Brutal Prince Book Review - No Spoilers
My parents always taught me that some of the best relationships are forged through conflict and mutual respect. Growing up, they'd tell stories about how their friends from opposing political parties had become their closest allies because they challenged each other's thinking. That philosophy echoes through Brutal Prince, where two powerful families collide, and out of the wreckage comes something unexpectedly fierce and passionate.
Plot Summary
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark is the explosive first book in the Brutal Birthright series. When Aida Gallo, a sassy Italian mafia princess, accidentally sets a fire at the Griffin estate, she ignites far more than property damage. To prevent an all-out war between the rival Griffin and Gallo families, their parents arrange a marriage of convenience. Aida and Callum Griffin, the ruthless Irish mafia heir, despise each other at first. But as they're forced to navigate this marriage, they uncover a slow-burning chemistry that defies their initial hatred. With political ambitions, family loyalty, and dangerous enemies surrounding them, their relationship becomes the spark that could either unite two powerful families or burn everything down.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Brutal Prince takes the enemies-to-lovers trope and grounds it in something deeply human. Aida is unapologetically herself—brash, bold, impulsive, the complete opposite of Callum's calculated coldness. Their banter is sharp and witty, and the way she cracks through his emotional armor is absolutely masterful. Callum is everything an alpha hero should be: possessive, ambitious, and darkly charming once you see past his ruthless exterior.
What really grabbed me was the slow burn. Lark doesn't rush their romance; she builds it methodically with tension, vulnerability, and scorching chemistry. Their early antagonism evolves into genuine respect and understanding. The plot keeps moving at a breakneck pace, balancing their personal journey with family politics, danger, and twists that keep you guessing. The world-building is intricate without overshadowing the romance, and the emotional payoff is absolutely worth the journey.
Who Will Like This Book
If you're a fan of dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers, and alpha heroes with depth, Brutal Prince is essential. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy marriage of convenience, family legacy storylines, and steamy romance with substance. The blend of political intrigue, danger, and slow-burn passion makes this a standout. If you love morally grey characters and complex family dynamics, you'll devour this series starter.
Trigger warning: Violence, explicit sexual content, organized crime, family threats, and morally ambiguous situations. Dark themes throughout. Mature readers only.
Tagged As
Dark mafia romance, enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, Irish mafia, Italian mafia, slow burn, family politics, alpha hero, sassy heroine, arranged marriage, possessive hero, HEA, explicit content, Brutal Birthright series, Sophie Lark, indie, contemporary dark romance, high stakes
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Insanely Hot
Brutal Prince delivers scorching, explicit scenes that are integral to Aida and Callum's emotional and physical journey. The chemistry between them sizzles off the page, and Lark writes with heat and authenticity. These aren't fade-to-black moments—they're raw, passionate, and absolutely central to the story.
