Heavy Crown by Sophie Lark​ is book 9 in the Brutal Birthright Series. This is the story of Sebastian Gallo and Yelena Yenina. Sebastian is the youngest of his family and had dreams outside the mafia but a knee injury stopped them. Yelena is a mafia princess who is getting kidnapped when Sebastien sees her. Although their family are enemies he can't help but save her. This puts them on a road to discovery in their feelings. I loved this book. It kept me turning the pages and I will be looking for more books by this author.

I went into this novel without reading any of the other books in the series. It was written so that it was understandable without needing to read the other books but I’m sure it would have helped to know the family dynamics before this.

The book was good. It was a slow burn up until half way and enjoyable to read. I love Maria romance so now I want to check out the entire series

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book! I have been a fan of Sophie Lark for a while now and she did not disappoint!

Heavy Crown
4 stars
3 spice

Rival family
Betrayal & revenge
Lovers to enemies to lovers

Wow, I jumped into this book after I read Brutal Prince and loved it. This book was not what I expected at all. We met Sebastion in Brutal Prince where his knees were shattered by Callum’s goon (his sister now husband), thus shattering his dream to become a professional basketball player too. I have to say I was surprised to see how changed he was, and what he was feeling towards his family, now that all of them found the love of their life and settled down with their own family. Sebastian now feels he’s all alone and lost, with no dream career and no significant other.

Until a chance encounter where he met Yelena, the Bratva princess, only their meeting was not a coincidence at all. With bad blood between the Italians and the Russians, they know they cannot be together. But as Sebastian falls more and more in love with Yelena, he naively thinks that their love can bring their family together. And Yelena, despite knowing that she is being used by his father, foolishly believes she can actually be happy with Sebastian once they are married.

I saw that twist from a mile away, I was dreading it, and once it happened, I didn’t expect it to hit me so hard. My heart is breaking for Sebastian, I mean give the guy a break, how much more can he lose in this inter-family feud with the Irish and Russians, my boy deserves better. But I understand that both Sebastian and Yelena are still quite young, and their love and naivety made them think they can conquer all. After all that went through, I have a hard time accepting that they can move on with that much bad blood between them. I think I might need to read all of the previous books in this series so I can appreciate this book more.

CW/TW/Kinks:
Non-con (FMC private part was touched without consent)
Violence against women
Voyeurism
Anal sex
Captivity
Murder violence gore
Loss of family members
Parental abuse

I liked this book, but not as much as some of the others in this series. Definitely think there could have been more depth in certain areas and the ending seemed a bit rushed. With that being said, I really enjoy Sophie Lark’s writing style and love how she’s able to immerse you in a story. Be sure to check your CW before reading this one.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4! Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC 🖤🖤🖤.

Completely hooked. I absolutely love the characters and the story had me completely glued to my kindle. I’m addicted to this series. Can’t wait to read the next.

Sebastian Gallo is the younger Gallo brother, whose dreams of making a name for himself outside of the Italian mafia crumbled before him when he was forced to quit basketball due to a knee injury. Sebastian has always been in the background of the other books, the broody brother who thought himself good, but who has killed and toughened up to protect his family.

Finally getting Sebastian’s POV was so exciting for me, as I’ve loved his character since his introduction in Brutal Prince. He did not disappoint one bit. The Sebastian we meet here is more somber than meets the eye. He isn’t this happy-go-lucky person, and the mistakes of his siblings have shaped him into this character that really struggles internally to find his place within the mafia. Throughout the book, we see the journey to his acceptance of the lifestyle, and Sebastian begins to really embody and embrace some of those values, but also become a happier and fulfilled character.

Dealing with the loss of his sports career and seeing as his siblings made their lives took its emotional toll on him, and I appreciated the discussion of his different feelings throughout it all. Enter: Yelena.

Yelena Yenina is a Bratva princess, the only daughter of the new Pakhan of Chicago. Theirs is not a meet cute, per se. Sebastian meets Yelena as she is kicking and flailing, trying to resist a kidnapping attempt. Sebastian, who really is as noble as that scenes suggests, saves Yelena from her would-be captor and they spend the evening together at a party. There is, of course, a twist to this seemingly chance encounter, but the sparks between the two are undeniable.

Throughout a summer of power plays and mafia rivalries, Yelena and Sebastian fall in love. This story is one that is certainly unexpected, with so many twists and turns that will have you at the edge of your seat. Sophie Lark has a very engaging and entertaining way of writing. Whether you’re a newbie to mafia romance or a more seasoned reader, her stories have a way of captivating any audience. This was the shortest long book I read because of how easily the story flowed and how immersed I became in the story once I started reading. It’s definitely hard to put down. Though at times I felt disconnected from Yelena’s character, in particular, the romance as a whole was very sweet and the steam between those two definitely had me slack jawed more than once.

