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Wreck & Ruin #2

Savage Heart

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They say you can't tame a monster.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯.

One of those things is true, the other is false.

Hunter had always been the villain in my twisted fairytale, he was never the white Knight, and he only made that clearer the night he betrayed me.

I was once good, but now they call me a Savage.
And he was to blame.
I think it only fair to settle the score between us.
Revenge had kept me on an even path for three years, and now I finally have it in my hands.

Except, for Hunter, he wasn't willing to accept anything less than complete, and utter possession of me.

I thought I'd be able to end it, once and for all.
Yet here I am, falling straight back into his arms.

I loved him once upon a time, I fear I still do, but we had been doomed from the start, lies and treachery woven into the fabric of our very beings.

He won't give up.

He tells me we're destined for each other.
But for me, there's only one way this can end.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭?

Savage Heart is book 2 in the Wreck & Ruin series and follows the story of Isobel and Hunter and can be read as a standalone.
This book is dark.
It contains many themes within the dark romance genre including dub/non-con, heavy & graphic sexual content, violence, torture & kidnap, SA and mentions of human trafficking.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2022

113 people are currently reading
1612 people want to read

About the author

Ria Wilde

19 books1,184 followers
Where Light & Dark Collide

Ria Wilde is an international bestselling author. You can expect heat, heart & heas! She currently resides in the UK where getting lost in her books, and plotting the next best way to break some hearts is a daily occurrence.
A lover of all things steamy and sinful, she also has a big soft spot for small town romances & cowboys, but morally gray will forever be her favorite color!

HEA's & Spice, but there's no promise it'll be an easy ride, and be prepared to fall in love with her morally gray men and the sassy queens that steal their hearts.

Instagram: @authorriawilde
Facebook: @riawilderauthor
Tiktok: @.authorriawilde

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5 stars
338 (47%)
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231 (32%)
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110 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,570 followers
June 9, 2022
Savage Heart was a fitting end to the Wreck & Ruin duet. Even though both books are standalones, this book answers SO many questions about Isobel from the previous book and her behavior and secrets from The Twisted City Duet. I enjoyed this story alot. Hunter was AMAZING!! He was a villain through and through and didn't break for anybody but Isobel. I loved that we got a glimpse into their pasts and could see and experience their beginning and ultimately why Isobel hated him so much.

Overall, this story was addicting, sexy and so so consuming. I loved that these characters stayed true to themselves and did not change. They were both dark and damaged but wholly complete with each other. I loved this story so much! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Profile Image for Randinicole_reads.
754 reviews258 followers
January 25, 2024
ria… this fucking slapped.

read the twisted city duet before this duet to get the full experience. but it’s worth it!! trust me. the mmc in this book is unforgettable.

5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
Profile Image for Ash.
421 reviews133 followers
June 15, 2024

“She was my obsession.
My vice.
The thing that gave me breath and the will to live.”


Who knew a second chance romance with some kidnapping could be so delicious 🤭?
Let me tell you something Hunter maybe a psycho but he is indeed a GOOD man in my eyes🙂‍↕️.  Isobel my love my heart literally aches for her and I am so glad she got everything she wanted including her vengeance! But when Hunter will draw Isobel because he was missing and longing for her was soo freaking cute like omgg and also the nickname he has for her “Snow” I just lovee. But this book dragged my heart through the mud, but it was nicely placed back in my body with so much adoration for these two. I am definitely checking out more of Ria’s work.
Profile Image for Ivana.
89 reviews19 followers
May 27, 2022
Received as an ARC. Will post review on release day
Profile Image for mindfullyx .
26 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2022
oh boy, where to start??
Let's start with my girl Isobel. She is one strong, powerful woman. She went through stuff that not many may come out strong from but she pushed all her anger, resentment, and sadness, into getting her revenge. And revenge she got. She turned herself into a rising phoenix and became the one they all feared when coming face to face with. Isobel is my queen. The fire she holds inside her is one so powerful she can burn them all. I loved her. How she held herself even though her fears would make her overthink, she overcame them with the help of the one person she loves the most. She was a bad bitch, one I strive to be.

Now onto daddy Hunter.
Boy oh boy was this one a lot (in a good way). Hunter now owns my soul, on my knees, no questions asked. I fell in love with him. The way he helped Isobel overcome her biggest fears made me cry. He was by her side every step of the way (literally). I couldn't have imagined a way better person to help Isobel through her darkest times. They are what I call the fire couple/duo, if they fall together they will rise together as one period. I fell in complete love with these two and I can't wait for anyone who is reading this to read it.
Profile Image for savvvyreads.
203 reviews54 followers
April 19, 2022
I was fortunate enough to Beta read for this author. Full review will be posted closer to release date.
Profile Image for Nikki'J'.
906 reviews22 followers
May 24, 2022
Ria has outdone herself with book 2 in the Wreck and Ruin series. I had no idea what Isobel's story would involve I only knew it would be dark and painful after learning some of her past in Ria's other books including Savage Heart (book 1 in Wreck and Ruin) and the Twisted City Duet.

