Sophie LarkReseñas

I have such a mixture of feelings about this book…

I didn’t like it and liked it at the same time!

Ramses and Blake.
The moment he sees her he falls for her. She has that strong woman energy, smart, calculated that attracts Ramses because he is the same. Blake wanted him for so long and finally he fell in her trap (she fell too but doesn’t know about it at the beginning).

I liked their relationship through the book. They found each other, they are the same and so different. He takes care of her like no one ever did and she calms his always calculated brain. The care and love they have to each other is a dream.

However, I didn’t like that Blake was so smart and stuck to her rules, that she brakes them so soon. Gave me a weird impression of her. If she was that strong and smart as she was described in this book, she wouldn’t act with Ramses the way she did at the beginning.

Also I had a huge ick with that kitty role play. And then, in the end of the book, we have Ramses in a sub cat role play. Big big ick!!!
That is the main reason I gave this book a 3 star rating. Another reason for my rating was how invested in the book I was… which I wasn’t at all. Took me many days to finish it and I wasn’t interested in the story.

This book was very different from the books I typically gravitate towards (fantasy romance) but I found myself fully enjoying it! Broken Vow was a quick paced story full of action and plot twists. Despite their different upbringings and lifestyles, Riona and Raylan had such amazing chemistry! I loved seeing Riona’s heart being thawed by Raylan. I read this book as a standalone and definitely didn’t feel lost in the slightest! I will say this book definitely has a decent dose of spice, a bit much for my taste but I know plenty of readers out there will enjoy it!

First book of 2021!!!

I can't quit this damn series. I liked that this book had more of a look into the mafia's family members and not an actual mafioso - like her brother or Dante & Nero Gallo. For instance, Riona is the second-born, also a girl, in the Griffin Irish mob family. So she will never take over as don, she works as a lawyer for the Griffin racket. It's kind of like she works in the factory but she doesn't really get her hands "bloody" because she's got a desk job. I liked a peek into that life - what it's like to be destined to come in second, to never have the opportunity to be the leader.

Anyway - can't wait for Seb's book - counting down the days!!!

This enemies-to-lovers-mafia story is maybe my favorite! I really liked both main characters - the leading lady was tough as nails and did not take any shit. I appreciate a bad bitch.

Parents are THE WORST! omg.
Dante's book was heartbreaking! I went thru ALL the feels - this was a big-time emotional rollercoaster, which I don't always have the temperament for (read: ANXIOUS). BUT - I love this series and I was always curious what the story is with Dante. So if you are in deep with the Irish/Italian mafiosos of this series, you'll love it.

I really enjoyed this installment in the Brutal Birthright series. It had a great mix of mafia crime intrigue that I can never get enough of (I don't care, I don't care), steamy romance and a really cool heroine. And the hero is more than a hot beefcake (no offense to hot beefcakes) - he's deep and complex and I love it.

I especially like that the two main characters did not resist their attraction to one another for too long. I am a sucker for "enemies-to-lovers" but sometimes the author keeps us in "enemies" territory for too long I get bored (and this isn't really enemies-to-lovers more "acquaintances-to-bickering-flirtations-to-lovers"). ANYWAY - I like when readers are shown the connection of the soon-to-be-lovers early on.

Nero is everything and more! No seriously I absolutely love him even if he comes off as the bad boy with an attitude that doesn’t care about anything except his loyalty to his family, I knew deep down there was more to him than meets the eye. Don’t get me wrong he still had no problem defending those he loved even if it meant eliminating the threat by any means necessary, but I could tell he had a soft spot that no one had ever really seen until Camille. I loved we got to see more of the families from this series and the threats/obstacles they are all facing, and I just loved the fierceness Nero exuded all the time. He is a genius in disguise only loving making money, protecting family, and working on his cars. Nero is the ultimate bad boy, cocky jerk but he is so much more. Camille was a hard worker that did everything in her power to help her family. She worked to keep family shop up and going, she did everything possible to make sure her brother stayed out of trouble and able to go to college, and she protected them all when needed. While she was almost the same as Nero I kind of was hoping that we got someone softer for Nero, not that I didn’t like Camille she was great, but I wanted someone who could love his craziness, family/lifestyle, yet bring more softness out of him that I knew was there. I just found it hard to connect with Camille at times, even if I loved her character there just seemed something to be missing and I felt Nero needed something else. They worked well together and I loved that but I can’t wait to read about Dante.

