What do you think?
Rate this book
Savage
He scares the living daylights out of me. But not for the reasons he might think. And that scares me even more.
Hazel
He’s magnetic. Tall and commanding.
Heartbreakingly gorgeous.
Borne of ice. Ruthless.
Dangerous.
And his dark, mesmerizing gaze is locked onto me.
This man is fantasy in the flesh.
Callum O’Daire.
Darling of Boston’s moneyed society and king of the underworld.
And I’m here to ask a favor from this soulless creature. Beg, if I have to.
I despise him. Body and soul.
Callum
Hazel Brentwood.
Even from a distance, she’s striking.
Stands out.
Eyes like dark gold that glittered with fire and untapped passion.
She needs my help. But I hate the Brentwoods.
All of them.
Old money that covers sins and crimes that will never be answered to
The very thing keeping Hazel so pampered and pretty.
Blood money.
If anyone’s going to tear her to shreds, to destroy her, it’s going to be me.
My way.
Sultry stares, passionate embraces, and suspense await you inside Savage. This enemies-to-lovers mafia romance will have you flipping the pages, begging Callum or Hazel to make the first move!
Hazel
He’s magnetic. Tall and commanding.
Heartbreakingly gorgeous.
Borne of ice. Ruthless.
Dangerous.
And his dark, mesmerizing gaze is locked onto me.
This man is fantasy in the flesh.
Callum O’Daire.
Darling of Boston’s moneyed society and king of the underworld.
And I’m here to ask a favor from this soulless creature. Beg, if I have to.
I despise him. Body and soul.
Callum
Hazel Brentwood.
Even from a distance, she’s striking.
Stands out.
Eyes like dark gold that glittered with fire and untapped passion.
She needs my help. But I hate the Brentwoods.
All of them.
Old money that covers sins and crimes that will never be answered to
The very thing keeping Hazel so pampered and pretty.
Blood money.
If anyone’s going to tear her to shreds, to destroy her, it’s going to be me.
My way.
Sultry stares, passionate embraces, and suspense await you inside Savage. This enemies-to-lovers mafia romance will have you flipping the pages, begging Callum or Hazel to make the first move!
- GenresRomanceEnemies To Lovers
296 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 10, 2021
This was interesting! Which is to say I have some mixed feelings about it.
It's the story of Hazel, a young woman from a rich family very keen on finding more about her birth parents. Her brother leaves a note before he dies, connecting her search with a man, and because of this note she connects with him. All through the book Callum keeps proving he is not a good man, but Hazel keeps believing in his heart, though not sugarcoating his position.
My mixed feelings come from the darkness and the heat between the hero and heroine. There is a cold heat between them, sizzling attraction but white, ice cold vibes, an intriguing sort of communication and a strange connection. But the heat is there, and is all consuming. It is, by my knowledge, the darkest book Anna Ray has written. The ruthless world, the shadows, so much of the actions is happening at night or in the darkness, bad lit bars and even the daylight has this feeling to it.. There is a very interesting world constructed and I must say it is very well written.
To be honest the way the hero acts toward the heroine was not my cup of tea, because I don't like much darkness in my books. He is not truly mean, but his very few words are rarely kind, thought understandably from his position. It is very hard for him to accept their connection and as the story progresses, when you find how they got together and how he grew up, it all makes sense.
However, however, I loved how she shifted from being a bit naive at the beginning, not knowing how to get his help and handle him, to answering back with a clear voice, taking her stand. I really loved how beautifully she kept her posture, though in love with him and needing him, always so independent in her stance.
There is much complexity in this book, the plot keeps you on your toes and unexpected things emerge. You can't gasp much what the next chapter will bring. Along with this, the writing is great, the dialogues flow, the action keeps building and building and there are some psychological aspects to each character that make this book a fantastic written one. I do feel with each book Anna Ray's writing gets better and better and I can't wait to read more from her.
I received a copy of this in exchange for my opinion.
It's the story of Hazel, a young woman from a rich family very keen on finding more about her birth parents. Her brother leaves a note before he dies, connecting her search with a man, and because of this note she connects with him. All through the book Callum keeps proving he is not a good man, but Hazel keeps believing in his heart, though not sugarcoating his position.
My mixed feelings come from the darkness and the heat between the hero and heroine. There is a cold heat between them, sizzling attraction but white, ice cold vibes, an intriguing sort of communication and a strange connection. But the heat is there, and is all consuming. It is, by my knowledge, the darkest book Anna Ray has written. The ruthless world, the shadows, so much of the actions is happening at night or in the darkness, bad lit bars and even the daylight has this feeling to it.. There is a very interesting world constructed and I must say it is very well written.
To be honest the way the hero acts toward the heroine was not my cup of tea, because I don't like much darkness in my books. He is not truly mean, but his very few words are rarely kind, thought understandably from his position. It is very hard for him to accept their connection and as the story progresses, when you find how they got together and how he grew up, it all makes sense.
However, however, I loved how she shifted from being a bit naive at the beginning, not knowing how to get his help and handle him, to answering back with a clear voice, taking her stand. I really loved how beautifully she kept her posture, though in love with him and needing him, always so independent in her stance.
There is much complexity in this book, the plot keeps you on your toes and unexpected things emerge. You can't gasp much what the next chapter will bring. Along with this, the writing is great, the dialogues flow, the action keeps building and building and there are some psychological aspects to each character that make this book a fantastic written one. I do feel with each book Anna Ray's writing gets better and better and I can't wait to read more from her.
I received a copy of this in exchange for my opinion.
September 9, 2021
3 stars
I really liked the overall plot. It was dark and gritty and full of action and Suspense.
Now... you might ask why the 3 stars? Well because although I adored the plot my problem were the mcs.
Hazel... I felt bad for her and what she went through but you'd think our girl learned something from it but nope. She was the definition of TSTL heroine. I feel bad for not liking her more.
Now, our Hero, Callum... *sighs* we were told from the beginning he was "bad" but that's it. They never showed us really why he was so bad. Also I didn't liked how he treated our heroine.
Again, the story was good but with better MCs I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the overall plot. It was dark and gritty and full of action and Suspense.
Now... you might ask why the 3 stars? Well because although I adored the plot my problem were the mcs.
Hazel... I felt bad for her and what she went through but you'd think our girl learned something from it but nope. She was the definition of TSTL heroine. I feel bad for not liking her more.
Now, our Hero, Callum... *sighs* we were told from the beginning he was "bad" but that's it. They never showed us really why he was so bad. Also I didn't liked how he treated our heroine.
Again, the story was good but with better MCs I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2021
Arc provided via NetGallery for an honest review.
I found that some of the dialogue was written in a weird way at times, which took away from my reading flow. Callum also put "fucking" in almost all of his sentences, which I found annoying.
I also found it a little annoying that Callum was so incredibly back and forth with Hazel. Poor girl really went through it.
This story starts off with action right away. It's an incredibly quick read and I was never bored. I liked the dual perspective, which allows us to look a little deeper into both characters. I also didn't see the plot twist coming until right before, but that's probably because I'm not very intuitive.
I found that some of the dialogue was written in a weird way at times, which took away from my reading flow. Callum also put "fucking" in almost all of his sentences, which I found annoying.
I also found it a little annoying that Callum was so incredibly back and forth with Hazel. Poor girl really went through it.
This story starts off with action right away. It's an incredibly quick read and I was never bored. I liked the dual perspective, which allows us to look a little deeper into both characters. I also didn't see the plot twist coming until right before, but that's probably because I'm not very intuitive.
Want to Read
January 10, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/10/2023)! 🎁
Want to Read
February 15, 2023Jan. 10, 2023 Amazon purch
July 27, 2021
What a brilliant masterpiece of a story!! Anna has touched my soul with this one and I’m not sure anyone will ever be able to top this! The iciness and levels of darkness, hit differently than any other stories written by her! How the hero (though he’s technically an antihero) treated the heroine, how she was able to handle him with ease, was something of another level of darkness and satisfaction. The sexual banter between these two explosive characters, combined with their undeniable connection and chemistry, left me anticipating every turn of the page and having to take a breather.
“You got my attention, Hazel. Question is, what are we going to do about it?” -Callum
Hazel was such a naive person, with a heart of gold mixed with hellfire and brimstone. She was soft on the outside, but tough as nails on the inside. She never showed any fear, which was extremely satisfying for a “rich girl” who has had everything in life handed to her. She’d never take no for an answer, was a pain in the ass but went after what she wanted and wouldn’t stop until she got it.
“Getting naked with someone like Callum O’Daire or anyone in his world is not on my agenda.” -Hazel
Callum was exotic with a rough exterior and an even icier veins flowing through his blood. How he treated Hazel was what made the story that much more interesting, and how she would fire right back at him. His inability to accept that he is worthy of love, made for an opportunity to dive more into his character development, which Anna nailed with his decisiveness and brutal nature.
“I’ve fallen in love with you. More importantly, I’ve fallen in love with your dog.”-Hazel
“I’m not what you need. You’re sweet and light. I’m violence. A monster.” -Callum
Their steamy connection was full of so much fire and excitement! When they weren’t bickering and arguing, their sexual chemistry was sizzling the pages, leaving burn marks on my fingers from the flames. I have never read such an incredible story of this caliber by Anna before, so to say she did the damn thing with this story would not give her enough credit. Her ability to pull my emotions into the savage world, was nothing short of amazing!
“You love reckless.” -Hazel
I’ve gone and fallen in love with her. -Callum
I fully recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an enticing and passionate mafia romance!! Definitely ten star worthy!!
“You got my attention, Hazel. Question is, what are we going to do about it?” -Callum
Hazel was such a naive person, with a heart of gold mixed with hellfire and brimstone. She was soft on the outside, but tough as nails on the inside. She never showed any fear, which was extremely satisfying for a “rich girl” who has had everything in life handed to her. She’d never take no for an answer, was a pain in the ass but went after what she wanted and wouldn’t stop until she got it.
“Getting naked with someone like Callum O’Daire or anyone in his world is not on my agenda.” -Hazel
Callum was exotic with a rough exterior and an even icier veins flowing through his blood. How he treated Hazel was what made the story that much more interesting, and how she would fire right back at him. His inability to accept that he is worthy of love, made for an opportunity to dive more into his character development, which Anna nailed with his decisiveness and brutal nature.
“I’ve fallen in love with you. More importantly, I’ve fallen in love with your dog.”-Hazel
“I’m not what you need. You’re sweet and light. I’m violence. A monster.” -Callum
Their steamy connection was full of so much fire and excitement! When they weren’t bickering and arguing, their sexual chemistry was sizzling the pages, leaving burn marks on my fingers from the flames. I have never read such an incredible story of this caliber by Anna before, so to say she did the damn thing with this story would not give her enough credit. Her ability to pull my emotions into the savage world, was nothing short of amazing!
“You love reckless.” -Hazel
I’ve gone and fallen in love with her. -Callum
I fully recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an enticing and passionate mafia romance!! Definitely ten star worthy!!
September 15, 2021
Tall, dangerous, and heartbreakingly handsome Callum O'Daire is a fantasy in the flesh. The darling of Boston society and the king Boston's underworld and Hazel despises him.
He killed her brother. The only clue she has is left to her by her brother and it led her here to this high society party held at Callum's mansion. Only he thinks she's a party favor. As if!
She looks like an angel with long lustrous hair and legs for days
But Hazel was right about her brother his death being is his fault. As sure as if he had personally put a gun to his head or pushed in the heroin syringe.
He hated the Brentwood family and it was kind of twisted to be buddies with the son of the man who killed his father. He willingly got sunk into the underground mire Callum was used to. It was twisted that Callum watched as Sammy sank deeper and deeper in drugs until he finally ODed.
I loved this book! It is very well written and drew me into the story from page one. The characters are all very complex - from Callum, his best friend Damon, Hazel and even Phoenix.
I think this line in the book perfectly describes Callum - "Danger and violence dressed in a three-piece suit." Callum pulled himself out of the life he was born into to become the biggest investor in Boston. He didn't need guns, he destroyed men where it hurt - their wallets.
Hazel was raised in a loving home with privilege, but she still had the need to find her birth mother to see where she came from despite the pain it was costing her parents. And she will continue being a pain in Callum's a$$ until he gives her the information she wants.
This book is action-packed and shrouded in mystery. Callum and Hazel are both looking for answers and nothing is as it seems and her dead brother seems to be stringing them along from the grave.
The chemistry between Callum and Hazel is electric from the moment they lay eyes on each other. Even though they hate each other, both for their own reasons they can't seem to get enough of each other. And despite what Callum wants everyone to believe you knew his true character in how he treated Killer.
I really loved this story and how the storyline unfolded. The author gives a huge clue throughout this book and it was only until I had that "ah-ha" moment that things started falling in place. Highly recommend!
He killed her brother. The only clue she has is left to her by her brother and it led her here to this high society party held at Callum's mansion. Only he thinks she's a party favor. As if!
She looks like an angel with long lustrous hair and legs for days
But Hazel was right about her brother his death being is his fault. As sure as if he had personally put a gun to his head or pushed in the heroin syringe.
