Broken Vow: Illustrated Edition (Brutal Birthright) Paperback – April 10, 2023

ARC provided by the author:Where do I begin? I didn't think I was going to be so engaged with Riona's story but I was completely hooked. From the previous book I was entertained by the dynamic between her and Raylan, and was curious how it would play out when the two of them were in close proximity.It all starts with an attempt on Riona's life, and her need for a bodyguard - cue Raylan, who she only lets do this because she trusts Dante. They pick at each other, and it becomes clear early on that Riona is wound so tight she's going to do damage. It's nice being in her head because she becomes a lot more sympathetic and understandable - she's not cold, she's scared. Raylan on the other hand buries his own demons by taking care of others. Both of them have to confront who they are and what they want during this wild journey.As weird as it sounds, this was the scariest of the books. In the others, the threat is a known factor or tied to the love interest. In this, the threat to Riona is a giant unknown - the source of the hit on her is as mysterious as the very sneaky hitman. They search in a lot of directions with no results, and nearly deadly consequences. This is a romance novel so you know our two leads survive, but the tension in how exactly that's going to happen is definitely high.The spice in this one is also phenomenal. The first time R&R get spicy together I thought my phone was going to start on fire. It wasn't just what they were doing, it's how Lark wrote about it, and what it meant for Riona. Her physical and mental responses and understanding of her own needs was so well written. I think I related to it in a way that I haven't seen other authors write - a sense of madness but in a good way. This one also gets more clearly into kink, and explores the idea of what control really means. You don't think Raylan has it in him, but oh baby, he does.The other theme in this book is that all families have darkness; while there are definitely different severities, it's a reminder that everyone has experienced fear, shame, and violence. Just because the Boones aren't mafia doesn't mean they don't have their own secrets and tragedies. It's almost like reading two interconnecting books the way that we get to see such distinct ways of living, and yet it all feels completely cohesive. This is very different than the other BB books, and yet definitely feels like a part of the whole.Also, as a Nero stan, we get to see more of him from an outsider perspective (both Ree's and Raylan's) and it just filled me with glee.Broken Vow pulls your heart in a lot of different directions, shows powerful, beautiful change on the page, and is a strong reminder that we can choose what we want despite our fear. Loved it, and already looking forward to Heavy Crown...but also sad that I will be leaving this world. If you enjoyed the other books in the series, this will be no different. If we you want to see a strong woman realize vulnerability is not weakness, this is absolutely the book for you.Brutal Birthright has been one of my favorite series I've read this year!

This was a cute & cozy book! Not my favorite in this series, but it was still entertaining and a fun and quick read! I love this whole series because there’s good romance, but also some great suspense and has some sort of mystery in it. I’m starting the last book in this series next! Then I plan to read The Kingmakers series. I can’t wait for that one!

4.5⭐️Broken Vow is the fifth book of the Brutal Birthright series of interconnected standalones. I loved this book more than I thought I would. Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to Riona’s story…just didn’t care for her. But am I so glad I read it! For one, I ended up loving Riona! She is so dang strong! And for two, Raylan…need I say more? This man is everything you could want in a book boyfriend! He showed Riona so much care and love. He helped to break down her walls and also help build her up. And the man definitely isn’t vanilla! That barn scene was just…wow! Another great story and amazing couple by this author!

⭐️~ 5/5🌶️~ 3/5Broken VowSophie Lark🤍Cowboy/Lawyer🖤Mafia🤍Bodyguard romance🖤Enemies to loversAfter an assassination attempt, Riona is in need of 24/7 protection. Raylan was a family friend that offers his protection services for Riona. When there are more attempts on Riona’s life Raylan takes Riona the only place he knows is safe… somewhere he’s been avoiding for his own reasons for three years…Riona and Raylan were amazing together. I loved them both individually and as a couple. Both were strong characters on their own and only added depth to each other when they got together. The chemistry and tension in this book was amazing. The plot twist was one I did not see coming, I always love when an author can write without it being obvious. The plot, buildup, spice, and characters were all spot on. The barn scene and outdoor water scene will live rent free in my head! Definitely recommend!As always, check for TW’s and happy reading!

I loved it. This book is more like a genuine Romance where the other books are more centered around the mafia and drama of the mob life.

I swear every woman wants a cowboy and Sophie lark depicted that perfectly. At first I’ll be honest I didn’t find myself wanting to read this book because I didn’t feel a connecting to riona and I didn’t know rayland. I’m so glad I stuck it out and read it anyway. Not only was the first intimate scene between the two hot enough to warm that cold ass water but the energy was electric. The fact that they started off stranger and Riona hated him and then was stuck in a forced proximity of him being her bodyguard because a hired hitman was trying to murder her. They’re story had me hooked from the first two chapters. The question of who was trying to kill her and who hired the hit man kept me guessing at every turn. I sat at the edge of my seat not knowing who it could be. Which says a lot because usually I can predict the ending really well but not with this one. The final scene that plays out where the person is finally discovered was well written and I felt like it didn’t just have all this build up just to end. There was build and then justification all while playing out beautifully. The best ending she could have written. The wedding at the end for Dante and Simone made me cry. To see al the beautiful couples together and to know that the story isn’t quite over yet. Sebastian is the lonely wolf waiting to find his match. I’m off to read the next book. This series has me HOOKEDSPICE 6/5 a lil bdsm from our cowboy WHICH IS FREAKING SEXY AS HELLstoryline 6/5.Surprisingly enough this might be my favourite out of the entire series for how well it was written and how Sophie made me fall inlove with two characters I had zero interest or attachment to reading. That’s an author doing her damn thing. 11/10 recommend! This book was incredible! Amazing

So amazingly written . A fierce fmc that doesn’t have a hero complex 🤟🏻🤟🏻 and a mmc who doesn’t want to take her fierceness from her

Loved the plot. This is body guard trope but executed very differently. Overall I very nice though I was expecting some Callum & Aida moments in this story too. Dante, always the brooding was a nice surprise here and to be honest until I read this I wanted Dante and Riona to be together but now I realise no one could have loved Riona more than Rylan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to Sophie.

I thought Dante and Simone 'story was the best : Sophie outdid herself with this one. Loved this story. Go ahead and splurge!

I love this so much! I saw myself in Riona which was eye opening. Raylan and Riona are everything and more!Their relationship is profound, the way he knows always what she needs, he understands her better than her and it was beautiful to see Riona defrosting and realizing what love is.Now they are tied with Callum and Aida!Also I loved seeing Dante’s wedding, beautiful vows.The sexy times were 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.