Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is a second generation series, that follows the kids of the Brutal Birthright series. I love this new setting and world. It sets up so much to be explored. However the reason I personally was not a fan, at first was due to the fact of the family ties. I think it took me at least 10 minutes just to make sure all of this was legally ok. Which it is but still made it hard for me to get invested. Still though love the book.

4.75⭐️, 2🌶️

Loved Leo, adored Anna, incredibly curious about the continued series with Dean’s involvement. I’m not typically a Friends to Lovers fan, but these two were soooo cute (Damn you slow burn)!

Off to read the Rebel asap because I know this series is gonna keep me HOOKED!

I really want to like the super secret academy books. I keep trying different ones, hoping to find the one that works for me. This just wasn’t it.
I didn’t buy the attraction between the two MCS.
This will work fir a lot of people looking for darkish romance with younger characters.

Captivating from start to finish! The sassy heroine steals every scene with her wit, while the writing keeps you on the edge. A thrilling blend of romance and intrigue.

This story line was well written! Anna and Leo's story is somewhat predictable but the way Sophie Lark writes had me kicking my feet and excited to finish the book! I devoured this book! Defiantly worth the them to ready any of Sophie Larks writings!

Year One by S. Lark is the first installment in the Kingmakers Series. A dark, college, mafia romance.
The book set the pace, introduces to characters and storyline.
Future heirs and more train at Kingmakers Academy. Violence against rival organizations is prohibited while in attendance. Who breaks the rules will be dealt with an eye for an eye.
This isLeo, Anna, and Dean's story. Three heirs, three fates. Leo and Anna. They've been friends forever, but slowly feelings change.Dean grew up an only child, is through a lot and has the scars to prove it.
And that is their story. Together at Kingmakers they have their hands full. An intriguing, fast paced and complex read that had me on the edge of my seat. Next up is Year 2 and I can't wait.

Mafia romance × dark academia in a setting reminiscent of Hogwarts? Where do I sign up? Lark's characters are well written, and the art that flows through the book is lovely.

What a book. Everything Sophie writes is a guarantee of success and this book is no exception. I loved the pictures and the family trees of all the families. It is a very nice edition.

Loved all the characters, I imagined the castle perfect with a touch of Hogwarts but mafia.

Leo Gallo is the best friend every girl would want to have and I loved the relationship with Anna, and it left me totally hooked on Dean. I can't wait to read the next ones.

Dark Academia meets Mafia Romance? Sign me up. I loved this setting and plot. I am a sucker for a competition trope! I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

I read this awhile ago and loved it so excited for Sophie to get trad published and re reading this awesome series!

I’ve read it a while ago and i liked it but unfortunately it couldn’t keep up with her other books. I liked the characters but the story itself just wasn’t it. But i like her writing.

4.5 stars

“I told myself if I ever got you back, I would never let you go.”

“I’m yours… I’ve always been yours.”

Sophie Lark’s Kingmakers: Year One is an enthralling entrance to her Kingmakers series. It’s a friends-to-lovers feast with just a hint of a love triangle that isn’t ever really a love triangle. (Much to my utter delight.)

When Leo Gallo gives up his full-ride basketball scholarship to attend the exclusive mafioso Kingmakers college with his best friend, Anna Wilk, he’s convinced that the experience will only bring them closer together. After all, they are both mafia heirs, eventually intended to fill their fathers’ shoes and lead their families. Dean Yenin is also an heir, and Leo’s estranged cousin. Raised to hate the Gallo family and all they represent, Dean will push Leo to his limits, threatening Leo’s very life. And though Anna is no shrinking violet, she’ll become central to Dean’s plan of destruction.

As with her previous works, Lark takes the reader on a deliciously decadent journey through compelling characters and a wholly captivating narrative arc. The world building in this book is fantastic and sets up the remainder of the series quite nicely. Though this is really Leo and Anna’s story, and selfishly I would have loved for them to have more moments together, Dean’s presence and POV are vital to establish his character in preparation for his book, Kingmakers: Year Three. And even though the characters are young, their actions feel authentic in the context, and holy wow is there a healthy dose of steam. Lark is the queen of all the steam, and I’m not mad about any of it.

If you’re looking for a mafia series that is fresh and inventive, Kingmakers: Year One is for you. And if you’re new to the genre, this is an excellent place to start.