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Betrayal #6
It Destroys Me
I chose the wrong man...and I chose him for the wrong reasons.
Now all I want to do is repair the broken relationship with the man I've always wanted. But he's wounded by my rejection and it'll take time to heal what I've broken.
But I know there's hope...otherwise he wouldn't have come for me.
Now all I want to do is repair the broken relationship with the man I've always wanted. But he's wounded by my rejection and it'll take time to heal what I've broken.
But I know there's hope...otherwise he wouldn't have come for me.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
1646 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
74 books6,618 followersA New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
April 7, 2025
So, by now, I hope you've had the chance to read all the earlier books in this series before diving into this review. If not, you might come across some spoilers that you weren't expecting. Thanks for understanding!
I feel that each book in this series is well characterized, and Destroys Me is certainly no exception. It had a significant effect on me as I got lost in its pages!
As the conclusion to the series, it brought a mix of happiness and sadness. At the end of book 5, Astrid, having been freed from Bolton’s sinister plot, returns to the captivating Theo. Their connection is understandably strained and awkward, as both are burdened by feelings of guilt—Astrid for her misguided decisions and Theo for not having fought harder for her.
Fortunately, this couple quickly reignites their spark and passion. Let’s just say that the lack of heat and intense romance in book 5 is more than compensated for now that they’re reunited. ----- Don’t get me wrong but sometimes I felt like when these two were together it was more like Theo treated Astrid like his live in whore at times…. It was like wham bam thank you ma’am. He didn’t even let her sleep in his bed ……. So yeah, I had a few mixed feelings about a good portion of this book…..
As the situation intensifies, Astrid is once more confronted with the dilemma of choosing between Theo and Bolton.
Lord have mercy I’ve never disliked a character as much as Bolton!............. The man was a psychopath and just think he was the head of the Brotherhood; This individual, who claims to be a man, behaves like a spoiled kid 99% of the time.
Curiosity won out when it came towards Bolton for me…. I needed to see this man’s demise ……
Sure, I enjoy reading dark romance novels, but I’m not a huge fan of reading about abusive husbands and if I was given the chance, I would have put a bullet in this man’s head….
Honestly, I faced some difficulties with this book at times, and I also had a hard time determining how to rate it.
I'm really thankful to my friend for letting me borrow her paperbacks from this series.
May 29, 2025
it was k
April 9, 2025
This series isn’t the best but gives me a warm and happy feeling.
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
July 30, 2024
She’s whiney and he’s emotionally abusive, it just kept getting worse.
July 24, 2024
Omg !!! This book is called It Destroys Me and it really destroyed me at times while I was devouring it!!
I list sleep because so couldn’t put it down.
It’s the finale to this series and so happy and sad at the same time. Happy because aunt needed to find out if Bolton got what was coming to him or not. The way he had treated Astrid was like a spoiled man-child who was playing the “ who has the bigger stick”. I never despised a character more than Bolton ! Ms. Sky you really did your job well when you created him. lol
Then there is the Skull King. I have always had a little bit of a crush ( ok maybe a big crush) on Theo. He is the ultimate alpha. This book really did him justice though. Astrid was able to pull his vulnerability from him. She showed him what it meant to love and be loved … unconditionally. She really changed his life for the better.
And finally that ending. OMG tug at my heart string why don’t you!!! If this series had to end, that was the perfect way to end ur. Thank you Penelope… thank you.
I list sleep because so couldn’t put it down.
It’s the finale to this series and so happy and sad at the same time. Happy because aunt needed to find out if Bolton got what was coming to him or not. The way he had treated Astrid was like a spoiled man-child who was playing the “ who has the bigger stick”. I never despised a character more than Bolton ! Ms. Sky you really did your job well when you created him. lol
Then there is the Skull King. I have always had a little bit of a crush ( ok maybe a big crush) on Theo. He is the ultimate alpha. This book really did him justice though. Astrid was able to pull his vulnerability from him. She showed him what it meant to love and be loved … unconditionally. She really changed his life for the better.
And finally that ending. OMG tug at my heart string why don’t you!!! If this series had to end, that was the perfect way to end ur. Thank you Penelope… thank you.
October 23, 2024
I like these stories, but the writing just ain’t it.
November 25, 2024
1. Astrid was pathetic. She told Theo that she loved him and was grateful when he wasn’t angry.
2. I enjoyed this trilogy but I have to admit the premise was a little ridiculous. Theo couldn’t love Astrid because he was still hung on his dead wife even though he was only married to her for six weeks and admitted that he didn’t really love her. 🙄
3. I don’t believe that Axel would have agreed to hide Astrid and put his wife and kids in danger.
4. It was really foolish of Theo to think that Bolton wouldn’t find out about his friendship with Axel.
5. Why would Astrid have automatically believed Bolton when he told her that Theo was already dating someone else? Didn’t she learn anything from all the other times that Bolton lied to her? 🙄
6. Axel was willing to risk his wife and kids to save Astrid from Bolton but Theo was just going to let him have her. He didn't go after her until Axel talking him into it. 🤬🤬🤬
2. I enjoyed this trilogy but I have to admit the premise was a little ridiculous. Theo couldn’t love Astrid because he was still hung on his dead wife even though he was only married to her for six weeks and admitted that he didn’t really love her. 🙄
3. I don’t believe that Axel would have agreed to hide Astrid and put his wife and kids in danger.
4. It was really foolish of Theo to think that Bolton wouldn’t find out about his friendship with Axel.
5. Why would Astrid have automatically believed Bolton when he told her that Theo was already dating someone else? Didn’t she learn anything from all the other times that Bolton lied to her? 🙄
6. Axel was willing to risk his wife and kids to save Astrid from Bolton but Theo was just going to let him have her. He didn't go after her until Axel talking him into it. 🤬🤬🤬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
The third book in this series wraps up Astrid and Theo's story perfectly. It's angsty and spicy and emotional and gives us a hopeful HEA. The story has a great pace, and I loved the character development from Theo. He made some great strides forward. Astrid, I think also took some important steps. If you read the earlier series you will love that Axel and Scarlett played some key supporting roles in this book. They created some great banter with the group and humanized Theo in a way he really needed.
Read this if you love:
Dark romance
morally grey/black MMC
suspense
second chances
found family
Read this if you love:
Dark romance
morally grey/black MMC
suspense
second chances
found family
August 1, 2024
An absolute perfect and fitting ending for this amazing series! Theo and Astrid kept me on the edge of my seat for all three books in their trilogy, and I’m so pleased that their story feels complete, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with their happily ever after.
Penelope sky knows how to keep her readers engaged, and I can’t wait to find out what she’s got in store for us in the future. 5⭐️
Penelope sky knows how to keep her readers engaged, and I can’t wait to find out what she’s got in store for us in the future. 5⭐️
July 28, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved this trilogy, more than than the first three books of the Betrayal series. The couple had an intense physical and emotional passion, there was an evil but smart ex, there were good friends who got caught up in the danger, there was humor, action, betrayal, double-crosses, wealth, mob bosses, terrible danger and sacrifice.
My only complaint is that - this could have been two books instead of three. There are some repetitive scenes (sex scenes mainly) that are very well written, but not necessary to the plot.
Overall, though, I love the way Penelope Sky writes about the passion between two people, usually in horrible circumstances (check out her romantasy series under Penelope Barsetti, they are very good!)... and not just the deep commitment of lovers, but of friends and family as well. Sky/Barsetti is a one-click author for me because I love well-written stories about the deep love two people can feel for each other, as lover, friends and family.
Tropes:
* MF Contemporary
* Italy
* Mafia mob boss MMC
* artist/ gallery worker FMC, married to a violent hitman
* third and last book of this trilogy
* commitment issues
* danger/ suspense
* abused FMC (by husband)
* protective alpha MMC
* diabolical and devious hitman husband
* strong friendships with another couple (from first Betrayal trilogy)
* hitman attacks MMC's friend's wife and child
* FMC sacrifices herself to save him
* MMC and friend rescue her
* she kills husband to save herself
* good resolution
* eventual HEA
I loved this trilogy, more than than the first three books of the Betrayal series. The couple had an intense physical and emotional passion, there was an evil but smart ex, there were good friends who got caught up in the danger, there was humor, action, betrayal, double-crosses, wealth, mob bosses, terrible danger and sacrifice.
My only complaint is that - this could have been two books instead of three. There are some repetitive scenes (sex scenes mainly) that are very well written, but not necessary to the plot.
Overall, though, I love the way Penelope Sky writes about the passion between two people, usually in horrible circumstances (check out her romantasy series under Penelope Barsetti, they are very good!)... and not just the deep commitment of lovers, but of friends and family as well. Sky/Barsetti is a one-click author for me because I love well-written stories about the deep love two people can feel for each other, as lover, friends and family.
Tropes:
* MF Contemporary
* Italy
* Mafia mob boss MMC
* artist/ gallery worker FMC, married to a violent hitman
* third and last book of this trilogy
* commitment issues
* danger/ suspense
* abused FMC (by husband)
* protective alpha MMC
* diabolical and devious hitman husband
* strong friendships with another couple (from first Betrayal trilogy)
* hitman attacks MMC's friend's wife and child
* FMC sacrifices herself to save him
* MMC and friend rescue her
* she kills husband to save herself
* good resolution
* eventual HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
Has Time For Her Then Splits
He's such a fucking Mummer.
But he's not meant to be real.
He exists as a neglectful, toxic cunt, so all the Dirty Disney Dowagers can throw excuses at him for why he is neglectful, just like they did their emotionally neglectful parents.
Honestly, anecdotal instances of trauma, like death, gettinf focused on, and being used to compete with her long term instances of trauma, which has a much higher risk of causing literal physical illnesses, is so fucking typical.
It so Ableist and typical for him to insist it is his mental health that makes him act in a toxic way, but mentally ill people are among the least toxic and violent.
That's a performance men do when caught before they are found to be Cognitively sound.
Constantly tells her he alaays has time for her and then splits, over and over again.
Leaves her in bed alone, over and over again.
And I don't care why he does it, I'm not a fucking toddler waiting for their daddy.
Eventually, you should make him stop.
But he just keeps controlling the narrative.
She just keeps waiting out his radio silence.
But they aren't real, they are a porn book for the Unseen, Unloved and chronically Unfucked to project on and relate to.
Green Pilled Patriarchial Parable of Toxicity.
He's such a fucking Mummer.
But he's not meant to be real.
He exists as a neglectful, toxic cunt, so all the Dirty Disney Dowagers can throw excuses at him for why he is neglectful, just like they did their emotionally neglectful parents.
Honestly, anecdotal instances of trauma, like death, gettinf focused on, and being used to compete with her long term instances of trauma, which has a much higher risk of causing literal physical illnesses, is so fucking typical.
It so Ableist and typical for him to insist it is his mental health that makes him act in a toxic way, but mentally ill people are among the least toxic and violent.
That's a performance men do when caught before they are found to be Cognitively sound.
Constantly tells her he alaays has time for her and then splits, over and over again.
Leaves her in bed alone, over and over again.
And I don't care why he does it, I'm not a fucking toddler waiting for their daddy.
Eventually, you should make him stop.
But he just keeps controlling the narrative.
She just keeps waiting out his radio silence.
But they aren't real, they are a porn book for the Unseen, Unloved and chronically Unfucked to project on and relate to.
Green Pilled Patriarchial Parable of Toxicity.
August 5, 2024
I had the honour of reading this book as an ARC read, and I loved every second of it.
This book destroyed me, but in the best possible way.
Following on from Book 5, Astrid is living with Theo, but their relationship has stalled. Astrid has made it clear how much she loves him and wants to get their relationship back on track, but he’s holding back.
Theo is struggling to commit to his relationship with Astrid after her actions surrounding her husband, but when things take a sinister turn, will that give him the push he needs to admit his feelings for her and will he be able to tell her??
This book is full of emotions, spice, heartache and love, and it broke me several times before putting me back together again.
I adore this book and the series as a whole and would recommend it to anyone that loves dark romance, mafia romance, dark and dangerous MMC’s and feisty and fierce FMC’s ❤️❤️❤️
This book destroyed me, but in the best possible way.
Following on from Book 5, Astrid is living with Theo, but their relationship has stalled. Astrid has made it clear how much she loves him and wants to get their relationship back on track, but he’s holding back.
Theo is struggling to commit to his relationship with Astrid after her actions surrounding her husband, but when things take a sinister turn, will that give him the push he needs to admit his feelings for her and will he be able to tell her??
This book is full of emotions, spice, heartache and love, and it broke me several times before putting me back together again.
I adore this book and the series as a whole and would recommend it to anyone that loves dark romance, mafia romance, dark and dangerous MMC’s and feisty and fierce FMC’s ❤️❤️❤️
January 17, 2025
Theo and Astrid gets their HEA
I didn’t love this as much as the others, mostly because it was repetitive and I didn’t feel an ounce of chemistry between Theo and Astrid. He was too cold and closed off most of the times and that bled into their sexy times. Rarely any build up, most times just getting straight to the act. I felt no tenderness, no anticipation, no affection, they were like housemates and bedmates rather than people in a relationship in love.
Epilogue II was very abrupt, no little wording like, Astrid got pregnant shortly after their wedding and Theo was overcome with emotion the first time he laid eyes on his son. More of Astrid apologizing when she interrupted his work day like he’s still sort of closed off from them.
Nonetheless I’m happy Bolton passed and Theo is out of the game so they could get their HEA
I didn’t love this as much as the others, mostly because it was repetitive and I didn’t feel an ounce of chemistry between Theo and Astrid. He was too cold and closed off most of the times and that bled into their sexy times. Rarely any build up, most times just getting straight to the act. I felt no tenderness, no anticipation, no affection, they were like housemates and bedmates rather than people in a relationship in love.
Epilogue II was very abrupt, no little wording like, Astrid got pregnant shortly after their wedding and Theo was overcome with emotion the first time he laid eyes on his son. More of Astrid apologizing when she interrupted his work day like he’s still sort of closed off from them.
Nonetheless I’m happy Bolton passed and Theo is out of the game so they could get their HEA
August 9, 2024
same plot different name
First off I have read every book and purchase many of them from this author so I love her books but this last book with the whole dead wife he new for 5 min and the unrealistic cancer plot was just weird . As a cancer patient myself going on 2 years of un curable cancer I was left scratching the few hairs I do have left in confusion. Not an accurate portrayal of the last realistic 6 weeks of a terminal cancer patients life ! I get it’s fiction but it just hit weird and unrealistic in anyway for me that part and the plot line for the last few skull kings books are predictably the same . I’m looking forward to the new series this month
First off I have read every book and purchase many of them from this author so I love her books but this last book with the whole dead wife he new for 5 min and the unrealistic cancer plot was just weird . As a cancer patient myself going on 2 years of un curable cancer I was left scratching the few hairs I do have left in confusion. Not an accurate portrayal of the last realistic 6 weeks of a terminal cancer patients life ! I get it’s fiction but it just hit weird and unrealistic in anyway for me that part and the plot line for the last few skull kings books are predictably the same . I’m looking forward to the new series this month
July 27, 2024
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SERIES EVERRRRRRR!!!
soo soo goood!!! I cudnt put it down. 😭🤌🏽
soo soo goood!!! I cudnt put it down. 😭🤌🏽
March 21, 2025
What a tumultuous ending for Astrid and Theo.
Theo had to really deal with his grief and emotions. He was a mess and trying to pull back every time him & Astrid started getting closer. Astrid & Axel both called him on it, but it was still a big battle for Theo.
Astrid and Theo are both trying to live their lives, but still having to worry about Bolton, when he might show back up and what he might do….. no one could have ever imagined what he would do.
This was intense, there was action, spice, passion, emotion, grief, love, hope, betrayal, deception, despair and so much more.
Theo is a total badass, he does so much for Astrid, he runs his world, he’s the Skull King for a reason.
I am so happy that Theo & Astrid finally got their HEA. It was hard fought and hard won, and very much deserved.
Theo had to really deal with his grief and emotions. He was a mess and trying to pull back every time him & Astrid started getting closer. Astrid & Axel both called him on it, but it was still a big battle for Theo.
Astrid and Theo are both trying to live their lives, but still having to worry about Bolton, when he might show back up and what he might do….. no one could have ever imagined what he would do.
This was intense, there was action, spice, passion, emotion, grief, love, hope, betrayal, deception, despair and so much more.
Theo is a total badass, he does so much for Astrid, he runs his world, he’s the Skull King for a reason.
I am so happy that Theo & Astrid finally got their HEA. It was hard fought and hard won, and very much deserved.
July 23, 2024
Penelope Sky did it again with her pen and my lady did not disappoint with the finale. I love and hate to see a series end but she always comes back with a banger. Theo is the ultimate beast next to Bones he gave his all in this book. From strength to vulnerability he really came out of his shell and laid his heart on his sleeve. I’m happy he got the closure he needed to move on and accept happiness and love. Astrid went through so much in such a short period of time that it’s amazing she came out the fighter that she did. If anybody deserved revenge it was her and she definitely delivered. Bolton was the worst of the worst that man snapped and did the biggest 360 I ever read any psycho doing. I don’t under the type of love men like him talk about. It’s like they condo their actions by thinking they love so hard that instead of loving they inflict pain and trauma instead. The compassion that was shown to him in the end it’s much more than I believe anyone would have given him. The underlying message that was written in this series for all women to listen and watch out for these type of signs is one of the reasons I love Penelope Sky books. She gives you an amazing plot but insight to what woman are really going through as well.
July 30, 2024
OMGOSH YES YES & YES!!!
Was so sad to see this series come to the end. I loved the characters!
Penelope pulls me in every time I turn the page with everything she writes.
The bond of the group of friends turned family. They pull together for each other, they might not be blood but they are by far brothers!
Axle who is retried from the life style comes to Theo’s side to help save Astrid.
Theo once did the very same for Axle in books 1-3. If you haven’t read this series do yourself a favor and go read them . I’m definitely going to again !!
When the gun rang out I thought the worse. I was so scared to keep reading. My heart in my throat but I had to keep going.
With a few silent tears and a few shakes of my head to clear the emotions, the phrase OMGOSH YES YES YES, now that was an amazing adventure.
With so many twist and turns, the true highs and the silent tears for the lows!
I absolutely loved these stories!
Thank you Penelope Sky in creating these amazing Stories.
Can’t wait for the next series you drop!
Was so sad to see this series come to the end. I loved the characters!
Penelope pulls me in every time I turn the page with everything she writes.
The bond of the group of friends turned family. They pull together for each other, they might not be blood but they are by far brothers!
Axle who is retried from the life style comes to Theo’s side to help save Astrid.
Theo once did the very same for Axle in books 1-3. If you haven’t read this series do yourself a favor and go read them . I’m definitely going to again !!
When the gun rang out I thought the worse. I was so scared to keep reading. My heart in my throat but I had to keep going.
With a few silent tears and a few shakes of my head to clear the emotions, the phrase OMGOSH YES YES YES, now that was an amazing adventure.
With so many twist and turns, the true highs and the silent tears for the lows!
I absolutely loved these stories!
Thank you Penelope Sky in creating these amazing Stories.
Can’t wait for the next series you drop!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2024
A perfect ending to Theo and Astrid! I was really on the edge of my seat as Penelope wrapped up this series. Bolton was TRICKY…an abusive ex husband who just didn’t know when to quit. Seeing Astrid go through it really had me feeling emotions for her…but the closure was sweet! Seeing the love Astrid had for Theo to wrap up closure with Killian was the sweetest ending. I really enjoy Penelope’s writing and she always wraps up the love aspect to her stories PERFECTLY! Forever recommend her books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR THIS BOOK!!!
In fact I have loved this whole series. It brings all the feels. Each book in this series has gotten better and better, and the way Penelope has moulded the world to include all the characters in each book is just ‘chefs kiss’ 💋
I can say the conclusion to this series has love, heartbreak, grit, savagery and a whole lot of heat.
I loved every bit of this and if you haven’t started this series you don’t know what you’re missing. Bravo Penelope!!
In fact I have loved this whole series. It brings all the feels. Each book in this series has gotten better and better, and the way Penelope has moulded the world to include all the characters in each book is just ‘chefs kiss’ 💋
I can say the conclusion to this series has love, heartbreak, grit, savagery and a whole lot of heat.
I loved every bit of this and if you haven’t started this series you don’t know what you’re missing. Bravo Penelope!!
July 26, 2024
It Destroys Me is the final book for Astride & Theo.
What can say that I haven’t said before. Penelope really has a talent for writing and keeps you wanting more. This book was roller coaster of a ride. It had highs and lows. There was so much going on I was happy,sad and on the edge of my seat until the very end of the book. You must read this series to find out if The Skill King can open his heart and love again! Absolutely LOVED this series!
What can say that I haven’t said before. Penelope really has a talent for writing and keeps you wanting more. This book was roller coaster of a ride. It had highs and lows. There was so much going on I was happy,sad and on the edge of my seat until the very end of the book. You must read this series to find out if The Skill King can open his heart and love again! Absolutely LOVED this series!
July 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Words aren’t enough. I can’t even articulate the meaning behind this book without feeling saddened. I have so much love for Theo and Astrid’s story. I loved the way the story was written and how despite all their challenges they were steadfast and committed. Even after six books of getting to know this series I’ll say, IT WAS NOT ENOUGH. I need more because I’m not ready to let them go and I don’t think I ever will be. <3
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Words aren’t enough. I can’t even articulate the meaning behind this book without feeling saddened. I have so much love for Theo and Astrid’s story. I loved the way the story was written and how despite all their challenges they were steadfast and committed. Even after six books of getting to know this series I’ll say, IT WAS NOT ENOUGH. I need more because I’m not ready to let them go and I don’t think I ever will be. <3
March 8, 2025
He’s a piece of shit😃
August 20, 2024
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Read
Kindle Unlimited
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Read
Kindle Unlimited
September 22, 2025
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE SERIES THAT HAS TAKEN OVER MY ENTIRE SOUL !!!
Storyline : 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First and foremost @penelopeskyauthor thank you for writing the most enticing series I have read in the longest time .. I haven’t been this invested in a series since Dark Verse by @authorrunyx .. and that’s been a long time. I loved these books so incredibly much! The writing was INCREDIBLE.. the way I got lost in Scarlett, Axel, Theo and Astrid’s story I couldn’t stop. I’m so sad it’s over 😞.. Sometimes in dark romance books we just want the spice and who cares about the plot .. DEF NOT in this series! I NEEDED both. Mafia dark romance while very popular right now sometimes isn’t done right.. it’s tough to balance both an amazing suspenseful story line and some hot as f*ck spicy scenes! Penelope MF killed it.. point blank period. There is definitely an HEA in the very last book so don’t worry. You just NEED to read this I promise you will love it! And if you do I you have to let me know ASAP! I will never forget this series and I need the physical copies for shelf trophies immediately.
This was my first @penelopeskyauthor and it sure as hell is not going to be my last! Girl I wish I could put it better into words how much I loved this series but that’s why I’m the reader and you’re the writer lol 😂 I cannot wait to read another one of your books!!! Xo 💋
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#bookreviewer #bookreview #fivestarread #darkromancereads #darkromance #darkromancebooks #books #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #spicybooks #spicybookrecs #spicybookstagram #mafia #mafiabooks
Storyline : 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First and foremost @penelopeskyauthor thank you for writing the most enticing series I have read in the longest time .. I haven’t been this invested in a series since Dark Verse by @authorrunyx .. and that’s been a long time. I loved these books so incredibly much! The writing was INCREDIBLE.. the way I got lost in Scarlett, Axel, Theo and Astrid’s story I couldn’t stop. I’m so sad it’s over 😞.. Sometimes in dark romance books we just want the spice and who cares about the plot .. DEF NOT in this series! I NEEDED both. Mafia dark romance while very popular right now sometimes isn’t done right.. it’s tough to balance both an amazing suspenseful story line and some hot as f*ck spicy scenes! Penelope MF killed it.. point blank period. There is definitely an HEA in the very last book so don’t worry. You just NEED to read this I promise you will love it! And if you do I you have to let me know ASAP! I will never forget this series and I need the physical copies for shelf trophies immediately.
This was my first @penelopeskyauthor and it sure as hell is not going to be my last! Girl I wish I could put it better into words how much I loved this series but that’s why I’m the reader and you’re the writer lol 😂 I cannot wait to read another one of your books!!! Xo 💋
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#bookreviewer #bookreview #fivestarread #darkromancereads #darkromance #darkromancebooks #books #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #spicybooks #spicybookrecs #spicybookstagram #mafia #mafiabooks
April 4, 2025
My heart just melted..
This series right here.. I loved it. From the very beginning. I was hooked from the start. Each character has their own Alpha dominance. With a whole bunch of sassiness.. Let's not forget about the s-e-x... That practically burnt my Kindle. All I can say is grab the series and enjoy the ride. It's gonna blow your mind away.. it will pull on your heartstrings..
This series right here.. I loved it. From the very beginning. I was hooked from the start. Each character has their own Alpha dominance. With a whole bunch of sassiness.. Let's not forget about the s-e-x... That practically burnt my Kindle. All I can say is grab the series and enjoy the ride. It's gonna blow your mind away.. it will pull on your heartstrings..
October 19, 2025
Oh Theo.
Such a good book great way to wrap up the series, I think Penelope always does a seamless job on buttoning everything up.
Such a good book great way to wrap up the series, I think Penelope always does a seamless job on buttoning everything up.
July 30, 2024
After the ending on last book, Theo and Astrid finally don’t have any obstacles for their relationship (besides Bolton being missing LOL) so, they can begin being a happy couple and enjoy their love meanwhile Theo track Bolton so he can kill that bastard…sounds pretty good, isn’t it? BUT Theo aka his worst enemy don’t let himself being happy or correspond as he should, the love Astrid has and shows for him and that got me so angryyyy 😩😩😩
I couldn’t comprehend how he was so troubled for Shayla and traumatized that he couldn’t accept or try harder to work the relationship with Astrid, dude, you were married 6 weeks and you got so traumatized to love again for that? Maybe it’s only me but I really didn’t get it, I would’ve understand if he got trouble to love again because he was afraid of missing that person as he lost his twin brother THAT IS UNDERSTANDABLE HE WAS HIS BROTHER, but treating his “girlfriend” so awful and get her kick out of you bedroom only because it reminds you of your dead wife who I must insist, you didn’t get to know enough because, yes, sadly you didn’t have enough time because she past away?…
Astrid is such a good person because if I were her, I wouldn’t forgive him even if he was the man who save me from my physco ex.
“Did I say you were free to come and go? I said I would tell you if I wanted you gone, so I’m telling you now. Entry into my personal space is only allowed with permission.”
🖕🏼Theo, she wasn’t one of your whores to treat her that way🤬
Astrid needed love and affection after all she went through with Bolton and just to think your a borden that even your boyfriend can’t be with you when you needed him is fucked up.
At the end, I loved how Bolton was ended and I’m not the biggest Theo fan and Axel keeps with the #1 being the best husband, I loved every moment where he or Scarlett were in it. And I really think Astrid deserved a love as what they have after everything (losing her parents, her husband being a wife beater and a rapist) again she needed not only a man who keeps her safe but that is also affectionate with her.
Astrid and her story of surviving domestic violence is what makes this book good, I admire her so much and she’s the badesst of all.
I couldn’t comprehend how he was so troubled for Shayla and traumatized that he couldn’t accept or try harder to work the relationship with Astrid, dude, you were married 6 weeks and you got so traumatized to love again for that? Maybe it’s only me but I really didn’t get it, I would’ve understand if he got trouble to love again because he was afraid of missing that person as he lost his twin brother THAT IS UNDERSTANDABLE HE WAS HIS BROTHER, but treating his “girlfriend” so awful and get her kick out of you bedroom only because it reminds you of your dead wife who I must insist, you didn’t get to know enough because, yes, sadly you didn’t have enough time because she past away?…
Astrid is such a good person because if I were her, I wouldn’t forgive him even if he was the man who save me from my physco ex.
“Did I say you were free to come and go? I said I would tell you if I wanted you gone, so I’m telling you now. Entry into my personal space is only allowed with permission.”
🖕🏼Theo, she wasn’t one of your whores to treat her that way🤬
Astrid needed love and affection after all she went through with Bolton and just to think your a borden that even your boyfriend can’t be with you when you needed him is fucked up.
At the end, I loved how Bolton was ended and I’m not the biggest Theo fan and Axel keeps with the #1 being the best husband, I loved every moment where he or Scarlett were in it. And I really think Astrid deserved a love as what they have after everything (losing her parents, her husband being a wife beater and a rapist) again she needed not only a man who keeps her safe but that is also affectionate with her.
Astrid and her story of surviving domestic violence is what makes this book good, I admire her so much and she’s the badesst of all.
August 4, 2024
5+++ " "Rise like a Phoenix from the Ashes".
It is hard to see this series end because I have connected and loved so many of its characters. Book 3 is a culmination of those characters and how each one had to face their enemies, priorities and their histories in order to move on with their lives. Theo and Axle are fantastic characters that have so many endearing qualities as bad boys that possess a heart of gold. They love as hard as they fight. They are the perfect combination of good and bad who are faced with gut wrenching decisions in the third book which pits their friendship/brotherly love to the test.
Theo finds out from Scarlett that Astrid is being held hostage and being physically and mentally abused by Bolton. He then rescues her even after everything that has happened between the two of them. She is faced with trying to reestablish a relationship with Theo that she had a hand in destroying in book 2 with a very weary Theo. Astrid still walks a very undefined line of hating Bolton but still willing to believe what he tells her. She doesn't understand how manipulative Bolton has been during their entire relationship until book 3. He lies to her in book 3 and she still believes him which I felt frustrating and stupid. "Fool me one, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me". She redeems herself by the end of the book but the fact that she is so slow to face reality and vacillates between the two men through a good portion of this series, is difficult to understand. There is no doubt she loves Theo but doesn't do an adequate job of being true to that love until the end of the book. She is a very undecisive main female lead.
Theo is faced with many gut-wrenching decisions in the final book that puts his job as the Skull King in question and his relationship with Astrid, Theo and Scarlett at risk. It's a sea of emotions that ebb and tide, like the sea, throughout this book. Theo is able to put Shayla and his brother to rest so that he and Astrid can have a life together. Bolton and his long-time mistress get their end in a way they both deserve, ruthless, bloody and final.
Such a great series from an author that provides the reader with stories and characters that are a step above many of her counterparts.
It is hard to see this series end because I have connected and loved so many of its characters. Book 3 is a culmination of those characters and how each one had to face their enemies, priorities and their histories in order to move on with their lives. Theo and Axle are fantastic characters that have so many endearing qualities as bad boys that possess a heart of gold. They love as hard as they fight. They are the perfect combination of good and bad who are faced with gut wrenching decisions in the third book which pits their friendship/brotherly love to the test.
Theo finds out from Scarlett that Astrid is being held hostage and being physically and mentally abused by Bolton. He then rescues her even after everything that has happened between the two of them. She is faced with trying to reestablish a relationship with Theo that she had a hand in destroying in book 2 with a very weary Theo. Astrid still walks a very undefined line of hating Bolton but still willing to believe what he tells her. She doesn't understand how manipulative Bolton has been during their entire relationship until book 3. He lies to her in book 3 and she still believes him which I felt frustrating and stupid. "Fool me one, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me". She redeems herself by the end of the book but the fact that she is so slow to face reality and vacillates between the two men through a good portion of this series, is difficult to understand. There is no doubt she loves Theo but doesn't do an adequate job of being true to that love until the end of the book. She is a very undecisive main female lead.
Theo is faced with many gut-wrenching decisions in the final book that puts his job as the Skull King in question and his relationship with Astrid, Theo and Scarlett at risk. It's a sea of emotions that ebb and tide, like the sea, throughout this book. Theo is able to put Shayla and his brother to rest so that he and Astrid can have a life together. Bolton and his long-time mistress get their end in a way they both deserve, ruthless, bloody and final.
Such a great series from an author that provides the reader with stories and characters that are a step above many of her counterparts.
August 4, 2024
Love is always worth the fight
So… hopefully by this point you’ve read all the previous books in this series before you read this review, because otherwise you might learn a few things you maybe didn’t want to.
At the end of book 5, Astrid, the pawn in her ex-husband Bolton’s wicked game had been rescued and returned to the darkly beautiful Theo’s side. Understandably, Theo and Astrid’s relationship is strained and stilted but only because of the deep feelings of guilt they both feel. Astrid for choosing wrong and Theo for not fighting harder.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for this couple to rekindle that fire and passion and let’s just say that what book 5 lacked in spice and hot blooded romance is more than made up for now that these two are back together.
What we see in this book is a man dealing with his relationship demons. He knows how he feels about Astrid, but he can’t convince himself to trust that feeling. His loss and grief makes it hard to hand over his heart to another, even though he loves this woman more than anything in the world amd would give up his life for her. Admitting that to himself is proving a difficult task.
We also see a woman dealing with the aftermath of an abusive marriage to a man that still refuses to let her go. No matter how much she steps away from her assassin ex-husband, he makes it harder and harder to break the invisible chain of their broken marriage.
But when he ups the stakes and threatens to destroy everything she loves, will she make the sacrifice or let others suffer the consequence of her happiness. Or can she find the strength to endure a living hell to keep everyone else safe.
Fantastic ending to this brilliant series. Full of ups and downs and a great resolution to this heartfelt journey of loss, grief and rebuilding lives. Fantastic epilogues too that gives us that final breath of relief - knowing that Theo has found what he wants in life and it all starts and ends with a woman who taught him to reopen his damaged heart and place his trust in love.
So… hopefully by this point you’ve read all the previous books in this series before you read this review, because otherwise you might learn a few things you maybe didn’t want to.
At the end of book 5, Astrid, the pawn in her ex-husband Bolton’s wicked game had been rescued and returned to the darkly beautiful Theo’s side. Understandably, Theo and Astrid’s relationship is strained and stilted but only because of the deep feelings of guilt they both feel. Astrid for choosing wrong and Theo for not fighting harder.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for this couple to rekindle that fire and passion and let’s just say that what book 5 lacked in spice and hot blooded romance is more than made up for now that these two are back together.
What we see in this book is a man dealing with his relationship demons. He knows how he feels about Astrid, but he can’t convince himself to trust that feeling. His loss and grief makes it hard to hand over his heart to another, even though he loves this woman more than anything in the world amd would give up his life for her. Admitting that to himself is proving a difficult task.
We also see a woman dealing with the aftermath of an abusive marriage to a man that still refuses to let her go. No matter how much she steps away from her assassin ex-husband, he makes it harder and harder to break the invisible chain of their broken marriage.
But when he ups the stakes and threatens to destroy everything she loves, will she make the sacrifice or let others suffer the consequence of her happiness. Or can she find the strength to endure a living hell to keep everyone else safe.
Fantastic ending to this brilliant series. Full of ups and downs and a great resolution to this heartfelt journey of loss, grief and rebuilding lives. Fantastic epilogues too that gives us that final breath of relief - knowing that Theo has found what he wants in life and it all starts and ends with a woman who taught him to reopen his damaged heart and place his trust in love.
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