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The Dark Elite #3
Savage Queen
The thrilling final installment in The Dark Elite series!
Betrayal has rocked the Novak Syndicate, and a new enemy has emerged from the shadows. The same question that haunted Damian Novak now haunts me too.
Why?
I’m terrified of what my hunt for answers might reveal, but I’ll do whatever it takes to bring down this threat. Because I have something to fight for now.
Ciro, Hale, Zaid, and Lucas.
My ruthless knights. My dark protectors. The four men who’ve claimed my heart and soul.
What we have is real, and I’m damn sure going to fight for it. For us. Anyone who threatens these men will have to deal with me.
Their savage queen.
This is the final book in The Dark Elite series, a reverse harem new adult mafia romance that includes high steam, violence, and foul language.
Betrayal has rocked the Novak Syndicate, and a new enemy has emerged from the shadows. The same question that haunted Damian Novak now haunts me too.
Why?
I’m terrified of what my hunt for answers might reveal, but I’ll do whatever it takes to bring down this threat. Because I have something to fight for now.
Ciro, Hale, Zaid, and Lucas.
My ruthless knights. My dark protectors. The four men who’ve claimed my heart and soul.
What we have is real, and I’m damn sure going to fight for it. For us. Anyone who threatens these men will have to deal with me.
Their savage queen.
This is the final book in The Dark Elite series, a reverse harem new adult mafia romance that includes high steam, violence, and foul language.
280 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2020
1328 people are currently reading
3138 people want to read
About the author
Eva Ashwood
80 books6,025 followersEva Ashwood has been a reader her whole life and a writer for several years. She loves telling stories of alpha males and the fierce women who bring them to their knees.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
February 3, 2021
well. i can honestly say that this whole series should have been one book with all the plot it gave.
which is barely any.
this is just - just vanilla.
September 26, 2022
4.5⭐️
That's it. It's official. I love Eva Ashwood😩🤌🏻
That's it. It's official. I love Eva Ashwood😩🤌🏻
December 17, 2021
All I really cared about was Ciro.
Everything else was fine, I guess. I had a few issues with the whole “mafia” aspects of things which really didn’t feel like mafia. It just felt like 2 gangs having issues, tbh.
Also, she was either thinking about sex or having sex, and that takes away from the plot and character developments. There was nearly zero emotional connections between the characters, and I felt like the sex scenes could’ve been well thought out but it wasn’t. And I mean that as in a ‘time and place’ way.
And there was nothing “savage” about Grace. At all. I found her extremely boring and useless.
Everything else was fine, I guess. I had a few issues with the whole “mafia” aspects of things which really didn’t feel like mafia. It just felt like 2 gangs having issues, tbh.
Also, she was either thinking about sex or having sex, and that takes away from the plot and character developments. There was nearly zero emotional connections between the characters, and I felt like the sex scenes could’ve been well thought out but it wasn’t. And I mean that as in a ‘time and place’ way.
And there was nothing “savage” about Grace. At all. I found her extremely boring and useless.
August 30, 2020
I have to say Eva wrote an amazing conclusion to this story. It's full of action and crazy twists you don't see coming. The growth of the characters was awesome to read and the bond they share is out of this world. It was nice to see a female character prove to everyone how strong she truely is. And her men are right there to back her up along the way. If you want to read an amazing mafia story this is the one for you. Oh and we can't forget the steam which there are definite some steamy scenes that make this story even better. I can't wait to see what Eva has for us next.
December 4, 2020
I don’t even want to review it. Yeah the beginning it was good and stuff. The whole mafia plot is interesting but damn she’s not gonna chose one. How she gonna be with all four of them. WTF. I cant comprehend this. I really can’t. Hated it. I wanted her to chose Hale. She chose all four. I’m starting to realize that this trope is not for me.
August 28, 2020
I'm totally Swooning right now. (sighs) 😌
Grace and her guys are back!! Hale, Ciro, and the twins Lucas and Zaid. I've missed them.
Of course mafia life is as busy as ever and full of enemies trying to take you down.
It's action packed throughout this read. It was like watching a movie, that good, imo. There was never a dull moment. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what's going to happen next.
There was a curve ball that shocked me and boy was it good. I couldn't believe it. It made me sad at first but than I was like F that ..... 🤐
Betrayal, lies, secrets, surprises, gun fights and more. I was thrilled that Grace came out of her shell honey and she was pretty firece. I was proud of her.
The guys were even more protective and loving and just completely obsessed with her. Let's NOT forget about the steam. This is RH, so you know there was some steamy goodness happening. 😜
The mafia world isn't easy and the men aren't the good guys. But they're perfect for Grace, they make a great team... Also, they're perfect book bf material! 😍
Loved and enjoyed this read.
Grace and her guys are back!! Hale, Ciro, and the twins Lucas and Zaid. I've missed them.
Of course mafia life is as busy as ever and full of enemies trying to take you down.
It's action packed throughout this read. It was like watching a movie, that good, imo. There was never a dull moment. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what's going to happen next.
There was a curve ball that shocked me and boy was it good. I couldn't believe it. It made me sad at first but than I was like F that ..... 🤐
Betrayal, lies, secrets, surprises, gun fights and more. I was thrilled that Grace came out of her shell honey and she was pretty firece. I was proud of her.
The guys were even more protective and loving and just completely obsessed with her. Let's NOT forget about the steam. This is RH, so you know there was some steamy goodness happening. 😜
The mafia world isn't easy and the men aren't the good guys. But they're perfect for Grace, they make a great team... Also, they're perfect book bf material! 😍
Loved and enjoyed this read.
March 19, 2022
This final book landed at a 3.5 for me, but I rounded up because i’m nice like that <33
This last one definitely felt more rushed than the previous books. The resolution happens pretty quickly & in the last couple chapters which is something I don’t really like ://
We also JUST get a glimpse of the relationships finally solidifying before the book is over, which is also something I don’t like. I wish they had been solidified at the beginning of this book and carried on throughout, I think it would’ve made it better.
I still really enjoyed this series though, it was just a little lacking!
xox
This last one definitely felt more rushed than the previous books. The resolution happens pretty quickly & in the last couple chapters which is something I don’t really like ://
We also JUST get a glimpse of the relationships finally solidifying before the book is over, which is also something I don’t like. I wish they had been solidified at the beginning of this book and carried on throughout, I think it would’ve made it better.
I still really enjoyed this series though, it was just a little lacking!
xox
August 1, 2020
4.5 stars
Wow! Savage Queen picks right up where Ruthless Knights ends and is go, go, go. Grace and her men are finally able to get some answers and realize just how lethal their enemy really is.
Hale, Ciro, Lucas and Zaid are so firmly rooted in Grace’s corner and I loved seeing their bond strengthen. Grace has some tough calls to make and does what she thinks is best to protect the four men that have her heart.
This was such a strong finish to an amazing series. I hate to see it end, but I can’t wait to see what Eva Ashwood comes up with next!
Wow! Savage Queen picks right up where Ruthless Knights ends and is go, go, go. Grace and her men are finally able to get some answers and realize just how lethal their enemy really is.
Hale, Ciro, Lucas and Zaid are so firmly rooted in Grace’s corner and I loved seeing their bond strengthen. Grace has some tough calls to make and does what she thinks is best to protect the four men that have her heart.
This was such a strong finish to an amazing series. I hate to see it end, but I can’t wait to see what Eva Ashwood comes up with next!
August 29, 2020
This was a good read and a solid series. Really liked all the guys and how they cared for Grace. Grace herself was a solid character, who didn’t feel like she tried so hard to be overly tough like in a lot of other dark reads. The climax was kind of what I expected, and it didn’t feel entirely too climatic tbh.
These authors books would probably be better as duets rather than trilogies, just because the books themselves tend to be really quick reads and would feel like a more cohesive story. But overall it was a good read.
These authors books would probably be better as duets rather than trilogies, just because the books themselves tend to be really quick reads and would feel like a more cohesive story. But overall it was a good read.
January 16, 2021
Amazing!
Well I can definitely say this was my favorite series by Eva!!! It was absolutely amazing and the ups and downs these people went through makes you see what hope is for! With the 5 of them together they could get through anything! The one thing I loved the most was that these books were unpredictable. I didnt know what was going to happen next and I had quite a few surprises thrown into the mix. I love when I cant foresee what is coming next. It's what keeps me intrigued and this book and the last had it in spades. Great read!!!
Well I can definitely say this was my favorite series by Eva!!! It was absolutely amazing and the ups and downs these people went through makes you see what hope is for! With the 5 of them together they could get through anything! The one thing I loved the most was that these books were unpredictable. I didnt know what was going to happen next and I had quite a few surprises thrown into the mix. I love when I cant foresee what is coming next. It's what keeps me intrigued and this book and the last had it in spades. Great read!!!
June 29, 2022
This was my favorite of the three 3 books which is why it gets 4 stars. It’s really more 3.5 but I can’t do that to Ms. Ashwood who has gotten me through my quarantine haha.
Maybe it’s because I had read the Kings of Chaos series first, but there was something too similar about that storyline. It made this one feel less original. I’m not sure which was first (but you know I’m gonna check after this).
I still enjoy the way she writes her female MC as strong but vulnerable. The guys in this series were not as broken as the last, other than Ciro. The ending was cute though.
Maybe it’s because I had read the Kings of Chaos series first, but there was something too similar about that storyline. It made this one feel less original. I’m not sure which was first (but you know I’m gonna check after this).
I still enjoy the way she writes her female MC as strong but vulnerable. The guys in this series were not as broken as the last, other than Ciro. The ending was cute though.
January 4, 2023
this would have been better if the following was true:
- Zaid's vocabulary did not include the word "kitten"
- there was no weird incest dynamic
- the word "undulate" was not used. like at all
- i KNEW the pregnancy thing was gonna happen. still mad about it though
- why was the fact that Camilla had an abortion used as "evidence" that she's evil? I think the human trafficking speaks for itself
things I did like
- Ciro finally got some! and you know what? good for him
- girlbossing without being to obnoxious about the fact that it's girlbossing
- Zaid's vocabulary did not include the word "kitten"
- there was no weird incest dynamic
- the word "undulate" was not used. like at all
- i KNEW the pregnancy thing was gonna happen. still mad about it though
- why was the fact that Camilla had an abortion used as "evidence" that she's evil? I think the human trafficking speaks for itself
things I did like
- Ciro finally got some! and you know what? good for him
- girlbossing without being to obnoxious about the fact that it's girlbossing
February 13, 2024
Okay, honestly... This series was kind of everything I've ever wanted from a reverse harem?? I have such a book hangover right now it's not even funny.
The way the harem actually developed makes me CRAVE more developing harem books and I didn't even think I was a RH girly. But Ciro, Hale, Zaid, and Lucas changed me.
Ugh. FINALLY men who respect their women enough not to keep secrets from her and make decisions for/without her!!! I love these men!!
Also, this series was one of the spiciest I've read, like??? Okay, Eva, I see you...
The way the harem actually developed makes me CRAVE more developing harem books and I didn't even think I was a RH girly. But Ciro, Hale, Zaid, and Lucas changed me.
Ugh. FINALLY men who respect their women enough not to keep secrets from her and make decisions for/without her!!! I love these men!!
Also, this series was one of the spiciest I've read, like??? Okay, Eva, I see you...
January 21, 2022
So basically this was one book split into three cause for what little plot there was it could of easily been just one.. and then you have the characters and their relationship development that felt rushed and forced..
I don’t know honestly, this a a 2/2,5 star series and I’m being generous. The only reason I finished them is because they were short and my anxiety needed to know how it ended but I only enjoy a few little moments throughout all the books there isn’t much going for it.
I don’t know honestly, this a a 2/2,5 star series and I’m being generous. The only reason I finished them is because they were short and my anxiety needed to know how it ended but I only enjoy a few little moments throughout all the books there isn’t much going for it.
February 20, 2023
This mafia story started strong and the ending was good I enjoyed the story as a whole but it definitely dragged a lot of the time. I was invested in the FMC and her men and I loved the plot twists but I wanted less mafia politics and more character development and story depth. I feel like I didn’t see them connect on any level other than sexual like I was hoping for. Overall good but wished for more!
June 23, 2022
this series had a really good plot but the character development was severely lacking. usually with multiple POVs you get a good feel for all of the characters but in this case, i felt like i didn’t get to know any of them.
January 11, 2023
This mafia story started strong and ended good, but it dragged at times. I was invested in the FMC and I loved the plot twists but I wanted less mafia politics and more character story depth. Overall HEA 💕🔥
February 17, 2025
could not finish
I really want to see how this one plays out, however, I could see the “writing on the wall” so to speak. I could not go thru the emotional turmoil that was coming and that could have been avoided.
I really want to see how this one plays out, however, I could see the “writing on the wall” so to speak. I could not go thru the emotional turmoil that was coming and that could have been avoided.
Read
July 22, 2021I enjoyed this series as a whole, but they were almost too short and not very developed. Things happened very quickly without much lead-up and tension. So. Yeah. Idk.
January 16, 2023
Obviously love a HEA but I needed more from these books. This series was so short. I need more background to go with development. Still good but I need more in the end. ♥️
November 19, 2024
An average conclusion, if not a little too redundant at times. The final book in this authors series always seems to be the weakest for me.
September 12, 2022
I hope I never get to read erotica again in my life. Thanks, Eva, I hate it.
May 23, 2021
Perfect Ending
What a great conclusion! It had everything and the characters really start to open and trust each other the way it always needed to be. You have some twists and turns, but that is not a shocker with Eva as the writer. This was my first series from her and will not be my last. Like I said in my previous posts, I am not a fan of mafia, but there was everything which made it hard not to love. Oh, and there is a bonus scene you can download on the last page. So, don't miss out.
