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Fifth Republic #3
The Saint
I drowned to death. I held my breath as long as I could, but then my lungs sucked in water hoping it was air, and it was a painful and brutal ending, an internal drowning, my heart beating so hard desperate for oxygen...until it just stopped. I could never forget it...even if I wanted to.
Bastien assumes our relationship is over. That I'll run for the hills and wash my hands clean of the most dangerous man in Paris. But I'm not going anywhere. Not now. Not ever. I ran before, but not anymore. I can tell it means the world to him.
But the dangers haven't passed. The Aristocrats want blood for their leader's execution. Bastien and his brother are still sworn enemies, and the gangs are beginning to riot against the Fifth Republic. It's the most dangerous time to be a French Emperor.
Bastien tells me all this...but I still won't leave.
I believe Bastien will keep me safe from all the monsters that lurk under the streets of Paris...until he doesn't. Until I'm captured by his enemies and taken from the City of Light. I know Bastien will come for me. I know Bastien will kill every single one of them for taking me.
But will I be dead by the time he gets here...like last time?
Bastien assumes our relationship is over. That I'll run for the hills and wash my hands clean of the most dangerous man in Paris. But I'm not going anywhere. Not now. Not ever. I ran before, but not anymore. I can tell it means the world to him.
But the dangers haven't passed. The Aristocrats want blood for their leader's execution. Bastien and his brother are still sworn enemies, and the gangs are beginning to riot against the Fifth Republic. It's the most dangerous time to be a French Emperor.
Bastien tells me all this...but I still won't leave.
I believe Bastien will keep me safe from all the monsters that lurk under the streets of Paris...until he doesn't. Until I'm captured by his enemies and taken from the City of Light. I know Bastien will come for me. I know Bastien will kill every single one of them for taking me.
But will I be dead by the time he gets here...like last time?
Audiobook
Published August 12, 2025
5165 people are currently reading
4297 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
74 books6,646 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 811 reviews
April 11, 2025
4 Smut Scale Stars
Really loved Bastien and and Fleur. I can see myself re-reading this series a lot in the future.
This series had a lot of things I love in general:
-Mafia-ish
-Asshole alpha
-Dubious consent/arrangement
-Great chemistry
Really loved Bastien and and Fleur. I can see myself re-reading this series a lot in the future.
This series had a lot of things I love in general:
-Mafia-ish
-Asshole alpha
-Dubious consent/arrangement
-Great chemistry
April 23, 2025
I’ve rarely been sadder to see the end of a series,and I cannot fully express how much I have loved the world of the Fifth Republic,as well as Bastien and Fleur!
In The Saint we see the final showdown between The Aristocrats, and The Emperor.
Bastien and Fleur are finally given their happy ending, and the healing and peace they’ve waited for is finally within reach.
All’s well that ends well,and what an ending it is!
I’m greatly looking forward to Luca’s book, next!
Well, done, Penelope, as usual, you have given us a series with heat, heart, and lots of passion.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
In The Saint we see the final showdown between The Aristocrats, and The Emperor.
Bastien and Fleur are finally given their happy ending, and the healing and peace they’ve waited for is finally within reach.
All’s well that ends well,and what an ending it is!
I’m greatly looking forward to Luca’s book, next!
Well, done, Penelope, as usual, you have given us a series with heat, heart, and lots of passion.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 11, 2025
5/5 stars 4/5 peppers
I love Bastien with my whole entire heart. I will never not think about him.
Bastien is the quintessential "burn the world for her" MMC. He is over the top obsessive, possessive and protective of her and I love it so much. Bastien and Fleur's love story is epic and raw and beautiful.
This book is an emotional, fast-paced adventure. I absolutely loved the ending that they got together- it was perfection in every. single. way.
I am so sad that this trilogy is over but am so so freaking glad that she is continuing with Luca's story so we won't have to leave them completely.
I love Bastien with my whole entire heart. I will never not think about him.
Bastien is the quintessential "burn the world for her" MMC. He is over the top obsessive, possessive and protective of her and I love it so much. Bastien and Fleur's love story is epic and raw and beautiful.
This book is an emotional, fast-paced adventure. I absolutely loved the ending that they got together- it was perfection in every. single. way.
I am so sad that this trilogy is over but am so so freaking glad that she is continuing with Luca's story so we won't have to leave them completely.
August 27, 2025
A nice conclusion to the Fifth Republic series. I was very pleased to have received such great closure for the rollercoaster ride that was the Bastien and Fleurs romance. The audiobook narrators did an amazing job, they truly fully integrated me into this dark mafia whirlwind romance. It had an edge of your seat, thrilling plot that ends with great character development and strong bonds. The spice was truly hot, I was thoroughly entertained. Now, this book does contain major trigger warnings so please proceed with caution because there is attempted sexual assault and violence in this one.
Definitely add this book to the top of your dark romance TBR list. I highly recommend!
Definitely add this book to the top of your dark romance TBR list. I highly recommend!
April 3, 2025
Lost of Autonomy
*Some Spoilers*
The whole series is watching the FMC loose her autonomy, individuality and development a kind of Stockholm syndrome. The MMC tells her what she wants, what she will do, where she will live, if she will work and where, if she will have a family, if she wants to get married, who she will deal with, how much she will eat, what there relation looks like, how her divorce to her ex will go, what she needs, and the list goes on and on and on. She tries to stand her ground on every issue but he intimidates her and then she does what he wants. And as a reader your supposed to believe this was a romantic dark love story
She is constantly scared of him, they have painful uterus rearranging spicy time daily, and he is constantly manipulating and gaslighting her. This was not a romance to me. I really wanted the FMC to stick to her guns on something but she never really did. Then to make it worse in this book, the expression of love is overdone. They tell each other they love each other on damn near every page, no exaggeration. Even as he is robbing her of her autonomy he is declaring his love and light weight forcing her to declare her love too. It was lot.
The crime portion was ok to me. The last quarter of this book was ok. I wish Ivan would’ve been included from jump and the whole Adrian and the aristocracy plot could’ve been left out cause it was weird and left unresolved.
*Some Spoilers*
The whole series is watching the FMC loose her autonomy, individuality and development a kind of Stockholm syndrome. The MMC tells her what she wants, what she will do, where she will live, if she will work and where, if she will have a family, if she wants to get married, who she will deal with, how much she will eat, what there relation looks like, how her divorce to her ex will go, what she needs, and the list goes on and on and on. She tries to stand her ground on every issue but he intimidates her and then she does what he wants. And as a reader your supposed to believe this was a romantic dark love story
She is constantly scared of him, they have painful uterus rearranging spicy time daily, and he is constantly manipulating and gaslighting her. This was not a romance to me. I really wanted the FMC to stick to her guns on something but she never really did. Then to make it worse in this book, the expression of love is overdone. They tell each other they love each other on damn near every page, no exaggeration. Even as he is robbing her of her autonomy he is declaring his love and light weight forcing her to declare her love too. It was lot.
The crime portion was ok to me. The last quarter of this book was ok. I wish Ivan would’ve been included from jump and the whole Adrian and the aristocracy plot could’ve been left out cause it was weird and left unresolved.
August 20, 2025
Bastien and Fleur are still my faves! I've been hooked from book 1, and this one DID NOT disappoint. Penelope Sky truly has a way with words. The narrators did a lovely job portraying the characters and emotions. There were multiple times I was on the edge of my seat or gasping, and that's just during the action/suspenseful moments. The spice was truly spicing 🙌🥵 This was all around a wonderful audiobook.
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 audiobook.
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 audiobook.
August 15, 2025
Bastien will literally do anything for Fleur. 😍😍😍🥰
August 10, 2025
Book 3 was much more emotional and action packed. I think this was my favorite out of the books focused on Fleur and Bastien.
He would literally 🔥 the world down for her and she would do anything in her power for him too.
Also, shout out to Luca for being a voice of reason at key moments.
The audio itself was done pretty good. I can't imagine the time and effort it takes the narrators. I was a little surprised the main characters aren't French or at least using a French accent based on the plot and the vocal feelings they have towards Americans, but it was still done well.
He would literally 🔥 the world down for her and she would do anything in her power for him too.
Also, shout out to Luca for being a voice of reason at key moments.
The audio itself was done pretty good. I can't imagine the time and effort it takes the narrators. I was a little surprised the main characters aren't French or at least using a French accent based on the plot and the vocal feelings they have towards Americans, but it was still done well.
August 12, 2025
I am leaving my review here as there is no option for the audio book in GR.
The Saint was a decent ending to Fleur and Bastien's story.
I was very pleased that it had way less to do with Fleur's past, and focused on their present.
The story itself gave closure to a lot of questions.
There was far less spice in this book, which I thought actually showed the progress of their relationship.
I found this one to have a slow start and didn't really get all the interesting until at least the second half.
Overall I thought the series was ok, not my favorite, but I didn't dislike it. I would give the series as a whole 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Audio ARC
The Saint was a decent ending to Fleur and Bastien's story.
I was very pleased that it had way less to do with Fleur's past, and focused on their present.
The story itself gave closure to a lot of questions.
There was far less spice in this book, which I thought actually showed the progress of their relationship.
I found this one to have a slow start and didn't really get all the interesting until at least the second half.
Overall I thought the series was ok, not my favorite, but I didn't dislike it. I would give the series as a whole 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Audio ARC
March 30, 2025
Bastian continues to own my heart. He's a hot, buff, possessive man with golden retriever loyalty. Him and Fleur are a perfect match. I love how he takes care of her.
This book starts off right where the previous one ends. Fleur went through something extremely traumatic and Bastian is there to help her work through it. His loyalty and devotion never falter. I love the scenes where his vulnerability shines through. He is a killer but he will burn the world down for Fleur if she asks him too.
The drama with Adrian continues. He remains trash throughout this book. He never deserved Fleur.
The first half of the book is a lot of back story and relationship growth. The action doesn't really pick up until the second half of the book. There are plenty of spicy scenes to keep things interesting. Their physical connection is something I admired throughout the series. There is always chemistry between the two of them.
The ending was a nice wrap up of the series. Fleur and Bastian's story will stay with me for a while. I really enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
This book starts off right where the previous one ends. Fleur went through something extremely traumatic and Bastian is there to help her work through it. His loyalty and devotion never falter. I love the scenes where his vulnerability shines through. He is a killer but he will burn the world down for Fleur if she asks him too.
The drama with Adrian continues. He remains trash throughout this book. He never deserved Fleur.
The first half of the book is a lot of back story and relationship growth. The action doesn't really pick up until the second half of the book. There are plenty of spicy scenes to keep things interesting. Their physical connection is something I admired throughout the series. There is always chemistry between the two of them.
The ending was a nice wrap up of the series. Fleur and Bastian's story will stay with me for a while. I really enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
May 14, 2025
There was so much potential. I loved book 1, ate it up in 24 hours but the rest of the series just became boring. there was potential but it just fell flat for me. I did like Bastien and Fleurs characters but the plot needed more plotting.
April 2, 2025
I loved this series so much 🤍
July 29, 2025
I don't really know why I kept reading this series. This relationship is unhealthy, and her dependency on him makes her seem weak. He doesn't meet any of her emotional needs.
August 17, 2025
3.5⭐ (rounded up)
This one didn't hold my attention quite as well as the other two, but I still really enjoyed it. These are really quick popcorn reads full of toxicity, but dang are they fun.
For what it was, I was really happy with how Fleur and Bastien's relationship was wrapped up. Bastien showed a lot of growth, especially towards the end, putting their relationship on (slightly) more equal footing.
I was happy that Luca was made to be the voice of reason, and it made me more excited to read his story.
As before, I love Bastien's narration. Fleur's has definitely grown on me since the first book.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with this ALC.
This one didn't hold my attention quite as well as the other two, but I still really enjoyed it. These are really quick popcorn reads full of toxicity, but dang are they fun.
For what it was, I was really happy with how Fleur and Bastien's relationship was wrapped up. Bastien showed a lot of growth, especially towards the end, putting their relationship on (slightly) more equal footing.
I was happy that Luca was made to be the voice of reason, and it made me more excited to read his story.
As before, I love Bastien's narration. Fleur's has definitely grown on me since the first book.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with this ALC.
April 20, 2025
•Dark Mafia Romance
•Underground Secret Society
•Obsessive/Possessive MMC
•My Woman & My Man
•Kidn@pping
•🌶🌶🌶🌶
This was a fantastic ending to a trilogy. Bastien Dupont is absolutely in my top 3 of book boyfriends. There is just no way I will ever forget this series. I loved how Bastien helped Fleur move past her trauma from the previous book. He does absolutely anything and everything to protect Fleur. The spice.. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I still can't get enough of the mouth on his man. By the end of this book, I was so proud of Fleur for becoming a bad@ss and Bastien saying "Attagirl" when he found out what she did. Guys, if you haven't read this trilogy yet.. you need to! I love it, and I hope y'all will, too!
•Underground Secret Society
•Obsessive/Possessive MMC
•My Woman & My Man
•Kidn@pping
•🌶🌶🌶🌶
This was a fantastic ending to a trilogy. Bastien Dupont is absolutely in my top 3 of book boyfriends. There is just no way I will ever forget this series. I loved how Bastien helped Fleur move past her trauma from the previous book. He does absolutely anything and everything to protect Fleur. The spice.. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I still can't get enough of the mouth on his man. By the end of this book, I was so proud of Fleur for becoming a bad@ss and Bastien saying "Attagirl" when he found out what she did. Guys, if you haven't read this trilogy yet.. you need to! I love it, and I hope y'all will, too!
May 3, 2025
While I sad to have the end of Fleur & Bastien’s story I’m super pumped for more Luca!
April 3, 2025
Man, I am so glad this book had an ending, and not a cliffhanger so I can finally be done with the dumpster fire of a man named Bastien.
Please see previous books' review for my very strong feelings about this MMC. He did improve somewhat in this book, but it took Fleur almost dying *again* for him to realize maybe HE is the drama. 🙄 And don't even get me started on the having a kid conversation. If I took a shot for every time this man gaslit Fleur, I would be dead. Dead dead. And the amount of times that she just accepted it due to her low confidence and claiming but "he's so fucking hot" made me want to puke. Penelope Sky, it is going to take a lot for me to ever read one of your books again. You write men as if you yourself are a white christian maga male. Thusly, I will sideeye all of your books from now on.
The next book is Luca, which I fear will be more of the same chauvinistic bullshit. Give me some Godric, that I could *maybe* get into.
Please see previous books' review for my very strong feelings about this MMC. He did improve somewhat in this book, but it took Fleur almost dying *again* for him to realize maybe HE is the drama. 🙄 And don't even get me started on the having a kid conversation. If I took a shot for every time this man gaslit Fleur, I would be dead. Dead dead. And the amount of times that she just accepted it due to her low confidence and claiming but "he's so fucking hot" made me want to puke. Penelope Sky, it is going to take a lot for me to ever read one of your books again. You write men as if you yourself are a white christian maga male. Thusly, I will sideeye all of your books from now on.
The next book is Luca, which I fear will be more of the same chauvinistic bullshit. Give me some Godric, that I could *maybe* get into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
The Saint—a cutting edge and slit throat kind of book. It’s full of mafia, dark violent things, and Bastien loving his girl. I’ve been impatiently waiting some of the things that happened in this book and thankfully they finally happened! This story between the two of them was nothing short of a slow burn and fast burn at the same time. But I am oh so happy they are together.
And we know for a fact that Bastien will never stop for his girl. That came to be true in this book and the last two!
I loved this so much and don’t wanna see this series go, but next will be Luca, who i’m also excited to get to know more about.🤭
And we know for a fact that Bastien will never stop for his girl. That came to be true in this book and the last two!
I loved this so much and don’t wanna see this series go, but next will be Luca, who i’m also excited to get to know more about.🤭
March 31, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am in a book funk because there’s no more Fleur or Bastien.
The book finds the two finally getting their happily ever after.
This book had me on the edge of my seat on a few instances.
Has me in tears.
Made me smile more than once.
Had me gasping when Bastien sat down with his mother.
And eventually ecstatic with joy at the very ending.
All in all this was a freaking fantastic series.
The book finds the two finally getting their happily ever after.
This book had me on the edge of my seat on a few instances.
Has me in tears.
Made me smile more than once.
Had me gasping when Bastien sat down with his mother.
And eventually ecstatic with joy at the very ending.
All in all this was a freaking fantastic series.
April 2, 2025
This book was released today and I stopped my current book to read this. I finished it in a few hours.
