Sofie Lark is one of my auto read authors. This was a great start but the relationship arch was too quick and not what I was expecting having read her other books.

Grimstone by Sophie Lark is a dark, gripping romance that will pull you in with its raw intensity and high-stakes tension. The story follows complex characters caught in a web of secrets, danger, and undeniable chemistry. I was seriously dying of the intensity while I was reading this. I had to read this in one night. There was literally no other option for me to put the book down. The attraction between the Remi and Dane is explosive, with plenty of steamy moments that keep the pages turning. AND THE PLOT TWISTS. They almost lead me into an early grave. If you’re into dark, twisted love stories with high drama, gripping twists, and sizzling heat, Grimstone will definitely satisfy your cravings.

I was really into this suspense and story in the first chunk! Then things got a bit too weird for me, especially the bit where he put her to sleep basically by hypnotizing her. But I’m not here to yuck someone’s yum. 😂

The mystery was interesting, the town was really fascinating. And as always I loved the in story illustrations!!

This book is a gothic romantic suspense novel. The setting of this book is a spooky secretive beach town 0f Grimstone. The story follows Remi, a young woman who inherits an old house, Blackleaf Manor, from her late uncle. As she plans to renovate the property with her younger brother, she encounters Dane, a mysterious neighbor with a dark reputation. There are a lot of triggers in this story with dark themes. I loved the chemistry between Remi and Dane. I would highly recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys dark suspense novels.

Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks for this ARC.

This book had an interesting concept but ultimately fell flat due to poor execution and underdeveloped characters. The plot felt disjointed and more like an initial draft, with a lack of atmospheric descriptions and a heavy reliance on smut, which often felt awkward and unappealing. Dane’s inconsistent personality was exhausting, and the supposed love triangle lacked depth, with Tom reduced to a mere plot device. While the illustrations throughout the book were a unique touch, they couldn’t salvage the overall disappointment. This will likely be my last read from this author. Three stars.

I think the mystery in this book was well written, and I really enjoyed it. The only thing that I struggled with is the fact that the story could have used more of a slow burn effect rather than the instant lust. I felt it took away from the story. Overall, I did enjoy it, and I would recommend it to others.

Thank you Net Galley ARC

I don’t think Sophie lark can do anything wrong. Loved this. Dark and good 🤩 very happy to do an arc read

So, I'm not typically a Sophie Lark fan but my students keep asking about her books. I read Grimstone and safe to say, I'm still not a fan. I enjoyed Remi and thought the hot doctor next door could have been a hot trope but unfortunately, this is a miss for me. Too much of the dialogue was cringe for me and often I put the book down with the ick. I may end up purchasing this first book in the series for the library but can't imagine buying the rest in the series.

Love the beach (born in a beach town) and also things gothic and creepy, so the backdrop to this book was everything! Really enjoyed how the story unfolded and the different mysteries and murders afoot played out. Also enjoyed the romance between Remi and Dane very opposites attract. Excited to see where this story goes with the next book as well.

I enjoyed the mystery part of this book! I did however not like the insta lust, it was just weird and awkward.

This book keeps you guessing until the very end. Very spicy and heartfelt. Shows that you can get through so much for a never ending love. Highly recommended.

after multiple attempts at reading- I have decided to DNF. I’m hoping to return to it in the future but right now i’m unable to connect with the author’s writing style.

This is my first Sophie Lark and I am now a fan!

This was a great read that had amazing characters. The story was well-written that left me hooked the entire time.
I do recommend giving this book a read especially if you have never read a book from Sophie Lark. It is a good place to start. I cannot wait to read more from this author!







Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books for a copy of this book!

Thank you NetGalley for the readers' copy in exchange for an honest review.
My feelings about this book could not be more polarising. On one hand I was drawn in by the mystery and enjoyed the plot twists. I loved the quietly sinister small town with its malicious gossip and mysterious history. Almost like an uncanny Stars Hollow.
But on the other hand I felt the chemistry between the two mains a bit cringe and I don’t know if I could call it chemistry per se but they had good lust (?). They’re connection and bonding felt like an imitation of deep. There were definitely jumps (leaps even) from them meeting to being vulnerable to being in love in that time frame (and flipping a house as well ?!?!)

Also why did I think this book had ghosts (potentially vampires) in it? Just me?
I think going into this book as blind as possible would definitely heighten the mystery and spooky atmosphere, I would recommend reading the trigger warnings. The dubious consent part of this book also left a bad taste in my mouth but that’s on me for not checking.

Regardless, I read the whole thing and I’ve come away with the opinion that I like the idea of Sophie Larks books more than the actual experience. I think she’s an awesome person publicly and undeniably talented as an author but there seems to be something in all the books I’ve tried to read. A je ne sais quoi. An ick. A mental block. Something.

2.5 ★

If you want a spooky, romantic, mysterious book with spice-this is it!

So, this in my opinion was not the best Sophie Lark book, but she did it very well. I would recommend this to people, but it was not up to her normal standards. I think for me it was the insta lust and that was a huge no in my eyes. I feel like this is one of the books that you either love it or hate it. She is still one of my favorite authors!

✨ Publication date: September 17, 2024✨

Grimstone is a refresh and republish of a first in a series by Sophie Lark. This is a dark steamy romance with morally grey characters.

Remi Hayes has had a tough go. After her parents passed away she has been raising her younger brother with virtually no means. After her fiancé cheats on her and their eccentric uncle passes away and leaves them his crumbling down mansion, she decides to move to the small town of Grimstone to flip and sell the house so she has some money to settle somewhere and to send her brother Jude to college.

Things aren’t always what they seem in Grimstone or Black Leaf mansion. Remi starts to think the mansion may be haunted, no one can have this much bad luck.

Remi isn’t just contending with the mansion repairs though, she can’t decide if she wants to have a relationship with the creepy night clinic doctor Dane Covett or never interact with him again.

Remi is caught up in the chemistry and attraction but there are old stories that some of the townsfolk swear are true and if they are ,Dane just might be a killer and the one behind all the mishaps at the mansion.

Remi can’t quite see what’s directly in front of her until Dane helps clear her vision. As Remi gets closer to the truth of her past and present she’ll need to make some decisions that will haunt her forever.

This was a 3 star read for me. I love Sophie Larks work and the spice for this Ken was on par. I couldn’t quite connect with the characters or their chemistry though. I’d like to stick around for the series though and see where the next book goes!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #sophielark #grimestone

The idea of this book is great - execution? Not so much. I did not like the main characters. He is a walking red flag and I don't love alternative FMC with piercings, etc. It was very spicy, though.

As the trigger warnings were not listed in the description for this book, I was unaware of the content that I was not interested in reading. Please include trigger warnings in future listings.

Love love loved this! The plot gripped me, the smut was fun, and the ending had my jaw on the floor. I’ve just learned that book 2 is about Dane’s grumpy brother, so I’m going to have to read that soon.

Sophie’s writing is always so fun and a good mix of humour and darkness. Remi was really fun to read, and I loved getting a mix of both her and Dane’s POVs. Both unreliable narrators in their own ways!

Grimstone was my first Sophie Lark book and it most definitely won't be my last!

I LOVED IT! I am an absolute sucker for both thrillers and romances and I feel like Sophie absolutely nailed the combination of both. It definitely leans more romance than thriller but I just loved the entire thing. Be warned that it is VERY spicy so if you don't like smut then you won't like this one.

Great plot. Great characters. Great writing.

Sophie's writing style is quite casual and relaxed which I found quite refreshing. It was definitely different to any other author I've read. It made the book very easy to read.

I am very excited to read Monarch!

Highly recommend this one.