I ate this book up despite the darkness and evil throughout. What made getting past all of the hard parts was the amazing way Ria has written it. While living in the present we get taken back to the past by both characters and get the story from both sides.

It was easy to both love and hate Hunter. Things could have gone so differently at many points throughout but it's like it just had to happen the way it did. It's a true sign of amazing writing to be able to write a story that is so heartbreaking and dark but pulls you through the other side cheering them on.

Isobel went through a horrific past and while a little damaged and broken she is fierce, formidable and a force to be reckoned with. You want her to win, to kick ass while doing it, and find her happy ending somehow.

Hunter is no prince in anyone's fairy tale, especially not in Isobel's but for her, he may just be more. He may have messed up and hurt Isobel but he's never not loved her and he's never loved, anyone. No matter what she thinks he's going to put things right.

Two incredibly flawed and broken characters in a world that is evil and dark. There should be no way to get past what happened but Ria fights for their happy ending and I was holding on tight the whole way for them to get there.

Thank you for this story (while King is still my favorite - I've claimed him) I would let Hunter and his dark broken piece in any time.
.
.
.
For three years Isobel has been out for revenge and finally the man the broke her and turned her into what she is now is within reach. It's time to end him and maybe find some sort of peace. No matter the peace he used to provide her with he's not the hero in her story he's only one of the villains destined to break her.

Hunter has been waiting patiently for this moment. Being apart from Isobel has been torture but it was needed. Until all the pieces were in place he couldn't fix what he broke. He made so many mistakes but in the end, he did what he did and despite how Isobel hates him it's time they were finally reunited.

Not the hunter but the hunted Isobel soon realizes that Hunter always knew where she was. He's been watching her and even pulling strings to send her in certain directions. She hates him for every lie he told her, every truth he kept out of reach, and for every extra day she lived in that hell. What she fears more though is that she may still be in love with the monster that is Hunter.
'We were built for each other, even on the foundation of betrayal. It was only ever him. I hated to love him. He was a monster.'

Hunter has known where Isobel is every moment of every day since he walked away from her. They thought they broke and caged him and used her to do it. They had no idea who they were messing with. For three years he's put his plans into action and now Isobel is his again he'll never let her go. He will just have to show her how much she means to him and how together they will end her tormentors forever. He has loved her since the first day he saw her and he'll die loving only her.
'She was my obsession. My vice. The thing that gave me breath and the will to live. It was unhealthy, and toxic, but like fuck would I give her up. And she wouldn't leave me.'

Planning to bring the syndicate down won't be easy though and they'll need help. Hunter isn't afraid of Kingston or Alexander Silver and he'll use them to put an end to it all. Will ending the Syndicat bring peace to Isobel and can she ever love the villain of her story again?

Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Erin.
328 reviews17 followers
October 23, 2023
Once again Ria kills it. No surprise there. Savage Heart is book 2 in the Wreck & Ruin duet and is Isobel & Hunters story.

I loved that we get a mix of the past and the present to build the full picture of what Isobel experienced in the past and what led to her hating Hunter in the present.

Isobel went through so much during the years she was kidnapped and held hostage. It changed her and molded her into the person we meet at the beginning of this story.

Hunter will stop at nothing to earn Isobel’s trust back after years of waiting… even though he kidnaps her to prove it to her 🤣.

I’m so glad that I experienced this book in audio. Zara and Joe did a fantastic job at bringing these two characters to life.

Zara was absolutely fantastic as Isobel. From that manic, unhinged, bent on revenge but still incredibly vulnerable version of her we meet at the beginning, to to the softer (but no less strong and badass) woman at the end of the story.

Joe. We love Joe. We love Joe as an unhinged slightly (see very) psycho possessive cinnamon even more. He embodied Hunter perfectly.
33 reviews
May 24, 2022
ARC review!!!