This is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint, the author brought the Bratva to life and sucked me in to this world that was so intense and amazing. The detail about underground fighting, the Bratva, and Russia was amazing and made things seem so realistic that I felt I was in the middle of it all. Snow was such an a great character, he is a boxer, and he comes off as cold and distance but underneath the façade he was a big softy but only towards his trainer, friend, and Sasha. Sasha was a character that may not have been part of the Bratva world but she showed amazing strength when it came to protect those she loved. I enjoyed these two together because Sasha brought the soft side out of Snow and they loved each other fiercely. I loved this book, this world the author created, and I definitely want to read more.

Roman and Mila’s story was such a fun read that I loved every second of it. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I have really enjoyed everyone I’ve read. In this book we get classic high bullying when Mika finds herself the center of Roman’s hatred. Roman is a mafia prince and he has weird attraction that turns towards hate so it makes him act out and treat her terribly all through high school. Once they grow up and run into each other again years later things haven’t changed and the anger is still there but now they have to work together. Eventually the anger Roman has turns to attraction, then chemistry, then possessiveness and his need to have Mila grows stronger. Mila tried hard not to see any good in Roman because of their past and she tries hard to fight their chemistry but it’s impossible so now they have to navigate a new dynamic to their relationship while trying to learn to trust each other amid chaotic events. Such a great story with lots of action, hot steamy moments, and a love so fiercely possessive.

I enjoyed this book and getting to know Dom some more outside his family in the Bratva. I enjoyed their family dynamic a lot, but when he was with Lara, we got to see a more sensitive side to him. Lara and Dom meet in an unusual way since he kind of kidnaps her for a few minutes and then later we see them meeting again, but they both have secrets they are keeping. There were surprises that I saw coming then there were a few that shocked me and I didn’t see coming at all. It was action packed and full of hot steamy alpha-ness that Dom was perfection for. They both brought out the best in each other and helped each other see things from different perspectives. I really loved how supportive, protective, and loyal Dom was to not only Lara but his whole family. Another great read in this series.

This author has created another amazing mafia world to bring us some more fantastic characters and storylines. Two people from two completely different families that despise each other find themselves in an unhappy predicament. Aida comes from the Italian family and she is spontaneous, bold, carefree, and lives her life the way she wants until one event and a misunderstanding lead to her butting heads with Callum, next in line of the Irish mafia. These two are total opposites, where Aida is loud and outspoken Callum is a straightforward no nonsense kind of leader. For most of the story they just can’t seem to get along until Callum starts to see that Aida has a lot of helpful advice and a different side of her that she rarely shows others. There are a lot of twists, turns, funny moments that had me rolling, and so much steamy times but someone is out to destroy them. So can they come together and fight for each other or will they let their hatred continue to brew and take over?

Ink:
Roman and Mila’s story was such a fun read that I loved every second of it. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I have really enjoyed everyone I’ve read. In this book we get classic high bullying when Mika finds herself the center of Roman’s hatred. Roman is a mafia prince and he has weird attraction that turns towards hate so it makes him act out and treat her terribly all through high school. Once they grow up and run into each other again years later things haven’t changed and the anger is still there but now they have to work together. Eventually the anger Roman has turns to attraction, then chemistry, then possessiveness and his need to have Mila grows stronger. Mila tried hard not to see any good in Roman because of their past and she tries hard to fight their chemistry but it’s impossible so now they have to navigate a new dynamic to their relationship while trying to learn to trust each other amid chaotic events. Such a great story with lots of action, hot steamy moments, and a love so fiercely possessive.

Ash:
I enjoyed this book and getting to know Dom some more outside his family in the Bratva. I enjoyed their family dynamic a lot, but when he was with Lara, we got to see a more sensitive side to him. Lara and Dom meet in an unusual way since he kind of kidnaps her for a few minutes and then later we see them meeting again, but they both have secrets they are keeping. There were surprises that I saw coming then there were a few that shocked me and I didn’t see coming at all. It was action packed and full of hot steamy alpha-ness that Dom was perfection for. They both brought out the best in each other and helped each other see things from different perspectives. I really loved how supportive, protective, and loyal Dom was to not only Lara but his whole family. Another great read in this series.

Snow:
This is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint, the author brought the Bratva to life and sucked me in to this world that was so intense and amazing. The detail about underground fighting, the Bratva, and Russia was amazing and made things seem so realistic that I felt I was in the middle of it all. Snow was such an a great character, he is a boxer, and he comes off as cold and distance but underneath the façade he was a big softy but only towards his trainer, friend, and Sasha. Sasha was a character that may not have been part of the Bratva world but she showed amazing strength when it came to protect those she loved. I enjoyed these two together because Sasha brought the soft side out of Snow and they loved each other fiercely. I loved this book, this world the author created, and I definitely want to read more.

WOW!! Another great read in this new mafia series that I just could not put down. In this book we’re introduced to Miko the new leader of the Polish mafia and his hatred for the other mafia branches is festering and he is ready to seek revenge. Miko has plans in place to hurt the Irish and Italian mafia members for the death of his dad and the first thing on his list is kidnap Nessa Griffin the younger sister to Cal. Nessa is the baby of her family so she spoiled and naïve, she has a heart of gold but isn’t made for the mafia life her family is. When she is kidnapped, she is distraught but the more time she spends on her own or near Miko we start to see her change and come into her own skin. She is still sweet and friendly, but she finds a determination and strength she never knew was inside her. Total opposites that live totally two different lives are brought together and as they try to fight the impending attraction brewing, they are also trying to navigate a life of revenge, love, loyalty, and being strong. When love should be impossible can they find it in each other or are they doomed from the beginning because revenge is too tempting, or can they let go and move forward? I was pulling so hard for these two to get together I even shipped them, Team Nesko or Team Missa. A highly entertaining read that pulls you into the world of mafia families who are full of passion, loyalty, and revenge.

Nero is everything and more! No seriously I absolutely love him even if he comes off as the bad boy with an attitude that doesn’t care about anything except his loyalty to his family, I knew deep down there was more to him than meets the eye. Don’t get me wrong he still had no problem defending those he loved even if it meant eliminating the threat by any means necessary, but I could tell he had a soft spot that no one had ever really seen until Camille. I loved we got to see more of the families from this series and the threats/obstacles they are all facing, and I just loved the fierceness Nero exuded all the time. He is a genius in disguise only loving making money, protecting family, and working on his cars. Nero is the ultimate bad boy, cocky jerk but he is so much more. Camille was a hard worker that did everything in her power to help her family. She worked to keep family shop up and going, she did everything possible to make sure her brother stayed out of trouble and able to go to college, and she protected them all when needed. While she was almost the same as Nero I kind of was hoping that we got someone softer for Nero, not that I didn’t like Camille she was great, but I wanted someone who could love his craziness, family/lifestyle, yet bring more softness out of him that I knew was there. I just found it hard to connect with Camille at times, even if I loved her character there just seemed something to be missing and I felt Nero needed something else. They worked well together and I loved that but I can’t wait to read about Dante.