What a great conclusion! It had everything and the characters really start to open and trust each other the way it always needed to be. You have some twists and turns, but that is not a shocker with Eva as the writer. This was my first series from her and will not be my last. Like I said in my previous posts, I am not a fan of mafia, but there was everything which made it hard not to love. Oh, and there is a bonus scene you can download on the last page. So, don't miss out.
March 27, 2021
Has Eva Ashwood not hear about condoms? This is the second series I've read of hers and in not 1 book do they use condoms. Overall I liked this series more than the other (black rose kisses) , like the guys more and the girl had character and way more brains then the other girl. I liked the plot twist. But I just really really hate unnecessary drama due to people withholding truths from each other. Yeah I get you want to add some spice to your story but I think it's just a cheap way of doing it. After reading the Havoc boys by C.M. Stunich I've realized there's really no reason to lie or keep stuff from each other, so every book I read now I will hate it more if it happens
December 25, 2021
Not what I wanted.
Really?? 4 mafia men sharing 1 women, I don't find it very credible considering the profile of a man they were.
It has been a light and quick reading and I liked the plot although it has been diluted during the trilogy. I've loved Hale, and in the scenes he appeared with Grace I thought they had a greater connection than the other 3 guys. I have to admit that I have spent the whole book with my fingers crossed for her to choose him.
The book has been fine, but I guess it's not my style.
Really?? 4 mafia men sharing 1 women, I don't find it very credible considering the profile of a man they were.
It has been a light and quick reading and I liked the plot although it has been diluted during the trilogy. I've loved Hale, and in the scenes he appeared with Grace I thought they had a greater connection than the other 3 guys. I have to admit that I have spent the whole book with my fingers crossed for her to choose him.
The book has been fine, but I guess it's not my style.
December 31, 2020
This series took an interesting turn. Sadly, it just wasn’t enough to keep me engaged. I found that I just didn’t care about the story. It’s not a bad book though. It wasn’t decent enough and I like that it surprised me it just missed the mark for me.
Want to read
June 24, 2021🎁 Part of The Dark Elite: Complete Series Box Set which is FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2021)! 🎁
December 30, 2023
4⭐
Cause of our queen.
Cause of our queen.
January 3, 2022
Wow
When I say I devoted this series in two days I mean it. I literally couldn’t put this down even though at some point I needed sleep lol.
I loved Crace, Hale, Zaid, Lucas and Ciro. This was an amazing story and I’m glad I got to read it.
Truly exceptional.
100000000000000000000000000000000000/10
All the stars ✨
Here’s my favorite quotes from this book
She looks a little rough around the edges, just like the rest of us, but she walks into the room with a determined expression on her face, and I know she’s worked hard to pull herself together, to function through the shock and pain.
She’s carrying her head high like the badass bitch she is. ~Zaid
Because when you join the Novak syndicate, we become your family. Your own family becomes our family, and our full protection is extended to them. ~Zaid
I may have cheated on him—every time I let the guys touch me, fuck me, every time I let myself feel something for them. Every time I let my mind wander into those dangerous thoughts, I cheated on him.
But he was going to kill me.
For money. ~Grace
To remember that there are good things in the world, and not just a relentless march of lies and secrets and cruelty. ~Grace
No matter how much I want to, I can’t hide her from the monsters. All I can do is stand by her side as she faces them. ~Lucas
I’m taking down the Novak syndicate. And if you choose to stand with them… I’ll take you down too.” ~Camilla
“I have nothing to fucking hide from you. This is who I am, and I won’t lie to you about that. Ever.” ~Hale
“I am determined,” I murmur quietly, kissing her bare shoulder. “I’m determined not to fuck up the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ll keep you safe. You know that, Grace?” ~Hale
“We protect each other by being the only people we can trust unequivocally. That’s what love is.” ~Hale
“Are you fucking kidding me, Grace?” he growls, turning and striding toward the stairs. “You almost died tonight, you told us you love us, and you agreed to make this thing fucking official. If you think you could say all of that and not get thoroughly fucked afterward, you don’t know any of us as well as I thought.” ~Hale
When I say I devoted this series in two days I mean it. I literally couldn’t put this down even though at some point I needed sleep lol.
I loved Crace, Hale, Zaid, Lucas and Ciro. This was an amazing story and I’m glad I got to read it.
Truly exceptional.
100000000000000000000000000000000000/10
All the stars ✨
Here’s my favorite quotes from this book
She looks a little rough around the edges, just like the rest of us, but she walks into the room with a determined expression on her face, and I know she’s worked hard to pull herself together, to function through the shock and pain.
She’s carrying her head high like the badass bitch she is. ~Zaid
Because when you join the Novak syndicate, we become your family. Your own family becomes our family, and our full protection is extended to them. ~Zaid
I may have cheated on him—every time I let the guys touch me, fuck me, every time I let myself feel something for them. Every time I let my mind wander into those dangerous thoughts, I cheated on him.
But he was going to kill me.
For money. ~Grace
To remember that there are good things in the world, and not just a relentless march of lies and secrets and cruelty. ~Grace
No matter how much I want to, I can’t hide her from the monsters. All I can do is stand by her side as she faces them. ~Lucas
I’m taking down the Novak syndicate. And if you choose to stand with them… I’ll take you down too.” ~Camilla
“I have nothing to fucking hide from you. This is who I am, and I won’t lie to you about that. Ever.” ~Hale
“I am determined,” I murmur quietly, kissing her bare shoulder. “I’m determined not to fuck up the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ll keep you safe. You know that, Grace?” ~Hale
“We protect each other by being the only people we can trust unequivocally. That’s what love is.” ~Hale
“Are you fucking kidding me, Grace?” he growls, turning and striding toward the stairs. “You almost died tonight, you told us you love us, and you agreed to make this thing fucking official. If you think you could say all of that and not get thoroughly fucked afterward, you don’t know any of us as well as I thought.” ~Hale
September 10, 2020
Series Review:
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😳😥😏😰😤🥰
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Shelves: CR, Rom. Susp., Dark, Mafia, RH
Location: Chicago, Washington state
MC age range: early/mid 20s
Lead: Grace
Love interest(s): Hale, Zaid, Lucas, Ciro
Tear jerker: No
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Paperback page count: #1: 280, #2: 266, #3
Publisher: Self-published
Audible: No
Series: The Dark Elite
1. Vicious Kings - released 4/7/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
2. Ruthless Knights - 7/6/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3. Savage Queen - 8/28/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative, dp,
Possible triggers: kidnapping, homicide, violence, torture, parental abuse, parental death, mention of human trafficking
~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty: Classic captive turns queen goodness x 4 hot guys.
Girl and father run from mafia. They’re found by none other than the 4 boys, now men, that she grew up with. Everything she thought she knew about her life and the mafia’s role in it is obliterated when secrets are revealed about the people closest to her.
A quick read, this was a solid mafia series that had everything that keeps the pages turning: a good overall story arc, flawed but likeable characters, plot twists and a healthy dose of 🔥. Hale is the heir of the Novak clan, Zaid and Lucas are the twins and Ciro is quiet and deadly one of the group. Grace is the daughter of former right-hand man to the mafia capo. That dynamic alone kept things interesting.
My one qualm was the climax of the book; it wasn’t as big of a bang as I was hoping for. Considering the number of truth-bombs dropped, I was expecting something to match. I was still happy with the outcome of the book (and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get the bonus scene!) but the ending felt lackluster in comparison to all of those other 🤯 moments.
Overall highly enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😳😥😏😰😤🥰
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Shelves: CR, Rom. Susp., Dark, Mafia, RH
Location: Chicago, Washington state
MC age range: early/mid 20s
Lead: Grace
Love interest(s): Hale, Zaid, Lucas, Ciro
Tear jerker: No
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Paperback page count: #1: 280, #2: 266, #3
Publisher: Self-published
Audible: No
Series: The Dark Elite
1. Vicious Kings - released 4/7/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
2. Ruthless Knights - 7/6/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3. Savage Queen - 8/28/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative, dp,
Possible triggers: kidnapping, homicide, violence, torture, parental abuse, parental death, mention of human trafficking
~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty: Classic captive turns queen goodness x 4 hot guys.
Girl and father run from mafia. They’re found by none other than the 4 boys, now men, that she grew up with. Everything she thought she knew about her life and the mafia’s role in it is obliterated when secrets are revealed about the people closest to her.
A quick read, this was a solid mafia series that had everything that keeps the pages turning: a good overall story arc, flawed but likeable characters, plot twists and a healthy dose of 🔥. Hale is the heir of the Novak clan, Zaid and Lucas are the twins and Ciro is quiet and deadly one of the group. Grace is the daughter of former right-hand man to the mafia capo. That dynamic alone kept things interesting.
My one qualm was the climax of the book; it wasn’t as big of a bang as I was hoping for. Considering the number of truth-bombs dropped, I was expecting something to match. I was still happy with the outcome of the book (and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get the bonus scene!) but the ending felt lackluster in comparison to all of those other 🤯 moments.
Overall highly enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews