So, you’ve stumbled upon Sophie Lark’s world of organized crime, high-stakes romance, and characters that are, frankly, a lot to handle. It happens to the best of us. But if you’re trying to figure out the brutal birthright series order, you’ve probably realized it isn’t just a random pile of books. There is a very specific rhythm to how these Chicago families—the Gallos and the Griffins—collide.
If you read them out of sync, you’re going to spoil some massive plot points. Don't do that to yourself.
The series is a masterclass in the "enemies-to-lovers" trope, but it’s wrapped in a dark, gritty mafia shell. Think Romeo and Juliet if Romeo was a hotheaded Italian with a penchant for violence and Juliet was a brilliant, sharp-tongued Irish heiress who could probably outsmart him in her sleep. It’s addictive. It’s messy. And honestly? It’s one of the few indie romance series that actually manages to make the "found family" aspect feel earned rather than forced.
The Correct Brutal Birthright Series Order
Let’s get straight to the point. You want to read these in the order they were published because the timeline is linear. Sophie Lark didn't write these as standalone stories that exist in vacuums; she built a staircase. Each book adds a layer to the overarching tension between the families.
First up is Brutal Prince. This is the introduction to Callum Griffin and Aida Gallo. It starts with an actual fire—Aida sets one at a Griffin party—and ends with a forced marriage meant to stop a blood feud. It’s the foundational text for everything that follows. If you skip this, the political landscape of the later books will make zero sense.
Next, you move into Stolen Heir. This one shifts the focus to Nessa Griffin and Mikoaj Sosnierz. It’s a "kidnapping" romance, which is a staple of the genre, but it handles the power dynamics in a way that feels surprisingly fresh. Then comes Savage Lover, focusing on Nero Gallo and Camille. Nero is the "black sheep," and his story leans heavily into the car culture and the underground vibes of the Gallo family’s less "polished" side.
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Why the Middle Books Matter
By the time you hit the fourth book, Bloody Heart, the stakes have shifted. You're looking at Dante Gallo and Simone. This one is often a fan favorite because it leans into the "forced proximity" trope during a high-stress survival situation. It feels different from the city-based grit of the first three.
Then there is Broken Vow. This is Riona Griffin’s book. Riona is arguably the most complex female character in the series. She’s cold, she’s calculated, and she’s the "Ice Queen" of the Griffin family. Watching her walls come down for Raylan is a highlight of the entire series.
Finally, you reach Heavy Crown. This brings the initial cycle to a close with Sebastian Gallo and Yelena. It ties up the loose ends of the generational feud while setting the stage for the spin-off series, Kingmakers.
Can You Read Them as Standalones?
Honestly? No.
You’ll see people online claiming you can just "pick the trope you like" and dive in. They are wrong. While each book focuses on a different couple, the background plot—the war for control of Chicago, the shifting alliances, and the literal life-and-death stakes—evolves constantly.
If you jump into Heavy Crown without reading Brutal Prince, you won’t understand why the characters are so hesitant to trust one another. You’ll miss the subtle nods to previous victories and the weight of the losses the families have endured. It’s like starting a movie sixty minutes in. You might enjoy the action, but you won’t care about the people.
The Crossover Factor
One thing Sophie Lark does exceptionally well is the "crossover." Characters from earlier books don't just disappear. They show up as siblings, advisors, or sometimes obstacles. Aida and Callum’s marriage isn't just a "happily ever after" that happens in book one; it becomes a political bedrock for the rest of the series. You see them grow as a couple throughout the subsequent five books. That’s a rare treat in romance, and you lose that satisfaction if you mess up the brutal birthright series order.
Beyond the Basics: The Kingmakers Connection
Once you finish the main six books, you aren't actually done. This is where most readers get confused. The "Brutal Birthright" universe expands into the Kingmakers series.
Think of Kingmakers as the "Next Generation" or the college-years sequel. It follows the children of the couples you just spent six books falling in love with. It takes place at a secret academy for the heirs of the world's most powerful crime families.
- The Heir (Leo Gallo’s story)
- The Rebel
- The Bully
- The Spy
- The Savage
If you try to read Kingmakers first, you will spoil the endings of almost every book in the original series. You’ll know who survived, who got married, and how the power structure in Chicago eventually stabilized. It’s a massive spoiler minefield. Stick to the publication order. Your future self will thank you.
Why This Series Stuck the Landing
The "Mafia Romance" subgenre is crowded. There are thousands of books featuring brooding men in suits and the women who "tame" them. So why does this specific series rank so high on BookTok and Kindle Unlimited?
It’s the world-building.
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Sophie Lark treats Chicago like a character. The different neighborhoods, the specific restaurants, the way the weather changes—it feels lived-in. More importantly, she avoids the trap of making every male lead the exact same person. Callum is arrogant and traditional. Nero is a wild card. Dante is the protector. They have distinct voices.
The women are also allowed to be more than just "the love interest." They have their own ambitions. Riona wants to run the family business. Aida wants to be respected as a leader, not just a wife. These motivations drive the plot just as much as the romance does.
A Quick Reality Check on Tropes
Let’s be real for a second. This is dark romance. It’s "mafia-lite" in some ways because it focuses heavily on the emotional beats, but there is violence. There are "dubious consent" themes in some entries, and the morality of the characters is, at best, charcoal gray.
If you’re looking for a sweet, wholesome story, this isn't it. But if you want a series that feels like a binge-worthy Netflix show with high production value and a lot of steam, you’ve found it.
Mapping Your Reading Journey
When you start your journey through the brutal birthright series order, keep a few things in mind. The first book is the "lightest" in terms of the overarching conspiracy, but it’s the "heaviest" in terms of setting the tone.
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- Focus on the Gallo vs. Griffin dynamic. The tension between these two families is the engine that moves the car.
- Watch the side characters. Lark is famous for dropping breadcrumbs. A character who seems insignificant in book two might be the lead of book five.
- Don't rush to Kingmakers. I know the "dark academia" vibes of the sequel series are tempting. Resist the urge. The emotional payoff of seeing these kids grow up is 10x stronger if you’ve seen their parents struggle through their own stories first.
Essential Next Steps for New Readers
If you're ready to dive in, don't just buy them one by one if you have a budget to consider. These books are frequently available on Kindle Unlimited, which is the most cost-effective way to marathon all six.
Before you open Brutal Prince, take a second to look at the family trees usually provided in the front matter of the books (or on the author's website). Keeping the Gallo siblings separate from the Griffin siblings can be a bit of a headache for the first fifty pages until the personalities really start to click.
Once you finish Heavy Crown, take a week-long break before starting Kingmakers. It helps to let the "Original Generation" stories settle in your mind before you see them as older, established parents in the sequel series. This transition is much smoother when you aren't rushing.
Start with Brutal Prince. Focus on the fire. Everything else builds from those first few sparks.