What do you think?
Rate this book
Roman Republic #2
The Savage
In an electrifying return to the dark world of Roman Republic, a ruthless emperor contends with an enemy within, whose connection to his family’s past pushes him—and his heart—to new limits.
The city of Taormina calls to me—but Constantine possesses me, body and soul. Not just because of those chiseled abs and glorious tattoos my photographer’s eye can’t help but admire. Or the man’s utter devotion to his dog. But because he always stands up for me.
He saved my life once. And he’d do it again.
His ruthless brand of justice inspires terror on the streets of Rome. But in his arms, I shiver for a different reason. So when he asks me to move in after just six weeks, I’m ecstatic.
And conflicted.
I worry I’m a distraction. An obstacle to his duties as emperor. And when his nemesis, the Skull King—that merciless bastard who killed Constantine’s twin—reappears, I fear I’m right.
Whatever went down between them, Constantine loved his brother with all his heart. Now he has a choice to avenge his brother’s death and protect Rome…or save me again.
The city of Taormina calls to me—but Constantine possesses me, body and soul. Not just because of those chiseled abs and glorious tattoos my photographer’s eye can’t help but admire. Or the man’s utter devotion to his dog. But because he always stands up for me.
He saved my life once. And he’d do it again.
His ruthless brand of justice inspires terror on the streets of Rome. But in his arms, I shiver for a different reason. So when he asks me to move in after just six weeks, I’m ecstatic.
And conflicted.
I worry I’m a distraction. An obstacle to his duties as emperor. And when his nemesis, the Skull King—that merciless bastard who killed Constantine’s twin—reappears, I fear I’m right.
Whatever went down between them, Constantine loved his brother with all his heart. Now he has a choice to avenge his brother’s death and protect Rome…or save me again.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Penelope Sky
75 books7,219 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
June 12, 2026
2.5 Stars
This felt like a very one-dimensional filler book. It was very focused on Constantine, to the point that Aurelia felt like a side character. There also was no forward development of their relationship. The plot was okay, it just didn’t offset those things. I enjoyed it well enough, but not as much as I usually love these style books by this author.
This felt like a very one-dimensional filler book. It was very focused on Constantine, to the point that Aurelia felt like a side character. There also was no forward development of their relationship. The plot was okay, it just didn’t offset those things. I enjoyed it well enough, but not as much as I usually love these style books by this author.
May 17, 2026
Honestly disappointed cause expectations were high.
After the fifth republic , I went down a rabbit hole of reading her entire catalogue but man, the Roman Republic was just meh.
I stand by what I said that for me, the MMC just does give Roman Emperor. I’m sorry but he doesn’t give off that vibe. As for Aurelia, she’s just okay.
After the fifth republic , I went down a rabbit hole of reading her entire catalogue but man, the Roman Republic was just meh.
I stand by what I said that for me, the MMC just does give Roman Emperor. I’m sorry but he doesn’t give off that vibe. As for Aurelia, she’s just okay.
May 9, 2026
I really liked how the chapters were structured and that we got the first-person POV from Constantine about his past. The plot really picks up and immediately grabbed my attention.
However, Constantine’s personality wasn’t exactly all that appealing for the most part. The OnlyFans support is the first thing that comes to mind.
The spicy scenes were also a lot more rushed than the first book. This one definitely focused much more on the plot. Which was cool, but I mean, I’m pretty sure most of us read mafia romances for heavy smut?? I could be wrong…
Not to mention the amount of times Aurelia talked about how tall her and Constantine were and how big his…member was, was really getting old quick.
I am very picky when it comes to mafia romances because I feel like they often become super cringey and unfortunately, this installment of the series had more cringeworthy moments than the first one.
Overall though, I had a fun time and enjoyed it enough to want to read the third book.
However, Constantine’s personality wasn’t exactly all that appealing for the most part. The OnlyFans support is the first thing that comes to mind.
The spicy scenes were also a lot more rushed than the first book. This one definitely focused much more on the plot. Which was cool, but I mean, I’m pretty sure most of us read mafia romances for heavy smut?? I could be wrong…
Not to mention the amount of times Aurelia talked about how tall her and Constantine were and how big his…member was, was really getting old quick.
I am very picky when it comes to mafia romances because I feel like they often become super cringey and unfortunately, this installment of the series had more cringeworthy moments than the first one.
Overall though, I had a fun time and enjoyed it enough to want to read the third book.
April 22, 2026
2.5 stars. Normally I’m a huge fan of dual timeline stories but in this case it seemed to take away from any relationship growth between Con and Aurelia. This would’ve worked better as an entire prequel novella.
May 16, 2026
I know you lying…
The Savage gets 2 stars from me because this book somehow managed to move along at a snail’s pace, then completely hit the gas and slam on the brakes at the same time. The past tension between Constantine and Darius was well laid out. The present-day tension came flying in, smashed the gas, and then slammed the brakes on the whole book.
So in the end, I was frustrated. After spending so much time building Constantine into this ruthless, unwavering man who would never bend for anyone or anything (including love, marriage, or kids…his words, not mine), he folded way too easily for me. Instead of swooning, I just sat there staring at my Kindle like 😒.
It’s funny how they labeled the brother as impulsive, but every time Constantine faced Darius it was “name your price.” Sounds a bit impulsive to me. He backed himself into a corner both times.
The structure also drove me crazy. The endless “Prologue I, II, III…” sections felt more distracting than immersive and made the story feel choppy instead of layered.
This book gave me “might as well keep reading” vibes, which is honestly the only reason this isn’t a 1-star review for me. Because despite all my complaints…here I am still about to read the next book. 🙄
The Savage gets 2 stars from me because this book somehow managed to move along at a snail’s pace, then completely hit the gas and slam on the brakes at the same time. The past tension between Constantine and Darius was well laid out. The present-day tension came flying in, smashed the gas, and then slammed the brakes on the whole book.
So in the end, I was frustrated. After spending so much time building Constantine into this ruthless, unwavering man who would never bend for anyone or anything (including love, marriage, or kids…his words, not mine), he folded way too easily for me. Instead of swooning, I just sat there staring at my Kindle like 😒.
It’s funny how they labeled the brother as impulsive, but every time Constantine faced Darius it was “name your price.” Sounds a bit impulsive to me. He backed himself into a corner both times.
The structure also drove me crazy. The endless “Prologue I, II, III…” sections felt more distracting than immersive and made the story feel choppy instead of layered.
This book gave me “might as well keep reading” vibes, which is honestly the only reason this isn’t a 1-star review for me. Because despite all my complaints…here I am still about to read the next book. 🙄
May 14, 2026
THE SAVAGE BY PENELOPE SKY
ROMAN REPUBLIC
BOOK 2.
5✨ ✨ ✨ ✨✨s
Oh Constantine , Constantine, Constantine 😉
Absolutely brilliant second book of this series.
I literally started this book this afternoon and I've finished it already.
Just amazing.
I have the ARC for book 3 so I'm jumping on that immediately. I can't wait to see what on earth will happen next.
Oh and Medusa is just amazing I love her 🐶
ROMAN REPUBLIC
BOOK 2.
5✨ ✨ ✨ ✨✨s
Oh Constantine , Constantine, Constantine 😉
Absolutely brilliant second book of this series.
I literally started this book this afternoon and I've finished it already.
Just amazing.
I have the ARC for book 3 so I'm jumping on that immediately. I can't wait to see what on earth will happen next.
