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He’s Angry—because I ran from him
I fled the city, hellbent on starting over without Malik Jafar in my life.
I should have known it wouldn’t be easy.
I should have known he would give chase.
But there’s something that he doesn’t know.
Something he’ll never forgive me for.
When he shows up, I know the game is over.
I’m about to be thrown into the lion’s den.
And face the wrath of my best friend.

She’s Mine—no matter the cost
I knew Ellie was going to destroy me the moment I first saw her.
But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her.
Loving her.
But sweet Ellie has been hiding a secret from me.
I’ll be damned if I let her slip through my fingers again.
And then I see just how much I’ve been betrayed.
So, I’m going to do what I do best.
I’m going to paint this city red.
And show Ellie that she’s mine.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

113 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Bale

67 books374 followers
Sarah Bale's family always knew she would write romances when they saw the elaborate stories she created for her Barbie dolls. At fifteen she penned her first book, which will never see the light of day if she has any say.


When Sarah isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and also planning what she’d do in a zombie apocalypse. One of her favorite pastimes is attending comic cons, where she can nerd out over all things Marvel.

She is a USA Today Bestselling Author living in Oklahoma and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon.


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5 stars
239 (45%)
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158 (30%)
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91 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Grisette.
656 reviews83 followers
March 2, 2023

4.3 stars

The good news is that the second and final part of this duet does not let down the first part. The pace of the book was very good. Lots of things kept happening but there was no time to get bored. The eye-rolling plot points are still present in this book (as attested by the multiple notes I made during reading 😅), but again, just like for Book 1, I took them in my stride (with some laugh) because I was so enjoying the story. Cheap thrills really but I like the escapism. Again bumping in to 5 stars just because of that. Spoilerish review below.

Trigger warning: Again these triggers are not overwhelming in the book, but should be noted nevertheless - reference to rape (of the h 😢 by OM; in Book 1), mafia violence (a bit graphical but not overly so).

One thing that pleasantly surprised me right off the bat was that the chapters recounting Ellie running away for 3 months, while felt very original (though many times OTT 😅). I would have thought that this part would have been a bore, but no, I totally enjoyed her road trip of sorts. Even the Swag part. It surprised me, and at first I did not know how this new OM would fit in the plot. In final, it was an okay if bizarre interlude - I almost wished she got to really get off with Swag because that would have kind of healed her from all her trauma in NY. But obviously, Swag was a way to introduce potential future spin-off books; in fact, I am looking forward to his story with that troubled young girl (though the age-gap is again huge, must be a trademark of the author).

I was glad that Ellie was much more affirmative in this book. Obviously less contact with Jasmine did her a world of good. I liked that she was determined not to be bullied into things anymore. Yes, she did vow not to cede to Jafar easily, and she held good for a little bit but soon lust took over and from there, a tentative reconciliation was very near. But I do have to say that while the grovel was not epic, it did happen in a satisfactory way all things considered. Jafar did voice out his regrets. Not in many words, but I found him sincere and intense in the few outbursts he had. And of course, actions for redemption. These were diluted over many chapters, but he proved he was caring, that Ellie was his queen and that he would really burn down the world for her (with OTT moves ofc, but I rolled with it). My question on his initial attachment to Jasmine remains unanswered though.

Concerning Jasmine, I felt her reasons for hating Ellie all along (since boarding school) a bit weak. I better understood why she would seek to undermine her once she realised that her husband was in love with Ellie. However, her baddy moves were totally OTT (being able to thwart Jafar so long and to die so easily... 🤨). Thankfully, her on-page presence was short so I did not suffer much. Talking about suffering, Jasmine deserved to have had a much, much worse end than what she got 😬. Too easy, painless death. The other baddies Dru, Al and Kimi had it worse though.

This duet is far from being a chef-d'oeuvre of literature, full of cheap tricks, but so much entertaining 😁! I was probably in the right mood for it. Only time will tell if the charm holds.

