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Welcome to Wicked Beach…

Murph

They call me dangerous.
Which is fine by me. It keeps everyone out.

Then some new girl walks into my shop and turns everything upside down. It started out physical until she becomes the one person standing between me and the future of my business.

Now this mysterious new girl has me right where she wants me—physically, mentally...and emotionally.

Savannah

I’ve been burned before.
Now I look out for myself.

The last thing I expect is to inherit a tattoo shop run by the world’s scariest—and sexiest—business owner. If I were smart, I would cut him out and use the money to start a new life for myself—one free from the demons in my past.
But Murph’s hard eyes and gentle touch do something to me. It’s like he can see something no one else can, and no matter how hard I try, he won’t let me walk away.
If I want to save myself, I have to ruin him.
And to ruin him feels far more dangerous than what I’m running from.

Dangerous is the second swoon-worthy installment in the Wicked Hearts series. These stories can be read as standalones or together. Warning: this fast-paced romance might leave you breathless and a touch corrupted.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2020

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About the author

Sara Cate

33 books11.6k followers
Sara Cate is a USA Today best-selling author of steamy romance and sexy book boyfriends. Although she writes a wide range of tropes, Sara is best known for her age gap and taboo romances. One thing you can expect from her entire collection is heaps of steam and plenty of angst.

Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.

Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Puss'N'Books.
204 reviews225 followers
February 26, 2020
Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.


Och, will you look at this book cover?! Sara Cate is a ‘new to me’ author but as soon as I saw this cover I was like “Damn, I wanna read this”.

Yeah, I know the saying. Never judge a book by its cover, right?

Wrong!

Covers are quite often what drag me in in the first place!

Anyway, as you know, I can be really difficult to please (just ask my husband) and
I was a little surprised at how quickly the action got started.

I’m always wary when it comes to insta-love...unless its shifter love and it’s a mating bond thing- that shit just turns me on - but insta-lust? Fuck yeah! I can get right into that, lol!

I know it can get cheesy and too far fetched sometimes but Ms Cate pulled it off quite well.
It was like “BAM!” sexual chemistry! And you can feel it...along with the wetness between your legs :-)

SAVANNAH

This poor wee lass is trying to piece her life back together after an arse of a man fucked shit up for her. For the last year she’s been a live-in carer of sorts for an extremely cool old lady who sadly has cancer...and not too much longer to live.

She’s been keeping a low profile hiding from her ex and so doesn’t go out much. One day she decides a wee walk is in order and finds a tattoo shop in town. Deciding to go in she meets Murph, the owner.
There’s an immediate sexual attraction and Savannah actually acts on it - completely shocking herself. She has no idea what possessed her to do what she did so when she comes back down from her orgasm she’s like “Wtf am I doing?” and high-tails it outta there.

The thing is...he’s not done with her and later she’s shocked to find that he turns up at her house.

MURPH

Big, muscled, bearded, brooding, biker. Sound good to you? Sure as Hell sounds good to me! Murph is just as shocked as Savannah is by his reaction to her. He has no idea what just happened but shit it was hot!

He goes back to visit his foster mum/aunt and is shocked to find the nameless girl living there. And he does not trust her.
He thinks that maybe she’s gonny scam the old dear out of her money.

Now he’s on a mission to figure out what she really wants.

Just one issue...He wants to pin her down and fill that sassy mouth of her’s.

The sexual tension between them is thick enough to cut with a knife.

So yeah, neither of them trust the other but they both want to fuck each other.

Hard.
Mhmm, I LOVE angry sex.

BUT!!!! And to me this is a big but...the sex was a bit anti-climactic!

It was over in what seemed like 30 seconds. The build-up was so hot!

And then...well you know the saying “He’s was a two-push-gush”? It kind of felt like that…

I was gutted.

I needed a more in-depth sex scene.

I was horny, wet and had my extra batteries ready...and for what?

SEX SCENES
So, here’s the first time they get it on.

He growls, sinking in so deep I can barely breathe, and he pulls back, sending his weight back down on me, hard. My head spins with pleasure. This sense of fulfilment has my skin erupting in goosebumps. I want more of him. All of him. I swear my heart is about to beat itself out of my chest. We are lost in a fury of hot breath, deep thrusts, and toe-curling moans. When I wrap my legs around Murph’s broad hips, I try to ease him in faster, deeper. I can feel him letting up, but I don’t want him holding back. I want it all. “Fuck, I’m gonna come,” he groans into my mouth. His deep voice reverberates through me. I’m practically levitating, lifting my hips to meet his thrusts as we both grip each other a little tighter, losing ourselves in this insane, fucked up moment. I’m too distracted by biting back my own screams to feel him come. But when my vision starts to clear and my heart slows down to a normal pace, there is only silence and our desperate breathing.


FINAL THOUGHTS on DANGEROUS by Sara Cate

I’ll be honest, this book wasn’t really all that dark but it was very well written and the suspense was good.

It’s an ideal book for when you want some a little steamy and passionate but need to take just a wee breather from the darkest of dark books you’ve been binging on, ye ken?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all fluffy and sweet, it’s gritty and intense.
Like I said, a wee breather.

The only downside was the sex scenes did not deliver what I felt they were leading up to.

I mean, you know me, right? I’m all about the dark and dangerous, hard and heavy sex scenes.

Obviously, this one wasn’t about that.

3.5 stars.


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January 10, 2021
This book was so good. I dont know why I didnt expect it. This author has written great books every time. I LOVED Murph from the get go. Amd Savannah, they were made for each other. And Hazel, she was so sweet. The suspense and the romance. Gahhhh. I LOVED THIS BOOK/AUDIO. Jumping RIGHT into the 3rd one!!!!! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Diana R. Johnston.
Author 3 books45 followers
February 8, 2021
Better than the first

I almost didn’t continue this series but the first book just kind of left me feeling blah. But... I’m so glad I did! This story was amazing! Read them both so they make sense but this was the winner in my opinion
Profile Image for Rachel.
217 reviews
August 16, 2020
Another incredible read by Sara Cate, she never disappoints. I loved watching the relationship between Murph and Savannah blossom, the ups and downs both these characters go through you felt like you were on the ride with them. Love the ease of Sara Cate’s writing style, it was easy to pick up the book and not want to put it down.
Profile Image for Katharina.
117 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2020
In Dangerous, the second book in the Wicked Hearts series by Sara Cate, we accompany Murph, the owner of the tattoo shop Logan works, and part of the bad boy bike squad. He meets Savannah at his shop and they immediately fall for each other and have some steamy moments together, but she pushes him away. They meet again as Hazel, the woman who took them in, when they needed someone to care for them, is dying. They try to push each other away and argue a lot, but the electricity between them never goes away and eventually they give in to it.
Dangerous is a steamy, suspenseful book full of drama, love and adult scenes, I just couldn't stop reading. It's so nice to get to know Murph better and I hope for a third book about Rafe! If you love bad-boy romances and liked Delicate, you should definitely check this one out!
Profile Image for Shawna.
199 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2023
When I tell you I love this man I mean it with my whole soul.
Is he hard to love? Yes.
Is this hard to read in some parts? Yes.
Was it beautiful, messy, raw and full of realness? Hell yes.
Savanah is everything 💘

When I tell you Sara Cate writes with her whole pussy I mean it. Do I wish it had more spice? Always bc there's no such thing as too much.
She writes spice so well you can't help but want more.

TW should be taken seriously always my loves 🤙
Profile Image for Natalie Clarke.
Author 10 books40 followers
July 25, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Loved Savannah and Murph's story. Gripping and heartbreaking but so, so hot.

Murph is 🔥🔥 Sexy, tattooed bad boy biker? Yes please!

Sara Cate is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. I love this world that Sara has created, Wicked Beach sounds like the place for me! I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews165 followers
August 31, 2021
Dangerous is the second book in the Wicked Hearts series, and it's about a different couple. Murph has a reputation for being dangerous, and whether it's true or not, he uses it to keep people from getting too close. He never saw Savannah coming though, and she turned his world upside down. She shows up because she's inherited Murph's tattoo shop so you already know that things will get complicated since he scares her. Of course there are all the sparks they're shooting off to get in the way of everything else so things get really difficult since getting away from each other may or may not mean ruin for the other. So to see how it all pans out, you know what to do! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,167 reviews17 followers
August 20, 2021
This is the second book in the Wicked Hearts Series, a standalone romance in an interconnected series. Murph and Savannah's story is emotional, and captivating, filled with intrigue, and twists and turns. Murph is handsome, alpha, enigmatic, and protective. Savannah is such a wonderful character, and a strong survivor. Their chemistry is off the charts. The supporting characters are amazing. I loved to see again Logan and Sierra from Delicate, the first book in the Series. I liked the characters, the pace, the mystery, the little suspense, and the great ending.Lacey Gilleran and Stephen Borne did a fantastic job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to Defiant, the next book in the Series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
141 reviews19 followers
August 21, 2020
Loving this series, there was moments in the book when I was saying to myself, I would never let him speak to me like that, then he would redeem himself. When you read about his past history and being abandoned by many you realise he is protecting his heart, the same with the female character, where her circumstances were different her issues came from a controling previous relationship, sparks definitely fly with these two. Who get their HEA in the end, had me racing to read so I could find out what happens next, definitely worthy of the 5 star's.
Profile Image for Mary Kazen .
Author 12 books645 followers
April 12, 2021
What a beautiful story of heartache, pain, and the healing power of love. This isn't a warm and fuzzy all the way through story. No. Murph is a tortured soul. He has dealt with abandonment in his life and he doesn't trust easy. Savannah has her own painful past. One she is still running from. What connects these two is a woman who loves them both. Then there paths are even more entwined and they have to learn if they can trust each other. Feelings develop even if they are too scared to accept them. Just when it seems like happiness could be a possibility all of it is threatened to be ripped away forever. I can't share anymore details. There are so many surprises. This is a story that needs to be experienced. It is an emotional read that will grip your heart and hold on. Get ready to go through it with these characters. But I guarantee you'll love every minute of it. These narrators do a great job at portraying these characters. Their voices were Murph and Savannah.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,012 reviews10 followers
July 19, 2020
I first met Murph in Delicate (Wicked Hearts #1) and was intrigued and couldn't wait to read his story. It did not disappoint.
Murph is owner of a tattoo shop on "Wicked Beach". He's scary, dangerous, not to mention sexy but very standoffish. Savannah is a new girl that walks into his shop and turns his life upside down.
They both have secrets and are connected by an aging old women.
There are twists and turns and dangers around the corner. Can they survive?

I really enjoyed this and can't wait for #3!
Profile Image for Jezabel Nightingale.
Author 5 books28 followers
August 29, 2022
Somehow started with book 2, but I suspect it didn’t matter. Emotional, but still with the SC spice I’ve grown to love and crave!
Profile Image for Bette.
2,668 reviews13 followers
December 31, 2020
Great Story & Narration🎧 Engrossing & Heartfelt!

Dangerous
Wicked Hearts, Book 2
By: Sara Cate
Narrated by: Lacey Gilleran, Stephen Borne

It is great to be back in Wickett (Wicked) Beach for another Wicked Hearts Romance. This second book in the series can be enjoyed on its own, though I recommend reading and/or listening to the first book, “Delicate” first, you will have more insight to some of the back stories. This book is Savannah and Murph’s story, Murph, a tattoo artist owns the shop where Logan works, his story was in “Delicate”. Murph is not the easiest of characters, he is dark, intense and and carries a lot of anger within. He did not have the best childhood, wound up in foster care but did land a loving home with Hazel Whitaker, an eccentric but loving person. Hazel’s health has been failing, she needed assistance and not wanting a regular aid or nurse she placed an ad for one, Hazel style. Savannah saw that ad at the right time in her life, she needed to fall off the grid and get away from her old life. Not getting out much she takes a walk into town and she checks out the tattoo shop where she meets Murph, which turns into a hot encounter before she flees. She is surprised when he shows up at Hazel’s house and even more surprised to find out who he really was. The chemistry between these two was undeniable, both were imperfectly broken yet perfect for each other. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is plotted out nicely and there is never a dull moment. There is plenty of drama, angst, twist and turns, some thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional moments and a great romance. Sara Cates, thank you for another great story and emotional roller coaster ride.

I listened to the audible edition, Lacey Gilleran and Stephen Borne are talented narrators and voice artists. They did a great job portraying the characters and bringing them to life. They gave each character their own voice and personality, as well as heart and attitude. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all of the characters emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
Profile Image for Dilyana.
168 reviews12 followers
February 29, 2020
This is one of those books which have a premise I'm interested in and are written in a style I like, but for some reason I found difficult to engage with... At first, at least.

It took me a while to find out why, but I managed to.

The first adult scene happens in the first chapter before we get the chance to know and care for either character. As a result, I couldn't symphatize with Savannah (she was the narrator during that scene) and what she was experiencing, and I didn't find this scene interesting. We then switched to Murph's POV and he was a little more reliable, although I couldn't pinpoint why. Then we went back to Savannah and she seemed a bit more interesting, but - and here's where my problem was - there was so much forced tension between them that some scenes felt jarring.

Worse still, Murph went Alpha male, too much so, and without cause. Some of the things he said/did made him sound like a possessive jerk instead of someone caring but unable to express his emotions, which is what I believe the author was going for.

It wasn't until I'd read over half the book that the characters managed to pull me in and after that happened, it was a much smoother read.

Once I was invested, I really wanted to finish the book and while I still believe it went overboard with the amount of adult content, those scenes began to feel less jarring and some were even important to the plot, showing us how the drama round the leads affected them individually and as a pair.

My rating: 3.5/5 morning glories
Profile Image for Lindsy.
635 reviews12 followers
April 9, 2020
Dangerous is a perfect title for this book! It's hot with suspense, many fights, and definitely some drama. It has steamy sex scenes that are pretty descriptive FYI.
Savannah was running away from her former life. Hazel took her in and paid her under the table to be her personal companion. I enjoyed Savannah's character but I was a little surprised by her first scene with Murph. I didn't see that one coming and thought it was a bit unrealistic. I liked the chemistry between them though and wondered how it was going to go since Hazel had everything all figured out for them.
Murph is a big biker with a kind of harsh attitude. I liked him but he was definitely overbearing at times. He was also terrible with words which caused him to screw things up a time or two. I loved that he owned a tattoo shop but thought it was a little odd that Hazel wanted someone else to own it.
This was a tough one for Savannah and Murph and a few of the other characters. I really did not understand Murph sometimes and how he acted towards Savannah but thankfully she eventually cracked him open.
I loved the ending of this though because Murph's friends had his back and didn't ask any questions. Savannah was a smart badass in that situation so the character development on that was nice. I kinda guessed what was going to happen eventually but it wasn't really hard with how the author wrote certain scenes. I'm glad we got answers to questions at the end with the epilogue.
I would definitely recommend this story and love the fact that it can be read as a standalone.
38 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2020
I'd give this book 3.5 stars.

First off, I loved Murph in Delicate, so I was excited to see him get his own book! Yay, Murph! That being said... I thought he deserved better than Savannah. I just couldn't like her. She became a bit more relatable at the end of the story, but at the same time... she was so self-centered in the beginning, threatening Murph and his livelihood for no real reason. Just because she could? It was very off-putting and I didn't like it.

Similarly, I just couldn't understand why she did the things she did. They seemed nonsensical and, honestly... annoying. Especially at the end, when she walks out of the tattoo shop (no spoilers, but if you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about). It just didn't seem to add up to me, but maybe that's just me.

Murph felt very raw and real to me. At the same time, why is a girl who'd been previously abused getting with a guy who yells and gets violent with people? And, similarly, if she's so anti-violence and can't even BEAR the thought of someone raising their voice (this is an ongoing theme), why is it totally fine for her to hit him repeatedly just for Like... really?!

Yeah... good hero, decent story, meh heroine. But overall, it was a good read. Great pace, well-written, and kept me turning the pages. I'd read more by this author!
Profile Image for Katie.
1,274 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2022
Murph & Savannah- Perfection

This book is filled with so much heartache, devotion, redemption, and healing that will make you devour every page until you find the absolution that is provided by its perfect ending!

Murph has some hidden secrets from his past but he lives for his business and his friends. He never meant to close everyone out of his life but his walls are high and he’s very guarded by his past. Hazel took him at 18 and she showed him the love and support he needed to become the strong man he is today. Hazel is a beacon in their community but he always knew she has her own agenda about who she let into her life and home. Murph is taking back when he meets Savannah and when he learns of her connection to Hazel he is a bit suspicious.

They both have hidden pasts that are harsh and unfair but when they finally work through them the end result is beautiful and fitting for these two strong, independent, and oh so stubborn people. Their story is another amazing addition to the Wicked Hearts series and Sara Cate delivers yet another fantastic story that will leave you wanting more of these amazing characters. The extended epilogue is a must read. Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for abby :).
370 reviews12 followers
May 11, 2022
is sara cate my new favorite author…

if you haven’t read this series or any of sara’s other books you need to get on that because i’m in love. her writing style is just so perfect, it’s fast paced without feeling too instalovey and even though it’s fast the plot never feels rushed. i will say this book could definitely be described as instalove but i felt like it was more just instalust so i wasn’t against it. small town romances with a little bit of suspense and a lot of heartbreak will always speak to me. murph and savannah deserve all the happiness in the world, ruby too. i love, love, loved the plot and setup of this book. hazel is who i aspire to be as an old woman, rich and funny. murph being the biggest grump in the world but completely melting for lucy was absolutely adorable and i’d like so much more of that please. if there happens to be a book about ryder and tia i wouldn’t be opposed, i mean small town single dad romance… it’d be amazing!!

obviously i highly recommend this book just make sure you look at the tw/cw because it is heavy at times. but really it’s just so freaking good, and angsty. like i really don’t think i’ve ever read a book with more angst.
Profile Image for Marianne.
285 reviews32 followers
June 20, 2022
CW: cancer, overdose, abusive relationship, attempted suicide, fun violence, car accident, graphic sexual content

⭐ MC
⭐ Age gap

This was an emotional rollercoaster. Two very different people with two vvery different backstories find love with one another through grief and loss.

Murph and Savannah meet each other in a tattoo shop, and almost get into it. She then finds out he's the foster son of the woman she's companion/carer for.

Interwoven throughout the course of them falling and realising they're in love, we see them both dealing with grief and loss, Savannah working through her abusive backstory, while trying to keep the past in the past, and Murph trying to reconcile his current feelings with the emotional scars of his childhood manifesting themselves as closed off abandonment issues.

I really rooted for them and empathised with both characters as they worked through trust, grief, and conflict together. The third act situation couldn't have been more perfect. Harsh words to protect one another, while still being willing to sacrifice one for the others happiness and wellbeing.
Profile Image for Laenie K.
95 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2020
Disappointingly baffled

I read and really loved the first book in this series, Delicate. And so i decided to continue Wickett Beach story in Dangerous. I was glad i finally finished reading this book. Unlike Delicate, which had its share of spelling and grammar mistakes that could be easily overlooked, Dangerous was dangerously close to mutilating the English language. Grammar was bad. Countless sentences were structurally wrong and weird. I had to read and reread whole paragraphs to understand what the writer was trying to convey. There were also a couple of contradicting scenes that left me confused. I would have strongly suggested a good editor before this book went to print.

And Murph. Not loving his character at all. I felt he was made up to be "angstier" than angsty. Totally not cool. Instead of feeling the compassion or empathy that his character commands, I felt like giving a good smack on the head and tell him to go smell the roses or something cos his demeanour stinks.

Now i am stuck trying to decide if i should read Book 3.
Profile Image for Mara.
253 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2023
Story Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶🌶.5

My Review:

This story was heartbreakingly good. Murph and Savannah were two broken souls who found solace in one another. There were parts where I was sobbing because of the pain they felt 😭

Murph was a real grump and he tried to push away Savannah every chance he got. Savannah was battling her demons and it hurt to watch her love Murph despite her trauma 🥺 It was more angsty than sweet/spicy though.

As for spice, this book had 3-4 short scenes and there were more than 2 sentences of dirty talk. But the way she wrote the scenes was good enough that the lack of dirty talk didn't deter me. There were no kinks either. Vanilla all the way.

In short, I loved every second of reading this book. Couldn’t put it down, loved the HEA and the chemistry between them ❤️
Won't be a reread though because there's no dirty talk or any of my favourite kinks.

Recommended:9/10
182 reviews
January 17, 2024
This book was not good. Full stop. I'm not giving it 1 star because the first maybe 30% wasn't bad but good grief. First of all the synopsis is completely incorrect. Murph doesn't even know that she has inherited the shop until 84% into the book and at that point he doesn't even care. Compared to the first book, the tattoo shop is hardly even mentioned in this book...and it's Murph's shop. This book is just angst for angst sake and not in a good way. I was skimming by the end. Neither character is very likeable and their 'growth' is communicated through a bunch of mumbo jumbo paragraphs and made my eyes go unfocused. I hate writing a review like this but Sara Cate's more recent books are so much better than this series. This series can be completely skipped if you're reading all her books like I'm trying to do.
Profile Image for Kelly Hill.
89 reviews
April 9, 2021
I absolutely loved this quick read. I loved the story of Murph and Savannah. Miss Hazel was also a super sweet character that I am glad that we were able to meet. This sweet little woman played match maker in her own way and made the cutest couple ever. Murph is a tattoo artist in Wickett Beach and Savannah is a young girl running from a scary past.

Hazel is a sweet foster mom who uses her will to play matchmaker and bring her two lost souls that she worked so hard to save together. I enjoyed this book so much and am loving this series now on to the next one! EEKS can there be more then just the three.... I am sad that it is coming to an end.

This is a dangerous, steamy, suspenseful romance full of erotic love and lust. If you love bad boys then for sure check out this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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