Oh and Medusa is just amazing I love her 🐶
May 5, 2026
This second installment of the Roman Republic series kept me on the edge of my seat, and losing sleep. I am completely invested in Constantine and Aurelia’s story, and this book filled in so many lives of their pasts and how their futures will ultimately lead. I am living for the intrigue,the Romance, and the tale of revenge and retribution only makes me yearn for more.
I’m hooked.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m hooked.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Savage pulled me in straight away with its mix of drama, tension, and those little moments that just make the characters feel real.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review.
I absolutely loved how dramatised the mum was — her saying she’d basically drop dead if he didn’t take the money, buy a ring, and propose immediately had me laughing. It added such a chaotic, over-the-top energy that made those scenes so entertaining.
There were also small moments that stuck with me, like: “Are you a girl on vacation?” “I like the fruity drinks here. Makes me feel like I’m in Turks and Caicos.” It just gave such a fun, light vibe and made the characters feel more natural and real.
The story follows a guy working in a pizza shop, and early on there’s already this underlying tension — especially at the party with his girlfriend Isabella and his brother Edric. The way they kept looking at each other definitely gave me weird vibes, and I was immediately suspicious about where that was heading.
As part of a series, this book did a great job of answering some of my questions from the previous installment… but at the same time, it left me with even more. I’m definitely going to need the next book because that ending had me like what is about to happen?!
I also really enjoy the author’s writing style — the books aren’t super long, but they’re still packed with emotion and keep you fully entertained the whole way through. It really gives all the feels without dragging anything out.
I finally got answers about Timothee (which I’d been waiting for 👀), and I loved seeing familiar characters like Bastin from the Fifth Republic series. Constantine will always be one of my favourites, so I was happy to see that connection.
The flashbacks and prologues throughout the book added a lot to the story and helped build everything up in a really engaging way. And the Skull King reveal? I genuinely thought I had it figured out — I was completely wrong and honestly shocked.
The FMC did still annoy me at times with her insecurities, but she’s definitely starting to grow on me and you can see her development coming through more in this book.
Overall, this was such an entertaining read with drama, twists, and a cliffhanger ending that has me desperate for the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review.
I absolutely loved how dramatised the mum was — her saying she’d basically drop dead if he didn’t take the money, buy a ring, and propose immediately had me laughing. It added such a chaotic, over-the-top energy that made those scenes so entertaining.
There were also small moments that stuck with me, like: “Are you a girl on vacation?” “I like the fruity drinks here. Makes me feel like I’m in Turks and Caicos.” It just gave such a fun, light vibe and made the characters feel more natural and real.
The story follows a guy working in a pizza shop, and early on there’s already this underlying tension — especially at the party with his girlfriend Isabella and his brother Edric. The way they kept looking at each other definitely gave me weird vibes, and I was immediately suspicious about where that was heading.
As part of a series, this book did a great job of answering some of my questions from the previous installment… but at the same time, it left me with even more. I’m definitely going to need the next book because that ending had me like what is about to happen?!
I also really enjoy the author’s writing style — the books aren’t super long, but they’re still packed with emotion and keep you fully entertained the whole way through. It really gives all the feels without dragging anything out.
I finally got answers about Timothee (which I’d been waiting for 👀), and I loved seeing familiar characters like Bastin from the Fifth Republic series. Constantine will always be one of my favourites, so I was happy to see that connection.
The flashbacks and prologues throughout the book added a lot to the story and helped build everything up in a really engaging way. And the Skull King reveal? I genuinely thought I had it figured out — I was completely wrong and honestly shocked.
The FMC did still annoy me at times with her insecurities, but she’s definitely starting to grow on me and you can see her development coming through more in this book.
Overall, this was such an entertaining read with drama, twists, and a cliffhanger ending that has me desperate for the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This installment had plenty of drama, twists, and unanswered questions, but unfortunately it didn’t connect with me as strongly as I’d hoped.
One of my biggest struggles was the dual timeline. While the flashbacks and glimpses into the past added context to the overall story, I found myself feeling disconnected from the characters. The narrative seemed to focus much more heavily on Constantine, leaving Aurelia feeling somewhat underdeveloped in comparison. Because of that, I never fully connected with their relationship or became as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.
That said, there were definitely things I enjoyed. The author’s writing style remains engaging and easy to read, packing plenty of emotion into a relatively quick read. The over-the-top antics from Constantine’s mother provided some much-needed humor, and several smaller character interactions helped bring the story to life. I also appreciated finally getting answers to some lingering questions from previous books and seeing familiar faces return.
The twists were entertaining, particularly the Skull King reveal, which genuinely surprised me. The ending also delivers a strong cliffhanger that leaves plenty of intrigue for what’s to come.
While Aurelia’s insecurities occasionally frustrated me, there are clear signs of growth in her character, and I’m interested to see where her journey goes next. Overall, this was an entertaining read with plenty of drama and suspense, but the lack of connection to the characters and imbalance in the character development kept it from being a higher-rated read for me.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This installment had plenty of drama, twists, and unanswered questions, but unfortunately it didn’t connect with me as strongly as I’d hoped.
One of my biggest struggles was the dual timeline. While the flashbacks and glimpses into the past added context to the overall story, I found myself feeling disconnected from the characters. The narrative seemed to focus much more heavily on Constantine, leaving Aurelia feeling somewhat underdeveloped in comparison. Because of that, I never fully connected with their relationship or became as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.
That said, there were definitely things I enjoyed. The author’s writing style remains engaging and easy to read, packing plenty of emotion into a relatively quick read. The over-the-top antics from Constantine’s mother provided some much-needed humor, and several smaller character interactions helped bring the story to life. I also appreciated finally getting answers to some lingering questions from previous books and seeing familiar faces return.
The twists were entertaining, particularly the Skull King reveal, which genuinely surprised me. The ending also delivers a strong cliffhanger that leaves plenty of intrigue for what’s to come.
While Aurelia’s insecurities occasionally frustrated me, there are clear signs of growth in her character, and I’m interested to see where her journey goes next. Overall, this was an entertaining read with plenty of drama and suspense, but the lack of connection to the characters and imbalance in the character development kept it from being a higher-rated read for me.
May 10, 2026
Emperor Constantine
adventurous emotional informative medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
The Savage, book 2 in the Roman Republic series, was a page-turner. It gives so much more insight into the man, Constantine. Yes, he is obsessively in love with Aurelia. Even more so now that she wants to spend more time with him and his dog, Medusa.
Constantine has vowed never to stop his work as the Roman Emperor, and Aurelia will need to accept him as he is. Aurelia has accepted him, introducing him to her friends, and even decided to move in with him. Yes, the relationship is moving fast, but they love each other.
As much as he loves Aurelia, he is still battling his feelings and emotions towards the Skull King for his hand in his twin brother's death. In defending Rome, Constantine must meet with the Skull King to discuss certain matters. Will that meeting go peacefully, or will the Skull King continue on his evil trend?
Will Constantine choose his loyalty to his people, or will he have to make a choice regarding Rome and his love for Aurelia? What will he do?
The Savage is definitely a wonderful read. There is steam, but the love between the two MCs is a read, and the action is, of course, dark but page-turning. Learning more about Con helps one better understand him and his intensity.
adventurous emotional informative medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
The Savage, book 2 in the Roman Republic series, was a page-turner. It gives so much more insight into the man, Constantine. Yes, he is obsessively in love with Aurelia. Even more so now that she wants to spend more time with him and his dog, Medusa.
Constantine has vowed never to stop his work as the Roman Emperor, and Aurelia will need to accept him as he is. Aurelia has accepted him, introducing him to her friends, and even decided to move in with him. Yes, the relationship is moving fast, but they love each other.
As much as he loves Aurelia, he is still battling his feelings and emotions towards the Skull King for his hand in his twin brother's death. In defending Rome, Constantine must meet with the Skull King to discuss certain matters. Will that meeting go peacefully, or will the Skull King continue on his evil trend?
Will Constantine choose his loyalty to his people, or will he have to make a choice regarding Rome and his love for Aurelia? What will he do?
The Savage is definitely a wonderful read. There is steam, but the love between the two MCs is a read, and the action is, of course, dark but page-turning. Learning more about Con helps one better understand him and his intensity.
May 24, 2026
"...but you're my Roman Empire. I fight for you before I fight for anyone else."
SWOON
Constantine has me on my knees🙈 He is everything a woman would ever need. Constantine and Aurelia's relationship developed extremely quick. Most of Penelope's books are very fast paced which I really love. She writes in a way where things keep moving but you don't feel like you're missing anything. I love her writing style and will continue to read everything she writes.
Let's talk about Constantine and Medusa's relationship for a second. I LOVE a man that loves his pets. Medusa is a queen and is definitely treated like one.
Aurelia had some growth throughout this book. She is a very real and raw character. When things happen and her trauma responses come out you can't help but feel for her. She is a strong woman and even she breaks down from time to time. I love everything about her.
We learn a lot about Constantine's past in this book. We get a glimpse into the trauma he's experienced in not only his past relationship but also with the relationship with his brother. It provides some clarity about why he is the way he is.
The last 25% of this book was action packed. I didn't want to put it down. Things were happening so quick, I felt like my eyes were going to fall out because I was reading so fast 😆 I cannot wait to dive into book 3 and find out what comes next for these two and The Roman Republic.
SWOON
Constantine has me on my knees🙈 He is everything a woman would ever need. Constantine and Aurelia's relationship developed extremely quick. Most of Penelope's books are very fast paced which I really love. She writes in a way where things keep moving but you don't feel like you're missing anything. I love her writing style and will continue to read everything she writes.
Let's talk about Constantine and Medusa's relationship for a second. I LOVE a man that loves his pets. Medusa is a queen and is definitely treated like one.
Aurelia had some growth throughout this book. She is a very real and raw character. When things happen and her trauma responses come out you can't help but feel for her. She is a strong woman and even she breaks down from time to time. I love everything about her.
We learn a lot about Constantine's past in this book. We get a glimpse into the trauma he's experienced in not only his past relationship but also with the relationship with his brother. It provides some clarity about why he is the way he is.
The last 25% of this book was action packed. I didn't want to put it down. Things were happening so quick, I felt like my eyes were going to fall out because I was reading so fast 😆 I cannot wait to dive into book 3 and find out what comes next for these two and The Roman Republic.
May 5, 2026
What?? I don't know how Penelope does it, but she sucks you in, and there is no way out ( you don't want to get out TRUST ME!! ) Con and Aurelia story is phenomenal. You understand more of the past and present of how Con becomes the Roman Republic Emperor and then how he is not... You won't be disappointed! I encourage you to read!!!
May 22, 2026
This book starts pretty much where the last one ended. Constantine and Aurelia are still dating and doing their thing. While we watch their relationship move forward, we also go back in time to see how Constantine became who he is today.
The ending was unsatisfying to me but I hope the next book fixes it.
Overall, a quick and fun read!
The ending was unsatisfying to me but I hope the next book fixes it.
Overall, a quick and fun read!
June 22, 2026
Anything by Penelope Sky is near and dear to my heart but it still amazes me how she manages to create so many amazing characters that have you rooting for them from the edge of your seat. Aurelia and Constantine are no different and I’m more than ready to get my hands on the next chapter in their story!!
May 5, 2026
{3.5🌟}
June 1, 2026
**audio**
MUCH better than the first book! I really enjoyed the background “prologues” in this book. It really rounded the MMC out for me & put a lot into perspective.
MUCH better than the first book! I really enjoyed the background “prologues” in this book. It really rounded the MMC out for me & put a lot into perspective.
June 11, 2026
I’m literally obsessed with Constantine.
June 15, 2026
3.5 stars
I didn’t like this one as much as the first. But I did like it enough to continue the series.
I didn’t like this one as much as the first. But I did like it enough to continue the series.
May 11, 2026
If you've read the Fifth Republic series, this series is essentially the same story. Bastien and Constantine are the same character. The FMC’s are very similar. I honestly thought I was re-reading The Butcher.
So this was disappointing to say the least. I like most books by this author. But this was a waste of time.
So this was disappointing to say the least. I like most books by this author. But this was a waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
THE KING WHO GAVE AWAY HIS CROWN
I don’t even know where to begin with this book because I am still sitting here trying to process that ending.
What started as a continuation of Constantine and Aurelia’s story became so much more than a romance. This book gave us the man behind the legend. It peeled back every layer of Constantine’s past and showed us exactly how he became the ruler, protector, and feared leader we met in the first book.
One of the most brilliant things Penelope Sky did was the structure of this story. Instead of simply continuing where the first book left off, she wove Constantine’s history throughout the present timeline. We watched his childhood, his losses, his sacrifices, and the heartbreak that shaped him. The storyline involving his brother was especially devastating and added so much emotional depth to his character. Every painful moment helped explain the choices he makes as an adult and the burden he has carried for years.
What truly elevated this book for me was the way the timelines eventually collided. The story slowly caught up to the exact moment Constantine and Aurelia first met, tying the events of this book directly into the first one. Suddenly scenes from the previous book carried entirely new meaning because we finally understood what was happening from Constantine’s perspective. It was masterful storytelling and one of the most satisfying narrative payoffs I’ve read in a long time.
I also loved how Aurelia and Constantine’s relationship continued to evolve. Their connection felt deeper because we finally understood what he had been carrying all along. Watching him allow someone into the walls he built around himself made every interaction feel more meaningful.
The introduction and expansion of the Skull King’s role was another highlight. It never felt forced. Instead, it felt like the author was carefully laying the groundwork for something much bigger that will undoubtedly explode in the next book. Every scene involving him left me wanting more.
And then there was that ending.
I am still not over it.
After everything Constantine built, after everything he sacrificed, after everything he endured, he gave up the entire Republic. Not because he was weak. Not because he was defeated. But because he chose the people he loved over power. That decision broke my heart and somehow made me respect him even more.
The cliffhanger was absolutely brutal. I am convinced that Constantine’s story is far from over. A man like him doesn’t simply walk away forever. I have a feeling the next book will bring a reckoning, and I desperately hope Aurelia helps him see that he is still the leader his people need. If anyone can bring him back to reclaim what was taken, it’s her.
Penelope Sky once again proved why she remains one of my favorite authors. She didn’t just write a romance. She wrote a story about sacrifice, loyalty, grief, love, leadership, and the impossible choices that come with power.
This was emotional, heartbreaking, beautifully structured, and completely unforgettable.
If you love powerful leaders, emotionally layered heroes, strong heroines, rich worldbuilding, heartbreaking sacrifice, and endings that leave you staring at the wall wondering what just happened, this book is a must-read.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for Book 3 because I need answers immediately.
😏🔥 And honestly? “The King Who Gave Away His Crown” feels like the perfect title because that’s exactly what wrecked you. Not the spice. Not even the romance.
The sacrifice. The fact that he chose people over power. And now you’re sitting there hoping he’ll take it all back. 🖤📚🔥
I don’t even know where to begin with this book because I am still sitting here trying to process that ending.
What started as a continuation of Constantine and Aurelia’s story became so much more than a romance. This book gave us the man behind the legend. It peeled back every layer of Constantine’s past and showed us exactly how he became the ruler, protector, and feared leader we met in the first book.
One of the most brilliant things Penelope Sky did was the structure of this story. Instead of simply continuing where the first book left off, she wove Constantine’s history throughout the present timeline. We watched his childhood, his losses, his sacrifices, and the heartbreak that shaped him. The storyline involving his brother was especially devastating and added so much emotional depth to his character. Every painful moment helped explain the choices he makes as an adult and the burden he has carried for years.
What truly elevated this book for me was the way the timelines eventually collided. The story slowly caught up to the exact moment Constantine and Aurelia first met, tying the events of this book directly into the first one. Suddenly scenes from the previous book carried entirely new meaning because we finally understood what was happening from Constantine’s perspective. It was masterful storytelling and one of the most satisfying narrative payoffs I’ve read in a long time.
I also loved how Aurelia and Constantine’s relationship continued to evolve. Their connection felt deeper because we finally understood what he had been carrying all along. Watching him allow someone into the walls he built around himself made every interaction feel more meaningful.
The introduction and expansion of the Skull King’s role was another highlight. It never felt forced. Instead, it felt like the author was carefully laying the groundwork for something much bigger that will undoubtedly explode in the next book. Every scene involving him left me wanting more.
And then there was that ending.
I am still not over it.
After everything Constantine built, after everything he sacrificed, after everything he endured, he gave up the entire Republic. Not because he was weak. Not because he was defeated. But because he chose the people he loved over power. That decision broke my heart and somehow made me respect him even more.
The cliffhanger was absolutely brutal. I am convinced that Constantine’s story is far from over. A man like him doesn’t simply walk away forever. I have a feeling the next book will bring a reckoning, and I desperately hope Aurelia helps him see that he is still the leader his people need. If anyone can bring him back to reclaim what was taken, it’s her.
Penelope Sky once again proved why she remains one of my favorite authors. She didn’t just write a romance. She wrote a story about sacrifice, loyalty, grief, love, leadership, and the impossible choices that come with power.
This was emotional, heartbreaking, beautifully structured, and completely unforgettable.
If you love powerful leaders, emotionally layered heroes, strong heroines, rich worldbuilding, heartbreaking sacrifice, and endings that leave you staring at the wall wondering what just happened, this book is a must-read.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for Book 3 because I need answers immediately.
😏🔥 And honestly? “The King Who Gave Away His Crown” feels like the perfect title because that’s exactly what wrecked you. Not the spice. Not even the romance.
The sacrifice. The fact that he chose people over power. And now you’re sitting there hoping he’ll take it all back. 🖤📚🔥
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ 3.75 | ❤️ 3/5
If you read The Ruler and liked Constantine, I recommend that you read the sequel. The Savage is the stronger book, though it is meaningfully different.
The romance takes a backseat in this sequel; as does the heat. What you get instead is Constantine’s mafia origin story across a dual timeline, and I found myself more engaged with his past timeline than the present across either book. Part of that is due to it being in his POV; he’s just more inhabited and fleshed out than Aurelia is. The past timeline includes how things came to unravel between him and his twin Edric, the fallout with his ex Isabella, and how he rose up. Watching this build up to the present storyline, including the first time he laid eyes on Aurelia, was very satisfying. I came away from this book understanding Constantine as a person much better. The secondary characters get their moments too, and some of the highlights of the book include quips from Aurelia and Constantine’s social circles, which bring levity with good comedic timing.
Some of the craft patterns that I mentioned in my review of The Ruler persist in this book. The dialogue occasionally veers into corny territory, typically from Constantine. There were moments where the dialogue undercut an otherwise solid scene. The story also had some inconsistency around the central betrayal that drives the backstory, where I felt that the narrative didn’t quite commit to what actually happened. This led it to feel unresolved. Like The Ruler, telling instead of showing remains a pattern especially in the handling of emotions.
It’s worth noting that the heat is dialed down to a 3/5 versus the 4/5 of The Ruler’s (or what I might typically expect from the author). While there was the addition of more somnophilia and free use, most scenes were brief, low detail, or happened off the page. If heat was a primary draw for you, know this going into this book.
The ending felt anticlimactic and not just because of how suddenly it arrived. The external plot resolves, but the emotional resolution felt unfinished to me as if there would have been a final scene that just got cut off. Part of that feeling came from being told what the characters felt rather than shown it, which felt at odds with the uncertainty that was being conveyed nonverbally. I turned the page expecting more and found the author’s backlist instead. With a third book, The Breaker, on the way, this reads in hindsight as a series pause, but nothing in the ending signaled that.
Overall, it was an entertaining read; just know what you're getting into.
1. The Ruler ⭐ 3.5 | ❤️ 4/5
2. The Savage ⭐ 3.75 | ❤️ 3/5
3. The Breaker - to be released
This review is based on an ARC provided by Montlake via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
If you read The Ruler and liked Constantine, I recommend that you read the sequel. The Savage is the stronger book, though it is meaningfully different.
The romance takes a backseat in this sequel; as does the heat. What you get instead is Constantine’s mafia origin story across a dual timeline, and I found myself more engaged with his past timeline than the present across either book. Part of that is due to it being in his POV; he’s just more inhabited and fleshed out than Aurelia is. The past timeline includes how things came to unravel between him and his twin Edric, the fallout with his ex Isabella, and how he rose up. Watching this build up to the present storyline, including the first time he laid eyes on Aurelia, was very satisfying. I came away from this book understanding Constantine as a person much better. The secondary characters get their moments too, and some of the highlights of the book include quips from Aurelia and Constantine’s social circles, which bring levity with good comedic timing.
Some of the craft patterns that I mentioned in my review of The Ruler persist in this book. The dialogue occasionally veers into corny territory, typically from Constantine. There were moments where the dialogue undercut an otherwise solid scene. The story also had some inconsistency around the central betrayal that drives the backstory, where I felt that the narrative didn’t quite commit to what actually happened. This led it to feel unresolved. Like The Ruler, telling instead of showing remains a pattern especially in the handling of emotions.
It’s worth noting that the heat is dialed down to a 3/5 versus the 4/5 of The Ruler’s (or what I might typically expect from the author). While there was the addition of more somnophilia and free use, most scenes were brief, low detail, or happened off the page. If heat was a primary draw for you, know this going into this book.
The ending felt anticlimactic and not just because of how suddenly it arrived. The external plot resolves, but the emotional resolution felt unfinished to me as if there would have been a final scene that just got cut off. Part of that feeling came from being told what the characters felt rather than shown it, which felt at odds with the uncertainty that was being conveyed nonverbally. I turned the page expecting more and found the author’s backlist instead. With a third book, The Breaker, on the way, this reads in hindsight as a series pause, but nothing in the ending signaled that.
Overall, it was an entertaining read; just know what you're getting into.
1. The Ruler ⭐ 3.5 | ❤️ 4/5
2. The Savage ⭐ 3.75 | ❤️ 3/5
3. The Breaker - to be released
This review is based on an ARC provided by Montlake via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2026
The Savage picks up right after The Ruler, so it won't make a lot of sense without reading book 1 first. There is no "recap" explaining what happened in book 1 with Constantine, Aurelia, the Roman Republic, or the plot. The Savage is heavily written in Constantine's POV between current day and past experiences told through several prologues.