He hated the Brentwood family and it was kind of twisted to be buddies with the son of the man who killed his father. He willingly got sunk into the underground mire Callum was used to. It was twisted that Callum watched as Sammy sank deeper and deeper in drugs until he finally ODed.
I loved this book! It is very well written and drew me into the story from page one. The characters are all very complex - from Callum, his best friend Damon, Hazel and even Phoenix.
I think this line in the book perfectly describes Callum - "Danger and violence dressed in a three-piece suit." Callum pulled himself out of the life he was born into to become the biggest investor in Boston. He didn't need guns, he destroyed men where it hurt - their wallets.
Hazel was raised in a loving home with privilege, but she still had the need to find her birth mother to see where she came from despite the pain it was costing her parents. And she will continue being a pain in Callum's a$$ until he gives her the information she wants.
This book is action-packed and shrouded in mystery. Callum and Hazel are both looking for answers and nothing is as it seems and her dead brother seems to be stringing them along from the grave.
The chemistry between Callum and Hazel is electric from the moment they lay eyes on each other. Even though they hate each other, both for their own reasons they can't seem to get enough of each other. And despite what Callum wants everyone to believe you knew his true character in how he treated Killer.
I really loved this story and how the storyline unfolded. The author gives a huge clue throughout this book and it was only until I had that "ah-ha" moment that things started falling in place. Highly recommend!
July 10, 2021
SAVAGE by Anna Ray is a contemporary, adult, enemies to lovers, Mafia style, dark romance story lines focusing on businessman Callum O’Daire, and Hazel Brentwood.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Callum and Hazel) SAVAGE follows in the wake of Sam Brentwood’s death. Hazel Brentwood and her brother Sam were adopted as children and babies but Sam’s death has left too many unanswered questions including the identity of Hazel’s birth mother. With only the name ‘Callum O’Daire’, our heroine goes in search of the information she may not want to find. Callum O’Daire, is a former,illegal MMA fighter turned underworld boss, whose hatred for the Brentwood family is only surpassed by his hatred for the life in which he was born. What ensues is the acrimonious and tempestuous relationship between Callum and Hazel, and the fall-out as the truth reveals a deeper connection between our story line couple.
Callum O’Daire wants nothing to do with our story line heroine but the more Hazel persists, the more Callum succumbs. At every turn, secrets are revealed, lies are exposed, and the twists expose a dark and dangerous world of which Hazel does not belong. Often TSTL (too stupid to live) Hazel becomes the target of threats and intimidation, but she continues along a tangled path of heart breaking discovery.
The relationship between Callum and Hazel is fraught with a thinly veiled line between love and hate. Callum doesn’t do relationship, and Hazel represent everything Callum hates in the world. Often threatening, angry, and exasperated, Callum struggles with his attraction to a woman that won’t leave well enough alone. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and dramatic.
We are introduced to Callum’s friend, former MMA fighter and right-hand man Damon Jones, as well as Hazel’s father Davis Brentwood, and her roommate and best friend Finley.
SAVAGE is a dark, gritty, haunting and twisted tale of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power, control, obsession and love. The character driven premise is tragic and complex; the characters are broken and desperate; the romance is visceral and intense.
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Callum and Hazel) SAVAGE follows in the wake of Sam Brentwood’s death. Hazel Brentwood and her brother Sam were adopted as children and babies but Sam’s death has left too many unanswered questions including the identity of Hazel’s birth mother. With only the name ‘Callum O’Daire’, our heroine goes in search of the information she may not want to find. Callum O’Daire, is a former,illegal MMA fighter turned underworld boss, whose hatred for the Brentwood family is only surpassed by his hatred for the life in which he was born. What ensues is the acrimonious and tempestuous relationship between Callum and Hazel, and the fall-out as the truth reveals a deeper connection between our story line couple.
Callum O’Daire wants nothing to do with our story line heroine but the more Hazel persists, the more Callum succumbs. At every turn, secrets are revealed, lies are exposed, and the twists expose a dark and dangerous world of which Hazel does not belong. Often TSTL (too stupid to live) Hazel becomes the target of threats and intimidation, but she continues along a tangled path of heart breaking discovery.
The relationship between Callum and Hazel is fraught with a thinly veiled line between love and hate. Callum doesn’t do relationship, and Hazel represent everything Callum hates in the world. Often threatening, angry, and exasperated, Callum struggles with his attraction to a woman that won’t leave well enough alone. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and dramatic.
We are introduced to Callum’s friend, former MMA fighter and right-hand man Damon Jones, as well as Hazel’s father Davis Brentwood, and her roommate and best friend Finley.
SAVAGE is a dark, gritty, haunting and twisted tale of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power, control, obsession and love. The character driven premise is tragic and complex; the characters are broken and desperate; the romance is visceral and intense.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 9, 2021
Hazel Brentwood and Callum O'Daire are from two different worlds, but they both need each other. Hazel is well kept in high society. Callum is a self proclaimed "street rat" who has risen above and has become a powerful entity in Boston's high and low societies.
Hazel is adopted. After finding some leads left behind by her deceased brother (who Callum may or may not have history with), she is in need of Callum's help to identify her birth parents. Callum is also in need of information in regards to the death of his father and childhood friend. (Both of who died at the same docks that Hazel's adoptive father owned.)
Callum agrees to work with Hazel, as long as she sleeps with him. Hazel is hesitant, but their instant and unexplained attraction for each other, and her desire to find answers, keeps the story going and readers on a steamy and interesting ride.
My takeaways and thoughts:
The couple is the epitome of light vs. dark. The banter between Hazel and Callum was steamy and fun to read. Their hate/"love" relationship that they have was what kept me hooked.
This is labeled as a mafia, enemies-to-lover romance, but I do not believe that much of the mafia world was added to the story. However, it is very much an enemies-to-lover story which I am here for.
I believe that this world the other set up had a lot of potential, but it wasn't explored as thoroughly and that's what made me give 3 stars.
You can find some more reviews and book recommendations on my TikTok: @bethlovesbooks
Hazel is adopted. After finding some leads left behind by her deceased brother (who Callum may or may not have history with), she is in need of Callum's help to identify her birth parents. Callum is also in need of information in regards to the death of his father and childhood friend. (Both of who died at the same docks that Hazel's adoptive father owned.)
Callum agrees to work with Hazel, as long as she sleeps with him. Hazel is hesitant, but their instant and unexplained attraction for each other, and her desire to find answers, keeps the story going and readers on a steamy and interesting ride.
My takeaways and thoughts:
The couple is the epitome of light vs. dark. The banter between Hazel and Callum was steamy and fun to read. Their hate/"love" relationship that they have was what kept me hooked.
This is labeled as a mafia, enemies-to-lover romance, but I do not believe that much of the mafia world was added to the story. However, it is very much an enemies-to-lover story which I am here for.
I believe that this world the other set up had a lot of potential, but it wasn't explored as thoroughly and that's what made me give 3 stars.
You can find some more reviews and book recommendations on my TikTok: @bethlovesbooks
July 27, 2021
Score: 6.5/10
Would reread: no
An enemies-to-lovers full of denial of feelings.
Hazel hates Callum because he is a "monster" and because he is responsible for her brother's death. Callum hates the Brentwoods because Hazel's father was responsible for the death of Callum's father.
Hazel Brentwood and Callum O'Daire are from opposite worlds. She is a high-class "princess" who works in business ethics and wants to find her birth mother. He is a self-proclaimed "street rat" who wants to find peace with his father's death, maybe also revenge on his "killer". When "Pheonix", an elusive player from Callum's past, plays with them, Hazel and Callum start seeking the truth about their pasts.
While this was indeed an enemies-to-lovers story, it was way lighter than I expected. Hazel and Callum were indeed light and dark, but Callum's dark was very tame and far from abyss dark. Maybe I am just accustomed to darker stories, but the mafia aspect of this story was almost inexistent. Yes, Callum WAS a street rat, he was an MMA fighter and he still knows criminals. But Callum has an actual high-paying job and his one big dark thing was partaking in an illegal MMA fight. He doesn't even have a gun, while he definitely saw dead people, it does not seem like he actually killed anyone. I just don't understand how he can be the "king of the underworld".
This was not a bad book, but it wasn't great either. The story was full of contradictions and it did not rise to my expectations.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Would reread: no
An enemies-to-lovers full of denial of feelings.
Hazel hates Callum because he is a "monster" and because he is responsible for her brother's death. Callum hates the Brentwoods because Hazel's father was responsible for the death of Callum's father.
Hazel Brentwood and Callum O'Daire are from opposite worlds. She is a high-class "princess" who works in business ethics and wants to find her birth mother. He is a self-proclaimed "street rat" who wants to find peace with his father's death, maybe also revenge on his "killer". When "Pheonix", an elusive player from Callum's past, plays with them, Hazel and Callum start seeking the truth about their pasts.
While this was indeed an enemies-to-lovers story, it was way lighter than I expected. Hazel and Callum were indeed light and dark, but Callum's dark was very tame and far from abyss dark. Maybe I am just accustomed to darker stories, but the mafia aspect of this story was almost inexistent. Yes, Callum WAS a street rat, he was an MMA fighter and he still knows criminals. But Callum has an actual high-paying job and his one big dark thing was partaking in an illegal MMA fight. He doesn't even have a gun, while he definitely saw dead people, it does not seem like he actually killed anyone. I just don't understand how he can be the "king of the underworld".
This was not a bad book, but it wasn't great either. The story was full of contradictions and it did not rise to my expectations.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 8, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Hazel is walking around in a state of confusion when her brother passes, she finds out the two of them were adopted as babies and she wants actually wants answers and the identity of her birth mother. Callum is a sexy as all get out underworld boss who hates all that carry the name of Brentwood. Callum do not want to hear anything she has to say but the chemistry is intense, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored. Two broken individuals who want to be something more but they have to deal with their past in order to move forward and the push and pull is addictive but will they keep fighting, will she get the answers she is seeking, can the two of them heal each other and can they find happiness?
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Hazel is walking around in a state of confusion when her brother passes, she finds out the two of them were adopted as babies and she wants actually wants answers and the identity of her birth mother. Callum is a sexy as all get out underworld boss who hates all that carry the name of Brentwood. Callum do not want to hear anything she has to say but the chemistry is intense, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored. Two broken individuals who want to be something more but they have to deal with their past in order to move forward and the push and pull is addictive but will they keep fighting, will she get the answers she is seeking, can the two of them heal each other and can they find happiness?
July 9, 2021
Once again, Anna Ray has drawn me into another one of her stories! This is the story of Callum (Cal) and Hazel. Cal was once a street rat, and made himself into one of the most feared men in Boston. He is dark, dangerous and believes he does not deserve happiness or anything good in his life. He blames himself for a lot of things in his past that were beyond his control, but this is how Cal makes himself feel better. Hazel is everything Cal believes he doesn’t deserve – she is good, pure, sweet, feisty and a pain in the butt! She has this tenacity to her that Cal finds irritating, but is also intrigued by her.
Hazel is on a mission to find her birth parents. She comes across a note her brother left before he died with Callum’s name on it. Hazel’s family believes Cal is the reason their son died and there is a hatred between the families. Hazel knows that Callum is dangerous, but she knows there is a connection between her birth parents and Callum. When Hazel and Callum meet, the banter between them is nothing short of HOT! There is drama, action, lots of secrets, deception, passion, denial, friendship, and realizing your own worth in this story. Great story with great characters. I cannot wait to see what is next for this author! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hazel is on a mission to find her birth parents. She comes across a note her brother left before he died with Callum’s name on it. Hazel’s family believes Cal is the reason their son died and there is a hatred between the families. Hazel knows that Callum is dangerous, but she knows there is a connection between her birth parents and Callum. When Hazel and Callum meet, the banter between them is nothing short of HOT! There is drama, action, lots of secrets, deception, passion, denial, friendship, and realizing your own worth in this story. Great story with great characters. I cannot wait to see what is next for this author! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2021
This book is about opposites attracting.
Callum, a rough, tough, macho, violent male from the wrong side of the tracks and Hazel, gentile, feminine, innocent virgin from a well connected rich family. Hazel wants Callum to help her find out more about her birth family, and Callum only wants Hazel - for a while.
Most of the book sees Hazel showing up in random places annoying the bejesus out of Callum, and Callum ruminating to himself about why he should avoid her. Callum blames himself for the decline of Hazel's brother and continuously steers Hazel away from spending time with him, only to find himself pining for her company.
There isn't much more to this story - there's a fair bit of dialogue and backwards and forwards between Callum and Hazel but not alot of substance to their relationship. We get Callum's an angry man, and a violent one. But he sounds a little two dimensional as well... coupled with Hazel's flare for the dramatic and painful, whiney-ness I just couldn't see these two working with any satisfaction. I needed to know more about Callum's day-to-day success and his badness, and there was really nothing to speak of Hazel's existing outside her chasing Callum other than she had finished college.
Killer the dog was a high point.
There was potential for this plot but it needed some depth.
2.5 stars
Callum, a rough, tough, macho, violent male from the wrong side of the tracks and Hazel, gentile, feminine, innocent virgin from a well connected rich family. Hazel wants Callum to help her find out more about her birth family, and Callum only wants Hazel - for a while.