😭😭 I love this series.
😭😭 I love this series.
August 8, 2025
Oh, The Saint was pure adrenaline. I thought The Carver raised the stakes but book three? Electric. The tension never lets up and the dynamic between the MMC and FMC just keeps getting better. It’s more intense, more layered. There’s danger lurking around every corner and the MMC is still as obsessed and protective as ever (not that I’m complaining).
This series by Penelope Sky is seriously addictive and I’ll definitely be back for book four.
Thanks so much for the ALC. These thoughts are entirely my own.
This series by Penelope Sky is seriously addictive and I’ll definitely be back for book four.
Thanks so much for the ALC. These thoughts are entirely my own.
April 9, 2025
Me gusto esta serie sin embargo me enamora mas cuando el protagonista es mas devota a su pareja, sentí demasiadas inseguridades y miedos en esta relación, por un lado Bastien con miedo a que Flor lo deje con por cada acontecimiento que pasaba fuerte y por otro lado Flor por que no se cree que Bastien la escogió para toda la vida y también con miedo a que la deje o le ponga los cuernos. Y entiendo que debe existir drama pero sentí en en toda la historia eso domino mas que su amor. Llega un punto en que te enfada tantas peleas sobre los mismos temas, me gusta química sexual que tienen pero la verdad como pareja sentimental medio apestan :/
Otro punto es que no sentí sincero a Bastien sobre querer jubilarse sobre su ¨ profesión¨ creo que lo hizo por miedo a que Flor lo deje y Flor no sentí que insistió tanto por miedo también a que la deje y la verdad eso esta horrible.
Otro punto es que no sentí sincero a Bastien sobre querer jubilarse sobre su ¨ profesión¨ creo que lo hizo por miedo a que Flor lo deje y Flor no sentí que insistió tanto por miedo también a que la deje y la verdad eso esta horrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
Was not a fan of the writing style. and it wasn't significant to the story but his mother said the fmc engagement ring was 25 karats 🙄
I looked it up it would be half a billion dollars and look ridiculous. Not to mention his "manly bites"
and if she mentioned her cream one more time I was gonna 🤮
I looked it up it would be half a billion dollars and look ridiculous. Not to mention his "manly bites"
and if she mentioned her cream one more time I was gonna 🤮
December 10, 2025
Wow! What a rollercoaster of a conclusion to this series! This one will have you on the edge of your seat! Bastien is supposed to protect her after she learns his story, but the gangs have other ideas ! Is she gonna die before he gets to her . I loved every minute the suspense and love it is definitely worth reading!
May 9, 2025
Love me a good HEA.
There were some plot twists in there but not super surprising.
I liked to see the closure of everything for Bastien and Fleur.
There were some plot twists in there but not super surprising.
I liked to see the closure of everything for Bastien and Fleur.
September 30, 2025
I also need a Gerard.
April 24, 2025
The perfect ending for Bastien and Fluer. Every time that I think Penelope can’t top another epic love story…she does. Both Bastien and Fluer have faced trauma in the past and present. Despite all obstacles (including her dumb ex husband who almost got her killed) they’re able to overcome it and end up on the other side.
The raw passion and DRAMA you experience while turning the pages has her readers captivated and CRAVING more.
The raw passion and DRAMA you experience while turning the pages has her readers captivated and CRAVING more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
Let me tell you. When Penelope writes an MMC she does not disappoint. I loved watching the relationship between Fleur and Bastien develop. Then so many answers on what Bastien actually does kept me so on edge.
If you’re looking for your next suspenseful and hot read I would highly suggest. WHEW.
If you’re looking for your next suspenseful and hot read I would highly suggest. WHEW.
April 3, 2025
Unbelievable fleur and Bastian this series as always penelope amazing this series was amazing a must read couldn't put down I know how often we say this but I will always and constantly recommend her books and this is ahh no words I cried of course I might have tossed my tablet a few times...... and might have to reread. I loved how she makes me feel like I was part of their story and felt how they felt fleur who didn't know if she would trust and find love again. And Bastian o wait the Butcher didn't think he could..... must read 🥵🥵🥵🥵🫣🫣🫣😍😍😍😍😫😫😫💗💗💗💗🤫🤫
Displaying 1 - 30 of 811 reviews