In present day, Constantine deals with It sets up the Roman Republic structure: the Pope, the president, the military, and history. It can drag at times explaining the empire around Constantine, stalling the romance into a nearly-forgotten subplot.
Constantine's flashbacks show what happened with Edric and Isabella, how Constantine entered the mafia world, how Edric ended up with Darius, and how Constantine watched his brother die. Constantine's grief makes him rigid and controlled.
The story also has a strange honor code for him. Constantine is obsessed with truth, loyalty, and keeping his word, but he withholds truth all the time. That double standard is a frustrating and hypocritical part of his character. He hates not controlling secrets.
Aurelia is basically a houseplant in this book. Her arc centers on accepting what Constantine’s world requires.
This book is shelved as Dark Romance but honestly there is very little romance, and even less spice. The Ruler had the heat, mystery, and chemistry. The Savage is the dark reality after that fantasy ends.
The ending happens quickly at 500 mph.
I would describe this book as a bridge between 1 and 3 with a lot of "work" narrative. Constantine gets a full backstory, motivations, trauma, and the girl. But as a romance, it’s thin.
Spice 1.5/5.
In present day, Constantine deals with It sets up the Roman Republic structure: the Pope, the president, the military, and history. It can drag at times explaining the empire around Constantine, stalling the romance into a nearly-forgotten subplot.
Constantine's flashbacks show what happened with Edric and Isabella, how Constantine entered the mafia world, how Edric ended up with Darius, and how Constantine watched his brother die. Constantine's grief makes him rigid and controlled.
The story also has a strange honor code for him. Constantine is obsessed with truth, loyalty, and keeping his word, but he withholds truth all the time. That double standard is a frustrating and hypocritical part of his character. He hates not controlling secrets.
Aurelia is basically a houseplant in this book. Her arc centers on accepting what Constantine’s world requires.
This book is shelved as Dark Romance but honestly there is very little romance, and even less spice. The Ruler had the heat, mystery, and chemistry. The Savage is the dark reality after that fantasy ends.
The ending happens quickly at 500 mph.
I would describe this book as a bridge between 1 and 3 with a lot of "work" narrative. Constantine gets a full backstory, motivations, trauma, and the girl. But as a romance, it’s thin.
Spice 1.5/5.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Savage completely consumed me from the very first page. Dark, intense, emotional, and dangerously addictive, this sequel took everything I loved about the first book and dragged it deeper into the shadows. Constantine and Aurelia’s story somehow became even more gripping, and I genuinely could not put this book down.
What really made this installment stand out for me was getting a deeper look into Constantine’s past. The dual timeline worked so well here, peeling back layer after layer of the man behind “The Savage.” Seeing the betrayals, pain, and events that shaped him into the ruthless force he is today added so much emotional weight to the story. Every revelation hit like another crack in marble, exposing something raw underneath all that control and power.
And Constantine? Absolutely obsessed with this man. He’s brutal, feared, calculating, and yet somehow unbelievably tender with Aurelia. The contrast between the dangerous mafia figure and the man who would burn the world down for the woman he loves made every scene with them magnetic. His devotion to Aurelia never felt performative either. It felt absolute. Possessive. Earned.
The chemistry between Aurelia and Constantine continues to be explosive. Every interaction carried tension, emotion, or heat, and their relationship felt stronger and more intimate in this book. I also appreciated that Aurelia still had moments of uncertainty and vulnerability because it made their relationship feel layered instead of perfect.
The suspense and action kept me fully locked in the entire time. Every time I thought I understood where the story was heading, Penelope Sky twisted the knife and gave me another reveal I didn’t see coming. And the emotional moments? They landed HARD. There were scenes that genuinely hurt to read in the best possible way.
Also, Medusa deserves honorable mention because that dog owns my heart at this point.
The ending absolutely wrecked me. That cliffhanger felt like being shoved off the edge of a rooftop while someone whispers “good luck” on the way down 😭 I need the next book immediately because I am far too emotionally invested in Constantine and Aurelia now.
If you love:
🖤 dark mafia romance
🖤 possessive but devoted MMCs
🖤 dual timelines and tragic backstories
🖤 explosive chemistry
🖤 emotional intensity mixed with danger
🖤 “I would destroy anyone who touches her” energy
🖤 suspense, betrayal, revenge, and obsession
…then this series needs to be on your radar immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Savage completely consumed me from the very first page. Dark, intense, emotional, and dangerously addictive, this sequel took everything I loved about the first book and dragged it deeper into the shadows. Constantine and Aurelia’s story somehow became even more gripping, and I genuinely could not put this book down.
What really made this installment stand out for me was getting a deeper look into Constantine’s past. The dual timeline worked so well here, peeling back layer after layer of the man behind “The Savage.” Seeing the betrayals, pain, and events that shaped him into the ruthless force he is today added so much emotional weight to the story. Every revelation hit like another crack in marble, exposing something raw underneath all that control and power.
And Constantine? Absolutely obsessed with this man. He’s brutal, feared, calculating, and yet somehow unbelievably tender with Aurelia. The contrast between the dangerous mafia figure and the man who would burn the world down for the woman he loves made every scene with them magnetic. His devotion to Aurelia never felt performative either. It felt absolute. Possessive. Earned.
The chemistry between Aurelia and Constantine continues to be explosive. Every interaction carried tension, emotion, or heat, and their relationship felt stronger and more intimate in this book. I also appreciated that Aurelia still had moments of uncertainty and vulnerability because it made their relationship feel layered instead of perfect.
The suspense and action kept me fully locked in the entire time. Every time I thought I understood where the story was heading, Penelope Sky twisted the knife and gave me another reveal I didn’t see coming. And the emotional moments? They landed HARD. There were scenes that genuinely hurt to read in the best possible way.
Also, Medusa deserves honorable mention because that dog owns my heart at this point.
The ending absolutely wrecked me. That cliffhanger felt like being shoved off the edge of a rooftop while someone whispers “good luck” on the way down 😭 I need the next book immediately because I am far too emotionally invested in Constantine and Aurelia now.
If you love:
🖤 dark mafia romance
🖤 possessive but devoted MMCs
🖤 dual timelines and tragic backstories
🖤 explosive chemistry
🖤 emotional intensity mixed with danger
🖤 “I would destroy anyone who touches her” energy
🖤 suspense, betrayal, revenge, and obsession
…then this series needs to be on your radar immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2026
🚨Spoilers🚨 -read at your own risk
So, I have multiple opinions about this book. The 2nd installment of the Roman Republic series is hot and cold. I loved the backstory (which, btw, SHOULD NOT have been labeled prologues) and it alone kept me from DNFing this book. The 'filler' present scenes bored me to tears. If I had to hear Aurelia talk about the size of Con's penis again, I was gonna scream. And the spice scenes started to get👏🏼on👏🏼my👏🏼nerves. Anytime there was a present time chp, he was railing her. Holy crap, it got old. Now let's talk about Constantine and his lack of...balls, if you will. The Skull King brutally murdered his brother (BRU-TA-LLY) and Con was set on revenge. The Cosa Nostra wasn't interested in helping him because Darius was 'scary' and crazy (read that "Italian Mafia Pussies"). So Con goes about putting himself in the position of killing Darius on his own...by becoming the Emperor. But the Pope and the President told him he couldn't kill him and he just said 'okay'. Then, the major conflict hits (at 88%, mind you, a long f*ing time to get there) and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see Con take that M'er-F'er down. But what happens? Con is given an ultimatum: Aurelia's life for the Roman Empire. He chooses the girl (rightly so) and they leave. I'm expecting a regrouping once the get back to Sicily, a plan to FINALLY take down Darius (obviously, that's the last book), BUT THERE'S NOTHING. Con accepts defeat and just says he gave Darius his word that he won't come after him and he always keeps his word 😒. I'm sorry, WHAT? The build-up of Con's hatred for the guy who killed his brother and made him watch just fizzled out in the end.
