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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
754 people are currently reading
4833 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
75 books7,068 followersA New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
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 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.
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.
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 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 5, 2026
{3.5🌟}
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.
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.
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 11, 2026
The Savage is the second book in Penelope Sky’s Roman Republic series, and I really enjoyed the way she used both past and present timelines to tell Constantine’s story. Through the flashbacks, we finally get to see who Constantine was before becoming the Emperor of the Roman Republic — including the betrayal involving his brother and fiancée, how he became involved with the mafia, and what ultimately shaped him into the man he is now. The backstory added so much depth to his character and made the emotional moments hit harder.
Because the story focused heavily on Constantine’s past, the present-day storyline felt a little more rushed than some of her other books. I loved the conflict between Constantine and the Skull King, and the book definitely kept me intrigued and on edge, but some parts happened almost too easily — especially the Skull King locating Constantine’s home, getting through all the security, and reaching Aurelia.
One of the most touching moments was Constantine taking a bullet to save his dog. It showed such a different, more vulnerable side of him beneath all the power and brutality.
I was also surprised by how quickly Constantine surrendered to the Skull King and gave up his kingdom to protect Aurelia — especially knowing this was the same man responsible for his twin brother’s death. It was oddly heartbreaking to watch him sacrifice everything for the woman he loves, though it also felt slightly anticlimactic because it happened so fast.
Overall, The Savage was emotional, suspenseful, and hard to put down. The ending leaves readers wondering whether Constantine is truly finished, whether the Skull King will continue hunting him, and if Constantine will ever get revenge for his brother’s death. I can’t wait for book 3 to answer all these questions!
Because the story focused heavily on Constantine’s past, the present-day storyline felt a little more rushed than some of her other books. I loved the conflict between Constantine and the Skull King, and the book definitely kept me intrigued and on edge, but some parts happened almost too easily — especially the Skull King locating Constantine’s home, getting through all the security, and reaching Aurelia.
One of the most touching moments was Constantine taking a bullet to save his dog. It showed such a different, more vulnerable side of him beneath all the power and brutality.
I was also surprised by how quickly Constantine surrendered to the Skull King and gave up his kingdom to protect Aurelia — especially knowing this was the same man responsible for his twin brother’s death. It was oddly heartbreaking to watch him sacrifice everything for the woman he loves, though it also felt slightly anticlimactic because it happened so fast.
Overall, The Savage was emotional, suspenseful, and hard to put down. The ending leaves readers wondering whether Constantine is truly finished, whether the Skull King will continue hunting him, and if Constantine will ever get revenge for his brother’s death. I can’t wait for book 3 to answer all these questions!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As Constantine’s life is changing, juggling the intricacies of his work as the Emperor becomes less of a priority than keeping Aurelia safe. While he tries to solve the problem of both the organ traffickers as well as a rogue arms dealer, we go through his memories of his time with the ex who betrayed him, and what led to the rift and eventually death of his twin brother at the hands of the Skull King.
Once Aurelia accepted the reality of Constantine’s world, she was all in, ready to start their life together. While her time with him in Taormina calls to her with memories of a simpler time, she doesn’t shy away from who he is and what he needs to do to keep the people of Rome safe. As she worries that she might distract him from his duties, he convinces her that without her, there is nothing, but when the Skull King comes back into Con’s life, all bets are off.
I received an early copy of this book from Netgalley and really enjoyed it. While the first book was much lighter, showing more of the honeymoon phase of their relationship, this one went into the darker side of Constantine’s life and past. Previously the history with his brother was skimmed over, so I appreciated that half this book covered the 9 years prior to the start of the Ruler, showing us the actions and decisions that helped shape Constantine into the man he is today. His relationship with Aurelia was still just as intense as before, with the physical chemistry off the charts, but rather than the push/pull dynamic we saw earlier, now we got to see them in a true partnership. While the ending wasn’t a true cliffhanger, it left so much open to set the scene for the final book in the trilogy.