Holy fuck. This book was phenomenal. It is a dark romance with several trigger warnings but I didn’t think they were anything too dark! Most of the trauma was flashbacks and it wasn’t anything highly descriptive. The relationship between Hunter and Isobel was phenomenal. This man was obsessed with her and he fought for her in a slightly twisted way, however he loved her so much and was so devoted to her. They really paired so well together and the SPICE in this book was just *perfect*! Ria Wilde did an incredible job of making Isobel a badass fmc without making her annoying or too over the top, she was so insanely strong and I love her so much. This book takes place after her brother Kingston and Eleanor’s book ‘Wicked Heart’ so I think you should definitely read that one first to get a better reading experience. I also absolutely adored the little twist at the end but I absolutely loved it! I read this book in under 12 hours I was completely captivated. Cannot wait to see what Ria comes out with next. Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Krystal (LeeLovesBooks_).
694 reviews100 followers
June 4, 2022
You gotta love a committed man. Whewwww HUNTERRRRR.
The love this man had for Isobel, even with her murderous rage angled towards him. Lex is still my favorite book boyfriend from Ria but Hunter is a close second.

My girl Isobel, wow. She gave bad a$$ a new name. She refused to break (she did a teeny bit because of Hunter's betrayal but she was going to kick his ass for it anyways lol) and I just loved that about her. I'm so glad she got her HEA with her villain.
Profile Image for saint.
222 reviews
June 4, 2022
ARC REVIEW
5/5 ⭐ 4.5/5 🌶


Dark, painful and oh so beautiful.

This book was a very cathartic experience for me. I've recently started becoming more open about my SA and this book...it now holds a special place in my heart & and it's not a "sad" book but fuck did it have me crying at times. And I've never seen an ending more perfect for them than this one.

Both MMC's were so great and yeah, hella murderous but man, you just have to love them.
The MMC was so goddamn perfect oh my god I want my own Hunter. He was so devoted to the FMC, everything he did was for her. Can I mention that he could fucking grovel?? holy shit, it was immaculate and no one else can compare.
The lana meyers vibe of the FMC was so fucking sexy, I could not get enough of her. May I add that she healed HERSELF and got stronger to get her revenge for HERSELF. I love a murderous woman so obviously she had me on my knees the entire book and fuck, the chemistry between them? it was chaotically beautiful. The tension was high throughout the book and talk about steamy, oh my.

The Mindf*ck Series vibes this book had just made me love this book even more. It was such an easy and fast read for me. Great plot with a lot of steamy smut, this book was just *chef's kiss*.
I want to scream and shout anything I can about this book but I'll keep it short (ish) and you'll have to read to know more & so we can scream about it together.

Most of the trauma were flashbacks and didn't really go into it so it wasn't as dark as I expected but it was a great read & honestly everyone should absolutely read this (if it's not triggering/harmful for you of course).


also, hunter draws...DRAWS!!! I mean he literally could not be more perfect for me I swear he's my dream dude 😩
Profile Image for Daniela Quintanilla.
167 reviews
January 27, 2023
CHECK FO TW.

Ria Wilde definitely made me change my mind with each of her books. I started with Little bird and twisted king, I did liked them and enjoyed reading them but it didn't connect with me, then Wicked Heart, I thought it got better, with the background in Little bird but the long chapters and necessary things that could be avoided made it too hard for me to read. So this books, it was wayyy better for me, the chapters were perfect length, with the perfect balance between past and present and the amount of information needed for it to not overwhelm me or bored me. The only thing I personally didn't like was the end, again I think it doesn't take much for a text... that's all Im saying. I think Ria kill it with this book with a lot of hot scenes, a perfectly obsessed villain that remained as a villain and a strong FMC. I enjoyed a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a hot, dark romance that the plot is about revenge. I would definitely recommend reading the books mention above to have a little bit of background.
Profile Image for Violleta.
243 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2023

🔥Savage heart, Ria Wilde
338 pagini ( Wreck & Ruin, volumul 2)

❤️‍🔥Posibile spoilere!

🔥In primul volum am avut parte de povestea lui Kingston și a Eleanorei, iar acum a venit rândul tăcutei Isobel sa între in lumina reflectoarelor. Știam deja ca a fost răpită la 15 ani de către Organizația The Sindicate și ținuta captivă vreme de aproape 6 ani, captivitate ce si-a pus amprenta asupra ei, iar cum trăiește numai pentru răzbunare, atât asupra celor care o răpit-o cât si a celui care a trădat-o in cel mai rău mod, frângându-i inima si întunecând-i sufletul.
🔥În momentul in care Isobel afla ca Hunter, s-a întors in Londra, pleacă pe urmele lui, dorindu-si sa se răzbune pentru ceea ce a făcut i-a in urma cu trei ani, dar in secunda in care pășește in casa lui, vânătorul devine vânat, iar reîntâlnirea cu Hunter nu va avea rezultatele așteptate.
❤️‍🔥Hunter este cel care a ajutat-o sa treacă mai ușor peste captivitate, este cel care a făcut-o sa creadă din nou in iubirea, dar mai ales este cel care i-a frânt inima prin ascunderea adevărului, și deși a renunțat la o parte din el pentru a-i salva viața și a înmânat-o fratelui ei, Isobel nu l-a iertat niciodată pentru ca nu i-a spus adevarul despre legătura lui cu Sindicatul, iar singura ei dorința este sa-l facă sa sufere.
❤️‍🔥Hunter a pregătit aceasta întâlnire cu Snow a lui, vreme de 3 ani, timp in care a pregătit răzbunarea perfecta împotriva celor care au ținut-o captivă, a celor care l-au despărțit de femeia iubita, iar reîntâlnirea nu e chiar ceea ce și-a dorit el, Isobel fiind înfuriată, suparata și răzbunătoare.
🔥Va reuși Hunter sa o convingă pe Isobel de intențiile sale? Va reuși Isobel sa treacă peste durerea pricinuită de Hunter și va accepta oferta lui de pace? Vor reuși ei și prietenii lor sa învingă The Sindicate? Răspunsul la aceste întrebări, dar și sfârșitul poveștii răufăcătorului Hunter și a sălbăticei Isobel îl veți alfa voi.
❤️‍🔥Ria Wilde a reușit sa ma captiveze prin poveștile ei, si uite așa am ajuns la cartea cu numărul patru, si nu ma voi opri aici. Mi-a plăcut povestea lui Hunter si a lui Isobel mult. Bănuiam deja ca aceasta a suferit mult, ca a fost trădată si ca își dorește razbunarea, dar cel care m-a surprins a fost Hunter, care a fost atât de asumat, atât de sincer, atât de loial femeii iubite, încât a plătit cu propria-i libertate pentru a o salva pe ea, care vreme de trei ani a pus in mișcare un plan pentru a o răzbuna pe ea, care la sfârșit i-a oferit tot ceea ce ea si-a dorit, si astfel m-a făcut sa nu bag de seama ca el este cel rău, ca sa zic așa. Isobel m-a suprins prin tăria ei de caracter, prin lupta ei împotriva celor ce au rănit-o, mi-a plăcut prietenia ei cu Wren si legătura frumoasa pe care o are cu fratele sau, Kingston, dar mai ales mi-a plăcut ca îl accepta așa cum e pe Hunter si nu încerca sa-l schimbe. Mi- a plăcut ca autoarea i-a adus in poveste pe Lex si Wren, si mai ales pe Aurora (am ras la scena dintre ea si Hunter), dar mai ales mi-a plăcut sfârșitul, care a fost imperfect de perfect. Așa ca dacă va plac poveștile de dragoste întunecate si cu protagoniști mai puțin normali si mai mult anormali, atunci dați o șansa cărților Riei Wilde.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tina .
356 reviews27 followers
October 20, 2023
🎧Audio Review🎧
Narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown & Joe Arden

This is book 2 in the Wreck & Ruin series. It is a standalone about Hunter and Isobel. However, to get the full story, I recommend reading book 1 revolving around Kingston, Isobel’s brother.

What a wild and sexy ride! This review will be a challenge as I don’t want to give away too much of the backstory because that’s part of the intrigue of this book. Five years ago, Isobel was kidnapped and put through hell. Hunter was also a captive. They both bonded and fell for each other. Part second-chance and part lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, this book is a rollercoaster of action, twisting plot and steamy scenes between Hunter and Isobel. The first half has chapters alternating between past and present so the mystery unfolds more and more which keeps you intrigued. As I said, I can’t get into more details, but this story sees Isobel becoming a badass. And their relationship? It’s INTENSE. Check your trigger warnings please. A note about her captivity… It’s such an integral part of the story as it creates who she becomes later on, but I felt the author glossed over all of it only to concentrate on Isobel and Hunters relationship during that time. Believe me, I don’t want graphic scenes of physical, sexual or mental abuse but Wilde only hints at all that happened to Isobel, like it was a passing thing that happened last week and is forgotten. For me, I would have preferred to have a bit more there so I can connect the almost ruthless woman she becomes with the sweet innocent she once was. Overall, it was an enjoyable, delicious dark romance.

This audio is narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown & Joe Arden. A primal and raw Joe Arden is always a winner and, in this audio, he brings it. He’s so good at whisper growl in that icy, cold voice that’s just on the verge of losing control. “ ..say it again, Snow. Moan my name.” Yes, please!

Zara really tackles the emotional angst the character goes through. From an innocent in the beginning to a strong don’t-f**k-with-me woman. Certain scenes of anger really came through and I felt it.

A stellar performance by both and a pairing I hope to see more of in the future.

I received and advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
240 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2023
I enjoyed this story, and that we got to see Isobel before and after she was taken by the Syndicate. They operate a trafficking ring, so if that is a trigger for you, you may want to skip this book. Our hero, Hunter, is a bad guy who does bad things, and will do anything to protect Isobel, including endangering his life over and over to make sure she is safe. Isobel is no longer the scared little girl she was when the Syndicate took her. Now she is out for revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. Joe Arden and Zara Hampton-Brown do an amazing job with these characters, they are raw and real, and you can feel the hurt and desperation in their performances. Ria Wilde is able to capture an array of human emotions and these two find, and lose each other, and battle against what they know and what they feel.

Overall: 4
Spice: 3
Humor: 1
Drama: 4
Darkness: 3.5

The story picks up not long after Wicked Heart ends, but focuses on Isobel, Kingston’s sister and the one he has fought to avenge since she was taken when she was 15. She is tracking down everyone who had a hand in her captivity and torture while she was healed by the Syndicate. The next man on her list is none other than the one man she thought she could trust while she was being held, Hunter. Little does she know; Hunter has been waiting for her.

Hunter will do anything to convince Isobel, everything he ever did from the moment he saw her was to protect her and keep her safe, but after her ordeal, Isobel can’t trust him, and still wants to rid the world of anyone connected to the Syndicate. Hunter has a plan, but he will not put Isobel at risk to eradicate the men who took her from him and is willing to sacrifice himself in order to make sure Isobel can have everything she wants in life. What Hunter doesn’t know is there is no life for her if he isn’t in it.

Favorite Quote: “I’ve waited three years for you to be back by my side. Three years of waiting for you to find me. All I’ve had are my memories to get me through those long nights without you. You have and always will belong to me, Snow. It’s about time I’ve proved that.”
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
719 reviews23 followers
May 31, 2022
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. Wilde has become one of my fav dark romance mafia authors. This is book 2 in the Wreck & Ruin series, it is dark, and the STEAM IS OFF THE CHARTS HOT. Did I say hot? It’s HOT.
Isobel’s fairy tale was never a pretty one. She met Hunter years ago when she was abducted and held by men against her will. He became her will to keep living. Until he wasn’t, being betrayed by him. For years she’s been planning her revenge, she is hellbent on getting even with him and ending him. She isn’t the same girl she was when she was taken all those years ago.
Hunter has kept his eyes on her all these years, he is deeply In Love with her, and he is not ever going to let go of her. She will forever be his, and he will do whatever it takes for her to realize it. He may be a ruthless monster, but he will always be her monster. He would burn the entire world down for her.
Once they become face to face, Isobel begins to realize she still harbors serious feelings that she did from when they were locked together. Being together is a fight. Being together in the real world is a bigger fight.
I am OBSESSED with Hunter. He is the most ruthless villain, yet I’d want him for myself as much as Isobel! The chemistry between these two are what people can only imagine. Their obsession for one another deadly. Isobel is as much as a bad*ss as Hunter, the two of them the perfect storm.
The development between these two characters was done so well. We learn the history of the two of them along with their story In present day. It helps you understand both sides of what they went through, and will give you a soft side for Hunter.
The ending to this was perfect.
I wish it hadn’t had to end.
Isobel and Hunter were my favorite !!!
Highly recommend!
5 explosive ⭐️!
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,294 reviews20 followers
October 15, 2023
**Audiobook Review**

In just a few chapters, I knew I was going to love this story. Once I started listening, I couldn’t stop. “Savage Heart” is a thrilling, steamy and action packed Mafia romance that was full of revenge that I could not put down.

Isobel went through the unimaginable years ago and has been fighting her way back to be who she was before. Her brother, Kingston, has vowed revenge on her behalf and Isobel wants to be a part of it. And she never thought she would get help from the friend who was with her but also kept secrets from her. Hunter is the villain in her story ever since he betrayed her. But he has her sights on her and will make her his.

I was pulled into Isobel and Hunter’s story from the very first pages and could not stop listening to this dark romance. Isobel went through so much and we got some flashbacks from those years she was gone. But through all of that, she became a certified baddie and was not afraid to go for her revenge. Hunter is a classic morally gray hero who only had eyes for Isobel and would not hesitate to take down anyone or anything that could get in his way to get to Isobel. The steamy scenes for this book were sizzling hot and Hunter devoured Isobel in the best possible way. The groveling this man did to win Isobel back was legendary and guys need to take note. The last few chapters were so good and wrapped up this duet perfectly.

Joe Arden and Zara Hampton-Brown narrate in duet and they were phenomenal bringing Hunter and Isobel to life. Zara brought all Isobel’s confident yet vulnerable side alive perfectly. Joe was fantastic narrating the devoted and slightly unhinged Hunter to life. I absolutely loved listening to these two talented narrators together.
633 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2023
Destiny meets revenge in this provocative and spellbinding story! Savage Heart is book two in Ria Wilde’s sensational Wreck & Ruin series and gives us Hunter and Isobel’s story. Isobel spent six years being tortured and exploited by the Syndicate, an experience that fundamentally changed her. An open and trusting teenage girl when first kidnapped, her now savage heart beats with only one purpose: revenge. She is determined to make the Syndicate pay, especially their assassin, Hunter. He took her trust, and he took her love… and then he betrayed her. However, there’s more to the story than she knows. There’s more to Hunter than she knows. But he’s determined to open her eyes to the truth: she is his… then, now, and forever. He’ll stop at nothing to regain her love, even it kills him. And if Isobel has her way, it just might. I could not get enough of their tempestuous and all-consuming love story. These characters are so layered and complex. And despite the extreme circumstances, they are undeniably real and relatable. This story is intriguing and compelling and absolutely unforgettable.

This enthralling story is brought to life by the extremely talented narration team of Joe Arden and Zara Hampton-Brown. Their duet performance of this book is nothing short of outstanding. Joe Arden brings all the intensity, emotion, and fiery passion you would expect from a dynamic character like Hunter. And Zara Hampton Brown’s impassioned portrayal of Isobel is just perfection, perfectly illustrating the conflict and volatility of this character. Overall, this audiobook is everything you want an audiobook to be, further elevating what was already a phenomenal story! Definitely a must listen!
Profile Image for Wanika.
384 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2022
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

What to say about Savage Heart?!
If this is your first foray into Ria Wilde’s world…then buckle up, strap in tight, check trigger warnings, and be prepared for one….dirty…ride.

Savage Heart is the second in the Wreck & Ruin Series, although it can be read as a standalone.

Savage Heart follows the story of Hunter; undeniably a villain, assassin, deadly, obsessive and Isobel; broken, strong, survivor by any means necessary, irreparably in love with the man she wants to kill.

Once again we’re pulled into the world of the seedy underbelly of London and get tangled up with the Hearts…and the Syndicate. Savage Heart further explores just how far the Syndicate reaches and what people will do to shut it down.

Hunter both scares and excites, even more so than the lovable bad boys Lex and Kingston did.
And Isobel? Isobel shows us that it’s ok to be messed up, that all trauma doesn’t heal “right”, that it’s ok to accept your monsters if they accept the new you too.

This book was amazing. I thought I loved Wicked Heart, but Savage Heart has stolen mine now. The writing, the love stories, the gritty realness of every situation, the f*cked up happy endings, that ARE happy endings for all these characters, the way the core of who these characters are and what their stories represent gets into your head, heart, and soul, is nothing short of magic.

This is only the second book of Ria’s that I’ve read but I am absolutely hooked.

If you read Little Bird, or Wicked Heart you HAVE to read the epic conclusion!
Profile Image for Emmy Thompson.
752 reviews9 followers
June 6, 2022
I was obsessed with Isobel in the previous book because of how strong she was. She definitely did not disappoint in that area with this book and she certainly met her match with Hunter. We got to see snips of her past which were really tough to read at times. You will definitely need to check the trigger warnings for the book cause some of the chapters about their shared past were a little much for me but very important for the whole story and the whole world that Ria Wilde has been creating. One piece of the book that I did find frustrating is that the majority of the book is about their past and the whirlwind reconnection they are having. Isobel was traumatized and hurt over Hunter's role in her past yet Hunter left her to save her and loved her from afar. Thankfully the book is in dual POV so we get to experience Hunter's devotion and obsession with her just as much as we experience her inner struggle to accept what Hunter's role was and what he is doing for her now. In a weird psycho kind of way, it was super sweet. IYKYK.

By the time we really saw them turn a point in their relationship, we now were thrown into a very action intensive portion of the book and I wished that we got to see that part much earlier in the story so the plot could really thicken and be much more than her struggle to accept his love for her. I think overall I just wanted a bit more balance between the part about their relationship development and then the connection and involvement in the bigger plot line. The epilogue for this book really did wrap up the story pretty well and tie nicely into the twisted cities duet too so I'm not sure where the author is headed next in this universe but I'm hopeful that some of the supporting characters will find their HEA too.

Rating - 4/5
Spice Level - 2/5
Profile Image for Gnome Patronus.
435 reviews22 followers
October 20, 2023
⭐️Overall 5/5
🎧Narration 5/5
🌶️ Spice 5/5
🖤Dark 3/5

“I was still healing from the other wounds she had given me, I wasn’t prepared to have more holes put in my body by my stabby little woman.”

A dark romance where an assassin falls first. He is a monster, he doesn’t try to be anything other than that, he claims what is his and don’t you dare try to think he won’t get what he wants. The book jumps into the action grabbing you and keeps you holding your breath chapter after chapter. The spice is SO good, and there are SO many good troupes! If you like dark romance, a true bad guy, a female that is strong then this is the book for you. (While this book doesn’t seem very dark to me, make sure you check the triggers if you are not a dark romance person or has triggers)

You may have read books where you think the man will burn the entire world, but Hunter is a man of action and not just words. We get to see the destruction!!

The narration was so well done. Joe Arden is a fan favorite, and his narration in this book was AMAZING!! I am now on a mission to find more books with his voice diction of Kingston (you will love that guy a well). I am not as familiar with Zara Hampton-Brown but she is now on a short list of finding more books. The acting was well done and really felt like you were there in the story and not being read to. The production choices of how it was sliced together and pacing was perfect.

While this book is part of a duet, they can be read as standalone. I received an ALC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jasmine White.
34 reviews
October 8, 2025
Savage Heart was a beautiful end to the universe. The little glimpses from the other couples were great and I'm glad Isobel got her happy ending.
A few of the timelines didn't add up, especially when comparing to others in the "universe"
I wish we got a little bit more for the year later epilogue. I would have loved to get a quick Kingston POV of them reuniting like we did when the "mission" happened.
Also wish we got to experience first hand more of the Isobel wrath they speak of in the others. They describe her as unhinged, scary, will rip men apart but we never got to actually see it in Lex& Wren's book, nor in Kingston & Eleanor's so I thought surely we'll get it in her own but sadly we didn't. Then when it came time to get her revenge, she walks out the 1st time and blows shit up the second. I wanted so badly to yell thru the book like "no baby, tear them people up"
Definitely am not a fan of their initial reunion. Hunter, after everything you know she went thru, that's what you do after she hasn't seen you for years? Then he tells her, you were always free with me. Okay, but she didn't know that til you showed her . And you also had her hands tied up when she gained consciousness soooo.
Despite all of that, lol, Wreck & Ruin duet pulled me in nice and good and I loved it so much. I started with Ria's newest series earlier this year and recently went on a Ria binge and it's been fun to see how her writing has evolve. I hope we one day get Ryker's story and also that she continues in the Mafia sub genre as well because it's my favorite and she does it so well🌟
Profile Image for Coco TheChaoticLibrarian_.
122 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2023
Savage Heart
By @authorriawilde
5⭐️ 5🌶️

What would you do for the woman you love. Would you lie, cheat, deceive, steal for her? No? He would, there are no lengths that he wouldn’t go to have her. To keep her safe and he will threaten, maime and kill anyone who looks at her the wrong way. Hunter thought he was doing the right thing and was trying to keep her safe. He soon realized it was killing them both

Isabella
He hurt me, he left me, I wasn’t sure I would make it. I had no idea what to say. Until his actions crashed into me. I vowed to never be that weak little girl again to never let them hurt me like they had before. So I trained. I trained hard knowing that one day I would have my revenge.

Review: O MY GOODNESS!! RIA HOW COULD YOU!!This book was so good! I had the pleasure of listening to the audio. Haven’t been that emotionally invested in a book for a while. The narrators did such an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. Showing the characters in a light so beautiful it was as if I was watching a film play. This was such a good read. Hunter was so blindly unwaveringly obsessed with her. And was literally ready to burn down the world for his girl! It was so well written and flowed so well. I will say that in my personal opinion Twisted City series should be read before you read this book. The stories intermingled well but I feel that reading Twisted City Duet first will give you a solid base of knowledge and help you better understand these characters.
Profile Image for E&A Book.
730 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2023
The dark romance that I have been waiting for. Hunter and Isobel had me captivated from start to finish. They are two of the most broken characters that I have read this year, but they are definitely my new favorite couple. Isobel's life is a tragedy that will break your heart. Hunter is the villian that your mother warns you about. Their story is intriguing, bloody, and twisted in ways that a great dark romance should be. I loved that the flow of past and present was done so seamlessly, so that I was never lost or confused. This is a definite must read.

ALC Review:
I don't think anyone could have done Isobel any better than Ms. Hampton-Brown. She was an absolute delight to listen to. I could feel every emotion that Isobel did. She played broken Isobel so well that my heart was broken and vengeful Isobel made me grin with her sass.

Mr. Arden as Hunter is absolutely spectacular. If I hadn't gotten hooked by the prologue, the growl in chapter four definitely sealed my fate. This is one of my favorite performances by him this year. His ability to make his voice fit with the character, keep pace, and deliver the emotional impact of what Hunter is, left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention how well he played the side characters, because it was phenomenal.

With their performances in each chapter I found that I fell more in love with the story and it will definitely be on my re-listen list.
Profile Image for Jackie.
183 reviews9 followers
October 23, 2023
Story: 4 Stars
Narrators: 5 Stars
This was the second book in the Wreck and Ruin series. This book follows Isobel (Kingston's sister) and Hunter. In book one we learned that Isobel was taken and held hostage for a long time.
The book starts with Isobel seeking revenge on Hunter, who was employed by the men who held her hostage and whom lied to her to gain her trust. The first half of the book Hunter really plays into the villain role and it's kind of hard to like him. As the story continues, however, the heart that Hunter tries so hard to hide is shown and by the end of the book I was completely in love with him.
Isobel is a great character. She's completely damaged and so it's hard at first to really relate to her but as we get glimpses into her time being held hostage we are able to form a better view of why she is who she is and why she does what she does.
I can't say why this is a 4 star story instead of 5 star without a spoiler but let's just say - I don't love what Isobel and Hunter do to Kingston in the end.
I listened to this book (thank you Blue Nose Audio for the ALC). It was done in duet narration (the male narrator reads all the male parts and the female narrator reads all the female parts). It's hard to go back once you've done duet narration because it's just so good! Joe Arden reads for the male dialogue and we get many voices of Joe - all of them being spectacular (obviously - it's Joe Arden). Zara Hampton-Brown reads for the female characters and she is just lovely. Isobel has an English accent but even she reads the American voices it is so lovely!
Profile Image for Regina.
Author 7 books53 followers
October 20, 2023
I have to admit I got a little emotional in this book as I started to see characters from previous books make their appearances. Ria knows how to weave a story together in the span of multiple books/series.

Isobel was a character that intrigued me from back when I'd first met her in the Twisted City duet, so I was so happy to learn she had her own story. I loved learning her history. I really liked how Ria sprinkled flashbacks throughout this book. I thought they were so well planned out and really helped move the story along. It also helped me in understanding and eventually liking Hunter's character and showed how much he truly cared for Isobel despite what he was doing to her.

My favorite thing about Ria as an author is her ability to write strong female leads. I love how Isobel stood her ground, especially when it came to fighting the enemy. She had a weakness for Hunter, and he did for her as well.

Zara Hampton Brown and Joe Arden brought this story to life. I thought both narrators did a great job with swapping between accents, especially at the end of the book. The duet style narration was perfect for this book. The chemistry from the words on the page flew off with ease with these two narrators.

Overall, I loved this book and enjoyed seeing how everything came together in the end.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,154 reviews55 followers
October 17, 2023
Savage Heart
Wreck & Ruin, Book 2
By: Ria Wilde
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Zara Hampton Brown

Holy Moly! Get ready for a wild ride! Ria Wilde completes her Wreck and Ruin duet with an action packed story! Isobel is set to kill Hunter after how he betrayed her. Hunter has an obsession that he cannot let go. These two fight like no other couple, full of banter and passion. But can she forgive him? And what is Hunter's end game? Will he stay with the syndicate? Will he keep Isobel chained up and hidden? Twists, turns and excitement, Ria Wilde kept me on the edge, needing to know just how it all ends! And when Kingston comes into the picture with Eleanor, I was sure it was all over! This is suspenseful and HOT! I loved every minute of this fabulous dark, romantic suspense and I cannot wait to see what Ria Wilde has in store next!

Joe Arden and Zara Hampton Brown. I don't need to say more, but I will! Arden pulls out the dark and dangerous voice for Hunter. He is that alpha, ready and willing to do whatever it takes to tame his woman. Brown is fantastic. Feisty and just as lethal, she gives Isobel exactly what she needs to be the woman she has become. I could not stop listening and loved this performance.
Profile Image for Booksbystarlightandshadows .
590 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2023
Audiobook Review

This was an intense listen with some very dark themes and the narrator duet worked brilliantly. I loved how there were conversations between the leads rather than the POV narrator having to play all the characters in the chapter. Particularly as this is a very spicy book as well as being emotional and action packed toward the end of the book with both narrators playing several characters.

I wanted to know more about Isobel after meeting her in Wicked Heart where she was a stand out character for me. Her backstory is brutal and the performance Zara Hampton-Brown was spot on showing the range of emotions Isobel went throughout the book. Likewise Joe Arden did a great job with Hunter; I completely believed he truly was a monster for everyone but his Snow and would burn the world to ashes for her.

This is a standalone in a shared universe; I enjoyed the cameos and will be looping back to the read Wren's story next.

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR!


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