Member Reviews

I don't know what I was expecting but this was not it. This was not for me and I found it to be highly unjoyable.

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I’m sorry, this title was just not for me. I didn’t like it at all. I think there should have been more development….everywhere. I know there’s an audience out there for this but it wasn’t me.

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I wish there was a ranking for the books that leave you jaw-dropped and stick in your mind. One of those books that you can't get out of your head.
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I used to read a lot of thrillers and suspense and none of them stayed in my head like this series. Sophie Lark adds just the right amount of romance and steamy scenes that I needed.
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I know it is a dark gothic romance but that feeling of not knowing what is happening behind it, who is the culprit, who may represent a danger and even doubting the characters who tell you the story. It's all there and it's perfect crafted.
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Elena Zelenska is the one who begins to tell the story, coming from Ukraine to marry a man she only met twice in person. In search of a better life and leaving a past that frightens her behind.
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But upon arriving at Grimstone she realizes that it’s not the poster for the American dream she has in mind. This small, dark town, with strange characters, ruined castles and a black sand beach with a sea as unpredictable as its inhabitants. and the mysterious owner of the Monarch hotel.
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Atlas Covet is used to receiving guests of all kinds and it is easy for him to notice when something is not right. Especially the relationship between his new guest and the author who has been staying for months while waiting for his house to be finished, on the outskirts of town.
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From the moment Elena set foot in his hotel something changed and he needs to discover what's behind it. But everyone has something to hide and Grimstone is the perfect place for that.
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Once you read the trigger warning you might think twice before opening the book, I've been there, but I never regretted it and I kept reading until the end, because Sophie Lark has a unique way of creating her Moral Gray and Dark characters that makes them hard not to empathize with them, and they become my favorites. I am very happy to have discovered this writer and to have the opportunity to read an advance copy
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Thanks to Sophie Lark , her team and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

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i will LEARN one day! not to be a negative nelly whatsoever but i simply think sophie lark books are not for me after giving two of her series- as well as this book- a fair shot. she is extremely popular for a reason but i cannot get into her books, so i would definitely take my word with a grain of salt!

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I love love love everything Sophie Lark writes. And Monarch is such a wonderful book to read during this spooky season. The forbidden love, arranged marriage trope was done fantastically. And the hints of mystery, absolutely love.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC

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From the moment I dived into Grimstone, the world Sophie Lark created hooked me completely, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Monarch. As with Grimstone, the dark and haunting atmosphere in this book is absolutely captivating. Sophie Lark expertly balances a story that weaves the charm of a fairytale with the terror of a nightmare.

Meet Elena Zelenska, an awkward, twenty-seven-year-old virgin and a bookworm who enters the story as a mail-order bride. Right from the start, I loved her innocence and her hope for a new beginning with the enigmatic Benjamin Wittacker. But as soon as she arrives in Grimstone, the novel takes a sharp turn into a chilling psychological thriller.

Lark's portrayal of the setting is mesmerizing. The castle in the woods feels like a living, breathing character in itself, full of creepy corridors and hidden rooms. It’s a gothic maze, amplifying the dread and claustrophobia that Elena experiences. This juxtaposition of dreamlike romance and cold horror is masterfully done, and I felt myself growing increasingly tense as Ben’s character begins to unravel. The shift in his demeanor is gradual but terrifying, making him a formidable and monstrous antagonist. He’s the kind of villain you love to hate—manipulative, controlling, and cruel.

Enter Atlas Covett, a brilliant counterbalance to Ben’s sinister energy. He’s strong, mysterious, and intimidating, yet there’s a warmth and protectiveness in his relationship with Elena that feels genuine. Atlas gives Elena the emotional support she desperately needs as her life with Ben spirals out of control. The slow-burn bond between them is gripping, filled with tension and yearning that leaves you rooting for Elena to escape Ben’s twisted grip and find refuge with Atlas.

Monarch is a must-read for fans of dark, twisted romances that keep you guessing until the very end. Lark’s ability to weave intense emotions with chilling suspense makes this a book I couldn’t put down, and it’s an excellent follow-up to Grimstone. Elena’s journey from naïve bride-to-be to a woman fighting for her freedom is empowering, and the chemistry between her and Atlas adds a layer of beauty to the darkness. If you love gothic stories with strong FMC's, wicked twists, and heart-pounding romance, Monarch is the book for you.

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I love a good gothic mystery romance but this ended way too fast!

The build up was suspenseful and the plot was all there. I even enjoyed the relationship building with all the side characters and the growing intensity of the Ben's behaviors.

Atlas was built to be a hero.

I just don't know why it ended so fast and with no real closure after so much build up. I wanted more punishment I think.

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𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
✰ 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
✰ 𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘱
✰ 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘺 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯
✰ 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘴
✰ 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵

Sophie Lark managed to deliver a slow burn and angsty romance with spooky and thriller vibes perfect for the fall season.
Atlas and Elena had a beautiful connection and I had the best time reading about them falling for each other.

*arc kindly provided in exchange of an honest review

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🦋arc review🦋

🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌶️🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and bloom for an early copy of Monarch by Sophie Lark!

Ya girl will never say no to a Sophie Lark book and this one did not disappoint 👏🏾 Sophie does such a great job of building a world while simultaneously pushing the story line along.

Elena moves to Grimstone, a creepy gothic small town, on a marriage visa to an author while escaping her past mistakes that she made in Ukraine. Atlas is the owner of the Monarch hotel which has been in his family for generations. He’s a workaholic who finds himself wanting to protect Elena from her husband to be.


I really loved Elena’s positive spirit and the push and pull of her relationship with Atlas. It’s all things forbidden and being set in a gothic small town it’s perfect for spooky season.

If you love:
🦋 Gothic Dark Romance
🦋 Romantic Suspense
🦋 Forbidden Romance
🦋 Spooky vibes
🦋 Mystery Thriller
🦋 Strong FMC

You can read Monarch on KU and is available in any bookstore near you!

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Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Larks continuation in the world of Grimstone in the story Monarch proves why she is a series author. It not only expands upon previous information represented in book one. It also gives us new couples, more of the town, and the spooky vibes. It's a fresh and fun change in the world of Sophie Lark.

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My rating: 4,5 from 5 stars


First of all, i haven't read the first one but now i definitely will (it is already sitting an waiting on my shelf)!


'The scariest books I read are fantasy novels, and romantic fantasy at that, where the most terrifying thing you're likely to encounter is a villainous fairy prince who turns out to be secretly sexy or, at worse, some dragon p*nis' - Same, Elena, same.


It is a story about Elena who was looking for the best opportunity to leave her country because of the one thing she did in the past. She doesn't have much hope, but then - BOOM! - handsome, rich writer (who is also a father) just came out of nowhere and they clicked. She was supposed to be his princess (he even started to build a castle just for their new, small family). It was like a dream come true. Until she arrived in Grimstone - and a hotel called Monarch. There everything went downhill.
Her new prince-charming fiancee may not be the perfect husband-to-be and as the plot developes - she may even be in danger.

But in a forreign contry, with no money and beeing scared of coming back to her past, will she be ready to give her dream up? Will she be able to escape her nightmare with help of the hotel's owner, Atlas, who will do everything he can to save her?







I really loved Atlas in this story. I went in looking for broody, grumpy, dark character and found one. On the other side, i was not feeling Elena at first, i have no idea why. But it didn't care because Atlas carried this story on his back. I like the double POV situation (the only time i want to hear man's opinion is when there is his POV in romance book).
I've had a feeling about Lorne from the first time i met him, like i was 100% sure this guy was up to something and i was right!

The spice was nice, and although this will never be as perfect as 'Brutal Birthright' which i fell in love with a long time ago, it was still an enjoyable read and i will definitely check the first (and other ones if they will be published) out!





'Sometimes you meet a decent guy, and then you meet the actual one. The one who makes your skin burn and your heart race and your spirit soar. The one who looks in your eyes and seems to understand you before you´say a word, but he listens anyway. No, he doesn't just listen...he hangs on your every word. And when he answers, it's just the right thing to make you feel safe and at home'





Thank you to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this book early!

all the opinions are my own.

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First off, I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC of Monarch by Sophie Lark.

After finishing the first in this series within a day, I had high hopes for Monarch, and I am so happy to say that it did NOT disappoint!
From the get go I was in love with Atlas and Elena and was so looking forward to watching their story unfold.

There was a moment or two when I was like "ooh, I wonder if.." and I was happy to see my predictions were correct.

The characters were so believable, and even the characters that you wanted to dislike, you did. you fully got the "ick" vibes from those who deserved it and the love vibes for those that needed it.

As soon as I finished reading, I was out and I was so excited to see a copy of Monarch sitting on the shelf of my local Target, and couldn't help but snatch it up straight away!

Such an amazing read and I have already recommended it to several friends and family members!!

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Oh boy was this good! I thought Grimstone was great but this one was even better! Just a very different and unique storyline and setting that makes for such an enticing tale that you just can’t put it down! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review!

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This was my first Sophie Lark book, I had not read the first Grimstone book. I chose this book based off of the cover and description.
I love a good mystery so this book was right up my alley, I wouldn’t really call this a gothic setting as the only thing truly under that name would be the house being built that she didn’t live in and only visited briefly, but it had a dark vibe to the whole thing with the hotel and the creepy stuff going on.
All in all it was a decent read.

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Sophie Lark needs no introduction. I’m a big fan of her work, she knows what she’s doing and she does it well. Fantastic story, great plot. Beautifully written as all her other works. A must read.

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Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC

Yet another dark and delicious romance novel from Sophie Lark. This is really the perfect book for this season. And the illustrations! They're so gorgeous. Not a read for the faint of hearts, but I'd recommend if you like it dark

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Sophie Lark is really good at blending these dark Gothic thrillers with the right amount of romance and spice! Throw I a little mystery and you've got a great book to read during this spooky fall season. I love in this book how the MMC is with the FMC! So strong and protective but also a little bit of a gooey marshmallow for her! Definitely recommend picking up both books from the Grimstone series and look forward to seeing what else comes from this world she has built.

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Giving this three stars only because I want to help it out a bit. I will not be reading this arc due to finishing the first book in the series, Grimstone, and absolutely hating it. About 60% through Grimstone we met a main male character of this book and he was an even bigger jerk than the brother and I just don’t think I can do it.

Me and Sophie Lark will be breaking up for the time being. :(

Thank you netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this arc opportunity.

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Elena needs a fresh start and when she meets a successful author at a mail order meet up. He seems to have it all- fame, money, and a sweet little girl to round out the family. But when Elena arrives for her new life, she begins to see lies start to unravel, and her new step daughter seems frightened and unwilling to speak. Staying at a high end hotel while the finished touches are put on their new home, Elena’s room keeps getting ransacked and the only person who seems to want to come to her aid is the handsome hotel owner.

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5

Tropes:
Everyone has secrets

Triggers:
Confinement
Manipulation
Child Abuse

My Thoughts:
I love everything that Sophie Lark writes. This book has all the dark elements I love of her books with elements of a whodunit. Add in a tall, dark and handsome stranger and you’ve got an awesome read.

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Monarch by Sophie Lark is a captivating, unputdownable & mesmerizing dark gothic romance set in a spooky small town with a fascinating group of townsfolk. A bookshop manager from Ukraine agrees to marry a famous American author & returns to his small town with him. The life she expected is not the life that appears & the owner of the hotel they’re temporarily staying at might just upend the very life she anticipated.

This is book #2 in the Grimstone series, but it could easily be read as a standalone. However, I enjoyed both books so I do recommend both!

Monarch is great for fans of…
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Romantic Thriller
🖤 Gothic & Spooky
🖤 Small Town

Honestly, this is a book that is quite difficult to describe in terms of tropes & genres but it was so good, I couldn’t put it down! This is such a unique romance set in a small gothic town. I’m very intrigued by this series & I think I liked this one more than the first even though I really have loved them both. I do recommend checking content warnings just in case.

This book comes with a map, a playlist & artwork…what more could you ask for?! The map is the coolest beginning to any read. Then, when you add in a playlist to help set the tone of one chooses as well as the amazing artwork that brings the story to life, which I appreciate.

I love the combination of romance meets thriller. I am so excited to see what this author writes next & I will read anything they write!

Married thanks to NetGalley, Bloom Books & Hambright PR for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

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