I realize the 3rd book will probably see Con get his revenge on Darius, take him down and take back his Emperorship and rule over the Roman Empire again, BUT I'm so exhausted from reading the subpar first 2 books that I'm gonna wait until I go back to work to start the 3rd book on audio (free with the KU version of the book cause I would not pay for it otherwise) because I don't want to waste anymore precious eyeball reading time on this series.
I will only recommend this book on 2 conditions: 1) DO NOT read the Fifth Republic series first (that one and this one are too much alike to get a new vibe/feel for this one), and 2) Understand that this book is slow/boring AF at times (I felt like I had to choke down a lot of it). If you don't/can't meet those two criteria, don't read it. I realize the 3rd book may alter my feelings, but until I read it, this suggestion stands.
So, I have multiple opinions about this book. The 2nd installment of the Roman Republic series is hot and cold. I loved the backstory (which, btw, SHOULD NOT have been labeled prologues) and it alone kept me from DNFing this book. The 'filler' present scenes bored me to tears. If I had to hear Aurelia talk about the size of Con's penis again, I was gonna scream. And the spice scenes started to get👏🏼on👏🏼my👏🏼nerves. Anytime there was a present time chp, he was railing her. Holy crap, it got old. Now let's talk about Constantine and his lack of...balls, if you will. The Skull King brutally murdered his brother (BRU-TA-LLY) and Con was set on revenge. The Cosa Nostra wasn't interested in helping him because Darius was 'scary' and crazy (read that "Italian Mafia Pussies"). So Con goes about putting himself in the position of killing Darius on his own...by becoming the Emperor. But the Pope and the President told him he couldn't kill him and he just said 'okay'. Then, the major conflict hits (at 88%, mind you, a long f*ing time to get there) and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see Con take that M'er-F'er down. But what happens? Con is given an ultimatum: Aurelia's life for the Roman Empire. He chooses the girl (rightly so) and they leave. I'm expecting a regrouping once the get back to Sicily, a plan to FINALLY take down Darius (obviously, that's the last book), BUT THERE'S NOTHING. Con accepts defeat and just says he gave Darius his word that he won't come after him and he always keeps his word 😒. I'm sorry, WHAT? The build-up of Con's hatred for the guy who killed his brother and made him watch just fizzled out in the end.
I realize the 3rd book will probably see Con get his revenge on Darius, take him down and take back his Emperorship and rule over the Roman Empire again, BUT I'm so exhausted from reading the subpar first 2 books that I'm gonna wait until I go back to work to start the 3rd book on audio (free with the KU version of the book cause I would not pay for it otherwise) because I don't want to waste anymore precious eyeball reading time on this series.
I will only recommend this book on 2 conditions: 1) DO NOT read the Fifth Republic series first (that one and this one are too much alike to get a new vibe/feel for this one), and 2) Understand that this book is slow/boring AF at times (I felt like I had to choke down a lot of it). If you don't/can't meet those two criteria, don't read it. I realize the 3rd book may alter my feelings, but until I read it, this suggestion stands.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Savage picks up immediately after The Ruler, and the intensity between Aurelia and Constantine hasn’t faded for a second. If anything, it deepens. Constantine is still completely consumed by his devotion to Aurelia, and what makes this installment stand out is how fully she meets him there. Even after understanding the full weight of his world, she chooses him without hesitation—and together they prove they’re far stronger as a united front than they ever were apart.
Constantine was already compelling, but this book takes him to another level. Seeing his perspective more consistently—and diving into the experiences that shaped him—adds layers that make his actions feel even more grounded. His unwavering certainty about Aurelia is both intense and strangely satisfying; he doesn’t waver, and everything he does reinforces just how much she matters to him.
Aurelia, on the other hand, really came into her own here. Where she might have been frustrating before, now she feels sharper, more resilient, and far more aligned with the story’s darker tone. Watching her growth made the relationship feel balanced in a way it hadn’t before.
The narrative itself leans more into the brutal realities of Constantine’s life. Between dealing with organ traffickers, a dangerous arms dealer, and the looming threat of the Skull King, the stakes feel constantly high. The added timeline elements—especially those exploring his past relationship and the tragedy involving his twin brother—bring emotional weight that elevates the entire story.
Even though the romance still burns strong, the dynamic shifts from tension-filled push and pull to something more solid: a true partnership. The chemistry is still there, but it’s now backed by trust and shared purpose rather than uncertainty.
The pacing makes it incredibly easy to binge—this is the kind of book you sit down with and suddenly realize hours have passed. And while the heat level might be toned down compared to Buttons and Lace, the trade-off is a story packed with suspense and emotional depth, which more than makes up for it.
Also, Medusa absolutely steals scenes whenever she appears—an unexpected but welcome highlight.
And then there’s that ending. Not entirely merciless, but still enough of a cliffhanger to leave you impatiently counting down to the next installment. Penelope Sky clearly knows how to keep readers hooked, because waiting for book three feels almost unbearable.
Constantine was already compelling, but this book takes him to another level. Seeing his perspective more consistently—and diving into the experiences that shaped him—adds layers that make his actions feel even more grounded. His unwavering certainty about Aurelia is both intense and strangely satisfying; he doesn’t waver, and everything he does reinforces just how much she matters to him.
Aurelia, on the other hand, really came into her own here. Where she might have been frustrating before, now she feels sharper, more resilient, and far more aligned with the story’s darker tone. Watching her growth made the relationship feel balanced in a way it hadn’t before.
The narrative itself leans more into the brutal realities of Constantine’s life. Between dealing with organ traffickers, a dangerous arms dealer, and the looming threat of the Skull King, the stakes feel constantly high. The added timeline elements—especially those exploring his past relationship and the tragedy involving his twin brother—bring emotional weight that elevates the entire story.
Even though the romance still burns strong, the dynamic shifts from tension-filled push and pull to something more solid: a true partnership. The chemistry is still there, but it’s now backed by trust and shared purpose rather than uncertainty.
The pacing makes it incredibly easy to binge—this is the kind of book you sit down with and suddenly realize hours have passed. And while the heat level might be toned down compared to Buttons and Lace, the trade-off is a story packed with suspense and emotional depth, which more than makes up for it.
Also, Medusa absolutely steals scenes whenever she appears—an unexpected but welcome highlight.
And then there’s that ending. Not entirely merciless, but still enough of a cliffhanger to leave you impatiently counting down to the next installment. Penelope Sky clearly knows how to keep readers hooked, because waiting for book three feels almost unbearable.
May 6, 2026
Wow… I didn’t want to put it down! First, look at that freakin’ HAWT cover of Constantine (Con) or Savage! This is the second book of the Roman Republic series. THE SAVAGE is so vulnerable, passionate, sexy, spicy, entertaining, intriguing, and suspenseful. What a ride! The emotion! The drama! I was completely absorbed into its pages from the very first page. This is the continuation of Constantine and Aurelia’s story.
We learn more about Constantine’s dark past through the prologues that explained the pain, betrayal, tensions, and struggles he endured, as well as his relationship with his twin brother, Edric, the Mafia, and why he became known as The Savage and working for the Roman Republic. Penelope Sky never ceases to amaze me by seamlessly meshing the past with the present timeline. I also love how Penelope incorporated characters from previous books.
Now that Aurelia is Constantine’s woman, and he asked her to move in with him. Constantine hopes this will show Aurelia his commitment, loyalty, and devotion to the woman he considers his. Although Aurelia is content with her relationship with Constantine, she still worries that she maybe a distraction because of the type of work he is involved in. Constantine has a problem with Aurelia’s indecisiveness and insecurities, but he is willing to be patient with her and to trust his decisions. Will their doubts get in the way of true love? And his other female that he loves—Medusa, his dog! His girls!
Constantine and Aurelia are full of surprises—I was flabbergasted with the unexpected revelations that happened. Even though Constantine wants to keep his city safe, but make no mistake, Aurelia is the kind of woman Constantine would go to war for and discard all the rules—he will do whatever it takes to keep Aurelia safe! How far will Constantine go for his quest for revenge of those who go against him? Constantine and Aurelia’s chemistry can’t be denied—it leaps off the page—they are combustible! Then an incident occurred. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out, but that cliffhanger… making me wait with bated breath! Penelope Sky delivered a powerful and emotional, intense, and all-consuming story that left me obsessed. You won’t regret reading THE SAVAGE (Book 2).
We learn more about Constantine’s dark past through the prologues that explained the pain, betrayal, tensions, and struggles he endured, as well as his relationship with his twin brother, Edric, the Mafia, and why he became known as The Savage and working for the Roman Republic. Penelope Sky never ceases to amaze me by seamlessly meshing the past with the present timeline. I also love how Penelope incorporated characters from previous books.
Now that Aurelia is Constantine’s woman, and he asked her to move in with him. Constantine hopes this will show Aurelia his commitment, loyalty, and devotion to the woman he considers his. Although Aurelia is content with her relationship with Constantine, she still worries that she maybe a distraction because of the type of work he is involved in. Constantine has a problem with Aurelia’s indecisiveness and insecurities, but he is willing to be patient with her and to trust his decisions. Will their doubts get in the way of true love? And his other female that he loves—Medusa, his dog! His girls!
Constantine and Aurelia are full of surprises—I was flabbergasted with the unexpected revelations that happened. Even though Constantine wants to keep his city safe, but make no mistake, Aurelia is the kind of woman Constantine would go to war for and discard all the rules—he will do whatever it takes to keep Aurelia safe! How far will Constantine go for his quest for revenge of those who go against him? Constantine and Aurelia’s chemistry can’t be denied—it leaps off the page—they are combustible! Then an incident occurred. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out, but that cliffhanger… making me wait with bated breath! Penelope Sky delivered a powerful and emotional, intense, and all-consuming story that left me obsessed. You won’t regret reading THE SAVAGE (Book 2).
May 5, 2026
The Savage is the second book in the Roman Empire series. Aurelia is happy right now, soaking in the happiness. She feels amazing when she’s with Constantine. She feels wanted, desired, loved. She feel things she never felt with her ex. The way he treats her is unlike anything she’s ever experienced. So she holds onto it but she still worries. This is too good to be true. Now she knows he’s a powerful man with a powerful job and she can easily be a distraction. She doesn’t want to take him away from duties or seem too clingy. When Constantine asks her to move in, she’s a ecstatic but worried they’re moving too fast. However rather than question it, she jumps in with both feet.
Constantine is thrilled that Aurelia is sure of them now. He didn’t like her indecisiveness, her insecurities, but he was as patient as long as he could be. He wants her at his side in his home, spending time with him and his dog. He is filled with joy when she moves in with him. He’s never been happier. He has his family, he has his woman, and he has his empire. There’s only one thing he wants in this whole world that would make him feel complete. That is to right some wrongs from the past and destroy the one enemy that broke him when he was younger. He is faced with an impossible decision or what would be an impossible decision to others. He has to choose between two things he loves. To him it’s not impossible, he doesn’t hesitate.
Penelope sky made me fall in love even more with Constantine. Yes, he’s loyal and honest and fearless, but when it comes to Aurelia, he is so gentle, kind, sweet, and even romantic. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he doesn’t care. He shouts to the world how much she means to him and he proves that time and time again. I felt bad that Aurelia thought even though they can be together, she might be some type of distraction from his normal daily life, but I’m glad that she’s accepting his decisions. There was a lot of chemistry again. Those scenes are definitely hot. I was pacing by the end of the book. It was filled with action, drama, humor, danger, so much heat, suspense, and some heartbreaking shocks.
Constantine is thrilled that Aurelia is sure of them now. He didn’t like her indecisiveness, her insecurities, but he was as patient as long as he could be. He wants her at his side in his home, spending time with him and his dog. He is filled with joy when she moves in with him. He’s never been happier. He has his family, he has his woman, and he has his empire. There’s only one thing he wants in this whole world that would make him feel complete. That is to right some wrongs from the past and destroy the one enemy that broke him when he was younger. He is faced with an impossible decision or what would be an impossible decision to others. He has to choose between two things he loves. To him it’s not impossible, he doesn’t hesitate.
Penelope sky made me fall in love even more with Constantine. Yes, he’s loyal and honest and fearless, but when it comes to Aurelia, he is so gentle, kind, sweet, and even romantic. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he doesn’t care. He shouts to the world how much she means to him and he proves that time and time again. I felt bad that Aurelia thought even though they can be together, she might be some type of distraction from his normal daily life, but I’m glad that she’s accepting his decisions. There was a lot of chemistry again. Those scenes are definitely hot. I was pacing by the end of the book. It was filled with action, drama, humor, danger, so much heat, suspense, and some heartbreaking shocks.
May 16, 2026
OBBSESSED with this series!
I genuinely don’t know how Penelope manages to do this every single time, but once again she had me completely hooked. The second book in the Roman Republic series was absolutely addictive. From the first chapter, I was locked in and fully invested in Constantine and Aurelia. Every chapter had me stressed, swooning, anxious, and immediately needing to know what happened next. I seriously could not put it down.
And Constantine… whew. 🥵
Penelope somehow made me love him even more in this book. He’s ruthless, controlling, dangerous, and honestly terrifying when he needs to be, but the way he loves Aurelia completely softens him. With her, he’s protective, patient, gentle, romantic, and so unapologetically devoted. The man would literally burn the world down for her without hesitating, and somehow that just makes him even better.
I really loved seeing Aurelia settle into their relationship more in this book too. After everything she’s been through, it made sense that she still questioned if something this good could actually last. You could feel her fear of becoming a distraction in Constantine’s life or somehow not fitting into his world, but I loved watching her slowly trust him and fully jump in. Their chemistry was insane the entire book and those scenes were HOT.
What I loved most about Constantine was how open he was about loving her. He doesn’t hide it or play games. He makes it known constantly that Aurelia is his person, and he proves it over and over again through his actions. Underneath all the power and brutality, he honestly just wants his family, his woman, and revenge on the people who destroyed pieces of him in the past. And when he’s forced into impossible choices… he doesn’t hesitate for a second.
This book seriously had everything. Action, suspense, danger, drama, humor, heartbreak, twists, and so much tension. And that ending??? I absolutely did NOT see it coming. I literally had to sit there for a minute afterward trying to process what just happened. The cliffhanger was wild and now I’m already desperate for book three because I know Penelope is about to emotionally destroy me all over again.
I genuinely don’t know how Penelope manages to do this every single time, but once again she had me completely hooked. The second book in the Roman Republic series was absolutely addictive. From the first chapter, I was locked in and fully invested in Constantine and Aurelia. Every chapter had me stressed, swooning, anxious, and immediately needing to know what happened next. I seriously could not put it down.
And Constantine… whew. 🥵
Penelope somehow made me love him even more in this book. He’s ruthless, controlling, dangerous, and honestly terrifying when he needs to be, but the way he loves Aurelia completely softens him. With her, he’s protective, patient, gentle, romantic, and so unapologetically devoted. The man would literally burn the world down for her without hesitating, and somehow that just makes him even better.
I really loved seeing Aurelia settle into their relationship more in this book too. After everything she’s been through, it made sense that she still questioned if something this good could actually last. You could feel her fear of becoming a distraction in Constantine’s life or somehow not fitting into his world, but I loved watching her slowly trust him and fully jump in. Their chemistry was insane the entire book and those scenes were HOT.
What I loved most about Constantine was how open he was about loving her. He doesn’t hide it or play games. He makes it known constantly that Aurelia is his person, and he proves it over and over again through his actions. Underneath all the power and brutality, he honestly just wants his family, his woman, and revenge on the people who destroyed pieces of him in the past. And when he’s forced into impossible choices… he doesn’t hesitate for a second.
This book seriously had everything. Action, suspense, danger, drama, humor, heartbreak, twists, and so much tension. And that ending??? I absolutely did NOT see it coming. I literally had to sit there for a minute afterward trying to process what just happened. The cliffhanger was wild and now I’m already desperate for book three because I know Penelope is about to emotionally destroy me all over again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you thought The Ruler gave you a glimpse of Constantine… The Savage pulls you all the way into the shadows that made him.
This sequel dials down the romance and heat but what it delivers instead is far more compelling: Constantine’s mafia origin story, told through a gripping dual timeline that completely consumed me. And honestly? His past timeline stole the show. Seeing everything unfold through his POV added a sharp, intimate edge that made every choice, every betrayal, hit harder.
And that opening? Immediate obsession. Twin brothers. Betrayal. Tension so thick you can feel it. I went in expecting an emotional, drama heavy ride and I was ready for it.
The dual timeline structure works beautifully here. Watching Constantine’s past unravel alongside the present adds depth that transforms him from a cold, calculating figure into something far more complex… more human… and somehow even more dangerous. If he intrigued you even slightly before, this book will pull you in deeper than you expected.
We finally get long awaited answers about Timothee (yes, I was waiting ), and seeing familiar faces like Bastin from the Fifth Republic series was such a satisfying bonus. And Medusa? She steals every single scene she’s in completely unexpected, completely unforgettable.
That said, the ending didn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped. Not because it lacked impact but because it felt like it stopped just short of something more. The external plot wraps up, but the emotional resolution feels… incomplete. There’s a sense that one final, powerful scene is missing. Some moments tell us what characters feel instead of letting us fully experience it, which clashes with the otherwise strong emotional tension woven throughout.
Still, I turned the final page hungry for more and that lingering cliffhanger? It works. I’ll absolutely be counting down until the next installment.
📌 Voluntary review. No compensation just one reader who got pulled into Constantine’s world and isn’t ready to leave.
This sequel dials down the romance and heat but what it delivers instead is far more compelling: Constantine’s mafia origin story, told through a gripping dual timeline that completely consumed me. And honestly? His past timeline stole the show. Seeing everything unfold through his POV added a sharp, intimate edge that made every choice, every betrayal, hit harder.
And that opening? Immediate obsession. Twin brothers. Betrayal. Tension so thick you can feel it. I went in expecting an emotional, drama heavy ride and I was ready for it.
The dual timeline structure works beautifully here. Watching Constantine’s past unravel alongside the present adds depth that transforms him from a cold, calculating figure into something far more complex… more human… and somehow even more dangerous. If he intrigued you even slightly before, this book will pull you in deeper than you expected.
We finally get long awaited answers about Timothee (yes, I was waiting ), and seeing familiar faces like Bastin from the Fifth Republic series was such a satisfying bonus. And Medusa? She steals every single scene she’s in completely unexpected, completely unforgettable.
That said, the ending didn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped. Not because it lacked impact but because it felt like it stopped just short of something more. The external plot wraps up, but the emotional resolution feels… incomplete. There’s a sense that one final, powerful scene is missing. Some moments tell us what characters feel instead of letting us fully experience it, which clashes with the otherwise strong emotional tension woven throughout.
Still, I turned the final page hungry for more and that lingering cliffhanger? It works. I’ll absolutely be counting down until the next installment.
📌 Voluntary review. No compensation just one reader who got pulled into Constantine’s world and isn’t ready to leave.
May 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
The Savage (Book 2) — ARC Review
I received this ARC in advance from the author and this does not affect my review in any way.
This book absolutely did not come to play. It picks up right where things left off and immediately throws you back into a world that is darker, more intense, and somehow even more emotionally addictive than the first.
The dynamic between the main characters continues to be one of my favorite parts—equal parts chaotic, tender, possessive, and unexpectedly soft in the moments that matter most. The banter had me smiling constantly, but what really hit me was how deeply their connection is rooted beneath all the violence, power, and danger surrounding them.
One of the standout elements in this installment is the inclusion of prologues that offer insight into his past. These glimpses into earlier moments help explain how he became who he is now, adding depth, context, and a sharper emotional edge to his actions and mindset in the present storyline.
There are also moments that are genuinely shocking and heavy, especially involving family, loyalty, and the consequences of the world they’re living in. The emotional weight of those scenes lingers and raises the stakes for everything that follows.
And then there’s him—still completely unhinged in the best way, still obsessed, still making choices that are terrifying and devoted at the same time. Their relationship evolution feels earned, even when it’s messy, morally complicated, and overwhelming.
This installment balances softness and brutality in a way that keeps you constantly on edge. One minute you’re laughing at the ridiculousness of their conversations, and the next you’re staring at the page like “what just happened.”
The ending? Absolutely devastating in the sense that it leaves you needing the next book immediately.
If you enjoyed Book 1, this one turns everything up several notches—emotion, intensity, stakes, and obsession included.
I need Book 3 yesterday.
The Savage (Book 2) — ARC Review
I received this ARC in advance from the author and this does not affect my review in any way.
This book absolutely did not come to play. It picks up right where things left off and immediately throws you back into a world that is darker, more intense, and somehow even more emotionally addictive than the first.
The dynamic between the main characters continues to be one of my favorite parts—equal parts chaotic, tender, possessive, and unexpectedly soft in the moments that matter most. The banter had me smiling constantly, but what really hit me was how deeply their connection is rooted beneath all the violence, power, and danger surrounding them.
One of the standout elements in this installment is the inclusion of prologues that offer insight into his past. These glimpses into earlier moments help explain how he became who he is now, adding depth, context, and a sharper emotional edge to his actions and mindset in the present storyline.
There are also moments that are genuinely shocking and heavy, especially involving family, loyalty, and the consequences of the world they’re living in. The emotional weight of those scenes lingers and raises the stakes for everything that follows.
And then there’s him—still completely unhinged in the best way, still obsessed, still making choices that are terrifying and devoted at the same time. Their relationship evolution feels earned, even when it’s messy, morally complicated, and overwhelming.
This installment balances softness and brutality in a way that keeps you constantly on edge. One minute you’re laughing at the ridiculousness of their conversations, and the next you’re staring at the page like “what just happened.”
The ending? Absolutely devastating in the sense that it leaves you needing the next book immediately.
If you enjoyed Book 1, this one turns everything up several notches—emotion, intensity, stakes, and obsession included.
I need Book 3 yesterday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews