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Kingmakers: Year Three Kindle Edition
#1 Best Seller Romantic Suspense
#14 in the Kindle Store
Dean saw what she did. Now, he holds the power…
The ruthless halls of a mafia university are no place for the diminutive and gentle Cat. She barely survived her first year at school, at the cost of her innocence.
Cat did something bad and Dean Yenin saw it. Now she’s being blackmailed by the most vicious bully at Kingmakers.
He offers her a devil's bargain: his silence and protection…if Cat belongs to him.
Dean’s twisted games of dominance have Cat doing things she never thought she’d do… But even the most sadistic games have rules, and Dean’s fascination with Cat might just be his undoing.
At Kingmakers, love is a weapon used by the most lethal players. But brokenness can lead to unexpected strength, and sometimes, the o
The Lark Notes:
My very first inspiration for Kingmakers was Dean Yenin. I wanted to write a true anti-hero who would need to undergo a very serious change in his character to complete his redemption arc. Dean will make you feel all the things, sometimes against your will. You’ll love him and hate him and love him again, and never get him out of your head. – Sophie
“Kingmakers: Year Three” is a standalone novel. It's the third installment in the epic dark mafia Kingmakers series – a bully romance, full of dark, twisted enemies-to-lovers conflict. Reader beware, this one is intense.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJune 16, 2021
- File size17.5 MB
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- Kindle Price:$29.95By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
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This option includes 5 books.
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews
Review
★★★★★ "BEST GROVEL EVER!!!" - Corina
★★★★★ "Dean has the distinction of becoming my all time favorite book boyfriend... I love his protectiveness, jealousy and possessiveness of Cat." - Gina
★★★★★ "The character development is simply brutal, I don't think I've ever read anything like this before." - Rebecca
★★★★★ "The Bully is a story of hate, love, loss, and redemption. I was so wrapped up in Dean and Cat that I am still thinking of them days after finishing the book." - Tonya
★★★★★ "I got teary eyed at parts and my heart broke and got put back together a few times. This book touched me with the underlying messages of what unconditional love, forgiveness, and redemption are and what they can do to someone." - Jessie
★★★★★ "The hate, the lust, the obsession, the steam, and the slow burning emotional connection between them was angsty, cold shower inducing, and beautiful.And that epilogue/ending.... I'm not crying you're crying!!!!" - Melissa
★★★★★ "I loved, loved, loved this book. This is a beautifully written story full of anger, passion and love.... This is the best book Sophie Lark has ever written!" - Tina W.
★★★★★ "An great writer makes you love characters, a masterful writer makes you despise a character and then love them with all your heart. This is my favorite bully Romance!" - Sylvie
★★★★★ "I have cried, I have felt happiness, I have felt sadness, I have felt scared but most of all I have felt hope. I can't begin to describe the suspense, the tension, the excitement and the sheer animal magnetism." - Trish
Product details
- ASIN : B08R9R3FCK
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : June 16, 2021
- Language : English
- File size : 17.5 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 522 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Part of series : Kingmakers
- Best Sellers Rank: #22,852 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #192 in Romantic Suspense (Books)
- #295 in New Adult & College Romance (Books)
- #572 in Action & Adventure Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Intelligent Women & Powerful Men
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Sophie lives with her husband, two boys, and baby girl in the Rocky Mountain West. She writes intense, intelligent romance, with heroines who are strong and capable, and men who will do anything to capture their hearts.
She has a slight obsession with hiking, bodybuilding, and live comedy shows. Her perfect day would be taking the kids to Harry Potter World, going dancing with Mr. Lark, then relaxing with a good book and a monster bag of salt and vinegar chips.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book's smart writing and deep plot, particularly appreciating Dean's redemption as a character and the enemies-to-lovers storyline. The romance receives positive feedback for its emotional intensity, with one customer noting its heart-wrenching moments, while the chemistry between Dean and Cat is described as very hot and sizzling. Customers find the book fascinating and enthralling, with one review highlighting how it provides insight into Dean's home life.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it engaging and exciting to read, with one customer noting it keeps them reading for hours.
"...It's a captivating blend of romance, drama, and suspense that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last...." Read more
"This was a great story I was so happy to read deans story I think he’s my fav ! But I’m almost drooling over reading Ares story ahhh☺️" Read more
"...I like how Snow was reintroduced into the storyline. Great story with plenty of teasers about remaining plots in the series. Highly recommended!" Read more
"...and as always with Sophie's books, beautifully written...." Read more
Customers love the characters in the book, particularly Dean's character development and redemption arc, with one customer noting the chemistry between them is electric.
"Year three and I didn’t want to put it down! The character growth is amazing and it feels like you’re growing up with them" Read more
"This is my favorite couple and my favorite characters from the Kingmakers series. In Books 1 and 2, Dean was a constant presence...." Read more
"...as the author, readers are also going to get an interesting plot, great characters, phenomenal chemistry, and a beautiful romance...." Read more
"Always love a good redemption arc. Dean is delightful as the Bad Guy and now we follow his journey to becoming the better version of himself and..." Read more
Customers enjoy the romance in the book, particularly its enemies-to-lovers plot and realistic portrayal of a loving relationship, with one customer noting it as an amazing anti-hero romance.
"...lay the groundwork for the next book The Spy, and so much love and redemption and heart wrenching feels...." Read more
"Always love a good redemption arc...." Read more
"...I love his protectiveness, jealousy and possessiveness of Cat...." Read more
"...They both brought out the best of each other and they were fiercely loyal to one another. And their chemistry? OUT OF THIS FCKING WORLD!!..." Read more
Customers find the book emotionally intense and heartbreakingly so, with one customer noting it has plenty of angst and drama.
"...This was steamy, emotional, and chock full of tension...." Read more
"...This book was everything! The angst, the dread, the steam, and redemption...." Read more
"...I was frustrated, smiled, laughed, and cried. So good. I also think this book has the best playlist! Loved it...." Read more
"...Cat maybe seem weak but she’s not she’s fierce and lovable. These books just keep getting better" Read more
Customers find the book enthralling, with one customer noting how it draws readers in from the beginning, while another describes it as an incredible world.
"...Dean starts to understand what love is: something precious and empowering that will bring you to your knees while at the same time giving you the..." Read more
"...no words that can accurately describe the magnitude and intricacy of the world building in this series...." Read more
"...even though the spice was superb this book also gave some major wholesome vibes...." Read more
"I really love Sophie Lark's books. They easily grab your attention and the scenes are wild. I just wish she'd write with more diversity...." Read more
Customers appreciate the relationship between Dean and Cat, describing them as a perfect match who complement each other well.
"This is my favorite couple and my favorite characters from the Kingmakers series. In Books 1 and 2, Dean was a constant presence...." Read more
"...I love his protectiveness, jealousy and possessiveness of Cat...." Read more
"...and wow are these 2 such a perfect pair!..." Read more
"...It was great seeing Cat change along with Dean. Sophie is great incorporating the secondary character interactions new and old...." Read more
Customers enjoy the chemistry in the book, describing it as very hot, sizzling, and super steamy.
"...This was steamy, emotional, and chock full of tension...." Read more
"...It shows how a person can change over time, if only willing. It’s hot and steamy but with a deeper meaning. Best book of the series so far...." Read more
"...are also going to get an interesting plot, great characters, phenomenal chemistry, and a beautiful romance...." Read more
"...this book was so spicy, and i loved every second of it. their physical chemistry, the spice, the tension, the groveling...i was feral for lack of a..." Read more
Customers find the book deeply engaging and fascinating, with one customer noting how it provides insight into Dean's home life, while another appreciates the numerous clues throughout the narrative.
"...This book is the continuation, or completion, of book 1. It’s amazingly deep and I loved every second of it...." Read more
"...Dean starts to understand what love is: something precious and empowering that will bring you to your knees while at the same time giving you the..." Read more
"...We are given an insight into Dean’s home life (which we previewed in book 1) and what’s expected of him, the types of people he’s supposed to be..." Read more
"...The Bully contains some hints and clues about The Spy...." Read more
Reviews with images

The Bully Kingmakers
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2021Format: KindleVerified Purchase“And that is indescribably delicious to me” is a line used in this book and “indescribably delicious” perfectly describes what I think about this book.
The Heir (Kingmakers Book 1) features parts of Dean’s point of view. The Rebel (Kingmakers Book 2) shows parts of Cat’s point of view. Neither The Heir or The Rebel end in a cliffhanger. Yet, the viewpoints from Dean and Cat in these books are so good at building up anticipation that I have never anticipated a book as much as I have The Bully. Even books with major cliffhangers couldn’t compete with the level of anticipation I had for this book. The Bully has both the viewpoints of Cat and Dean, along with small parts of The Spy’s point of view. The three viewpoints flow and transition smoothly in The Bully just like they did in The Heir and in The Rebel. The Bully doesn’t seem to use a third viewpoint as much as the first two books. The Heir and The Rebel don’t have to be read first. The history relevant to The Bully is quickly recapped.
Dean has the distinction of becoming my all time favorite book boyfriend after reading this book. I love his protectiveness, jealousy and possessiveness of Cat. The steamy scenes between this alpha male and his feisty kitten alone would make The Bully worthwhile to read. But with Sophie Lark as the author, readers are also going to get an interesting plot, great characters, phenomenal chemistry, and a beautiful romance. She also included some beautiful illustrations in this book similar to the ones in The Heir and The Rebel.
I love the nickname “kitten” Dean frequently uses for Cat. In many Bravta romance books I’ve read, the Russian male gives his love interest a term of endearment like kitten, mouse, little bee or bunny. Sometimes the Russian word is used, other times the English word is used. Dean uses his westernized name instead of the Russian name, Dmitry his father calls him by. It makes sense that he would choose to use the English name of kitten instead of the Russian name for kitten to call Cat by.
I have read bully romance books that would have the bully offer an apology, small gesture or gift to make up for the cruel behavior towards the hurt character. I’m so glad that a simple apology, act or gift wasn’t good enough for Cat. Dean’s groveling makes him more likable and more worthy of redemption.
There are moments that brought me to tears. This is a highly emotional book. Some moments are sad. Some are bittersweet. Some are joyful.
I love the role of Snow in The Bully. I enjoyed reading about the older version of him in this book as much as I did the younger version of him in Snow in The Underworld Series. Snow was the first book by Sophie Lark I read so his appearances in The Bully feel very special to me. He’s not the only one from The Underworld Series to make an appearance either.
Now, I desperately want to know if my guess of who The Spy is correct. The Bully contains some hints and clues about The Spy. The Bully doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but it does leave you with a craving to find out more about The Spy. There is so much to be revealed in the fourth book of The Kingmakers Series. I can’t wait for its release in July.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2023Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI love how Sophie makes you feel either love or hate for her characters. I truly love her writing. Dean got on my nerves , I wanted to cheer for him, love him, feel sorry for him, hate him, and strangle him all in the span of 20 pages. Please read the TW. I have a trigger that the book sheds light on and while I still enjoyed the book, others may not.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2022The Bully is the third book in Sophie Lark’s Kingmakers series and is a spin-off/2nd gen series from the couples of Brutal Birthright. Kingmakers Academy is a private college for children of mafia families from around the globe. It’s situated on an isolated island in the Adriatic Sea and once there the students are categorized into 4 houses so to speak: heirs, accountants, spies, and enforcers.
Boy oh boy does Dean get his book! After seeing the setup of Dean’s character in the first 2 books in this series, you’ll definitely come into this book with some feelings about him. And not all are good things, he’s made some choices, he’s made some mistakes. 😅 But also I saw where Dean came from even back in book 1, this is a character who is used to people leaving him (in fact he knows that everybody leaves him), he doesn’t have any one good/a role model in his life, he’s been raised by a father who spews hate and is set on revenge, and Dean just doesn’t believe anyone could ever love him. So seeing Dean’s “deal” with Cat in the previous book, I was so ready for this journey!
“Because I just discovered something very interesting about my timid little kitten. She has a hunger inside her. And when she’s hungry, she’ll do anything to eat.”
Cat is Dean’s to use as he pleases when the story starts (because of reasons set up in the previous book) and wow are these 2 such a perfect pair! I loved seeing Cat’s evolution and character growth in these books, I loved how Dean was so intrigued with her and wanted to just peel back all her layers to get to the “real” Cat. Seeing Dean with Professor Snow, omg so fun and I see now why there is a specific reading order for this author’s books! Snow teaching the boxing class and really becoming a true mentor and someone there for Dean was so special to see. I liked seeing Dean push Cat, never too far, but far enough to try to prove to her she just as much a mafioso as the rest of them and belongs at Kingmakers. Their time in the bell tower, the collar, the BDSM, the healing, the praise. 🔥
I am still intrigued and into this series all being told by 3 POVs, it definitely keeps my attention. I’m very intrigued by The Spy’s POV in this book and ready to see how things unfold in the next book! Random moments/thoughts: when Dean thinks he can take Snow on the first day of boxing class 😅, “I’ll burn the whole world down for you”, slapping turned to “good girl” 🔥!
Top reviews from other countries
- @readersophieeReviewed in Australia on March 23, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Book review.
“I’ve never been hugged like this, by someone strong. Someone who could hurt me if he wanted to, but instead is using his immense power to give me that sense of protection and support that I’ve never known in all my life.”
The best redemption arc I have EVER read. WOW. I hated, like seriously HATED, Dean in the first two Kingmakers' books but by the end of The Bully, he became my favourite male character in this series. How does that happen?!? Sophie Lark's magical ability to develop characters insanely well, that's how. Cat's transformation in this book was also stellar. Sophie wrote about her trauma beautifully and the way Cat came to terms with her overwhelming guilt by the end of it is beautiful. So so sooo good. 5 stars.
Read time - 5h 51mins
Reading sessions - 5
- LabReviewed in India on November 3, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars OMG 🔥🔥
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseDean and Cat were blazing hot together. This is Dean's redemption story, something I have been waiting for since after reading the first book. Because, by now you know his sad backstory. It was understandable why he was so bitter. All he needed was to be loved and someone to need him, and that's what Cat was for him. It was so hearttouching to see him give up his hatred and begin to trust in someone. He mended his relationship with Leo and then, the reunion with his family, it was just chef's kiss. It made me happy to see him finally be where he belonged all along. Also, let's not forget Cat...she was just an icon. Without giving away much, but towards the end there was this moment when she stands up to him and makes him work. Aww, that was hilarious and super cute! It made me giggle.
I love the entire group at this point. They are the best, especially if you think most of them are going to be the heirs/some of the important people in the real world.
- Laurène MazadeReviewed in Canada on June 16, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars I got a fever from how hot this book is
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseJust as you think it cannot get any better, Sophie blows that ceiling out of the water! The Bully starts off with a massive bang, like the epic conclusion of the most awesome build-up from two books ago. Not only is the story hot as hell (as well as kinky...) but it is incredibly satisfying. For those of us who enjoy an epic groveling when forgiveness is required, who enjoy seeing the guy on his knees begging, chucking down his pride to be forgiven by the love of his life, well you will be served here.
Cat is blossoming before our eyes. Not really changing, more like discovering herself, discovering who she is as a person, where she belongs.
Dean’s journey is more about shedding the toxic layers of anger, resentment, and trauma to reach the core of who he is. He will break your heart several times over during the book because it is so raw and real.
The two of them together will send you shockwaves and chills! How they bring out the best in each other is heartwarming albeit sometimes difficult with a few obstacles.
The other big plus for those that are well acquainted with Sophie’s work is the amount of AWESOME cameos we get. It goes full circle! From Snow (not a big surprise there if you're on the FB group) to a few others that you’ll have to read the book to discover ;) (hint: they come from St-Petersburg).
Another masterpiece from my favorite Mafia Queen!
-
Leyendo ForeverReviewed in Mexico on June 16, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Cat and Dean are my favorites for sure!
Format: KindleVerified Purchase5🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭
Spanish & English Opinion
ESP ::
¡Este ha sido mi libro favorito de todos! Es difícil decir esto porque todos los libros de Sophie Lark me han encantado y más las parejas.
Kingmakers es una idea novedosa, diferente y especial los misterios, los herederos, las historias que están entrelazadas hacen la serie adictiva y eso que no he mencionado la química, la conexión y el amor que se da entre las nuevas parejas ❤️
Dean y Cat son un complemento perfecto. Él es el personaje que desde el libro uno me llamó la atención y aunque todo me gustan, él es mi “underdog” y mi consentido. Toda su carga emocional y su sensación de no pertenecer me conmueve, sin que justifique sus acciones.
Cat es una mujer fuerte y diferente. Ella tiene una crisis de identidad, pero con Dean descubre todo lo que puede ser y esa transición es hermosa. Ella y él tienen en común siempre sentirse fuera del círculo, fuera del núcleo. Su crecimiento a lo largo de la historia es increíble y el epílogo es lo más conmovedor.
MUST read.
ENG ::
This has been my favorite Lark’s book! And that’s saying something, because every story and every couple has enchanted me.
Kingmakers is a different, original and special universe. Seeing the sons and daughters of characters we liked in previous books is amazing, especially when they find love in the middle of their chaos. This series is addictive!
Dean and Cat are my favorites! They complement each other perfectly. He’s the underdog that always have felt that life cheated on him. She’s the girl that feels is second best. Both of them haven been feeling outside of the inner circle and unworthy of everything good, but they discover that’s not true. They also find each other and they find a once-in-a-lifetime love and that’s inspirational.
The ending made my heart happy because it has a powerful message, and then the epilogue... WOW.
- AuryoroReviewed in Italy on June 19, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars ⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI was expecting something really good for Dean, but Ms Lark did surprise me by doing a fantastic job with him and Cat. I loved the romance and I loved the sparring and how the h was subtly able to crack the H armor. And best of all, I loved the HEA with Dean and Chicago
Last, but not the least... I realized I really enjoy 3-POV storytelling
Auryoro⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Reviewed in Italy on June 19, 2021
Last, but not the least... I realized I really enjoy 3-POV storytelling
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