Savaged Kindle Edition

*SPOILERS AHEAD! DON’T READ IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THIS BOOK!A mystery involving different characters, different perspectives explored, and a man who seemed to be at the center of everything, this was a complex case that had come across in Helena Springs. Harper Ward, natural wilderness guide was use to showing tourists around on guided hikes along the trails, and essentially knew all the ways around the Forrest, the terrains, and valuable insight of the lands. What had initially seemed like a normal day in Helena Springs suddenly took a drastic turn when two separate murders occurred, brutally murdered, gory details at the scene of the crime, and the sheriff and townspeople wondered who was responsible for this? It seemed like a big clue was that the murder weapon was an arrow… surprise, surprise when they happened to stumble upon a man who happened to be carrying the murder weapon and was coincidentally near the area of one of the murders… suddenly Lucas became a person of interest. From the unsolved murders, a separate story happening alongside the main story, and the overall dark, mysterious vibes illustrated throughout the story, I was intrigued to see how everything would pan out.Lucas was a very interesting man. At first glance, Lucas looked wild and unkempt, most even assumed that he didn’t truly know anything, but Harper could tell that Lucas had an intelligence to him that most people overlooked. While reading, I wanted to know every morsel of detail about Lucas because, the way he spoke and behaved was unlike any man Harper had ever come across. In some ways, I couldn’t help, but picture Lucas as a “Tarzan type man” since he was so use to living in the middle of nowhere, being around in the woods, having a keen sense of smell, etc.At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect other than the mystery surrounding the two murders that occurred in Helena Springs, but it seemed like there was more to the story than I originally thought. Alongside the story of Lucas, Harper, and Agent Mark Gallagher, there was also the story about a boy named Jak. The circumstances surrounding Jak and how he found himself suddenly in the woods and fighting to survive was unusual especially since it seemed like based off the prologue, Jak had been taken from his home as well as other boys. Jak had to survive in the woods and along the way befriended a wolf pup which he named, Pup. Jak living in the woods did whatever he could to live, and when he stumbled upon the cabin that Driscoll owned, it looked like things were looking up for Jak… or so it seemed. Based off Jak’s chapters, it seemed like the events took place in the past since that was when Driscoll was alive. In addition, the chapters with Jak revealed what he did throughout his years of survival. I grew suspicious as to what Driscoll’s true intentions were in helping Jak. Simultaneously, while Mark was investigating an Issac Driscoll’s murder (*ahem same Driscoll Jak knew) he uncovered journals detailing different findings on different animals, but the information wasn’t adding up… something told me that based off the information Driscoll put together, it wasn’t about animals… perhaps maybe about Jak and the other boys who Jak found himself near the night he was taken. I started formulating my own theories as I read the story, and I grew more and more suspicious as more clues and details were revealed.The reveals within the story were SO GOOD and answered many of my questions of the lingering mystery. I had my suspicions on Lucas or should I say.. JAK! I went back & forth on questioning whether they were two different people or the same, but with more insight on the past with Driscoll and Jak’s past, it became clear to me that it was indeed Lucas, especially because he himself admitted that truth to Harper. Even with some truth revealed about Jak’s true identity, there were still other unanswered questions that built up towards the end of the story.Harper and Jak (a.k.a. originally introduced as Lucas) shared a unique connection, one that I was very much invested in. I found it very interesting how little by little with Harper stopping by to Jak’s cabin, they formed an unlikely friendship which then turned romantic. Harper couldn’t seem to stop thinking about Jak and how sweet, endearing, thoughtful, and strong he was. Jak had somewhat of an innocence to him that was sweet and Harper liked seeing his expressions unfold as he was introduced to new words and reminded of things he knew from when he was a kid. The way Jak thought about Harper was by far the most fascinating way I’ve ever heard a man think about a woman such as, the way he loved Harper’s smell, the way she interacted with him, the smiles she had that he was responsible for, and so much more. Harper and Jak had great chemistry and once they started to get closer and intimate was when their relationship started to take flight and make them wonder what would come next for them. I honestly couldn’t get enough of the moments Harper and Jak shared, it was so romantic, and even the simple times of reading, “The Count of Monte Cristo”, taking walks in the woods, just living in the moments of simplicity together was lovely. The way Jak would occasionally think about Harper in terms of “mates” just spoke to his “animal” side and how even he was with her, he felt like he couldn’t contain the “animal” in him because he just wanted her so much. Yeah a man who’s like Jak was quite rare, but I also found it sexy the way he got around Harper.I’ll admit the beginning took a bit to get into, but only because the story needed to set some things up, but once I started to understand the bits and pieces, then the story started to grab my attention more. Originally it seemed like the mystery behind the double murders was the only thing that I was expecting to learn about, but as the story progressed, little by little it seemed too much of a coincidence that what happened to the night Harper’s parents died to Jak being abducted by a strange man leading to him living in solitude in the woods occurred on the exact same night?!?! Not to mention the true identity of Jak’s family and who’s family he was part of?! What in the world?! Mia Sheridan had me on the edge of my seat while I was reading. With the clues leading up to some big reveals, some I was expecting, others taking me by surprise. Jak and Harper’s lives were intertwined years before they had met, it was all so mysterious and thrilling to see how everything was connected back to Jak and Harper.This story had me in a tailspin. Just when I thought I figured something out, turns out there was even more to be discovered! Mia Sheridan did such a fantastic job in terms of building the mystery, suspense, and revealing the twists and turns to the plot. Jak and Harper’s story was so much more than I originally thought, and I loved seeing how their story unfolded. Both Jak and Harper had gone through so much throughout their lives, but being together they found they fit perfectly, they complimented each other in a way that just made sense. While this story was focused more on the mystery aspect, I couldn’t get enough of the moments between Jak and Harper. Jak and Harper were characters that I fell in love with over the course of the story, and omg they were so sweet and loving together! The way everything came to light in the mystery was shocking and surprising! Overall, this was such a fantastic book, and again, not knowing what to expect gave me the opportunity to go into the story with an open mind. This had a little bit of everything, and I cannot stress just how much the twists and turns in this mystery were so great, as well as the romance and chemistry, I loved every bit of this story. The ending and epilogue filled me with joy to see Jak and Harper living happily together, and despite all the trauma and hurt they experienced, they had each other, and moved forward in their lives together.

MY RATING SYSTEM5 stars--WOW4 stars--would read again3 stars--was good, won't read again2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it1 star--didn't finish, it was so awfulDo I need to read books before this one: noCliffhanger: no, but I could see books about other childrenSUMMARYJak wakes in the dark, cold. He and 3 boys are atop a snowy cliff--a blond one, a tall one, and one with big brown eyes. “Will you die today?” the man asks from behind them. “Maybe tomorrow? Next week? Many years from now a lauded warrior? Celebrated?” Jak is confused, wants to know where his baka is. “Do you have a will to survive? To fight for your life? Tooth and nail? Heart and soul?” The blond cries. Jak clenches his fists. The boy with big eyes slips a pocket knife into Jak's hand; he pockets it quickly. Suddenly there's a crack, the snow gives way, and they're falling. The small boy grabs his hand. Tumble, roll, fall, hit. Pain. The boy's hold weakens, so Jak holds on tighter. The boy is crying. They hit a ledge, both hold onto the edge. He hears the other boys's screams echoing. Jak sees that the boy’s eyes are starting to close, blood streams from his nose, his face is bruised and bloody, and his head is rolling on his neck like he might fall asleep. There's room for only 1 on the ledge. Jak grabs the boy just as he lets go, makes him climb up his body onto the ledge. Jak gives the boy a final push and yells "Live!" as he falls.15 years later, Sheriff Dwayne Walbeck asks Harper to assist Agent Mark Gallagher, new to Montana, in the investigation of 2 homicides by bow and arrow. She's got the rural equipment and savvy Mark doesn't. They have a person of interest, Lucas, found near the 2nd scene at Isaac Driscoll's house. He looks like a caveman.EVALUATIONMs Sheridan writes a powerful narrative of survival and hope, surpassing my expectations for some intrigue and romance.The story advances 2 timelines—Jak growing up and present day. It uses Jak's viewpoint solely for growing up, and uses a variety of viewpoints for the present (Jak, Harper, Mark, minor characters) so we get all the information to understand the crimes as they're solved. The author uses foreshadowing, literary references, and natural imagery to deepen our experience with the main characters. I usually don't like stories with little dialog, but extensive thinking is appropriate to being alone.RECOMMENDATIONI've already recommended it to my adult friends who read! Especially good for those who've read Count of Monte Cristo.FAVORITE QUOTESA faraway wildflower field after a rainstorm. Clean. Earthy. A woman. Her smell...soothed him. Confused him. The scent of her was new and old, something that was not known and already a part of him. Deep down. Deep, deep down. Something came alive like a spark, rising up to greet its match, a singing in his blood that was like the wind that showed up on a cold winter morning telling the forest that springtime was in the close faraway.The forest had nourished his body, but her mother’s words had nourished his soul.Had he really wanted to die though? No. He had wanted the pain to end, the loneliness.She smelled like life, like sweet water, like fertile earth, and perfectly ripened berries that would take away the pain of hunger. Her woman scent was the beginning of everything and the place where he wanted to draw his final breath. She was meant for him, he knew that now. No other woman. Only her.Sometimes miracles—like love—arrived gently. Softly. Without fanfare. Without a lightning strike. For true miracles needed no such thing.“Did you know the trees speak to each other? They tell secrets in their roots, those deep, dark places that can’t be seen. I think we’re like that too. We know things deep, deep down, secret things, ancient things, that whisper through us, one to the other. You whispered to me. And I whispered back. You heard, didn’t you?”Everyone started talking at once, the way the birds did in the morning, happy to be alive for another sunrise and chitter-chattering to tell the whole forest about it.[What did you learn from The Count of Monte Cristo this time?] All human wisdom is contained in these two words—wait and hope. “That if we can hang on—survive—through the hard times in life, there is something better waiting for us. There’s a purpose we can’t always see. There’s an...order.” He’d felt it—that whisper, that unseen something that flowed through him, into and around all living things and back again. There were no words he’d found that fully captured it. God, maybe. Fate? Miracles? The souls who had passed before them? All he knew was that it was loving and good, and it sought to make things *right.*POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)Sex: multiple scenes, nudity, reference to masturbatingLanguage: 2 F words, 58 Lord's name in vain, 5 S wordsViolence: murder scenes described, indication of child molestation, fatal knife fight, kidnappings, attempted murder by gun

Almost more magical than the first time I read it. If only because this time I was able to slow down, and truly enjoy the storytelling rather than reading frantically to get to the ending and the HEA.✔️Contemporary setting, Montana✔️Tarzan/survivalist male main character✔️Strong and likable female main character✔️Mystery/thriller✔️Brutally DARK flashback chapters✔️Virgin H✔️No ow/om drama✔️Excellent HEAThis story is an extreme physical example of the nature versus nurture debate. It is a murder mystery, a modern day Hunger Games/Roman Colosseum, and a beautifully written romance.The ending is a little fantastical and unrealistic, but it made me completely happy. Talk about coming full circle!Recommended for fans of:Transcendence by Shay SavageMoonshine by Kat BostickSurviving Raine by Shay SavageFall by Claire KentArcher's Voice by Mia SheridanUnloved by Katy RegneryBecoming Calder by Mia Sheridan“He’s this combination of wild and, I don’t know, innocent? No, that’s not right. Thoughtful?” She shook her head, frustrated that she couldn’t describe him accurately, or do him justice. “Sensitive.”

Omg 5 freaking stars. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book I’d give 5 stars to another amazing book by Mia Sheridan

Jak is a boy who, by circumstances he doesn't understand, was forced to live in a forest when he was eight years old. Along with him he had three more children, but fate was cruel to two and one, the girl, he managed to save. Years after years Jak was surviving and learning how to live in a forest. Living only on what was necessary and what he produced.Harper lost her parents in a car accident where she was also in the vehicle, but managed to survive, she just doesn't remember perfectly how she saved herself. After the discovery of two murders in the small town where she lives, she goes to the police station to help with the search, as she knows the forest better than anyone, since one of the dead lived in a cabin in the woods. At the police station, she is impressed by a wild-looking man.Then by stroke of fate Jak and Harper begin to meet. In this, Harper begins to know Jak and admire him for everything he has gone through to survive, but Harper is determined to find out who did what to the boy who despite the ways he lived is sweet, kind and considerate to her.As the book progresses, we learn more about Jak's past, how and why he ended up in the forest. And Harper and Jak will realize that their fates were linked a long time ago.A story of resilience, determination and love. With a touch of suspense that leaves the story with interesting details and that desire to know the end with each page read. It's exciting. I recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶Phenomenal. Heartbreakingly beautiful.Savaged is the story of waiting and hoping. Following two murders in a small town in Montana, Harper, a wilderness tourism guide, is called in to assist the sheriff. A man only described as savage is a potential lead in the case. He is a man of the wilderness, having been isolated from society for years.Lucas does not have a last name. Lucas does not have many things, except for his survival instincts, intuition, and intelligence.Secrets of the case and Lucas' history are uncovered, and Harper's own history once again rise to the surface. As Harper assists in the case, she delves into Lucas' life... and who he really is. Is he the savaged and uncivilised man people believe him to be? Or is he a man who has done his best to survive in overwhelming conditions stacked against him?This novel, in the words of Harper and Jak: “This fills my soul. You . . . you fill my soul.”“When did it happen? she wondered, trying to pinpoint the exact moment she had fallen. It should have been . . . momentous, wasn’t that true? But no, she realized dreamily, it hadn’t been one singular stopping of time. It was a beautiful string of moments, each one opening her heart to him little by little. And this was one. Watching Jak under the twinkling lights of his first Christmas tree, it was suddenly clear. Sometimes miracles—like love—arrived gently. Softly. Without fanfare. Without a lightning strike. For true miracles needed no such thing.”

I am conflicted about my rating for this book. Usually I love anything by Mia Sheridan but, my feelings about this story are all over the place. The characters are complex and multifaceted. The plot is intense and is told from multiple points of view which works very well in this setting. The author uses the most amazingly detailed prose to describe the wilderness, the characters and their feelings. I love the way the story moves seamlessly between the past and the present and, the way that the lives of the hero and heroine are so deeply entwined with one another. I was completely captivated with Jak and Harper. I felt such anger and sadness while reading their stories. The big problem, for me, is that parts of the book feel so completely convoluted. Just as the ending gets exciting, the author throws in a plot twist that I find difficult to believe. For the most part, this is a completely engrossing story, that will definitely put you through the ringer, even if portions of the plot require you to suspend belief for a little while.

The night Jak is brought into the Helena Heights police station as a “person of interest” in two grizzly murders, turns into the night that not only changes the lives of Harper, the wildlife tourists guide, but also the the life of Lt Mark Gallagher.What is it about the strange silent mountain of a man, with his long hair, and unkept appearance that has Harper and Mark Gallagher wanting to know more about this mystery, enigma.A man masculine and all muscle, but also, an innocent, childlike.What, if anything does he know about the death of the man named Isaac Driscoll.A man that he used to trade with while living his on the grid existence in the wild Montana woods.And what of the younger women who was found killed in the same manner?Slowly, but surely, Mark Gallagher and Harper are following the clues that lead to a group of nefarious men with a hidden agenda.An agenda that involves the abuse, and deprivation of stolen children acquired from prostitutes, druggies, and from care homes.As the story unravels Jak and Harper’s relationship grows.But.Will it be strong enough to withstand the revelations that come to light.Revelations that entwine both their childhoods and present life.An amazing read.I defy you not to fall for the sweet, beautiful, Jak.I could not put this book down.I’ll even let Harper, pushing herself into Jaks life because she immediately had the hots for him a pass, because this story of heartbreakingly riveting.****