This was an enjoyable second-chance romance. The characters were engaging, the romance was exciting... I did not want to put this book down!

Alright, second chance romances aren't always my jam (yes- I have trust issues), but this one ended up being a glorious surprise! I mean, very few things can beat a tough mafia man with a soft spot for his lady love and Lark knocks these stories out of the park time and time again.

Another great Sophie Lark! This one is the fourth book is in the Brutal Birthright series. The first book was a five our of five for me which got me really excited for the series. Bloody Heart is a second chance following Dante and Simone. It's got all of the tropes you love - forbidden love, second chance, and lots of mafia drama!

We are just informed that Simone and Dante are soul mates, but it is never made clear what exactly they loved about one another. Instead, there was sheer instant love and physical attraction. There was no real character development or relationship building. Their connection lasted very little time, and even then, they were kept so far apart that it's hard to say how well they knew one another. They didn't actually communicate much and were always skulking around to have sex. After a protracted breakup, Simone did something that was hardly forgiven. (If done well, I love this trope). This wasn't a job well done.

I recently read Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark, and I must say, it was a truly captivating experience. This dark and twisted tale is not for the faint of heart, but it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The story is centered around Olivia, a woman with a dark past and a heart full of love. Her journey is filled with intriguing characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

The story delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of love, loss, and the consequences of one's actions. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged and guessing until the very end.

The author has created a vivid and immersive world, where the lines between good and evil are blurred. The setting and atmosphere are expertly crafted, allowing the reader to feel as if they are right there alongside the characters.

The story evokes a wide range of emotions, from anger and frustration to love and loss. The author's ability to elicit these emotions in the reader is a testament to her skill as a writer.

In conclusion, Bloody Heart is a dark and twisted tale that will leave you questioning the nature of love and the consequences of one's actions. With its engaging characters, unexpected twists, and strong world-building, this book is a must-read for fans of the thriller and mystery genres.

The storyline of this had so much potential, but I just really don’t enjoy Sophie’s writing style. It is SO choppy, the sentences are all very stilted and there really is nothing stylistically unique about it. Emotion isn’t conveyed very well and the writing just feels sterile.

I like the *idea* of Dante & Simone, but man the writing just was not it for me.

Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark

Sophie is a great story teller. She has fast paced writing and has the ability to hook you in from the first page. This second chance romance did not disappoint. Dante and Simone story is my favorite so far in the series. You deep dive into Dantes character and makes you love him more. I can’t wait to finish the rest of the books.

I enjoyed the rest of the novels where i saw some Dante and i finally got a Dante book!

He is one of my favorite characters and feels so misunderstood. I enjoyed reading more about who he is and how he fell in love. Can't get a girl out of his head for 9 years, perfect.

This is a part of an interconnected series that can be read alone but is more fun to read together. Dante and Simone are polar opposites. A good girl from the right side of the tracks and a bad boy from the wrong side. They have an interesting meet cute to say the least. Dante and Simone are separated for 9 years when a chance encounter brings them back together. This is a spicy read, from Sophie you can always expect that. It has mafia, grumpy x sunshine, and second chance romance. TW: mentions of SA, human trafficking.

Sophie Lark does it again!!!!! I eat these books up every single time. DANTE GALLO is all I need to say. I’m also a sucker for a second chance romance. I really enjoyed this book!

I didn’t realise this book was re-released on NetGalley. Having already read this book and reviewed it previously on my goodreads account , I won’t be writing a review for this book.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sending me Dante and Simone’s story yet again.

Unfortunately Dante's book wasn't my favorite of the series. It was a second chance love story with the first half being taken up by the past storyline and the second half the second chance. The past storyline felt kind of Insta-lovey and even though the same conflict that lead to the breakup in the first place still existed they got back together. I personaly would have wished for a final chapter where the two main characters talked about that conflict in their relationship.

"Bloody Heart" by Sophie Lark has been described as a captivating and engaging read that quickly draws the reader into a story filled with powerful emotions. The book is an angst-ridden, fast-paced, and action-packed second chance Mafia romance, part of the "Brutal Birthright" series. It portrays a tale of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships, ultimately culminating in a happy ending. The novel is set against a backdrop of suspense, political maneuvering, and moral ambiguity, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. I have been following this series and I am very much enjoying it. Sophie Lark has a way of spinning a tale into an action packed, sexy, and soulful way. I look forward to continuing the "Brutal Birthright" series. This book can be enjoyed as part of the series, or as a stand-alone.

Sophie Lark continues to write stories that have me completely entertained and in love with reading. I completely adore this series and these characters and Sophie Lark just continues to deliver incredible books and the plot gets better and better.

I loved this next installment in this series. She is able to write characters with such intense chemistry that it flies off the page. I flew through this book and adored every second of it. I always have been and always will be a huge Sophie Lark fan!!!

We finally know why Dante went to Iraq, and it was a very Romeo & Juliet-esk vibe but somehow even faster in pace than the Shakespearean tale.

The touching of how men view their daughters as chess pieces instead of human beings was very clear at the beginning of the book and throughout. Simone is viewed as the next step in her father's rise from his poor start, and while I am someone from a white immigrant family & have no idea of the hardships he has faced or his family, I wish men would realize that their children are not them! I thought that this was an interesting addition to the story, especially after Simone became independent and forced her parents to realise she would have a life with or without them.

I adored Riona & Dante's friendship. They are such a good platonic pair! Knowing her book is next, and she will have an 'in danger' themed book, makes me excited to see her family and her friendships with in-laws come out.

The only thing I didn't love about this book was the brutality of how Dante acted when he discovered she still loved him; I felt uncomfortable with that 'show me how sorry you are' scene, so it took me out of it when I honestly loved the book. It took off a star because of that.

Dante and Simone's second chance romance is filled with so much emotional trauma and angst. This novel will break your heart and slowly piece itself back together again. Family dynamics and mental health play a major role in this novel.

Dual POV, Spicy, Mafia Romance, Secret Pregnancy, Second Chance, It Was Always You

4 stars

Bloody Heart is the fourth Book in the Brutal Birthright series by Sophie Lark, it is Dante and Simone. I love this series. It is a Mafia romance following several families, it has suspense, spice and a lot of political maneuvering, all of it great. Each book is unique and exciting. Bloody Heart, while engrossing and I had a great time, is not my favorite in the series. The reason it is not my favorite is because it has some of the tropes in it that I am not a fan of, but I still had a really good time reading it. The writing is good and pulls you in. Dante and Simone have a second chance trope, which I love but I am picky about, but this book delivered and really ripped your heart out at times. Dante is definitely my favorite character in the series, he just has a ridge and series way about him being serious all the time, but Simone really brings something else out of him. The artwork through the book was so amazing and I loved getting those beautiful pictures to go along with the story. I think that while some parts of the plot were not for me, it is still a solid, captivating, action packed read, that makes for a great addition to this series.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Sophie Lark continues to write stories that have me completely entertained and in love with reading. I completely adore this series and these characters and Sophie Lark just continues to deliver incredible books and the plot gets better and better.

I loved this next installment in this series. She is able to write characters with such intense chemistry that it flies off the page. I flew through this book and adored every second of it. I always have been and always will be a huge Sophie Lark fan!!!

"The Blood Heart" by Sophie Lark is a rollercoaster of a romance that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. Simone Solomon, living a life of privilege, is thrust into a dangerous situation that changes the course of her life when she's abducted by Dante Gallo, a man who appears to be a beast but falls hard for his accidental hostage.

The chemistry between Simone and Dante is electric, and Lark skillfully crafts a story that's both passionate and emotionally charged. Their connection is undeniable, even if society deems it wrong. The tension and risks they take for each other make for a captivating and intense narrative.

The time jump of nine years adds an intriguing layer to the story. Seeing Dante and Simone reunited after years of separation is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Lark adeptly explores the complexities of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances.

The writing style is engaging, with Lark bringing the characters to life with vivid descriptions and emotionally charged dialogue. The pacing keeps you hooked, making it difficult to put the book down. The themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

However, the four-star rating comes from the anticipation and buildup that, at times, felt like it could have been more deeply explored. Some aspects of the plot felt rushed, and I found myself craving a bit more depth in certain scenes.

Overall, "The Blood Heart" is a compelling romance with characters who stay with you long after you've finished the book. Lark delivers a story of passion, sacrifice, and second chances that will resonate with readers who love intense, emotionally charged romances. It's a solid addition to the romance genre, leaving you eager for more from this talented author.

A second chance romance, an all consuming love full of angst. Who doesn’t love those buzz words?
Dante and Simon had fallen hard and fast for each other, it was almost obsessive. Although Simone’s parents didn’t approve of the relationship. We follow both lovers as they find their way back to each other, while other things try and keep them apart.
I always enjoy Sophie Lark”s writing. She makes it so easy to sit down and forget about everything else around me. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mafia romance and second chance romance stories!