Book Review: Savage Hearts By J.T Geissinger
Savage Hearts By J.T Geissinger
BOOK 3 IN THE QUEENS AND MONSTERS SERIES
Tropes: Captive X Captor, Fiery FMC, Banter, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Obsessive MMC, Mafia Romance
Summary:
In Savage Hearts, the third gripping installment in J.T. Geissinger’s Queens & Monsters series, readers are swept into a wild, intoxicating love story between a ruthless Bratva assassin and the woman he takes as repayment. Malek Antonov is a legend, feared, untouchable, and out for blood after his brother’s death. But when a case of mistaken identity lands Riley in his crosshairs, their fates are forever changed.
Riley is nothing like the enemies Malek usually hunts, she’s quiet, introverted, and fiercely independent. But when he discovers the truth about who she is, he takes her captive, expecting to punish her family through her. What he doesn’t expect is the connection that forms between them, a bond built on pain, healing, and undeniable chemistry.
As Riley navigates her captivity, she learns that even monsters have hearts. And Malek? He’s willing to burn the world down for her.
💚 LD -
Of all the books in the Queens & Monsters series, Savage Hearts was hands down my favorite. There was something so raw and emotionally gripping about Malek and Riley’s story that completely pulled me in.
I adored the slow evolution of their relationship, how it shifted from fear and tension to trust and deep, genuine love. Riley isn’t your typical fiery heroine, she’s more reserved, introspective, and guarded but that made her journey even more powerful. Watching her open up and stand her ground with someone as dangerous and emotionally closed-off as Malek was so satisfying.
And Malek? He’s a complete contradiction. Brutal, terrifying, and feared by everyone but somehow incredibly tender when it comes to Riley. The way he protected her, helped her heal, and slowly let her into his world made me fall for him so hard.
J.T. Geissinger balances dark themes with such emotional depth and beautiful writing. This book had the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and heart. I couldn’t put it down!
“It’s not that I hate people, I just feel better when they’re not around.”
🤍 AD -
This book was everything. I was already obsessed with this series, but Savage Hearts took things to another level. Riley and Malek’s dynamic was intense, emotional, and unexpectedly sweet in all the best ways.
What I loved most was the contrast between Riley and her sister Sloane. Sloane was wild and extroverted, while Riley is quieter, more introverted but both women have such strong personalities and resilience. They bring these terrifying men to their knees in such different yet equally powerful ways.
Malek absolutely stole my heart. There’s just something about a dangerous, morally grey psychopath who’s completely soft for his girl 🥺 He might be a brutal Bratva assassin, but the way he cared for Riley, especially the small, quiet ways he showed it, was beautiful.
Their banter, the tension, the emotional buildup, it was all so well done. This book had me laughing, swooning, and almost crying at times. Geissinger writes dark romance like no one else. An absolute masterpiece.
“Kings have to move the pawns at their disposal. It’s just what kings do. As for the pawns, well, they might not have a king’s power, but they can still make themselves useful.”
💙 AG -
This was hands down my favourite book in the series. From the moment Malek and Riley’s story began, I was glued to the pages.
The chemistry between them was electric, but it wasn’t just the heat that made this book unforgettable, it was the depth. Riley’s quiet strength paired so beautifully with Malek’s violent, unyielding nature. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls was emotional and so rewarding.
I also loved the story’s pacing and tension. From start to finish, I was completely hooked by the plot twists, the emotional development, and how much I genuinely cared about these characters.
If you're looking for a dark romance with heart, depth, and one seriously protective anti-hero, Savage Hearts is a must-read.
“Please be quiet. My inner demons are demanding that I kill you, and I want to hear what they have to say.”
