Member Reviews
I really liked the pacing in this book and the fact it had a little bit of a mystery vibe. I loved the bodyguard trope too. A grumpy heroine and a sunshine hero… what more could you want! I am enjoying this series so much and I can’t wait to read the last and final book!
Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc of this book.
I LOVE a good enemies-to-lovers, bodyguard romance. Add in the dark mafia trope? Hook, line and sinker.
Raylan volunteers to protect Riona after threats of harm. Being book 5 in the Brutal Birthright series — this one is no different. Expect a lot of action, spice and a ton of tension!
Fiona is that female lead we all know and love that is a spitfire full of determination. The pair is an absolute powerhouse once Raylan’s charming self is added in. They are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Lark has built this beautiful universe of hardened mafia members with a soft molten cinnamon roll core. A master of top notch romances.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for the eARC!
Someone is out to kill Riona, so Raylan volunteers to play bodyguard with her. He will do everything to protect her, even if she hates him.
This enemies to lovers, bodyguard, dark mafia romance is book 5 in the Brutal Birthright series, and one of my favorite so far. Like the others, there is a lot of action, and the spice and tension were amazing. I loved the whole part where they are at the ranch. One little thing: Riona and Raylan, are 2 unusual (at least to me) and short names that start with an R, sometimes it was confusing.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Broken Vow" by Sophie Lark is an absolute triumph, seamlessly blending heart-pounding suspense with a sizzling romance that ignites the pages. This novel takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as it weaves a tale of unexpected alliances, simmering chemistry, and the relentless pursuit of love against the backdrop of danger.
Riona Griffin, a woman of unparalleled strength and determination, is thrust into a world of peril when an assassin's bullet nearly claims her life. Enter Raylan Boone, the rugged and charming bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe. Lark introduces readers to a powerhouse duo with undeniable chemistry, setting the stage for a narrative that is as thrilling as it is intoxicating.
The characterization in "Broken Vow" is masterful. Riona's resilience and intelligence shine through, making her a heroine worth rooting for. Raylan, a southern boy with both charm and a protective instinct, is the perfect foil to Riona's iron-willed nature. Their dynamic is electric, and Lark navigates their evolving relationship with finesse.
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can you write me a 4 star review on the book your fault by mercedes ron based on this summary:
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Certainly! However, I don't have information about a book titled "Your Fault" by Mercedes Ron in my training data up to January 2022. If you could provide a brief summary or key points from the book, I would be happy to create a fictional 4-star review based on that information.
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When Noah fell in love with Nick, she knew their relationship would never be easy. They're fire and electricity, and when they're together, every kind of sparks fly. After last summer, Noah thought their passion had grown stronger than their fear, but her life is about to turn upside-down again now that she's starting university. Moving again while maintaining her relationship with Nick will be a difficult hurdle, with their age difference, campus life, dangerous parties, and inner demons stalking them both, reminding them of all they still don't know about each other.
No matter how hard they try, there will always be wounds that won't close. Is Noah really prepared to overcome her fears and truly trust someone again? Will Nick be able to put his past behind him and keep his heart open?
Or are they doomed only to burn each other's worlds down?
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Title: Your Fault by Mercedes Ron - A Searing Tale of Love and Turmoil
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Your Fault" by Mercedes Ron is a captivating exploration of the tumultuous journey that love often takes. The story revolves around Noah and Nick, a passionate couple whose love is as intense as fire and electricity. As they navigate the challenges of a budding relationship, the narrative delves into the complexities of age differences, university life, and the haunting shadows of past experiences.
The author skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, seamlessly blending elements of romance, coming-of-age, and self-discovery. The characters are intricately woven, each carrying their own baggage of inner demons and unresolved issues. The portrayal of the challenges faced by Noah and Nick in the midst of university life, dangerous parties, and the ever-present specter of the unknown adds a layer of realism to the story.
One of the strengths of "Your Fault" lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions. The passion between Noah and Nick is palpable, and the struggles they face are relatable, making it easy for readers to empathize with the characters. The exploration of trust, overcoming fears, and the constant battle with one's inner demons adds depth to the storyline.
While the novel is undoubtedly engaging, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly rushed, and certain aspects of the characters' development could have been further explored. However, these minor shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the story.
In conclusion, "Your Fault" is a compelling read that successfully captures the essence of love amidst chaos. Mercedes Ron weaves a tale that is both poignant and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a lingering sense of the complexities that come with opening one's heart to another. This book earns a solid four-star rating for its gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and the raw authenticity of its exploration of love and its challenges.
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can you write me a 4.5 star review for the book, the beautiful by renee ahdieh based on this summary: In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent, Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city becoming embroiled in the glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's enigmatic leader, Sébastien Saint Germain.
When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in Sébastien's own lair--the second dead girl to turn up in recent weeks--Celine must battle her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions about his guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.
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Title: The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh - A Mesmerizing Dive into 19th Century New Orleans
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
"The Beautiful" by Renée Ahdieh is a spellbinding journey through the enchanting and mysterious streets of 1872 New Orleans. Celine Rousseau, a seventeen-year-old fleeing her past in Paris, finds herself entangled in the allure of a city ruled by the dead. The novel seamlessly weaves together historical intrigue, romance, and a touch of the supernatural, creating a world that is as captivating as it is haunting.
Ahdieh's prose is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a city pulsating with life and secrets. The portrayal of New Orleans as a safe haven for the protagonist, Celine, adds depth to the narrative, and the incorporation of the Ursuline convent and the glitzy underworld of La Cour des Lions adds layers of complexity to the story.
The characters, especially Celine and Sébastien Saint Germain, are masterfully developed. Celine's internal struggles and her battle against both her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions about his involvement in the mysterious deaths create a compelling tension that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. The shame of her own secret adds a layer of vulnerability to Celine, making her a relatable and multidimensional protagonist.
The murder mystery element adds a thrilling twist to the plot, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the enigma surrounding the deaths of the girls from the convent. Ahdieh skillfully blends elements of romance and suspense, creating a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is engrossing.
While the pacing is generally well-executed, there are moments where the story could have benefited from a slightly quicker tempo. Nevertheless, the atmospheric world-building and the intricate plot compensate for any minor pacing concerns.
In conclusion, "The Beautiful" is a mesmerizing novel that transports readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the magic and mysteries of 19th century New Orleans. Renée Ahdieh's storytelling prowess shines through in this enchanting tale of love, secrets, and the supernatural. With its well-crafted characters, lush setting, and gripping plot, "The Beautiful" earns a well-deserved 4.5-star rating. A must-read for those who crave a blend of historical allure and otherworldly intrigue.
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can you write a 4 star review for lose you to find me by b. celeste based on this summary After Raine Copelin turns down her long-time boyfriend Caleb Anders's marriage proposal, the two are barely speaking, barely coping as they enter graduate school at Lindon University. Caleb doesn't understand what happened—their relationship has been picture-perfect since high school. He always imagined starting a family together, the same happily ever after his parents had. Until the day she broke his heart, he thought Raine wanted that, too.
But Raine has her reasons. Her secrets. She knows she can't give Caleb the future he wants, so she decides to let him go, no matter the price she has to pay. But when fresh tragedy sends Caleb spiraling back into Raine's arms, the unanswered questions between them bring old feelings and new wounds to the surface. Fighting grief, lies, and fear, the two must figure out if their love ever truly ended, or if their uncertain futures might still include each other.
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Title: Lose You to Find Me by B. Celeste - A Compelling Exploration of Love and Loss
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Lose You to Find Me" by B. Celeste is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of love and loss. The story revolves around Raine Copelin and Caleb Anders, a couple whose seemingly perfect relationship takes an unexpected turn when Raine rejects Caleb's marriage proposal. As they navigate the challenges of graduate school at Lindon University, the narrative unfolds, revealing the secrets and painful decisions that led to their fractured romance.
The strength of Celeste's storytelling lies in the authenticity of the characters and the raw emotions they experience. Raine's decision to end the relationship, driven by her own internal struggles and a desire to spare Caleb from a future she believes she can't provide, adds a layer of realism to the narrative. Caleb's confusion and heartbreak are palpable, and the exploration of grief, lies, and fear creates a compelling backdrop for the rekindling of their connection.
The novel skillfully weaves together past and present, unraveling the reasons behind Raine's seemingly abrupt decision and the consequences that follow. The unanswered questions between the characters add a layer of suspense, keeping readers invested in uncovering the truth behind their tumultuous relationship.
