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Brutal Birthright #5
Broken Vow
I’ll Protect Her… Whether She Likes It Or Not.
Riona Griffin is gorgeous, intelligent, and iron-willed. My perfect woman, except she hates my guts.
She thinks she doesn’t need anybody. But she needs me.
She’s being hunted by an assassin who never misses his mark.
I’m going to stay by her side, day and night, keeping her safe. Riona thinks that’s a fate worse than death but I know she’ll learn to love me.
If this hitman wants to kill her, he’ll have to go through me first.
“Broken Vow” is the wild and dangerous fifth installment in the "Brutal Birthright" series. It's a standalone Bodyguard Mafia Romance, with a HEA and no cliffhanger. Contains steamy scenes.
The Lark Notes:
I knew I needed someone hot as hell to melt Riona’s icy heart. Raylan is a rancher, a soldier, and a southern boy with charm to burn. Best of all, he loves a challenge. My favorite parts to write were the fish-out-of-water scenes, when uptight Riona ends up on Raylan’s ranch. I loved finding creative ways for Raylan to use his riding crop...
Riona Griffin is gorgeous, intelligent, and iron-willed. My perfect woman, except she hates my guts.
She thinks she doesn’t need anybody. But she needs me.
She’s being hunted by an assassin who never misses his mark.
I’m going to stay by her side, day and night, keeping her safe. Riona thinks that’s a fate worse than death but I know she’ll learn to love me.
If this hitman wants to kill her, he’ll have to go through me first.
“Broken Vow” is the wild and dangerous fifth installment in the "Brutal Birthright" series. It's a standalone Bodyguard Mafia Romance, with a HEA and no cliffhanger. Contains steamy scenes.
The Lark Notes:
I knew I needed someone hot as hell to melt Riona’s icy heart. Raylan is a rancher, a soldier, and a southern boy with charm to burn. Best of all, he loves a challenge. My favorite parts to write were the fish-out-of-water scenes, when uptight Riona ends up on Raylan’s ranch. I loved finding creative ways for Raylan to use his riding crop...
446 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2020
4538 people are currently reading
63987 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 4,864 reviews
January 19, 2022
Holy crackers!
First of all, just a moment of silence for the cover model. I mean 🤤! Don’t understand why his whole self isn’t as fawned about as the story.
Anyway. Onto the story.
This instalment in the Brutal Birthright series is well loved and for a good reason. For other than the cover model, that is.
(Focus, woman!)
We’ve met Riona in some of the previous books. She’s a workaholic, bitchy, quick to anger and has a brick wall of a guard up. I was not expecting for her to be relatable but relate I did. Riona’s character arc was fuckin’ phenomenal and I ADORED her.
Sophie Lark really dived into her characterisation and I’m so impressed with how she managed to write about a woman who’s so fierce, ambitious and intelligent with a heart of gold. Who’s also still prickly, but we go beneath that surface she has built. There was so much emotional depth to be found there and it was SO beautiful to see it come to light. This is always something that I look for in a story, and that I want in my characters. I adored the way it was written.
This whole story was well-written.
I resonated with every part of her so deeply! Her fears, her insecurities, her single-minded drive and focus. It was heartwarming to see her embrace and overcome her fears.
And Raylan, sweetheart of an alpha that he was, was her perfect counterpart.
Another thing that Sophie Larks continues to impress me with is her action scenes. This woman writes suspenseful and action scenes with such precision. I feel all of it.
I think if you’re looking for a mafia series to start with, this series is great. It’s not too dark, the mafia elements aren’t too overwhelming, but you still become familiar with it.
This was genuinely a perfect story, start to finish and no one can tell me otherwise.
First of all, just a moment of silence for the cover model. I mean 🤤! Don’t understand why his whole self isn’t as fawned about as the story.
Anyway. Onto the story.
This instalment in the Brutal Birthright series is well loved and for a good reason. For other than the cover model, that is.
(Focus, woman!)
We’ve met Riona in some of the previous books. She’s a workaholic, bitchy, quick to anger and has a brick wall of a guard up. I was not expecting for her to be relatable but relate I did. Riona’s character arc was fuckin’ phenomenal and I ADORED her.
Sophie Lark really dived into her characterisation and I’m so impressed with how she managed to write about a woman who’s so fierce, ambitious and intelligent with a heart of gold. Who’s also still prickly, but we go beneath that surface she has built. There was so much emotional depth to be found there and it was SO beautiful to see it come to light. This is always something that I look for in a story, and that I want in my characters. I adored the way it was written.
This whole story was well-written.
I resonated with every part of her so deeply! Her fears, her insecurities, her single-minded drive and focus. It was heartwarming to see her embrace and overcome her fears.
And Raylan, sweetheart of an alpha that he was, was her perfect counterpart.
Another thing that Sophie Larks continues to impress me with is her action scenes. This woman writes suspenseful and action scenes with such precision. I feel all of it.
I think if you’re looking for a mafia series to start with, this series is great. It’s not too dark, the mafia elements aren’t too overwhelming, but you still become familiar with it.
This was genuinely a perfect story, start to finish and no one can tell me otherwise.
February 26, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ THISSSSSS!!!! this was one of my top favorites from this series which is really unexpected! I didn’t know I would love Riona this much but YES my girl served queen energy 💅🏻 & Raylan?? SAVE A HORSEEEE, RIDE A COWBOYYY 🤠 I liked the pacing in this a lot, and I loved the lil mystery vibes & the bodyguard trope! lemme add… dante & simone, my fcking HEARTTTT 🥰
the barn scene will live in my head rent free until the end of time. that’s all.
“Was that just top-quality customer service? Or does the bodyguard have serious feels?”
the barn scene will live in my head rent free until the end of time. that’s all.
“Was that just top-quality customer service? Or does the bodyguard have serious feels?”
December 28, 2023
★ 3.5 stars
I firstly want to say the illustrations by Sophie in this book are absolutely stunning (and spicy). I loved being able to see her depictions of Raylan and Riona 😍 This was such a fun read and ticked off a lot of boxes for me.
Tropes
➸ Enemies to lovers
➸ Bodyguard
➸ Mafia princess x ex military country boy
➸ Grumpy heroine/sunshine hero
The Plot
This is the fifth instalment of the burial birthright series that follows Riona. She the daughter of an Irish Don and Cal's sister from book one.
Riona is a fierce city slicker lawyer trying to make partner at her family’s law firm. Riona is attacked at her building and they soon discover a hitman has been ordered to kill her but they don't know who or why. The options are endless with her families mafia connections.
We are introduced to Rayan (longshot) who made a brief cameo in a previous book in the series. He's a country boy at heart, having grown up on a ranch but he's also ex military so he is called in by her brother to be her bodyguard while they work out who is targeting her.
╰⪼ Thoughts
I related to Riona a lot as I love reading about strong willed FMC's. She takes no shit and is very career driven. She's not your typical docile mafia princess and it was really interesting see the reverse trope of grumpy heroine/sunshine hero play out. I'm glad she didn't give up her career completely for this man or I would have rioted - it would have destroyed her whole character.
Rayan is a great book boyfriend, he's got that southern charm but devilish bedroom eyes (*cough* BDSM). The barn and riverbank scenes were just 🥵 He goes from these streamy scenes to being super sweet - He even washed her hair 🥹. He falls first and doesn't try to push her to be someone she's not and shows her the joy she is missing out on in her rigid lifestyle. This was definitely opposites attract and I felt like they complimented each other very well.
The bodyguard trope is one of my all-time faves and I liked how this was done slightly different to normal with his country background.
The thriller element of the plot was interesting and gave you another aspect to focus on outside of the romance. It was a little predictable but I didn't pick this up expecting a crime/thriller book so I was ok with this.
I felt like this was missing more descriptive language between the two love interests as looking back I didn't have many quotes highlighted and made me not as invested in them as I wanted to be. The pacing was also a little up and down for me, I really loved the start and then it went flat at points before picking back up which made some of the development between the two of them seem sudden. I wouldn't say it's insta love, it just got a little lost around the middle with showing the reader how each of characters was feeling.