Once Aurelia accepted the reality of Constantine’s world, she was all in, ready to start their life together. While her time with him in Taormina calls to her with memories of a simpler time, she doesn’t shy away from who he is and what he needs to do to keep the people of Rome safe. As she worries that she might distract him from his duties, he convinces her that without her, there is nothing, but when the Skull King comes back into Con’s life, all bets are off.
I received an early copy of this book from Netgalley and really enjoyed it. While the first book was much lighter, showing more of the honeymoon phase of their relationship, this one went into the darker side of Constantine’s life and past. Previously the history with his brother was skimmed over, so I appreciated that half this book covered the 9 years prior to the start of the Ruler, showing us the actions and decisions that helped shape Constantine into the man he is today. His relationship with Aurelia was still just as intense as before, with the physical chemistry off the charts, but rather than the push/pull dynamic we saw earlier, now we got to see them in a true partnership. While the ending wasn’t a true cliffhanger, it left so much open to set the scene for the final book in the trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penelope Sky for the ARC 💌 all thoughts are my own and slightly feral.
Okay… this book??
Messy. Dramatic. Addictive. Slightly unhinged.
And I ate it up… mostly.
This is very much Constantine’s story, and if you were even a little intrigued by him in The Ruler, this book is going to pull you in deeper. The dual timeline really worked here. Watching his past unravel alongside the present added layers to his character that made him feel more human… and more dangerous.
The intrigue, betrayal, and tension were doing their job. I was locked in trying to piece everything together, especially with the family dynamics and the slow unraveling of the truth.
BUT… here’s where it lands at 3.5 for me:
💭 The romance definitely takes a backseat in this one. The connection is there, but it didn’t hit as emotionally as I wanted it to.
💭 Some dialogue moments felt a little off or pulled me out of the scene.
💭 The pacing toward the end??? It just kind of… stops. Not in a satisfying “I’m wrecked” way, more like “wait… that’s it?”
💭 Emotional payoff felt a little underdeveloped compared to the buildup.
That said… I was still turning pages.
✨ What worked:
• Constantine’s backstory and character depth
• Dual timeline structure
• Twists, betrayal, and family tension
• Side characters bringing moments of levity
• Addictive, bingeable writing style
🔥 Spice/Heat: lower than expected, more tension than payoff
🖤 Vibes: dark romance meets mafia origin story with emotional chaos
Overall, this felt like a bridge book in the series. It builds a lot, reveals a lot, but doesn’t fully land everything yet. And honestly? It worked enough to keep me hooked.
Okay… this book??
Messy. Dramatic. Addictive. Slightly unhinged.
And I ate it up… mostly.
This is very much Constantine’s story, and if you were even a little intrigued by him in The Ruler, this book is going to pull you in deeper. The dual timeline really worked here. Watching his past unravel alongside the present added layers to his character that made him feel more human… and more dangerous.
The intrigue, betrayal, and tension were doing their job. I was locked in trying to piece everything together, especially with the family dynamics and the slow unraveling of the truth.
BUT… here’s where it lands at 3.5 for me:
💭 The romance definitely takes a backseat in this one. The connection is there, but it didn’t hit as emotionally as I wanted it to.
💭 Some dialogue moments felt a little off or pulled me out of the scene.
💭 The pacing toward the end??? It just kind of… stops. Not in a satisfying “I’m wrecked” way, more like “wait… that’s it?”
💭 Emotional payoff felt a little underdeveloped compared to the buildup.
That said… I was still turning pages.
✨ What worked:
• Constantine’s backstory and character depth
• Dual timeline structure
• Twists, betrayal, and family tension
• Side characters bringing moments of levity
• Addictive, bingeable writing style
🔥 Spice/Heat: lower than expected, more tension than payoff
🖤 Vibes: dark romance meets mafia origin story with emotional chaos
Overall, this felt like a bridge book in the series. It builds a lot, reveals a lot, but doesn’t fully land everything yet. And honestly? It worked enough to keep me hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A love worth more than power and revenge
I didn’t think it was possible to love this story more after The Ruler… but The Savage proved me completely wrong.
This book takes everything to a deeper level: emotionally, psychologically, and romantically ♥️
What I loved most was seeing Constantine beyond the power, beyond the title, beyond the empire he built. In this one, we finally see the man beneath it all. His grief, his past, and the heartbreak that shaped him into who he is. The flashbacks added so much depth especially watching his transformation from a normal life into something much darker… and far more powerful.
And then there’s his present with Aurelia. What they have isn’t just passion, though yes, the chemistry is insane 🔥 but their devotion runs just as deep. They are each other’s safety, each other’s peace.
This is the kind of love that softens even the most dangerous man. Constantine may be ruthless to the world, but with her, he’s gentle, protective, completely consumed… and honestly, a little bit of a golden retriever in the best way 🥰
What made this book unforgettable was the moment his years of grief and revenge led to one impossible choice: his empire… or her.
And in the end…
he chooses her.
Over power. Over revenge. Over everything.
And knowing everything he sacrificed made it hit so much harder. Also… I love a man who would do anything for his pup 🐶😍 Medusa was the MVP of this book!
Overall, The Savage is an emotional, intense and beautifully written continuation of the story. The perfect second book in the Roman Empire series and an absolute must read for dark romance lovers ❤️🔥🖤here are your flowers 💐 Penelope
I didn’t think it was possible to love this story more after The Ruler… but The Savage proved me completely wrong.
This book takes everything to a deeper level: emotionally, psychologically, and romantically ♥️
What I loved most was seeing Constantine beyond the power, beyond the title, beyond the empire he built. In this one, we finally see the man beneath it all. His grief, his past, and the heartbreak that shaped him into who he is. The flashbacks added so much depth especially watching his transformation from a normal life into something much darker… and far more powerful.
And then there’s his present with Aurelia. What they have isn’t just passion, though yes, the chemistry is insane 🔥 but their devotion runs just as deep. They are each other’s safety, each other’s peace.
This is the kind of love that softens even the most dangerous man. Constantine may be ruthless to the world, but with her, he’s gentle, protective, completely consumed… and honestly, a little bit of a golden retriever in the best way 🥰
What made this book unforgettable was the moment his years of grief and revenge led to one impossible choice: his empire… or her.
And in the end…
he chooses her.
Over power. Over revenge. Over everything.
And knowing everything he sacrificed made it hit so much harder. Also… I love a man who would do anything for his pup 🐶😍 Medusa was the MVP of this book!
Overall, The Savage is an emotional, intense and beautifully written continuation of the story. The perfect second book in the Roman Empire series and an absolute must read for dark romance lovers ❤️🔥🖤here are your flowers 💐 Penelope
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Penelope Sky and NetGalley for the ARC.
This one… I have mixed feelings.
The beginning?? Had me HOOKED. The whole setup with the twin brothers, the betrayal, the tension I was locked in immediately. I thought I was about to get this super emotional, drama-filled story and I was ready for it.
But then the story jumps into Constantine’s life in Rome and… I’m not gonna lie, I got kind of lost.
It really feels like a lot of what connects everything happens in Book 1, and since I didn’t read that, I was sitting there like wait… how did we get here? How did he end up in this position? How did his relationship with Aurelia even start? I felt like I was missing big pieces of the story, which made the middle harder for me to stay connected to.
And I wanted to love this. The family tension, the betrayal, the darker elements those parts were really strong. And once things start coming together toward the end (especially with the brother 👀), I was back into it.
But getting there felt confusing at times. The timeline jumps especially threw me off I couldn’t always tell right away if we were in the past or present, and I found myself having to reread parts to figure it out.
Also… Aurelia didn’t fully work for me. I just wanted a little more backbone from her in certain moments.
I don’t think this is a bad book at all I actually think I might’ve enjoyed it a lot more if I had read Book 1 first. I can definitely see the potential in the story and why readers enjoy this series, I just didn’t feel fully connected reading this one on its own.
This one… I have mixed feelings.
The beginning?? Had me HOOKED. The whole setup with the twin brothers, the betrayal, the tension I was locked in immediately. I thought I was about to get this super emotional, drama-filled story and I was ready for it.
But then the story jumps into Constantine’s life in Rome and… I’m not gonna lie, I got kind of lost.
