What do you think?
Rate this book
The CEO of Cristo
I Lost The Love Of My Life…
My best friend betrayed me.
He stole my company and my freedom.
I might have forgiven that. But there’s one thing I’ll never forgive. He ripped my love from my arms and wrapped her up in his.
He sent me to Hell. Now I’m back. For her, and for my revenge…
The Lark Notes:
This was the first time I cried writing a scene. Then I described it to Mr Lark on the way home from the grocery store and he cried too. We might be big babies ;) This was also the first time I tried 3 POVs, which allowed for a fun, twisted slant from the 3rd-wheel character. – Sophie
“The CEO of Cristo ” is a Secret Baby Billionaire Romance, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It’s a thrilling and steamy story of jealousy, betrayal, lust, and revenge. This is a stand-alone novel with no cliff-hanger and a HEA.
My best friend betrayed me.
He stole my company and my freedom.
I might have forgiven that. But there’s one thing I’ll never forgive. He ripped my love from my arms and wrapped her up in his.
He sent me to Hell. Now I’m back. For her, and for my revenge…
The Lark Notes:
This was the first time I cried writing a scene. Then I described it to Mr Lark on the way home from the grocery store and he cried too. We might be big babies ;) This was also the first time I tried 3 POVs, which allowed for a fun, twisted slant from the 3rd-wheel character. – Sophie
“The CEO of Cristo ” is a Secret Baby Billionaire Romance, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It’s a thrilling and steamy story of jealousy, betrayal, lust, and revenge. This is a stand-alone novel with no cliff-hanger and a HEA.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2020
473 people are currently reading
1561 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Lark
42 books23.9k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
January 9, 2022
THE DRAMAAA!!!
In a story involving a narcissistic murderer, the innocent man he's framed, and the woman they both love we watch a story of betrayal and vengeance unfold.
The difference between these two men lies in the humanity and respect they give to this one woman that's captured both their hearts and seeing the smaller red flags grow into full-on manipulation and toxicity was fascinating to see.
I love revenge stories.
CW: murder, blood, violence, sexual harassment, manipulation, explicit sexual content, imprisonment,
In a story involving a narcissistic murderer, the innocent man he's framed, and the woman they both love we watch a story of betrayal and vengeance unfold.
The difference between these two men lies in the humanity and respect they give to this one woman that's captured both their hearts and seeing the smaller red flags grow into full-on manipulation and toxicity was fascinating to see.
I love revenge stories.
CW: murder, blood, violence, sexual harassment, manipulation, explicit sexual content, imprisonment,
June 20, 2021
This was a solid story. It read like a script and I could absolutely see this as a film retelling of Count of Monte Cristo.
Fast paced, thrilling, still a bit sexy.
The Romance was short changed a bit, just owing to the certain story being told. But I can see the brush strokes of an author coming into her stride.
4/5 stars
Fast paced, thrilling, still a bit sexy.
The Romance was short changed a bit, just owing to the certain story being told. But I can see the brush strokes of an author coming into her stride.
4/5 stars
May 9, 2021
Todo súper precipitado el final, poco creíble y con situaciones inconclusas 🙄
July 24, 2020
3 ⭐️
This was an ok read, I really enjoyed it because the plot kept me reading!!!
This was an ok read, I really enjoyed it because the plot kept me reading!!!
June 3, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
huh okay so, this was written in 3 povs and while the plot is interesting, I kinda didn’t care for the characters. We don’t see how the relationship started and the third person was the bad one. I was intrigued by him cause he was the one who made me feel stuff, but then it just fell flat.
The main problem was the pacing cause it’s like this:
1/3 how they met, before tragedy and all that
1/3 the tragedy, and a month later
1/3 revenge plot, more characters, reunion, second conflict, resolved second conflict, first conflict mystery resolved and everything else happens here
it was just.. not that great. And it was predictable as fck too. Safe to say, not my favorite book.
huh okay so, this was written in 3 povs and while the plot is interesting, I kinda didn’t care for the characters. We don’t see how the relationship started and the third person was the bad one. I was intrigued by him cause he was the one who made me feel stuff, but then it just fell flat.
The main problem was the pacing cause it’s like this:
1/3 how they met, before tragedy and all that
1/3 the tragedy, and a month later
1/3 revenge plot, more characters, reunion, second conflict, resolved second conflict, first conflict mystery resolved and everything else happens here
it was just.. not that great. And it was predictable as fck too. Safe to say, not my favorite book.
April 5, 2020
First time reading a book by this author. It was surprisingly good! The plot wouldn’t let me put this down. You’ll keep wanting more.
I thought I was gonna have a hard time choosing one of the guys from the beginning but nope I knew who I wanted from the start. And of course the couple that I wanted ended up together haha.
Read this to find out for yourself ❤️
I thought I was gonna have a hard time choosing one of the guys from the beginning but nope I knew who I wanted from the start. And of course the couple that I wanted ended up together haha.
Read this to find out for yourself ❤️
March 25, 2020
*First time reading author
I want to say I loved this story, but I didn't. I want to say that the characters of this book blew me away and I couldn't put it down, I can't. The premise of this book is good, and I think if the characters had more chemistry and maybe if I actually liked Hazel I could enjoy this book.
I tried to finish The CEO of Cristo but to be honest I made it to where Ethan gets out of prison and then I gave up. I didn't like Ethan or Hazel. I was actually rooting for the bad guy Van. He was the only one in this book that had any kind of character or feelings in this book.
I hope someone else can enjoy this story, but it just wasn't for me.
March 4, 2020
This was great writing and the plot kept you reading. I just had some issues with the characters and how the book progressed. It fleet like more time was given for the build up and then when it got time for the revenge part it was glossed over. You read and read so you can see the revenge take place and have the bad guys look Ethan in the face and know it was him that brought them down. **spoiler** It just didn’t happen. It was glossed over for two of the guys. Van’s was better but I think he got off easy. He didn’t have to suffer and see that his plot was unsuccessful and he had to suffer like Ethan had to. It just could have been more juicy. Van started off really scary and then he just seemed to wimp out.
Hazel stayed tough and I loved that about her. Ethan made me a tad mad when he didn’t trust her.
It was a good read and maybe I am being picky, I like tough revenge that last. I did like the book and read till I was done even tough I was sure what would happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hazel stayed tough and I loved that about her. Ethan made me a tad mad when he didn’t trust her.
It was a good read and maybe I am being picky, I like tough revenge that last. I did like the book and read till I was done even tough I was sure what would happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2024
“Some love burns bright, but fades away. The love I have for you can never be extinguished.”
•
The CEO of Cristo is a perfect illustration of the quote “with friends like these, who needs enemies”.
•
read if you like:
♡ love triangles
♡ retellings
♡ tech startups
♡ voyeurism
♡ multiple povs
♡ betrayal
♡ pregnancy trope
♡ second chances
♡ revenge
♡ masquerade balls
trigger warnings:
☞ sexual assault
☞ violent prison sequence
☞ murder
☞ gaslighting
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
•
The CEO of Cristo is a perfect illustration of the quote “with friends like these, who needs enemies”.
•
read if you like:
♡ love triangles
♡ retellings
♡ tech startups
♡ voyeurism
♡ multiple povs
♡ betrayal
♡ pregnancy trope
♡ second chances
♡ revenge
♡ masquerade balls
trigger warnings:
☞ sexual assault
☞ violent prison sequence
☞ murder
☞ gaslighting
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
June 7, 2021
I don't know if this book was meant to be emotional but I was sobbing!! A very good read!
February 23, 2020
Spoilers are included.
Where’s the romance in this dark romance? I really liked the characters, and I liked the plot. However I have to admit this almost seemed more suspense than dark romance. I figured, after Ethan was sent to prison, it would show up between Van and Hazel, but, despite several efforts on his part, it never really happened. Then I thought it might be between Ethan and Hazel when he was convinced she must have betrayed him. Only that didn’t happen either. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this book - which is why it has so many stars -, but there didn’t seem to be a lot of dark romance involved. It was almost more suspense or something.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Where’s the romance in this dark romance? I really liked the characters, and I liked the plot. However I have to admit this almost seemed more suspense than dark romance. I figured, after Ethan was sent to prison, it would show up between Van and Hazel, but, despite several efforts on his part, it never really happened. Then I thought it might be between Ethan and Hazel when he was convinced she must have betrayed him. Only that didn’t happen either. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this book - which is why it has so many stars -, but there didn’t seem to be a lot of dark romance involved. It was almost more suspense or something.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
I wish I could give this book more than just 5 starts. Sophie I love all your work you know I do, but this is hands down your best work. So many emotions, so many twists and turns that I could not see where it was going or how it would end. I take my hat off to to you … respect
July 14, 2022
Sophie Lark + The Count of Monte Cristo?
MA'AM you have my complete and absolute devotion.
I love this woman's writings that'all.
MA'AM you have my complete and absolute devotion.
I love this woman's writings that'all.
March 16, 2020
The ‘Count of Monte Cristo’ comes to life in a modern day rendition of love, betrayal and revenge in the excellent CEO of Cristo.
One woman, two men, her heart belongs to one the other will do anything to make her his.
The story of the ‘CEO of Cristo’ is told through, Hazel, Ethan and Van over a 7 year period; which I think worked really well and made this epic story come to live. Hazel hold’s true to herself throughout the story and shows a strong resilient side even when the odds are stacked up and pressure is put on her, her devotion to Ethan is clear to see. But life has to go on and she doesn’t only have herself to think of.
Ethan's story is full of everything that you want from this poor boy who all he wanted to do was make something of himself and be with the woman he loved from the moment he meet her!
A wolf in sheep’s clothing can take on many forms and the story is so well written that in places I did feel sorry for Van. You will be reaching for the tissues, you will put your head in your hands, you will close your reading device and just peek inside because you can't believe what you just read.
I dare you not to download the film 'Count of Monte Cristo'
Well done Sophie Lark I really enjoyed this book.
**** I did receive this for an honest review.
One woman, two men, her heart belongs to one the other will do anything to make her his.
The story of the ‘CEO of Cristo’ is told through, Hazel, Ethan and Van over a 7 year period; which I think worked really well and made this epic story come to live. Hazel hold’s true to herself throughout the story and shows a strong resilient side even when the odds are stacked up and pressure is put on her, her devotion to Ethan is clear to see. But life has to go on and she doesn’t only have herself to think of.
Ethan's story is full of everything that you want from this poor boy who all he wanted to do was make something of himself and be with the woman he loved from the moment he meet her!
A wolf in sheep’s clothing can take on many forms and the story is so well written that in places I did feel sorry for Van. You will be reaching for the tissues, you will put your head in your hands, you will close your reading device and just peek inside because you can't believe what you just read.
I dare you not to download the film 'Count of Monte Cristo'
Well done Sophie Lark I really enjoyed this book.
**** I did receive this for an honest review.
September 21, 2020
I am gonna be honest and state that I have not read "The Count of Monte Cristo". I have watched a film version of it a few times, but I am not sure how faithful of an adaptation it is and it has been awhile since I watched it, so I am going into this novel mostly clean slate.
I enjoyed it, however. I do know enough to know that the names are changed, like Edmond was changed to Ethan, Fernand was Van etc. Once you realize who the players are, however, it is easy to keep track.
The story is modernized pretty well from what I can tell, and the chain of events is interesting to watch as you go through the intrigue and scandals of the book. It also has some pretty steamy scenes, so if that isn't your taste you might want to steer clear of that. About half the book is before prison and during while the other half is him being released and seeking revenge. It all flows very quickly, and the author don't focus too hard on the prison things which I appreciate as that isn't what draws my attention. It was interesting to see how he dealt with his life there, however and the description of his changes. You don't need to know about every day of his life while in jail, just the highlights.
The suspense was done well, and the characters were all fairly fleshed out and you understood why everyone was doing what they were doing. I liked that and found it made for a more interesting experience overall. I would definitely read again.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I enjoyed it, however. I do know enough to know that the names are changed, like Edmond was changed to Ethan, Fernand was Van etc. Once you realize who the players are, however, it is easy to keep track.
The story is modernized pretty well from what I can tell, and the chain of events is interesting to watch as you go through the intrigue and scandals of the book. It also has some pretty steamy scenes, so if that isn't your taste you might want to steer clear of that. About half the book is before prison and during while the other half is him being released and seeking revenge. It all flows very quickly, and the author don't focus too hard on the prison things which I appreciate as that isn't what draws my attention. It was interesting to see how he dealt with his life there, however and the description of his changes. You don't need to know about every day of his life while in jail, just the highlights.
The suspense was done well, and the characters were all fairly fleshed out and you understood why everyone was doing what they were doing. I liked that and found it made for a more interesting experience overall. I would definitely read again.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
October 9, 2021
the plot was really interesting BUT unfortunately the romantic part wasn't in it at all
This could've been way better if we got to know exactly how they fall in love, how the relation started,how they were in those 3 years before the proposal you know? i hated that we jumped right into it when that fact happened. We don't know anything about them, their past, their childhood , nothing.
Without those important chapters i didn't get to see the love and get attached with them as a couple...honestly i even skipped while he was away here and there , and i was disappointed to see how fast and rushed that ending was...also, i hate when an author makes you download extra epilogues without adding them in the actual book, so i consider it as without one.
This could've been way better if we got to know exactly how they fall in love, how the relation started,how they were in those 3 years before the proposal you know? i hated that we jumped right into it when that fact happened. We don't know anything about them, their past, their childhood , nothing.
Without those important chapters i didn't get to see the love and get attached with them as a couple...honestly i even skipped while he was away here and there , and i was disappointed to see how fast and rushed that ending was...also, i hate when an author makes you download extra epilogues without adding them in the actual book, so i consider it as without one.
May 28, 2020
What happens when it's love at first sight from only one pair of eyes? This was an epic tale of a love triangle gone wrong with a heavy splash of revenge. When an honest man is stripped of everything he knows and loves it changes not only his mental state but his emotions as well.
With vengeance of the menu, we see the dark side of jealousy and insecurity and the depths people will go to get what they want. I love the different perspectives as it gives some truly amazing insights into the personalities of the various characters and what motivates their actions.
I received an advanced review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With vengeance of the menu, we see the dark side of jealousy and insecurity and the depths people will go to get what they want. I love the different perspectives as it gives some truly amazing insights into the personalities of the various characters and what motivates their actions.
I received an advanced review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2025
This book is a modern, suspense-filled twist on The Count of Monte Cristo—and it completely pulled me in. Sophie Lark nailed the mix of revenge, obsession, and redemption. Van, Ethan, and Hazel’s tangled story is emotional, tense, and full of bad decisions that make it impossible to look away. Van especially stood out—flawed, privileged, and fascinating. I do wish we saw more of Ethan’s transformation and Hazel had a bit more depth, but overall, it’s gripping from start to finish. Limited spice but plenty of heat, heart, and tension. If you love dark revenge arcs and intense character drama, this one’s a must-read.
March 19, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Now the scales are balancing once more. I’ve been given the means to enact revenge. This is my destiny now, my purpose.”✨
.
If you enjoy:
•Romance Suspense
•Engaging Reads
•Secret Baby
•Billionaire
•Multiple POV’s
Then this may be the book for you!✨
.
Wow. I really enjoyed this book! It well written, greatly paced and so engaging! I did not want to put it down. It’s full of lust, steam, betrayal and revenge. It begins beautifully, so sweet and even had me laughing. Then the twist happens and I did not see that coming! Taking you on a suspenseful ride.✨
.
There is this sort of love triangle between Van, Ethan and Hazel. But not in the way that your normally use to reading. There’s a villain here. But you don’t feel that way in the very beginning, or at least I didn’t. But it becomes clear soon enough. This is definitely not your typical secret baby, billionaire story and I quite like that!✨
.
I will say, I wanted more revenge, more emotion, more angst in the latter part of the book, after all that had happened throughout the story. This felt too quick and easy. This could just be me, lover of all things angst, wanting more angst. But other than that it was great! Suspenseful with just the right amount of steam! Definitely recommend checking it out.✨
.
I received an ARC for my honest review.✨
.
If you enjoy:
•Romance Suspense
•Engaging Reads
•Secret Baby
•Billionaire
•Multiple POV’s
Then this may be the book for you!✨
.
Wow. I really enjoyed this book! It well written, greatly paced and so engaging! I did not want to put it down. It’s full of lust, steam, betrayal and revenge. It begins beautifully, so sweet and even had me laughing. Then the twist happens and I did not see that coming! Taking you on a suspenseful ride.✨
.
There is this sort of love triangle between Van, Ethan and Hazel. But not in the way that your normally use to reading. There’s a villain here. But you don’t feel that way in the very beginning, or at least I didn’t. But it becomes clear soon enough. This is definitely not your typical secret baby, billionaire story and I quite like that!✨
.
I will say, I wanted more revenge, more emotion, more angst in the latter part of the book, after all that had happened throughout the story. This felt too quick and easy. This could just be me, lover of all things angst, wanting more angst. But other than that it was great! Suspenseful with just the right amount of steam! Definitely recommend checking it out.✨
.
I received an ARC for my honest review.✨
March 21, 2020
This book was so different from Sophie's other books that she has written. This book tells the story of Van, Ethan and Hazel and the hardships that these three went through. Will Hazel end up with Van? Will Hazel end up with Ethan? You will have to read this book to get those answers. This book as so many twists and turns that you don't really know how the story is going to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
Don't mind me I'm just reading every Sophie Lark book out there.
I love Count of Monte Cristo so I was so excited for this one. The plot was so good but it needed a better edit. Some of the scenes were rushed and some of them were too long. I also wanted the relationship to be more developed.
It was still a good read even though the first half was very upsetting and frustrating to read because of the subject matter.
I love Count of Monte Cristo so I was so excited for this one. The plot was so good but it needed a better edit. Some of the scenes were rushed and some of them were too long. I also wanted the relationship to be more developed.
It was still a good read even though the first half was very upsetting and frustrating to read because of the subject matter.
March 30, 2020
I loved this story. It is the kind that you can identify with the characters and immerse yourself in the story. Very well written and characters to win the heart make this book a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2020
Love,obsession,revenge and perseverance
The CEO of Cristo
by Sofia Lark
This was my first book by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed the storyline my only gripe would be I think Van got off way to easy.
Van is a rich privileged college student who has tried his whole life to make his father proud of him yet never quite lives up to the task. Van definitely has daddy issues. Ethan is his roommate and bestfriend but comes from a poor single mother and is extremely smart. They come from different worlds and are opposites yet their friendship works.
Everything seemed great until they go to a New Year's Eve party where they both meet the same girl unknown to the other. Van meets Hazel first and is drawn to her only to discover his bestfriend Ethan kissing her at the stroke of midnight. Years of yearning for her love makes him do unforgivable things in the end. Their journey is one of love,obsession,revenge and perseverance.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The CEO of Cristo
by Sofia Lark
This was my first book by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed the storyline my only gripe would be I think Van got off way to easy.
Van is a rich privileged college student who has tried his whole life to make his father proud of him yet never quite lives up to the task. Van definitely has daddy issues. Ethan is his roommate and bestfriend but comes from a poor single mother and is extremely smart. They come from different worlds and are opposites yet their friendship works.
Everything seemed great until they go to a New Year's Eve party where they both meet the same girl unknown to the other. Van meets Hazel first and is drawn to her only to discover his bestfriend Ethan kissing her at the stroke of midnight. Years of yearning for her love makes him do unforgivable things in the end. Their journey is one of love,obsession,revenge and perseverance.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 16, 2021
Oh my goodness! So good and great adaptation of the classic Count of Monte Cristo in modern times! Sophie builds the characters so well and keeps you engaged. I have loved and enjoyed everyone of Sophie Larks books highly recommend if you haven experienced her writing you are missing out. Check out the Brutal Birthright series and Colors of Crime, both are Complete series! Even though the Ute series they are stand alone books but best read in the order they were intended and you won’t be disappointed, spouses may not see you for a bit, but they will no doubt reap the benefits later!!
June 18, 2022
Nice interpretation of the original novel, re-tellings are always risky, but Sophie did a great job.
I wish the beginning - Ethan and Hazel's first three years together - and the end - after they re-united everything happened so fast - were a little longer.
I wish the beginning - Ethan and Hazel's first three years together - and the end - after they re-united everything happened so fast - were a little longer.
September 16, 2020
Gripping addictive
I absolutely love all of sophie larks books! Never been disappointed or have i ever got bored during her books! Every book she has wrote has ben outstanding, this book just as brilliant as the others
I absolutely love all of sophie larks books! Never been disappointed or have i ever got bored during her books! Every book she has wrote has ben outstanding, this book just as brilliant as the others
June 15, 2021
A well written addictive romance suspense. A couple of steamy romance scenes, but this book is all about revenge. Loved it!
December 14, 2024
I have been looking for the Monte Cristo retelling trope in a romance novel for awhile and saw this one recommended. It's weak. Yes, it follows the story (of the movie which fine) but barely. The second half (revenge) is not really well wrote out and is more or less poorly done and I thought it just sort of fell apart which is a shame.
August 28, 2020
I have read a few of Sophie Lark’s books now and am a fan of her style of writing, her characters, and captivating stories. To me, this book was different than the ones I have read and it’s one of the reasons why I really liked it. The book is written from 3 people’s point of view which sounds confusing, but it isn’t and it made the book more interesting. The book is about three friends: Van, Ethan, and Hazel. At first, I liked/hated Van since he’s a trust fund boy who loves off Daddy’s money and feels like the world is so unfair to him and as I read more, I found him extremely creepy and kind of a psycho. Ethan seemed be the poor kid who was riding the coat tails of his rich friend, but that wasn’t the case. He was simply a good guy, who was working hard to make something of himself and help support his mom. Hazel was a computer geek and a wiz at coding who also wore and said whatever she wanted. I loved the relationship between Hazel and Ethan and how they wanted more, but were happy with what they had and more importantly each other. I was a little shocked that the story went the way that it did (it’s been a long time since I read The Count of Monte Cristo) and it’s not what I expected when I read the blurb. This book got me feeling almost every emotion that the characters were feeling minus feeling like a complete jealous psycho and I even got teary eyed at the end/epilogue. I loved the ending and the epilogue and I wish there was more! This book would be a good movie with it being about betrayal, revenge, lust, jealousy, and heated passion. The perfect story for Hollywood! I don’t want to give anything away in this review, but you should definitely read this book if you are on the fence. I know I will read this book again and will definitely re-read The Count of Monte Cristo and maybe watch the movie.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews