This book was amazing!!
I've read Minx by Sophie Lark and absolutely adored that book, so when I saw this obviously I had to read.
This book has fast and furious vibes and I'm all for it.
I really loved how Nero and Camille got together, it's like they know eachother (because they were neighbours all their lives) but at the same time it's like they are learning more about one another.
Also, I learned that this is part of a series, and I think my experience would have been better if I read the first two, but I still have time ahah.
Also I LOVED the illustrations throughout the book, I think every book should have them!

Thank you so much Sophie Lark and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Another addicting read in the Brutal Birthright series! I started this yesterday and finished it today. This one stood out to me because I found it to have a bit more of a plot, and with a plot that I (as a lifelong Fast and the Furious fan) really latched onto.

The FMC was strong and independent but also working through her own insecurities. I very much enjoyed following along on her journey.

My only complaint about the book was that I wish there was more follow-through on the plot and secondary characters. I wanted to know more about how the secondary characters reacted to the heist - how did they react to the news? Bella and Vic were my favorite side characters and I wanted to know where their stories were going. I would love to read a book with Bella, I think she has big potential for some character development and redemption, and felt that this book started to lay the pieces for it.

Rating - 3.5 stars rounded up

Big thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

My first mafia romance and I really enjoyed it. Going to have to read the rest of the series now. Somehow I did t realize it was book 3 in a series.

I thought it was giving Greece vibes at first, but it ended up more Fast and furious.

Fast paced and easy to read.

The author sophie lark says is best herself “James Dean meets Fast and the Furious”. An amazing continuation of the world written in the stolen heir and brutal prince. I love this world and this author and I am so grateful to share my opinions through the ARC sent my way

<b>Sophie Lark always creates a strong heroine for her antiheroes and I am freaking obsessed with it. Camille Rivera has a heart of fire and spine of steel who loves deeply and unconditionally and intensely. She has so many obstacles piling up against her but she fights bravely for people she loves. Nero Gallo comes from a whole different world from her. Italian mafia, rich, dark, twisted, powerful, c0cky, ridiculously sexy..and falling for the girl from the other side. Nero is definitely one of my favorites from Sophie Lark. The plot is full of twists, turns and action. And of course, all the spice!</b>

I won't say it's a dark romance because the first book I read from Sophie Lark was the duet that remains one of my darkest reads ever. Nero has so much violence and anger inside. He is the perfect mafia hero. With cold ruthless deranged personality. His arrogant ways will make you melt. He has issues. His hidden grief makes him react savagely. But Camille makes him feel oddly comfortable. People thinks she is way out of his league. But the fact is he needed someone who doesn't drool after his money or notoriety or sex appeal..someone who sees the wounded soul inside. Camille was that girl. It's amazing how she manages to tame his demons when her own life is going to h3ll. But our girl has determination and grit. Their chemistry is sizzling hot and in middle of all the mess, it burns brightly. I loved how Camille became a part of Nero's crazy plans and crazier life and how Gallos accepted her wholeheartedly.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Savage Lover
Author: Sophie Lark
Rating: 3.5/5

I was getting major Fast and Furious vibes from this. Despite the slower beginning of this novel, I quickly became engrossed in the story line. Camille works really hard and is driven to overcome any obstacles that life presents to her. Nero, on the other hand, is the bad boy you've always wanted but have been too terrified to take on.

There is no denying Sophie Lark's talent as a writer; her books are amazing and feature great chemistry between the two main characters. She also has a knack for creating characters with major shortcomings who find redemption in each other.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Nero and Camille’s story is so euphoric, adding in cars only made it hotter.
He’s part of a mafia family, he’s strong, rich, careless and ruthless.
She’s a beautiful, lost auto mechanic who’s only ever taken care of everyone but herself.
Their story is electric. It’s fast paced and exciting with a drug lord, bad cops and a bank robbery.
Hands down relatable with how they realize how much they do have in common.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and Netgalley, I loved it.

"There's nobody else, Camille, nobody who ever made me feel like this"

I think this one probably my favorite of the series - which may be an odd thing to say because the others had more angst, more banter, the stakes were higher, but I think this one was just so wholesome in away which again, is a very odd thing to say of a mafia book and it definitely gave Fast & Furious vibes, which I loved.

Also again the art work was absolutely lovely and really adds to the story. I love that Sophia Lark adds illustrations to her books. ❤️

Thank you to Netgalley as well the publishing team at SOURCEBOOKS Bloom books, as well as Sophia Lark for this Copy of the book in return for an honest review. 🖤

3.5
This was just a fun popcorn read. It was a fun fast and the furious romance. I liked Camila and I have been waiting for Nero’s story. I just wished there was less high school drama and more mafia.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Not my favorite of this series. Something about these two together just didn’t click for me. Nero was amazing but Camille’s whole life was a downer.

Sophie Lark writing mafia is amazing!!! Another fast pace beautifully written book. Her execution of characters and plot was done so good. I was captivated start to finish and could not put down this book!!

Wow! What a fast-paced, mafia love story! Sophie Lark has done it again with this book. Imagine fast and the furious girl meeting the mob boss’ son. I absolutely love the playlist in the beginning as it sets the tone for the book. As always, the illustrations are stellar and help to put yourself directly in the novel with the characters. I do feel like there could have been some more angst and more high stakes between the characters. The characters also felt rushed. Nero is a bad boy who does NOT do relationships but immediately fell for Camille. Like I mentioned, a little more push back from Nero. Some more banter between the two. He picks her up during the street race and then they end up kissing. It was all very fast. Also, loved the bonus ending. I think it really helped with perspective with Nero, Camille and Aida to be seen in a different light.
But this book will have me continuing with Sophie Lark’s work as I’ve always loved her writing style. 4 out 5 stars for Savage Lover!

4.5 ⭐, 3🌶️

"I want Camille like I've never wanted anything in my life. I want her to love me. She's the only one who knows me, so she's the only one who can. And I want to love her. I'm fucking awful at it - I've never had any practice."

MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BRUTAL BIRTHRIGHT SERIES! Nero and Camile hold such a special place in my heart, and seeing as I don't relate to either of them in any way, they still were also relatable (this makes total sense in my head). This book is referenced as Fast & Furious meets James Dean/ Mafia and its a total vibe. We're taken a bit off the mafia track in this book, and deal more with our two MC's personal problems, and I really enjoyed it - Camille as a sister and caretaker for her dad makes my heart so happy, and learning of Nero's past trauma is so interesting.

"I don't ever want you to be jealous," I tell her. "There's nobody else, Camille. Nobody who ever made me feel like this."

Tropes:
💙Mafia Romance
💜Opposites Attract
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💜Interracial Romance
💙Car Obsessed MC's

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for an eARC copy of Savage Lover by Sophie Lark. This is my honest, free review!

I had really high hopes for this book as Sophie Lark is a booktok favourite and therefore I was really interested to read the book. However for me this was just okay. I did like the nice touch of the pictures within the book and have never seen that done before. But overall I felt the chemistry between Nero and Camille was just lacking because it is very rushed like they are into each other after meeting twice after many many years. I actually skimmed read Nero's chapters cause I don't know what it was but I just couldn't get into him as a love interest. With Camille I was interested in her character to begin with but as the story went on it just felt repetitive. There was a lot going on in the book which I think worked but had the writing been better it would have increased the rating for me on the book as the storyline and characters that has potential but it just missed the mark somewhere.

Thank you Bloom and Netgalley for this free arc in return for an honest review.

This book did not leave me wanting more. It was average. The thing about this series is you don’t hold a special attachment to any character, they’re short and sweet. The story is mid to fast paced. I was expecting more but it did not deliver but it did not leave me disappointed.

This story follows Camille and Nero. Two unlikely people who cross paths. Camille (by all rights a tomboy) and Nero (shitty ass attitude) fall in love, become criminals together. I feel like more could have been done for Vics backstory and some more closure on this because I felt where it was left off wasn’t great.

Overall an average book with an average story.

Savage Lover by Sophie Lark
Re-release Date: 9/19/23
Format: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh I was excited to get to Nero’s book and Savage Lover did not disappoint! I am loving the Brutal Birthright series so much and this book might just be my favorite yet!

Camille was such a badass FMC. A mechanic who would do anything for her family, she finds herself getting in trouble as she tries to keep her brother on the right track. This obviously forces her path to cross with Nero and the chemistry is fantastic!

Pick up this book if you’re looking for:
🔪 Mafia Romance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🔧 Very capable FMC
🥵 Well written but not eye roll inducing smut

Cannot wait to read the next in this series! Big thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

Savage Lover is the third book of the Brutal Birthright series of interconnected standalones. I loved Nero and Camille’s story but I will say it is my least favorite of the series. I liked everything about it but was more invested in the other books. Nero is broody and a player but will do whatever it takes to protect those he loves. Camille is a mechanic and will do what she needs to to take care of her dad and brother. These two bond over their love of cars and are perfect for each other. I wish there had been more of the mafia aspect to the story and more angst. This is still a great read that I was able to quickly get through and definitely gave me more insight to the Gallo family. If you like the Fast and Furious movies you will definitely enjoy this book!

I really enjoyed Savage Lover. Nero has always been one of my favorite Gallo siblings. This felt a lot less high stakes than the first two of the series, but fun. I enjoyed Nero and Camille getting to know and understand each other. Lets be honest- an honest to god bank heist is always fun. Series Fast & Furious vibes here which I love.

Savage Lover is one book I devoured in one sitting. Enriched with high-stakes, sizzling chemistry, spice and healing, Sophie Lark once again delivers on Nero's and Camille's story.

I appreciated the slight deviation from the generic mafia prototype for Nero. He considers himself the black sheep of the Gallos, marching to the beat of his drum and using his charm and looks to have women in his bed. The author does a commendable job of stripping the male protagonist to reveal his fears, regrets and vulnerabilities.

Camille was a wonderful, earnest character whose decisions are dictated by her dire circumstances - her Mum walked out on the family, her dad is seriously ill, requiring ongoing treatment and keeping her brother from making bad choices. Her background is enriched with hard work and making tough decisions, and there couldn't have been a better match for Nero. It was always wonderful to unite with the Gallos and the Griffins!

This book will appeal to you if you're a racing, high-stake heist and a Fast and Furious fan. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you, NetGalley & Bloom Books, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

amazing. phenomenal. breathtaking. i genuinely cannot even put my thoughts together yet on how great this was. sophie lark has once again pulled it outta the bag. superb!!