A review by nicolehitchcock
Savage by Cala Riley

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

While Savage was an entertaining read that kept my attention, it ultimately fell short of my expectations. The premise had a lot of potential, but the execution left me wanting more depth— particularly in the characters’ emotional arcs and the villain’s role in the story.

The romance felt rushed—after years of love and heartbreak, I expected more tension and struggle before reconciliation. If I had loved someone for decades and they left, I wouldn’t move on so quickly, and that made the emotional stakes feel a bit shallow. I would have liked to see more of that internal conflict before the resolution.

The biggest issue for me was the villain. The obsession didn’t feel believable given how little connection this person had to the heroine. If the stalker had been a close friend or someone more embedded in her life, the reveal would have been much more impactful. I actually found myself wishing Laura had been the stalker as it would have made for a more compelling twist.

Overall, Savage had its moments of intrigue, but it wasn’t a standout in the genre for me. If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining read, it might be worth picking up, but it’s not one I would actively recommend.

🌶️🌶️