There was only a couple of cringy lines but they did throw me for a minute - something about 'milking her' when he was doing you know what. Like she's not a cow and you're not a baby?!
Overall, Riona's story and Dante's (book #4) are probably my faves in the series to date. It's a quick steamy read 🌶️🌶️🌶️ with a decent plot to keep you interested. You also got to see some of the other couples again from the prior books (including a wedding).
I can't wait to read Sebastian's story which I believe is the final instalment of this series.
- - -
Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been so keen to read Riona's story since I work in law too hehe 😝
I firstly want to say the illustrations by Sophie in this book are absolutely stunning (and spicy). I loved being able to see her depictions of Raylan and Riona 😍 This was such a fun read and ticked off a lot of boxes for me.
Tropes
➸ Enemies to lovers
➸ Bodyguard
➸ Mafia princess x ex military country boy
➸ Grumpy heroine/sunshine hero
The Plot
This is the fifth instalment of the burial birthright series that follows Riona. She the daughter of an Irish Don and Cal's sister from book one.
Riona is a fierce city slicker lawyer trying to make partner at her family’s law firm. Riona is attacked at her building and they soon discover a hitman has been ordered to kill her but they don't know who or why. The options are endless with her families mafia connections.
We are introduced to Rayan (longshot) who made a brief cameo in a previous book in the series. He's a country boy at heart, having grown up on a ranch but he's also ex military so he is called in by her brother to be her bodyguard while they work out who is targeting her.
╰⪼ Thoughts
I related to Riona a lot as I love reading about strong willed FMC's. She takes no shit and is very career driven. She's not your typical docile mafia princess and it was really interesting see the reverse trope of grumpy heroine/sunshine hero play out. I'm glad she didn't give up her career completely for this man or I would have rioted - it would have destroyed her whole character.
Rayan is a great book boyfriend, he's got that southern charm but devilish bedroom eyes (*cough* BDSM). The barn and riverbank scenes were just 🥵 He goes from these streamy scenes to being super sweet - He even washed her hair 🥹. He falls first and doesn't try to push her to be someone she's not and shows her the joy she is missing out on in her rigid lifestyle. This was definitely opposites attract and I felt like they complimented each other very well.
The bodyguard trope is one of my all-time faves and I liked how this was done slightly different to normal with his country background.
The thriller element of the plot was interesting and gave you another aspect to focus on outside of the romance. It was a little predictable but I didn't pick this up expecting a crime/thriller book so I was ok with this.
I felt like this was missing more descriptive language between the two love interests as looking back I didn't have many quotes highlighted and made me not as invested in them as I wanted to be. The pacing was also a little up and down for me, I really loved the start and then it went flat at points before picking back up which made some of the development between the two of them seem sudden. I wouldn't say it's insta love, it just got a little lost around the middle with showing the reader how each of characters was feeling.
There was only a couple of cringy lines but they did throw me for a minute - something about 'milking her' when he was doing you know what. Like she's not a cow and you're not a baby?!
Overall, Riona's story and Dante's (book #4) are probably my faves in the series to date. It's a quick steamy read 🌶️🌶️🌶️ with a decent plot to keep you interested. You also got to see some of the other couples again from the prior books (including a wedding).
I can't wait to read Sebastian's story which I believe is the final instalment of this series.
- - -
Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been so keen to read Riona's story since I work in law too hehe 😝
April 5, 2022
Okay, I am OBSESSED with this book. A grumpy heroine and sunshine hero? A hero who is the heroine's bodyguard and just so happens to be a cowboy?? This book was literally everything. I loved how there was still a mafia sense to this book with someone trying to kill Riona, so her brothers and friend were trying to protect her. But then we also had a strong, successful heroine who was determined not to need a man to save her. When things with the threat on her life escalate, though, she is whisked way to Raylan's ranch and the two grow close. I was obsessed with them and literally could not put this book down. I loved getting to know Raylan while they were staying with his family and I loved how Riona slowly let other people into her life and her heart. This book was just literally perfection and I already want to reread it. I loved Raylan and Riona together and don't think any other book in this series can top this!
November 23, 2025
Now this one I LOVED !
Who knew Riona would have such a compelling story?
I adored her scruffy howdy bodyguard military cowboy. He had everything, I thought of humor, a touch of violence, a touch of calmness and tenderness and a touch of roughness. He was everything she needed. But let’s not get twisted cause Riona was no useless weak doormat like Simone (for some reason I can’t forget how much I hated her 😂) …. No Riona is strong, fierce, sexy and petulant, she is independent and super professional. Her coldness is nothing more than a front that she puts so people don’t diminish or belittle her and so she can’t be hurt. She is the best. Right up there for me with Aida and Camille.
The story is romantic with them both finding themselves in each other and with adventure plus the normal mafia situation.
In the end they were both willing to give up what they want to be with each other so it was selfless.
I just kinda wish they stayed in Chicago with the rest of the family and divided their time between Tennessee and Chicago. But whatever, they point is I LOVED
Who knew Riona would have such a compelling story?
I adored her scruffy howdy bodyguard military cowboy. He had everything, I thought of humor, a touch of violence, a touch of calmness and tenderness and a touch of roughness. He was everything she needed. But let’s not get twisted cause Riona was no useless weak doormat like Simone (for some reason I can’t forget how much I hated her 😂) …. No Riona is strong, fierce, sexy and petulant, she is independent and super professional. Her coldness is nothing more than a front that she puts so people don’t diminish or belittle her and so she can’t be hurt. She is the best. Right up there for me with Aida and Camille.
The story is romantic with them both finding themselves in each other and with adventure plus the normal mafia situation.
In the end they were both willing to give up what they want to be with each other so it was selfless.
I just kinda wish they stayed in Chicago with the rest of the family and divided their time between Tennessee and Chicago. But whatever, they point is I LOVED
August 27, 2021
✨5 stars✨
I knew it. I knew this was a 5 star read.
Within the first few chapters I had a feeling this was gonna be good, and godDAMN the book did not disappoint.
Feels good to be right.
Broken Vow truly ticked all my boxes, it gave me everything I wanted and then some.
Head empty, too good can't review. I'll need to read this 17 more times so I can articulate my thoughts better about why Riona is that bitch and Ryland always flashing his fuckin wolf incisors because he's constantly grinning is so damn hot.
One more moment of Riona stan behaviour:
Riona truly said I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that bitch.
“I don’t want to trap you,” I say to Riona. “I want to unleash you. I want to set you free. I want to show you what you really are . . . ”
I knew it. I knew this was a 5 star read.
Within the first few chapters I had a feeling this was gonna be good, and godDAMN the book did not disappoint.
Feels good to be right.
Broken Vow truly ticked all my boxes, it gave me everything I wanted and then some.
☑️Mafia romance
☑️Hard, take-no-shit heroine
☑️Sunshine and grumpy trope
☑️Forced contact
☑️Actual plot without stealing focus from the romance
☑️A sweet boy who's always rotating between 😏 and 🥵
☑️A heroine who doesn't know everything but can hold her own in every situation
☑️Did I mention I love Riona?
Head empty, too good can't review. I'll need to read this 17 more times so I can articulate my thoughts better about why Riona is that bitch and Ryland always flashing his fuckin wolf incisors because he's constantly grinning is so damn hot.
One more moment of Riona stan behaviour:
Riona truly said I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that bitch.
May 3, 2022
3.5 stars
Before I start my usual routine and name all the things that didn’t work for me I wanna say that I genuinely think this was a well written, and overall good book. After reading most of Sophie’s books I can definitely say that she’s the best at writing action or tension filled active scenes which is why I wish she would include more scenes like that and generally more mafia action in her books.
Back to this book, I think the fact that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would is also partly because it was too hyped. Everyone kept saying this is the best of the series and talking about Riona and Ryland like they are just the best thing Sophie has written. I very respectfully disagree.
I am sitting here very underwhelmed because I genuinely thought I was gonna love this which is why I waited for the perfect mood to read it.