It really feels like a lot of what connects everything happens in Book 1, and since I didn’t read that, I was sitting there like wait… how did we get here? How did he end up in this position? How did his relationship with Aurelia even start? I felt like I was missing big pieces of the story, which made the middle harder for me to stay connected to.
And I wanted to love this. The family tension, the betrayal, the darker elements those parts were really strong. And once things start coming together toward the end (especially with the brother 👀), I was back into it.
But getting there felt confusing at times. The timeline jumps especially threw me off I couldn’t always tell right away if we were in the past or present, and I found myself having to reread parts to figure it out.
Also… Aurelia didn’t fully work for me. I just wanted a little more backbone from her in certain moments.
I don’t think this is a bad book at all I actually think I might’ve enjoyed it a lot more if I had read Book 1 first. I can definitely see the potential in the story and why readers enjoy this series, I just didn’t feel fully connected reading this one on its own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark, mafia, set in Italy, with tension, mystery, betrayal and twists this story was interesting.
This was my first story of Penelope Sky's though I wanted to read her work for so long. I feel kind of disappointed because I expected more but it's not my last attempt of hers.
Hero, Constantine or Con, is in charge of South Italy while North is his enemy Darius who is responsible of his twin brother's death. Heroine, Aurelia, is a not so confident photographer and definitely not born in this world but quite understanding.
This story has equal parts narrating the past and the present but not in a time order rather in between. And this back and forth in timeline felt quite confusing to me. I'm not really fan in dual timelines, I rather prefer to narrate the past then continue to present.
Also the story felt more like a biography of Con's and not a romantic suspense. It lacked the depth and felt quite rushed. I truly believe that if the story was lengthier it would have the space to expand the emotional depth that it required to feel more strong and feel more attached to the characters.
Moreover the end felt abrupt. I mean that's it? Nothing more? I'm confused to be honest.
I do feel that you have to have read the first one in order to better understand some details that I still have questions about them yet.
I liked Aurelia and how strong she is even though she's not confident due to past heartbreaks. And I loved Con and how he treated Aurelia like a queen.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
This was my first story of Penelope Sky's though I wanted to read her work for so long. I feel kind of disappointed because I expected more but it's not my last attempt of hers.
Hero, Constantine or Con, is in charge of South Italy while North is his enemy Darius who is responsible of his twin brother's death. Heroine, Aurelia, is a not so confident photographer and definitely not born in this world but quite understanding.
This story has equal parts narrating the past and the present but not in a time order rather in between. And this back and forth in timeline felt quite confusing to me. I'm not really fan in dual timelines, I rather prefer to narrate the past then continue to present.
Also the story felt more like a biography of Con's and not a romantic suspense. It lacked the depth and felt quite rushed. I truly believe that if the story was lengthier it would have the space to expand the emotional depth that it required to feel more strong and feel more attached to the characters.
Moreover the end felt abrupt. I mean that's it? Nothing more? I'm confused to be honest.
I do feel that you have to have read the first one in order to better understand some details that I still have questions about them yet.
I liked Aurelia and how strong she is even though she's not confident due to past heartbreaks. And I loved Con and how he treated Aurelia like a queen.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After finishing the first book, I was really hoping for more depth and The Savage definitely delivers when it comes to backstory. I appreciated finally getting the background information that felt missing before, and it added a stronger foundation to the overall plot.
That said, this installment felt very different in terms of focus. The FMC seemed to take a backseat for most of the story, which made it harder to stay emotionally connected. The plot itself was fast-paced and intriguing, but the relationship development just wasn’t there in the way I expected. There’s very little actual romance until the very end. Most physical encounters followed by the MMC immediately returning to work, which made the connection feel a bit surface-level.
The writing also felt inconsistent at times. Some scenes came across as rushed or slightly juvenile, and the repetition in the spice scenes stood out in a distracting way. Where the first book leaned heavily calling the male MMC’s appendage “fat”, this one swapped it out… but only with the word “big” as if there are no other possible adjectives. It pulled me out of the story more than it added to it.
Overall, I was still invested enough to keep turning the pages but I was left wanting more emotional depth and stronger character focus.
All of that said, I will likely still read the third book because after this much time has been invested I have to know what happens next!
That said, this installment felt very different in terms of focus. The FMC seemed to take a backseat for most of the story, which made it harder to stay emotionally connected. The plot itself was fast-paced and intriguing, but the relationship development just wasn’t there in the way I expected. There’s very little actual romance until the very end. Most physical encounters followed by the MMC immediately returning to work, which made the connection feel a bit surface-level.
The writing also felt inconsistent at times. Some scenes came across as rushed or slightly juvenile, and the repetition in the spice scenes stood out in a distracting way. Where the first book leaned heavily calling the male MMC’s appendage “fat”, this one swapped it out… but only with the word “big” as if there are no other possible adjectives. It pulled me out of the story more than it added to it.
Overall, I was still invested enough to keep turning the pages but I was left wanting more emotional depth and stronger character focus.
All of that said, I will likely still read the third book because after this much time has been invested I have to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I devoured this book in a day because once I started, I could not put it down. Penelope Sky has me completely hooked on this series.
I loved The Ruler, but I might have loved this one even more. We got so much more Constantine in this book, and I was obsessed. His backstory added so much depth, and I loved the dual timeline elements. Having so much of the story from his POV was everything for me.
And can we talk about Aurelia? She won me over in this one. I’ll be honest, she frustrated me in book one, but I really loved her character growth here. She felt stronger, sharper, and just worked so much better for me in this story.
The action kept me on edge the whole time, and even though the spice was much lighter than some of Penelope Sky’s earlier books (especially compared to the Buttons and Lace series), I honestly didn’t mind because the story itself carried so much tension.
Also Medusa deserves a special mention because I adore that dog. Such a perfect addition.
And that ending! Yes, another cliffhanger, and yes, I’m suffering having to wait until June for book three but I appreciated that it wasn’t completely cruel. Just enough to leave me desperate for the next book.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This series keeps getting better, and now I’m counting down until book three.
If you liked dark romance with suspense, action, and a possessive, layered hero, definitely pick this one up.
I loved The Ruler, but I might have loved this one even more. We got so much more Constantine in this book, and I was obsessed. His backstory added so much depth, and I loved the dual timeline elements. Having so much of the story from his POV was everything for me.
And can we talk about Aurelia? She won me over in this one. I’ll be honest, she frustrated me in book one, but I really loved her character growth here. She felt stronger, sharper, and just worked so much better for me in this story.
The action kept me on edge the whole time, and even though the spice was much lighter than some of Penelope Sky’s earlier books (especially compared to the Buttons and Lace series), I honestly didn’t mind because the story itself carried so much tension.
Also Medusa deserves a special mention because I adore that dog. Such a perfect addition.
And that ending! Yes, another cliffhanger, and yes, I’m suffering having to wait until June for book three but I appreciated that it wasn’t completely cruel. Just enough to leave me desperate for the next book.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This series keeps getting better, and now I’m counting down until book three.
If you liked dark romance with suspense, action, and a possessive, layered hero, definitely pick this one up.
May 5, 2026
This series just keeps leveling UP .
The Savage takes everything from book one and pushes it deeper emotionally, psychologically, and honestly… a little painfully. because this one isn’t just about power and control anymore. It’s about grief, loyalty, and what happens when love starts to outweigh everything else.
Constantine absolutely carries this book. We finally get more of his past, his mindset, and what shaped him into the man he is and it adds so much to his character. He’s still ruthless, still terrifying when he needs to be, but underneath all of that is someone driven by loss, guilt, and an almost overwhelming devotion to Aurelia.
Aurelia is stronger, more grounded, and more in tune with the reality of Constantine’s world. instead of resisting it, she steps into it and their relationship becomes less about tension and more about partnership.
It’s not just chemistry anymore....it’s loyalty, trust, and choosing each other even when everything is falling apart.
– Constantine’s past unraveling
– the Skull King threat closing in
– layered betrayals and unanswered questions
– dual timelines that build emotional weight
The tension stays high the entire time.
If you loved The Ruler, this is a stronger, more emotional with higher stakes and a romance that evolves into something much more powerful.
The Savage takes everything from book one and pushes it deeper emotionally, psychologically, and honestly… a little painfully. because this one isn’t just about power and control anymore. It’s about grief, loyalty, and what happens when love starts to outweigh everything else.
Constantine absolutely carries this book. We finally get more of his past, his mindset, and what shaped him into the man he is and it adds so much to his character. He’s still ruthless, still terrifying when he needs to be, but underneath all of that is someone driven by loss, guilt, and an almost overwhelming devotion to Aurelia.
Aurelia is stronger, more grounded, and more in tune with the reality of Constantine’s world. instead of resisting it, she steps into it and their relationship becomes less about tension and more about partnership.
It’s not just chemistry anymore....it’s loyalty, trust, and choosing each other even when everything is falling apart.
– Constantine’s past unraveling
– the Skull King threat closing in
– layered betrayals and unanswered questions
– dual timelines that build emotional weight
The tension stays high the entire time.
If you loved The Ruler, this is a stronger, more emotional with higher stakes and a romance that evolves into something much more powerful.
May 8, 2026
When I started this book, I seriously thought it was going to be an easy five-star read. It was freaking awesome. I loved the writing style, the chemistry and dynamic between Constantine and Aurelia, and especially how the story kept weaving back into Constantine’s past and showing how he became the man he is. Those backstory moments added so much depth to his character and made me even more invested in him.
This book had me completely hooked all the way to the end… but there was one major thing that knocked it down from five stars for me. I strongly disliked how quickly Constantine was willing to give up everything at the end. I really thought there was going to be some last-minute twist or realization that would allow him to stay as emperor and still make things work. Instead, it felt like he surrendered everything way too easily, and honestly, it was a huge turnoff for me considering how strong and determined his character had been throughout the story.
Now I’m stuck waiting for the final book, and I already know it’s going to have me on pins and needles because I need this situation to fix itself. I’m really hoping Constantine finds his way back and that everything remedies itself in the end.
Other than that, the story was amazing, emotional, sexy, and completely addictive. Penelope did it again.
This book had me completely hooked all the way to the end… but there was one major thing that knocked it down from five stars for me. I strongly disliked how quickly Constantine was willing to give up everything at the end. I really thought there was going to be some last-minute twist or realization that would allow him to stay as emperor and still make things work. Instead, it felt like he surrendered everything way too easily, and honestly, it was a huge turnoff for me considering how strong and determined his character had been throughout the story.
Now I’m stuck waiting for the final book, and I already know it’s going to have me on pins and needles because I need this situation to fix itself. I’m really hoping Constantine finds his way back and that everything remedies itself in the end.
Other than that, the story was amazing, emotional, sexy, and completely addictive. Penelope did it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this installment! As the second book in the Roman Republic series, it absolutely lives up to expectations. With Aurelia and Constantine now officially together, they’re trying to adjust to life after the intense events of the previous book and figure out what their relationship looks like moving forward. At the same time, there’s an ongoing threat looming in the background, with the Skull King targeting Constantine from afar. Even when things seem calm on the surface, there’s a sense that something bigger could unravel at any moment.
The pacing keeps you hooked, especially with that constant “what’s coming next?” feeling that clearly sets up the final book. There’s some spice woven in, but it never overpowers the story. What really stands out, though, is the character work. Both Aurelia and Constantine feel layered and compelling—you genuinely care about where they end up. Constantine has his rough edges, but the way he softens around Aurelia adds depth to his character. Aurelia, on the other hand, comes across as grounded and capable, which is refreshing compared to more passive leads.
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up in the next book!
The pacing keeps you hooked, especially with that constant “what’s coming next?” feeling that clearly sets up the final book. There’s some spice woven in, but it never overpowers the story. What really stands out, though, is the character work. Both Aurelia and Constantine feel layered and compelling—you genuinely care about where they end up. Constantine has his rough edges, but the way he softens around Aurelia adds depth to his character. Aurelia, on the other hand, comes across as grounded and capable, which is refreshing compared to more passive leads.
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up in the next book!
May 5, 2026
Eeeep! This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning and did not let go. The story between Aurelia and Constantine just keeps getting deeper, more intense, and honestly more addictive. You really feel how much Aurelia has grown. She’s finally experiencing a kind of love that feels safe, passionate, and real, but there’s still that underlying fear that it could all fall apart. That emotional push and pull felt very real.
Constantine… wow. I didn’t think I could love his character more, but this book proved me wrong. He’s powerful, confident, and ruthless when he needs to be, yet with Aurelia he shows a completely different side. He is gentle, patient, and unapologetically devoted. The way he balances his world and still puts her first says everything.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the tension throughout the book had me flying through the pages. There’s a perfect mix of romance, danger, suspense, and emotional moments that genuinely hit hard. Just when you think you know where things are going, something shifts and keeps you hooked.
By the end, I was completely on edge and not ready for it to be over. This story delivers everything. Love, action, heartbreak, and twists. I’m already counting down to the next book!! :)
Constantine… wow. I didn’t think I could love his character more, but this book proved me wrong. He’s powerful, confident, and ruthless when he needs to be, yet with Aurelia he shows a completely different side. He is gentle, patient, and unapologetically devoted. The way he balances his world and still puts her first says everything.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the tension throughout the book had me flying through the pages. There’s a perfect mix of romance, danger, suspense, and emotional moments that genuinely hit hard. Just when you think you know where things are going, something shifts and keeps you hooked.
By the end, I was completely on edge and not ready for it to be over. This story delivers everything. Love, action, heartbreak, and twists. I’m already counting down to the next book!! :)
May 7, 2026
I genuinely don’t know how Penelope manages to do this every single time, but she has an unmatched talent for pulling you into a story and refusing to let you go. The second installment of the Roman Republic series is nothing short of chef’s kiss perfection. From the very first chapter, I was completely absorbed—heart racing, breath held, fully invested. I spent the entire book on the edge of my seat, devouring every twist, every moment of tension, every moment between Constantine and Aurelia.
And speaking of them… I love, love, love their story. Their dynamic is intoxicating in the best way.
Constantine? 🥵
He is ruthless, domineering, and absolutely brutal when he needs to be. Yet with Aurelia, he becomes something else entirely—tender, possessive, fiercely protective. The kind of man who would burn the entire world to ash if it meant keeping her safe. That contrast makes him impossible not to obsess over.
And that ending? I did not see it coming. I had to sit there for a moment just to process what happened. It was bold, shocking, and exactly the kind of cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. I can already feel the anticipation building, because I know this story is far from over—and I cannot wait for the third book to wreck me in the best possible way.
And speaking of them… I love, love, love their story. Their dynamic is intoxicating in the best way.
Constantine? 🥵
He is ruthless, domineering, and absolutely brutal when he needs to be. Yet with Aurelia, he becomes something else entirely—tender, possessive, fiercely protective. The kind of man who would burn the entire world to ash if it meant keeping her safe. That contrast makes him impossible not to obsess over.
And that ending? I did not see it coming. I had to sit there for a moment just to process what happened. It was bold, shocking, and exactly the kind of cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. I can already feel the anticipation building, because I know this story is far from over—and I cannot wait for the third book to wreck me in the best possible way.
May 8, 2026
I received a NetGalley ARC of The Savage by Penelope Sky.
This is a Romance that has a modern day story of the Roman Republic that features some of the violence and torture that Big Alpha Male Characters can hand out.
This story/series features Constantine and Aurelia.
Constantine is the Roman Emperor that has claimed his position through family heritage and power in who he is, and how he leads. Constantine is a man with his own ghosts and enemies that are at the forefront of a lot of his decisions - that is until Aurelia comes into the picture.
Aurelia is a photographer who is fighting through some of the past men that hurt her, and squaring that with the man who she knows in Constantine versus his own violent tendencies in his position of power. Aurelia is the woman that Constantine loves with so fierce a passion that he would burn down everything for her.
Constantine and Aurelia are building a life together, but does their love mean weakness or strength in a world that uses feelings against those who choose to live in spite of all the violence and destruction.
This book has…
Some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️!
A very violent scene of torture.
A very protective dog.
Healing.
Hurt.
Definitely recommend this book - I did read out of order so read the series.
This is a Romance that has a modern day story of the Roman Republic that features some of the violence and torture that Big Alpha Male Characters can hand out.
This story/series features Constantine and Aurelia.
Constantine is the Roman Emperor that has claimed his position through family heritage and power in who he is, and how he leads. Constantine is a man with his own ghosts and enemies that are at the forefront of a lot of his decisions - that is until Aurelia comes into the picture.
Aurelia is a photographer who is fighting through some of the past men that hurt her, and squaring that with the man who she knows in Constantine versus his own violent tendencies in his position of power. Aurelia is the woman that Constantine loves with so fierce a passion that he would burn down everything for her.
Constantine and Aurelia are building a life together, but does their love mean weakness or strength in a world that uses feelings against those who choose to live in spite of all the violence and destruction.
This book has…
Some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️!
A very violent scene of torture.
A very protective dog.
Healing.
Hurt.
Definitely recommend this book - I did read out of order so read the series.
May 8, 2026
Oh my goodness I thought I was obsessed with the first book in this amazing series but book 2 is even better if that’s possible. I loved so much getting to know the characters more deeply alongside the craziness throughout this book kept me on edge. Couldn’t believe all the details we are blessed with in this book dangerous situations all the way around I can’t stop talking out loud with my thoughts! I’m so happy I decided to eat before reading this book cause these close net family is always talking about interesting food that makes me hungry lol I learned the hard way with book one. One of my all time favorites about this series so far is the puppy dog and relationship with her people it’s heartwarming to see a big muscle man melting for his beloved pet. As I got closer to the of book I couldn’t stop yelling at my phone and nerve wracking emotions this book will keep you turning the pages till the very end! Trust me you don’t want to miss this crazy journey and everything in between the pages. I have so many guessing thoughts on what happens next in this heart shocking secrets as they unfold in unbelievable tension ways!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
TragicHauntingWonderful charactersSteamyTwistedAction-packedTear-jerkerUnpredictable Page-turnerFunnyRomantic
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
TragicHauntingWonderful charactersSteamyTwistedAction-packedTear-jerkerUnpredictable Page-turnerFunnyRomantic
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I could NOT wait to read this, the second book in this series so I went on a hunt for an ARC and was successful. Thank you Penelope Sky!
There are so many things I loved about The Savage. First, the multiple prologues throughout were perfect and timed at the best points in the book. Wondering how Constantine got where he did, why he hates the Skull King and why he could never forgive Isabella - it's in there and written beautifully! I gasped, I cried and had more than a few "oh shit" moments!
Aurelia and Con are it! No one hurts his woman or his country and he's out for revenge. The Skull King has plans too and these two go head to head. One gets the upper hand and the other is forced to make the ultimate decision. Needless to say, book 3, The Breaker, cannot come soon enough. Constantine is not going to sit still and watch something he loves being destroyed.
Penelope has now filled my TBR and I wish I would have found her sooner! She's quickly made her way to the top of my favorite authors list.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I could NOT wait to read this, the second book in this series so I went on a hunt for an ARC and was successful. Thank you Penelope Sky!
There are so many things I loved about The Savage. First, the multiple prologues throughout were perfect and timed at the best points in the book. Wondering how Constantine got where he did, why he hates the Skull King and why he could never forgive Isabella - it's in there and written beautifully! I gasped, I cried and had more than a few "oh shit" moments!
Aurelia and Con are it! No one hurts his woman or his country and he's out for revenge. The Skull King has plans too and these two go head to head. One gets the upper hand and the other is forced to make the ultimate decision. Needless to say, book 3, The Breaker, cannot come soon enough. Constantine is not going to sit still and watch something he loves being destroyed.
Penelope has now filled my TBR and I wish I would have found her sooner! She's quickly made her way to the top of my favorite authors list.
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