A Vicious Love Burns

Sophie Barnes

Oct 2025 · House of Croft Book 5 · Sophie Barnes

About this ebook

Danger isn't just coming—it's personal…

Adrian Croft has sacrificed everything to protect his family. But when a brutal string of murders rock London, he's briefly distracted from the ruthless heir of an Irish crime lord—an enemy with ties to Adrian's darkest past. With Bow Street floundering and innocent lives at stake, Adrian steps back into the fray… and the cost is more than he ever expected.

Five months pregnant and desperate to be by her husband's side, Samantha Croft returns from her wintry retreat in the country—only to find herself in the crosshairs of the man determined to destroy her husband. Finn O'Leary doesn't care who he has to break to bring Adrian down, and Samantha may be his most valuable target.

-One series, one couple, and the brutal challenges they must face-

Ratings and reviews

This series just keeps getting better & better! I couldn’t stop reading this story — the drama, angst, and level of threat are all turned up high. The writing completely draws you in, keeping you hooked from start to finish. I loved how the author skillfully advances three different love stories alongside all the action and suspense. It feels full and perfectly balanced — nothing is missing from this story. I honestly can’t wait to read more from this incredibly talented author!.

This fifth book in the House of Croft series is a suspenseful historical romance with complex and unexpected twists and turns that kept me very engaged. I enjoyed how their relationship continues to grow. I highly recommend reading!

Loved reading the exciting and engaging story. When Samantha is kidnapped by Adrain's enemy, Finn, Adrain will do anything and give up everything to get her back. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and another must read riveting story by the phenomenal author, Sophie Barnes. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in numerous languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.