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A happily ever after only ten years in the making.

For ten years Mase has tried to tamp down his feelings for Jazz. Every time they come close to having something real, Jazz panics and disappears. They break apart only to collide again. After three years away, Mase comes home just in time to see something that twists his insides. Jazz was slipped a drug that loosens his tongue just enough to let a bit of his past slip free. But he only calls out for one person, Mase.

They’re locked together for the next few weeks. Mase is determined to show Jazz that there’s something undeniable between them, even if Jazz fights him every step of the way. But their investigation takes a dark turn, and Mase’s past is trying to catch up with him and push Jazz out of the way.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

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27 people want to read

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Rae Marks

11 books46 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Debby.
1,739 reviews75 followers
November 13, 2022
Mase has tried for ten years to get Jazz to give them a try together. When he gets close, Jazz shuts him down and runs. When Jazz was drugged though, it was Mase he called for. Now together for a few weeks, Mase is determined to convince Jazz they have a future together. Unfortunately, both of their pasts come crashing in makes things very dark.

What an amazing story! Love kept Mase coming back even though he was constantly rebuffed. He wanted to learn how to make things better between them while Jazz felt Mase needed someone not as broken as him. They had to work hard to get past that and the journey makes for incredible reading. Do not miss this one as it will have you crying and smiling as well as experiencing many emotions in between. There are some loose ends and we can look forward to their resolution in future books. Hurray for us!
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,032 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2022
I’ve been waiting for this story since Sweet Hart so I wanted to love this book so much. It's a decent read with plenty of action and intrigue in the overall series arc and the plot specific to Jazz and Mase but the romance isn't *quite* as delicious as I'd hoped it would be.

We've been unpeeling the layers of Mase’s character since we found out about him setting up Hart Consulting in book one with circumstances of his leaving the family home at a young age and then leaving the military. He was such an engaging side character that I couldn't wait for him to get his own book and HEA. So this is absolutely a me thing, but I think the author did such a great job of building the character that I sort of put him on a pedestal, so no-one was going to be good enough for him in my eyes.

As for Jazz, he's built up so many walls after some horrific experiences that, although his push/pull thing with Mase is so close to being overdone to me, it's impossible to not get why he is how he is. I genuinely do feel for him as a character, but I also want to give him a good shake at some points, as well because it feels like it's mostly Mase putting in the hard work with their relationship because of the fear that comes with those walls. It's all for the angst, of course, but it irks me just a little bit.

Then there's the rest of the band of brothers at Hart Consulting. It's good to spend page time with the rest of the gang: even if there's a bit of conflict thrown in there, too, these guys know how to support each other...love that!

So, given that I spent a lot of this book waffling between sympathising for Jazz’s situation and not quite believing that he deserves Mase, I did still enjoy the grittiness of the plot, the intimacy between the main characters when it does happen and the bond between the team that just continues to grow. Savage might not be my favourite in this series, but I'd definitely still read more Hart Consulting stories. 3.5*

An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,645 reviews14 followers
November 5, 2022
I almost gave up at the beginning of this story, but forced myself on, I do have a few issues with it...

Mason was thrown out if the family by an overbearing parent. Basically left alone. Yet Jazz, the man he loves, keeps walking away, leaving him and telling him to find someone else. Treating him similarily to how his father did, yet he keeps running back to Jazz, willing to accept any kind of scraps of attention. After building a found family that loves him and has his back always.
Jazz.... oh boy... ok where do I start.....
So his mum resented him? I guess, She dolled herself up for his dad and hid Jazz away. Then when he nolonger wanted her, she killed herself for her young child to find.
Then, we have what Jazz was forced to endure in school. While I can get his issues have issues after this, I struggle to understand how he justified in his mind that he could always come back if he walked away.... yet stated seeing Mason with others cut him.....he pushed Mason into others arms.

