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.*

2.5 stars.

"Savage Lover" by Sophie Lark is a mafia romance that didn't really capture and hold my attention. It feels a little too trite and convenient. Main characters Camille and Nero get together way too quickly, bordering on insta-love with a "savage" slant to the story. There's not a lot of time for them to develop their relationship, and because of this, I didn't feel the chemistry between them at all. There is so much potential here, but it feels dropped by the wayside. I liked Nero and Camille as individual characters, but together, they were lackluster. Camille is basically her own hero, which I loved. I felt for her and her situation. Nero is the typical kind of possessive, rich, alpha mafia criminal protagonist with a sordid past that's justified by something horrible that happened in his life.
There are a few good moments (the first car chase, the MDMA scene, when Camille confronts Raymond), but overall, I wasn't overly impressed with this book, or the writing. It felt like a scandalous young adult novel (derogatory).

Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Lark, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

I could not get into this book. I felt like the synopsis really had me intrigued but then I didn't love the whole bad cop situation. Not my favorite.

I’ve really enjoyed Sophie Larks previous mafia romances and the world she’s created. I was really excited to read Savage Lover, but unfortunately the storyline didn’t grab me as much. A solid 3 star read, the storyline didn’t hold my interest as much as the first two books, but I really enjoyed seeing where the series is going. Really looking forward to the next book!

I loved this so much, a fantastic second book in the series , I loved Nero and Camille's relationship loved the high drama as well as the intimate scenes, great fast and furious vibes for Mei loved it so much , thoroughly recommend the whole series, but you can read each as stand-alone too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

(4.75★)

“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.”

Mafia romance Savage Lover by Sophie Lark centers on the relationship between mechanic Camille Rivera and bad boy Nero Gallo.

Why did no one get me to read Sophie Lark sooner? Because I am obsessed and in love with Sophie’s writing.

The novel finished far too soon; I'm not sure if that was because I was invested in Nero and Cami so much or if it was just a fast-paced book.

Despite being from different sides of the track, Nero and Cami had a darkness to them both that I loved, and they were both hot asf. Also, the fact that Nero, despite being a bad boy, was the first to admit he wanted a serious relationship with Cami, was EVERYTHING.

That being said, I devoured every scene and trope Sophie wrote in this book, including the art print, because it was hot asf.

In all, this book had every trope that I enjoy most in dark romance books, and it was made even better by the fact that Sophie wrote it!

*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.*

Sophie Lark’s on a roll with this series! It’s mafia goodness and I’m eating it up! From badass heroines to sexy heroes, with a spin of a unique trope thrown into the mix makes for great fun! I’m so easily hooked by Sophie’s writing and such a major fan of the way she keeps the action paced throughout, plus the sexual tension and chemistry burns off the pages! Another great installment and I’m so excited for the next one!

So after finishing Aida Gallo's story (Brutal Prince), which I loved, I was ready to dive back into the gritty, dark world that absolutely fascinated me. It may be part Aida's brother Nero's story, but Camille Rivera's ugly duckling/beautiful swan beginnings and brave heart had me rooting for her.

While I think Camille is a bada$$ girl, everyone else around her sees her as just a mechanic from the poor side of town. The love for her father and her younger brother, Vic, truly warmed my heart, even if it caused her to make some crazy choices. In the process of saving Vic, she bumps into Nero Gallo. He's rich, hot, and wasn't even in her atmosphere when they were in highschool. Six years later, and things between these two have completely changed. I liked the slow burn feel to their romance because their growing friendship felt so real.

I noticed that Sophie Lark shows her characters flaws in such a stark light.
Nero, for example, has an almost antihero appeal going for him. He's gorgeous on the outside but his flaws are a cruel personality and a criminal mind. Then along came Camille who showed him that he was more than just the vicious jerk he showed the world.

I heard about Sophie Lark thru social media. So I thought I would give her books a try. I couldn’t get into the story line. Not sure if this is one of those books that I need to put down to pick up again later. It didn’t grab my attention. It actually feels like it should be written as a tv episode. This is a DNF for me going back to my TBR for later.

I devoured this in one day. It was a bit different than the others – less mafia-y and more normal, but still with crime. If that makes sense?? Either way, I was all for it!

It gave major Fast & Furious vibes, but it was also really sweet. I feel like the progression of Nero and Camille's relationship was natural and wholesome in a way I didn't expect. We got some serious high stakes moments as well as some intimate and funny ones.

It can be read as a standalone but I truly recommend reading all the books in order for the best experience. Definitely think you should read it if you like an underdog fmc that's badass and a mmc who likes to drive around with you in this car.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

SAVAGE LOVER by Sophie Lark is, at times, a dark mafia book, but is also a romance of two people who need to find one another.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=83810

This book was SO good and I didn’t want it to end!! Nero and Camille are complete opposites, which makes them the perfect pair- her goodness and his “darkness”. Camille grew up poor, working her dad’s auto shop, and getting teased by her peers for more reasons than one, but she never let that get her down or let it dictate how she lived her life. Nero is a “bad” boy, who has a new girl almost every night, lives his life without fear and for thrills, and has an Italian mafia boss as a father. Their lives have cross paths multiple times before this book, but after their first “adventure” together, the slow burning of their chemistry starts. Be prepared to get antsy in your seat because your pressing your thighs together, have a fan nearby to cool you off or have a change of panties somewhere. We all want to have a taste of a bad boy and Nero is just that and more. He is very skilled with his hands and tongue. I don’t want to give anything away, but this book is definitely worth reading so one click, pre order, or get on KU. You won’t be disappointed! I feel like this book would make a great movie! Sophie is incredibly talented to write such a captivating book! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!

I received an ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Savage Lover by Sophie Lark is book 3 of the Brutal Birthright series. Nero and Camille is an unlikely pairing but their pieces fit together o so deliciously. The tension in the book is just the right level to build to the last action scene. Their chemistry is wonderful and the overall story flows. I love this author and series and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Ok, so I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous book I had read by Sophie. That's ok though, no hate on the author or their book. Still check it out if you like.

Thank you to Netgalley and SourceBooks for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed how the first half of the book was primarily plot, and we gradually got to meet and engage with the MCs. Normally, I'd grow bored waiting so long for anything, but it worked perfectly in this situation. I was emotionally immersed in the plot. Having said that, it could have been better. I'm not sure why I enjoyed it so much because it's not one of the best books I've read, nor is it a love story for the ages. Despite this, I felt like these characters could be genuine; despite the illicit actions presented (which I can't tell are true or not), the way those two interacted with each other and eventually got together was realistically random, and I liked it. Camille was quite appealing to me. For some reason, the underdog vibe she exudes is what makes me fall in love with a character. Nero as well. I believe he is the greatest character to portray as unstable and a little insane. Why? Because it wasn't excessive. To be regarded as slightly insane, one does not have to dismember people on a nightly basis with incredible joy. Someone can be hazardous in a subtle, cunning manner.

My favourite of the series - which is odd because the others had more angst, more banter, the stakes were higher, but I think this one was just wholesome which again, is a very odd thing to say of a mafia book.

Oh my gosh, okay I know I’m apparently reading these out of order, I’ll go back and read again in the correct way, but this was my first book by this author and I loved it! I can’t wait to read more!

I got some Fast and Furious vibes from this one!

Savage Lover wasn't my favourite out of series (only because I don't enjoy the player Ml with a good girl trope sometimes), but I still enjoyed it. It felt more wholesome; less stakes and more calm. Little to no mafia content as well.

I loved the characters individually and together as well. Camilla was witty and down-to-earth (I adored her passion for cars!), while Nero's development was satisfying to read about. Their chemistry was quite good together. The plot and pacing was excellent as usual; I couldn't put this story down! I wish there was an epilogue though.

Thank you Sophie Lark, Netgalley and Bloom for providing an ARC.

I love this series so much! Sophie Lark is so creative and I love how she matches couples together. I also think she writes with a strong point of view.

This wasn’t my favorite in the series as I felt Camille and Nero didn’t have much time to develop a relationship. But the action sequences were fun!

Thank you for the arc & this was my first Sophie lark book. I was enjoying it but I don’t think I like the series maybe because I’m reading out of order.