The Carver

Fifth Republic #2

by Penelope Sky

I'm fully in this with Bastien now. The kingpin of all kingpins, a man who oversees all the gangs of Paris, President Martin's right-hand man. If I were smart, I would leave, but I'm pretty sure I'm already in love with this man...

Adrien continues to challenge my divorce until Bastien gets involved. And like always, that man fixes all my problems.

But little do I know, the Aristocrats are out for Adrien. My ex continues to ignore the warnings that Bastien gives, only giving them out of a courtesy to me. It's not my problem, and if Adrien wants to get himself killed, that's his prerogative.

It quickly becomes my problem when the Aristocrats target me instead of Adrien, because technically, we are still married. And I'm still the woman Adrien loves. I find myself in a world of trouble and the only person who can save me is The Butcher, a French Emperor, leader of the Fifth Republic.

The man that will kill anyone and everyone for me.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Audiobook, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Smut

316 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Smut Scale Stars

I'm enjoying this series. It's satisfying my mafia craving.

Nothing original or ground-breaking. But...Delicious.

[Misha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars DNF 24%

I decided all at once that life is short and I don't want to spend it reading something that is OK when there are a ton of books that are amazing.

There's a lot of superfluous sex in this and I'm not a super fan of how rough he is with her. He is a bit of a child. She's hesitant to jump into a relationship with him cause she just left her husband 2 months ago (after being married 3 years) and he has a temper tantrum where she later has to apologize to him, not once but multiple times. He's the leader of criminal activity but because he's in a bad mood (due to her reluctance), he orders death and amputation for something that isn't anyone's fault and has to be talked out of it. Total neanderthal. Insert eye roll emoji here.

I really have no further interest in reading about bad behaviour. It's not sexy, just annoying.

[Sentranced Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal and oh so good! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.8 stars- Not as good as book 1 but still ok. A fun time, good smut, nothing special. Good palate cleanser.

HATE her dumbass ex husband. Love the butcher !! That cliffhanger ending 😍😍😍. Need next book asap!

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Bastien in the first one, but whewwww 🥵🥵 I'm obsessed with him in this one! The touch her and ☠️ vibes are strong with him, and I'm 100% here for it. It had quite a bit of twists, and some moments, I was on the edge of my seat. I decided to listen to this one on audiobook when I read the first one on Kindle. I honestly expected Bastien to have a different voice, but I still enjoyed it due to the story itself! I'm so excited to see what's in store for the next one!!

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this book.

[Amber Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this book,and it was a wild,nonstop ride that careened forward at an intensely fast pace until ending in a cliffhanger that has placed me in such a slump,I know I won’t smile again until I receive book three.

Bastien and Fleur have crazy good chemistry,and an intense love story that burns hot and leaves the reader wanting more. I am dying for the next and final installment in this trilogy.

[Dahlia Duval · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uhm, did we all read the same book?

Nothing happened in this book until the very end. 3 stars for some sort of action, although brief. This is just a diary of a relationship. There really is no plot. It's more of a soap opera.

Also, who is The Carver? I thought he was the Butcher. He does no carving. He really did no butchering in the first book, either. His reputation is grand for someone who answers emails and collects taxes.

The ick words make the smut scenes nearly unbearable. For the love of books, please stop using nub. Just, no.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so invested in Bastien and Fleur’s story. I absolutely loved this audiobook. The narration is really well done, and the story itself? Excellent. It’s a beautifully written, emotional romance with just the right amount of tension and intensity.

This is one of those love stories where you truly feel how far he’d go for her, he’d burn the world down if it meant protecting her. That kind of devotion? I eat it up every time.

If you’re into mafia romance, this one will absolutely satisfy that craving. It hit all the right notes for me, and I couldn’t stop listening.

Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

This is a story where nothing the FMC says matters. The MMC does what ever he wants and the FMC just falls in line cause he cares for her. The story isnt really romantic, dark or otherwise. It’s like watching a women loose her autonomy and get swallowed up by a huge personality.

The MMC says he loves and is attracted to the FMC because of her strength, bravery, and sass but we never see that female in the story. She is scared, timid, insecure all the time, and the only “sass” is her calling him hot or sexy randomly. She never stands up to him and is also giving up wants she needs for what he wants.

In top of all of that the synopsis describes the last 5% of the book. The remaining 95% is watching the FMC get overtaken and overwhelmed by the MMC with random spice scenes thrown in almost every chapter.

I like to finish series for a sense of completion but I think I know how book three will play out and I’m less interested in a story I was only mildly interested in to begin with.

[Stephanie Kane · Rating 1 out of 5]

The whole plot does not happen till the last 20 minutes.You read the blurb for the book and think that’s what the whole book will be about,but no you have to wait for the very end.These 2 books could have been 1 super good and super entertaining book,but unfortunately not the case. There’s so much unnecessary inner dialogue🙄like cool we get it she’s scared to love you bc she’s been hurt,but oh wait don’t forget he will do anything for her to keep bc that’s his woman and he don’t won’t her to leave again.

Also,I love a good spicy book but come on now,I don’t need a half ass spicy scene thrown into every chapter. Thats all they do is, second guess if she’s making the right decision
to be with him and then they are doin in.

To sum up the book and not waste your time these are the main events:
-she got a new job
-Oscar is trying to get Adrien back for stealing art
-Find out why bastein has the rule for no women/children to be harmed and why him and his brother don’t talk
-Bastein gets gunned down in a restaurant( that we find no info about)
-she gets kidnapped and saved all in the span of like 5 pages
-bastein kills Oscar

I am so glad these books are included in kindle unlimited bc I would have been mad if I bought these books🙄

[Bekki's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts out with back ground and relationship details until the second half of the book when the twist hits. The action, tension, and drama increases 10 fold. The true butcher is revealed and we see just how dark and deadly Bastian is.

Adrien is such a worthless worm!!

Bastian is the butcher is Oscar the carver?

[Uyen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Dreamscape media for the alc.

dnf 25%

This was heavy on the spice and low plot.
So I can see how this could be good to some readers, but I personally need more plot and action.

I listened at 2 - 2.5x speed. The narrator was alright. I didn't find myself listening to it out of enjoyment.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of the Butcher. In this you learn more about Bastien the kingpin of Paris . Bastien and Fleur fall for each other. The chemistry becomes hard to resist. Adrian continues to challenge the divorce. Bastien becomes possessive and protective of Fleur Trouble comes with the aristocrats! suspense is great, I think I need a deeper voice for Bastien in the narration, though! Make it sexy lol!

[gottcha_covered_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know. This wasn’t a terrible read, but I’m not crazy excited to read the next one. Think I’ll take a little break and come back. I like the MMC, but the FMC is a bit annoying to me. Her insecurities all the way through the first two books has grated away at me a bit.

[Peggy Koehler Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. It keeps getting better and better. Fleur is so lucky to have Bastien.
There is nothing he won't do for her. I couldn't stop reading until I had finished. Penelope Sy keeps getting better and better. Smoking hot!

[Alexia _reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT ENDING?! I need book 3 immediately!!! I love Bastien

[Josie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- how did the writing go to shit? Literally like even the spice was crap. How is that even possible

[Daisy.readsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastien is irresistible!

🖤𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 is the continuation of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫. This second book delves deeper into Bastien's backstory, and we get to experience even more emotional layers to their romance. Despite Fleur's doubts about their relationship, Bastien is determined to be with her. He's essentially offering his world to her on a silver platter. It’s that badass energy that makes Bastien's character irresistible, and I’m here for it!

🎧The icing on the cake was the dual narration by 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 and 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐮𝐨𝐥𝐨. Both narrators easily brought the characters and their emotions to life. Fans of mafia romance and morally grey male leads will most definitely love this series!