This one was very plot heavy, with the mafia politics being central to even the romantic development. For those that prefer romance with a sprinkle of plot, this could be a problem, but I urge you to give this book a chance, because the action really made the book and helped tie up the series and lay the perfect foundation for a second generation. Though easily read as a standalone, this book brought back in prior protagonists in an organic way and gave us a glimpse at all our favorites.

I can’t wait to see what Sophie does with the spin-off series of the kids of these wonderful characters we all became so endeared with.

A fiery end to a very enjoyable series! 🔥

You can expect:
▪️Mafia rivalry
▪️Enemies to lovers
▪️Forbidden love
▪️Insta love
▪️Revenge plot
▪️Dual POV
▪️Spiceeee

Some of my thoughts:
📍 Sophie’s writing is incredibly engaging and her books always easy to read. This final instalment was no exception though that being said, this was my least favourite book in the series.

📍I had hard time marrying the two versions of Seb in my mind. The reserved, friendly guy from the early books to the hard, ferociously passionate guy in this book. The character progression didn’t quite gel for me.

📍I also had a hard time with the romance. I don’t typically enjoy insta-love and the naive way they went about their early courtship was frustrating. Nothing about their relationship gave my butterflies or titillated me and when reading a romance I do seek those feelings.

📍I did enjoy the action and violence of the final stand and the epilogue does a wonderful job of tempting readers to jump straight into the next series, Kingmakers!!

Sophie Lark does it again with a ravishing new addition to her "Brutal Birthright" series!
"Heavy Crown" is filled to the brim with sweltering chemistry and sizzling tension, leaving readers at the edge of their seats throughout the entirety of this dark mafia tale. Once I reached the halfway point of this novel, I came to the realization that "Heavy Crown" just might very well be my favorite novel of Lark's yet. I would recommend this title to readers new to dark romance- for it'll undoubtedly leave them hungry for more.

The final book in the series. Sebastian was always one of my favorite characters but this story didn't go the way I'd hoped for him. In the first couple books he waa so fun and good natured but by this sixth book he's become dark and on the verge of taking his father's position. There were still early moments when it seemed like things might look up but it was not to be.

Yelena also started out seeming like she might be a strong interesting woman but ended up seeming pretty bland and weak.

There are only brief cameos of the characters from the previous books, and only the relationship with Mikolaj really comes into play.

Overall, the first two books in the series were the best and I kind of wish I'd stopped there. At least there was lots of shoot-em-up action and explosions to keep things moving. And the next series was definitely set up.

Another wild ride from Sophie Lark! This is book 6 in an interconnected stand-alone series and could be read on its own (I have read 4 of them and did not feel like the 2 I skipped caused too much confusion).

I liked the first half, but it lost me as all the conflicts accumulated. Things are relatively resolved by the end, and the epilogue sets up the following series with the next generation of mafia/mob/bratva kids. If you've read others in the series and enjoyed them, then you'll like this. If you've read others in the series and not enjoyed them, this will probably not change your opinion.

This is the final book in the Brutal Birthright series, a Dark Mafia Romance. My favorite part of every Sophie Lark book is she links a Spotify playlist for every book. For this book the last song is Willow by Taylor Swift. Based off that alone, I knew this was going to be the perfect ending to such a great series. Plus there is such beautiful artwork throughout this book.
I’ve loved every book this series, the Gallos and the Griffins, and their family dynamics change over the years. Everyone has come so far since book one. Sebastian has always been my favorite character since book one and I’m so happy it’s his turn to put himself first. The twists in this book, specifically at 50% of the way through, had me in tears. This book is a roller coaster of emotions, never boring, and might or might not get you excited for the next series, Kingmakers.
This series walked so Kingmakers could run.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for this new version!

What a wonderful way to end the series! Sophie Lark has a big circle of fans, and this series has cemented why so many people ask for this book in my local library. It a fun series that is easy to read and enjoy. Sebastian’s struggles were pulling at reader’s heartstrings. Dante is still a fan favorite (for various reasons). Action and twists, you won’t regret this series!

I haven’t read any a) any dark mafia books, or b) Sophie lark books before, and they have both made me realize I love a (not just morally grey) but grey villian. You best believe, despite the hea spoilers here, I’ll be going back and reading the rest of this series.

Heavy Crown is an intense dark mafia romance and the cumulation of the Brutal Birthright series.
Sebastian is the last Gallo sibling. We didn’t see much of him previously and were led to believe he was a dreamer. He’s not, in fact he spent half the book slightly unhinged in the best morally grey way.
Yelena is incredibly naive for a mob boss’ daughter. While we get snipets about her past not much is learned. Where some heroines become strong and independent, Yelena just seems timid and frightened. She has her heroic moments but isn’t suited to the mob life.
I have fully enjoyed the last half of the Brutal Birthright series (I started at Bloody Heart) and this was a satisfying ending. While not my favorite you can definitely guarantee it will be included when I binge read the series again.
I received an arc and am leaving this review of my volition.

I have reached the end of the Brutal Birthright series! And what a rollercoaster it has been! Heavy Crown focuses on the final Gallo sibling, Sebastian. Although he’s in the other books, he’s not as prevalent as a side character which made him quite mysterious going into Heavy Crown. This was purely a forbidden romance as Seb ‘accidentally’ meets Yelena, daughter of a Bratva boss. It appears as a meet cute where Yelena is being ‘attacked’ and Seb manages to intervene, and sparks instantly fly. Yelena is a pawn in her father’s schemes. She’s the perfect and obedient daughter. She is pretty sheltered and is surrounded by Bratva men, including her twin brother.
I found this to be very quick and rushed. There were time jumps and the plot points moved rapidly.
I enjoyed this book. It had steam, betrayal, forbidden romance and this book was especially full of mafia/mob/crime plot points that drew in all the previous characters.
I look forward to reading the second-generation series! Thank you for giving me the chance to read these novels.

Heavy Crown is a book I have enjoyed for the past couple years. I am very excited for Sophie to have had this series picked up by a traditional publisher and getting a re-release. Heavy Crown had a lot to live up to while rounding out the end of a fantastic mafia-light series. I had high expectations and was strongly anticipating Sebastian's story.

I really enjoyed witnessing Sebastian's character arc. Having his dreams ripped away from him, the happy-go-lucky Gallo brother finds his darker side and wades into it. Yelena's character is a little lack-lustre compared to some of the other heroines in the series, but she's likeable.

The end of this book/series, perfectly sets up the next generation series and immediately entices you to want to read what comes next for these families.

These new trad-pub versions have some truly stunning character artwork in them that makes it worth buying the newest editions of these books! I'm a character art junkie, so I loved seeing it!

Oh this was everything! I’m obsessed with this series and I absolutely adore Sophie Lark’s books! I love that she keeps building up this world but this was a really great ending to a great series! I know she’s got the next-gen series but it hasn’t been picked up by Bloom yet so in terms of what I’ve read so far, this was a fantastic conclusion! I love that Sophie can make dark feel so fun and even if there are points where I feel like the characters or conflict is too messy, Sophie wraps it up neatly by the end! Sad to say goodbye to these beloved characters but so excited for all the other goodness coming next from Sophie later this year!

This series has had my heart from the beginning. I love Sophie Lark. This was a bit of a slow burn at the beginning, but it was a good slow burn.
Oh, Sebastian. I thought I couldn't love you as much as Dante but I managed to love you just as much. The twists and turns in this book. Sebastian's struggle pulled at my heartstrings. 🫣 What a way to end the Brutal Birthright series. We see appearances from Aida and callum too.

Heavy Crown is Sebastian's story in the Brutal Birthright series. In the prior installments, Sebastian's life has slowly changed from college boy pursuing a career in baseball to the final Gallo sibling that isn't happily married. He is a little lost but with each change in his family he finds himself heading in an unexpected direction. He's pretty sure he's two people in one body. When he meets Yelena, he can't stop thinking about her. He has one more major lesson to learn, and this one just might kill him. Yelena is the daughter of the head of the Chicago Bratva. When she meets Sebastian, her life takes an unexpected turn. She has always lived with pain and fear but now she might just not survive what's coming. Can they somehow find love as their worlds close in on them?

I do not want to give away what happens in this story. The author tells the reader up front that Sebastian and Yelena have HUGE hurdles to overcome. Both characters are strong, resilient, smart, tough, determined, and loving. I loved how the author worked in updates about Sebastian's siblings and even included Mikolaj. This book should NOT be read as a stand-alone even though I think you could. Where Sebastian ends up will not have the emotional impact without the background of how he got there over a period of years. I actually cried a little for everything that changed for Sebastian. The author sets up a new series at the end of the book. I am looking forward to reading about the new characters.

This story is a contemporary mafia romance set in Chicago. There is a lot of violence in this story. I will read more from this author in the future.