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Roman Republic #1
The Ruler
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Sky, an unforgettable golden retriever mafia romance set in modern-day Italy, bursting with violence, dripping with blood, and crackling with desire.
We spent weeks planning this trip to Sicily together. And I was damn sure going to enjoy it, even if my lying, cheating boyfriend just abandoned me.
I push aside self-pity to venture out and take photographs. Later, I lock eyes with a stranger at a bar. This tattooed god, Constantine, is way out of my league, but to my surprise, he’s all in—every inch. And up in his hotel suite, he claims me for his own. Over and over again.
Constantine’s touch helps take away the pain, and he possesses me like I’ve never known. I fall hard. But beneath his kindness to me, to his family, to his dog, I sense danger. How could I know that to the city of Rome, he’s a brutal enforcer?
When I trust the wrong man, I discover just how dangerous Constantine can be. He may call me sweetheart, but the Roman Republic calls him Emperor—and trembles at his feet.
We spent weeks planning this trip to Sicily together. And I was damn sure going to enjoy it, even if my lying, cheating boyfriend just abandoned me.
I push aside self-pity to venture out and take photographs. Later, I lock eyes with a stranger at a bar. This tattooed god, Constantine, is way out of my league, but to my surprise, he’s all in—every inch. And up in his hotel suite, he claims me for his own. Over and over again.
Constantine’s touch helps take away the pain, and he possesses me like I’ve never known. I fall hard. But beneath his kindness to me, to his family, to his dog, I sense danger. How could I know that to the city of Rome, he’s a brutal enforcer?
When I trust the wrong man, I discover just how dangerous Constantine can be. He may call me sweetheart, but the Roman Republic calls him Emperor—and trembles at his feet.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Penelope Sky
75 books7,077 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 603 reviews
April 30, 2026
4 Smut Stars
I love Penelope Sky and thus know she writes pretty much everything in trilogy format.
So shame on me for grabbing this and reading it before checking to make sure the full series had been released before diving in.
I love Penelope Sky and thus know she writes pretty much everything in trilogy format.
So shame on me for grabbing this and reading it before checking to make sure the full series had been released before diving in.
April 9, 2026
This was so bad that it's genuinely stressing me out a little bit. The characters were both so completely unlikeable, with the only redeeming qualities for either of them being their level of hotness. The blurb calls Constantine a "golden retriever", and I've never read something so incorrectly descriptive of a character in my life. He is cold and calculating and just...a zero on the fun scale. The FMC isn't much better, but that's mostly because the only things we learn about her are that her ex cheated and she likes to take pictures of stuff. She also hates everything about the MMCs life, but the sex is great so she...gets over it, kind of, but also not really? It's also such an abrupt ending that it almost felt like it was missing a chapter. This really should be a one star read, but it's bad enough that I want everyone to read it and see for themselves, which deserves an extra star.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I actually really enjoyed the first part of the book, especially everything set in Sicily. Our FMC, Aurelia, goes on vacation with her boyfriend, but things are already rocky between them. She was hoping that maybe they could save their relationship, but... instead doing that, he packs his bags and leaves her there. (The guy is just a peach, isn’t he?)
She decides to make the best of her trip and that’s when she meets Constantine, super sexy, tattooed and the definition of "too good to be true". Their time together in Sicily was genuinely fun to read and set up a good foundation for their relationship.
But once the vacation glow fades and they go back to reality… the book started to lose me a little. Aurelia was actually quite a reasonable heroine. She wanted a bit of time and space to sort her life out: find a new place, fix her business and think things through.
Constantine, however, wasn’t having any of it. His impatience and ultimatums drove me nuts. Dude, chill. He’s supposed to be in his 30s but acted like a hormonal teenager. And no groveling at the end? Nope. Big missed opportunity.
Spice-wise, maybe a 3/5. Plot-wise, the first half was strong, but the pacing after that was off. Some parts felt rushed instead of explored, and the ending twist? It came out of nowhere. (I know it was maybe?!? hinted at, but still… what are the odds??)
Overall, the idea was really interesting: mafia, blood, romance, all the fun things, but the execution didn’t hit me as hard as I hoped.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3–3.5★)
Tnx NetGalley & Montlake for the ARC
She decides to make the best of her trip and that’s when she meets Constantine, super sexy, tattooed and the definition of "too good to be true". Their time together in Sicily was genuinely fun to read and set up a good foundation for their relationship.
But once the vacation glow fades and they go back to reality… the book started to lose me a little. Aurelia was actually quite a reasonable heroine. She wanted a bit of time and space to sort her life out: find a new place, fix her business and think things through.
Constantine, however, wasn’t having any of it. His impatience and ultimatums drove me nuts. Dude, chill. He’s supposed to be in his 30s but acted like a hormonal teenager. And no groveling at the end? Nope. Big missed opportunity.
Spice-wise, maybe a 3/5. Plot-wise, the first half was strong, but the pacing after that was off. Some parts felt rushed instead of explored, and the ending twist? It came out of nowhere. (I know it was maybe?!? hinted at, but still… what are the odds??)
Overall, the idea was really interesting: mafia, blood, romance, all the fun things, but the execution didn’t hit me as hard as I hoped.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3–3.5★)
Tnx NetGalley & Montlake for the ARC
May 1, 2026
This was okay for me. I liked the first half but after that it started to go downhill. The spice was good but I just felt like they were going in circles and then the ending…
April 21, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
⭐️ 2/5
🌶 2.5/5
Cliffhanger: No but Maybe???
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Dual first-person POV. Free audio read along narration on KU.
What the actual hell is that ending? Is part of this book missing? They end in the middle of a conversation at lunch where they are working things out. Never in my life. lol
The story we got has it's moments. The spice is 🔥 and the moments with Constantine's family were fun. But the relationship was not great. Aurelia was so back an forth that even I was done with her drama. I liked how she held firm with her ex and did not let him gaslight her. But this just feels like an incomplete story about two people who probably shouldn't be together. And we never found out what happened to his brother. I needed to know dang it! There were a few dark aspects to this book but it isn't mafia by any means. Bro is really just a politically backed Batman.
Read this for spice but don't expect to be satisfied in any other way unless you're a foodie. Lots and lots of food in this book.
⭐️ 2/5
🌶 2.5/5
Cliffhanger: No but Maybe???
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Dual first-person POV. Free audio read along narration on KU.
What the actual hell is that ending? Is part of this book missing? They end in the middle of a conversation at lunch where they are working things out. Never in my life. lol
The story we got has it's moments. The spice is 🔥 and the moments with Constantine's family were fun. But the relationship was not great. Aurelia was so back an forth that even I was done with her drama. I liked how she held firm with her ex and did not let him gaslight her. But this just feels like an incomplete story about two people who probably shouldn't be together. And we never found out what happened to his brother. I needed to know dang it! There were a few dark aspects to this book but it isn't mafia by any means. Bro is really just a politically backed Batman.
Read this for spice but don't expect to be satisfied in any other way unless you're a foodie. Lots and lots of food in this book.
April 7, 2026
Unfortunately it’s been so long since I read the last book from the Butcher series, it took me the whole book trying to figure out if this guy was even in it. I thought we were finally getting the book that was teased at the end of the final book from the last series. Of course as stated it’s been so long that I didn’t recall his name. Went to Amazon to get book three again and it’s not even available to buy in kindle format?
The author was so secretive and dodged so many questions about the 4th book we were waiting on for this one to come out? It was lackluster at best. I doubt I’ll continue.
The author was so secretive and dodged so many questions about the 4th book we were waiting on for this one to come out? It was lackluster at best. I doubt I’ll continue.
April 12, 2026
Honestly going into this I was expecting the typical dark mafia romance… but finished it feeling extremely underwhelmed- very amateur writing, lacked context where it was needed and both of the main characters personalities were dry and boring 🤷🏼♀️ it is what it is I guess
April 10, 2026
They ate alot of food.... ?? 🤷🏼♀️😅 Otherwise, the book is forgettable.
May 14, 2026
……..😬
Full rtc
Full rtc
May 14, 2026
THE RULER BY PENELOPE SKY
ROMAN REPUBLIC
BOOK 1.
4✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Oh Constantine 😉
Brilliant first book in this series. So looking forward to seeing what happens next
ROMAN REPUBLIC
BOOK 1.
4✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Oh Constantine 😉
Brilliant first book in this series. So looking forward to seeing what happens next
April 9, 2026
Genuinely so so bad. Insta love, childish MC’s with no personality, massive holes, they fucked so great for them, but that’s about all. I’m not even sure if this was finished or just published in the middle of a sentence. I wish I could articulate just how bad that truly was. Dude literally barked at someone??
April 8, 2026
I love this man 😭 raw next question...
Did Not Finish
April 17, 2026Couldn't stand any more of the FMC drooling for the hot and sexy MMC, That and also because both character had the personality of a peanut shell.
March 20, 2026
This book really said “plot who?” and chose chaos instead 😮💨🔥
Constantine is the definition of obsession wrapped in a man—impulsive, intense, and one bad decision away from spiraling at all times. And the FMC? Somehow still managing to be the most rational person in a VERY irrational situation… which honestly just makes everything messier.
The vibe here is dark, toxic, and completely addictive. The chemistry? Off the charts feral. The tension? Constant. The sanity? Nowhere to be found.
Is it structured? Not really.
Is it unhinged? Absolutely.
Did I devour it anyway? Without hesitation.
If you love dark romance that prioritizes obsession, tension, and spice over perfect plot lines… this one will hook you.
Just don’t go in expecting soft or sweet—this book bites.
Constantine is the definition of obsession wrapped in a man—impulsive, intense, and one bad decision away from spiraling at all times. And the FMC? Somehow still managing to be the most rational person in a VERY irrational situation… which honestly just makes everything messier.
The vibe here is dark, toxic, and completely addictive. The chemistry? Off the charts feral. The tension? Constant. The sanity? Nowhere to be found.
Is it structured? Not really.
Is it unhinged? Absolutely.
Did I devour it anyway? Without hesitation.
If you love dark romance that prioritizes obsession, tension, and spice over perfect plot lines… this one will hook you.
Just don’t go in expecting soft or sweet—this book bites.
December 29, 2025
Thank you to Penelope Sky and Montlake for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m still blinking at the wall a bit after this one.
This book is DARK dark. Horny dark. “Sir, please take a cold shower” dark. Constantine is an absolute mess of a man, driven almost entirely by impulse and obsession, while the FMC is… surprisingly reasonable, all things considered. Which somehow makes the dynamic even wilder.
Let’s be honest. The plot? Questionable. Coherent? Sometimes. But the chemistry? Completely unhinged. These two are deeply messed up individuals with absolutely feral bed chemistry, and Penelope Sky leans into that with zero hesitation. The spice overshadows almost everything else, and if that’s not your thing, this book will absolutely not be for you.
That said, if you like dark romance where logic taps out early and desire takes the wheel, this delivers. I’m a little mind-blown, slightly overwhelmed, and mildly impressed that Constantine managed to keep it together even a little.
Read for the darkness. Read for the spice. Do not read expecting a carefully plotted masterpiece.
I’m still blinking at the wall a bit after this one.
This book is DARK dark. Horny dark. “Sir, please take a cold shower” dark. Constantine is an absolute mess of a man, driven almost entirely by impulse and obsession, while the FMC is… surprisingly reasonable, all things considered. Which somehow makes the dynamic even wilder.
Let’s be honest. The plot? Questionable. Coherent? Sometimes. But the chemistry? Completely unhinged. These two are deeply messed up individuals with absolutely feral bed chemistry, and Penelope Sky leans into that with zero hesitation. The spice overshadows almost everything else, and if that’s not your thing, this book will absolutely not be for you.
That said, if you like dark romance where logic taps out early and desire takes the wheel, this delivers. I’m a little mind-blown, slightly overwhelmed, and mildly impressed that Constantine managed to keep it together even a little.
Read for the darkness. Read for the spice. Do not read expecting a carefully plotted masterpiece.
May 9, 2026
It’s a no from me dawg.
April 9, 2026
I went into The Ruler expecting a dark mafia romance, but what I got was an intensely emotional, wildly addictive, and seriously burning hot story that completely consumed me. And Constantine? I’m obsessed.
From the moment Constantine sees Aurelia, the connection between them is immediate. It’s not just attraction—it’s this intense, magnetic pull that neither of them can ignore. The chemistry is instant, but it’s the emotional connection underneath it that makes everything hit so much harder. You can feel that what’s happening between them is more than just lust, even when Aurelia tries to convince herself it’s only a vacation fling.
But this was definitely not just a fling.
There’s something deeper between them from the very beginning, and the tension builds so beautifully because Aurelia knows it too, even when she tries to fight it. When Constantine asks her to continue their relationship in Rome, she pulls back because she’s scared—of his world, of what he means to her, and of falling before she’s fully healed. She tries to keep him at a distance, but Constantine’s patience is everything. He doesn’t push her harder than she’s ready for. He waits, he reassures, and he gives her the space to find her way back to him.
And that only makes him more irresistible.
Constantine is powerful, dangerous, and brutal in his world, but with Aurelia he is patient, protective, attentive, and deeply devoted. That contrast is what makes his character so addictive. He has all the darkness of a mafia ruler, but when it comes to her, he’s tender in all the right places while still being intensely possessive and commanding.
And the spice? Absolutely unreal.
Their chemistry is burning hot from start to finish. Every intimate scene is packed with tension, heat, and that desperate craving they have for each other. It’s passionate, intense, and written in a way that makes you feel just how strong their connection is. The spice never feels thrown in just for the sake of it—it deepens their bond, shows their vulnerability, and makes their obsession with each other even more believable. You can feel the want, the need, the hunger every single time they come together.
What I loved most is that their relationship is built on both:
intense passion and real emotional connection.
That combination made this story so addictive. It wasn’t just sexy—it was consuming.
If you love:
• an obsessive, patient, powerful MMC
• instant chemistry with emotional depth
• a FMC who tries to resist but feels the pull just as deeply
• scorching hot spice with real meaning behind it
• dark mafia romance with softness underneath the danger
then this book will absolutely own you.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
(Constantine deserves his own rating system, because wow.)
From the moment Constantine sees Aurelia, the connection between them is immediate. It’s not just attraction—it’s this intense, magnetic pull that neither of them can ignore. The chemistry is instant, but it’s the emotional connection underneath it that makes everything hit so much harder. You can feel that what’s happening between them is more than just lust, even when Aurelia tries to convince herself it’s only a vacation fling.
But this was definitely not just a fling.
There’s something deeper between them from the very beginning, and the tension builds so beautifully because Aurelia knows it too, even when she tries to fight it. When Constantine asks her to continue their relationship in Rome, she pulls back because she’s scared—of his world, of what he means to her, and of falling before she’s fully healed. She tries to keep him at a distance, but Constantine’s patience is everything. He doesn’t push her harder than she’s ready for. He waits, he reassures, and he gives her the space to find her way back to him.
And that only makes him more irresistible.
Constantine is powerful, dangerous, and brutal in his world, but with Aurelia he is patient, protective, attentive, and deeply devoted. That contrast is what makes his character so addictive. He has all the darkness of a mafia ruler, but when it comes to her, he’s tender in all the right places while still being intensely possessive and commanding.
And the spice? Absolutely unreal.
Their chemistry is burning hot from start to finish. Every intimate scene is packed with tension, heat, and that desperate craving they have for each other. It’s passionate, intense, and written in a way that makes you feel just how strong their connection is. The spice never feels thrown in just for the sake of it—it deepens their bond, shows their vulnerability, and makes their obsession with each other even more believable. You can feel the want, the need, the hunger every single time they come together.
What I loved most is that their relationship is built on both:
intense passion and real emotional connection.
That combination made this story so addictive. It wasn’t just sexy—it was consuming.
If you love:
• an obsessive, patient, powerful MMC
• instant chemistry with emotional depth
• a FMC who tries to resist but feels the pull just as deeply
• scorching hot spice with real meaning behind it
• dark mafia romance with softness underneath the danger
then this book will absolutely own you.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
(Constantine deserves his own rating system, because wow.)
April 7, 2026
A trilogy based on the Roman Empire?! Sign me up!
Update:
Having read and loved the Fifth Republic series, The Butcher felt tame. I get it...different strokes for different folks..different characters, different storylines. But while the republic had an air of tension that felt dangerous and addictive, The Butcher with a golden retriever mafia MMC ,felt lighter. Nothing wrong with it at all..it sort of goes with the setting ... Italian Riviera and it's Mediterranean beauty.
But I'm really curious and looking forward to the next books in the series
Update:
Having read and loved the Fifth Republic series, The Butcher felt tame. I get it...different strokes for different folks..different characters, different storylines. But while the republic had an air of tension that felt dangerous and addictive, The Butcher with a golden retriever mafia MMC ,felt lighter. Nothing wrong with it at all..it sort of goes with the setting ... Italian Riviera and it's Mediterranean beauty.
But I'm really curious and looking forward to the next books in the series
April 9, 2026
Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 3/5 ➡️➡️➡️ Aurelia gets dumped on her “let’s fix it” vacation. Enzo was just not having it. He lives days into the trip to the woman he’d been cheating on her with.
While at a bar she spots a man she’d seen on a previous night. Gorgeous, tall, tan, handsome, covered in tattoos. They hold eye contact from across the bar. He approaches her. Constantine. They hit it off right from the start. A night that was supposed to be meaningless and fun turns into more.
He shows her the town. He shows here the best restaurants. Takes her out with his friends. Takes her to dinner at his mother’s. She’s had the best vacation ever. He’s head over heels already. His dirty secret? He’s the roman emperor. He’s basically a top tier enforcer of the entire country.
Back in Rome, where they both live, Aurelia is trying to find her way. She gets her own apartment, even though Constantine offered to have her stay with him. She needed her own independence and to find her way back to herself. Doing so? She pushes Constantine away. After an encounter with her ex Constantine snaps. He goes OOT. Which results in HIM ending it with her. Aurelia is deviated. She knows she screwed up.
Messages, calls, voicemails all go unanswered. She’s heartbroken. She goes out with her friend which she thought was a girls night until her boyfriend shows up… and he brought a friend. Girlfriend and her boyfriend leave and it’s just Aurelia and this new guy. Well, new guy turns out to be shady as hell. Good thing Constantine, though he said it was over, was still watching her and comes to her rescue before things could have went terribly bad.
Reconciliation? Of course. Who wouldn’t be thankful for having their life saved. All her fears and worries take a back burner because she knows she loves him, and he loves her.
This was cute. Kind of short. Kind of ended abruptly. Wanted a little more closure, but I digress.
While at a bar she spots a man she’d seen on a previous night. Gorgeous, tall, tan, handsome, covered in tattoos. They hold eye contact from across the bar. He approaches her. Constantine. They hit it off right from the start. A night that was supposed to be meaningless and fun turns into more.
He shows her the town. He shows here the best restaurants. Takes her out with his friends. Takes her to dinner at his mother’s. She’s had the best vacation ever. He’s head over heels already. His dirty secret? He’s the roman emperor. He’s basically a top tier enforcer of the entire country.
Back in Rome, where they both live, Aurelia is trying to find her way. She gets her own apartment, even though Constantine offered to have her stay with him. She needed her own independence and to find her way back to herself. Doing so? She pushes Constantine away. After an encounter with her ex Constantine snaps. He goes OOT. Which results in HIM ending it with her. Aurelia is deviated. She knows she screwed up.
Messages, calls, voicemails all go unanswered. She’s heartbroken. She goes out with her friend which she thought was a girls night until her boyfriend shows up… and he brought a friend. Girlfriend and her boyfriend leave and it’s just Aurelia and this new guy. Well, new guy turns out to be shady as hell. Good thing Constantine, though he said it was over, was still watching her and comes to her rescue before things could have went terribly bad.
Reconciliation? Of course. Who wouldn’t be thankful for having their life saved. All her fears and worries take a back burner because she knows she loves him, and he loves her.
This was cute. Kind of short. Kind of ended abruptly. Wanted a little more closure, but I digress.
April 7, 2026
I honestly don’t even know how to properly put into words how much I LOVED this book! It completely pulled me in and refused to let go. From the sun-soaked beauty of Sicily to the intense, high-stakes world of Rome, the setting alone felt like an escape, but the characters are what truly made it unforgettable. Also excited this setting is back in Italy! :)
Constantine? Absolutely unreal. He’s powerful, calculated, and commands attention without even trying. What really sets him apart, though, is his contrast. Beneath all that dominance is a man who shows a softer, more intentional side when it comes to Aurelia, and that dynamic had me hooked from the start.
Aurelia was just as compelling. She’s coming off heartbreak and trying to rebuild herself, and I loved how real that felt. She doesn’t just fall headfirst - even though I was like go ahead girl! She questions things, hesitates, and actually thinks about what stepping into Constantine’s world would mean. That push and pull between them felt natural, not forced, which made their connection even more addictive.
Their chemistry is intense right from the beginning, but it’s not just about attraction. It’s layered with tension, vulnerability, and the reality that they come from completely different worlds. Watching that unfold kept me turning pages nonstop.
I also really enjoyed the side characters and family dynamics. They added warmth and even some humor that balanced out the heavier themes. The way the story weaves in culture, history, and atmosphere made everything feel richer and more immersive.
This felt like the perfect start to a series. It’s captivating, emotional, and just the right amount of addictive chaos.
I’m already impatient for the next book because I am not ready to leave this world yet. Cannot. Wait.
Constantine? Absolutely unreal. He’s powerful, calculated, and commands attention without even trying. What really sets him apart, though, is his contrast. Beneath all that dominance is a man who shows a softer, more intentional side when it comes to Aurelia, and that dynamic had me hooked from the start.
Aurelia was just as compelling. She’s coming off heartbreak and trying to rebuild herself, and I loved how real that felt. She doesn’t just fall headfirst - even though I was like go ahead girl! She questions things, hesitates, and actually thinks about what stepping into Constantine’s world would mean. That push and pull between them felt natural, not forced, which made their connection even more addictive.
Their chemistry is intense right from the beginning, but it’s not just about attraction. It’s layered with tension, vulnerability, and the reality that they come from completely different worlds. Watching that unfold kept me turning pages nonstop.
I also really enjoyed the side characters and family dynamics. They added warmth and even some humor that balanced out the heavier themes. The way the story weaves in culture, history, and atmosphere made everything feel richer and more immersive.
This felt like the perfect start to a series. It’s captivating, emotional, and just the right amount of addictive chaos.
I’m already impatient for the next book because I am not ready to leave this world yet. Cannot. Wait.
April 18, 2026
I did not know this was going to be a series. (Possible spoilers ahead) It does end *somewhat* in a HFN, but the blurb for the second book suggests it’s the same couple.
The first half of the book was good. The second half just popped a tire, then skidded sideways. Now the car is left sitting on the side of the road in bumf’ed Egypt.
I. Just. Did. Not. Understand. H’s job at all. He’s not mafia except he sounds mafia.
h and her boyfriend go on a trip. Their relationship has been in trouble. Bf gives off major red flags he’s cheating, but h is slowwww to realize it. Day 2 into the trip, bf breaks up with her and returns home. h decides to stay and finish her trip. She meets H. He’s 6’5, and has an 8-pack. Big arms and a thick, big dixk (we are told this just about every chapter)
These two MCs spend the rest of the week together. At one point, he even takes her to meet his huge family. We also meet his ex, Isabelle. They have been broken up for 9 years. There’s some shady stuff there 👀and my hinky meter went off big time. (I’ll explain later)
Naturally, MCs live full time in Rome. h thinks once they return to Rome, then H will move on (since he’s so hot and can have any woman he wants) and basically, h tells H she needs time to grieve her breakup. She actually sounded reasonable. Sure, her POV would be all “hE’s sO hOt” while her words spoken were much different 😂
It’s not until they return to Rome that h figures out H is an emperor. 😱😱 Supposedly, there are three important people in Rome. The President, The Pope, and the Emperor. The emperor is the enforcer of crime. He’s very important 😎
h is totally freaked out, so she tries to put the brakes on the relationship. She’d rather couch surf with friends than move into his mansion 🤪 There is a 3rd act breakup with H acting like a total d-bag. He said some really nasty things to her when all she really wanted to do was slow down because they were moving too fast.
In the end, she gets drugged and almost trafficked, but he saves her in time. Then she moves into his mansion. HFN with a second book coming.
There’s a lot of spice in this book. Personally, I thought H sounded robotic in his spice talk. It was weird. They were having smex without condoms. There’s one bizarre conversation where H tells h he was tested and he’s clean. He never goes without a condom. Then she tells him she’s not sure about herself because her ex was cheating. He said “I’m not worried about it” eek. 😬
H is described as a manho. He sleeps with different women all the time even prostitutes. He seemed like such a good man in the first half, but his POV in the second half was yuck. Especially when it was about OW.
Speaking of OW- the whole Isabelle thing is a red flag and it will probably be a major plot point in later books. So 9 years ago, H was in love with Isabelle until she lied about kissing H’s twin brother (mistaken identity) H ended it with her. But I guess at some point, right before he meets h, H slept with Isabelle. Isabelle thought that meant he forgave her. H even tells his BFF that Isabelle was a “great lay” 🤪
We know H’s twin brother was killed. I assume in future books we find out what happened. When H’s bff is trying to get him to see reason- BFF explains that H just jumped to conclusions when H suddenly ended it with Isabelle and that H was wrong for his actions. (I was like huh? Isn’t H with h? Is the BFF trying to get him back with Isabelle?)
H speaks a lot about “honesty” and he’s BIG on it. That’s considered a deal breaker for him. Especially, the lying by omission. WELL….what was up with the family get-together when they all meet h? Isabelle is there and h overheard Isabelle pouring her heart out to H on how much she loves him. H tells us in his POV, he has no plans to tell h about the discussion with Isabelle. He’s a hypocrite.
It does make me wonder if H’s twin is really dead and if h is really the heroine in this book??? So yeah, even though I think the second part of the book was a flop, I’m interested enough to check out book 2 when it comes.
I did laugh at h’s ex bf and how his situation turned out. It’s always funnier when cheaters think the grass is greener on the other side. Then 💥 💥 nope. Cheaters are so yuck.
The first half of the book was good. The second half just popped a tire, then skidded sideways. Now the car is left sitting on the side of the road in bumf’ed Egypt.
I. Just. Did. Not. Understand. H’s job at all. He’s not mafia except he sounds mafia.
h and her boyfriend go on a trip. Their relationship has been in trouble. Bf gives off major red flags he’s cheating, but h is slowwww to realize it. Day 2 into the trip, bf breaks up with her and returns home. h decides to stay and finish her trip. She meets H. He’s 6’5, and has an 8-pack. Big arms and a thick, big dixk (we are told this just about every chapter)
These two MCs spend the rest of the week together. At one point, he even takes her to meet his huge family. We also meet his ex, Isabelle. They have been broken up for 9 years. There’s some shady stuff there 👀and my hinky meter went off big time. (I’ll explain later)
Naturally, MCs live full time in Rome. h thinks once they return to Rome, then H will move on (since he’s so hot and can have any woman he wants) and basically, h tells H she needs time to grieve her breakup. She actually sounded reasonable. Sure, her POV would be all “hE’s sO hOt” while her words spoken were much different 😂
It’s not until they return to Rome that h figures out H is an emperor. 😱😱 Supposedly, there are three important people in Rome. The President, The Pope, and the Emperor. The emperor is the enforcer of crime. He’s very important 😎
h is totally freaked out, so she tries to put the brakes on the relationship. She’d rather couch surf with friends than move into his mansion 🤪 There is a 3rd act breakup with H acting like a total d-bag. He said some really nasty things to her when all she really wanted to do was slow down because they were moving too fast.
In the end, she gets drugged and almost trafficked, but he saves her in time. Then she moves into his mansion. HFN with a second book coming.
There’s a lot of spice in this book. Personally, I thought H sounded robotic in his spice talk. It was weird. They were having smex without condoms. There’s one bizarre conversation where H tells h he was tested and he’s clean. He never goes without a condom. Then she tells him she’s not sure about herself because her ex was cheating. He said “I’m not worried about it” eek. 😬
H is described as a manho. He sleeps with different women all the time even prostitutes. He seemed like such a good man in the first half, but his POV in the second half was yuck. Especially when it was about OW.
Speaking of OW- the whole Isabelle thing is a red flag and it will probably be a major plot point in later books. So 9 years ago, H was in love with Isabelle until she lied about kissing H’s twin brother (mistaken identity) H ended it with her. But I guess at some point, right before he meets h, H slept with Isabelle. Isabelle thought that meant he forgave her. H even tells his BFF that Isabelle was a “great lay” 🤪
We know H’s twin brother was killed. I assume in future books we find out what happened. When H’s bff is trying to get him to see reason- BFF explains that H just jumped to conclusions when H suddenly ended it with Isabelle and that H was wrong for his actions. (I was like huh? Isn’t H with h? Is the BFF trying to get him back with Isabelle?)
H speaks a lot about “honesty” and he’s BIG on it. That’s considered a deal breaker for him. Especially, the lying by omission. WELL….what was up with the family get-together when they all meet h? Isabelle is there and h overheard Isabelle pouring her heart out to H on how much she loves him. H tells us in his POV, he has no plans to tell h about the discussion with Isabelle. He’s a hypocrite.
It does make me wonder if H’s twin is really dead and if h is really the heroine in this book??? So yeah, even though I think the second part of the book was a flop, I’m interested enough to check out book 2 when it comes.
I did laugh at h’s ex bf and how his situation turned out. It’s always funnier when cheaters think the grass is greener on the other side. Then 💥 💥 nope. Cheaters are so yuck.
April 14, 2026
The Ruler (Roman Republic, Book 1) by Penelope Sky is one of those books that sneaks up on you—you think you’re just settling in for some european drama, and suddenly you’re fully invested, emotionally compromised, and maybe even side-eyeing Roman politics like it’s reality TV. I devoured this first book in a single 24 hour period!
From the start, the story pulls you into the lives of Aurelia, who is sharp, complicated, and—thankfully—not above a little drama. In comes Constantine who has that intense, no b.s. energy that makes you want to both trust him and question every decision he makes. Aurelia holds her own brilliantly, balancing strength and vulnerability in a way that keeps the story grounded even when her relationship around her is chaos.
What really stood out to me (and honestly surprised me) was how immersive the setting felt. The book takes place in Taormina so I wondered if these locations in the book were real locations, so I I could actually look them up on Google Maps while reading. There’s something incredibly fun about pausing mid-chapter to go, “Wait… this is a real place?” It made the whole experience feel richer—like I wasn’t just reading fiction, but walking alongside the characters through actual history (with a modern map in hand, of course).
Also, can we talk about the pacing? There’s never a dull moment and I loved watching these characters find their way. If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that the book made me way too invested way too quickly. I was not emotionally prepared.
Overall, The Ruler is dramatic, engaging, and just the right amount of addictive. Come for the Roman intrigue, stay for the characters—and maybe keep Google Maps open on the side.
From the start, the story pulls you into the lives of Aurelia, who is sharp, complicated, and—thankfully—not above a little drama. In comes Constantine who has that intense, no b.s. energy that makes you want to both trust him and question every decision he makes. Aurelia holds her own brilliantly, balancing strength and vulnerability in a way that keeps the story grounded even when her relationship around her is chaos.
What really stood out to me (and honestly surprised me) was how immersive the setting felt. The book takes place in Taormina so I wondered if these locations in the book were real locations, so I I could actually look them up on Google Maps while reading. There’s something incredibly fun about pausing mid-chapter to go, “Wait… this is a real place?” It made the whole experience feel richer—like I wasn’t just reading fiction, but walking alongside the characters through actual history (with a modern map in hand, of course).
Also, can we talk about the pacing? There’s never a dull moment and I loved watching these characters find their way. If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that the book made me way too invested way too quickly. I was not emotionally prepared.
Overall, The Ruler is dramatic, engaging, and just the right amount of addictive. Come for the Roman intrigue, stay for the characters—and maybe keep Google Maps open on the side.
April 10, 2026
Seeing as the author writes similar storyline...... atleast my review is going to get creative and innovative!
seeing as the butcher series, bartholomew series, betrayal series, the skull series and the lesser series were similar, i could have copy pasted my review of these books here...........but what can i say I don't want to bore you guys with same stuff!
First things first we get hot, sexy, beautiful fmc who is on this trip in sicily with her bf who is busy texting and cheating on her, he dumps her mid trip and poor fmc is all alone.......or is she? coz next thing we know, she goes to a nice restaurant and stares at a hot, sexy and handsome man across the table.............guess what happens next? come you all know... we have read this plotline like everytime this author writes book. well they find each other sexy and proceed to do the deed.
No meet cute, interesting first impression or great first interaction.
Now,
understand this they do this (sex) quite few times and he takes her to do all touristy stuff in return, they come back to rome and suddenly mmc tells her to leave with him, mmc tells her that he doesn't want casual.
This book like all her recent release, has two best looking characters on this planet, they have no real connection other than being good in bed, they do this deed enough times that they feel ohhh now we can have meals and sex together so we should get married.
No real connection, lack of bond or chemistry, bland characters who throughout every chapter describe other as hot, handsome, sexy and beautiful, we even have to read about the fmc being like....( omg have you seen yourself, you are god, so hot and sexy any girl can be with you, so why me.......basically she has zero self confidence and letz not talk about her other characterstic becoz there are none........other being hot and beautiful, a photographer, a recent single, and losing her mother this fmc has nothing going on her life..............i would go ahead and say she should go and learn from kardashians on how to have colourful and interesting personality)
And the way these two characters interact my five year old niece interacts way better and she is more fun and amazing personality.
Also imagine this fmc meeting mmc and having unprotected sex with him since the beginning .............like is she dumb? and her excuse.....omg he is so hot and sexy i just want him. slap some sense into her idk how she became photographer. there was this scene were they are discussing their future relationship and mmc says and i state "you aren't the kind of woman you wear a condom with" ...............is this supposed to be romantic? idk gosh.......
And then they had a little breakup/fight mmc says to his friend, " so many women would be happy to take her place in my bed" believe me no one would you have zero personality.
Ohh this mmc has more conversation with his friend than fmc and understand this he is all alpha and manly infront of her and gossips and talks like aunties with big mouth.
My question to this author is why every book has to be where two people have to be good looking and had to have one night stand in the start of the book? what makes fmc so outstand from all past hookups of mmc that she is getting this special treatment and where the hell is romance? nor i am swooning or laughing or smiling like an idiot while reading this books? why the characters have no personality? you cannot differentiate one mmc or fmc from other in all her books becoz they are same!
lastly i think my yapping session won't be ending anytime soon so i want you guys to tell me is it just me or you readers think so too?
seeing as the butcher series, bartholomew series, betrayal series, the skull series and the lesser series were similar, i could have copy pasted my review of these books here...........but what can i say I don't want to bore you guys with same stuff!
First things first we get hot, sexy, beautiful fmc who is on this trip in sicily with her bf who is busy texting and cheating on her, he dumps her mid trip and poor fmc is all alone.......or is she? coz next thing we know, she goes to a nice restaurant and stares at a hot, sexy and handsome man across the table.............guess what happens next? come you all know... we have read this plotline like everytime this author writes book. well they find each other sexy and proceed to do the deed.
No meet cute, interesting first impression or great first interaction.
Now,
understand this they do this (sex) quite few times and he takes her to do all touristy stuff in return, they come back to rome and suddenly mmc tells her to leave with him, mmc tells her that he doesn't want casual.
This book like all her recent release, has two best looking characters on this planet, they have no real connection other than being good in bed, they do this deed enough times that they feel ohhh now we can have meals and sex together so we should get married.
No real connection, lack of bond or chemistry, bland characters who throughout every chapter describe other as hot, handsome, sexy and beautiful, we even have to read about the fmc being like....( omg have you seen yourself, you are god, so hot and sexy any girl can be with you, so why me.......basically she has zero self confidence and letz not talk about her other characterstic becoz there are none........other being hot and beautiful, a photographer, a recent single, and losing her mother this fmc has nothing going on her life..............i would go ahead and say she should go and learn from kardashians on how to have colourful and interesting personality)
And the way these two characters interact my five year old niece interacts way better and she is more fun and amazing personality.
Also imagine this fmc meeting mmc and having unprotected sex with him since the beginning .............like is she dumb? and her excuse.....omg he is so hot and sexy i just want him. slap some sense into her idk how she became photographer. there was this scene were they are discussing their future relationship and mmc says and i state "you aren't the kind of woman you wear a condom with" ...............is this supposed to be romantic? idk gosh.......
And then they had a little breakup/fight mmc says to his friend, " so many women would be happy to take her place in my bed" believe me no one would you have zero personality.
Ohh this mmc has more conversation with his friend than fmc and understand this he is all alpha and manly infront of her and gossips and talks like aunties with big mouth.
My question to this author is why every book has to be where two people have to be good looking and had to have one night stand in the start of the book? what makes fmc so outstand from all past hookups of mmc that she is getting this special treatment and where the hell is romance? nor i am swooning or laughing or smiling like an idiot while reading this books? why the characters have no personality? you cannot differentiate one mmc or fmc from other in all her books becoz they are same!
lastly i think my yapping session won't be ending anytime soon so i want you guys to tell me is it just me or you readers think so too?
Read
April 8, 2026This dark romance delivers exactly what fans of the genre crave—intensity, danger, and a magnetic, morally gray love interest. The Sicilian backdrop adds a lush, escapist feel, while the heroine’s emotional vulnerability after betrayal makes her connection with Constantine feel immediate and raw. Constantine himself is a compelling mix of charm and menace; his dual nature as both a tender lover and a feared enforcer keeps the tension high throughout.
The chemistry is undeniably strong, and the story leans into its darker elements without holding back, which will appeal to readers who enjoy high-stakes, possessive romance. At times, the pacing feels a bit rushed, especially as the emotional stakes escalate quickly, but the gripping dynamic between the characters keeps you hooked.
Overall, it’s a seductive and thrilling read with just enough danger to keep things exciting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The chemistry is undeniably strong, and the story leans into its darker elements without holding back, which will appeal to readers who enjoy high-stakes, possessive romance. At times, the pacing feels a bit rushed, especially as the emotional stakes escalate quickly, but the gripping dynamic between the characters keeps you hooked.
Overall, it’s a seductive and thrilling read with just enough danger to keep things exciting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
February 23, 2026
Penelope Sky has done it again, ladies and gentlemen! 🙌🏻 I cannot even rehash for you all of the emotions and glee from reading this book. Constantine is a bad ass and I loved every minute with him! 😮💨 I read this in one night bc I absolutely could not put it down! ‼️
When you’re in trouble who do you call? In an evil world when women are sold in slavery and children are taken, who risks their life to save them? The Roman republic and Emperor Constantine is who we all wish we had in our corner! After being obsessed with the Fifth Republic series I knew I would devour this! Perfect story, perfect spice, perfect MMC and FMC! I cannot wait for the next books! 😍‼️🙌🏻😮💨
When you’re in trouble who do you call? In an evil world when women are sold in slavery and children are taken, who risks their life to save them? The Roman republic and Emperor Constantine is who we all wish we had in our corner! After being obsessed with the Fifth Republic series I knew I would devour this! Perfect story, perfect spice, perfect MMC and FMC! I cannot wait for the next books! 😍‼️🙌🏻😮💨
April 11, 2026
I read this book pretty quickly. I thought the book started off strong. It was a good example of insta lust and Constantine is at her side whenever she rang. Towards the end he got a little impulsive and just turned around and walked away. He got emotionally hi-jacked and it takes a scary moment to bring them back.
I felt like there was a missed opportunity with how they come back to be. The FMC apologizes and he’s like “yea it was my fault too. It’s cool. Anyway…”. Not verbatim but you know what i mean. He could’ve been a little more apologetic.
All that to say it was a good read. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger but there’s clearly more that needs to happen. I’m curious so I will continue reading the series when it releases.
I felt like there was a missed opportunity with how they come back to be. The FMC apologizes and he’s like “yea it was my fault too. It’s cool. Anyway…”. Not verbatim but you know what i mean. He could’ve been a little more apologetic.
All that to say it was a good read. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger but there’s clearly more that needs to happen. I’m curious so I will continue reading the series when it releases.
April 12, 2026
The Ruler - Penelope Sky
Overall 2.5/5
big d mentions 4.5/5
Cheating 3/5
Beautiful Scenery 4/5
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The cheating storyline hit kind of close to home. The books started out nicely. But then it became repetitive. Auriela got on my nerves. Constantine was ok until it was mentioned every other chapter his chiseled looks, tattoos, etc. The third act breakup was silly and didn’t need to happen. I can see how this book is setting up the rest of the series.
Best lines:
“Part of me wondered why I continued to fight for a man who couldn’t be bothered to fight for me.”
“A man in a committed relationship doesn’t need privacy.”
Overall 2.5/5
big d mentions 4.5/5
Cheating 3/5
Beautiful Scenery 4/5
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The cheating storyline hit kind of close to home. The books started out nicely. But then it became repetitive. Auriela got on my nerves. Constantine was ok until it was mentioned every other chapter his chiseled looks, tattoos, etc. The third act breakup was silly and didn’t need to happen. I can see how this book is setting up the rest of the series.
Best lines:
“Part of me wondered why I continued to fight for a man who couldn’t be bothered to fight for me.”
“A man in a committed relationship doesn’t need privacy.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2026
Wow! The Ruler has a fantastic storyline. I really enjoyed this book alot. It is quite the page turner. Constantine is the perfect male: tall, strong, good looking, powerful, kind, rich and so sexy. Aurelia meets Constantine when her ex leaves her on vacation. Aurelia and Constantine are attracted to each other immediately. It is heartwarming and very sexually charged. Constantine is a powerful man with a powerful job. They fall in love quickly and it is a very romantic and suspenseful read.
May 8, 2026
Read this book quickly! This book pulled me in immediately and I was completely invested. Constantine is the perfect package. He is very patient, protective, and so devoted to Aurelia. His whole personality is the perfect man. I was a little annoyed with Aurelia in some parts of this book as I felt like she was too much in her head and not giving them a chance.
Their chemistry from the beginning was deep. Loved the intense passion and emotional connection these two shared.
Can't wait to read the next two books!
Their chemistry from the beginning was deep. Loved the intense passion and emotional connection these two shared.
Can't wait to read the next two books!
April 7, 2026
Descriptive, slow read
99.9% of this book is about the relationship between the two main characters. There is very little mafia included and it is mainly just talked about. So much of the book is also just descriptions of houses and rooms and bathrooms. It was a little disappointing to me as I thought it was more of an action mafia romance. I will probably start book 2, but I won’t buy the audio like I did for the first book.
99.9% of this book is about the relationship between the two main characters. There is very little mafia included and it is mainly just talked about. So much of the book is also just descriptions of houses and rooms and bathrooms. It was a little disappointing to me as I thought it was more of an action mafia romance. I will probably start book 2, but I won’t buy the audio like I did for the first book.
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