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Grimstone #2
Monarch
In a desperate bid to get out of town, twenty-seven-year-old virgin and bookstore nerd Elena Zelenska becomes the world's most unlikely mail-order bride. Her gamble pays off when she's swept off her feet by Lorne Ronson, handsome single father and (gasp!) actual published author. Elena's new fiancé seems almost too good to be true. Her life is turning into a fairytale, especially once Lorne starts building her a castle in the woods. But when Elena arrives in Grimstone, her fairytale turns darker.
The castle in the woods is a macabre labyrinth of hidden chambers, and Lorne is no Prince Charming. In fact, he might just be a monster.
Isolated far from home, Elena's only ally is Atlas Covett, owner of the Monarch hotel. Massive and stern, even Atlas' employees are terrified of him. He becomes Elena's unexpected protector, offering sanctuary from the darkness that threatens to consume her.
As Elena's bond with Atlas deepens, her jealous fiancé exerts his control in increasingly twisted ways. Elena must find a way out before the castle he's building becomes a prison she'll never escape…
Lark Notes:
Halloween is my favorite time of year. Even though I'm a huge baby, I can't seem to resist true crime, thrillers, and movies that keep me up all night. Monarch is my love letter to Spooky Season, a romance-thriller mashup for those of us who crave the dark and scary, as long as we know there's a happy ending somehow. – Sophie
"Monarch" is a dark contemporary romance and a complete standalone. Reader it has spicy scenes and triggering content not suitable for all.
The castle in the woods is a macabre labyrinth of hidden chambers, and Lorne is no Prince Charming. In fact, he might just be a monster.
Isolated far from home, Elena's only ally is Atlas Covett, owner of the Monarch hotel. Massive and stern, even Atlas' employees are terrified of him. He becomes Elena's unexpected protector, offering sanctuary from the darkness that threatens to consume her.
As Elena's bond with Atlas deepens, her jealous fiancé exerts his control in increasingly twisted ways. Elena must find a way out before the castle he's building becomes a prison she'll never escape…
Lark Notes:
Halloween is my favorite time of year. Even though I'm a huge baby, I can't seem to resist true crime, thrillers, and movies that keep me up all night. Monarch is my love letter to Spooky Season, a romance-thriller mashup for those of us who crave the dark and scary, as long as we know there's a happy ending somehow. – Sophie
"Monarch" is a dark contemporary romance and a complete standalone. Reader it has spicy scenes and triggering content not suitable for all.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2024
1149 people are currently reading
14806 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Lark
45 books23.7k followersPowerful Romance
Special Editions & Exclusive Stories:
https://sophielark.com/
Sophie lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite authors are Emily Henry and Freida McFadden. She’s an Aquarius who loves fitness and looks forward to Halloween every year.
Special Editions & Exclusive Stories:
https://sophielark.com/
Sophie lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite authors are Emily Henry and Freida McFadden. She’s an Aquarius who loves fitness and looks forward to Halloween every year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,390 reviews
October 14, 2025
so I was lucky enough to snag ARCs for both books in this series. Unfortunately, the first one wasn’t really my vibe. it just didn’t click. Because of that, I went into this second book with absolutely zero expectations. That might’ve been the best mindset because this one surprised me in a better way!
I’m not usually a fan of the “instant attraction to lovers” trope. It always feels rushed or forced. But with this book i didn’t have an issue at all. I think going into it with an open mind and just letting it be a fun romantic thriller really worked. Plus, it had this slightly spooky vibe that made it a perfect October read. kind of like curling up with a pumpkin spice latte and a Netflix mystery marathon lol i’m an atmospheric witch ✨
The characters were a huge improvement for me compared to the first book. I really liked both of them this time around. The male lead was Total sweetheart. He was so gentle and protective toward Elena, and she deserved every bit of that kindness. Seeing her get her happy ending felt so satisfying.
the pacing of the romance. I couldn’t help but notice how fast the relationships develop. It’s like the characters meet, sparks fly, and then BOOM they’re soulmates overnight. I’m curious if this is just the style of this series or if it’s something I should expect in her other books, like “Brutal Birthright” or “Kingmakers”, which I’ve been eyeing for years now.
All in all, this book delivered as a light, spooky, romantic read, and I’m glad I gave it a shot. If you’re into romantic thrillers you’ll probably enjoy this one!
— ARC Provided by the Publisher Sourcebooks Bloom.
I’m not usually a fan of the “instant attraction to lovers” trope. It always feels rushed or forced. But with this book i didn’t have an issue at all. I think going into it with an open mind and just letting it be a fun romantic thriller really worked. Plus, it had this slightly spooky vibe that made it a perfect October read. kind of like curling up with a pumpkin spice latte and a Netflix mystery marathon lol i’m an atmospheric witch ✨
The characters were a huge improvement for me compared to the first book. I really liked both of them this time around. The male lead was Total sweetheart. He was so gentle and protective toward Elena, and she deserved every bit of that kindness. Seeing her get her happy ending felt so satisfying.
the pacing of the romance. I couldn’t help but notice how fast the relationships develop. It’s like the characters meet, sparks fly, and then BOOM they’re soulmates overnight. I’m curious if this is just the style of this series or if it’s something I should expect in her other books, like “Brutal Birthright” or “Kingmakers”, which I’ve been eyeing for years now.
All in all, this book delivered as a light, spooky, romantic read, and I’m glad I gave it a shot. If you’re into romantic thrillers you’ll probably enjoy this one!
— ARC Provided by the Publisher Sourcebooks Bloom.
October 4, 2024
SCREAMING BECAUSE I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH.
—dark romantic suspense
—slow burn
—thriller vibes
—spooky
—spice level: 2/5 🌶️
A MUST READ OKAY.
I’m a Sophie Lark fan to the core and I absolutely DEVOURED this book. In one sitting too. It was that good. I don’t want to say too much so I don’t spoil it but I’ll say this, if you want a dark romantic suspense that will have you in its grips, THIS IS THE ONE. READ IT IMMEDIATELY
—dark romantic suspense
—slow burn
—thriller vibes
—spooky
—spice level: 2/5 🌶️
A MUST READ OKAY.
I’m a Sophie Lark fan to the core and I absolutely DEVOURED this book. In one sitting too. It was that good. I don’t want to say too much so I don’t spoil it but I’ll say this, if you want a dark romantic suspense that will have you in its grips, THIS IS THE ONE. READ IT IMMEDIATELY
October 28, 2024
4 Dark Room Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level 🌶️.5/5
I enjoyed this way more than Grimstone, but I think Grimstone is almost to thank for that because I already knew about the town, I knew about the Monarch and I knew the vibes - so I didn't need that foundation and could just enjoy the vibes... AND BOY DID THIS BRING VIBES...