A big thank you to 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐲, 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚, and 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 for providing this audio copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Alma Cadigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rollercoaster of emotions I felt while reading this, left me wanting more! I need more. Bastien is the man I never knew I wanted.

[Laura Prindable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Fifth Republic series. In this Maya series, Fleur and Bastien are still an item and Fleur is working on her divorce from Adrian. I liked this book but not as well as the first. 4 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have so many strong words to say about this book, but what I will do instead is publish my high lights and notes with thoughts at the end:

"I want commitment, I want something more than a week or a month or a year. Maybe forever. Don’t forget you aren’t the only one who’s got a heart on the line. Don’t forget you aren’t the only one who’s risking something. I’ve never done this before, but I know I want to do it with you. Those are my terms. So, if any of that is disagreeable to you, then get out now and don’t waste my fucking time.” The tears stopped, but pools of emotion were still in her eyes. She cupped my jaw, and she rose on her tiptoes like a ballerina to get as close to me as possible, bending over backward to accommodate me the way I’d bent my back so many times. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life." - And now I immediately hate him. Manipulative, whiny baby man.

"Her head rolled back as her eyes closed, putting on the performance of a lifetime A performance…." -So it was fake. Got it

“I’m not the kind of guy that says never. I’m not looking to get married and have kids, but if I happened to meet a woman I can’t live without, damn right, I’m making her my wife. If she wants to do the kid thing, fine. I’m not going to take that away from her if it’s important to her.” - Jesus. He a real charmer in this book. 🙄

“I’m your man, right?” I stilled at the venom in his voice. “Then get your ass up and show it.” I snapped out of my reverie. “Sorry…you’re just so hot, I lose my mind a little bit.” -What the actual fuck?! I may need to be done. This is some chauvinistic bullshit.

“My kindness is volatile and unpredictable. Be grateful when it’s here.” - Fuck you. This is a two way street ass hole.

“I liked it when she was apologetic, when she was afraid that one wrong move could make me walk away.” -toxic. ew.

“It has everything to do with it. Because there’s no fucking way that a woman who looks like you could possibly question her worthiness otherwise.” -Worthiness is looks only?! Is this even the same fucking book?!

“I went back and forth between the pasta and the pizza, even scooping the pasta onto a slice and trying it that way. My food was a lot better than his, all fat and carbs, while he stuck to his chicken, rice, and veggies. But that was why he was hot and I had an ass.” -Fat shaming. Self deprivation and deprecation. Is this the 99s? Ffs. Heroin chic is OUT.

“Bastien dropped me off at home.” -So she just witnessed you killing multiple people, and instead of leaving her somewhere safe or with someone to protect her, you drop her off at home? Yeah, it’s obvious you think very highly of her you fucking asshole.

“When she was close to the edge, her hands went to my wrists, and she squeezed me hard, silently asking me to stop. I could eat her pussy all day, but that was never how she wanted to come” - Really beginning to think that this was written by a man. Penelope sky did you whore this book out to a different writer?

“Not when she would be a billionaire somewhere in the near future, her only job to either ride my dick or suck it.” -🙄🙄🙄

Bastien was a completely different character. Fleur was a SHELL of herself. His arrogance nearly got her killed. And he will still probably find a way to make her apologize for getting kidnapped. At this point, I am almost nearly a fan of Adrien. The last 5% of the book was the only part worthy of time and effort and the only reason I will be reading book 3, HOWEVER Bastein better hit the ground groveling, or this whole misogynistic, chauvinistic, alpha Christian male thing is over for me. And I will no longer be reading Penelope Sky. SUCH A FUCKING DISAPPOINTMENT. If I wanted something else in society to make me feel unworthy, I will watch the news. But keep that shit OUT of my smut books.

[Laura Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bastien is the literally definition of “touch my woman and die” vibes. 🔥 (fire pun, INTENDED!)

As we read, Fleur and Bastien’s relationship continues to grow at a fast pace! Bastien is very confident in what he wants and it’s Fleur! While Adrien is having a hard time letting go of her in book 2 we really start to grasp what a low life character he is and where he royally messed up endangering Fleur at the end! Fear not, because Bastien rules the city and will do ANYTHING to get his woman back. This book strengthens their relationship so hard and I love watching it continue to grow!

The ending has us sitting on our edge of the seat waiting to see what happened to Fleur when Adrien messed with the wrong business and Fleur is taken and buried alive!! Fear not, Bastien does everything in his power to make sure she will breathe once again…and then get his revenge.

[Chelsea Dickens Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every single thing this woman writes. I can’t consume her books fast enough. Plus her team is amazing.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was definitely more developed during book 2.
Entertaining read with just as much spice.

[ReneeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I still love Bastien. Not much happens in this one (besides a lot of sex) for the majority of the book. The ending was insane. Starting book 3!!

[Emmy P]

I will willingly admit I got thirst trapped by the cover on this one.

No complaints from me about the narration of the ALC I received, however, I got ick early on in the read feeling dead triggered by the image of a man yelling at sports on a tv (and that's on me).

If you like some toxic behaviour and relationship jumping in your spice this could be for you, so don't let me yuck your yum, you're absolutely welcome to find out for yourself.

For me though, it's giving big make believe underground narrative. It's giving he's angry and she's flailing. Ultimately, I think the way we talk about power in the context of female roles can be indulged and highlighted in more consistent ways. A champagne bubble bath doesn't smell quite as good when it's a demand and it's screaming, you're going to make her grovel for a guilded cage?

[Mich95 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aquí miras la dinámica de la pareja mas intensa, honestamente si me gusto este segundo libro pero no me impacto tanto como el primero :/ es que creo que Fleur a ceder tanto a Bastien, este hizo que se le subieran los humos muy rápido, a veces incluso parece que la trata mal y eso ya no me gusto, entiendo que tratas de dominar una mujer que la verdad te deja muchas lagunas de duda por que ella tiene sus puntos débiles derivado de su divorcio, sin embargo ELLA ya dio ese paso contigo de arriesgarnos y estar juntos a pesar de su pasado y este tipo no lo valora tanto o bueno eso me proyecto en la historia.
Ahora es el, el que esta cerrado entonces pues eso revuelve la verdad jaja.
Es que si me gusto pero creo que se puede ejecutar mucho mejor lo dominador de Bastien es todo :)

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting off strong — Fleur needs better descriptions, Bastien deserves so much more than to be called “the hottest piece of man meat” lmao. Her character also grates on my nerves a little. She needs more personality and less whining, she comes across very juvenile. I also think my dislike for Fleur is more or less just because I prefer a strong willed, take-no-shit FMC and she just doesn’t foot the bill.

Book two was a bit of a redemption for Bastian, as far as I’m concerned. I wasn’t very partial to him in book one, but I really appreciated getting some of his back story. It explains a lot of his “quirks” and I’m finding myself less constantly annoyed with him. Also, his relationship with his mom!! I LOVE

Adrien has always been and will always be a loser.

All of this to say, I’m excited for the audio of The Saint to release in the near future! I think the narrators have been phenomenal at portraying these characters. I’ve enjoyed listening to them. Also, the cliffhanger!!!! I’m committed, I need to know what happens next.

A big, big thank you to Dreamscape Media, NetGalley & Penelope Sky for giving me the chance to listen to this ALC.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some lovely descriptions of rare steak, pizza, french bread, cheese, wine, and pasta in this one. This actually had a bit of murder and kidnap in it towards the end. Although the murder did happen in a restaurant whilst they were out to dinner. So really on brand for this author.

[lucialeelibros · Rating 4 out of 5]

GRACIAS A DIOS TENGO EL LIBRO 3.

CÓMO VA TERMINAR ASI?