Member Reviews

I really liked this instalment of the series, even more than the first book. The characters and tropes in this book were more enjoyable to me personally than in the first. Miko, in particular, was a really great character and I loved reading about his relationship with Nessa. The plot was a lot of fun and kept me interested from start to finish. I would have loved to read more about these two. I loved Miko's character so much I'm on the lookout for more like him in other books! Will definitely continue reading this series to see the stories of the other siblings.

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Potential was there but fell short. I wanted to enjoy this book so badly! The beauty and the beast idea can be done really well and I think this had the potential but the writing was so poorly done that I could not connect to the characters. Right in the beginning, when Miko undergoes a traumatic event, the reaction was so odd and it turned me off immediately. I kept reading hoping for a character redemption. We meet Nessa, who is young and naive. I also couldn't connect to her character. The writing was a lot of telling and not showing which doesn't allow you to really be enveloped by the story or connect to the characters. Sentences were short and blunt but did not convey the emotions and feelings well. The bulk of the story was frankly quite boring so when the romance blossomed it did not feel real or believable. The ending was exciting and I did enjoy those scenes as it dealt with the rival mafia families.

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Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark is such a wonderful read. It's been a long time since I read a mafia book. This book is different from any mafia book which portrayed the love journey between the kidnapper and the prisoner.

This book have a little bit of suspense, angst, action packed, high sexual tension, hot spicy scenes, heart breaking moments and tears. The unique things about this book are the playlist and the graphic. You can read the scenes and play the song along the story. The song make the story comes alive. The books also provide a few graphics including the hot scenes. I'll definitely be waiting for more books from Sophie Lark and I'm looking forward to read the next story perhaps about Riona.

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I’d like to thank Netgalley, Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for the ARC copy of this book!

For the fans of dark mafia romances, cold hearted mafia bosses, and enemies to lovers, Sophie Lark brings Stolen Heir, the second book in the Brutal Birthright series.

This book is some sort of The Beauty and the Beast retelling. It has the dark romance vibe and contains one of my favorite tropes ever: enemies to lovers! Miko is supposed to hate Nessa because their families are rivals, and Nessa should naturally despise her kidnapper, right? For a while they could barely tolerate each other, but having to spend time together drew them closer and closer.

Miko is a cold hearted mafia Boss that has one goal in mind: avenge his father’s death. Nessa is who he chooses to use, but as he learns more about her, he becomes more and more captivated by the little ballerina that he captured. Nessa, on the other hand, is a feisty girl that has been pampered and spoiled her whole life, but has to face the cruel reality of the mafia world when she is kidnapped.

The story was entertaining, the expectancy of seeing what Miko was going to do with Nessa grew more and more. He had to decide between his spot as a mafia Boss and the woman he fell for. The plot twist was something I saw coming miles away, but the way in which Miko got away was very resourceful. I liked it. The emotional connection between the characters is not the best, but the way in which they became obsessed with each other? I would die a happy woman if somebody became as obsessed with me as Miko is with Nessa.

However, there are some things I didn’t love about this book. The fact that Nessa was able to learn Polish in like a month seemed unrealistic. Also, the way in which they fell for each other seemed to be more superficial at first, especially since they declared their love for the other right after they had sex. As if bedding the other would finalize the falling in love process, it seemed more methodical instead of natural.

If you like mafia romances, dark villains that fall for the good girl and forbidden love, then Stolen Heir is perfect for you!

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I had never read a book by Sophie Lark before so I was excited to be accepted to read this one! I thought the story was unique and written very well! I loved all the characters and the dual POV's. The character development in this story is really well-written. Overall, this is a great read!

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Beauty and the Beast meets Mafia Romance! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest of the series because of it.

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as someone who has read all of sophie larks books, this one just slightly missed the mark for me. compared to her other dark mafia romances, this one felt a little slow for me. while it was more atmospheric than her others, i just wasnt as invested as normal. still love sophie though!!

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The Facts: Mafia romance, Beauty & The Beast/Hades & Persephone vibes, enemies to lovers, omg hot man kidnapped me, lowkey like grumpy vs sunshine vibes????, dancing queen

Idk, mafia romances just make my heart go OOOOOOH. I love them, but I don't read them often. Sophie Lark does them SO RIGHT. This was FIRE. Nessa and Miko had so much chemistry, I swear my book almost caught on fire. Their attraction was quite literally like an intricate dance, and I was here for it.

The storyline was good, and we finally have a semi-resolution (full resolution? idk what's next) with The Butcher thing that was introduced in book 1, so I'm excited to see who's the next baddie.

This is book two in the Brutal Birthright series; however, this can be read as a standalone if you really want to (which I always like reading the series from the start even then.)

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While not my favorite book from Sophie I still enjoyed. This is your standard mafia romance so if that is the void you need to fill, I recommend. Otherwise I think I prefer the books in the Kingmakers series which is also by Sophie.

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In "Stolen Heir" by Sophie Lark, readers are thrust into a dark and compelling world where the line between captor and captive blurs, and a twisted romance unfolds amidst the shadows of the underworld. Nessa Griffin lives a lonely and conflicted life. Born into a mafia empire, she's marked by her compassion and gentleness, traits that set her apart from her ruthless family's criminal dealings. She struggles to find her place both at home and in the cutthroat world of her highly competitive ballet corps.

Mikolaj Wilk, on the other hand, is the embodiment of ruthlessness and vengeance. Known as the most vicious gangster in Chicago, he harbors a deep-seated vendetta against the Griffins, the family responsible for his adoptive father's death. Mikolaj's thirst for revenge leads him to abduct Nessa, taking her captive in his decaying gothic mansion.

While Nessa may not deserve to pay for her family's crimes, in this brutal world, innocence and gentleness offer no protection. As Mikolaj plots the destruction of everything the Griffins hold dear, an unconventional and disturbing relationship begins to form between captor and captive. As their interactions intensify, Mikolaj's fixation on Nessa deepens, and he desires her to dance only for him. Meanwhile, Nessa finds herself caught in the growing tension between her and her kidnapper, their relationship taking on increasingly twisted and complex dimensions. Mikolaj is the beast to Nessa's beauty, but beneath the surface, the question lingers: Is there a man inside the monster, and can Nessa find it before he succumbs to his insatiable hunger for revenge?

It is a gripping and intense dark romance that delves into the murky depths of human desire, vengeance, and the complexities of power dynamics. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that challenges conventional notions of morality and captivates readers with its emotionally charged and suspenseful storyline. The characters of Nessa and Mikolaj are richly developed, each carrying their own burdens and flaws. Nessa's struggle to assert her identity and maintain her humanity in a world filled with darkness adds depth to her character. Mikolaj's ruthless exterior hides layers of complexity, making him a compelling antihero.

The author's exploration of the twisted relationship between the captor and the captive is a central theme that keeps readers on edge. The tension and psychological games between Nessa and Mikolaj add layers of intrigue to the narrative, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. The writing style is evocative and immersive, plunging readers into a dark and atmospheric world where danger lurks around every corner. The pacing of the story is well-executed, with moments of intense passion and suspense that hold the reader's attention throughout.

"Stolen Heir" is not a story for the faint of heart, as it delves into themes of dominance, submission, and the dark allure of forbidden desire. It challenges readers to explore the depths of their own emotions and question the boundaries of right and wrong. For fans of dark romance and psychological thrillers with complex character dynamics, "Stolen Heir" offers a provocative and intense reading experience. It's a tale that pushes the boundaries of love and obsession, leaving readers questioning the nature of power and vulnerability.

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Thank you to netgalley and Sophie Lark for an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 4/5

I lovedddd this book! Devoured in one sitting. Love the beauty and the best retelling and mafia brought together so fun!

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This was my first Sophie Lark book and I will definitely be reading more. For some reason, I was thinking that Stolen Heir was the first in the series, but I came to realize that Brutal Prince was actually the first book. Im making a trip to Barnes and Noble to buy it today because while I don’t think it diminished my ability to understand or enjoy Nessa and Mikos story, there were allusions to actions that had taken place prior that would have helped to better understand the world they live in. Stolen Heir is a thoroughly enjoyable mafia romance with a heartbreakingly beautiful love story reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. The characters are well developed and the writing is beautiful. There is also that perfect amount of spice that furthers the characters relationship without detracting from the plot. Im so thankful to NetGalley for introducing me to this series!

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This book is about a girl who is still learning who she is in the world and feels as though her family still treats her as a baby, even though she is in college. The only sibling who doesn't have a stake in the family business but wants to be treated as equal. As payback from book one, the Polish mafia decides to kidnap her and use her as leverage for money, and to break down the Irish and Italian's that in book 1 just united with their marriage pact via Aida and Callum. However, upon abducting Nessa, the Polish leader Miko realizes he enjoys having Nessa around, and Nessa realizes she may be falling for the beast. In a somewhat similar storyline to Beauty and the Beast they fall in love, but is there love enough to keep them together, or will Nessa's family tear them apart?

I gave this book 3 stars, it wasn't as good as the first book in my opinion, but it did have all the spicy scenes that you might need starting around the halfway point. The romance did seem rushed at times, with not enough relationship development to explain the way the two main characters were feelings. I hope to be able to read the next ones!

Thank you, Net Galley, for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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This dark mafia Beauty & Beast book has everything we want. Great character development at the beginning lets us know how M became the tattooed beast of N’s dreams. Or mine…. But I digress. Book 2 in this series didn’t disappoint. Something really original about this author that I love, is she has pictures of her characters. That gives us context to what she saw in her mind that we can share. Physical descriptions were on point, but as someone that is very visual, this really helped. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity.

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Stolen Heir is an enemies to lovers mafia romance. I feel like any mafia romance is on the darker side. While Stolen Heir is dark it’s not as dark as it could be which I’m fine with.

This is the second book in the series. Even though I think it helps to read in order because characters do carry over it is not necessary to read in order. Stolen Heir is Nessa and Miko's story. There’s a lot of comparisons to Beauty and the Beast and it’s pretty fitting.

Nessa was not my favorite character and Miko definitely has issues but I still really liked their story. I received a copy of Stolen Heir via NetGalley to read and review.

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"I wanted to hate you because that was easier. But as I watched you, it was impossible to ignore your kindness, your intelligence, your creativity. You’re a good Nessa, truly and intrinsically good in a way that most people can never dream of being. But you’re so much more than that. You’re talented, and beautiful, and the sexiest fucking woman in the world.”

I loved this beauty and the beast retelling! It was really interesting, reading how Miko stalks and then kidnaps Nessa as revenge. I loved reading how slowly she forces him to admit that he wanted her. The chemistry between the two of them is amazing! I loved every single steamy moment. I really liked how while Miko was this violent and alpha man, he was very caring with Nessa and her innocence. I found Miko’s feelings for Nessa a little too fast and more of like lusting than love, but towards the end it was more believable. I loved all the side characters and cannot wait to read their books next!
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone!

Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Mafia romance
Dark romance
Alpha hero
Virgin heroine
Age gap romance
Open door romance

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Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

If you had told me one month ago that I would have read a mafia romance and liked it, I would have laughed in your face. Instead, I have to say that it was a well written romance.

I liked the characters throughout the book and omg why am I down so bad for Callum and Mikolaij??
I love that the Griffins and the Gallos can be counted as one big family.

Unfortunately I cannot give it the maximum because all of the mafia part makes it impossible to me (I’m italian, I’m very sensitive about this kind of organisation).
I can “tolerate it” just because it is romanced and I know it doesn’t work this way.
Anyway, I knew what I was getting myself into, so I have to be objective and give it 4⭐️.

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4⭐️ 2🌶️

Stolen Heir is my favorite book by Sophie Lark and that is saying something because I really loved Aida. But I Miko and Jessa even more!

I am a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast retelling and Sophie did a wonderful job giving this a modern dark romance twist. I loved that Nessa herself was aware of the similarities as well.

The cover and the illustrations in the book are stunning and really give it that something extra.

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*3.5

I actually enjoyed this even though I didn't expect to. I believe that they fell in love that fast but I just wanted them to talk more fast. The few chapters after she went home and they spent time together were very enjoyable.

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Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark is the second book in the Brutal Birthright series and it follows Nessa and Miko. Let's just say Sophie Lark knows how to hook you in with such a fun and interesting story! This book was fast-paced and kept me hooked the whole time. This is a mafia romance book but it is not very dark even considering Nessa is kidnapped by Miko in this story. There is a definite beauty and the beast vibe. Don't be worried about the kidnapping situation negatively impacting the romance because Nessa is not treated badly at all. Mikolaj is such an interesting hero and he was one of my favorite parts of the story. He has such a troubled past which makes him complex. I loved the growth I saw in Nessa throughout the story and the component of her being a dancer was crucial to the story. The one thing I wish I got more of was the emotional relationship between Miko and Nessa. While she was taken by Miko, there was a lot of obsession between them which was fun to read. But when the emotional part of their relationship happened there was more telling instead of showing. Overall, this was a fun and fast-paced read and I am excited to continue the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for a review!

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