P.S. Lots of secondary characters introduced in this book, most probably pointing to other stories in the same world. Even the epilogue was on secondary characters who will feature as main in the next book. I may be tempted to read, depending on who are the leads. Btw why Jafar and Ellie could not have a proper epilogue together?

P.S.2 There were lots of eye-rolling moment but the one that really stood out for me was when suddenly Ellie's PCOS is never mentioned again in the book. No more symptoms and issues. It's magic that a good editor should have picked.


-----

My review for Book 1: here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for nellyr.
138 reviews37 followers
August 23, 2023
“Look at my husband, drinking my milk”

“his kink might be drinking my milk, but mine is letting him while I talk dirty to him.”

huh?!😀
Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
1,198 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2023
Sometimes the Villain becomes the Hero…

After returning home with a broken heart Ellie realizes that Jafar has left her with a little surprise. She knows that she must run and hide because once he knows she’s carrying his heir he will come for her.

Ellie has no one she can turn to or trust but along the way in her journey she meets some special people. One of those I felt so sad for Swag. He was the sweetest to Ellie and really cared for her. I wanted him to be with her even after Jafar found her. Could have turned into a why choose romance but Jafar is too obsessive and territorial over Ellie to let that happen.

When Jafar brings Ellie back to his penthouse he’s not taking no for an answer. She’s going to be his no matter what. He has his men searching for Al and Jasmine so he can set things right.

Best friends become enemies. With so many lies and the biggest betrayal, vengeance will be sweet.

This is a deliciously twisted tale where the Villain becomes the hero while burning the rest of the world down to prove his love to the heroine.

We get a little sneak peek at the next book Devious Deals and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Profile Image for Cali Mafiaa.
401 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2023
Oh My Wow!! That was amazing!!! I absolutely loved this book!! This duet is soooo damn good!! I couldn’t get enough of it & with all the twists & turns in this book aahhh!! & the steam 🔥🔥🔥
So so good I can’t wait to read more from this series!!💛🖤

I love Ellie & Jafar’s characters sooo much oh my gosh🥰🥰💛🖤

There’s a certain person in this book that I’m hoping gets his own story!!! Aaahhh this book was everything & more!! Must must must freak’n read!!!
Profile Image for Kaija.
1,488 reviews28 followers
February 28, 2023
OMG YES YES YES!
This book was everything I was hoping it would be after book 1s ending!
Give me more Malik Jafar EVERYDAY of the week!
I loved this so much! Watching Malik hunt down and find Ellie was amazing, watching them overcome all the obstacles (even those out there by Malik) was amazing I’m SO thrilled they got their HEA!!!
Profile Image for A.K..
Author 7 books57 followers
February 20, 2023
I was graciously given this book as an ARC.

Savage Secrets is book 2 of the Bale's Villainous Tales. It needs to be read before book 1, Savage Sins. Check Triggers!

Ellie has had her heart and life shattered at the hands of Jafar. In an attempt to pick up the pieces of her life and her soon to be baby, she is running as far away from him and her old life as possible.

Jafar will do anything to have the life he wants over the life that is expected of him. He will burn the world down for his final chance with Ellie.

I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book since book 1! I love how this one picked up right after the cliffhanger from book 1. Ellie had so much strength getting away and protecting her and her baby. Jafar is your typical over protective mafia boss. The mystery behind who hurt Ellie and why, and the protectiveness. A great, fast pace, quick read!

PS I need more of Swag ASAP

4.5/5 STAR
2/5 SPICE
Profile Image for Kerissa Smalltowncutie38.
250 reviews35 followers
February 28, 2023
We pick back up where we left off and Ellie is running away from everyone and everything so she doesn't get found by Jafar. She doesn't want him to see her pregnant. When her evil Step mom finds her and keeps her against her will, lucky enough her step sister comes to the rescue. As Jafar is tearing the world apart to find her, Ellie is still running away and changing jobs all the time while also growing a human. What happens when she runs into some helping hands? What happens when Jafar finds her? What happens when everything comes together?

Sarah puts something in her books that makes you cant put them down. I am obsessed with Jafar and he is my everything. I am just like always what is gonna happen now. I love this series so much because it is very I will burn the world down for you and not be sorry. I love the small moments of the retelling that we get and yet it isn't like over the top. I cant wait for the rest of the series and someone elses story....
Profile Image for j a y • d e p r a v e d - .dammnitjay..
721 reviews29 followers
February 18, 2023
Knocked it out of the park !! I’ve been waiting on this since first finishing the first part of this and it was so worth the wait. The story picks right up and it keeps you rooting for Ellie non stop. The twists…turns…and the bombshell that is dropped !! O H M Y G O D
Also … did i mention there is a new hottie ?!
Well two actually.
Not spoiling anything though!!
You have to read it. And i can’t wait for the next one to drop!!
Profile Image for Bre Fullarton .
43 reviews
February 19, 2023
I love how this book picked up straight after the last! I love the chemistry between Ellie and Jafar and not to mention the new hottie! The twists and turns throughout this book had me gasping and squealing. I felt the desperation, the love, the betrayal and hurt and the need to protect. I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and I couldn't stop reading. It will keep you on your toes with a happy ending!

I loved the first book and this book was amazing and you should definitely read this series!
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,179 reviews411 followers
February 28, 2023
So very good!

It's a chase to find Ellie after she leaves NYC at Malik Jafar's abrupt prompting -- he's married and his world is too dangerous for a sweet Ellie -- but now she's not alone. We meet a sexy motorcycle president, Swag (loved!), and other alluring side characters along the way. The second part is a tale of strength, repentance, and retribution.

If you're looking for touch and die, this is it. A relentless and repentant Jafar burns the world down in his quest for his Ellie, and those who have wronged her, watch out. At the same time, an originally naive and generous Ellie gains confidence and independence.

This story was all kinds of romantic, spicy, and fun with a growly, dirty-talking, jealous-possessive mafia boss who isn't afraid to take care of business. It's scenic: from the west, across the US, to NYC. Dual, first-person points of view and a progressive pace, though it slows down overly during its denouement, I really enjoyed this story and the writing. Just as entertaining if not better than book one, I can't wait for the next in this series.
Profile Image for Alaine McDaniel.
675 reviews27 followers
March 6, 2023
Savage Secrets picks up where Savage Sins ends. I was truly shocked at how things left off at the end of Savage Sins so to say I was looking forward to book 2 is an understatement. What I wasn’t expecting was that there was much more left to the story than I suspected.

“Poor little mouse. Doesn’t she know that villains like me love the chase? And I won’t stop until I get her.”

Our sweet Ellie finds herself pregnant after Jafar tells her to go home because he thinks she’s better off without him. She knows he’s always watching so she packs what she can carry, sells everything she can’t and is on the run, off the grid. It’s not until she’s long gone that he finds out and the chase is on.

“No one comes close to you, Ellie. You’re my other half and I’ll be damned if I’m going to settle.”

A lot happens in the 6 months they’re separated, but it’s once they’re back together that the real harrowing secrets start coming out. It’s also when Ellie truly shows how much of a badass she really is. She’s not the meek “ugly, fat friend” she’s thinks herself as. She does a lot of growing up and self recognition with the help of Jafar. She’s never had a true support system before so now that she does she flourishes.

“I told you that you needed someone who will sacrifice the entire world just to be with you.”
1,243 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2023
Omh so good

The conclusion of this story where the quiet girl gets her man and her revenge. U see her at her worst lows and her greatest triumph. It's a really good book with hot sexcapaded.
1,277 reviews
March 7, 2023
I didn't think I could hate Jasmine more than I did in book 1 but I was wrong lol. I absolutely love Ellie. Jafar is a total alpha and OTT JP. Exactly what you want in a book boyfriend. I loved Swag and hope he gets a book. Stasia, Gemma and Bruno are awesome.
Profile Image for Lisa.
804 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2023
Book 2 in the Villainous Tales

We read book 1 and it ended on a MAJOR cliffhanger and this book is just as awesome 👏

Ellie flees after Jafar sends her away like a common wh@&e, but what he didn’t know was that Elle has a secret 🤐

Elle is absolutely heartbroken 💔 by Jafar and goes on the run, thinking she’s doing ok by staying in places for a short time, working a few weeks to get money then moving on until…………

Elle ends up working the bar in a strip club, unbeknown to her that it’s actually run by an MC and ‘Swag’ the Prez of the MC has set his sights on Elle…..as friendship…..for now

Meanwhile Jafar has been going out of his mind with losing Elle and now he’s found out her secret, nothings going to stop him claiming what’s his….no matter who gets in the way….Swag, Jasmine, Dru, Kimi…..no one will stop him 🥰

This is an emotional rollercoaster for all parties involved and is just an absolutely brilliant read

Profile Image for Michelle.
568 reviews10 followers
March 2, 2023
Satisfying conclusion! 🥺🙂🤗😊😲😳🥲🥰

What a way to wrap up Jafar and Ellie's story. Once I started I couldn't stop reading. This story has everything! Drama, suspence, twists, backstabbing, romance and spice (looking at you chapter 28 😯🔥🥵🔥). I really don't know what else to write because I don't want to ruin anything. Malik has been added to my list of book boyfriends!! Definitely worth a read.

I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,984 reviews91 followers
February 20, 2023
Oh my heart. This story absolutely ruined me. Like the first book, I couldn’t put this one down. I literally fell asleep reading it late last night. And not in the sense that it put me to sleep because of how awful it was. Quite the opposite, in fact. I wanted everything I could get from this story until I could not hold my eyes open a second longer. It was that utterly amazing.

My hot and cold feelings for Jafar followed me straight into this book. I wanted to hate him for how he ruined Ellie at the end of Savage Sins. But like her, I still cared for him. Then we get introduced to a new guy and I started wondering if maybe, just maybe, something better was in store for Ellie. I seriously loved this new guy. Only time would tell what and who was meant to be.

The romance set me on fire. There was never any doubt that Jafar and Ellie shared amazing chemistry and connection. Setting the world on fire when they were together. That was never the problem. And apparently it was never enough for Jafar to move mountains to be with her wholly. Until he finally lost her. That was the game changer for this book. And oh boy was it a game changer.

So much happens in this story. So many feelings that had my emotions all over the place. So many secrets and lies I wondered if we would ever know the full truth by the end. I can’t wait to see what else this author gives us. Literally. Can. Not. Wait. I need it all. 5 Stars. (I’d give more if I could.)
Profile Image for Kaity Den Reads.
262 reviews21 followers
February 21, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC of Savage Secrets! Release date 2/28! This is the sequel to Savage Sins. Savage Sins ended on a cliff hanger and I’ve been chomping at the bit to read this one so let’s talk about it. 😉

This book was FABULOUS!! It picked up at the perfect spot and within the first few chapters I was already on the edge of my seat. I had a hard time putting this book down last night!! I loved Ellie in the first book and ended up loving her even more during this one while she found her strength. The love that Jafar has for Ellie is a girls dream. 🥺 He quite literally will burn the world down for her. And will tear through anything to find her.. I am generally not one for the pregnancy trope, just being honest, but somehow Sarah made me like this!! I found myself forgetting Ellie was even pregnant very frequently lol. It was only mentioned when it was necessary for the plot. Speaking of plot.. I did NOT see that plot twist coming!! I had an idea who the evil one was but it was not this specific person. The twists and turns kept me so entertained. I really enjoyed this story and I think it wrapped up beautifully! 🥺🖤

Plot: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Overall: 4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Betsy Chapman.
371 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2023
The second book in the Jafar/Cinderella reimagining did NOT disappoint!

There’s kidnapping, there’s touch her and die dynamics, and there’s twists I didn’t see coming!

Ella tries to fight her feelings for Jafar, even knowing that she’s pregnant and is constantly on the move hiding from him and, eventually, her evil stepmother. The strong woman that she grows into by the climax of the story is one to be admired!

Jafar goes against the norms of his world and finally realizes he deserves to be happy with Ella. Once they reunite, he spends his time making sure Ella and his baby are safe while trying to eliminate the threat to their happiness.

I love the chemistry between these two and I’m so sad their main story is complete! The teaser for the next book, though! It has me on the edge on my seat waiting for release day!!
Profile Image for McKenzi Bell.
85 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2023
Oh. My. Sex Gods. This is an uber spicy Disney retelling that is just…utterly delicious. I was obsessed as soon as I started reading “Savage Sins” (the first book in the series) and devoured it and “Savage Secrets” as if it would disappear at midnight. I love all the Easter egg jokes and names Sarah has included in her world. Please check triggers, but if you take a chance on this, a magic lamp isn’t the only thing you’ll find yourself wanting to rub.
Profile Image for Aspen Mayfield.
93 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2023
Literally anything Sarah writes is amazing.
I was lucky to read this as an ARC and I devoured it within hours. I couldn’t put it down.
The drama, the love , the anxiety this book gave me 😂🤚🏻All so well written and I will definitely re read this duet soon bc I love the characters so much. 🖤
Profile Image for Jessica.
194 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2023
Jafar is the definition of I will burn the world for you, He goes above and beyond to prove that to Ellie as well. He is everything you want in a book boyfriend and more. I can't wait for my physical copy to come in.
Profile Image for Savannah.
300 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2023
Even Villains deserve happy endings
Picking up right where book one left off, Ellie is now on the run from Jafar. She will not let him break her heart again and this time she has more on the line.
Jafar made a horrible mistake when he sent Ellie away, one he is determined to rectify, just as soon as he finds her. He will do anything to keep her safe. Especially when he finds out that the stakes are higher this time. This was everything that I needed and more! Read this for the thrilling conclusion to their tale!
Profile Image for Yesse Books.
256 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2023
This book is full of love, sacrifice, strength, drama, tension and desire, a roller coaster of emotions and a very unexpected but exciting read.

His story ends with a HEA, the way in which Jafar redeemed his mistakes and Ellie's determination and how she handled her entire situation and in this second part she remembered her worth and her voice. I loved this duet, and I definitely recommend it!!

I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
2,261 reviews33 followers
February 28, 2023
After that cliffhanger in book one I knew I couldn't wait for book two. And boy I wasn't wrong. Ellie journey was amazing. There were major twist and turns. Also some major secrets dropped. This book ended for this couple but we got a tease of the next couple and I can't wait.
Profile Image for Jordan Ventris.
16 reviews
February 28, 2023
Disney meets dark Mafia- dark true love and hints to future books- cant wait to see more glimpses thru others books I hope are soon to come! Couldnt put this book down and kept me on edge of my seat the entire book!
82 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2023
I received an ARC, so thank you!

I love fairytale retellings, so this duet was definitely a must read for me! The book picked up right where the last book left off, and thank goodness because the cliffhanger in book one was a doozy. I love the pregnancy trope, so I was happy to see it in this book. I also loved how much Jafar fought for Ellie, because she definitely deserved this from her man. Even though Swag was an awesome character (and I am excited to read his book(s)), Jafar was still the one for Ellie. There were definitely many twists, and I had a feeling one of the characters was the true villain, but you will have to read the book to find out!

I highly recommend reading this series, you will not regret it!
Profile Image for Susan Mills.
186 reviews24 followers
March 1, 2023
I loved it. I am so glad that Ellie and Jafar got their HEA. But I think I was on the edge a few times and just when I thought I knew I didn’t. Definitely a must read but this is book 2 so you have to read book 1 first trust me you will love them.
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