They come from two separate worlds but are driven by love and passion. Simone comes from a strict family that rivals royalty and her future is already paved for her even though she doesn’t want it to be and Dante’s path is and always will be the family. They shouldn’t work but in a short amount of time they find passion, love, and a bond that can’t be denied. From the previous books I knew Dante’s story would be heartbreaking because he walked around taking care of others but was always brooding and kept to himself a lot. Fate doesn’t seem to be on his side when things seem to be falling apart so Dante does what he always does which is take care of his family business and try to move forward when he doesn’t feel like he can. Not going to lie I was so aggravated with Simone and her will to please her family even if it cost her everything that I wanted to scream at her, so I tried hard to reserve judgment and it was hard to do. I know she thought she was doing the best in her situation but it infuriated me so much that I had a hard time liking her afterwards and I knew she was struggling and hurt but man I was furious but I kept reading and found myself feeling sorry for Simone and actually kind of liking her, but for me it was Dante that stole the show. Dante is this force that sweeps in and sucks you into his atmosphere. He is a brute, but he is loyal and loving, my heart hurt for the years he missed out on so much love and the hurt it did to him. Years later time has passed but neither one of them have forgotten the other but with the secrets that lie between them can they move forward or will they just be ultimately star crossed lovers only looking back on a love they use to have? This series has been amazing and for an author to make you go through so many emotions and love or not like characters only to redeem them for you is beyond amazing writing skills. Can’t wait for more from this group!!

I was excited to read Raylan’s story and I just knew that Riona was going to be a hard character to take but if anyone could do it he could. Riona was a workaholic out to prove to herself and her family she is worthy of so much, but she was overdoing it and now someone was out to get her. Being a stubborn woman she could come off as cruel and mean especially when she would try to catch attitude with Raylan for no reason at all. These two buttheads and try to navigate feelings and keeping her safe but they find it hard to do. I absolutely loved Raylan and at first I was very-standoffish with Riona’s judgment towards him and rudeness but I’m glad I stuck with her because Raylan does bring the best out of her.

Wow Sebastian was the youngest of the Gallo family and when we were first introduced to him I knew I liked him and hated what he went through and see his dreams go up in flames. In this book he is still wondering about his place in the family, society, everything so when he meets Yelena for the first time he is amazed by her strength and tenacious attitude. The twists and turns, surprises were amazing and kept my interest the whole time I couldn’t put it down and needed to know what the world would happen next. I don’t want to give much away because things go down that I never saw coming and some I knew were coming but not sure how to deal with it. This series has been amazing and intense throughout. I’ve loved every character we’ve met and can’t wait for the next generation.

This was such a unique and interesting read that I devoured in one sitting. This isn’t the author’s typical romance read and she states that from the beginning. No, this is more of a mystery murder read with a hint of romance sprinkled throughout. It starts in old school Hollywood where hope is high but to the outside world the future is dismal and unknown. An actress that is up and coming to fame is mysteriously murdered and her only relative, her sister Alice, is determined to find out what happened. Being in Hollywood gives Alice a look into what it was like for her sister and then she is asked to fill in for her sister to finish the movie she started; this gives her the idea of staying close to see if she can catch the killer. Working side by side with the Policeman, Jack, they find things that are mysterious, unexpected, and a plot twist that I never saw coming. I felt as if I was watching a movie that had all these elements to create a world that I was engulfed in and intrigued with finding Clara’s killer myself. Like I said this book was remarkably interesting and I think the author deserves all the kudos for stepping out her usual element to create such a unique book. If you are looking for a typical romance novel this isn’t it, no this is so much more set in a time where Hollywood was glamourous and keeps you invested with murder, mystery, characters we all know and heard of, and plot twists everywhere then this book is for you. I loved it and I hope we get more intriguing reads like this in the future!!

This is the beginning of the Kingmakers, the kids of the most influential mafioso families, stories. In this book we get a lot of information and at times it seemed a little overwhelming trying to keep up with it all, but it is needed to establish what we are in for. The detail at times a lot is still necessary because it gives us information on the families, the school. Relationships, and everything in between because it is a lot to takes a little bit for the story to really kick in with Leo and Anna, but once it does hold on it’s a crazy ride. Anna and Leo grew up together and were considered family although not by blood, but there seemed to be some feelings that felt like more lingering and this sets things in motion especially when an enemy is hiding and waiting. This school is only for the elite and you never know who is there to be owed favors, who is there to create drama, or who is there to bring some down. It really is cutthroat, and our main characters are no stranger to how things can be here. Leo knows he wants Anna, and she wants him, but misunderstandings get in their way ripping them apart. Can they come out on top or are they doomed to lose their true North Star in all the madness? I have to say Dean, my heart hurt for him because he has been through a lot in his life but I didn’t like how he handled things. I’m hoping he gets his redemption and can find his own happiness. This school is not for the faint of heart and it will take us on some amazing journey’s ripping out our hearts and souls just to mend them again. The author has created an amazing world within this spinoff that keeps you craving more!!!

Oh Miles, you stole my heart from the start (I rhymed lol), with your father’s serious business-like mannerisms and your mother’s mischievousness I became your number one fan. You have the tenacity and the viciousness of both sides of your family that takes to run the world. I have so much respect for you because you don’t want to use your family name to gain things in life, you want and do gain it by ay way you see a profit. You are loyal to those around you, don’t trust easily, but see a damsel or not so damsel in distress you can’t help but react to the cruelty. You pretend those feelings don’t run you nor define you, but I would say you have a heart of gold under layers upon layers of secrets and hiding feelings. I also agree with you, eff Rocco, I hate him. Zoe was a beauty meant to be worshipped and loved, you did that in spades. You fight hard for what you want and don’t want any special treatment nor handouts that you so easily could take from your family. Instead, you are a brilliant businessman with a sharp mind and amazing looks, it’s no wonder why Zoe falls for you. Through tough times, challenges, and insane twists you persevere never giving up on love. You truly are amazing.
Another brilliant read by this author who has created a world that is cruel yet beautiful and I can’t wait for more, especially MY Dean!!!

I have been dying a slow death waiting for Dean’s arrival and let me say I was NOT disappointed at all! Dean has had a bad rap when it comes to his time at Kingmaker’s because his first year, he was devious, out to be number one, insanely hot, but he could be an acquired taste to some. He has reputation as a cocky arrogant fighter out for himself. So, when he starts showing attention to the incredibly quiet Cat some take notice and wonder what Dean is setting out to accomplish. I don’t want to give too much away because Cat and Dean’s story is a crazy ride that will leave hot and bothered at times and then curious what will happen next. Dean has the weight of the world on his shoulders, but can he find someone to help share it with in Cat? Will Cat discover there is more to her than meets the eye and she isn’t meek but a very strong individual that fights for those she loves? Or will they both have to go down swinging when things get to be too much? This series leaves me craving more and falling so hard for characters that I want to join their world. I can’t wait to see what we have in store for the next book because I’m sure it will be more intense as well breathtaking.
“You don’t know what a monster I can be, but I’ll be your monster.”
“I’ll burn this whole f***king world down for you if that’s what you want.”

I am almost speechless as I process this beautiful, intense journey. I want to scream at the top of my lungs about it all while not spoiling a single thing. So, this review will be pretty vague because this journey has been building up since book one and it blew my mind to pieces then had my heart in my throat the whole time. This book took me on a ride one second, I was shocked, the next falling in love, then back to having my heart in my throat and stomach dropping out. I was all over the place, but in the best way possible. The author has created this world that I want to be a part of, I want to be in thick of it with the characters, even if it could be dangerous, I am so down to have their backs. The characters are beyond amazing, strong, resilient, and just perfectly flawed. With so many twists, turns, ups, and downs I just was overwhelmed with amazement because how genius is this author to make this world so realistic, dangerous, yet lovable!!! I can’t get enough of these stories, couples, friends, just everything. I can’t even mention the main storyline or the main characters because that will give the readers way too much to go on and this is a read that everyone needs to go into blind to get the full effect of this world and the fierceness of love.

I have read and loved everything that Sophie Lark has written and now I have another author to obsess with in Jane Henry too because together they have created a world of intensity, steam, and perfection. This book drew me in from the beginning and with all the suspense I couldn’t put it down, didn’t even want to. We have Constantine who is the next in line to be the leader for the Bratva, but someone is out to get him and has framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. He is put in prison being accused of killing the woman he was suppose to marry to Aline the Bratva and Irish and now is out of to seek vengeance but he has to get out first. This is where Clare comes in she is a psychologist working for the prison because even though she has been pampered all her life she does believe people can change and she wants to make a difference, yet her parents would never allow her to work there because it would reflect badly on their reputation. She has issues with her parents because they never really showed her love or affection and Constantine sees it right away then calls her out on it. They are thrown together to try to reform Constantine but he is there to find his way out and she is his ticket to freedom and revenge. When they are on the run Constantine shows Clare who has always been sheltered a new way to look at life and find her inner strength. Together they find a way to prove his innocence but there are others that want to see him dead and she has to deal with the dilemma if she can truly be part of his world or not. I absolutely loved the characters they were all strong in their own ways, smart, and caring. The steam was off the charts when they came together and Clare learned a new side to herself as well as showing Constantine that he could change and love someone. It was Brilliant, Suspenseful, So amazingly sexy, and keeps the reader engaged. I loved these two authors coming together and I really hope we get a story on Yury (fingers crossed).

Dark and twisted this book takes the reader on one crazy ride that you will devour. Cole Blackwell is this strong silent artist that has secrets on secrets, a controlled genius who finds his greatest pleasures in creating art and at times murder. His nemesis is a narcissistic egomaniac artist that kills for the thrill with no control and they despise each other in both facets of their lives. The first time Cole sees Mara at a gallery her appearance lives much to be desired but something about her is calling to him. Mara is a typical struggling artist who has been put through horrible things growing up but the main thing is she is a survivor. A tragic night that lives her vulnerable and dying sets things in motion for her and Cole. This twisted tell deals with attraction, death, trying to fight feelings and remain in control. I was glued from page one to the very end. Cole as dark as he is does show some feelings but only towards Mara and that made me very interested in him and Mara was guarded but knew how to read people especially Cole. I loved this story the direction it went and will go. “I knew if I learned everything I could about you…there’s nothing I couldn’t make you do…”
“She’s beautiful, infinitely more beautiful than the Olgiati. I can’t shatter her.”
“I’ve taken a life, but never shared a life.” “I don’t want to be taken care of, I want to be seen………. I see you….”

The continuation of Cole and Mara’s story is one that I wanted to know where they go from book one and needing to see how it plays out. This story is more of Cole and Mara together as a couple getting to know each other better, bringing out more in each other, and just spending so much time together. Cole is not only overprotective of Mara but he wants to bring out so much in her and show her the darkest desires that can be found. Mara isn’t sure if she can be like Cole, accept things the way they are, or in reality does she have her own darkness lurking? Cole just wants to provide for Mara and give her a sense of belonging, he isn’t looking to change her just show her she is cared for and bring out what lies beneath. As they spend more time together bringing the best and worst out of each other they also have another problem that needs to be handled. Can they work together to keep themselves safe or will they be doomed to fail? I loved this wild ride with all its twists and turns some you see coming while others jump out and surprise you. I do wish we got more into Mara’s mom and the whys, more information, and prolonged torture. I liked how they try to keep true to themselves yet help each other see their is more potential. Mara came into her own becoming stronger and knowing Cole was by her side made her acknowledge her feelings and face her fears, yet at times I felt as if something was missing or off on Mara that I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but still loved her strength she found. Cole started to come to realize in ways he is still unfeeling but when it comes to Mara things start to change and I loved how he cared for her but I was overly excited when the old Cole came out to play because he is the one I devoured in book one. Overall a great twisted duet that shows the darker sides of humanity and the sweeter side of the darkness.
“Our madness aligns in all the right ways.”
“Everyone is a mix of good and bad. Can the good cancel out the bad? I don’t know. I’m not even sure I care. If there’s no objective measure, then all that matters is how I feel. Cole is a shade of gray I can accept.”