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Elena Zelenska is desperate to flee Ukraine, so when the opportunity arises for her to become a mail-order bride, she seizes it. At first, Lorne is everything she hopes and dreams of, a successful author and “devoted father” to his daughter. She expects the perfect American dream, but once she arrives and learns she’ll be staying at the Monarch while his house is being built, his actions and mannerisms start to change and become more sinister and manipulative. All her preconceived notions are questioned as Lorne’s lies start to unravel, shattering the picture he painted of their future life.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I enjoyed Elena’s personality because of how much she grows, but it’s more about realising who she’s been all along as you spend more time in her mind. Initially, she comes off as simplistic, innocent, and naive, but that stems from living a cloistered and sheltered life, not from a lack of intelligence. She’s actually very clever; it just takes her a bit of time to arrive at the answer. I loved how curious and brave she was, standing up for little things with her small, rebellious FU actions towards Lorne were so feisty! She initially tries to be the perfect wife, but the more time she spends with Atlas Covett and the more freedom she gains to express herself, the more she opens up and comes into her own. That simplicity evaporates, revealing her complex character beneath.
Atlas is the classic surly, grumpy man in Grimstone, and in Monarch, he’s still surly and grumpy. But MY GOD, does he have a literal heart of gold. He’s so sweet, caring, and compassionate. While he doesn’t say much and keeps his grumpiness intact, he’s incredibly soft underneath. I initially expected him to be a bit darker because the overall vibes of the book are quite dark, but with Lorne being so awful, Atlas’s goodness balances it out. He’s the ultimate sweetheart and everything you could hope for in an MMC. LIKE A WALKING GREEN FLAG!
The writing is haunting and spooky as you try to piece together what’s happening. Although there’s dual POV, most of the story is from Elena’s perspective, and because she’s still figuring things out, you’re with her every step of the way, trying to discern what’s real and what’s not.
Sophie Lark has a compelling way of telling a story, and the more of her books I read, the more I appreciate how she puts together her narratives. She has a knack for getting into your head and messing with your mind. You don’t see the twists coming, and when they do, you’re left reeling, wondering how you missed them! Her writing draws you in, captivating your attention with spooky Halloween vibes.
There were a couple of aspects that kept this from being a full 5 stars for me...
Something that I do love in Sophie Lark's books is the embedded art in her chapters. It's always a special surprise when you turn the page and it's a picture of something that happened or something that is going to be happening. I love it and recommend opening the ebook on a colour Kindle App (on your phone, iPad or desktop) to see their magnificence in colour. It's not just like one or two character pictures but interwoven into the story. I wish more authors incorporated more art into their books.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Dual POV
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Strangers to Lovers
▶ Age Gap
▶ Virgin FMC
▶ Gothic Vibes
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Touch Her You Die
𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ He Brings Her Food
▷ Under Table Touching
▷ Cages Her With His Arms
▷ Suit Daddy
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Tending to Injuries
Overall, I had a really good time with Monarch. I love the vibes, I love the characters, and I love the story. If you're looking for a little bit of a lighter psychological romance, I would recommend picking this up.
Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for the gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Level 🌶️.5/5
I enjoyed this way more than Grimstone, but I think Grimstone is almost to thank for that because I already knew about the town, I knew about the Monarch and I knew the vibes - so I didn't need that foundation and could just enjoy the vibes... AND BOY DID THIS BRING VIBES...
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Elena Zelenska is desperate to flee Ukraine, so when the opportunity arises for her to become a mail-order bride, she seizes it. At first, Lorne is everything she hopes and dreams of, a successful author and “devoted father” to his daughter. She expects the perfect American dream, but once she arrives and learns she’ll be staying at the Monarch while his house is being built, his actions and mannerisms start to change and become more sinister and manipulative. All her preconceived notions are questioned as Lorne’s lies start to unravel, shattering the picture he painted of their future life.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I enjoyed Elena’s personality because of how much she grows, but it’s more about realising who she’s been all along as you spend more time in her mind. Initially, she comes off as simplistic, innocent, and naive, but that stems from living a cloistered and sheltered life, not from a lack of intelligence. She’s actually very clever; it just takes her a bit of time to arrive at the answer. I loved how curious and brave she was, standing up for little things with her small, rebellious FU actions towards Lorne were so feisty! She initially tries to be the perfect wife, but the more time she spends with Atlas Covett and the more freedom she gains to express herself, the more she opens up and comes into her own. That simplicity evaporates, revealing her complex character beneath.
Atlas is the classic surly, grumpy man in Grimstone, and in Monarch, he’s still surly and grumpy. But MY GOD, does he have a literal heart of gold. He’s so sweet, caring, and compassionate. While he doesn’t say much and keeps his grumpiness intact, he’s incredibly soft underneath. I initially expected him to be a bit darker because the overall vibes of the book are quite dark, but with Lorne being so awful, Atlas’s goodness balances it out. He’s the ultimate sweetheart and everything you could hope for in an MMC. LIKE A WALKING GREEN FLAG!
The writing is haunting and spooky as you try to piece together what’s happening. Although there’s dual POV, most of the story is from Elena’s perspective, and because she’s still figuring things out, you’re with her every step of the way, trying to discern what’s real and what’s not.
Sophie Lark has a compelling way of telling a story, and the more of her books I read, the more I appreciate how she puts together her narratives. She has a knack for getting into your head and messing with your mind. You don’t see the twists coming, and when they do, you’re left reeling, wondering how you missed them! Her writing draws you in, captivating your attention with spooky Halloween vibes.
There were a couple of aspects that kept this from being a full 5 stars for me...
Something that I do love in Sophie Lark's books is the embedded art in her chapters. It's always a special surprise when you turn the page and it's a picture of something that happened or something that is going to be happening. I love it and recommend opening the ebook on a colour Kindle App (on your phone, iPad or desktop) to see their magnificence in colour. It's not just like one or two character pictures but interwoven into the story. I wish more authors incorporated more art into their books.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Dual POV
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Strangers to Lovers
▶ Age Gap
▶ Virgin FMC
▶ Gothic Vibes
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Touch Her You Die
𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ He Brings Her Food
▷ Under Table Touching
▷ Cages Her With His Arms
▷ Suit Daddy
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Tending to Injuries
Overall, I had a really good time with Monarch. I love the vibes, I love the characters, and I love the story. If you're looking for a little bit of a lighter psychological romance, I would recommend picking this up.
Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for the gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
October 23, 2024
2.5⭐️
this is my least fav Sophie Lark book by far 😅 I feel like it was all over the place, the only thing I liked about this book was Ivy, and the hotel setting & Remi and Dane’s cameo, but I’m struggling to find anything else I liked
It was extremely insta lust and then insta love between Atlas & Elena, which was a shame because had their relationship developed properly this book would’ve been SO much better.
Atlas was giving me the ick because they’d barely spoken to each other and he was so possessive over her, and asking her to leave another man for him 🙄 you don’t even know her? lol
Lorne lacked so much depth, it’s like Sophie just wrote an abusive mmc who behaves a bit weird and oh shock in the last 10% he goes off the rails, but WHY? nothing is explained, I understand the hints from what happened to Ivy’s mother but still… has he always been this way? Why is he this way? What drove him to pick Elena? Is he really a famous author? If not why does he lie about it? So many plot holes
Grimstone is such an interesting town, and this could’ve been SO good, the setting is great but I feel like the pacing was off… nothing happens and it’s sooo slow and then it all happens in the last 20 pages (literally) when Sophie had 320 pages to set this all up, and set the scene for a really good mysterious, romantic suspense novel
Love you Sophie but this was not it ☹️
this is my least fav Sophie Lark book by far 😅 I feel like it was all over the place, the only thing I liked about this book was Ivy, and the hotel setting & Remi and Dane’s cameo, but I’m struggling to find anything else I liked
It was extremely insta lust and then insta love between Atlas & Elena, which was a shame because had their relationship developed properly this book would’ve been SO much better.
Atlas was giving me the ick because they’d barely spoken to each other and he was so possessive over her, and asking her to leave another man for him 🙄 you don’t even know her? lol
Lorne lacked so much depth, it’s like Sophie just wrote an abusive mmc who behaves a bit weird and oh shock in the last 10% he goes off the rails, but WHY? nothing is explained, I understand the hints from what happened to Ivy’s mother but still… has he always been this way? Why is he this way? What drove him to pick Elena? Is he really a famous author? If not why does he lie about it? So many plot holes
Grimstone is such an interesting town, and this could’ve been SO good, the setting is great but I feel like the pacing was off… nothing happens and it’s sooo slow and then it all happens in the last 20 pages (literally) when Sophie had 320 pages to set this all up, and set the scene for a really good mysterious, romantic suspense novel
Love you Sophie but this was not it ☹️
October 13, 2024
Atlas was aighttttt 👌🏻
Aside from Atlas I didn’t really like any of the characters and had a hard time getting into this. Not my favorite Sophie book sadly
Aside from Atlas I didn’t really like any of the characters and had a hard time getting into this. Not my favorite Sophie book sadly
October 13, 2024
This author hits every time! Picture a spooky town with a huge gothic hotel! The fmc arrives in America to marry a man she met only once or twice and they end up staying at this hotel while his house is renovated. He ends up showing abusive signs and it goes down hill fast! But the owner of the hotel our MMC is doing everything he can to protect our fmc! Great fall read!!
June 18, 2024
Sophie Lark is back with a new book that promises equal parts dark romance and sexy thriller!
This book is going to be the romance gateway for thriller readers 🙂↕️
I can totally see this being a TV show!
This book is going to be the romance gateway for thriller readers 🙂↕️
I can totally see this being a TV show!
May 28, 2025
I would like to shoot whoever is responsible for the publication of this book with a rifle. Let's talk about why the fuck this book was published and how it shows Ukrainians and Ukraine in a bad light and why it is very offensive. Below are parts of the book and my reaction to them as a Ukrainian girl myself lol.
It tells the story of Olena fucking ZELENSKA (For some who don’t get why I’m mad here- it’s the name of our First Lady, but she named her on russian style: Elena, of course), a Ukrainian woman from Lviv who wants to leave the country so badly that she agrees to move and marry a man she has never met.
Here are a few quotes from it to see that it is a pretty damaging read in terms of how it represents Ukraine and Ukrainians.
//None of this felt real until I stepped off the plane. Then I breathed air that smelled nothing like I'd encountered before: sweeter, thinner, damper, with threads of smoke and pine. No hint of diesel or that fried scent from home.//
Ukraine does not smell like diesel lol. We do have fresh air even though now it’s polluted from russian bmbs.
//"Where did you get that camera?" I don't know much about Ukraine, but I'm pretty sure they have technology a little newer than that.// Mind you, Ukraine for now is the only European country with Дія aka all your documents basically in your phone in one app.
//In Ukraine, there's no stigma against marrying a foreigner. If anything, it's celebrated, especially since the war started-anything to get out, even for those of us who live on the west side of the country, farthest from the fighting.// I could write a whole essay about the fact that we don't have any cult of "marry a foreigner." This topic is actually very difficult for us because people who left Ukraine (and there are actually much fewer of them than those who stayed) most likely have nowhere to return to. Their homes were either occupied or destroyed.
//Lorne can try to scare me about Oregon winters all he likes-there's no way it gets as bad as Lviv, where cold fronts roll down from Siberia.// Oh yeah, I remember that cruel cold winter when the lowest degree was -10°C and I visited Christmas bazaar in Lviv.
This book is full of such little phrases. You may think that I am dramatizing, overreacting, but I am not. The whole book is made up of such "small and insignificant sentences," but the fact that Ukrainians then got asked questions like "Is there a McDonald's in Ukraine?" "Do you have telephones? Are the winters really harsh there (they are definitely imagining the top of Mount Everest)?" and so on from foreign people. The author feels too comfortable publishing such things during the war, adding a lot of little anti-Ukrainian propaganda. I'm not surprised that she also has a whole series of books about the Russian Mafia and, of course, the retailing of the history of the poor Romanovs.
It tells the story of Olena fucking ZELENSKA (For some who don’t get why I’m mad here- it’s the name of our First Lady, but she named her on russian style: Elena, of course), a Ukrainian woman from Lviv who wants to leave the country so badly that she agrees to move and marry a man she has never met.
Here are a few quotes from it to see that it is a pretty damaging read in terms of how it represents Ukraine and Ukrainians.
//None of this felt real until I stepped off the plane. Then I breathed air that smelled nothing like I'd encountered before: sweeter, thinner, damper, with threads of smoke and pine. No hint of diesel or that fried scent from home.//
Ukraine does not smell like diesel lol. We do have fresh air even though now it’s polluted from russian bmbs.
//"Where did you get that camera?" I don't know much about Ukraine, but I'm pretty sure they have technology a little newer than that.// Mind you, Ukraine for now is the only European country with Дія aka all your documents basically in your phone in one app.
//In Ukraine, there's no stigma against marrying a foreigner. If anything, it's celebrated, especially since the war started-anything to get out, even for those of us who live on the west side of the country, farthest from the fighting.// I could write a whole essay about the fact that we don't have any cult of "marry a foreigner." This topic is actually very difficult for us because people who left Ukraine (and there are actually much fewer of them than those who stayed) most likely have nowhere to return to. Their homes were either occupied or destroyed.
//Lorne can try to scare me about Oregon winters all he likes-there's no way it gets as bad as Lviv, where cold fronts roll down from Siberia.// Oh yeah, I remember that cruel cold winter when the lowest degree was -10°C and I visited Christmas bazaar in Lviv.
This book is full of such little phrases. You may think that I am dramatizing, overreacting, but I am not. The whole book is made up of such "small and insignificant sentences," but the fact that Ukrainians then got asked questions like "Is there a McDonald's in Ukraine?" "Do you have telephones? Are the winters really harsh there (they are definitely imagining the top of Mount Everest)?" and so on from foreign people. The author feels too comfortable publishing such things during the war, adding a lot of little anti-Ukrainian propaganda. I'm not surprised that she also has a whole series of books about the Russian Mafia and, of course, the retailing of the history of the poor Romanovs.
October 16, 2024
3.5 stars
Gothic thriller romance set in the same town that Grimstone was. Our FMC Elena comes to the states to marry a man she met once, thinking everything is going to be a dream once she arrives. And, it is a dream… of sorts. Her husband to be seems to have secrets, the owner of the hotel they’re staying at, Atlas, has a magnetism to him that she shouldn’t be feeling, and the town of Grimstone is certainly living up to its name.
This was fun!!! Thriller romance always intrigues me, and gothic vibes are my JAM. I honestly enjoyed Grimstone more, but Monarch had the same spooky vibes and I’ve literally never NOT been entertained by a Sophie Lark book.