Then we have the story... ok, so we all the same characters from the first 2 books, Masons siblings, and miltary teams, then there is an ongoing storyline that occasionally gets brought up. I think this book had the makings of a good storyline, but for these two characters, their historys make for a reason to want to be together... but for it to not work at all... maybe if Jazz had only one of his two big issues, the storyline could have gone a bit better for me.
I am pleased they got together in the end... but Im still questioning the Kota side of the storyline
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,891 reviews14 followers
November 12, 2022
Mase and Jazz 💔=❤️

Damn.....this one gave me whiplash in the most delicious way! It was an emotional rollercoaster that's for sure, and I ate it up like a big fat piece of cake!

First off, I have been looking forward to this book since the beginning and it did not disappoint. It was so different from the previous book in terms of heat factor but emotion....it had that in spades. I'm going to start with Jazz, Omg....his story and the pain he's endured for over a decade just about broke me. He's longed to love Mase properly for years, each time they get close to figuring things out...he runs....he runs in fear...he runs in embarrassment....he feels inadequate... in his mind he's broken and incapable of intimacy what he doesn't realize is that he's worth everything scars and all. Now let talk Mase, his love and patience toward Jazz was incredible. No matter how many times Jazz ran, Mase was always there waiting for anything Jazz would give him, his love never wavered. I felt bad for Mase at times, he kept getting knocked down just to get up and kicked down again (not in a cruel way, you'll understand when reading) Try as he may for ten years to let Jazz go, Jazz completely and utterly owned every piece of his soul and he proved that over and over. The push and pull in this book was incredible, the road to love was broken and bumpy, a long hard one but a beautiful ride to get there. I 100% recommend this book and I am so looking forward to what's next at HC.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Shana_Bobana.
403 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2022
I really enjoy this series and love all the characters so much. I hope that there are many more books to come in this series.

For this book in particular I did like what was included of the ongoing story from the first two books, but I wish there had been more content about that story. The previous two books seemed to have a better balance between the romance and the action plot.

I really like Mase and Jazz together but I did dislike how much Jazz would push Mase away. Jazz has reasons for his struggles and I understand that but I still felt bad for Mase. I do love how much they really do care about each other. The love between them is very deep and so sweet. (When it actually gets to shine)

There were a few parts that I found to be too explanation heavy. For example towards the end there is a conversation Mase hears between Nick and his father and it was really awkward. It was a conversation they never would of had, but the author felt like needed to be included for Mase to get the information. I always find conversations like that to be annoying. It’s a tactic used in movies as well and it’s just as awkward there.

Overall though I really like this book and I am so excited for the next book. I really want to read Max and Wade’s story next.

I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,401 reviews24 followers
November 11, 2022
The premise for this series, the band of professionals/found family members who make up Hart Consulting and their growing cadre of significant others, is fun and interesting— there’s enough intrigue and adventure in each installment to support without overwhelming the development of each romantic relationship, and it’s always fun to see familiar faces in each new book— this one is no exception.

The main romantic pairing here is made up of Jazz and Mase, and as individuals, I liked them both. They’re nuanced, sympathetic characters, and I wanted the best for them both. I just…wasn’t always sure their relationship was that best, especially for Mase.

For me, it felt like the majority of the work (I almost typed burden, and it did, at times, feel that way) of the relationship feel firmly on Mase. Jazz has been through *a lot* and as an individual, he’s easy to empathize with, but as much as I understand where he’s coming from, that ultimately doesn’t change the fact that many of his decisions around Mase are at best thoughtless and at worst, bordering on cruel.

Overall, I found this to be an engaging read, and I’m happy, at least, that Mase is happy. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
212 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2022
Not a love conquers and heals all book…

This is not a love conquers and heals all book, but one that shows how love and support can give people the courage to keep moving forward one day at a time. Mase and Jazz are two men damaged by their respective pasts. They are drawn to each other but can’t seem to get on the same page. The relationship between the two is respectfully treated with deep understanding and compassion for past emotional, psychological and physical trauma.

The answers to what have been haunting Mase and Jazz are slowly revealed during the course of the book as they individually make the decision to deal with their pasts. The issues the two faced were horrible in their own right, but made the men what they are. The reader is left to wonder as the story unfolds if they can overcome their challenges, and do they have the courage to find each other. The story is well written, though I did find all of the backstory confusing at times trying to keep track of who was who. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel.
741 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2022
I must compliment Rae Marks for her sensitive yet accurate portrayal of the aftermath of severe sexual abuse. Jazz was raped repeatedly as a teen and has never gotten over it. He enlisted in the military and tried to prove himself, but has never had an intimate relationship due to PTSD. He falls in love with Mase, with whom he works at Hart Consulting. This company does undercover work for the government, and both are involved in a mission. They are a part of a company founded by and for gay ex-military men, so this "found family" encourages and protects all its members. These two together are heartbreaking--they love and want each other but don't know how to make it happen. Rae helps them with therapy, which eventually works. Recovery from this sort of abuse is horribly difficult since the skills one develops while hiding and denying are of little use when trying to recover. The story has many other adventures and horrors, but the psychological thriller is the main point in the romance between these two strong, loving men.
I received a beta copy from the author and read the finished book. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,295 reviews28 followers
November 6, 2022
3.5 Stars

I read the first book in the series and I was drawn to Mase, so of course, I jumped at the chance of reading his story. After reading Savage, I still liked Mase, but I'm unsure if he's a saint or a masochist, or maybe both? I understand that he was in love with Jazz, but I hated the way Jazz treated him. I got that Jazz was messed up, but the push-and-pull game he'd been playing with Mase had been going on for 10 years, and Mase keep going back to him despite it all. Yes, Jazz was going to therapy, but it didn't seem like it was doing much for him until it was nearly too late. Frankly speaking, for me, Jazz didn't deserve Mase, but it wasn't my decision to make. *shrugs*

Other than that, I liked seeing the guys working together again. They are good together and it made for a fast-paced, interesting read, when Jazz and Mase weren't frustrating me to no end that is. Oh well, what ends well is well and all that I guess? 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for R.
2,120 reviews
November 11, 2022
Jazz and Mase, in love with each other even though they keep running away from their feelings. Jazz’s sexual trauma colors his life with doubts, while Mase just wants Jazz he can’t deal with Jazz’s ambivalence. Factor in their undercover work and they’ve spent ten years separately with just enough together time to make one or the other run.

I like this series but I am super frustrated with Jazz. I understand the traumatic past he had but his lack of willingness to work with Mase was extremely frustrating and a whole lot annoying. I liked them together but I’m not sure they were the best pairing.

The action was well done but again the frustration factor kicked in with so many characters to keep track of. At times it seemed that all these different people were just filler to move the story along.

I did enjoy the book even though this review may say otherwise.

I’ve read the first book but not the second. I think it would be beneficial to the reader to read the first two books in the series.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
November 1, 2022
Savage is book three in the Hart Consulting series. Mase is the founder of Hart Consulting and been working undercover for years. His life has been a series of ups and downs, his father kicked him out of the family and cut him off financially when he was seventeen for being Bi. He has a dishonorable discharge from the military. He also has been in love with his friend Jazz for ten years, but Jazz is hot and cold. When Jazz is slipped a mickey, his tongue loosens up and Mase finally learns some of the problem. Jazz found his mother dead from suicide as a child and went to live with his grandparents. An incident from college torments his brain and prevents him from having someone in his life, even though he loves Mase. Jazz has a doozy of a past and finally comes to conclusion he needs help. This story hooked me, sucked me right in and kept me up reading all night. Overall, a fantastic addition to the series. Well written with addicting pacing!
Profile Image for CJ.
532 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2022
2.5 stars

I have never wanted to enjoy a series as much as this, all characters have great potential, well all except Nick, omg is he the most annoying person in book history.
This book you hardly knew what the story was about. It harped on Jazz's sexual orientation so much you missed the story.
Mase and Jazz's relationship could of been amazing as Mase loved Jazz so much and wanted to do anything for him, but no Jazz always ran, Mase slept with other people.
You never really found out what happened to Jazz as Jazz and Mase didnt talk, but started a relationship in the end.
They decide to try after 10yrs because Mase nearly died, wow but he has nearly died before.
Oh and dont get me started on Nick he will be forever the worse character ever, I so hope Ax leaves him.
Really could of been an amazing story. But I will read more as I love the characters, the author will get it right.
656 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2022
Savage is the third book in the Hart Consulting series and I recommend reading the books in order for better understanding.
Life has not been all sunshine for both Mase and Jazz. They both have dark pasts.
I enjoyed this book from the series the most and the storyline hooked me from the beginning. This was because Mase and Jazz make such a great couple. The author portrayed this realistically and heartwarmingly.
We finally learn what kept Jazz from standing by his true feelings for Mase. And this is not light fare.
On the other hand, I thought their relationship was incredible. There's a lot of understanding and compassion for Jazz's traumatic past. The two know they are meant to be together, but they also know it won't be easy with all the emotional hurt and baggage Jazz carries around.
I really enjoyed the wonderful writing style and the engaging pace of the story, so I was able to quickly get involved in what was happening.
I highly recommend this series!
432 reviews11 followers
November 5, 2022
This is without a doubt the best book in this series. Rae Marks just exceeded herself and put the bar for herself and others high. The way the relationship between Mace and Jazz was handled is subtle, with deep understanding and compassion for past emotional, psychological and physical trauma. They are beautiful together- realistic and heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. As flawed an broken as they are they know they belong together - they just need to find a way. They do, with subtle and sometimes not so subtle support from their family and friends who are basically their family found/ chosen. Some ghosts are put to rest, but not all of them, so I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.
Just keep in mind that this can't be read as a standalone for full understanding of the plot and characters involved you should start at the beginning and enjoy the ride.
4,903 reviews18 followers
November 14, 2022
Perseverance pays. Mase and Jazz are friends and they are broken men. They have are dragging serious baggage from their past that weighs them down. They have an unacknowledged connection. When Mase pushes and advances, Jazz retreats. We learn Jazz, has a lot heavier baggage than we expected. He exists with his situation while Mase stands by and painfully observes. They are working a critical mission that needs their A games. The twists and turns weave around and between them. Can they maintain professionalism? Will they conclude the mission with minimum personal damage? The author did an excellent job navigating emotional trauma with professional conflicts. Exciting mission that is dangerous, relevant and relatable as current events. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
499 reviews
December 16, 2022
The 3rd book was just as gritty, just as emotional, just as steamy and just as incredible! I am totally obsessed with this series and need more!
I’m so glad we got Mase’s book at last, after reading about both his brothers and finding out so much about his traumatic past it was great to finally get his story. Jazz and Mase both have so many issues, they have loved each other for 10 years but all their problems from their past keep them apart until finally they manage to work through things are finally find each other for real.
Having glimpses of the previous characters was great, it always fab to catch up with and find out how things are going for past book heroes!
I love this style book, the secret agent action hero, tough guy but with emotional hang ups is a fab genre and this book, well to be honest this series ticks all my boxes!
401 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2022
Wow, this was the book that I have been waiting for since book one. This is Mase and Jazz’s book and man was it a whirlwind of emotions both high and low. Mase had been wanting Jazz for the last ten years but Jazz has been running because of insecurity. Then one time Jazz gets drugged and the truth comes out. Because of that Mase does anything he can to get Jazz for himself. Jazz has a past that he needs to deal with but he won't get help, so Mase used a lot of patience (honestly he at some points has way too much) but eventually they get their HEA. Mase also had a hard past but he seemed more adjusted. I enjoyed this and hope there is more in this world.
579 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2022
What can I say about Mase and Jazz, It’s About Time!! If you have read the previous books in the series you know there is a lot to unpack here and Rae Marks did a fantastic job of it. The characters are great, the story is wonderful. The relationships are complicated but the story is well written and while there are difficult topics the are told with grace. This book has all the feels, there were times that my heart ached but there was laughter too. I cannot wait for what is next for the guys of HC.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,548 reviews48 followers
November 2, 2022
Mase and Jazz have been friends forever and Mase has clearly indicated his feelings for Jazz. Jazz, however, regularly ghosts Mase and eventually in this story we find out why. Both of these characters have things in their past that have hurt and damaged them but here is the story of where they finally open up and find the way to work on healing themselves individually and as a couple. This is not a love magically conquers/heals all story, but one that shows how love and support can give people the courage to keep going and trying.
Profile Image for SandyB.
376 reviews
November 3, 2022
I’ve been waiting for Mace and Jazz’s story and was not disappointed. Their story has angst and struggles and sometimes I just wanted to lock them both up in a room with lots of blankets and make them talk. But they also had a continuation of the ongoing suspense/mystery plot they had to deal with too, and pacing on both parts was excellent. It didn’t take long for me to drop back into this world, but it’s definitely not a stand-alone. Bonus points for pretty much putting therapy and open communication as the most important part of their HEA.
2,006 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2022
Savage gives us the story of Jazz and Mase. Mase and Jazz have been in love with each other for a long time but Jazz can't get past what happened to him in the past. Mase is a very patient man and does everything in his power to make Jazz see that he loves him just eh way he is. Jazz doesn't believe Mase will happen with him if just settles for him. This book is action-packed, and romantic, with some angst, and their sexy times are hot. The book is great and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
500 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2022
Yay Mase and Jazz! I was hoping it would be Mase's book next and it was epic. I especially loved that everything didn't magically get better, that it was still a work in progress which after the length of time was absolutely the right thing to do. Sensitive subjects were handled with extreme care. Dome quite cathartic moments too. Loved it and I'm hoping we get to see more of the HC guys.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,849 reviews
November 2, 2022
Mase and Jazz! Finally, we find out what has kept Jazz from admitting his true feelings for Mase! Mase is the founder of Hart Consulting, so his story has been one in the making in the background! I am so happy to see him figure what was wrong and work to fix it with his bestie Jazz. My heart hurt so hard for all the horrible experiences in Jazz's life. This one is a bit of an angsty tale of love, hurt, comfort, and protectiveness.
257 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2022
We've been patiently waiting for Mase's story since we met him in the first book. Mase owns HC and is Brayden's and Nick's big brother.We also met Jazz in the previous book. Jazz and Mase has been off again and on again for the past decade. I loved both these MCs even with all of their complexities. Mase does most of the hunting for Jazz, while Jazz is always running away from him. I loved this book and the suspense plot, just hoped for more time with the MCs as a çouple.
917 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2022
This is the story of Mase and Jazz. It is the third book in the Hart Consulting series. Please read the trigger warnings. This is my favourite in the series. It is an emotional roller coaster. I felt so much for Jazz and Mase. There is a realness to this story that will take your breath away. The action keeps you turning the pages. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
746 reviews
November 1, 2022
We met Mace in the first two books in the series. This is his story and it’s a doozy. Mase and Jazz are two men damaged by their respective pasts. They are drawn to each other but can’t seem to get on the same page. These two will frustrate you at times and yet there is a tenderness and protective instinct toward the other that will make you swoon.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,656 reviews36 followers
November 2, 2022
Savage is the third book in the Hart Consulting series. We met Mace in the other books in the series and he is the founder of Hart Consulting. Really great story of two men with a lot of issues to work through and a lot of ups and downs. I love the guys of Hart Consulting and can't wait to see what comes up next.
3,010 reviews46 followers
November 10, 2022
Mase and Jazz have been friends forever and Mase has clearly indicated his feelings for Jazz. Jazz has past trauma that holds him back from a relationship.
Both men have had difficult pasts.
While Mase is willing to take a chance Jazz's go to is to disappear.
I had a difficult time with this as it went on for years.
These two eventually find their way to a HEA.
608 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2022
3.5 stars Book #3 in the Hart Consulting series continues on with the lives of the Hart brothers and their found families. This is Mase and Jazz's story. The story is just as much fun and intriguing as well as includes the ongoing saga from the previous two books. It is best to have read all three books in order to get the whole story.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
1,582 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2022
There has never been a more patient man than Mase. Jazz does not believe he deserves Mase but the perseverance Mase demonstrates is his undoing. This is such an emotional story for really strong men and I loved every minute of it. I was hanging for so long for this third book. I love this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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