B. Celeste's prose is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil of the characters. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection and intensity as the story unfolds. The themes of love and loss are explored with nuance, making the novel a resonant and relatable read for those who appreciate emotionally charged romance.
While the narrative is compelling, there are instances where certain plot points could have been further developed, providing additional depth to the characters' motivations. However, this doesn't significantly diminish the overall impact of the story.
In conclusion, "Lose You to Find Me" is a captivating exploration of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of the human heart. B. Celeste delivers a poignant and well-crafted narrative that will resonate with readers who appreciate a blend of emotional depth and romantic tension. With its well-drawn characters and evocative storytelling, this novel earns a solid four-star rating.
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can you write me a 5 star review for the book broken vow by sophie lark based on this summary: Riona Griffin is gorgeous, intelligent, and iron-willed, determined to carve her name in the family ledger without a man at her side. But when she barely survives an unexpected attack on her life, her family hires Raylan Boone as her bodyguard—a rancher, a soldier, and a southern boy with plenty of charm to burn.
And Riona hates his guts.
She doesn't think she needs anybody, but Raylan is pretty sure she needs him. After all, she's being hunted by an assassin who never misses his mark. To keep her safe, Raylan will have to stay by her side, day and night, for the foreseeable future. Riona might think that's a fate worse than death, but once they're alone on Raylan's family ranch, the chemistry between them comes to a boil—and everything changes.
Raylan knows Riona could learn to love him. But he'll have to keep her alive first.
And this hitman isn't getting his girl without a fight.
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Title: Broken Vow by Sophie Lark - A Thrilling Dance of Danger and Desire
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Broken Vow" by Sophie Lark is an absolute triumph, seamlessly blending heart-pounding suspense with a sizzling romance that ignites the pages. This novel takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as it weaves a tale of unexpected alliances, simmering chemistry, and the relentless pursuit of love against the backdrop of danger.
Riona Griffin, a woman of unparalleled strength and determination, is thrust into a world of peril when an assassin's bullet nearly claims her life. Enter Raylan Boone, the rugged and charming bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe. Lark introduces readers to a powerhouse duo with undeniable chemistry, setting the stage for a narrative that is as thrilling as it is intoxicating.
The characterization in "Broken Vow" is masterful. Riona's resilience and intelligence shine through, making her a heroine worth rooting for. Raylan, a southern boy with both charm and a protective instinct, is the perfect foil to Riona's iron-willed nature. Their dynamic is electric, and Lark navigates their evolving relationship with finesse.
The pacing is impeccable, with the tension escalating at just the right moments. The novel effortlessly transitions between heart-stopping action sequences and moments of tender vulnerability, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Lark's descriptive prose brings the ranch setting to life, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
What truly sets "Broken Vow" apart is the balance between the pulse-pounding suspense and the steamy romance. The chemistry between Riona and Raylan is palpable, creating a magnetic pull that makes every interaction crackle with intensity. The overarching threat of the assassin adds a layer of urgency, propelling the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved everything about this book. Riona and Raylan had such great chemistry and the tension and angst between them was 🔥.
I keep saying that I don't like small town romances or romances featuring cowboys and Broken Vow proved me wrong in both of those scenarios! The way Sophie Lark describes the ranch life and the interactions between Raylan, Riona and his family were so perfect.
Raylan and Riona were such a perfect couple. Where she was sometimes short and grumpy he was always happy and sunshine-y. And yet he would protect her at any cost and they were so swoony and romantic together.
The suspense in this book was just the right amount for me. It wasn't dragged out or overly unbelievable and I truly enjoyed it.
Highly highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow wow wow. This was my first Sophie Lark and will definitely not be my last. This is the 5th in a series but can be read stand alone (the previous books would bring more context into the families and relationships but not necessary to enjoy this one).
Riona is being hunted by an assassin who was hired to kill her. Raylan is hired to be her bodyguard, to stay with her and protect her from danger. Their chemistry is undeniable but Riona is fighting it. They go on the run together to try to figure out who hired the assassin and end up at the ranch Raylan grew up in. Cue a steamy scene with a riding crop. This is an open door romance with lots of steam, also check out the trigger warnings before jumping into this one.
Loved it and will be reading the rest of the series immediately!
Just when I thought I had a favorite couple in this series, Sophie Lark adds a new one to consider.
I really enjoyed the teasers of Riona and Rylan that we got at the end of Bloody Heart so I was really excited for their book and Broken Vow delivered. I was not expecting all the action, but if fit them perfectly. The change of setting from Chicago to Tennessee kept the series fresh.
Riona's spirit and will was compared to a horse and that analogy was just about perfect for her. She needs someone who recognizes her power and strength and will let her run. And Rylan perfectly bridges the gap between small town guy and man with a past. It was perfect.
* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.
Ok loved the action and the couple in this one!! Sophie Lark uses some phrases that just make me cringe a bit so i can't give this more than 4 stars. Each of the books in this series have felt too short and like there just needs to be more depth to each character and scene. I appreciate that I can read them fairly quickly, but they just need something more.
would recommend though!
A masterful storyteller and creator of top-notch romances!! I’m obsessed with this found family that Sophie Lark has built and this hilarious mafia universe because despite the danger, I want to be their best friends and live in this world with them! Also, can we just take a moment to admire these covers because the watercolor illustrations are so beautiful! I’m so happy with what Sophie Lark has created here and so excited for all the other stories she has planned soon!
This novel… WOW!! Riona and Raylan are a power couple! Riona is an opinionated, self-confident SPITFIRE 🔥 And Raylan is a rancher bodyguard from the heavens! 😍 The spice in this novel was *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏻 and the action/suspense was fantastically written. LOVED IT and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I swear these books get better as they go along! Raylan and Riona’s story is top tier. He is a bodyguard/cowboy, she is a lawyer/mafia princess. When there is an attempt on Riona’s life, Raylan is hired to guard her. This book is so well written! I fell in love with these characters! It’s also so great to see the couples from the prior books and how they’re fairing! I give this book all the stars!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloom books for the ARC. Thank you Sophie Lark! Your writing is so addicting, I can’t wait to read everything you’ve got out!!
Let's face it, Sophie Lark is the queen of mafia romance. Just the sheer fact that she could combine mafia with a cowboy/ranch kind of romance is amazing and I give her mad props for that. What drew me in is that this is a bodyguard romance and that is one of my favorite tropes. It did not disappoint! This is also reverse grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, alpha hero with a military background with some action, and suspense and mystery that really sucks you into the story. I think this series is a really good one and I look forward to reading even more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for eARC of this book!
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that this is my first Sophie Lark book. I've seen her mentioned everywhere, and usually that turns me off immediately, but I read the blurb and I felt like this was THE one for me to dip my toes into the Sophie Lark world.
WOW. Okay. Wow. Now, I get it. Mafia tropes are usually done with hardly any tact but this one, I truly enjoyed. Coming into a series totally blind, I know I am missing some vital pieces but this can be read as a standalone if you truly wish. Myself? I really, really want to get to know Callum, Nessa, Nero, and Dante better so I suppose I had better get my butt in gear and pick up books one through four ASAP.
Cowboy/ranching is hot right now and this man is no exception. I really enjoyed his backstory and the military element added to his mystique. But the fact that Raylan was just as willing as Riona (eventually) was to come unglued and open up was the chef's kiss. I don't think Riona was the cold hearted ice queen that she and everyone else thought she was, I think she just needed to be surrounded by the right people, who incidentally turned out to be Raylan's family, to make her feel welcomed and at home - like she could just be herself.
I could go on and on, I really loved this one - but I'l leave it at this - if you take anything from this review - you want to read the scene with the riding crop. Trust me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom for trusting me with a copy of an eARC for an honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for this book!
I love this whole series. Sophie Lark’s books never disappoint and always keep me hooked. The romance is just as addicting as the story its self. I liked the pacing in this, the mystery and the body guard trope is my favorite.
I love how this book still has a mafia sense to it even though it’s set up on a ranch. I did not know if there was going to be anyone who could break through Riona’s tough exterior, but Raylan was absolutely perfect!
Sophie Lark never misses, and the Brutal Birthright series is one I am continually thinking about. As a troublingly strong mood reader, it is very often that I start a series and then never pick it back up again. But with Brutal Birthright, the next book is always in my "read next" pile.
I enjoyed this one because I found it quite different from the others. We spent more time outside of the city, and it felt equally like a cowboy romance as a mafia romance. As someone who has left the small town for the city, and gone back to a small town, I always enjoy the tropes of "small town or farm woman goes to the city" and "city girl goes to the small town or farm".
When I first started this series, I didn't think I'd be interested in the Kingmaker series. I thought that having been connected with these couples, it would be weird to read of their children as adults. But the closer I near the end of the series, the more I am looking forward to reading about the next generation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Netgalley and Bloom books for sending me an ARC Of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The best thing about this book? Raylan freaking Boone. What could ever be juiciest than a cowboy who was in the army and has to protect you from the bad guys? Absolutely nothing. I couldn’t close my mouth in certain scenes.
This was probably my favourite of the entire series. The main characters are fire. Even if I couldn’t understand some of the FMC behaviours.
This was the less mafia-romance of the birthright series, surely one of the reasons why I liked it better. Even the mistery was intriguing.
Over all I have waited to read this book for so long but it was worth it. 4,75⭐️
Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley.
Real quick. I want to state I didn't hate this. I just done care for the couple. They are both interesting. They both have amazing stories. However they just aren't my favorite couple. I feel like I could live without them. It still was an amazing book. However just not my favorite couple.
Another amazing mafia romance from Sophie Lark. Broken Vow follows Riona and Raylan and picks up shortly after Bloody Heart. It has flavors of enemies to lovers, as well as falling for the bodyguard vibes.
Riona is a cool and collected working for the family firm. Never mind the family in question is part of the Irish Mafia in Chicago. Underneath the façade of an ice queen lays a quite warm passionate soul. When someone takes a hit out on her, Dante calls in a favor for a full-time body guard.
Raylan is ex-military and called by his buddy Dante. He is funny, competitive, and incredibly caring. Sparks fly between the two and not all of them of the spicy variety.
I was quite excited to start Broken Vow and managed to polish it off in a few hours. It did not feel near as harsh as most mafia romances. With them retiring to the ranch in some ways it felt more small town than big city mafia. Raylan and Riona were quite caring towards each other once they got out of their own way. While it is a stand alone it does help to have read some of the previous books it continues with the other characters lives in the background. I can’t wait to get my hands on more of Sophie Lark’s books!
I received an ARC and am leaving a review of my own volition.
Broken Vow is the 5th book in Sophie Lark’s Brutal Birthright mafia series.
This one is a bodyguard romance with a grumpy, prickly heroine and a sunshiny cowboy/rancher, former soldier hero! Swoon already! Riona was so relatable! Her siblings have had books already (Callum in book 1, Nessa book 2) and we have seen Riona make appearances in the previous books. She’s a workaholic lawyer who is active in her Irish family’s mafia world, she’s always looked at her sibling’s falling in love and just didn’t feel the want for that in her life. Until of course she spends some time with Raylan!
We saw Raylan in the previous book when he assists Dante and I was looking forward to him being the hero of this book. At the beginning of the book Riona is almost drowned while swimming and her family quickly goes into protection mode and they bring in Raylan to be her bodyguard. Riona’s reaction was so much fun, she was so not in the mood for him! “His country-boy schtick is the last thing I need right now.” But right away their banter and chemistry kicks in and even Riona can’t believe she’s feeling something for him. Their connection definitely scares her at first and she tries to push those feels away but like, it can’t be resisted.
I loved this one! After another threat to her life, they take off together to Tennessee where his family’s ranch is. I loved seeing their time together there: during the visit Riona opens up with his family, Raylan teaches her how to ride a horse, she bonds with his mom, Riona’s conversation with Raylan about refusing to be “tamed” by him like she saw him with the horses, the riding crop and ropes and just all the other steamy times on the ranch! 🔥
5 stars! I ate this right up!
Bodyguard romance, forced proximity, dual pov, and a little bit of a cowboy romance thrown in the mix.
Riona is a strong female lead. She’s a smart lawyer and independent. When she gets attacked during an assassination attempt, her brother & co. call in a friend to be her bodyguard. She of course doesn’t want him around.
Raylan is the perfect counterpart for Riona. His backstory was so layered, and paced perfectly. When the hitman returns for Riona, Raylan takes her into hiding and the story takes off even more.