This is the third book in the series but I somehow missed that and had no idea until I was at least halfway through the story, duh. It probably would have been a little easier to grasp in the early pages if I had read the previous books, but this read just fine as a standalone. Based on how much I loved these characters and their story, I’m sure I’d enjoy the prior books but I definitely don’t regret starting here because Cat and Dean were awesome.
Their story has a strange beginning but once you get to know them, it’s quite fitting. He was awful to Cat initially but had his reasons. Dean’s family life is beyond twisted. I wasn’t completely into this story in the early pages since Dean wasn’t that likable and I had no context for what was happening at the school. These are the children of mobsters and they’re training for their future roles in their respective organizations at this specialized school. It’s like a Hogwarts for Bratva and I wasn’t enthralled at first but the dynamic between Dean and Cat really pulled me in.
I loved the characters and how they changed for the better based on their relationship. Cat gained self-confidence that allowed her to really blossom, while Dean just completely evolved from a ball of rage with a hair trigger temper to a reasonable man who could laugh at himself. They were easy to root for and I would love to see more Dean and Cat.
He’s regretting the service he owes the capo who sponsored his education because Dean no longer aspires to become the boss, so I want to know what happens next: Do they finish their educations there or do they decide to lead normal lives? Does he go to work for the mob? If so, is it just to give the two years of service he owes or does he get pulled back in to the lure of that life? This is an amazing story. I enjoyed every minute and couldn’t put it down.
The Bully on Amazon
The Bully
by Sophie Lark
Kingmakers book 3
Available June 16, 2021
I Know Her Secret…
Cat is in so much trouble. She did something bad, and I saw.
I’ll keep her secret . . . for a price.
Poor, sweet, timid Cat should never have come to Kingmakers. It’s a place for monsters and killers. People like me.
She wandered into the lion’s den and now she’s mine.
Mine to play with. Mine to torment. Mine to break . . .