Riona is or at least was supposed to be exactly the type of heroine I absolutely love. The serious, Ice Queen type (I don’t like that descriptor but for lack of a better word..) who is focused and unshakeable. The thing is.. I kinda love it when they stay that way. Not in the sense that she should lack growth during the story but just that I am biased against such plots where a personality like hers is seen as something wrong, as someone who needs to loosen up, or someone who needs the right person to show her who she really is. I absolutely abhor that idea that someone else (usually the love interest) knows better what you really want or need. It’s condescending. I know it’s a romance book, it’s supposed to be romantic and all that, but I couldn’t part with my own beliefs on the matter to actually like how Riona and Ryland’s relationship progressed.
I liked the whole idea of unravelling in an emotional sense, finding someone you can be completely at peace with, and trust them with everything, but I don’t like the idea of change at such a base level just cause a pretty boy who is not your usual type unbalances you a little. Come on, it’s gotta take more than that to make yourself question every aspect who you are and what you want. Especially not with a timeframe that spanned less than a month.
The author did a good job at covering her bases meaning she highlighted the fact that Ryland liked her just fine in any form - but there was still that problem of him thinking she’s be happier or better off if she would do or let herself feel certain things. And while it doesn’t sound that bad - sometimes his attitude rubbed me the wrong way. He still didn’t come off as bad tho, more … clueless because he’s the type of guy who is nice and great and he genuinely thinks all he does is for your own good. There was that whole thing of him expecting her to uproot her whole life and move away from her career, family and friends so that he can take care of his family farm.
I’m not being snobbish cause I actually would love to live where he lives BUT the audacity on men is just astounding.
Again the author managed to cover her basis here too, he did eventually offer to move for her instead - but of course she couldn’t agree - how could she? I like my heroines more selfish and pragmatic. If it was any other heroine the move to Tennesse would make sense. Riona? No. Also, if you’re a licensed lawyer in Chicago, can you practice in any state whatsoever? I’m not from the US but I thought it didn’t really work that way..
To be honest I didn’t like Ryland that much. He didn’t stand out in any way to me. And I think that Riona is too good for him. Sure, he’s a sweetheart, he didn’t really do anything bad, I just … he was average.
In conclusion, this was absolutely NOT a favourite from the series. I still have Sebastian to read so we’ll see.. but so far Nero’s book stands out and Dante’s( just cause I love his steadfast loyalty.)
Before I start my usual routine and name all the things that didn’t work for me I wanna say that I genuinely think this was a well written, and overall good book. After reading most of Sophie’s books I can definitely say that she’s the best at writing action or tension filled active scenes which is why I wish she would include more scenes like that and generally more mafia action in her books.
Back to this book, I think the fact that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would is also partly because it was too hyped. Everyone kept saying this is the best of the series and talking about Riona and Ryland like they are just the best thing Sophie has written. I very respectfully disagree.
I am sitting here very underwhelmed because I genuinely thought I was gonna love this which is why I waited for the perfect mood to read it.
Riona is or at least was supposed to be exactly the type of heroine I absolutely love. The serious, Ice Queen type (I don’t like that descriptor but for lack of a better word..) who is focused and unshakeable. The thing is.. I kinda love it when they stay that way. Not in the sense that she should lack growth during the story but just that I am biased against such plots where a personality like hers is seen as something wrong, as someone who needs to loosen up, or someone who needs the right person to show her who she really is. I absolutely abhor that idea that someone else (usually the love interest) knows better what you really want or need. It’s condescending. I know it’s a romance book, it’s supposed to be romantic and all that, but I couldn’t part with my own beliefs on the matter to actually like how Riona and Ryland’s relationship progressed.
I liked the whole idea of unravelling in an emotional sense, finding someone you can be completely at peace with, and trust them with everything, but I don’t like the idea of change at such a base level just cause a pretty boy who is not your usual type unbalances you a little. Come on, it’s gotta take more than that to make yourself question every aspect who you are and what you want. Especially not with a timeframe that spanned less than a month.
The author did a good job at covering her bases meaning she highlighted the fact that Ryland liked her just fine in any form - but there was still that problem of him thinking she’s be happier or better off if she would do or let herself feel certain things. And while it doesn’t sound that bad - sometimes his attitude rubbed me the wrong way. He still didn’t come off as bad tho, more … clueless because he’s the type of guy who is nice and great and he genuinely thinks all he does is for your own good. There was that whole thing of him expecting her to uproot her whole life and move away from her career, family and friends so that he can take care of his family farm.
I’m not being snobbish cause I actually would love to live where he lives BUT the audacity on men is just astounding.
Again the author managed to cover her basis here too, he did eventually offer to move for her instead - but of course she couldn’t agree - how could she? I like my heroines more selfish and pragmatic. If it was any other heroine the move to Tennesse would make sense. Riona? No. Also, if you’re a licensed lawyer in Chicago, can you practice in any state whatsoever? I’m not from the US but I thought it didn’t really work that way..
To be honest I didn’t like Ryland that much. He didn’t stand out in any way to me. And I think that Riona is too good for him. Sure, he’s a sweetheart, he didn’t really do anything bad, I just … he was average.
In conclusion, this was absolutely NOT a favourite from the series. I still have Sebastian to read so we’ll see.. but so far Nero’s book stands out and Dante’s( just cause I love his steadfast loyalty.)
November 1, 2021
-2.5 stars-
this was kinda like Wicked Intentions but much worse 🤠
this was kinda like Wicked Intentions but much worse 🤠
October 23, 2021
I thought this would be my favourite from the series. Riona has definitely been shaping out to be my favourite heroine right from the start, but sadly, her book didn't live up to my (perhaps unfairly) heightened expectations.
I have to give it to this book though - it's not often that we get female characters like Riona (STILL, still not often enough!) and I loved how she was written. Unapologetically ambitious, driven, straightforward, outspoken and blunt, a little bit cold on the outside, not a fan of conventions and fake pleasantries. That alone made me adore her, and then on top of that she would also say totally relatable things like these:
"I’d respect him more if he were an honest asshole, instead of a fake nice guy."
"I wouldn’t like to admit this out loud, but I have a burning passion for Excel spreadsheets."
"I can’t imagine loving somebody more than I love my own comfort and having my own way."
I was just all 🥰🥰🥰 about Riona and for that alone, this book might have got a lot more stars. Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in the end.
I liked Raylan. A lot, actually. I thought he and Riona made a great couple in this inexplicable way where people sometimes just...fit together. He was both respectful and cocky at the same time, but to this perfect point where he was challenging Riona while making her feel safe too. Additionally, I enjoyed how this book allowed us a brief respite from the typical mafia romance convention by moving the action to Raylan's family ranch for a large portion of the story. It was refreshing.
If I loved all of that, why the disappointment then, you might ask?
Well...This part is tricky and honestly very deeply embedded in my own personal convictions - but then, which opinion isn't?
Like I mentioned before, I enjoyed the romance and both characters but unfortunately, towards the ending of the book, I started to get more and more of that "off" feeling about this story. It was the way Riona subtly, but consistently, started to come off as "softer" than she was in the beginning. How she started as someone who loves "having her own way" and then she ended up making this huge change and compromise because of love. How throughout this book and 4 books before it, it was clear that Riona is ambitious as hell and she LOVES her job, LOVES having an important role in her family, would in fact gladly take over as head of the family instead of Cal. How that was turned into "I'm not really happy and I don't really love my job" as soon as she realized she loves Raylan. How she's adamant about NOT having kids and it's made clear that Raylan would love to have kids eventually and they never discuss it and you get this sinking feeling it will end as it always ends in romance novels - the only HEA a woman can get, apparently.
And don't even get me started on the most eye-twitch-inducing "Psychology" 101 sex trope - a woman who is considered a "ballbuster" and in full control of her professional and personal life, who is a bit of a control freak, simply MUST enjoy being dominated in bed. I mean, like always, I get that it's a legitimate thing that happens but can we (and by we, I mean myself), JUST ONCE, have a female character who likes to be in control both in boardroom and the bedroom? Like, why is it that male characters can be described as "Mr. Big D Energy exercises control in all aspects of his life" but as soon as you have a female character who exercises control in her life, she simply MUST meet a guy who will make her "let go" and free her of her inhibitions and what-not.
I'm not necessarily saying it's a bad thing, I'm just saying...I'm tired.
And I get that to love usually means to compromise but why is it always (I'm not actually asking why, I know why) that this compromise leans suspiciously closer to a woman bending her goals and dreams to fit someone else's life? I mean, I liked the fact that Raylan was ready to move to city for Riona, it was cute and shit, but in the end it was of course Riona who went from "why is Cal the head of family just because he's a guy, I WANT IT AND I'LL GET IT" to "nah, partnership what partnership lemme ditch my beloved city, spend thousands on an office in Nowheresville and live on a ranch".
This turned entirely too rant-y but make it make sense, I beg you.
I guess my expectation here was that if you write a heroine who so wonderfully escapes the traditional frames of what is considered to be feminine, the next step is to have the courage to keep her that way and not have her "change for love" or whatever.
*takes a deep breath*
Despite the tone of this rant/review, I am enjoying this series a lot, you know. I am looking forward to the last book. It's just...
I guess "the power of love" hasn't changed me yet and I am still selfish and prefer my own comfort and having my own way to anything else and I find the representation of characters like me in romance novels sorely lacking 😉😅
P.S. Also, I'm saying all medical details need to be 100% on point but how do you narrowly escape a huge blazing fire and not go to a hospital for at least a quick check for smoke inhalation???
I have to give it to this book though - it's not often that we get female characters like Riona (STILL, still not often enough!) and I loved how she was written. Unapologetically ambitious, driven, straightforward, outspoken and blunt, a little bit cold on the outside, not a fan of conventions and fake pleasantries. That alone made me adore her, and then on top of that she would also say totally relatable things like these:
"I’d respect him more if he were an honest asshole, instead of a fake nice guy."
"I wouldn’t like to admit this out loud, but I have a burning passion for Excel spreadsheets."
"I can’t imagine loving somebody more than I love my own comfort and having my own way."
I was just all 🥰🥰🥰 about Riona and for that alone, this book might have got a lot more stars. Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in the end.
I liked Raylan. A lot, actually. I thought he and Riona made a great couple in this inexplicable way where people sometimes just...fit together. He was both respectful and cocky at the same time, but to this perfect point where he was challenging Riona while making her feel safe too. Additionally, I enjoyed how this book allowed us a brief respite from the typical mafia romance convention by moving the action to Raylan's family ranch for a large portion of the story. It was refreshing.
If I loved all of that, why the disappointment then, you might ask?
Well...This part is tricky and honestly very deeply embedded in my own personal convictions - but then, which opinion isn't?
Like I mentioned before, I enjoyed the romance and both characters but unfortunately, towards the ending of the book, I started to get more and more of that "off" feeling about this story. It was the way Riona subtly, but consistently, started to come off as "softer" than she was in the beginning. How she started as someone who loves "having her own way" and then she ended up making this huge change and compromise because of love. How throughout this book and 4 books before it, it was clear that Riona is ambitious as hell and she LOVES her job, LOVES having an important role in her family, would in fact gladly take over as head of the family instead of Cal. How that was turned into "I'm not really happy and I don't really love my job" as soon as she realized she loves Raylan. How she's adamant about NOT having kids and it's made clear that Raylan would love to have kids eventually and they never discuss it and you get this sinking feeling it will end as it always ends in romance novels - the only HEA a woman can get, apparently.
And don't even get me started on the most eye-twitch-inducing "Psychology" 101 sex trope - a woman who is considered a "ballbuster" and in full control of her professional and personal life, who is a bit of a control freak, simply MUST enjoy being dominated in bed. I mean, like always, I get that it's a legitimate thing that happens but can we (and by we, I mean myself), JUST ONCE, have a female character who likes to be in control both in boardroom and the bedroom? Like, why is it that male characters can be described as "Mr. Big D Energy exercises control in all aspects of his life" but as soon as you have a female character who exercises control in her life, she simply MUST meet a guy who will make her "let go" and free her of her inhibitions and what-not.
I'm not necessarily saying it's a bad thing, I'm just saying...I'm tired.
And I get that to love usually means to compromise but why is it always (I'm not actually asking why, I know why) that this compromise leans suspiciously closer to a woman bending her goals and dreams to fit someone else's life? I mean, I liked the fact that Raylan was ready to move to city for Riona, it was cute and shit, but in the end it was of course Riona who went from "why is Cal the head of family just because he's a guy, I WANT IT AND I'LL GET IT" to "nah, partnership what partnership lemme ditch my beloved city, spend thousands on an office in Nowheresville and live on a ranch".
This turned entirely too rant-y but make it make sense, I beg you.
I guess my expectation here was that if you write a heroine who so wonderfully escapes the traditional frames of what is considered to be feminine, the next step is to have the courage to keep her that way and not have her "change for love" or whatever.
*takes a deep breath*
Despite the tone of this rant/review, I am enjoying this series a lot, you know. I am looking forward to the last book. It's just...
I guess "the power of love" hasn't changed me yet and I am still selfish and prefer my own comfort and having my own way to anything else and I find the representation of characters like me in romance novels sorely lacking 😉😅
P.S. Also, I'm saying all medical details need to be 100% on point but how do you narrowly escape a huge blazing fire and not go to a hospital for at least a quick check for smoke inhalation???
July 1, 2023
I think this is the first book I read where the bodyguard is the fun not-serious type and the one being guarded is the grumpy serious type. Such an interesting reverse twist with the bodyguard trope.
Both characters were really likable. Many things about Riona were relatable, however I really didn’t like watching her getting…softer? I know I know it’s a part of her growth. But I like strong headed grumpy heroines to remain that way. She was the selfish type who won’t make a compromise. And I wanted some of that to remain there. She started compromising so easily. Raylan was such a fun time.
I think people who are looking for a light mafia read with a lot of action scenes would enjoy this series.
#1 Brutal prince ~ 3 stars
#2 Stolen heir ~ 3 stars
#3 Savage lovers ~ 2.75 stars
#4 Bloody heart ~ 3.5 stars
#5 Broken Vow ~ 3.25 stars
Both characters were really likable. Many things about Riona were relatable, however I really didn’t like watching her getting…softer? I know I know it’s a part of her growth. But I like strong headed grumpy heroines to remain that way. She was the selfish type who won’t make a compromise. And I wanted some of that to remain there. She started compromising so easily. Raylan was such a fun time.
I think people who are looking for a light mafia read with a lot of action scenes would enjoy this series.
#1 Brutal prince ~ 3 stars
#2 Stolen heir ~ 3 stars
#3 Savage lovers ~ 2.75 stars
#4 Bloody heart ~ 3.5 stars
#5 Broken Vow ~ 3.25 stars
December 6, 2023
3.45 ★ stars.
Thanks to Bloom Books for giving me a digital copy of this book in exchange of a review and helping me tick off one of my most anticipated reads off the Tbr.
I was stuck on Dante's book, considering putting this series on hold for a while, when this came in the mail. Apparently, that was all the universal signs my excitement needed, to break free of it's leash and jump straight on it because come on, we're talking about Riona Griffin right here. I've been waiting to get my hands on her book since forever and when that came paired with a trope I'd gladly call in sick and stay up nights for, I felt like I was losing my head all over again.
'Broken Vow' has:
• The bodyguard and mafia princess trope but minus the forbidden part
• None of them wants to be in the situation they are in, so that calls for a lovely forced proximity
• Mild country fluff/cowboy energy
• Posh, collective, elegant and organized city girl for a wild, messy, rough and adventurous brute
• When he's the soothing wind to her raging inferno
• She doesn't like food but he's one hell of a cook and makes it hard for her to resist
• Lastly, what I consider to be my personal kind of guilty pleasure, the reverse grumpy sunshine trope
╰┈➤ Riona:
Green-eyed and red-headed lawyers are the official 'It Girls' of book community; I'm one hundred percent convinced of that. My girl Riona didn't disappoint; she's as much the hard shell I remember from the previous books—an absolute sweetheart with a bitter edge. She slayed and didn't leave anything to be desired. She's smart, feminine, competitive, brutally honest; you'll need to earn her respect first before she acknowledges your existence. She doesn't like unnesessary people and their unnesessary drama, likes her life uncomplicated. The way she's committed to her ethics and has her shit figured out is her most attractive trait. I admired her and connected to her on a deep level.
I'd say it out loud: RIONA IS HER OWN PERSON, SHE'S NO DAMSEL AND EVEN IF SHE WERE, DEFINITELY NOT IN DISTRESS.
She didn't need saving, she just needed a big hug and daily reminders of how much she's loved. Who needs a bodyguard when she defeated a man triple her size with a single hairpin and walked out to tell the story?! I can't help feeling like the whole bodyguard thing was a massive joke because demons were slayed, bad guys were defeated, not by the knight in shining armor but by the silver-tongued, hot-headed warrior princess. The knight in question just gave her a couple of free motivational quotes, which her family tried and failed to give her all her life, and she was soaring high in the sky.
╰┈➤ Raylan:
Ex-military, security expert, and a secret small town cowboy? SIGN ME UP. When I first read the description of this book, I didn't know what I expected but I wasn't expecting him. I didn't expect him to be such a sweet talker, smooth flirt, endlessly patient, makes everything brighter and every situation lighter kind of person.
—Momentarily unstanning the other MMCs of this series so I can give him my undivided attention.
Every woraholic, private person needs their outregeous, reckless plus one to drag them out of their orbit and Raylan was just that for Riona. The way he paid attention to small details, like how she liked her coffee and gave her princess treatment, had silly feelings stirring in my stomach. He compared her to freaking Greek goddesses, praised her stubbornness and fucked it out of her all the same and he loves reading?!! NO WAY! He somehow always predicted her moods and knew just the right thing to do.
╰┈➤ The chemistry between Raylan & Riona was sizzling, all-consuming:
They already were acquaintances and yeah, I missed that because both of them are bestfriends with Dante and I skipped Dante's book. I'll catch up to it eventually. Dante and Riona's friendship was superior as hell.
“You better name your firstborn after me, for all the work I put in.”
“I’m not having a firstborn, or any born. Even if I did, I wouldn’t saddle them with the name Dante.”
“Dante has been popular for eight hundred years. It has history and gravitas.”
“It’s not even a real name! It’s a nickname! You know Dante Alighieri’s real name was Durante.”
—Sis definitely went for the blow.
Their easy interactions didn't feel awkward to me solely because of that but they detested each other still, I was eating it all up. They were sceptical about making sacrifices but at the end, they both were prepared to put everything on the line without the other one knowing. It was ridiculously cute.
The main issue was with the pace at which they were taking things and the stupid mess they made of it. In fact, I enjoyed the first half of this book so much, the second half pretty much knocked it off my favor #plain-disappointing.
↳ I swear, I felt nothing between them and remember wondering they had a long way to go. Then, all of a sudden there was an oasis of sparks I didn't see coming at all; it completely threw me off guard. This book being a bodyguard romance but the bodyguard goes MIA when shits hit the ceiling, except for a few occasions where Raylan made me feel guilty for finding a life-death situation hot. I know it's not supposed to be a big deal but I felt kind of weird that he jumped on her the second she broke up with her boyfriend over a phone call. Okay, he was waiting for the chance and seized it but GIVE IT A FEW DAYS AT LEAST.
↳ They literally left a dead body out in the open fields so they could get home and fuck, they even had their beauty sleep afterwards. The dead body was barely 10 miles away, IT'S A SMALL TOWN, NOT THE FREAKING SAHARA. What were they thinking and how come no one stumbled upon that? Why would he drag her to his country home in the first place instead of keeping her with her mafia family so they can watch over and eliminate threats before they occur? It was so unprofessional of him.
↳ The reason Riona never took relationships seriously was because she hated the idea of giving up what she loved, altering her preferences for some man. I was actually in disbelief when Raylan asked her to leave her life and share his. That wasn't as bothersome as Riona almost saying yes.
I would have thrown the book across the room if she gaslighted herself that she didn't love her job and quit everything in the name of love because that is not independent Riona, that is delulu Riona.
↳ Sophie Lark really needs to work on her undercover names for criminals, in 'Stolen Heir', it was butcher and here it's djinn, like how do you not get the ick from someone saying, 'Oh, djinn is after me'. I was so mad at the last scene, Riona dealt with the bad guy herself and everyone was thanking Raylan instead. He didn't even try to correct them, he bagged all the credits.
Not the biggest compliment, I know but it did okay. I'd admit I expected a lot from Riona's story and was sure her book would be the best one in the series. It met certain expectations but it wasn't the best. I still prefer Nero's book and vise versa; Camille your man saying things like these— “You don’t know what’s missing inside of you, until you find it in someone else.” —What kind of sorcery is this?!
Ratings:
• Brutal Prince - 2 stars
• Stolen Heir - 3.25 stars
• Savage Lover - 5 stars
• Bloody Heart - Dnf at 30%
• Broken Vow - 3.45 stars
• Heavy Crown - Tbr
Next up is Seb's book. Sophie Lark please make it good and make up for all the Seb content we were depraved of.
❝It’s funny—we were in a room full of gorgeous women, but I only had eyes for her.❞
Thanks to Bloom Books for giving me a digital copy of this book in exchange of a review and helping me tick off one of my most anticipated reads off the Tbr.
I was stuck on Dante's book, considering putting this series on hold for a while, when this came in the mail. Apparently, that was all the universal signs my excitement needed, to break free of it's leash and jump straight on it because come on, we're talking about Riona Griffin right here. I've been waiting to get my hands on her book since forever and when that came paired with a trope I'd gladly call in sick and stay up nights for, I felt like I was losing my head all over again.
'Broken Vow' has:
• The bodyguard and mafia princess trope but minus the forbidden part
• None of them wants to be in the situation they are in, so that calls for a lovely forced proximity
• Mild country fluff/cowboy energy
• Posh, collective, elegant and organized city girl for a wild, messy, rough and adventurous brute
• When he's the soothing wind to her raging inferno
• She doesn't like food but he's one hell of a cook and makes it hard for her to resist
• Lastly, what I consider to be my personal kind of guilty pleasure, the reverse grumpy sunshine trope
╰┈➤ Riona:
❝The idea of being controlled by someone else, doing things for their convenience instead of mine- no thanks. I barely tolerate that for my family. Why would I want to center my life around a man?❞
Green-eyed and red-headed lawyers are the official 'It Girls' of book community; I'm one hundred percent convinced of that. My girl Riona didn't disappoint; she's as much the hard shell I remember from the previous books—an absolute sweetheart with a bitter edge. She slayed and didn't leave anything to be desired. She's smart, feminine, competitive, brutally honest; you'll need to earn her respect first before she acknowledges your existence. She doesn't like unnesessary people and their unnesessary drama, likes her life uncomplicated. The way she's committed to her ethics and has her shit figured out is her most attractive trait. I admired her and connected to her on a deep level.
❝I’d respect him more if he were an honest asshole, instead of a fake nice guy.❞
I'd say it out loud: RIONA IS HER OWN PERSON, SHE'S NO DAMSEL AND EVEN IF SHE WERE, DEFINITELY NOT IN DISTRESS.
She didn't need saving, she just needed a big hug and daily reminders of how much she's loved. Who needs a bodyguard when she defeated a man triple her size with a single hairpin and walked out to tell the story?! I can't help feeling like the whole bodyguard thing was a massive joke because demons were slayed, bad guys were defeated, not by the knight in shining armor but by the silver-tongued, hot-headed warrior princess. The knight in question just gave her a couple of free motivational quotes, which her family tried and failed to give her all her life, and she was soaring high in the sky.
╰┈➤ Raylan:
❝I’ve always had this compulsion to overcome challenges. And Riona is a constant challenge.❞
Ex-military, security expert, and a secret small town cowboy? SIGN ME UP. When I first read the description of this book, I didn't know what I expected but I wasn't expecting him. I didn't expect him to be such a sweet talker, smooth flirt, endlessly patient, makes everything brighter and every situation lighter kind of person.
—Momentarily unstanning the other MMCs of this series so I can give him my undivided attention.
Every woraholic, private person needs their outregeous, reckless plus one to drag them out of their orbit and Raylan was just that for Riona. The way he paid attention to small details, like how she liked her coffee and gave her princess treatment, had silly feelings stirring in my stomach. He compared her to freaking Greek goddesses, praised her stubbornness and fucked it out of her all the same and he loves reading?!! NO WAY! He somehow always predicted her moods and knew just the right thing to do.
❝I want it more than anything. I want to crack the code of her psyche. I want to win her over. I want to make her mine.❞
╰┈➤ The chemistry between Raylan & Riona was sizzling, all-consuming:
They already were acquaintances and yeah, I missed that because both of them are bestfriends with Dante and I skipped Dante's book. I'll catch up to it eventually. Dante and Riona's friendship was superior as hell.
“You better name your firstborn after me, for all the work I put in.”
“I’m not having a firstborn, or any born. Even if I did, I wouldn’t saddle them with the name Dante.”
“Dante has been popular for eight hundred years. It has history and gravitas.”
“It’s not even a real name! It’s a nickname! You know Dante Alighieri’s real name was Durante.”
—Sis definitely went for the blow.
Their easy interactions didn't feel awkward to me solely because of that but they detested each other still, I was eating it all up. They were sceptical about making sacrifices but at the end, they both were prepared to put everything on the line without the other one knowing. It was ridiculously cute.
The main issue was with the pace at which they were taking things and the stupid mess they made of it. In fact, I enjoyed the first half of this book so much, the second half pretty much knocked it off my favor #plain-disappointing.
↳ I swear, I felt nothing between them and remember wondering they had a long way to go. Then, all of a sudden there was an oasis of sparks I didn't see coming at all; it completely threw me off guard. This book being a bodyguard romance but the bodyguard goes MIA when shits hit the ceiling, except for a few occasions where Raylan made me feel guilty for finding a life-death situation hot. I know it's not supposed to be a big deal but I felt kind of weird that he jumped on her the second she broke up with her boyfriend over a phone call. Okay, he was waiting for the chance and seized it but GIVE IT A FEW DAYS AT LEAST.
↳ They literally left a dead body out in the open fields so they could get home and fuck, they even had their beauty sleep afterwards. The dead body was barely 10 miles away, IT'S A SMALL TOWN, NOT THE FREAKING SAHARA. What were they thinking and how come no one stumbled upon that? Why would he drag her to his country home in the first place instead of keeping her with her mafia family so they can watch over and eliminate threats before they occur? It was so unprofessional of him.
↳ The reason Riona never took relationships seriously was because she hated the idea of giving up what she loved, altering her preferences for some man. I was actually in disbelief when Raylan asked her to leave her life and share his. That wasn't as bothersome as Riona almost saying yes.
I would have thrown the book across the room if she gaslighted herself that she didn't love her job and quit everything in the name of love because that is not independent Riona, that is delulu Riona.
↳ Sophie Lark really needs to work on her undercover names for criminals, in 'Stolen Heir', it was butcher and here it's djinn, like how do you not get the ick from someone saying, 'Oh, djinn is after me'. I was so mad at the last scene, Riona dealt with the bad guy herself and everyone was thanking Raylan instead. He didn't even try to correct them, he bagged all the credits.
Not the biggest compliment, I know but it did okay. I'd admit I expected a lot from Riona's story and was sure her book would be the best one in the series. It met certain expectations but it wasn't the best. I still prefer Nero's book and vise versa; Camille your man saying things like these— “You don’t know what’s missing inside of you, until you find it in someone else.” —What kind of sorcery is this?!
Ratings:
• Brutal Prince - 2 stars
• Stolen Heir - 3.25 stars
• Savage Lover - 5 stars
• Bloody Heart - Dnf at 30%
• Broken Vow - 3.45 stars
• Heavy Crown - Tbr
Next up is Seb's book. Sophie Lark please make it good and make up for all the Seb content we were depraved of.
April 11, 2022
4.75⭐️ THIS WAS IT FOR ME!!!! My favorite of the series wow. I loved this whole book from start to finish.
When we first were introduced to Riona, she wasn’t my favorite but now I am obsessed with her. I love how strong willed, independent, and strong she was. Now don’t get me started on Raylan. Listen I am not a huge fan of cowboys but he is an exception. This man was so caring and determined to get the girl of his dreams. I adored that together they were so vulnerable and that he helped her break down her walls.
I also loved that this book was not only a bodyguard romance but also a reverse grumpy/sunshine, you don’t see it a lot so it was very refreshing. This couple, this book, and this series is EVERYTHING. So sad that the next book is the last one of the series.
“I want to choose you, Raylan. I want to choose you over anything else.”
When we first were introduced to Riona, she wasn’t my favorite but now I am obsessed with her. I love how strong willed, independent, and strong she was. Now don’t get me started on Raylan. Listen I am not a huge fan of cowboys but he is an exception. This man was so caring and determined to get the girl of his dreams. I adored that together they were so vulnerable and that he helped her break down her walls.
I also loved that this book was not only a bodyguard romance but also a reverse grumpy/sunshine, you don’t see it a lot so it was very refreshing. This couple, this book, and this series is EVERYTHING. So sad that the next book is the last one of the series.
“I want to choose you, Raylan. I want to choose you over anything else.”
June 20, 2022
3.5 stars
This was my first Sophie Lark book and it started so strong for me. I think this author does a great job building up a story and I liked her writing a lot. Riona was a strong heroine and Raylan was just the best. Unfortunately the end started to get a little slow and predictable for me, but I still enjoyed a lot about this one and will pick up more of this authors work in the future.
This was my first Sophie Lark book and it started so strong for me. I think this author does a great job building up a story and I liked her writing a lot. Riona was a strong heroine and Raylan was just the best. Unfortunately the end started to get a little slow and predictable for me, but I still enjoyed a lot about this one and will pick up more of this authors work in the future.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Wen Ross & PJ Morgan
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Mafia)
Length: 9h 43m
February 17, 2024
4,25⭐️
Aaaa cowboy mafia romance sjsjjsjs, this was so good and fun and quick to read, definitely one of my fav from this series
Aaaa cowboy mafia romance sjsjjsjs, this was so good and fun and quick to read, definitely one of my fav from this series
January 3, 2023
This book...everything. Have you ever read and just felt like extremely heard ? This was it for me and this book, their story will always hold a special place in my heart.
This is by far my favorite book in this series. I connected so much to Riona and I loved seeing her come into herself and it reminds me so much of who I am and who I want to become.
Riona's strength just transcends her person. Nothing better than an intelligent, strong, beautiful heroine. She never gave up who she was and Raylan never asked her to, he just wanted her happiness and there's so much beauty in that.
Finding someone who want to support & build you the same way that you want to be there for them. Wanting to choose someone over fear of getting close to someone. I'm hoping I can find my equal one day, the same way Riona & Raylan found each other.
This is by far my favorite book in this series. I connected so much to Riona and I loved seeing her come into herself and it reminds me so much of who I am and who I want to become.
Riona's strength just transcends her person. Nothing better than an intelligent, strong, beautiful heroine. She never gave up who she was and Raylan never asked her to, he just wanted her happiness and there's so much beauty in that.
Finding someone who want to support & build you the same way that you want to be there for them. Wanting to choose someone over fear of getting close to someone. I'm hoping I can find my equal one day, the same way Riona & Raylan found each other.
January 10, 2021
i didn’t connect with the characters and their relationship
November 15, 2021
Perfection in a book.
Riona & Raylan are fucking EVERYTHING, damn.
Action, drama, character growth, banter, humor, romance? Impeccable.
Ms Sophie Lark, now where can I get a cowboy bodyguard of my own?
*Seriously tho, I haven't read a lot mafia yet admittedly, but this series is outstanding. Everyone, get in on it ASAP.
~Buddy read with Warda!~
Riona & Raylan are fucking EVERYTHING, damn.
“You like to cook?” Raylan asks me.
“No. I hate it, actually.”
“Why?”
“All that work just to make something that’s gone five minutes later.”
~~
"But romantic love . . . I’ve never experienced it. Maybe I’m just too selfish. I can’t imagine loving somebody more than I love my own comfort and having my own way."
^^ why do i feel personally attacked tho 😭✊🏼
Action, drama, character growth, banter, humor, romance? Impeccable.
Ms Sophie Lark, now where can I get a cowboy bodyguard of my own?
*Seriously tho, I haven't read a lot mafia yet admittedly, but this series is outstanding. Everyone, get in on it ASAP.
~Buddy read with Warda!~
February 3, 2024
sophie lark, gracias por escribir hombres que resuelven <3
June 2, 2022
Again, I found Broken Vow, like the other books in this series a lukewarm. Miss Lark has a talent to build the plot/ drama then closing her story with anticlimax. I am not a fan of ending with anticlimax, where everything resolves very quickly and rushed.
The chemistry between Raylan and Riona is lukewarm at best. I can not feel the attraction between them as much as I want to. I can relate to Riona being closed off from intimate relationship. As separate character, her character is promising so much. Sadly Miss Lark does not developed further.
Anyway, moving on to the next book...
3 stars
The chemistry between Raylan and Riona is lukewarm at best. I can not feel the attraction between them as much as I want to. I can relate to Riona being closed off from intimate relationship. As separate character, her character is promising so much. Sadly Miss Lark does not developed further.
Anyway, moving on to the next book...
3 stars
August 9, 2021
This was truly excellent. Our heroine is a lawyer from a mafia family who just escaped an attempt on her life, our hero is her bodyguard. Her cowboy, Tennessee rancher bodyguard. This was beautiful and soft but also sexy and hard. It was a perfect blend of the best types of romance. Highly recommend this one.
December 12, 2023
stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ . 5
riona is just like me fr fr
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ . 5
riona is just like me fr fr
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2025
boldly giving this 4.75 stars because DAMN my onyx storm book hangover finally got its teeth kicked in <33 this was so unexpectedly fantastic I’m f**king shook. the bodyguard trope is gonna do it for me without fail 😭
to reduce it to just a ‘bodyguard romance’ would be a disservice tho fr. Riona had one of the best character arcs I’ve read in contemporary romance and I will stand by that - she gave NESTAAAAA vibes. Raylan has also officially reached MMC elite pro league status and I am never getting over them.
the cowboy elements. the mafia elements. the slow progression from “we’re lucky if we don’t kill each other by the end of this” to “touch her and you will literally die”.
IM DECEASED.
to reduce it to just a ‘bodyguard romance’ would be a disservice tho fr. Riona had one of the best character arcs I’ve read in contemporary romance and I will stand by that - she gave NESTAAAAA vibes. Raylan has also officially reached MMC elite pro league status and I am never getting over them.
the cowboy elements. the mafia elements. the slow progression from “we’re lucky if we don’t kill each other by the end of this” to “touch her and you will literally die”.
IM DECEASED.
November 17, 2025
⤿ 2.75 ★
Didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would! My favorite part was Riona being a badass, but I didn't like how she chose to move to the ranch instead of Raylan (mmc) moving to Chicago for her. Eh, whatever I guess. At least that man can cook xD.
Writing sucked, random songs in the middle of the story that took me out, and wasn't a fan of the smut, too. I mean, the riding crop moment? Nah.
Didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would! My favorite part was Riona being a badass, but I didn't like how she chose to move to the ranch instead of Raylan (mmc) moving to Chicago for her. Eh, whatever I guess. At least that man can cook xD.
Writing sucked, random songs in the middle of the story that took me out, and wasn't a fan of the smut, too. I mean, the riding crop moment? Nah.
April 1, 2022
5⭐️
i ate this book up. fuck me this was so good. i fell in love with raylan and riona. i mean goddamn it they are perfect. i'm just so happy i continued this series because, after the first book, it just kept getting worse.
man the barn scene!!!!!!!!! actually, all the scenes in this book were HOT. i don't usually like countrymen because i like a guy in a suit more, but raylan baby i need you. something about how cheerful and happy he was made me smile throughout this whole book. i also LOVEEEE riona. i relate to her so much that i just connected with her so easily. also the way he kept SAVING HER. i'm just so shocked like the balcony scene??? oh my god.
the best book in the series by far. i can't wait to read seb's book because i barely know anything about him and i just know he'll surprise me.
“You don’t know what’s missing inside of you, until you find it in someone else.”
i ate this book up. fuck me this was so good. i fell in love with raylan and riona. i mean goddamn it they are perfect. i'm just so happy i continued this series because, after the first book, it just kept getting worse.
man the barn scene!!!!!!!!! actually, all the scenes in this book were HOT. i don't usually like countrymen because i like a guy in a suit more, but raylan baby i need you. something about how cheerful and happy he was made me smile throughout this whole book. i also LOVEEEE riona. i relate to her so much that i just connected with her so easily. also the way he kept SAVING HER. i'm just so shocked like the balcony scene??? oh my god.
the best book in the series by far. i can't wait to read seb's book because i barely know anything about him and i just know he'll surprise me.
January 28, 2023
yup it’s official: the reverse grumpy x sunshine trope never fails to deliver 😁 and the fact that this was a bodyguard romance too?? i was never going to NOT enjoy this like it was inevitable
May 6, 2025
the best book in the series
November 28, 2025
Things I liked:
Heroine was great in the beginning.
She had a strong personality, and I was looking forward to seeing how she would fall in love.
I liked that the hero knew what he wanted from the beginning, and I guess "fell" first and was enamored with the heroine and was not afraid to show it.
Things I didn't like:
Um, Raylan may have been a decent hero, but nothing on this God's Green Earth will allow me to find a southern man attractive...
southern accent are atrocious and unattractive. (audiobook listener here...)
You could be the most perfect man in the world, but as soon as I hear that southern drawl, my panties dry up like the Sahara dessert.
So it's not Raylan's fault he's from the South, let's blame Sophie Lark.
And...
I also didn't like that the heroine changed so much, and moved away from her home for a man.
I would have rather HE did that for her.
She was a ball basting big shot lawyer in Chicago and now she's moved to backwards (gross) Tennessee... for a cowboy dude who whips her with a riding crop lmao.
Couldn't be me...
She deserves better.
Also I didn't feel the "love" or the chemistry.
The heroine should have fought it harder, given her personality towards love.
Suddenly, she couldn't control herself seeing Raylan shirtless, and next thing we know, she's falling for him...?
Um, ok...
Disappointing.
Heroine was great in the beginning.
She had a strong personality, and I was looking forward to seeing how she would fall in love.
I liked that the hero knew what he wanted from the beginning, and I guess "fell" first and was enamored with the heroine and was not afraid to show it.
Things I didn't like:
Um, Raylan may have been a decent hero, but nothing on this God's Green Earth will allow me to find a southern man attractive...
southern accent are atrocious and unattractive. (audiobook listener here...)
You could be the most perfect man in the world, but as soon as I hear that southern drawl, my panties dry up like the Sahara dessert.
So it's not Raylan's fault he's from the South, let's blame Sophie Lark.
And...
I also didn't like that the heroine changed so much, and moved away from her home for a man.
I would have rather HE did that for her.
She was a ball basting big shot lawyer in Chicago and now she's moved to backwards (gross) Tennessee... for a cowboy dude who whips her with a riding crop lmao.
Couldn't be me...
She deserves better.
Also I didn't feel the "love" or the chemistry.
The heroine should have fought it harder, given her personality towards love.
Suddenly, she couldn't control herself seeing Raylan shirtless, and next thing we know, she's falling for him...?
Um, ok...
Disappointing.
December 12, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Broken Vow is a book that I have been so eager for, but I had to get through the first four books first and I had heard so much love for Raylan and I just knew that I had to read his book. I have been wanting to get to his book and I just couldn’t resist picking this up and wanting to kick my May off with a bang and this book was spectacular, I just loved everything about this one here. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but I knew it was well-loved by so many and I was *crossing my fingers* that this book would be a winner for me, and it most definitely was. I have no regrets or issues with this one, so many fun aspects that brought together such a beautiful story. There are many fun factors that come together in this book here. The first is that our hero is a military cowboy and has that southern boy charm to him, who while he has demons, is a protector and a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Then we have a bodyguard romance, and as an added plus its a grumpy sunshine with the heroine being the grumpy one. The dynamics were just right for these two and what a journey they have together and Sophie Lark wrote such a beautiful book here.
Summary
Riona Griffin is smart, sexy, and proper. She is determined to take her place in her family and not for traditional reasons. She wants to give to her family and have a sense of purpose other than her being female. She has no desire to be a wife or a mother. But when she is almost killed and barely survives an attack, her family is determined to keep her safe. They bring in sexy cowboy Raylan, who has spent years in the military. Raylan is a charmer and Riona hates him. She doesn’t understand his personality and is determined not to let him get to her. But through a set of circumstances, they are forced together and on the run and end up escaping to Raylan’s family ranch in Tennessee. Riona doesn’t know what to do without her stern office and organized life, Now she is in an environment that she doesn’t understand but Raylan knows it’s the safest place for her. And he is determined to protect her and give her freedom and to show her what she is capable of becoming. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and Riona begins to let loose of her strict demeanor and allow Raylan to show her where she is most at home. But will Riona be able to embrace these newfound parts of her or will she throw out this new life and Raylan or learn to fight for a new chapter in her life…
What I Loved
Broken Vow was such a tantalizing read and I had a blast with this book and it was such an easy “in one sitting” type of read and I breezed through this 450-page book in two hours so yes I was completely hooked within this story and I have no regrets. I have been hoping that at least ONE book in this series would be such a win and I am so joyful that it was Raylan’s book. He is one of her most beloved heroes by her fans and I wanted to love him so dearly, and it HAPPENED! There is such winning chemistry between Raylan and Riona and they are such opposites. You really wouldn’t think on the surface that these two would be such a solid match, but they complement each other so well. “Yin-Yang” really comes to my mind when I think of these two together. And it’s such a pleasure to have a grumpy sunshine trope where the HERO is the sunshine,., I absolutely adored Raylan in every way. He is a protector, capable, strong, sexy and has a great talent with a riding crop, and knows how to have a good time in life. Then we have Riona, who is so strict and stern and needs control in her life. She doesn’t like messy emotion and is so different than most heroines but I admired her tenacity and strength and seeing her journey in learning to see another part of her and embrace it was such a RIDE. We see how Raylan pushes her in unique ways and how she learns to let go of her strict controlling nature, and embrace the best parts of the country life. We really see parts of her character fly free in this story and the journey that these two have together was so EPIC and JOYFUL!! I will admit I had forgotten there was a bit of kink in this book and this barn scene was delectable! If you like BDSM or even light BDSM, you definitely need this book in your life. The side characters that we see in this book were so fun, I especially loved the energetic natures of Raylan’s family. I loved the country feel to this book so if you like a well-written contemporary western, you definitely need to try this one out. I will say that this book will work for both contemporary romance lovers and dark romance lovers. In fact, this series isn’t really all that dark in many respects. So I think if you want a beginner book that straddles both worlds, you can’t go wrong with Broken Vow and I do think it can be read as a standalone.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t much that I struggled with, It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I don’t know why exactly, I think the investment of the romance faded in and out a couple of times throughout the reading of it.
Overall View
Broken Vow is a brilliant story that worked so many elements of unique romantic elements, delivers in the steam and sensuality that only Sophie Lark is capable of, and such depths of heart are woven in its pages that will unify in a magical read!
Trigger Warnings:
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
“I want to choose you, Raylan. I want to choose you over anything else.”
First Impressions
Broken Vow is a book that I have been so eager for, but I had to get through the first four books first and I had heard so much love for Raylan and I just knew that I had to read his book. I have been wanting to get to his book and I just couldn’t resist picking this up and wanting to kick my May off with a bang and this book was spectacular, I just loved everything about this one here. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but I knew it was well-loved by so many and I was *crossing my fingers* that this book would be a winner for me, and it most definitely was. I have no regrets or issues with this one, so many fun aspects that brought together such a beautiful story. There are many fun factors that come together in this book here. The first is that our hero is a military cowboy and has that southern boy charm to him, who while he has demons, is a protector and a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Then we have a bodyguard romance, and as an added plus its a grumpy sunshine with the heroine being the grumpy one. The dynamics were just right for these two and what a journey they have together and Sophie Lark wrote such a beautiful book here.
I gently touch her cheek, our faces only inches apart. Her expression is more vulnerable than I’ve ever seen before. I don’t know how I ever called this woman an Ice Queen. Riona isn’t only one thing. Once you chip past the frost, she has a whole universe inside of her.
Summary
Riona Griffin is smart, sexy, and proper. She is determined to take her place in her family and not for traditional reasons. She wants to give to her family and have a sense of purpose other than her being female. She has no desire to be a wife or a mother. But when she is almost killed and barely survives an attack, her family is determined to keep her safe. They bring in sexy cowboy Raylan, who has spent years in the military. Raylan is a charmer and Riona hates him. She doesn’t understand his personality and is determined not to let him get to her. But through a set of circumstances, they are forced together and on the run and end up escaping to Raylan’s family ranch in Tennessee. Riona doesn’t know what to do without her stern office and organized life, Now she is in an environment that she doesn’t understand but Raylan knows it’s the safest place for her. And he is determined to protect her and give her freedom and to show her what she is capable of becoming. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and Riona begins to let loose of her strict demeanor and allow Raylan to show her where she is most at home. But will Riona be able to embrace these newfound parts of her or will she throw out this new life and Raylan or learn to fight for a new chapter in her life…
“I don’t want to trap you,” I say to Riona. “I want to unleash you. I want to set you free. I want to show you what you really are . . .
What I Loved
Broken Vow was such a tantalizing read and I had a blast with this book and it was such an easy “in one sitting” type of read and I breezed through this 450-page book in two hours so yes I was completely hooked within this story and I have no regrets. I have been hoping that at least ONE book in this series would be such a win and I am so joyful that it was Raylan’s book. He is one of her most beloved heroes by her fans and I wanted to love him so dearly, and it HAPPENED! There is such winning chemistry between Raylan and Riona and they are such opposites. You really wouldn’t think on the surface that these two would be such a solid match, but they complement each other so well. “Yin-Yang” really comes to my mind when I think of these two together. And it’s such a pleasure to have a grumpy sunshine trope where the HERO is the sunshine,., I absolutely adored Raylan in every way. He is a protector, capable, strong, sexy and has a great talent with a riding crop, and knows how to have a good time in life. Then we have Riona, who is so strict and stern and needs control in her life. She doesn’t like messy emotion and is so different than most heroines but I admired her tenacity and strength and seeing her journey in learning to see another part of her and embrace it was such a RIDE. We see how Raylan pushes her in unique ways and how she learns to let go of her strict controlling nature, and embrace the best parts of the country life. We really see parts of her character fly free in this story and the journey that these two have together was so EPIC and JOYFUL!! I will admit I had forgotten there was a bit of kink in this book and this barn scene was delectable! If you like BDSM or even light BDSM, you definitely need this book in your life. The side characters that we see in this book were so fun, I especially loved the energetic natures of Raylan’s family. I loved the country feel to this book so if you like a well-written contemporary western, you definitely need to try this one out. I will say that this book will work for both contemporary romance lovers and dark romance lovers. In fact, this series isn’t really all that dark in many respects. So I think if you want a beginner book that straddles both worlds, you can’t go wrong with Broken Vow and I do think it can be read as a standalone.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t much that I struggled with, It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I don’t know why exactly, I think the investment of the romance faded in and out a couple of times throughout the reading of it.
To want to impress him. To want to please him. There was a kind of pleasure in being conquered.
Overall View
Broken Vow is a brilliant story that worked so many elements of unique romantic elements, delivers in the steam and sensuality that only Sophie Lark is capable of, and such depths of heart are woven in its pages that will unify in a magical read!
You’re happier here. This is where you belong: here, with me. I’m afraid. But I want to choose Raylan over that fear.
Trigger Warnings:
January 3, 2023
This horse boy smut contains the phrase “As if I was milking her” in a sex scene so that’s an automatic 1 star.
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