Most of the book sees Hazel showing up in random places annoying the bejesus out of Callum, and Callum ruminating to himself about why he should avoid her. Callum blames himself for the decline of Hazel's brother and continuously steers Hazel away from spending time with him, only to find himself pining for her company.
There isn't much more to this story - there's a fair bit of dialogue and backwards and forwards between Callum and Hazel but not alot of substance to their relationship. We get Callum's an angry man, and a violent one. But he sounds a little two dimensional as well... coupled with Hazel's flare for the dramatic and painful, whiney-ness I just couldn't see these two working with any satisfaction. I needed to know more about Callum's day-to-day success and his badness, and there was really nothing to speak of Hazel's existing outside her chasing Callum other than she had finished college.
Killer the dog was a high point.
There was potential for this plot but it needed some depth.
2.5 stars
July 22, 2021
ARC received from Netgalley and author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
I really enjoyed reading this book and it was dark read filled with vengeance and hate.
This book captured my attention from the very first page and i just had to read ahead. The main characters, Hazel Brentwood; a rich high society woman and Callum O'daire ; a self proclaimed street rat who made his own empire, have to work together to find h's birth parents. I could definitely feel the chemistry between them, it was very steamy and erotic. That being said I was not too sure what to think about Hazel. I absolutely liked how she went after what she wanted and that she didn't hide her feelings from Callum but, she was also continously putting herself in dangerous situations where the hero had to come rescue her.
I liked Callum's character, he was funny in a very understated way and his inner monologues about Hazel were so funny and cute. Although he didn't say it outright to us I could see he cared about the heroine in the little things he did.
I can figure out the plot twists of almost any book a few chapters in, but i was not ready for the plot twist here. It utterly took me by surprise and that doesn't happen enough.
I was going to give this book 3 stars but just because of the plot twist i give this book 4 stars!
I really enjoyed reading this book and it was dark read filled with vengeance and hate.
This book captured my attention from the very first page and i just had to read ahead. The main characters, Hazel Brentwood; a rich high society woman and Callum O'daire ; a self proclaimed street rat who made his own empire, have to work together to find h's birth parents. I could definitely feel the chemistry between them, it was very steamy and erotic. That being said I was not too sure what to think about Hazel. I absolutely liked how she went after what she wanted and that she didn't hide her feelings from Callum but, she was also continously putting herself in dangerous situations where the hero had to come rescue her.
I liked Callum's character, he was funny in a very understated way and his inner monologues about Hazel were so funny and cute. Although he didn't say it outright to us I could see he cared about the heroine in the little things he did.
I can figure out the plot twists of almost any book a few chapters in, but i was not ready for the plot twist here. It utterly took me by surprise and that doesn't happen enough.
I was going to give this book 3 stars but just because of the plot twist i give this book 4 stars!
August 27, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked this story but wouldn’t have said it’s a mafia romance, an enemies to lovers based one, well that’s a yes, this stories characters are Callum O’Daire whose an ex MMA fighter although he still dabbles in the MMA fights if he wants to, he’s dark, brooding, a ruthless businessman (who bought himself up from being a street rat as he called himself) and has a tattooed body thats well honed from years of being in the MMA world, she is Hazel Brentwood whose pampered and pretty (the pampered princess as Callum calls her)she’s the adopted daughter of The Brentwoods (the Brentwoods consist of mum, dad and Sam their real son and (Callum’s one time friend) who owned the docks where Callum’s dad met his death through some dubious work practices), the premise of the story starts that Hazel approaches Callum to help her find her birth mother, she then becomes Callum’s ‘big pain in the ass’ as he says, this book is one of those which you can’t put down and has a plot twist right at the end which you don’t see coming it’s a bad boy story who unintentionally becomes a knight in not so shining armour!
I really liked this story but wouldn’t have said it’s a mafia romance, an enemies to lovers based one, well that’s a yes, this stories characters are Callum O’Daire whose an ex MMA fighter although he still dabbles in the MMA fights if he wants to, he’s dark, brooding, a ruthless businessman (who bought himself up from being a street rat as he called himself) and has a tattooed body thats well honed from years of being in the MMA world, she is Hazel Brentwood whose pampered and pretty (the pampered princess as Callum calls her)she’s the adopted daughter of The Brentwoods (the Brentwoods consist of mum, dad and Sam their real son and (Callum’s one time friend) who owned the docks where Callum’s dad met his death through some dubious work practices), the premise of the story starts that Hazel approaches Callum to help her find her birth mother, she then becomes Callum’s ‘big pain in the ass’ as he says, this book is one of those which you can’t put down and has a plot twist right at the end which you don’t see coming it’s a bad boy story who unintentionally becomes a knight in not so shining armour!
August 29, 2021
Here’s the thing. I really like Anna Ray’s writing. Her book Fighter was good, but just like that one I felt this one lacked a little something something.
Let me be clear though Anna writes some hot damn broody male characters and Callum O Daire was no exception. Moody, intense and downright to the point with what he wants, he’ll make you a little hit under the collar!
And Hazel, she’s fiery and strong willed and a tad bit crazy in the way she gets herself into some bad situations! Even though she gets warned not to so many times!
The story was really good in this one, I loved the twist, the way it got there and the build up between Callum and Hazel. I enjoyed Callum being a knight in shining armour even though he tried so hard not to be. I just wanted to see a bit more of Callum’s softer side and hear more about how he was falling for Hazel. I also wanted more Damon. He was hot .. more so than Callum for me!
The one thing I didn’t like was the fact we’re made very aware of what a bad man Callum is from the get go, but we never see anything apart from a few threats when he’s protecting Hazel, and a couple of heavy fights. I wanted to know how he fit where he was, the things he’d done. Why were people so intimidated by him? There was little to no Mafia element for me here, and that’s where it missed the mark.
Overall a good read if you want a quick easy enjoyable story!
Let me be clear though Anna writes some hot damn broody male characters and Callum O Daire was no exception. Moody, intense and downright to the point with what he wants, he’ll make you a little hit under the collar!
And Hazel, she’s fiery and strong willed and a tad bit crazy in the way she gets herself into some bad situations! Even though she gets warned not to so many times!
The story was really good in this one, I loved the twist, the way it got there and the build up between Callum and Hazel. I enjoyed Callum being a knight in shining armour even though he tried so hard not to be. I just wanted to see a bit more of Callum’s softer side and hear more about how he was falling for Hazel. I also wanted more Damon. He was hot .. more so than Callum for me!
The one thing I didn’t like was the fact we’re made very aware of what a bad man Callum is from the get go, but we never see anything apart from a few threats when he’s protecting Hazel, and a couple of heavy fights. I wanted to know how he fit where he was, the things he’d done. Why were people so intimidated by him? There was little to no Mafia element for me here, and that’s where it missed the mark.
Overall a good read if you want a quick easy enjoyable story!
July 14, 2021
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Callum O’ Daire is my cup of bad boy tea 🤤. While I thoroughly enjoyed the smut in this book….ALOT. I didn’t really get the plot. The book opens on our heroine Hazel needing help from bad boy Callum to find her birth parents. It just doesn’t make sense, like you are a spoiled rich girl who has money to boot but yet you can’t find your birth parents without the help of the dangerous low life scum (his words, not mine)of Boston?? I get that their lives intersect but it was just a weird choice for plots. However that being said, while Callum is a complete ass, he never claims to be anything other than that and it’s hot. They try so hard to stay away from each other but the pull is just too strong. I love that through the whole book, Hazel believes Callum has a good heart, and he maintains the ruse that he doesn’t till the very end. But come on, feeding homeless dogs treats and giving him a home? Swoon ❤️ so while the plot was lacking, as well as the character development, I enjoyed reading this book a lot, I’m such a sucker for a bad boy.
Callum O’ Daire is my cup of bad boy tea 🤤. While I thoroughly enjoyed the smut in this book….ALOT. I didn’t really get the plot. The book opens on our heroine Hazel needing help from bad boy Callum to find her birth parents. It just doesn’t make sense, like you are a spoiled rich girl who has money to boot but yet you can’t find your birth parents without the help of the dangerous low life scum (his words, not mine)of Boston?? I get that their lives intersect but it was just a weird choice for plots. However that being said, while Callum is a complete ass, he never claims to be anything other than that and it’s hot. They try so hard to stay away from each other but the pull is just too strong. I love that through the whole book, Hazel believes Callum has a good heart, and he maintains the ruse that he doesn’t till the very end. But come on, feeding homeless dogs treats and giving him a home? Swoon ❤️ so while the plot was lacking, as well as the character development, I enjoyed reading this book a lot, I’m such a sucker for a bad boy.
July 24, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really really liked this story, specially Callum.
This story was addictive from the start, it was wel written and the mystery behind things just was the cherry on top.
Callum is so self-tortured, thinks bad of himself and blames himself for things he didn’t directly do or intended to. Actually he is a pretty great guy, gold of heart type of person but this doesn’t mean that he isn’t mean or aggressive because he is but you know for reasons that I can’t tell you, you just have to find out.
Hazel is a good girl, high in society type thing who was adopted. This story was a breath of fresh air in the way things happened.
And Killer? The dog is so precious, I loved seeing a bad man interacting/saving dogs.
I loved Callums and Hazels relationship. The push and pull they had from the beginning was amazing, the chemistry between them was off the charts
and I throughly enjoy the sexy times 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Another great story by Anna Ray and I highly recommend this if you like enemies to lovers and wanting to dip your toes on mafia/dark romance.
I really really liked this story, specially Callum.
This story was addictive from the start, it was wel written and the mystery behind things just was the cherry on top.
Callum is so self-tortured, thinks bad of himself and blames himself for things he didn’t directly do or intended to. Actually he is a pretty great guy, gold of heart type of person but this doesn’t mean that he isn’t mean or aggressive because he is but you know for reasons that I can’t tell you, you just have to find out.
Hazel is a good girl, high in society type thing who was adopted. This story was a breath of fresh air in the way things happened.
And Killer? The dog is so precious, I loved seeing a bad man interacting/saving dogs.
I loved Callums and Hazels relationship. The push and pull they had from the beginning was amazing, the chemistry between them was off the charts
and I throughly enjoy the sexy times 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Another great story by Anna Ray and I highly recommend this if you like enemies to lovers and wanting to dip your toes on mafia/dark romance.
July 28, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "SAVAGE" Anna Ray did a good job wiring this book my first by her as an author it was interesting, intriguing, with hot steam, secrets, lies, angst, grief, loss, twists that keep you reading to the end.
Hazel Brentwood is looking for her birth parents & her brother Sam's killer she's naive with a good heart, strong, never backs down or shows fear, or takes no for an answer she went after what she wanted no matter that she's putting herself in danger.
Callum O'Daire a former illegal MMA Fighter now head of the Mafia he dangerous, gorgeous, his right hand man Damon Jones he was also a former MMA Fighter his world is dark & dangerous.
Hazel needs his help to find Sam's killer he agrees only if she'll sleep with him he doesn't do relationships but as times goes on they become closer their chemistry is scorching the banter back & forth is humorous.
I definitely recommend to get this Dark intense drama with secrets, lies, betrayal & vengeance, power, control will Callum & Hazel find a HEA you have to get this book to see what happens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book I'm looking forward to next book by Anna Ray. AWESOME READ!!!!
Hazel Brentwood is looking for her birth parents & her brother Sam's killer she's naive with a good heart, strong, never backs down or shows fear, or takes no for an answer she went after what she wanted no matter that she's putting herself in danger.
Callum O'Daire a former illegal MMA Fighter now head of the Mafia he dangerous, gorgeous, his right hand man Damon Jones he was also a former MMA Fighter his world is dark & dangerous.
Hazel needs his help to find Sam's killer he agrees only if she'll sleep with him he doesn't do relationships but as times goes on they become closer their chemistry is scorching the banter back & forth is humorous.
I definitely recommend to get this Dark intense drama with secrets, lies, betrayal & vengeance, power, control will Callum & Hazel find a HEA you have to get this book to see what happens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book I'm looking forward to next book by Anna Ray. AWESOME READ!!!!
November 23, 2021
If you love mafia romance with a hint of mystery, you should check out Savage by Anna Ray. Action, suspense and adrenaline rush, and of course romance are that much themes this novel has to offer.
Callum meets Callum. This is that book when the main characters shares the same name. But worry not, you won’t get confuse because only the hero goes by the name Callum. The heroin, Hazel is the adopted daughter of the Brentwood family.
Hazel despise Callum because she believe he killed his brother, or rather the one causing his death. But one cannot play the game. Callum too, hates the Brentwoods for all of their blood money. But Hazel’s brother’s death has sparked curiosity and open up a path for Hazel to find her birth parents. And Callum is the key.
And so, the two teams up and started investigating. Clue after clue brought the two closer. Throughout all that time spent together, the attraction finds its way to love.
This is a voluntary review in exchange for the e-ARC I received. This is also my first ARC novel by a male author. I’m truly grateful to the NetGalley team and the publisher for the chance. Thank you.
#Savage #NetGalley
Callum meets Callum. This is that book when the main characters shares the same name. But worry not, you won’t get confuse because only the hero goes by the name Callum. The heroin, Hazel is the adopted daughter of the Brentwood family.
Hazel despise Callum because she believe he killed his brother, or rather the one causing his death. But one cannot play the game. Callum too, hates the Brentwoods for all of their blood money. But Hazel’s brother’s death has sparked curiosity and open up a path for Hazel to find her birth parents. And Callum is the key.
And so, the two teams up and started investigating. Clue after clue brought the two closer. Throughout all that time spent together, the attraction finds its way to love.
This is a voluntary review in exchange for the e-ARC I received. This is also my first ARC novel by a male author. I’m truly grateful to the NetGalley team and the publisher for the chance. Thank you.
#Savage #NetGalley
July 9, 2021
An interesting story that keeps getting better with every turn of the page.
by Anonymous
Savage is an Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance, it is the story of Hazel and Callum. Hazel is trying to find her biological mother and in order to do that she needs Callum's help. Callum however is reluctant to help her, because she is the adopted daughter of his most despised enemy. However , Hazel is from the very beginning very determined and Callum efforts to push away do not deter her. What I mostly liked about this book is that the story unfolds quickly , there are no lengthy introductions until the main characters meet and as soon as they meet the plot starts to unravel. In the beginning it was , for me at least, a bit confusing, but as the story goes more and more pieces start to fall into place. The more you read the more you get hooked. This is probably why I read the book in two days. I will definitely read more books from Anna Ray in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Anonymous
Savage is an Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance, it is the story of Hazel and Callum. Hazel is trying to find her biological mother and in order to do that she needs Callum's help. Callum however is reluctant to help her, because she is the adopted daughter of his most despised enemy. However , Hazel is from the very beginning very determined and Callum efforts to push away do not deter her. What I mostly liked about this book is that the story unfolds quickly , there are no lengthy introductions until the main characters meet and as soon as they meet the plot starts to unravel. In the beginning it was , for me at least, a bit confusing, but as the story goes more and more pieces start to fall into place. The more you read the more you get hooked. This is probably why I read the book in two days. I will definitely read more books from Anna Ray in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2021
Noticed some errors like for example:
Chapter 2 Callum describes her dress as a classy black dress then a page later it is midnight blue. Chapter 11 Hazel picks up her phone from her bedroom and goes into her living room to crash on her couch waiting for the pizza she ordered. Thinking of Callum getting all the leads about her biological parents, she suddenly stops and sits straight up on her bed. How? she was on the couch in the living room! Then she snatches up her phone that sits on her bed next to her. She and her phone both teleported back into her bedroom. Same chapter Callum rings door bell she opens door and he has her pizza she goes to grab it but he snatches it away from her and enters her house with the pizza. A few minutes later he takes the pizza box from her even though he was just holding it.??? I love to read and to get lost in a good story , these kind of errors really distract from that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chapter 2 Callum describes her dress as a classy black dress then a page later it is midnight blue. Chapter 11 Hazel picks up her phone from her bedroom and goes into her living room to crash on her couch waiting for the pizza she ordered. Thinking of Callum getting all the leads about her biological parents, she suddenly stops and sits straight up on her bed. How? she was on the couch in the living room! Then she snatches up her phone that sits on her bed next to her. She and her phone both teleported back into her bedroom. Same chapter Callum rings door bell she opens door and he has her pizza she goes to grab it but he snatches it away from her and enters her house with the pizza. A few minutes later he takes the pizza box from her even though he was just holding it.??? I love to read and to get lost in a good story , these kind of errors really distract from that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2021
5 STARS for SAVAGE : An Enemies to Lover’s Mafia Romance by Anna Ray
ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Really loved this book - could not put it down !! Here are just a few reasons why :
Great cover and visual of Callum ( Bookblurb would have me on clicking )
Age gap
The chemistry and tension between the (2) main characters of Callum and Hazel is just incredible
Mafia genre - a favorite of mine
Enemies to Lovers
Plot twists galore and awesome story line
Angst and more angst
Laugh out loud funny dialog
A cute stray pup named Killer
Serious themes that are all part of the roller coaster storyline - murder , secret adoption, drug use & violence
Chemistry that is off the charts
Hard won HEA
I highly recommend Savage and I for one will be checking out this author’s ( Anna RAy’s ) backlist !
What an amazing read - 5 off the chart stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Really loved this book - could not put it down !! Here are just a few reasons why :
Great cover and visual of Callum ( Bookblurb would have me on clicking )
Age gap
The chemistry and tension between the (2) main characters of Callum and Hazel is just incredible
Mafia genre - a favorite of mine
Enemies to Lovers
Plot twists galore and awesome story line
Angst and more angst
Laugh out loud funny dialog
A cute stray pup named Killer
Serious themes that are all part of the roller coaster storyline - murder , secret adoption, drug use & violence
Chemistry that is off the charts
Hard won HEA
I highly recommend Savage and I for one will be checking out this author’s ( Anna RAy’s ) backlist !
What an amazing read - 5 off the chart stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has many good points. When Callum turns on the charm or even acts like an @ss, he has chemistry with Hazel. The plot is not predictable as the unexpected pops up quite often. Callum is the boy from the streets who grew up doing what he had to to escape. He is now a man of money and power, one not to be crossed. He professes he is not a good man, yet we see glimpses of this very thing. Hazel is the naive, rich girl who believes Callum is good at heart. She has questions about her adoption and her brother's death and wants his help.
One thing I thing about the story that didn't like was that the story was stretched out. The clues are revealed slowly, sometimes almost too slowly. I like the banter between the couple but they also frustrated me. I think this is a story I will have to revisit to make up my mind on. Anna Ray's book have dark and gritty people but she makes them human. Savage is a book you need to give a read for yourself.
This book has many good points. When Callum turns on the charm or even acts like an @ss, he has chemistry with Hazel. The plot is not predictable as the unexpected pops up quite often. Callum is the boy from the streets who grew up doing what he had to to escape. He is now a man of money and power, one not to be crossed. He professes he is not a good man, yet we see glimpses of this very thing. Hazel is the naive, rich girl who believes Callum is good at heart. She has questions about her adoption and her brother's death and wants his help.
One thing I thing about the story that didn't like was that the story was stretched out. The clues are revealed slowly, sometimes almost too slowly. I like the banter between the couple but they also frustrated me. I think this is a story I will have to revisit to make up my mind on. Anna Ray's book have dark and gritty people but she makes them human. Savage is a book you need to give a read for yourself.
August 31, 2021
Callum was street rat growing up, an ex MMA fighter and self made millionaire investment banker, that still walks on the darker side. He has a mansion that he to all intents and purposes, lives and works in, but he has a modest little street home in Southfield that he escapes to every night. Growing up on the streets everyone respects him, recognises his car, and leaves him in peace.
Hazel is from old Boston money but is actually adopted with a heritage more on a par with Callum’s.
Callum’s father was a roustabout at the docks that her adoptive father owns and he was killed due to the negligence of the company. It’s something that Callum cannot forgive Brentwood for. He had a childhood friend who was raped and murdered by the same man in charge of running the docks, most of which her father was aware of but didn’t act on, turning a blind eye in favour of dollars.
A brilliant read from start to finish. With a love hate relationship that slowly turns into more. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hazel is from old Boston money but is actually adopted with a heritage more on a par with Callum’s.
Callum’s father was a roustabout at the docks that her adoptive father owns and he was killed due to the negligence of the company. It’s something that Callum cannot forgive Brentwood for. He had a childhood friend who was raped and murdered by the same man in charge of running the docks, most of which her father was aware of but didn’t act on, turning a blind eye in favour of dollars.
A brilliant read from start to finish. With a love hate relationship that slowly turns into more. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2021
[ARC provided for an honest review by NetGalley]
An enjoyable enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract story that captivates you from the first page.
Hazel Brentwood wants to learn information about her birth parents after she finds a note that her brother has left for her. It leads her to a man who cannot stand her family, Callum O’Daire. He is the only person who can help her so Hazel has to stick with him nevertheless. One thing that they definitely did not expect is falling in love.
Over the course of the novel it is apparent that they are nothing alike as Hazel is from a rich pampered family and Callum comes from the streets. He tries to intimidate her quite often. Whilst they work together and some mysteries are uncovered they find that they are pulled towards each other. The hot chemistry is impossible to ignore.
And it is not only a love story, as the twists make quite an interesting book.
An enjoyable enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract story that captivates you from the first page.
Hazel Brentwood wants to learn information about her birth parents after she finds a note that her brother has left for her. It leads her to a man who cannot stand her family, Callum O’Daire. He is the only person who can help her so Hazel has to stick with him nevertheless. One thing that they definitely did not expect is falling in love.
Over the course of the novel it is apparent that they are nothing alike as Hazel is from a rich pampered family and Callum comes from the streets. He tries to intimidate her quite often. Whilst they work together and some mysteries are uncovered they find that they are pulled towards each other. The hot chemistry is impossible to ignore.
And it is not only a love story, as the twists make quite an interesting book.
August 1, 2021
4 Savage stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Savage is a story of Hazel trying to find out the meaning behind the cryptic message left by her brother that has the name of a mysterious Callum. And her trying to find out who her birth parents are. Callum is having his own mystery to search that relates to Hazel's adoptive father or not?
It started with a strong and mysterious first chapter that captured my attention. There were times where both the MCs annoyed me but there were so many moments that made me smile and giddy for more. Like the scenes with the dog Killer and then Callum's friend Damon. I liked him and I hope Anna Ray writes his own story because I would love to see him fall in love. 🤩🤭❤
I gave an extra star just for the writing style of Anna Ray and the mysteries that she had added to this story. 🤗
Thank you so much, NetGalley, publisher, and author of this book for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Grateful for it. 🙏🏾🧡
Savage is a story of Hazel trying to find out the meaning behind the cryptic message left by her brother that has the name of a mysterious Callum. And her trying to find out who her birth parents are. Callum is having his own mystery to search that relates to Hazel's adoptive father or not?
It started with a strong and mysterious first chapter that captured my attention. There were times where both the MCs annoyed me but there were so many moments that made me smile and giddy for more. Like the scenes with the dog Killer and then Callum's friend Damon. I liked him and I hope Anna Ray writes his own story because I would love to see him fall in love. 🤩🤭❤
I gave an extra star just for the writing style of Anna Ray and the mysteries that she had added to this story. 🤗
Thank you so much, NetGalley, publisher, and author of this book for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Grateful for it. 🙏🏾🧡
September 8, 2021
I wanted to really like this book but it just didn't cut it for me. There were a few things I did enjoy though, like the fact that Hazel and Callum seemed fated with their dark connection. I also really liked Hazels deep need to basically find her roots. What I didn't enjoy about the book was Hazel constantly putting herself in harms way. A lot of what she did seemed childish and stupid. I understand her reasons I just didn't care for her actions. She's lucky that Callum has some kind of white knight thing going on or she would have been in trouble. There was also just something about how the story went along that I didn't care for. It could have been the way Callum and Hazel were hot and cold with each other. The tension was okay at first but then it felt annoying. It might also be the way the book would just jump around. The Phoenix character also bothered me a but, I found him annoyingly and mysteriously important until the very end. I get that that last part is important to the story but it also just seemed anti-climactic. Overall, I wanted to like this book but I just didn't care for it. It was still worth a read, it had some great steamy scenes, a few cute concepts and some great supporting characters. I might not exactly recommend this to Mafia romance readers, because it was a little light in that sense. But I'd definitely recommend for anyone interested in some bad boy, billionaire romance.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
July 8, 2021
I’m really enjoying Anna Ray’s mafia romances. The heroes and heroines balance each other and/or play off each other in ways that makes for pure entertainment. In Savage, Callum is all things “tortured hero” and Hazel WANTS answers. What follows is a game of cat and mouse between the two while Callum wrestles with his growing attraction to Hazel AND how much he should tell her. Spoilers there, so don’t read about it, enjoy the story without them. Likes: Callum. He’s a great character and might well become your next book boyfriend. Dislikes: At times, I couldn’t stand Hazel. Again, spoilers, so read it for yourself to decide, but some of her behaviors were really grating and more than once, I was wishing bad things on her. Back to likes: The ending more than made up for it and it was almost cathartic.
July 9, 2021
his was a bit of an unusual 'romance.' There was certainly chemistry between our hero and heroines and the relationship between them developed into something more than attraction, but in many ways, this book had more of a mystery element to it. I think that this was partly because there was something about it that reminded me of Raymond Chandler novels. That sounds a bit odd and it's perhaps not an obvious similarity, but there was something there.
Hazel and Callum both have things that they want to get to the bottom of and while Callum does his best to keep Hazel out of things, it's clear that she's not going to let him find out everything on her own. She might have grown up in a privileged world, but she has plenty of grit and determination.
This was a really good read. A romance with a really big helping of mystery and with plenty of twists and turns before we get to the end.
Hazel and Callum both have things that they want to get to the bottom of and while Callum does his best to keep Hazel out of things, it's clear that she's not going to let him find out everything on her own. She might have grown up in a privileged world, but she has plenty of grit and determination.
This was a really good read. A romance with a really big helping of mystery and with plenty of twists and turns before we get to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews