"But every emotion I ever had, my whole life through, is nothing com-pared to what I feel when I look at you."

Fast and Furious Mafia vibes?? This was more exciting to me than the previous two in the series, but still didn't reach much excitement. I enjoyed the concept and liked the romance, though it seemed a lot more wholesome than expected.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for giving me a chance to read Savage Lover by Sophie Lark in exchange for my honest review.

Sophie Lark delivers yet again with a great story, full of sparks and tension between Nero and Camille, as the stakes are raised once again but this time outside of the usual family business of the Gallos and the Griffins but nonetheless intense and having you grab the book and don't let go until you've finished it.
A story full of cars, bank heists,passions and danger Savage Lover is here to deliver the way only Sophie Lark knows how. You will find yoursef falling for the bad boy attitude Nero exudes just like Camille and you'll just love Camille and her badass attitude and their story will have you want more and more.

I love love love Sophie Lark! I will buy anything she writes! But I love this series!!! Yes I am here for this wild ride with the hot and steamy spicy scenes. This book was so good. I couldn't put this down! I can't wait for the next one .
I just reviewed Savage Lover by Sophie Lark. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

This one is better than both book one and two and has a much more interesting storyline and found it super easy to get into.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Nero and Camille’s story was really good to read! this wasn’t my fav book of the series, but overall I enjoyed their story. The only thing i felt was missing was the banter. I really liked the sub plot in this story as well!

I loved this so much! Worldbuilding, tension, pacing, all 10/10, I've already brought this up as a want to my bookclub and everyone I know. Can't wait to read more from Sophie!!

Sophie Lark's Brutal Birthright series has been on my tbr forever. And I adore the watercolor covers. I read this world completely out of order and read like book 3 of Kingmakers first. So I was familiar with a piece of this story but loved the back and forth and banter that Sophie's style of writing.

Love this series! The characters are so strong. Camille is the strong hardworking girl that has it rough. Nero is the reckless younger son of old Mafia family.
Camille gets into some secondhand trouble and to get out of it she has to become a CI. Which involves her getting into a party scene with the populars she went to high school with.
This is like a Mafia Cinderella story.
Thank you bloombooks for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

I just loved this book. It was amazing and I stayed up far too late into the early morning because I HAD to finish it. Riveting and just well done. Would definitely recommend.

"Savage Lover" by Sophie Lark is a riveting masterpiece that effortlessly blends passion, danger, and complex characters into a spellbinding narrative. Lark's writing is nothing short of brilliant, drawing readers into a world where loyalty and love walk a fine line against a backdrop of power struggles and undeniable chemistry. The characters in this novel are impeccably crafted, with the protagonist's strength and vulnerability creating a magnetic and relatable presence. The dynamics between characters are intricately woven, adding layers of tension and emotion that elevate the story to a whole new level.

The romance in "Savage Lover" is a fiery dance of desire and restraint, skillfully executed by Lark. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and the author masterfully explores the complexities of their relationship, making every stolen moment and heated encounter resonate with intensity. The pacing is impeccable, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with a perfect balance of suspense, romance, and character development. Lark's ability to maintain a high level of tension throughout the narrative showcases her expertise in the genre, making this a must-read for fans of dark romance.

Beyond the romantic elements, "Savage Lover" boasts a compelling plot filled with unexpected twists and turns. The author seamlessly integrates moments of heart-pounding action with poignant revelations, keeping the story dynamic and unpredictable. Themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong add depth to the narrative, making "Savage Lover" a five-star read that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Sophie Lark has once again proven herself as a maestro of dark romance, and this novel stands as a shining example of her storytelling prowess.

I couldn’t have adored this book any more than I did. I finished it late last night and waking up this morning I have the urge to reread it again. Bravo to Sophie Lark! You now have a long life fan in me.

📖: Savage Lover
🖋️: Sophie Lark
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 5 of 5
💬: “Then how can we be together? I can change some things about myself. But not that.”

⚠️: Please check the warnings as this book may not be suitable for all readers. As always, protect your mental health.💛

Tropes, Topics & Themes:
✨Mafia
✨Racing
✨Bad boy
✨Mechanic

Camille works at Axel Auto, a shop that her dad owns while she, her half-brother, and her father live in the small apartment above. Camille has struggled financially all her life. From being teased about it while growing up to never feeling like she fit in. She’s stuck looking after her family.

“Great. I’m a drug dealer now.”

When her little brother gets in trouble. She finds herself working with a creepy cop who doesn’t care if something happens to her I’m the end.

“I want Camille like I’ve never wanted anything in my life. I want her to love me.”

Nero has always been the bad boy/ brother. Being in a mafia family does come with its perks. From fast cars to planning a bank robbery. Nero finds himself sticking up for Camille and falling for her charm.

“Do you think you could ever love me, Camille?”

I loved seeing Nero finally take a chance at love and how much he opened up and changed. Camille has been through way too much but seeing that she found someone who understands and cherishes her. That was beautiful to watch.


Thank you, Sophie Lark, Sourcebooks Bloom Books, and Netgalley for this EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram @Alexandriavwilliams_ shortly.

Camille Rivera is drowning in responsibility. She keeps her fathers auto repair shop running. She keeps her brother Vic in school and out of trouble. But when she finds out her father is sick and Vic is selling drugs, her life starts to spin out of control. She makes a deal with a cop to keep Vic out of trouble, but he’s a dirty cop. She runs into Nero Gallo, who’s family is the local mafia. They’ve always known each other but now they really get to know each other. They understand each other in ways other people don’t. Their relationship blossoms.

This is the third book in a series, but I didn’t realize it when I started it. It’s definitely a stand alone book. Camille is an everyday woman with problems that a lot of us can identify with. Never enough money, a job that just doesn’t pay enough, never feeling pretty enough. Nero swoops in and he doesn’t SAVE her. She can do that herself. But he LOVES her.

this book was such a fun read! so many exciting, action-filled events occurred which made the story super interesting! i personally liked how this book was a bit more heartfelt then the others however i still wish we could’ve seen more build up and development of Nero and Camille’s relationship. overall, i still really enjoyed this book and if you’re a sophie lark fan then i’d definitely recommend reading this!

This is much smarter and more intellectual than you might think!

I did not enjoy this book as much as the first book in the series, but I still enjoyed it. These books are short and sweet, which is a nice change from a lot of romance these days.

This book follows Nero, whom you’ve already met in the first two books. (You can, by the way, read this as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading at least book 1 first. I skipped book two, but some of the plot points in book 2 were spoiled in book 3, so I wouldn’t skip any others.)
Nero is the second Gallo son, brother of Aida. His love interest is Camille, a new character to the series and not part of any crime family. Camille is a mechanic who went to high school with Nero, but they weren’t really friends. Nero doesn’t have a heart until his heart melts for Camille.

I took off a star for a scene I didn’t like which has, in my opinion, dubious consent.

I will read more of the series because I like the characters!

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
spice: several open door scenes
TWs: violence, murder, cancer, drug abuse, parental abandonment, death of a parent, grief, bullying, sketchy cops
standalone: book 3 in the Brutal Birthright Series
final thoughts: once again love the illustrations in these series but TW for some of the scenes that were chosen to be illustrated. There was less action and darkness in this book than the other books in this series which could be appealing to some readers. Overall, it was a fun read with lots of twists, secrets, character building, and the continuation of the rival mafia families. I’m excited to continue this series and meet the rest of the characters

read this book if you love

💓 slowburn
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
👮 blue collar FMC (mechanic)
🔀 opposites attract
🔫 mafia
🌀 plot twists
❓ mystery elements
🤐 secrets

"Savage Lover" by Sophie Lark offers a gritty and passionate narrative that delves into the lives of two individuals who believe they're unworthy of love until their paths cross. With an entertaining plot and Sophie Lark's characteristic modern writing, this story is a compelling addition to the "Brutal Birthright" series.

The story introduces Camille Rivera, who is struggling with a myriad of challenges in her life. Her father is sick, her brother is entangled with a corrupt cop, and her mechanic shop is on the verge of failing. In her neighborhood, Nero Gallo is known as the tough and ruthless guy who never gets attached to anyone. Camille can't help but watch as he leaves a trail of broken hearts in his wake.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Nero steps in to save Camille from a perilous situation. The two have lived next to each other for their entire lives, yet Camille is about to discover there's more to Nero than meets the eye. As their worlds collide, they must confront their own demons and question their beliefs about love and self-worth.

The plot is undeniably entertaining, with a good balance of intrigue and emotion. Sophie Lark's writing is consistent with her signature modern style, drawing readers into a world of complex characters and morally gray heroes.

What stands out in "Savage Lover" is the author's ability to navigate the fine line between dark romance and morally gray characters. Nero's complex personality and Camille's determination make for a compelling dynamic. Their journey from believing they're unworthy of love to discovering unexpected connections is both heartwarming and passionate.

In summary, "Savage Lover" is a captivating addition to the "Brutal Birthright" series, offering a gritty and passionate tale of love and self-discovery. With a well-crafted plot and Sophie Lark's characteristic modern writing, leaving readers eager for more of the author's work in the dark romance genre.

I can’t even call this mafia lite. It’s just really good romance. Nero and camille are a great couple. I could personally do without the fast and furious aspect of the story, but realize that I’m probably in the minority here. Overall a good installment in this series, but not the best.

Sophie Lark just has this way about her writing that is so dang addicting. I get caught up in the characters and the story line so easily. Getting swept up in her stories is so fun to the point where I feel like I’ve only been reading a few minutes when an reality, an hour has gone by. This story was no exception.

This couple is definitely my favorite of the series so far. The chemistry and steam was off the charts and I loved every second of these characters being together. The plot along with the romance was *chef’s kiss* and I think this was written so amazingly.

*Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*