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hraleigh18's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tee_tee_lou_lou's review against another edition
5.0
Best of the series so far, I knew I would love dean after having a peek in his head in book one, I couldn't wait to watch him grow and redeem himself, and that he did.
I was worried i wouldn't take to Cat because shes so meek but I feel like she grew on me regardless
This book was fantastic!
I was worried i wouldn't take to Cat because shes so meek but I feel like she grew on me regardless
This book was fantastic!
junyan's review against another edition
1.0
Dnf. I just can’t. Dean’s so awkward and immature. The author trying so hard to portray him as a ViLLaN but he’s just like an emo brat. And there is zero chemistry btw dean and cat.
English is not my first language, sorry to be harsh, but I can still tell the writing is not good and quite cringy(maybe I did make great progress in my English since I read Sophie’s books last year and her writing didn’t disturb me this much at that time
English is not my first language, sorry to be harsh, but I can still tell the writing is not good and quite cringy(maybe I did make great progress in my English since I read Sophie’s books last year and her writing didn’t disturb me this much at that time
laurentalevski's review against another edition
4.0
Do I love Bully Romance? No. Did I enjoy this? Yes.
Dean I wanted you to be redeemed, I think you mostly were but I wanted just a bit more, I wanted to see of his healing with this family because I feel like he would have deserved and I could see a softer side to him with his cousin and aunty. However, the spice he delivered was another level of hot holy shit. Watching Cat come into her own was an absolute delight, her growth is unmatched and I loved seeing her realise her value. I loved that see was able to show Dean that he deserved love while becoming the absolute firecracker he needed to match his energy. It also broke my soul that they were bonding over their toxic parents.
The plot wasn't as exciting for me because there was only a little one which wasn't enough to make me love it. It just wasn't lifechanging for me, didn't make me sit there with my mouth on the floor or give me that connection I need to my characters. I loved seeing the set up for the Spy and made me so freaking excited.
tropes: bully romance, black mail, mafia, anti hero,
triggers: mafia themes, parental neglect
Dean I wanted you to be redeemed, I think you mostly were but I wanted just a bit more, I wanted to see of his healing with this family because I feel like he would have deserved and I could see a softer side to him with his cousin and aunty. However, the spice he delivered was another level of hot holy shit. Watching Cat come into her own was an absolute delight, her growth is unmatched and I loved seeing her realise her value. I loved that see was able to show Dean that he deserved love while becoming the absolute firecracker he needed to match his energy. It also broke my soul that they were bonding over their toxic parents.
The plot wasn't as exciting for me because there was only a little one which wasn't enough to make me love it. It just wasn't lifechanging for me, didn't make me sit there with my mouth on the floor or give me that connection I need to my characters. I loved seeing the set up for the Spy and made me so freaking excited.
tropes: bully romance, black mail, mafia, anti hero,
triggers: mafia themes, parental neglect
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book, it's definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
I didn't finish the first book, wherein most of Dean's history was discussed (no, I'm not DNF-ing it completely, it's just on hold for now because I'm not really interested in that storyline), but I agree when others said this is Dean's redemption. I've obviously spoiled myself about the first book so I know why Dean needed a redemption story.
Did my incompletion of The Heir hinder my appreciation for Dean and his character arc? NO.
I may not have a complete picture of how he was before all this, but I love him all the same. His raw emotions and anger were still present and as evident in this book, but there was also yearning, which tugged into my heartstrings. I wanted him to have everything good in this world because he deserved it, especially living the life that he did -- isolated and full of hatred.
I'm not into dark kinks and extreme BDSM, and maybe I just have an unrealistic notion about it, but I didn't find the sexual acts in this book dark. It was sexy and based on the characters' personalities, you'd understand why they are into that type of kink. I enjoyed it, I saw it empower Cat as she grows into herself and the life in Kingmakers.
Of course, I love Cat, I've been rooting for her since The Rebel and she's definitely one of my favorite characters. I love the romance and affection between her and Dean. Out of all of Sophie Lark's books that I've read, this is by far the most romantic, in my opinion. And I loved every minute of it.
The plot wasn't as political or as haunting as the two books but there was still some action here. I actually liked that this had more meat in its plot than just covering the history of Kingmakers and the lifestyle within the island. I don't know if I just don't have the same level of perception as other people but I don't know what to expect with the mystery surrounding the next book, The Spy. It's intriguing but I didn't catch a lot of clues as other people did, I have a few guesses but I don't think I came even close to connecting the dots.
I'm super excited to continue on with the series and I don't know how I'm going to hold myself over until the fifth book, The Savage, comes out this March.
I didn't finish the first book, wherein most of Dean's history was discussed (no, I'm not DNF-ing it completely, it's just on hold for now because I'm not really interested in that storyline), but I agree when others said this is Dean's redemption. I've obviously spoiled myself about the first book so I know why Dean needed a redemption story.
Did my incompletion of The Heir hinder my appreciation for Dean and his character arc? NO.
I may not have a complete picture of how he was before all this, but I love him all the same. His raw emotions and anger were still present and as evident in this book, but there was also yearning, which tugged into my heartstrings. I wanted him to have everything good in this world because he deserved it, especially living the life that he did -- isolated and full of hatred.
I'm not into dark kinks and extreme BDSM, and maybe I just have an unrealistic notion about it, but I didn't find the sexual acts in this book dark. It was sexy and based on the characters' personalities, you'd understand why they are into that type of kink. I enjoyed it, I saw it empower Cat as she grows into herself and the life in Kingmakers.
Of course, I love Cat, I've been rooting for her since The Rebel and she's definitely one of my favorite characters. I love the romance and affection between her and Dean. Out of all of Sophie Lark's books that I've read, this is by far the most romantic, in my opinion. And I loved every minute of it.
The plot wasn't as political or as haunting as the two books but there was still some action here. I actually liked that this had more meat in its plot than just covering the history of Kingmakers and the lifestyle within the island. I don't know if I just don't have the same level of perception as other people but I don't know what to expect with the mystery surrounding the next book, The Spy. It's intriguing but I didn't catch a lot of clues as other people did, I have a few guesses but I don't think I came even close to connecting the dots.
I'm super excited to continue on with the series and I don't know how I'm going to hold myself over until the fifth book, The Savage, comes out this March.
paperbackmystique_and_co's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aquakiwi's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
1bookobsessionconfessions's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
First, I haven’t read the books previous to this in the series. I’m kicking myself for that now! I advise anyone to read the books in order. Technically it can be a standalone, but there’s spoilers and I want all the stories!
Ok, so I LOVE this unique University where future mafia/organized crime members are sent to learn all the wicked ways of that life.
It’s such a unique take on the mafia trope! I loved it!
-Cat is unsure of herself, not outgoing, but she definitely has hidden qualities that are so interesting! People see her as the one who doesn’t fit in.
Dean is arrogant, cruel and fiery. He’s intolerable… at first, then he evolves into someone I really adored and felt emotional for.
-The two begin a Master/Pet relationship because Dean is blackmailing Cat.
It’s really BDSM “lite” in my opinion. It’s not super graphic and I don’t think it would be intimidating for a first time reader.
It’s actually pretty hot and entertaining. Not to say it’s not super sexual, it is. It’s crazy hot in my opinion.
I really enjoyed that part of their relationship.
Super spicy and fiery!!
-Rivalries, plots and secrets are everywhere. What else would you expect from future crime lords?
I loved the bit of mystery, it was really entertaining.
There’s emotional bonds and growth that was very fulfilling to me. Dean and Snow especially.
I think it ended a little abruptly, and very happy actually. So, that’s not a terrible thing. I just wanted a little more.
I plan to read the author and series. Really enjoyed the writing and characters!
First, I haven’t read the books previous to this in the series. I’m kicking myself for that now! I advise anyone to read the books in order. Technically it can be a standalone, but there’s spoilers and I want all the stories!
Ok, so I LOVE this unique University where future mafia/organized crime members are sent to learn all the wicked ways of that life.
It’s such a unique take on the mafia trope! I loved it!
-Cat is unsure of herself, not outgoing, but she definitely has hidden qualities that are so interesting! People see her as the one who doesn’t fit in.
Dean is arrogant, cruel and fiery. He’s intolerable… at first, then he evolves into someone I really adored and felt emotional for.
-The two begin a Master/Pet relationship because Dean is blackmailing Cat.
It’s really BDSM “lite” in my opinion. It’s not super graphic and I don’t think it would be intimidating for a first time reader.
It’s actually pretty hot and entertaining. Not to say it’s not super sexual, it is. It’s crazy hot in my opinion.
I really enjoyed that part of their relationship.
Super spicy and fiery!!
-Rivalries, plots and secrets are everywhere. What else would you expect from future crime lords?
I loved the bit of mystery, it was really entertaining.
There’s emotional bonds and growth that was very fulfilling to me. Dean and Snow especially.
I think it ended a little abruptly, and very happy actually. So, that’s not a terrible thing. I just wanted a little more.
I plan to read the author and series. Really enjoyed the writing and characters!