I really tried to love this series, but I just couldn’t get into it. I think it’s unfortunately just not my genre of choice, I am so thankful for the arc opportunity though

Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark was intense and thrilling! The chemistry between the characters was electrifying, and the dark, gritty plot kept me hooked. Lark's writing is raw and captivating, making it impossible to put down. If you're into high stakes, dark romance, this one’s a must-read!

Zero stars if I could - the author is problematic, racist, and MAGA. I would not recommend her books to anyone.

I seem to have mistaken the cover and title for a suspenseful book about romance in a grim setting, The anatomical bloody heart and matching title gave me an entirely different impression.
Instead the main characters fall instantly in love after 20 pages and jump into bed at the first opportunity.
If you are looking for a steamy romance this is exactly the book you are looking for, but it was not for me.

I will compliment the author on the writing style. The first few chapters establish Simone’s character, and her relations to the rest of the world clearly and the writing is easy to read.

The story continues.
I liked Dante from the first book and I knew I would like his story.

Having some more flashbacks to show more of their growing relationship would be nice and the end felt a bit rushed, but, I know that we will see more of them.

I can't say that I like Simone's character, but it does have some development, so there's that.

Dante is one more character with the name that makes me melt and his development is more obvious than any of the other characters.

There are a few issues with this book, mostly character wise.
One scene in particular, that I know would be fine and just looked over if Simone was white, but she's not and I don't know if Mrs Lark meant for it to sound that way. She could have used that in any other of her books..

I liked the plot twist, but I would have liked for the "villain" to be a bit more fleshed out.
All in all, is a good book to continue the series.

I’ve previously enjoyed books from this series by Sophie Lark and was looking forward to getting back into it. Unfortunately I will not be reading anymore of her books due to the racist statements and praising of real life nazi Elon Musk in her upcoming book Sparrow and Vine.

I was going to read and write a review for this book, but then I found out that Ms. Lark's 2025 book, Sparrow and Vine, has a clear cut racist views in it, to include having "people of unclear documentation picking grapes for people" and incest. That's not what I want to read in a book, and it very clearly depicts her views in the world. I will not support this author. I will not read from this author. And I will not recommend her to anyone.

Unfortunately I really struggled with this one. I've loved a lot of Sophie Larks work before but I picked this one up and DNF'd it multiple times before finally pushing myself through to finish. Simone is a really weak character and we just don't see the character development i needed to see. This book has all the bones for a book I would LOVE but i could not get over the weak FMCs that continues to be weak and walked on throughout the entire book.

This was a easy read. I love the Gallo and the Griffin families.

Dante is such a good big brother and you got to see more of how protective he is of the people he loves in the book.

Simone is kind and has to work through what her family will think of her if she choses love.

This book starts off with both of them as young adults and then after some major events in their lives they are separated. Then it picks back up 9 years later where they reconnect for a 2nd chance at love.

I absolutely love this book. I just couldn’t put it down. I love the story so much and I can’t wait to read more of Sophie Larks’ books.

I absolutely recommend .

“She’s the other part of me. I’ve been wandering around for nine years with only half my soul. I never thought I’d be whole again.”
A new favorite in this series!!! I don’t know what Sophie put in these books but it’s like crack, literally reading these books in a day!
I love a good second chance romance and this one was so angsty and had an all-consuming romance. Dante was a great possessive, alpha hero, character but Simone is by far the weakest of Sophie's heroines I've read. I liked the past parts, that childhood infatuation, the uncertainty and all of that.
Their romance were kinda sweet.

I gave this book 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. I honestly don't remember much about this book other than the fact that I enjoyed the series as a whole, but I didn't not enjoy this particular book. Simone got on my nerves, and I've never been a fan of the "love child you didn't know about - surprise" trope. To be clear, I still love Sophie's books, and if she writes it...I'll read it. This just wasn't one I'll read again.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Sophie Lark for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

*Bloody Heart* by Sophie Lark is a rollercoaster of emotions wrapped in a steamy, angst-filled mafia romance. As the fourth installment in the "Brutal Birthright" series, this book delivers a mix of intense attraction, heartache, and second chances.

The story of Simone and Dante is one of undeniable chemistry and deep-seated conflict. Simone, raised in a world of privilege, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Dante, a mafioso with a rough exterior and a soft spot for her. Their relationship is a tumultuous one, marked by a passionate connection and a devastating separation. The tension between their worlds and their personalities adds depth to their romance, though at times it feels a bit predictable.

What stands out most is the emotional weight of the story. Lark excels at portraying the longing and regret that haunt both characters. The narrative is intense, and the stakes are high, especially with Simone harboring a secret that could tear them apart again.

However, while the book packs a punch in terms of drama and steamy scenes, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of other entries in the series. Some plot points feel rushed, and the resolution, though satisfying, is a bit too neat for the level of angst built up throughout the story.

Overall, *Bloody Heart* is a solid read for fans of mafia romances, especially those who enjoy a good second-chance love story. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s an engaging tale of love, loss, and redemption that will keep you hooked until the end.

Another great mafia romance from Sophie Lark!

I really enjoyed this installment in the Brutal Birthright series, even if it included one of my least favorite tropes. I do think the first half was much stronger than the back half, but I think this was an overall pleasant experience for me.

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

Dante’s story is one I’ve been curious since the 1st book and I gotta say his love story is quite heart-breaking.
While I do adore Dante’s character, I’m not too sure about Simone… I wish we get to see Simone standing up to her parents more even after all those years.
This story was super-fast-paced that at some point I wished it would've be slower to give room for the characters to process their feelings when certain events happened.

I also adore some parts where the author drops a few scenes of showing how the couples from the previous books are faring like Aida and Callum.

The last few chapters are quite intense but, the story ended with happiness for all the characters.
It also offer a small snippet of the new couple featuring in the next book.

Overall, it’s a good addition to the series. I think Bloody Heart is my favorite out of the Brutal Birthright series so far…
If you’re looking for a fast-paced second chance mafia romance story then this one might be for you!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: sexual content, gun violence, death, pregnancy, chronic illness.

Dont sleep on this author she brings the spice, adult content and dark reads together in an addicting way. While most of her books may not be available at your local library they have been spotted in some big box stores.
I personally love the story where a woman has it all and sits in a gilded gage.. and who doesnt like a bad boy.
For me I think I would have loved the book more if I got book 1 but it seemed half the book was a catch up? or was it simply a flashback/ dual timelines. I think because so much time was spent on this flash back or rehash there really wasnt much character connection built so I didnt really feel attached to the character.s I will be rereading this series in the right order so my opinion will probably change

Many thanks to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Okay so while getting through all the books before this one in this series, I kept reading how everyone was getting hyped for Dante's book and naturally it kind of hyped me up too. Also the fact that Dante seemed to be the only level headed Gallo brother also kind of helped I guess, I was curious about his back story and how he became this stoic seemingly unfeeling man.

I have never ever been let down this way ever, we have our first black FMC and you make her think he can be my master and I will be his slave?? Not to mention her father is literally fighting against slavery globally. (also let's not forget how Saudi Arabia is brought up as the country that allows slavery, even though they did abolish it in 1962) how the hell did this book that is getting republished in 2023, get through editing and actually make it to print. Can you hear me rage typing this?

Now this part is spoiler, so feel free to skip it.

The final thing that was the ultimate axe on the throat was the last confrontation, so you have only black main character in the entire series being hunted down by 2 white men, and she literally have to strip off her white dress (like??) and roll in mud to save herself. This is the most diabolical thing I have read in a book.

Like do you not know your own history, not know the things that happened/ happens in America when you write, edit and publish and then republish a book like that.

These were not my only problems, but I don't want to spend any more energy on this one ffs.

TW: RACISM, Misogyny, Violence, Gore, Kidnapping, Gun violence, parental abandonment, mental health struggles and the list goes on.

Sophie Lark is a go to for a fun, entertaining read and this was no exception. I think this was my favorite of the series and ugh, that cover! I highly recommend!

Great spicy romance with the element of darkness. Loved the style of writing and the plot if the storyline. Love the covers of this books.

The moment we've all been waiting for!! Dante's story, is he a walking red flag absolutely and I'm 100% here for it. Simone and Dante have chemistry and it's the explosive kind but man did Simone also get under my skin in this as well. This one has me torn apart on love and like, it starts off so strong and then starts to lose me. I still enjoyed the plot and writing but it wasn't as strong as the others. Would still recommend and enjoyed.