Dive into the sultry, untamed world of Savage Secrets, where fiery passion and forbidden love ignite against the rugged backdrop of frontier America! Penned by Cassie Edwards, this erotic historical romance series captivates with its steamy tales of white women and Native American warriors, blending cultural tension, sensual escapades, and heart-pounding adventure. For fans of bodice-ripping romance, Savage Secrets is a deliciously indulgent escape.
With its formulaic yet addictive storytelling, the series has charmed readers since the 1980s, offering a guilty pleasure that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of star-crossed lovers or the thrill of a wild, untamed setting, Savage Secrets delivers a heady mix of desire and drama.
How Savage Secrets Began
Cassie Edwards, a prolific romance novelist, launched Savage Secrets in 1987 with Savage Surrender, tapping into her fascination with Native American culture—partly inspired by her Cheyenne grandmother. Edwards, who published over 100 novels, aimed to spotlight different tribes in her work, blending meticulous research with romantic fantasy. The series, published by houses like Dorchester and Leisure, became a staple for readers craving intense, culturally charged love stories set in America’s frontier past.
Edwards’ vision was clear: create escapist tales where passion triumphs over prejudice. Despite later controversies over her research methods, her vivid storytelling and alpha heroes kept fans hooked, making Savage Secrets a beloved, if polarizing, part of her legacy.
The Heart of Savage Secrets
The series kicks off with Savage Surrender (1987), where Brenda Pfleugger, a 17-year-old pioneer’s daughter, escapes tragedy only to be swept into the arms of Striped Eagle, an Ojibwa warrior. Their romance blooms amid danger and cultural divides, setting the tone for the series’ signature mix of peril and passion. Savage Eden (1988) follows Karen, whose forbidden love with a Native hero tests her loyalty in a hostile wilderness.
Savage Bliss (1990) introduces Amy, a woman torn between duty and desire for a charismatic chief, while Savage Dream (1990) sees Maria captured by Navajo leader Shadow, their chemistry sparking despite his vengeful motives. Each book delivers lush frontier settings, from Minnesota’s forests to Wyoming’s plains, with themes of forbidden love, cultural clash, and sensual surrender. Critics note the series’ repetitive formula—heroines often fall quickly for their captors—but fans adore the raw, unapologetic sensuality and Edwards’ evocative prose.
The Savage Secrets series thrives on its erotic tension, with alpha heroes and plucky heroines navigating a world of tribal traditions and settler strife. While some decry the lack of character depth or historical nuance, the series’ steamy escapism remains its heart, offering a fantasy where love conquers all.
Why Savage Secrets Resonates
Savage Secrets carved a niche in historical romance, selling millions of copies and earning Edwards a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award. Its blend of exoticism and eroticism appealed to readers seeking bold, unfiltered romance, even as critics questioned its portrayals of Native American culture. The series’ enduring fanbase cherishes its nostalgic, old-school vibe, with many collectors still hunting for its out-of-print editions.
Despite controversies, Savage Secrets remains a testament to Edwards’ ability to craft addictive, if flawed, fantasies. Its legacy lies in its fearless embrace of passion, inviting readers to lose themselves in a world where love defies boundaries.
- First Book Published: Savage Surrender, 1987
- Total Books: 12, ending with Savage Pride (1995)
- Genres: Historical Romance, Native American Romance, Erotic Romance
- Awards: Edwards won Romantic Times awards for her Native American romances
Ready to surrender to passion? Grab Savage Surrender and lose yourself in the wild, romantic world of Savage Secrets!