Another masterpiece from sophie lark. I am so proud to see her getting traditionally published and cannot wait to see what comes next from this partnership

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
4.5 stars

“That’s a lie. I have tried it. All I learned is that no amount of submission is good enough for a man. You can roll over, show your belly, beg for mercy, and they’ll just keep hitting you. Because the very act of breathing is rebellious in the eyes of an angry male.”


The book is a drug. 🤌

I wasn't sure I was gonna like this but I definitely fell in love with a psycho serial killer. There were a few parts that were a bit cringy but overall I liked the book and will be starting the sequel immediately.



Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

There Are No Saints by Sophie Lark

This was an intriguing dark romance; twisted and addicting with a lot of spice and a solid plot. It was creative and unique; while this was not my usual type of book, I loved every minute of it. Sophie is a great story teller and gets you hooked from the start. Overall this made for a quick, fun read, and by the end you will be left wanting book two asap.

4 stars

Fascinating, suspenseful, and hot, is what I would use to describe this book by Sophie Lark. There Are No Saints, is a Dark Thriller Romance, the first book in this Sinners Duet. It has such a unique story and love interest, and development was so twisty and sensual. Not to mention the stacks were even higher because there are not one, but two serial killers and each with their own agenda. The writing was good and did not give too much away, while keeping me on my toes. It was dark and exciting. There were a few scenes and events that did not work for me, but it definitely did not take away from my enjoyment; they just weren't for me. Mara was an ok character, but Cole definitely had my full attention, he was mysterious, cruel, dark and very unpredictable and kept me on my toes wanting more. I also really loved the setting of art, studios, and galleries, being very glamorous and at the same time atmospheric, detailed. I had a great time with this book.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

San Francisco is a mecca for struggling artists trying to make something of themselves, and just be seen. Mara is a prime example of that. She lives in a crowded house with multiple roommates and works three dead-end jobs just to be able to afford even that. And, her roommate just informed her that she needs her out of the studio she’s been using. Now Mara is faced with the daunting task of finding a new one, so she can make her art. But studio space is so expensive.

Everyone knows the local celebrity artists Cole Blackwell and Alastor Shaw. Their rivalry is legendary. However, people don’t know that the sculptures and paintings the two produce aren’t the only art they create. The two are also serial killers and create masterpieces with their victims as well.

And, when Mara catches Cole’s eye at a showing, Shaw sees it and decides to test Cole. Shaw kidnaps Mara and leaves her, very artistically, and near death outside of Cole’s dumping grounds. Cole decides not to play Shaw’s game and leaves her there since she’s so close to bleeding out anyway. He just hopes Shaw will clean up his mess.

However, Cole quickly becomes obsessed when days later he sees Mara alive and well. She managed to free herself and get miles away to the nearest road for help.

Cole decides to offer her an insane price on one of his studios he has for rent. It also makes it much easier for him to keep a better eye on her. He even gets her into a prestigious art show.

He orchestrates their meeting, and she recognizes him from the night he left her to die. Somehow, he still manages to become her mentor and help her break into the art world she covets. The more time Cole spends with Mara, he starts to see himself in her. She is the closest thing to an equal he has found in this life and he loves how she just lives life to the fullest, enjoying every experience. She makes him feel things he’s never felt before and he’s unsure what to do about it.

“In that moment I realize this whole thing has been a performance.

She knew I would watch.

She’s been fucking him for me, at me.

To get revenge on me.

And I realize… she’s everything I dreamed of and more. More vengeful. More strategic. More effective.

More fucked up.”

Cole knows what will happen when Shaw realizes Mara is still alive. Everything he has created with her will come crashing down, and Shaw will want to finish what he started. Can Cole protect her and stop the inevitable? Or will Cole’s darker side take over and he will take her out himself?

“Sometimes you have to kill what you love.”

I picked this book up when it was offered to me as a dark romance. That’s kind of my kryptonite. I actually liked this novel a lot more than I thought I would. The characters were engaging and the story was interesting and different from anything I’ve read before. And, let’s face it, I’ve read a lot of books over the years, so it’s exciting to stumble upon something ‘different’.

Cole was such a dynamic character. He’s the thing that goes bump in the night. A predator you will never see coming. However, this author was able to write him in such a way that you actually liked him. Rooted for him even. And, honestly, I didn’t even care if he became reformed or not. He being dark and dangerous is part of the fun, after all. A loveable psycho, if you will.

Mara was a fun scrappy character too. She recognizes Cole for the predator he is, but that doesn’t stop her from going toe-to-toe with him. Her revenge she took on him was epic down to the painting on his wall.

“I’m struck anew by the absolute insanity of this girl. I admire her audacity. While planning how I’ll punish her for it.”

The one thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending. And, no the characters didn’t do anything bad or anything like that. My issue is that the ending … wasn’t really there. It stops at an odd place when the excitement is just ramping up. Hey, if you want to read the rest … catch the next book. I truly hate when authors do this. Who knows what I’ll actually remember by the time I get around to reading the next book.

I put this one down as I’m not sure my thoughts with this one. Probably not an author I’ll continue to read.

l appreciate that Sophie Lark continuously writes stories that are different from one another. No one story is the same. Her books are immersive and fun popcorn reads. I think because this was more plot driven than character, this story wasn't for me. Maybe my questions will come up in the next book because it is a duet.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the kind opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

"There Are No Saints" by Sophie Lark is an absolute masterpiece that effortlessly weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and character depth. This novel transcends typical genre boundaries, delivering a compelling and thought-provoking experience that left me captivated from start to finish.

Lark's writing is nothing short of brilliant. The prose is both evocative and gripping, creating a world that is as dark and mysterious as it is alluring. The author's ability to build tension is unparalleled, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire narrative. The pacing is spot-on, with each chapter expertly crafted to reveal just enough to keep the reader hungry for more.

The characters in "There Are No Saints" are complex, flawed, and utterly human. The protagonist's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, and Lark doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche. The depth of character development is exceptional, and I found myself fully invested in the fates of each individual.

The romance in this novel is intense and passionate, but it's the emotional connection between the characters that truly sets it apart. Lark delicately explores the complexities of love and redemption, crafting a narrative that feels authentic and heart-wrenching. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their relationships are portrayed with a rare authenticity that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Beyond the romance, the plot is intricately layered with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The author skillfully balances the romantic elements with a suspenseful and engaging storyline, creating a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. "There Are No Saints" is a five-star read that exceeded all my expectations. Sophie Lark has created a dark and mesmerizing world populated by unforgettable characters. This novel is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a romance novel that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre. It's a triumph in every sense of the word.

I love Sophie Lark, but I was expecting a little deeper of a plot. It was very dark, but Alastor kinda drove me crazy at times. Though this wasn’t completely for me, I still love her books!

I am a fan of Sophie Lark’s, but this book was just a little too dark for me! I’m sure fake romance lovers will enjoy this one! Thanks for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I usually enjoy dark romance but this was just not for me!!! I DNF’d at around 5 chapters in. Sophie Lark just isn’t the author for me!

I read this book a while back on kindle unlimited and I adored it. So, when I saw this available on Netgalley with that gorgeous new cover I immediately put in a request assuming it would be denied. Cole was favorite brand of jealous and possessive as hell. That’s what I am typically looking for in dark romance and of course can’t forget to add the irrevocably obsessed with only her. I appreciate the fact that while Cole is a serial killer, he only kills men. Wouldn’t have enjoyed the novel otherwise or his character. Also, the paint scene and where she looks at the camera is my FAVORITE part of the entire book. I recommend this duet! Also, the art that is in this version of the novel is outstanding!

“𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”

Sophie Lark's dark romance There Are No Saints centers on the relationship between psychopath Cole Blackwell and struggling artist Mara Eldritch.

Despite the fact that I had already read two of the Brutal Birthright books and liked  them, this book was not one of my favorites. I enjoy dark romances, don't get me wrong, but this just wasn't for me.

I will say that I am in love with Mara. I mean she literally fucked her tattoo artist on a canvas, knowing that Cole was watching, and then she immediately hung that portrait in his office. Talk about girl boss, because that was some badass shit. Also, I did love watching Cole gradually fall in love with Mara and his semi-redemption arc. 

Even though I did think he was hot, Cole was just not my favorite. I didn’t like him  because there were just too many questionable things about him and the book. 

Overall, things did start to get better at the end of this book, so I'm hoping I'll love the second book of the duet more than I did this one.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books, and to the author, Sophie Lark, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*

I absolutely love Sophie's other series but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I really didn't like the main characters and I couldn't get invested in the story at all.

"There Are No Saints" by Sophie Lark is the first electrifying entry in the Sinners Duet, plunging readers into a world of darkness and desire. Through the intertwining lives of three artists in San Francisco's turbulent art scene—one a struggling painter, and two affluent serial killers—Lark crafts a narrative that is as much about obsession and trauma as it is about the transformative power of recognition and acceptance.

Cole Blackwell, a sculptor hiding his predatory instincts beneath a veneer of wealth and respect, is a man of control, both in his art and his darker impulses. When he crosses paths with Mara Eldritch, a seemingly insignificant artist battling her own demons, the connection sparks a fixation that threatens to unravel the tightly held reins on his true nature. Cole's fascination with Mara, a woman who's navigated a life of obscurity and hardship, is as much about her untapped talent as it is about the challenge she presents to his control​​​​.

The novel doesn't hold back in its exploration of the characters' psyches, delving into themes of childhood trauma, anxiety, and the deep-seated need for acknowledgement. Lark's portrayal of these characters, particularly Mara, reflects a deep understanding of human complexity, as they navigate a world that is both cruel and captivating. There are no heroes in this tale; instead, readers are presented with individuals who are deeply flawed, grappling with their pasts and the consequences of their actions​​​​.

Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, the book immerses readers in the city's vibrant art scene, bringing to life both the glittering success and the gritty struggle within the industry. The detailed depictions of artwork and the lives of the characters lend authenticity to the story, making readers feel like insiders in a world that is both beautiful and brutal​​​​.

"There Are No Saints" is a testament to Lark's storytelling prowess, captivating readers with a tale that is thrilling, spine-tingling, and undeniably dark. The narrative is carefully paced to keep the sense of danger ever-present, with moments that demand readers pause to catch their breath. It's a book that doesn't just tell a story—it engulfs the reader, demanding engagement and eliciting a range of emotions from shock to empathy, making it a standout in the realm of dark romance​​​​.

Sophie Lark's "There Are No Saints" is a dark romance that weaves a complex web of danger, passion, and psychological depth. It's a story that stays with you, challenging your perceptions of what it means to be a saint or a sinner. For those who revel in narratives that are as compelling as they are harrowing, this book is a must-read, promising a journey that is both disturbing and irresistible, with an anticipation for the concluding chapter that is almost palpable

This book was insane (in a good way). I definitely enjoyed reading this and I can’t wait to see where it’s going. I’ll be picking up the sequel ASAP!

Don’t know what Sophie put in this book but it is like crack. I absolutely loved this book. It reminded me of Joe Goldberg from the tv show YOU only he doesn’t kill the love interest.

Highly recommended

The premise of this book was pretty unique, but I was intrigued nonetheless.

We have a three-person situation, but it's not romantic between all three. It is solely between Mara & Cole, so there's no love triangle or anything, but Alastor does play a pretty big role in this book, mostly at the beginning and the end. He is the villain, but you could say they are all villains in a way.

Mara has had a messy childhood, but we don't know a lot about her. She is a very poor artist who gets in between Cole and Alastor, both rich artists and serial killers.

I don’t know if I would say I liked the story. Cole and Mara's relationship I would go as far as saying that it’s very unhealthy and messed up, especially in the beginning, but it’s nonetheless fun to read about. It was a slow build, but it delivered what was promised.

It was definitely an open ending, so I'll pick up book two and see where it leads me.

"Sometimes you have to kill what you love."

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

2.5 stars

I dunno. I was expecting a little more killer and a little less whatever this was. Though I'm not necessarily super familiar with the dark romance genre as a whole, I definitely think this could have been better and had more of a plot. Alastor was just kind of... there to provide some sort of tension, when ultimately I think having Cole be the only killer would have been far more intriguing. And Mara... is a doormat who really needs to do her laundry or something because that irked me to no end.

I'm hoping maybe that will be rectified in the second installment.

There Are No Saints was originally published in October 2021, and is now republished as of October 2023. Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books, NetGalley and the author for the digital advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.