I did see the plot twists coming, and I didn’t connect to the characters the way I wanted to. But otherwise, it was entertaining and kept my attention.
Gothic thriller romance set in the same town that Grimstone was. Our FMC Elena comes to the states to marry a man she met once, thinking everything is going to be a dream once she arrives. And, it is a dream… of sorts. Her husband to be seems to have secrets, the owner of the hotel they’re staying at, Atlas, has a magnetism to him that she shouldn’t be feeling, and the town of Grimstone is certainly living up to its name.
This was fun!!! Thriller romance always intrigues me, and gothic vibes are my JAM. I honestly enjoyed Grimstone more, but Monarch had the same spooky vibes and I’ve literally never NOT been entertained by a Sophie Lark book.
I did see the plot twists coming, and I didn’t connect to the characters the way I wanted to. But otherwise, it was entertaining and kept my attention.
December 11, 2024
Okay, this wasn’t my favorite Sophie Lark book. She’s written so many bangers, but this one just didn’t hit the same. It had its fun moments, but other times it was like… meh. Still, it was a quick, dark, and twisty read with some romance, spice, and suspense thrown in. Plus, the illustrations were amazing!
Atlas was perfect! He’s sweet, protective, and has that "touch her and die" vibe, and I’m obsessed. But the slow burn? Oh boy, it was slow… yet somehow felt insta-lovey at the same time.
Elena, on the other hand, really needed a backbone, but I totally understood why she didn’t. Her bond with Ivy was super sweet, and Ivy was a total scene-stealer. I just wish we got more of their moments together.
Heads up: there are a LOT of red flags and some heavy topics like trauma, loss, and child abuse, so check those triggers. The plot twist was a little obvious, and the ending was underwhelming, but it did end on a good note. If you’re looking for something light and quick without too much depth, this could work for you!
Read this if you like:
❤️🔥 Touch Her and ☠️
❤️🔥 Romantic Suspense
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
❤️🔥 Forbidden Romance
🚨🚨 CW: Attempted murder, murder, nonconsensual drug use, kidnapping, torture
Atlas was perfect! He’s sweet, protective, and has that "touch her and die" vibe, and I’m obsessed. But the slow burn? Oh boy, it was slow… yet somehow felt insta-lovey at the same time.
Elena, on the other hand, really needed a backbone, but I totally understood why she didn’t. Her bond with Ivy was super sweet, and Ivy was a total scene-stealer. I just wish we got more of their moments together.
Heads up: there are a LOT of red flags and some heavy topics like trauma, loss, and child abuse, so check those triggers. The plot twist was a little obvious, and the ending was underwhelming, but it did end on a good note. If you’re looking for something light and quick without too much depth, this could work for you!
Read this if you like:
❤️🔥 Touch Her and ☠️
❤️🔥 Romantic Suspense
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
❤️🔥 Forbidden Romance
🚨🚨 CW: Attempted murder, murder, nonconsensual drug use, kidnapping, torture
October 5, 2024
This definitely ticks off the Fall/Spooky vibes. Yet it wasn't to scary for a chicken like me.
I could see myself watching a Halloween Flick in the theaters that has a setting like the town of Grimstone. That place is a character all it's own. Sophie Lark always brings a cinematic flare to everything she writes.
I really felt for Elena and the situation she finds herself in. She feels desperate to like her fiance, even if he's not the most stable man she's ever met. She likes his daughter well enough and he is getting her out of her home country, so she will try her best.
And that's what Elena does. Try. But with the mysterious owner of the hotel, Atlas Covett, haunting her every step and drawing her eye away from her fiance. The more unhinged that fiance gets the more she longs to run into Atlas' arms. But there are many strings keeping her from doing that. That's where I felt for her.
I will say.. I was a little unclear as to the fiance, Lorne's motivation... I know it's supposed to be a little mysterious, but it also made the certain situations unsatisfying to not know the "why" eventually. This was also a very slow burn, which makes sense for the set up and Elena being a virgin, but I don't think our couple got enough time to "be" together and that's a personal want of mine.
Overall, I think if you are looking for a lightly spooky Gothic romance and a bit of mystery, this could be a solid read for you.
4 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
CW: violence, murder, non-consensual drug use, child neglect, attempted SA, cheating
I could see myself watching a Halloween Flick in the theaters that has a setting like the town of Grimstone. That place is a character all it's own. Sophie Lark always brings a cinematic flare to everything she writes.
I really felt for Elena and the situation she finds herself in. She feels desperate to like her fiance, even if he's not the most stable man she's ever met. She likes his daughter well enough and he is getting her out of her home country, so she will try her best.
And that's what Elena does. Try. But with the mysterious owner of the hotel, Atlas Covett, haunting her every step and drawing her eye away from her fiance. The more unhinged that fiance gets the more she longs to run into Atlas' arms. But there are many strings keeping her from doing that. That's where I felt for her.
I will say.. I was a little unclear as to the fiance, Lorne's motivation... I know it's supposed to be a little mysterious, but it also made the certain situations unsatisfying to not know the "why" eventually. This was also a very slow burn, which makes sense for the set up and Elena being a virgin, but I don't think our couple got enough time to "be" together and that's a personal want of mine.
Overall, I think if you are looking for a lightly spooky Gothic romance and a bit of mystery, this could be a solid read for you.
4 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
CW: violence, murder, non-consensual drug use, child neglect, attempted SA, cheating
December 27, 2024
The premise of Monarch had the potential to deliver a gripping, dark fairytale full of twists and tension. A naïve bookstore nerd turned mail-order bride, a mysterious castle, and a dangerously charming fiancé? It should have been an atmospheric, nail-biting read. Unfortunately, it fell short.
From the start, the plot felt all too predictable. The twists were telegraphed from miles away, making it hard to feel any real suspense. The moment the “perfect” fiancé, entered the scene, it was clear what direction his character would take. The supposed surprise of his darker side felt more like checking off a box in the predictable “groom turns villain” trope rather than a shocking revelation.
Elena’s bond with Atlas Covett also followed a familiar trajectory, offering no real depth or complexity to their connection. The development of their relationship felt rushed, making it hard to fully invest in their dynamic.
The atmosphere of the story, while initially promising, never quite captured the creeping dread it aimed for. As a result, the stakes felt low, and Elena’s struggle to escape Lorne’s control didn’t evoke the urgency the plot demanded.
The book had an interesting setup, however, the execution was far too predictable which made it ldifficult to stay invested in the story or the characters. For those who enjoy dark romances or thrillers, there are better options out there.
From the start, the plot felt all too predictable. The twists were telegraphed from miles away, making it hard to feel any real suspense. The moment the “perfect” fiancé, entered the scene, it was clear what direction his character would take. The supposed surprise of his darker side felt more like checking off a box in the predictable “groom turns villain” trope rather than a shocking revelation.
Elena’s bond with Atlas Covett also followed a familiar trajectory, offering no real depth or complexity to their connection. The development of their relationship felt rushed, making it hard to fully invest in their dynamic.
The atmosphere of the story, while initially promising, never quite captured the creeping dread it aimed for. As a result, the stakes felt low, and Elena’s struggle to escape Lorne’s control didn’t evoke the urgency the plot demanded.
The book had an interesting setup, however, the execution was far too predictable which made it ldifficult to stay invested in the story or the characters. For those who enjoy dark romances or thrillers, there are better options out there.
November 4, 2024
"Because the heart wants what it wants…no matter how much trouble it will cause."
After reading Grimstone, there was no way I wouldn’t go straight into Monarch. And although I still love Dane more, it’s hard not to fall for the giant teddy bear that was Atlas. It’s less gloomy than the previous book, but I really, really love this town.
"A permanent shadow stains his jawline. His face is surly, heavy like a boxer’s, and his voice is low and rough. But his manners are as elegant as his dinner jacket."
Atlas is big—one of those situations where the name fits the person. He’s also grumpy and observant. He pays attention to everyone who stops by his hotel. He’s protective, but he’s also alone. I don’t think he’s ever noticed how much until now.
"But I touch her there and only there, because I have to test what my eyes seemed to promise: that the curve of Elena’s back is the exact shape of my palm. My hand fits flawlessly. Like that’s what it was made to do."
I liked Elena—I just wanted her to be stronger and stand up for herself. Her heart is in the right place and her hopes and dreams are understandable and relatable, but I needed more. There were times where she sounded like a cliché, and I so wish she didn’t.
"You’re not going to sneak up on me this time,"
"If I want to sneak up on you, you won’t know a thing about it."
From the first time Atlas sees her, he wants her. She’s different from everyone else. It’s more than physical… There’s something about her. But Elena is in Grimstone—in the US, in fact—all the way from the Ukraine to be someone else’s bride.
And while Atlas doesn't interfere in his guests’ business… He’s about to.
"It’s the drug you try once and you’re a slave to the craving. I breathe her scent into my lungs, and she owns me forever."
The man she is about to marry, Lorne… He’s a famous thriller writer. He has a lot of money and is well-known in town. He’s even building himself and his new bride a house (a god-awful one!) He seems fine on paper. But we slowly start to see the mask he wears. And we begin to see that Elena and even his daughter are wrapped up in a web of lies and deceit that will be hard to get away from.
"Some people you’re meant to kiss and hold. There’s harmony in the skin, in the breath. The barriers dissolve, and you slip inside each other’s flesh."
Elena knows she should stay away from Atlas too. She can’t help but think what she’s doing is wrong, especially when she’s meant to marry someone else. But like metal to magnet, neither of them can stop themselves. It was an interesting dance to watch, and I do love it when he falls first.
"Don’t you dare wear that dress for anyone but me."
In Atlas, Elena finds the protective man she could only dream of until now. The one she never thought really existed—or could be hers. One who takes the time to know her, takes care of her, protects her, and makes her feel at home. One who listens and knows what she wants, from material things to a place where she can develop her photos.
And there’s nothing he really wouldn’t do for her.
"I was trying to make myself come."
"Thinking about me? But you were trying, not succeeding. I wasn’t quite enough to get you there."
Elena is also painfully inexperienced. The thought of her supposed future husband touching her rubbed me the wrong way from the start. In fact, I wanted to reach out into the screen and punch him a few times. But she and Atlas have a very different chemistry. One that made me wish for more between them on page, especially after all the buildup. More of them together.
"She captured me, and she doesn’t even realize it. Because Elena thinks that she belongs to someone else. But I’m the one who will battle her demons. Even the ones in her head."
When the writer realizes he’s losing her, it all becomes a much more dangerous game. There’s also something in Elena’s past that we’re unaware of almost until the end. To be honest, I didn’t need that. It doesn’t add anything to the story or to the character.
The good guys win, of course, but I couldn’t help but want the bad guy to be punished. To me, he really got off lightly. Maybe I’m just petty.
"I love you. I’ll protect you, I’ll take care of you. Carry me with you always and keep me in your heart. Because you are there in mine."
Their happily ever after was satisfying, though. Because it was so obvious they were meant to be. It doesn’t matter how they met or where it started—all that matters is that they ended up together.
I need more from this town!
After reading Grimstone, there was no way I wouldn’t go straight into Monarch. And although I still love Dane more, it’s hard not to fall for the giant teddy bear that was Atlas. It’s less gloomy than the previous book, but I really, really love this town.
"A permanent shadow stains his jawline. His face is surly, heavy like a boxer’s, and his voice is low and rough. But his manners are as elegant as his dinner jacket."
Atlas is big—one of those situations where the name fits the person. He’s also grumpy and observant. He pays attention to everyone who stops by his hotel. He’s protective, but he’s also alone. I don’t think he’s ever noticed how much until now.
"But I touch her there and only there, because I have to test what my eyes seemed to promise: that the curve of Elena’s back is the exact shape of my palm. My hand fits flawlessly. Like that’s what it was made to do."
I liked Elena—I just wanted her to be stronger and stand up for herself. Her heart is in the right place and her hopes and dreams are understandable and relatable, but I needed more. There were times where she sounded like a cliché, and I so wish she didn’t.
"You’re not going to sneak up on me this time,"
"If I want to sneak up on you, you won’t know a thing about it."
From the first time Atlas sees her, he wants her. She’s different from everyone else. It’s more than physical… There’s something about her. But Elena is in Grimstone—in the US, in fact—all the way from the Ukraine to be someone else’s bride.
And while Atlas doesn't interfere in his guests’ business… He’s about to.
"It’s the drug you try once and you’re a slave to the craving. I breathe her scent into my lungs, and she owns me forever."
The man she is about to marry, Lorne… He’s a famous thriller writer. He has a lot of money and is well-known in town. He’s even building himself and his new bride a house (a god-awful one!) He seems fine on paper. But we slowly start to see the mask he wears. And we begin to see that Elena and even his daughter are wrapped up in a web of lies and deceit that will be hard to get away from.
"Some people you’re meant to kiss and hold. There’s harmony in the skin, in the breath. The barriers dissolve, and you slip inside each other’s flesh."
Elena knows she should stay away from Atlas too. She can’t help but think what she’s doing is wrong, especially when she’s meant to marry someone else. But like metal to magnet, neither of them can stop themselves. It was an interesting dance to watch, and I do love it when he falls first.
"Don’t you dare wear that dress for anyone but me."
In Atlas, Elena finds the protective man she could only dream of until now. The one she never thought really existed—or could be hers. One who takes the time to know her, takes care of her, protects her, and makes her feel at home. One who listens and knows what she wants, from material things to a place where she can develop her photos.
And there’s nothing he really wouldn’t do for her.
"I was trying to make myself come."
"Thinking about me? But you were trying, not succeeding. I wasn’t quite enough to get you there."
Elena is also painfully inexperienced. The thought of her supposed future husband touching her rubbed me the wrong way from the start. In fact, I wanted to reach out into the screen and punch him a few times. But she and Atlas have a very different chemistry. One that made me wish for more between them on page, especially after all the buildup. More of them together.
"She captured me, and she doesn’t even realize it. Because Elena thinks that she belongs to someone else. But I’m the one who will battle her demons. Even the ones in her head."
When the writer realizes he’s losing her, it all becomes a much more dangerous game. There’s also something in Elena’s past that we’re unaware of almost until the end. To be honest, I didn’t need that. It doesn’t add anything to the story or to the character.
The good guys win, of course, but I couldn’t help but want the bad guy to be punished. To me, he really got off lightly. Maybe I’m just petty.
"I love you. I’ll protect you, I’ll take care of you. Carry me with you always and keep me in your heart. Because you are there in mine."
Their happily ever after was satisfying, though. Because it was so obvious they were meant to be. It doesn’t matter how they met or where it started—all that matters is that they ended up together.
I need more from this town!
December 29, 2024
3.75 stars
i can’t even pinpoint what it is i loved about it so much. i just had the best time while reading. maybe it’s the combination of romance and thriller in a spooky, gothic fairytale town? immaculate fall vibes. i really hope this becomes a whole series because i definitely want more of these characters and their small town.
this has the cheating trope, but i’m blind! completely looking the other way. idc.
i just wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed after the perfect pacing the rest of the book had. everything got resolved so quickly, and i wanted the revenge to be more satisfying.
also, side note: the art in this was amazing! i always enjoy the art in her books, but this was my favorite from her yet. idk if she does the art herself, but if so, what a talent!
i can’t even pinpoint what it is i loved about it so much. i just had the best time while reading. maybe it’s the combination of romance and thriller in a spooky, gothic fairytale town? immaculate fall vibes. i really hope this becomes a whole series because i definitely want more of these characters and their small town.
this has the cheating trope, but i’m blind! completely looking the other way. idc.
i just wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed after the perfect pacing the rest of the book had. everything got resolved so quickly, and i wanted the revenge to be more satisfying.
also, side note: the art in this was amazing! i always enjoy the art in her books, but this was my favorite from her yet. idk if she does the art herself, but if so, what a talent!
November 4, 2024
This was such a fun read! I will admit I enjoyed Grimstone a lot more, but Monarch had the same fall/spooky vibes which I loved ❤️
September 30, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
This was my first Sophie Lark book and before anyone comes at me, yes I know that this is the second book in the series, but it’s a series of standalones so it’s okay in my eyes lol. ANYWAYS, I have wanted to read a Sophie Lark book for a while as I’ve heard great things and I was not disappointed!
This book is perfect and just in time for spooky season! The only reason for my 4.5 star rating is because there were some parts that seemed almost too predictable, but you definitely had to think about it hard to get there. But that’s part of the reason why I loved this book because it made me actually pause to think through it and not just mindlessly read it.
Additionally, I loved how protective Atlas was over Elena and even Ivy. It was nice to see everyone get a HEA in spite of all that occurred to them throughout the book. Overall, I loved this book and I definitely need to go back and read Grimstone (the first book in the series) as I can’t get enough of the whole romance/thriller/mystery vibe!
This was my first Sophie Lark book and before anyone comes at me, yes I know that this is the second book in the series, but it’s a series of standalones so it’s okay in my eyes lol. ANYWAYS, I have wanted to read a Sophie Lark book for a while as I’ve heard great things and I was not disappointed!
This book is perfect and just in time for spooky season! The only reason for my 4.5 star rating is because there were some parts that seemed almost too predictable, but you definitely had to think about it hard to get there. But that’s part of the reason why I loved this book because it made me actually pause to think through it and not just mindlessly read it.
Additionally, I loved how protective Atlas was over Elena and even Ivy. It was nice to see everyone get a HEA in spite of all that occurred to them throughout the book. Overall, I loved this book and I definitely need to go back and read Grimstone (the first book in the series) as I can’t get enough of the whole romance/thriller/mystery vibe!
October 16, 2024
i absolutely loved this book as much as the first. monarch takes place in a spooky gothic hotel, owned by atlas, dane’s brother from the first book, grimstone. elena is on the run from a mistake she made in lviv. in order to start a new life, she gets engaged to a man she’s only met once, moving to grimstone with him, & soon she starts to see his true sinister intentions. atlas tries to save her from her sick and twisted finance, but in the process of doing so he falls completely and unconditionally in love with her. while living in the monarch hotel, while her fiancé’s house is in the process of being built, someone keeps trying to scare or warn elena to ‘get out.’ she soon finds out it’s her fiancé’s daughter, ivy trying to warn her about her father. however, it’s too late because her fiancé has kidnapped her and stashed her away inside the walls of his castle, quite literally. but of course, atlas rescues her and the two get married, adopting ivy, becoming their own little family. perfect ending! this book was so suspenseful and atlas and elena’s romance was so gentle and beautiful.
fav quotes
“i try to ignore her beauty, but i might as well try ignoring an oasis in the middle of the desert. she draws my eyes, my thoughts, and every ounce of my longing.”
“i breath her scent into my lungs, and she owns me forever.”
“don’t you dare wear that dress for anyone but me.”
“what shade is that blue? those are the kinds of stupid things you think to yourself when you stare at the woman of your dreams and can’t say anything out loud.”
“because there it is, in black and white, captured forever on film… how desperately i want her.”
“stay with me, be with me, always. live here. love me. let me love you.”
“i’m with you. i love you. i’ll protect you, i’ll take care of you. carry me with you always and keep me in your heart. because you are there in mine.”
“‘marry me.’’do you mean it, atlas?’’kiss me and see if i mean it.’”
“some people you’re meant to kiss and hold. there’s harmony in the skin, in the breath. the barriers dissolve, and you slip inside each other’s flesh.”
fav quotes
“i try to ignore her beauty, but i might as well try ignoring an oasis in the middle of the desert. she draws my eyes, my thoughts, and every ounce of my longing.”
“i breath her scent into my lungs, and she owns me forever.”
“don’t you dare wear that dress for anyone but me.”
“what shade is that blue? those are the kinds of stupid things you think to yourself when you stare at the woman of your dreams and can’t say anything out loud.”
“because there it is, in black and white, captured forever on film… how desperately i want her.”
“stay with me, be with me, always. live here. love me. let me love you.”
“i’m with you. i love you. i’ll protect you, i’ll take care of you. carry me with you always and keep me in your heart. because you are there in mine.”
“‘marry me.’’do you mean it, atlas?’’kiss me and see if i mean it.’”
“some people you’re meant to kiss and hold. there’s harmony in the skin, in the breath. the barriers dissolve, and you slip inside each other’s flesh.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
I loved it! I've loved this whole series so far! And reading it around halloween is perfect!
June 8, 2025
I liked this book so much more than the first one! I almost didn’t read it, but I’m glad that I did. This is the story of how Dane’s brother -Atlas- meets his soulmate. Only she’s engaged to someone else. Elena is fresh off the plane from Ukraine, having met her fiancé Lorne, a famous thriller author from Grimstone while leaving a disastrous mail order bride situation. He presents himself as a single father to Ivy, and a man who can give her the kind of life she’s hoped for all her life.
When Elena arrives in America it takes some getting used to. So does Lorne’s abrupt personality change. He’s different than he was in Ukraine, from his way of dressing down to the flatness of his eyes. There is something very wrong with him, and Atlas sees it right away. For Elena, who feels indebted to him, it takes much longer. While I saw the ending coming from a mile away, this was still very enjoyable. I loved Atlas, loved Elena. This was the gothic love story I wanted from the first book!
When Elena arrives in America it takes some getting used to. So does Lorne’s abrupt personality change. He’s different than he was in Ukraine, from his way of dressing down to the flatness of his eyes. There is something very wrong with him, and Atlas sees it right away. For Elena, who feels indebted to him, it takes much longer. While I saw the ending coming from a mile away, this was still very enjoyable. I loved Atlas, loved Elena. This was the gothic love story I wanted from the first book!
October 9, 2024
Star rating: ★★★★
Spice rating: 2 🥵🔥
This book follows Elena, who is coming from the Ukraine to the US as a Mail Order bride. When Elena first meets her new Fiancé, he seems like every girls dream. Rich, an immensely successful author, and a loving father. However, the longer that she spends like in the town of Grimstone and with her new fiancé, the more lies she see’s and the more sinister he seems. Elena’s only saving grace is Altas, the own of the Monarch hotel, where she is currently residing. Altas will do anything to help her… anything to save her… anything to be with her. However, time is running out on her stay at the Monarch, and once she moves in and marries her Fiancé upon completion of their house, there is no going back.
The vibes in this book was ✨ immaculate✨ for spooky season ☺️🫶🏼 I had so much fun being back in the town of Grimstone, were the air is dreary, and no one can really be trusted.
Elena comes off as a little naïve at first glance, having these big and movie like aspirations of moving to America and having the all American life. But as the book progresses, her optimism and her resilience is refreshing is like spooky town. On top of that, her love, patience and kindness towards her Fiancés daughter, who has seemed to be misunderstood and low key abused her entire life, touches a piece of your heart throughout the book. By the end you just want them both to win and get their happily ever after 🥺
Altas is every girls big, broody dream. He is this mountain man that has really never loved anything but his hotel, The Monarch. However, as soon as he spots Elena in his lobby he is struck dumb be not only her beauty, but her effervescence. He continues to have this pull to learn more about her he can’t control, and he doesn’t trust her Fiancé for shit. His POV cracked me up with his internal witty remarks about the author and also about his pull towards Elena.
Although I did guess the who-done-it pretty early on, I had such a great time reading this book and think that this is the perfect Spooky Season read 🖤
Spice rating: 2 🥵🔥
This book follows Elena, who is coming from the Ukraine to the US as a Mail Order bride. When Elena first meets her new Fiancé, he seems like every girls dream. Rich, an immensely successful author, and a loving father. However, the longer that she spends like in the town of Grimstone and with her new fiancé, the more lies she see’s and the more sinister he seems. Elena’s only saving grace is Altas, the own of the Monarch hotel, where she is currently residing. Altas will do anything to help her… anything to save her… anything to be with her. However, time is running out on her stay at the Monarch, and once she moves in and marries her Fiancé upon completion of their house, there is no going back.
The vibes in this book was ✨ immaculate✨ for spooky season ☺️🫶🏼 I had so much fun being back in the town of Grimstone, were the air is dreary, and no one can really be trusted.
Elena comes off as a little naïve at first glance, having these big and movie like aspirations of moving to America and having the all American life. But as the book progresses, her optimism and her resilience is refreshing is like spooky town. On top of that, her love, patience and kindness towards her Fiancés daughter, who has seemed to be misunderstood and low key abused her entire life, touches a piece of your heart throughout the book. By the end you just want them both to win and get their happily ever after 🥺
Altas is every girls big, broody dream. He is this mountain man that has really never loved anything but his hotel, The Monarch. However, as soon as he spots Elena in his lobby he is struck dumb be not only her beauty, but her effervescence. He continues to have this pull to learn more about her he can’t control, and he doesn’t trust her Fiancé for shit. His POV cracked me up with his internal witty remarks about the author and also about his pull towards Elena.
Although I did guess the who-done-it pretty early on, I had such a great time reading this book and think that this is the perfect Spooky Season read 🖤
May 29, 2025
In UKRAINE war in this time.
President’s wife - Olena Zelenska. Wow! Is this a coincidence??!!! you and your books are dog shit
President’s wife - Olena Zelenska. Wow! Is this a coincidence??!!! you and your books are dog shit
November 4, 2024
The way I devoured this book once I truly started reading it. I enjoyed the first book, Grimstone. Monarch is even better. A new version of the mail-order bride meets 90 day fiancée. Elena is a smart girl and has the sweetest heart. Atlas is big, dark, and full of surprises. Elena tries to fight fate but luckily Atlas helps her see the light even tho it was almost too late. But luckily Atlas and Ivy save the day.
October 9, 2024
4⭐️
we’re back in the small town of grimstone, baby! 🙂↕️
monarch follows atlas covett, the owner of the monarch hotel (he’s also the brother of dane from the first book) & elena zelenska, a woman who leaves her life in ukraine to move to grimstone and marry a famed author in town. but all is not what it seems, and she has no idea what is in store for her. elena, her betrothed and his young daughter live in the monarch while their home is in the final stage of being built. it’s there she meets atlas and strange things start happening within his hotel. will elena have her happy ending after all?
i really enjoyed the twists and mystery aspect of monarch, all while falling for atlas’s charm, elena’s backstory, and sweet little ivy. i found myself super invested in this darker element and the characters were very interesting. the illustrations were also gorgeous, i loved all the details in every character which made them come to life. and don’t even get me started on the insane chemistry between elena and atlas 🤭 when a tall and broody man folds so easily in order to protect the already badass female main character - i’m for sure a goner. i highly recommend checking out the grimstone series if you’re in the mood for a spooky, dark gothic romance.
we’re back in the small town of grimstone, baby! 🙂↕️
monarch follows atlas covett, the owner of the monarch hotel (he’s also the brother of dane from the first book) & elena zelenska, a woman who leaves her life in ukraine to move to grimstone and marry a famed author in town. but all is not what it seems, and she has no idea what is in store for her. elena, her betrothed and his young daughter live in the monarch while their home is in the final stage of being built. it’s there she meets atlas and strange things start happening within his hotel. will elena have her happy ending after all?
i really enjoyed the twists and mystery aspect of monarch, all while falling for atlas’s charm, elena’s backstory, and sweet little ivy. i found myself super invested in this darker element and the characters were very interesting. the illustrations were also gorgeous, i loved all the details in every character which made them come to life. and don’t even get me started on the insane chemistry between elena and atlas 🤭 when a tall and broody man folds so easily in order to protect the already badass female main character - i’m for sure a goner. i highly recommend checking out the grimstone series if you’re in the mood for a spooky, dark gothic romance.
October 8, 2024
I liked the concept of Monarch a lot. If you were to judge this book by its cover—which I love—you might think it is a story about a castle-y house where things go bump in the night. But this house takes up approximately 2% of this story, and the rest didn't quite catch for me.
To start, Elena is a mail-order bride from Ukraine, brought to Grimstone by her fiancé Lorne, a native to the small town, who led her to believe he was a shy, awkward single father, who happened to be a successful author with a lot of money. She is happy to be in America and live out her version of the American dream, so she accept's Lorne's proposal over the phone, he helps her get her visa, and she joins him. On her first day at the Monarch hotel, she catches the eye of tall, broad Atlas, who is the owner. He falls instantly and unshakably in love with Elena for reasons that still don't make sense to me, and over the following weeks, becomes increasingly jealous of Elena and Lorne's relationship, distrusting Lorne's intentions.
At the same time, Elena is exposed to more sides of who Lorne really is, and his anger flashes through in moments of time that leave her reeling and scared. She also bonds with Lorne's nonverbal and traumatized daughter, Ivy, who is being abused by her father and her caretaker throughout the story. However, Elena straddles between "he's a great man who loves me" and viewing Lorne as a monster, which is actually a very true feeling a lot of abuse survivors can connect with—however, these insistences from Elena don't make any sense when Lorne repeatedly terrorizes her and Ivy, and she doesn't realize Lorne is a danger until…Atlas tells her?
Throughout the duration of Lorne and Elena's relationship, he is trying to rush what is referred to as a Frankenstein-esque castle, disjointed and large due to contractors quitting when they won't make the additions Lorne is requesting. After the house is built, Lorne tells her that they can be married there, and Elena is desperate to believe him because she cannot return to Ukraine and face the consequences of the horrible thing she did that led to her desperately wanting to leave.
While Elena grapples with all this, she has to deal with Atlas overstepping in his attempts to protect her, then she begins an affair with him. Unlike many other romance readers, I love a cheating trope when it's done right, but I almost never love it when it's instalove, as it was here. I did not, could not, understand how Elena and Atlas fell in love with each other.
If the narrative had spent less time trying to tease out how bad Lorne is, many other things it attempted to do could have been executed well. As it stands, the thriller aspect fell flat, the ending was rushed, the love story was unbelievable, no one was held accountable for abusing Ivy, Lorne's "why" wasn't explained, Elena's "bad thing" wasn't that bad (imo hehehe) and is conveniently resolved in a single phone conversation with someone who was seemingly avoiding Elena's calls and texts the entire story, the person who was vandalizing Elena's room was too weak and borderline emaciated to execute the severity of the destruction more than once so that was difficult to buy, the caretaker's willingness to participate in Lorne's shenanigans made no sense, the plot was thin, and the spice was…uncomfortable because it almost always started somewhere nonconsensual for Elena.
I say this every time I read a Sophie Lark book: I absolutely love her writing. I will keep reading her books until I finally find characters I love and a plot I can rock with.
Thank you to so much SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
2.5 ⭐️s
1 🌶️
To start, Elena is a mail-order bride from Ukraine, brought to Grimstone by her fiancé Lorne, a native to the small town, who led her to believe he was a shy, awkward single father, who happened to be a successful author with a lot of money. She is happy to be in America and live out her version of the American dream, so she accept's Lorne's proposal over the phone, he helps her get her visa, and she joins him. On her first day at the Monarch hotel, she catches the eye of tall, broad Atlas, who is the owner. He falls instantly and unshakably in love with Elena for reasons that still don't make sense to me, and over the following weeks, becomes increasingly jealous of Elena and Lorne's relationship, distrusting Lorne's intentions.
At the same time, Elena is exposed to more sides of who Lorne really is, and his anger flashes through in moments of time that leave her reeling and scared. She also bonds with Lorne's nonverbal and traumatized daughter, Ivy, who is being abused by her father and her caretaker throughout the story. However, Elena straddles between "he's a great man who loves me" and viewing Lorne as a monster, which is actually a very true feeling a lot of abuse survivors can connect with—however, these insistences from Elena don't make any sense when Lorne repeatedly terrorizes her and Ivy, and she doesn't realize Lorne is a danger until…Atlas tells her?
Throughout the duration of Lorne and Elena's relationship, he is trying to rush what is referred to as a Frankenstein-esque castle, disjointed and large due to contractors quitting when they won't make the additions Lorne is requesting. After the house is built, Lorne tells her that they can be married there, and Elena is desperate to believe him because she cannot return to Ukraine and face the consequences of the horrible thing she did that led to her desperately wanting to leave.
While Elena grapples with all this, she has to deal with Atlas overstepping in his attempts to protect her, then she begins an affair with him. Unlike many other romance readers, I love a cheating trope when it's done right, but I almost never love it when it's instalove, as it was here. I did not, could not, understand how Elena and Atlas fell in love with each other.
If the narrative had spent less time trying to tease out how bad Lorne is, many other things it attempted to do could have been executed well. As it stands, the thriller aspect fell flat, the ending was rushed, the love story was unbelievable, no one was held accountable for abusing Ivy, Lorne's "why" wasn't explained, Elena's "bad thing" wasn't that bad (imo hehehe) and is conveniently resolved in a single phone conversation with someone who was seemingly avoiding Elena's calls and texts the entire story, the person who was vandalizing Elena's room was too weak and borderline emaciated to execute the severity of the destruction more than once so that was difficult to buy, the caretaker's willingness to participate in Lorne's shenanigans made no sense, the plot was thin, and the spice was…uncomfortable because it almost always started somewhere nonconsensual for Elena.
I say this every time I read a Sophie Lark book: I absolutely love her writing. I will keep reading her books until I finally find characters I love and a plot I can rock with.
Thank you to so much SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
2.5 ⭐️s
1 🌶️
May 28, 2025
The characters are flat, the story is boring. The author knows nothing about Ukraine. Her work is filled with outdated stereotypes. I do not recommend it.
May 29, 2025
As Ukrainian I’m so fucking pissed off
February 21, 2025
Just like Grimstone this book is a wild fast paced ride. Sophie takes you on a journey! I loved the mystery, satisfying culmination scene and 90 day fiancé of it all.
I struggled a bit with the MMC and wavered back & forth if I liked him or not. Even now after finishing it I still couldn’t tell you which way I lean.
Grimstone remains my favorite of the two. I loved both the FMC & MMC in that one and their cameos in this book were some of the best parts. Plus I like that the plot started plotting for me in Grimstone faster than in Monarch.
I struggled a bit with the MMC and wavered back & forth if I liked him or not. Even now after finishing it I still couldn’t tell you which way I lean.
Grimstone remains my favorite of the two. I loved both the FMC & MMC in that one and their cameos in this book were some of the best parts. Plus I like that the plot started plotting for me in Grimstone faster than in Monarch.
October 15, 2024
✨ 3.5 stars rounded up ✨
Personally - I did like this more than Grimstone!!!! My only issue is that I guessed the “plot twist” so early on and I wish we had gotten more from the reason why the bad guy was bad?
But it’s perfect for spooky season!!!!
Personally - I did like this more than Grimstone!!!! My only issue is that I guessed the “plot twist” so early on and I wish we had gotten more from the reason why the bad guy was bad?
But it’s perfect for spooky season!!!!
October 6, 2024
I liked this book so much!!
Admittedly, I was a little nervous bc I don’t typically like spookier things bc I’m a weeny 🫶🏼
BUT Sophie nailed the mix of romance, danger, and suspense with this story. With about a 3hr reading time, this is a shorter book so everything was very fast paced (much to my delight) & things happened quickly.
The perfect suspenseful, spookyish vibe for the girlies who typically read lighthearted romcoms!
4.5 ⭐️
Admittedly, I was a little nervous bc I don’t typically like spookier things bc I’m a weeny 🫶🏼
BUT Sophie nailed the mix of romance, danger, and suspense with this story. With about a 3hr reading time, this is a shorter book so everything was very fast paced (much to my delight) & things happened quickly.
The perfect suspenseful, spookyish vibe for the girlies who typically read lighthearted romcoms!
4.5 ⭐️
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