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Roman Republic #3
The Breaker
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
22 days and 13:27:03
100 copies available
U.S. only
In New York Times bestselling author Penelope Sky’s explosive conclusion to the Roman Republic series, an exiled emperor must make his final save his city from a dangerous takeover—or protect his beloved from a lifetime of danger.
I fell in love with the most dangerous man in Rome, knowing exactly who he was. And he fell for me too, knowing one day he’d have to me or his empire.
He chose me.
As brutal as it was, I thought his exile would be good for us. I thought we’d find peace together in a small village outside of Rome, in the comfort of running his family’s restaurant and the promise of our future. In the life growing inside me.
But there’s no peace for a man like Constantine.
No matter where we go, his past will always follow. I see the war waging inside him—the need to protect us battling the urge to reclaim what was lost. To avenge what was taken.
Now, as deadly enemies threaten the empire and his friend clings to life, the decision is mine. Do I ask him to keep his promise and stay with me? Or do I set free the emperor Rome desperately needs?
I fell in love with the most dangerous man in Rome, knowing exactly who he was. And he fell for me too, knowing one day he’d have to me or his empire.
He chose me.
As brutal as it was, I thought his exile would be good for us. I thought we’d find peace together in a small village outside of Rome, in the comfort of running his family’s restaurant and the promise of our future. In the life growing inside me.
But there’s no peace for a man like Constantine.
No matter where we go, his past will always follow. I see the war waging inside him—the need to protect us battling the urge to reclaim what was lost. To avenge what was taken.
Now, as deadly enemies threaten the empire and his friend clings to life, the decision is mine. Do I ask him to keep his promise and stay with me? Or do I set free the emperor Rome desperately needs?
- GenresDark Romance
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
2330 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
75 books7,064 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forced to leave Rome when Darius threatened the woman he loves, Constantine finds himself back home in Taormina, trying to put the pieces of his life back together. While he doesn’t regret his choice for one moment, the guilt of knowing what and who he left behind eats away at him. When his future with Aurelia becomes clearer, he begins to feel hope and happiness for the first time in weeks, but the past refuses to stay buried, and when his friends are put in the crossfire, he needs to choose between the duty he swore to uphold, or the life he promised to live.
Aurelia thought returning to Taormina would bring them peace, but as much as they’ve found a routine there, she knows a part of Constantine is still back in Rome. As much as she wants him to stay by her side and give her the life he promised, she fell in love with the Emperor, and knows he may be the only chance Rome has.
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and I absolutely loved it! In so many ways this book gave Constantine the closure he was seeking throughout the series, from Isabella, from his brother, and from his past. That being said, none of it was easily won, and it had its moments of heartache for everyone involved. I loved seeing the way Constantine loves Aurelia, and makes her (and Medusa) the center of his world, but doesn’t try to control her either. This book was the first one where they were on an even level, and it truly showed in how they became a team, planning their future together. Aurelia also showed so much growth in this story, especially considering her own past, and it was easy to see how they were made for each other.
Aurelia thought returning to Taormina would bring them peace, but as much as they’ve found a routine there, she knows a part of Constantine is still back in Rome. As much as she wants him to stay by her side and give her the life he promised, she fell in love with the Emperor, and knows he may be the only chance Rome has.
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and I absolutely loved it! In so many ways this book gave Constantine the closure he was seeking throughout the series, from Isabella, from his brother, and from his past. That being said, none of it was easily won, and it had its moments of heartache for everyone involved. I loved seeing the way Constantine loves Aurelia, and makes her (and Medusa) the center of his world, but doesn’t try to control her either. This book was the first one where they were on an even level, and it truly showed in how they became a team, planning their future together. Aurelia also showed so much growth in this story, especially considering her own past, and it was easy to see how they were made for each other.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Breaker is a frustrating conclusion because the series had the pieces for a much stronger conclusion.
By the end of The Savage, the stakes are obvious: Constantine, Rome, Darius, exile, duty, revenge, love, and the cost of choosing Aurelia over the empire. That should have made the final book feel tense and loaded. Instead, The Breaker spends too much of its early and middle sections on small domestic conflicts that don’t match the scale of what was built.
This book feels like it was written by someone else. Constantine reads like a completely different character. He is definitely not a "golden retriever" MMC. He's also struggling to fit "morally gray" too. Aurelia also gets flattened and loses her confidence again.
I would not call this dark romance. Not book 2 or 3. Book 2 had dark suspense. Almost no romance. Book 3, The Ruler, seems like a contemporary cute Sicily romance. It has moments of dark content and mafia violence, but the romance itself isn’t dark. Even more troubling is that a lot of the intimacy feels repetitive, curtailed and male-centered rather than passionate or emotionally charged.
The ending has a 1/3 chapter event that seems a bit "wtf" as if it was dropped in just to clean up some stuff. It has moments that should have hit harder, but the payoff is too rushed after so much setup. The series spends a long time building the empire, then resolves too much of it like cleanup. As a conclusion, this left me more irritated and disappointed than satisfied because book 1 really hit.
By the end of The Savage, the stakes are obvious: Constantine, Rome, Darius, exile, duty, revenge, love, and the cost of choosing Aurelia over the empire. That should have made the final book feel tense and loaded. Instead, The Breaker spends too much of its early and middle sections on small domestic conflicts that don’t match the scale of what was built.
This book feels like it was written by someone else. Constantine reads like a completely different character. He is definitely not a "golden retriever" MMC. He's also struggling to fit "morally gray" too. Aurelia also gets flattened and loses her confidence again.
I would not call this dark romance. Not book 2 or 3. Book 2 had dark suspense. Almost no romance. Book 3, The Ruler, seems like a contemporary cute Sicily romance. It has moments of dark content and mafia violence, but the romance itself isn’t dark. Even more troubling is that a lot of the intimacy feels repetitive, curtailed and male-centered rather than passionate or emotionally charged.
The ending has a 1/3 chapter event that seems a bit "wtf" as if it was dropped in just to clean up some stuff. It has moments that should have hit harder, but the payoff is too rushed after so much setup. The series spends a long time building the empire, then resolves too much of it like cleanup. As a conclusion, this left me more irritated and disappointed than satisfied because book 1 really hit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the trilogy! While there is still danger and tension throughout the story, I liked that The Breaker focused so much on Aurelia and Constantine and their relationship. It felt more personal and emotional instead of being nonstop violence, and I honestly loved getting so much Constantine content because he has easily become one of my favorite Penelope Sky MMCs.
Even though I could tell where parts of the story were heading, I still had such a great time reading this because I’ve become so attached to these characters and their family dynamic. That family aspect was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire trilogy and really made this ending feel satisfying.
I do wish we had gotten a little more from some of the action scenes because I was really anticipating them, but overall I still thought this was a strong ending to the series. I would absolutely love to see future books for some of the side characters because there is definitely more story potential there.
This trilogy definitely made me want to dive deeper into Penelope Sky’s backlist. Before this, I had only read the Buttons and Lace series, but after this journey I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Even though I could tell where parts of the story were heading, I still had such a great time reading this because I’ve become so attached to these characters and their family dynamic. That family aspect was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire trilogy and really made this ending feel satisfying.
I do wish we had gotten a little more from some of the action scenes because I was really anticipating them, but overall I still thought this was a strong ending to the series. I would absolutely love to see future books for some of the side characters because there is definitely more story potential there.
This trilogy definitely made me want to dive deeper into Penelope Sky’s backlist. Before this, I had only read the Buttons and Lace series, but after this journey I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had the Opportunity to ARC read this through Netgalley and I cannot say enough good things about this book! It was Spicy, Dark and a great conclusion to the series!
Tropes: Dark Mafia Romance, Ruthless Alpha Male, Touch Her & ☠️, Found Family, Hero Golden Retriever Only Soft For Her, He Falls First & Harder, Possessive/Obsessive, Pregnancy, Exile/Small Village Peace
Quotes: "I look at you like you’re already my wife and I’d give anything to call you that. So please let me be your husband. Let me love you and support you and protect you for the rest of my life. Please sweetheart?”
Review No Spoilers: The explosive conclusion to the Roman Republic dark mafia romance series. The story follows the fallout of a massive choice made by Constantine, the "Emperor" of Rome's underworld. Having previously chosen his love for Aurelia over his criminal empire, Constantine is now living in exile in a small village outside of Rome. They attempt to build a quiet life running a family restaurant, finding comfort in their future and the child they are expecting. Their peace is shattered as Constantine’s past resurfaces. Deadly enemies threaten the city he left behind, and a close friend's life hangs in the balance.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Dark Mafia Romance, Ruthless Alpha Male, Touch Her & ☠️, Found Family, Hero Golden Retriever Only Soft For Her, He Falls First & Harder, Possessive/Obsessive, Pregnancy, Exile/Small Village Peace
Quotes: "I look at you like you’re already my wife and I’d give anything to call you that. So please let me be your husband. Let me love you and support you and protect you for the rest of my life. Please sweetheart?”
Review No Spoilers: The explosive conclusion to the Roman Republic dark mafia romance series. The story follows the fallout of a massive choice made by Constantine, the "Emperor" of Rome's underworld. Having previously chosen his love for Aurelia over his criminal empire, Constantine is now living in exile in a small village outside of Rome. They attempt to build a quiet life running a family restaurant, finding comfort in their future and the child they are expecting. Their peace is shattered as Constantine’s past resurfaces. Deadly enemies threaten the city he left behind, and a close friend's life hangs in the balance.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 7, 2026
I had the opportunity to pick up this ARC through NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did.
I didn’t realize at first that this was book 3 in The Roman Republic series, so I went back and read books 1 and 2 beforehand since they follow the same FMC and MMC. While the first two books were okay reads for me, this one absolutely hit the mark in the best way possible.
Everything in this story felt more emotional, more intense, and more satisfying. The character growth really stood out to me, especially seeing how far the relationships had come throughout the series. The ending and epilogue were honestly my favorite parts—they wrapped everything up perfectly and left me completely satisfied. And Cons’s mom? Total badass. She brought such a strong presence to the story and was one of my favorite parts.
This book truly gave me everything I could ask for: emotion, tension, character depth, and a rewarding conclusion all wrapped into one story.
I’ve read previous books from this author before, and this definitely made me excited to check out even more of their series in the future.
I didn’t realize at first that this was book 3 in The Roman Republic series, so I went back and read books 1 and 2 beforehand since they follow the same FMC and MMC. While the first two books were okay reads for me, this one absolutely hit the mark in the best way possible.
Everything in this story felt more emotional, more intense, and more satisfying. The character growth really stood out to me, especially seeing how far the relationships had come throughout the series. The ending and epilogue were honestly my favorite parts—they wrapped everything up perfectly and left me completely satisfied. And Cons’s mom? Total badass. She brought such a strong presence to the story and was one of my favorite parts.
This book truly gave me everything I could ask for: emotion, tension, character depth, and a rewarding conclusion all wrapped into one story.
I’ve read previous books from this author before, and this definitely made me excited to check out even more of their series in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a beautiful ending to a trilogy! It was so well written and Penelope Sky did an amazing job tying everything together!
I loved following along with Constantine and Aurelia’s journey and I felt this book really showed them settled into life together, while still showing a passion between the two. They were also able to continue to grow and develop together as individuals but also as a couple! For this book, the ending felt a little rushed and I wish we could have seen the alpha Constantine from the previous 2 books a little more. His “redemption arc” made me want more - I loved the story line idea and the twists that happened. I just wanted more because I loved the book/series.
I also want to put out there, that each book helped to alleviate what I wanted to see more of in the previous book! Which was good and maybe planned as it got you to keep wanting to read the next book! So as you read this series, keep an open mind that you will get more in the next book as it is a trilogy!
I loved following along with Constantine and Aurelia’s journey and I felt this book really showed them settled into life together, while still showing a passion between the two. They were also able to continue to grow and develop together as individuals but also as a couple! For this book, the ending felt a little rushed and I wish we could have seen the alpha Constantine from the previous 2 books a little more. His “redemption arc” made me want more - I loved the story line idea and the twists that happened. I just wanted more because I loved the book/series.
I also want to put out there, that each book helped to alleviate what I wanted to see more of in the previous book! Which was good and maybe planned as it got you to keep wanting to read the next book! So as you read this series, keep an open mind that you will get more in the next book as it is a trilogy!
May 8, 2026
I can certainly appreciate that this story will absolutely work for a lot of readers, and I can understand why people may connect with the characters and their dynamic. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me personally.
My biggest struggle was with the communication between the main characters. The conversations and arguments often felt extremely juvenile, and instead of creating tension or emotional depth, they left me feeling frustrated and disconnected from the story. I kept waiting for the characters to mature in the way they handled conflict, but it never really happened for me, which made it difficult to fully invest in either the romance or their journey together.
There were definitely moments where I could see the potential, and I do think other readers may enjoy it far more than I did. Sadly, I just couldn’t look past the immaturity in the interactions, and it ultimately prevented me from connecting with the book as a whole.
My biggest struggle was with the communication between the main characters. The conversations and arguments often felt extremely juvenile, and instead of creating tension or emotional depth, they left me feeling frustrated and disconnected from the story. I kept waiting for the characters to mature in the way they handled conflict, but it never really happened for me, which made it difficult to fully invest in either the romance or their journey together.
There were definitely moments where I could see the potential, and I do think other readers may enjoy it far more than I did. Sadly, I just couldn’t look past the immaturity in the interactions, and it ultimately prevented me from connecting with the book as a whole.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At this point in the series, we are obsessed with Constantine and Aurelia. (this is book 3 in a trilogy and must be read in order).
Now you've read the first 2 books so you know, we are back in Taormina trying to live the low key lifestyle. I love that Constantine and Aurelia are finding their peace together because that part of their story is beautiful. But Rome didn't stop crumbling just because Constantine left.
My only complaint is I feel like the Rome part should have been more. It was just too fast for me. Now I know that wasn't the end. But this book overall is slower paced and that was really the opportunity to make a bang and it was over in just a few pages.
But either way. I am in love with Constantine. And I can't wait for Brunno to get his own story
Now you've read the first 2 books so you know, we are back in Taormina trying to live the low key lifestyle. I love that Constantine and Aurelia are finding their peace together because that part of their story is beautiful. But Rome didn't stop crumbling just because Constantine left.
My only complaint is I feel like the Rome part should have been more. It was just too fast for me. Now I know that wasn't the end. But this book overall is slower paced and that was really the opportunity to make a bang and it was over in just a few pages.
But either way. I am in love with Constantine. And I can't wait for Brunno to get his own story
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this arc. This is a 4.5 star for me. I enjoyed Constantine’s and Aurelia’s story. I love a man who will sacrifice anything to make sure his family safe and Constantine us just that and more. A man who says what he means and does what he says. I also loved that he values his woman and her thoughts, he puts her first and makes her feel seen. I also love mama Sophia and her love for Con. Her rage spoke to me when she handled Darius. I also loved that Beatrice came around to Aurelia. It reminds me that sometimes things aren’t always what they see. A beautiful ending. Definitely would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to see how this trilogy was going to end. This was a beautiful ending to a trilogy! It was so well written and Penelope Sky did an amazing job tying everything together to end the series.
This book talks about Con’s struggles between the dangerous empire he left behind and the peaceful life he's trying to build with the woman he loves.
It was a peaceful start. They were settling into their new lives. It was a little slow and it started to pick up about 70% in with some action. It really built it up.
I could really go for another series about the continuation of the Roman Empire. I loved it so much!
This book talks about Con’s struggles between the dangerous empire he left behind and the peaceful life he's trying to build with the woman he loves.
It was a peaceful start. They were settling into their new lives. It was a little slow and it started to pick up about 70% in with some action. It really built it up.
I could really go for another series about the continuation of the Roman Empire. I loved it so much!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
By book three, I was completely invested in Constantine, and this one kept me hooked. I loved seeing his struggle between the dangerous empire he left behind and the peaceful life he’s trying to build with the woman he loves. The mix of romance, danger, and emotional conflict was strong, and the quieter family moments added depth. While a few parts felt slightly slower than I wanted, the stakes were high, the love felt real, and Constantine’s journey was compelling. A solid four-star read for mafia romance fans.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THAT ENDING!!!! Top TIER Mafia Romance
WOW!!!
This one was a lot slower than the first 2 books but still amazing. There was one scene that I was expecting characters from previous series to show up (I was a little let down by that) EPIC jaw dropping WTH scenes though. I love this series and Constantine!! Con's mother though 👏👏👏 I knew she was a BAD WOMAN (in a good way) Con's love for his family and Aurelia (and his dog ❤️) was top tier! Penelope Sky truly knows how to write unhinged golden retriever MMCs
WOW!!!
This one was a lot slower than the first 2 books but still amazing. There was one scene that I was expecting characters from previous series to show up (I was a little let down by that) EPIC jaw dropping WTH scenes though. I love this series and Constantine!! Con's mother though 👏👏👏 I knew she was a BAD WOMAN (in a good way) Con's love for his family and Aurelia (and his dog ❤️) was top tier! Penelope Sky truly knows how to write unhinged golden retriever MMCs
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of The Breaker thanks to the publisher through NetGalley and leave this review voluntarily.
A satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Like my feedback on the prior books, there are parts were I am not a fan of the writing. Where the writing feels too informal and dismissive, especially when it comes to anything sex related. There is no passion there. No chemistry. I love the way the main characters treat each other but I just don't feel that connection between them in the spice scenes.
A satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Like my feedback on the prior books, there are parts were I am not a fan of the writing. Where the writing feels too informal and dismissive, especially when it comes to anything sex related. There is no passion there. No chemistry. I love the way the main characters treat each other but I just don't feel that connection between them in the spice scenes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a satisfying conclusion to the Roman Republic trilogy. Not only is the MMC, Constantine, crazy and hot and protective, the FMC, Aurelia, “his woman” is the perfect fit for him. She has a spine and doesn’t back down and she compliments Constantine.
I also love that his Mom is a bad@ss. Family and food are everything. Just ask Ma.
I would like to thank Montlake and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given.
I also love that his Mom is a bad@ss. Family and food are everything. Just ask Ma.
I would like to thank Montlake and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved reading the amazing, awesome, and engaging story. Even though Con gave everything up for Aurelia, he gets depressed sometimes, but when Aurelia is pregnant, Con can't believe how happy he is until he hears that the Roman Republic is falling under his enemy's hands, Darius. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and another must read riveting romance story by the phenomenal author, Penelope Sky.
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May 7, 2026The Breaker by Penelope Sky published by Montlake is the third installment in the Roman Republik Series.
The books are best read in order.
A fantastic story, complex, complicated in the best way, fast and action laden. Literally unputdownable, 5 stars.
The books are best read in order.
A fantastic story, complex, complicated in the best way, fast and action laden. Literally unputdownable, 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought this was a little anticlimactic at first, but boy was I wrong! This was another great series conclusion. I am obsessed with these worlds. The men. Their style. Everything about them. Hoping for more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book! Penelope sky has done it again. This third book of this series was absolutely amazing! It gives you the ending to a great story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews