love this book! Full of danger and excitement as well as personal growth and love.

Rhys and Sage are broken pieces of the people they used to be. Rhys has grown progressively more feral in the years since his mate's murder and his beating and exile from his pride for killing the ones who killed her. He feels that the time is near when he will have to be killed to protect everyone else.

Sage is a shell of the woman she was. After years of being controlled by her murderous, evil father, she is sold to an evil, older alpha who tortures and abuses her to the point she can no longer shift into her lioness. Months after being rescued by her brother and his pride, Sage decides that she is never going to heal from the scars and fears of her past and needs to be put down.

At the request of Lindley, Sage's brother and second in the pride, Rhys agrees to try and help Sage through her dark depression. Over the months, Sage and Rhys both grow more aware of each other and their feelings toward one another.
Rhys knows that Sage is his mate, but feels that after losing his first mate he can't protect her. Until Sage's father and the man he sold her to come to take her back.

Victory over the evil Crowsely pride bring the true Crowesly pride a hard won peace and a spiritual healing for Rhys and Sage. This victory allows them to realize they are strong enough to hold on to each other and the love they have found, forever.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it without any compensation.

Profile Image for Shauna.
356 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2020
I wasn't excited to read this book. I dont like books where the hero lost his mate and feels sorry and unworthy of themselves while pining for their dead love.. They feel they will betray their dead mate by finding love again yet they pursue their new interest anyways.

My expectations unfortunately WERE met. I did not like Rhys. He was a big baby in a constant state of lashing out, picking fights, throwing temper tantrums, or wallowing in self pity. Sage also lived in her own constant pity party. Both characters were constantly miserable and boring. They wanted to kill themselves yet wanted the other to live and be happy. Lame.. 50% in and I struggled to just skim the book. If I had to hear Rhy's think he already had a mate and he shouldn't continue to pursue Sage one more time, I would help him kill himself.

Unfortunately, it didn't get much better. Rhys continued to feel sorry for himself, burn hot and cold, pulled and pushed Sage away knowing she was overcoming trauma.. He makes out with her, disappears and ignores her for days and then comes back. Sage just gave in to whatever he was willing to give.. Annoying. I am okay with characters who have experienced tragedy and then grow to be strong.. This book just didn't deliver on the growing strong part. Too much wallowing... I eventually gave in and skimmed to the end..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,929 reviews15 followers
October 9, 2020
A pride heir in exile, a pride princess running from a monster.

Bad shifters like bad people want power and control, but instead of fighting with words they bring out the fangs and claws. The Crowley pride has grown, found mates, calmed somewhat and put up one heck of a a fight against a baddie that just will not go away. The last single pride member, Rhys figures he’s better off dead than continuing his life fighting with the world because of the giant hole in his heart. Then when Sage comes into their pride he sees a new purpose, he needs to protect her while she rebuilds her life. Sage’s life has been shattered, but even though she is quiet and in her head much of the time Rhys can see the underlying strength in her eyes.

As their heart wrenching stories are remembered I could feel their pain. As they got to know each other I could feel their hope, even if it was mostly their animals’ hope. This mythology is intriguing as the human and animals communicate through “sendings” or pictures and feelings. And the human and animal don’t always agree. Lots of angst in this tale, a good bit of action, a really mean baddie, some sexy times, and a whole lot of love. Love for a mate or for the family you choose. Great ending to an exciting series.
Profile Image for Denise.
3,758 reviews
October 14, 2021
First, this is the only story I have read (or listened to) in this series which likely affects by review. I liked the story but you will probably like it even more if you have been following along. I had no connection to any of the other characters in the story and had a hard time making one with Rhys and Sage. Rhys has a lot of pain and heartache which were caused by the murder of his mate and his subsequent banishment from his pride due to his avenging of her death. He still wakes thinking he can save Hannah and fighting anyone in his way, which means his current pride takes a lot of abuse. Sage, on the other hand, was given to a sadistic lion by her father who wanted an alliance with the powerful male. She was confined and abused by the man and bears the claw marks he left on her, though he never claimed her as his mate. Though she was rescued by her brother and members of her new pride, her psyche is not healing and she is still afraid she will find herself once again in Jasper's hands. Her lioness refuses to do more than brush across her mind and stays mostly hidden.

Can these two broken lion shifters find their way back to saneness and maybe even happiness?
2,101 reviews16 followers
November 2, 2020
This is the 5th book in the Lion Hearts Series, and I'll warn you now, it is heart wrenching! This is Sage and Rhys's story.
Sage is not the woman she was, for years she was controlled by her depraved father, then she sold to another evil, older alpha who tortures and abuses her! She has been so destroyed she can no longer shift. That is bad for a shifter. She's then rescued by her brother and his pride. This is where she comes in contact with Rhys. You will be riveted reading their journey towards healing, as both are pretty much destroyed and are nearly at the point that they want to be put down so they wont hurt anyone. As I said this is heart wrenching! What a brilliant read. This amazing author takes us on an amazing journey. Thank you!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,691 reviews15 followers
October 7, 2020
OMG what an awesome read!
I am so loving this series and this is just another one to the Bearden enclave that I have enjoyed learning about.
Oh Sage now she had it hard, but you will love it when she comes into herself, I know I really did.
As for Rhys, to finally find out why he is hurting so bad and fighting so much was a shock but it explained so much.
I can't wait to see if there is another story in the Bearden series as they have all been a joy to read.
If you love shifter stories I just know that you will love getting to know each and every one of these and they way they set up their own clan's within one big enclave.

This author keeps me looking for more after each book.

I received a copy of this in exchange for this, my honest opinion.
Profile Image for MooseGirl.
792 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2021
Rhys has already lost one mate. The fact he's still living means he's beaten the odds, but it's a daily struggle, and he is constantly on the edge of losing control and forcing the alpha to put him down. But since Sage has arrived, he's found himself drawn to her. His lion now insists that he has another mate. Sage is a shadow of herself. Having spent years under her father's thumb and narrowly escaped a forced mating, she feels broken and her lioness refuses to come out.

I have really enjoyed this series, and this book is no different. I loved seeing Rhys coaxing Sage back to herself. There was plenty of steam and drama. We also got to wrap up the ongoing issues facing the pride. I've loved this series and I'm going back to read about the neighbouring bears now.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,271 reviews46 followers
August 27, 2021
This is a great read that I could not put down! I have been curious about Rhys and he did not disappoint. I loved his story, his internal fight, the sadness of his past and the fire that he has. Sage is amazing, my heart twisted for her, even with everything she’d been through she’s still strong. They are perfect, neither are broken, but they are bent and they just… work. So well. I loved every second, the pain, the way Rhys clashes with everyone, the way Sage pulls herself up, the bits of danger and tension. I loved this series and loved this book!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
964 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2022
🤩 🤩 🤩

Great series. The books were a little long but they were worth reading. Rhys had lost his first mate to Hunters. Sage had to deal with an abusive father and then her own father sold her to another abusive jerk. Two broken hearts 💔 brought together ❤️‍🩹 and was mended back together. They both thought they had a limited future to broken to be fixed. But once they let themselves get close they knew that they needed each other to survive. Another great read I know this book is a few years old I was hoping to be able to read their bonus epilogue but so far I didn’t receive anything but still a great read.
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,294 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2020
Savage Exile is book 5 of Cecilia Lane's Shifting Destinies Lion Shifter series. This is Rhys and Sage's story we've all been anxiously wait on. It not than met my expectations. The characters throughout the series and the related series are all fantastic. The loyalty, caring, friendships, love and devotion shared between the members of the pride is everything someone could team of finding. I truly hope Mrs Lane continues the stories of the shifters of Bearden. I'd love to go to Bearden on My next vacation. I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary honest review.
4,310 reviews21 followers
October 18, 2020
This well-written Paranormal Romance storyline is well-paced and has two developed main characters who are damaged, yet when they come together, the healing begins. Their journey towards a HEA is a process of learning to let go of the past, heal their wounds, and allow themselves to love. This book will have the reader riveted from start to finish. While this book is standalone, the true impact would be felt if the previous books are also read. I liked this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
394 reviews11 followers
October 11, 2020
Wow! A powerful story! Finding true love and someone who really understands you is something everyone is looking for. Love this series!! Each scared person is fighting their own demons and together they find a place to heal. Characters are well-developed and awesome. A truly enjoyable read! I highly recommend this book and series. You won't be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,699 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2020
Rhy had every rt 2 loose it and hate his life after what all happened in his past but the 1 good thing is he managed 2 start healing himself sum when he helped save heal at the same x. With that fucker jasper and her fucking asshole dad the deserve a lot worse than what they got. It's good that friends and family come in x for them. It's like u mess with 1, I mess with them all. I loved it. I sooooo hope there's more 2 this series or at least a spin off of it in the future.
Profile Image for Jeanne Mead.
501 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2020
Rhys and Sage's journey towards healing and forgiveness is as exciting as it is passionate.
Once the pages start turning you become riveted until it is finished.
Watching how these two are repeatedly drawn to each other and instinctively give what is needed when doubts or fears spring up is very romantic to witness.
Sad to see this series end but love how it does! Maybe we can visit again soon?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
6,164 reviews30 followers
October 8, 2020
4.5

Can you have too much drama?
First off, we start off in a at a brisk pace and it only picks up speed. Rhys, a lion shifter is a hot mess. Seriously. He had a mate and his head space is a mess.

Sage is also a hot mess. She’s got so much damage.
It sure if these are the best match as they are both so messed up?
Still, the writing is strong and it’s fast paced.
Recommend.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2020
Grief and fear have ruled two lives.
Both Rhys and Sage need each other but to accept each other they both needed to concede to what
fate had given them. Each has a sorrowful past that needs to be overcome and in each other this hurdle can and will be overcome. A good 5th book in this series and one I received as an ARC for my willing, honest, and voluntary review.
1,152 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2020
Rhys and Sage

A wonderful novel and a fantastic ending to a great series! This novel can be read as a standalone but to really get the fullness of this story, it would help the reader to read the previous novels but it is not necessary. Rhys and Sage hold their own quite well. The ending is just amazing. Glad all in the Crowley Pride got their HEA!
Profile Image for Elisa  Castro .
2,625 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2020
Savage Exile is book five in the series A Shifting Destinies Lion Hearts by author Cecilia Lane. I believe that this book is the heart and soul of this series. Savage Exile, will take you on a emotional journey of self discovery and courage. The lessons learned will inspire.
Enjoy!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,480 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2020
Uplifting Story about Love and Growth. As the last book in the series, it was the best because it brought all the members of the Crowley pride and their mates together to live their lives with love and strength. They overcame many obstacles. This is Sage and Rhys' story of love beating the worst life could throw at them. Definitely a great read!
351 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2020
I loved this story! I am not even sure what to say about these characters that won't give away so much of the story. Sage has been through so much and Rhys is determined to show she that she is stronger than she thinks. Rhys struggles with accepting that he is worthy of another mate. The build up to the sexy times is amazing! Great story!
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,645 reviews25 followers
January 9, 2021
This is a great read. It brings two shifters who thought they were broken a chance at love and happiness.

They really work as a couple. Both had given up due to the pain of the past but the bond brings them strength. I enjoyed seeing her grow in strength and face the challenges.

I loved the ending.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
115 reviews
June 11, 2021
Shifter love

What a humdinger of an ending to the series! I finished it in one evening because I just couldn't put it down. I had to see how it played out and I wasn't disappointed. The whole series is a must read and I'm so glad I found this author. She certainly didn't let me down book after book.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
635 reviews25 followers
February 27, 2025
This has to be one of the first times I wasn't annoyed with them all stopping in the middle because of trauma. I liked Sage too much to care. I loved Rhys too. They were so good together.

Teasing a dragon also got me. I just want more dragons and will probably go find a bunch of dragon books to read.
6,491 reviews22 followers
October 11, 2020
Rhys and Sage have past that have hurt them. This story with emotion, fantastic backstories and dynamic characters. The pace starts out quick and keeps the fast pace. The story is well written and has entertaining drama. I really enjoyed Rhys and Sage's story.
Profile Image for Julie.
990 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2020
I’ve loved all the books so far in the series Lion Hearts and have been waiting on Rhys story. It’s just as you would expect for one of Cecilia Lanes books and so much so I read in one sitting!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
46 reviews
October 15, 2020
The best yet

I love Cecilias books, I have read them all but this is by far the best. The love story was tormented and surprising. I have to say that in this book is the best written love scene I have ever read. So hot, would need so me time.yum
144 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2020
Puzzle pieces...

When two broken individuals come together, the pieces seem to fit just as well, if not better then those who are of typical shape. They make each other whole and you stories do that for the final chapter of the Lion Hearts pride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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