My Brutal Prince Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark is a high-stakes, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance set in the underworld of Chicago’s warring crime families. The story kicks off with Aida Gallo, the youngest and wildest daughter in a powerful Italian mafia family, and Callum Griffin, the cold, ambitious heir of the rival Irish mafia. After a disastrous prank at a Griffin party nearly sets the house on fire and ignites a dangerous feud, both families agree an arranged marriage between Aida and Callum is the only way to avert a brutal war. Thrust together, their chemistry is combustible; what begins as hostility is transformed by forced proximity, sharp banter, and a surprising vulnerability that each reveals only to the other. The couple’s uneasy alliance must withstand betrayal, family pressure, and criminal intrigue as passion, power, and pride collide. With twists, betrayals, and dark secrets, the story is equal parts romantic and suspenseful, blending mafia legacy with witty, heartfelt moments.
Why I Love This Book
I love Brutal Prince because it delivers a perfect storm of sharp dialogue, non-stop action, and incendiary chemistry. Aida and Callum are the kind of flawed, bold characters who are fun to root for even as they scheme against each other. The enemies-to-lovers and arranged marriage tropes are executed with energy and humor, and the book never forgets to balance gritty mafia stakes with surprisingly sweet moments and laugh-out-loud banter. The supporting cast—rival siblings, meddling parents, and mafia henchmen—brings comic relief and emotional texture. The pacing is brisk, the tension is tangible, and the gradual trust (and lust) between Aida and Callum is genuinely satisfying. The mix of suspense, romance, and dark humor kept me turning pages eagerly, and this first installment kicks off the series with style.
Who Will Like This Book
If you’re a fan of mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers arcs, high-octane family feuds, and arranged marriage stories with a modern bite, you’ll love this novel. It’s perfect for readers who crave strong heroines, broody and clever heroes, and a mix of authentic danger and sparkling dialogue. You’ll especially enjoy it if you like contemporary romances with a hard edge, but not without warmth or humor. The book contains moderate steam—expect several explicit, open-door scenes with well-built heat, but the focus remains on character conflict, relationship development, and a tightly wound plot. This is a great gateway to further mafia romance, or for anyone looking for a fast, fun, and sexy read that doesn’t skimp on either grit or soul.
Tagged As
mafia romance, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, family feud, sharp dialogue, intense chemistry, humor, character-driven, dark romance, suspense, strong heroine, broody hero, dual pov, series starter
Steam Level
The story features a steady buildup of sensual tension and several explicit, tastefully written intimate scenes that meaningfully enhance the story’s emotional stakes rather than take over the narrative. The steam is present and satisfying, making this a great pick for readers who want excitement both in and out of the bedroom.
