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The Ruler
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Expected 7 Apr 26From 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.
- GenresRomance
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
5 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
72 books6,707 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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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
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.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oof. This book.
If you are looking for a surface level quick read with plenty of sexy scenes, I'm sure people could enjoy this (no judgement sometime I also just need a mindless quick read for the dopamine). However if you scratch the surface even a bit, this book drove me mad.
First and honestly the most difficult to overlook is that the main characters (Aurelie and Constantine) are barely written and despite a whole book about their relationship I can only tell you for sure that they each think the other is hot and that is why they are meant to be together. Again and again when they pine for each other - there is no list of qualities they admire or miss just that the other is so incredibly hot. Even at the end of the book when the third act breakup happens they both describe how they miss the other person and usually we see a list of the character's qualities or impact on their life, but again its just more about how attractive the other is. Each could basically be replaced by a sexy lamp and I don't know if the other's descriptions would need to change. I was also very surprised to see some sexual interactions between the two that felt entirely focused on the man's pleasure exclusively - there is one scene in particular where she is asleep when he starts and is noted is that he gets off and leaves because that's all that he wanted. It was just so .... off-putting. Like it could have easily been expanded to focus on them both or just removed entirely, but having there like that felt like a huge red flag about the author.
Next Constantine is described in the blurb as a golden retriever. Nope. A golden retriever character is devoted and supportive and patient. Whereas Constantine has moments where he says he'll be patient and understanding - and then proceeds to almost immediately not be. I swear he was written by two different people based on how contradictory he was written. For example, he has a huge speech about how he believes in full honesty and hates lying - even lies of omission. Then proceeds to spend the rest of the book lying and withholding information from Aurelia unless it suits him. He will wax poetic occasionally with feminist monologues but then act like the misogynistic red flags that I can't ignore/forgive even in a book.
Last is just vocabulary and lack of research for a better word - which I understand is pedantic, but reading a POV of a grown man use the word "boobage" like the word cleavage isn't a word that we all know and expect anyone over the age of 13 to use is ridiculous. And *NSFW WARNING* but I read the exact phrase "fat dick" more times in this book that I have cumulatively up to now - and I have read at this point hundreds of fairly smutty romance books. And while this seems to be Constantine's main personality trait (other than the attractiveness), I still need him to have literally any other redeemable personality traits. On another note, I am sure this is very specific to me, but that Constantine's dog is a German Shepherd pissed me off. We are supposed to see Constantine as this third arm of Roman rule, a descendant of the original Emperor, and he doesn't have an Italian breed?? The Neapolitan Mastiff and Cane Corso are RIGHT THERE and were around in Ancient Rome - Google is FREE. Also the description of the dog's behavior is pretty unlike any German Shepherd I have ever met (and my brother has 4 at the moment). They are high energy, highly intelligent, stubborn, and slow to bond. If Constantine is often not home that dog would likely not know or like him let alone bond with the random woman who has just appeared that her owner seems to dislike at that moment.
I understand that this is from Montlake so there is not likely a huge editorial support. But this whole book just felt like this was a first pass and someone desperately needs someone to read it and give general editorial feedback still. There are shining moments, and the general plot is interesting but it is all lost in the the gunk that is the rest of the book/writing.
If you are looking for a surface level quick read with plenty of sexy scenes, I'm sure people could enjoy this (no judgement sometime I also just need a mindless quick read for the dopamine). However if you scratch the surface even a bit, this book drove me mad.
First and honestly the most difficult to overlook is that the main characters (Aurelie and Constantine) are barely written and despite a whole book about their relationship I can only tell you for sure that they each think the other is hot and that is why they are meant to be together. Again and again when they pine for each other - there is no list of qualities they admire or miss just that the other is so incredibly hot. Even at the end of the book when the third act breakup happens they both describe how they miss the other person and usually we see a list of the character's qualities or impact on their life, but again its just more about how attractive the other is. Each could basically be replaced by a sexy lamp and I don't know if the other's descriptions would need to change. I was also very surprised to see some sexual interactions between the two that felt entirely focused on the man's pleasure exclusively - there is one scene in particular where she is asleep when he starts and is noted is that he gets off and leaves because that's all that he wanted. It was just so .... off-putting. Like it could have easily been expanded to focus on them both or just removed entirely, but having there like that felt like a huge red flag about the author.
Next Constantine is described in the blurb as a golden retriever. Nope. A golden retriever character is devoted and supportive and patient. Whereas Constantine has moments where he says he'll be patient and understanding - and then proceeds to almost immediately not be. I swear he was written by two different people based on how contradictory he was written. For example, he has a huge speech about how he believes in full honesty and hates lying - even lies of omission. Then proceeds to spend the rest of the book lying and withholding information from Aurelia unless it suits him. He will wax poetic occasionally with feminist monologues but then act like the misogynistic red flags that I can't ignore/forgive even in a book.
Last is just vocabulary and lack of research for a better word - which I understand is pedantic, but reading a POV of a grown man use the word "boobage" like the word cleavage isn't a word that we all know and expect anyone over the age of 13 to use is ridiculous. And *NSFW WARNING* but I read the exact phrase "fat dick" more times in this book that I have cumulatively up to now - and I have read at this point hundreds of fairly smutty romance books. And while this seems to be Constantine's main personality trait (other than the attractiveness), I still need him to have literally any other redeemable personality traits. On another note, I am sure this is very specific to me, but that Constantine's dog is a German Shepherd pissed me off. We are supposed to see Constantine as this third arm of Roman rule, a descendant of the original Emperor, and he doesn't have an Italian breed?? The Neapolitan Mastiff and Cane Corso are RIGHT THERE and were around in Ancient Rome - Google is FREE. Also the description of the dog's behavior is pretty unlike any German Shepherd I have ever met (and my brother has 4 at the moment). They are high energy, highly intelligent, stubborn, and slow to bond. If Constantine is often not home that dog would likely not know or like him let alone bond with the random woman who has just appeared that her owner seems to dislike at that moment.
I understand that this is from Montlake so there is not likely a huge editorial support. But this whole book just felt like this was a first pass and someone desperately needs someone to read it and give general editorial feedback still. There are shining moments, and the general plot is interesting but it is all lost in the the gunk that is the rest of the book/writing.
December 28, 2025
This book has so much potential, I loved the sound of the premise - although I’m not sure if it met my expectations.
The beginning of the book set the scene, Aurelia had booked the trip to Sicily in a last attempt to save her relationship with Enzo but instead it came to an end, and Aurelia discovered he had been cheating on her. She spends the day wallowing and then decides to venture to the fancy hotel up the hill and meets Constantine - good start - they have lots of chemistry and spend the night together, this then extends to them seeing out the rest of their holidays together.
At this point I was rooting for their relationship, it seemed like Aurelia was finding herself again and was invested in seeing where the relationship with Constantine would go… they returned to Rome and it was like she’d become a shadow of herself - where had she gone?! I was annoyed that Constantine had said he didn’t like lies by omission and Aurelia didn’t confront him about the conversation she’d overheard between him and his ex Isabella - it seemed like that rocked Aurelias confidence but she could have talked to him to understand - this felt unfinished. And also, when they return to Rome we learned from Constantine’s perspective that he’d slept with Isabella the same week as Aurelia - this rocked my faith in him as he’d come across like Aurelia had been this revelation of what he wanted in life but this was after he’d been with his ex - red flag alert.
Then Aureli’s pulling away and creating a chasm of distance between them, Constantine doesn’t like it so he pushes forward trying to get her to commit to him and it’s just awkward… until he loses it and dumps her for her saying she wished he was normal…. Dude you just forced your way into her apartment where she was having a closure chat with her ex - he went macho man and thought that would win her over - nope!
But then Aurelia crumbles and gives in, she realises she wants him now - he blocks her (wtf?!) and then she gets herself into trouble and Constantine shows up to save the day - how did he know?! Was he still trailing her??
They make up and that’s the end…. What happens next?!???
So it’s safe to say this book was like a rollercoaster - and I’m left at the top of the last drop, not knowing what comes next?!
The beginning of the book set the scene, Aurelia had booked the trip to Sicily in a last attempt to save her relationship with Enzo but instead it came to an end, and Aurelia discovered he had been cheating on her. She spends the day wallowing and then decides to venture to the fancy hotel up the hill and meets Constantine - good start - they have lots of chemistry and spend the night together, this then extends to them seeing out the rest of their holidays together.
At this point I was rooting for their relationship, it seemed like Aurelia was finding herself again and was invested in seeing where the relationship with Constantine would go… they returned to Rome and it was like she’d become a shadow of herself - where had she gone?! I was annoyed that Constantine had said he didn’t like lies by omission and Aurelia didn’t confront him about the conversation she’d overheard between him and his ex Isabella - it seemed like that rocked Aurelias confidence but she could have talked to him to understand - this felt unfinished. And also, when they return to Rome we learned from Constantine’s perspective that he’d slept with Isabella the same week as Aurelia - this rocked my faith in him as he’d come across like Aurelia had been this revelation of what he wanted in life but this was after he’d been with his ex - red flag alert.
Then Aureli’s pulling away and creating a chasm of distance between them, Constantine doesn’t like it so he pushes forward trying to get her to commit to him and it’s just awkward… until he loses it and dumps her for her saying she wished he was normal…. Dude you just forced your way into her apartment where she was having a closure chat with her ex - he went macho man and thought that would win her over - nope!
But then Aurelia crumbles and gives in, she realises she wants him now - he blocks her (wtf?!) and then she gets herself into trouble and Constantine shows up to save the day - how did he know?! Was he still trailing her??
They make up and that’s the end…. What happens next?!???
So it’s safe to say this book was like a rollercoaster - and I’m left at the top of the last drop, not knowing what comes next?!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely love Penelope Sky’s books, she’s the author who first pulled me into the mafia romance genre, and no one does intense, dominant MMC energy and scorching chemistry quite like she does.
So when I got the chance to ARC read The Ruler, I was beyond excited… and honestly, Aurelia and Constantine did not disappoint. Their chemistry is completely off the charts, the kind that’s instant, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.
Aurelia begins the story on holiday with her boyfriend, but things fall apart within the first few days. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Constantine… and from the moment they cross paths, the connection between them is immediate. The story follows their week together before reality calls them back home, and the pacing, relationship build-up, and emotional development were done really well.
What I especially loved was how much time was spent developing their relationship beyond just physical attraction. Constantine wasn’t just intense and irresistible, he was also patient, supportive, and consistently honest with Aurelia. He never withheld information, never played games, and instead helped her rebuild her confidence in a way that felt genuine and grounding. Watching Aurelia grow with him beside her was one of my favourite parts of the book.
The writing flowed beautifully, the plot was engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed the ride… until the ending.
Unfortunately, it felt like the story just stopped. I turned the page expecting another chapter or even an epilogue… and then it was over. I’m still not sure if this is meant to continue in another book or if this was intended as a standalone, but either way, it left me feeling like I had zero closure, which really impacted my overall rating.
That said, I still loved the writing, the relationship, and the emotional thread throughout. If you love mafia romance with strong chemistry, dominant MMC energy, and a heroine rebuilding herself after heartbreak, you’ll definitely want to read The Ruler, just be prepared for an ending that may leave you wanting more
So when I got the chance to ARC read The Ruler, I was beyond excited… and honestly, Aurelia and Constantine did not disappoint. Their chemistry is completely off the charts, the kind that’s instant, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.
Aurelia begins the story on holiday with her boyfriend, but things fall apart within the first few days. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Constantine… and from the moment they cross paths, the connection between them is immediate. The story follows their week together before reality calls them back home, and the pacing, relationship build-up, and emotional development were done really well.
What I especially loved was how much time was spent developing their relationship beyond just physical attraction. Constantine wasn’t just intense and irresistible, he was also patient, supportive, and consistently honest with Aurelia. He never withheld information, never played games, and instead helped her rebuild her confidence in a way that felt genuine and grounding. Watching Aurelia grow with him beside her was one of my favourite parts of the book.
The writing flowed beautifully, the plot was engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed the ride… until the ending.
Unfortunately, it felt like the story just stopped. I turned the page expecting another chapter or even an epilogue… and then it was over. I’m still not sure if this is meant to continue in another book or if this was intended as a standalone, but either way, it left me feeling like I had zero closure, which really impacted my overall rating.
That said, I still loved the writing, the relationship, and the emotional thread throughout. If you love mafia romance with strong chemistry, dominant MMC energy, and a heroine rebuilding herself after heartbreak, you’ll definitely want to read The Ruler, just be prepared for an ending that may leave you wanting more
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel is an enthralling blend of passion, danger, and intrigue. 📖 The story begins with a woman’s resolve to reclaim her happiness after a painful betrayal 💔, showcasing her resilience and strength. Her decision to venture out and explore Sicily 🇮🇹 leads her to an encounter that changes everything — a chance meeting with Constantine, a man whose outward charm is matched by an undeniable magnetism 🔥. Their connection is intense and immediate, sparking a chemistry that is both alluring and forbidden 💫💋.
Constantine is a complex character — a tattooed enigma who exudes confidence and danger 🖤🔪. Their nights together are charged with passion and vulnerability, offering her a temporary escape from her pain and solitude 💞. Yet, beneath his sophisticated exterior lies a much darker reality; he is a brutal enforcer with a reputation that commands fear and respect in Rome’s shadowy underworld 🔥. As secrets surface, the narrative deepens, revealing the perilous nature of trust and loyalty.
The story masterfully explores themes of power, love, and morality, weaving a compelling tapestry of suspense and emotional depth. The tension escalates as the heroine is drawn further into Constantine’s world—one fraught with danger, yet also filled with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. The author’s portrayal of Rome’s grandeur juxtaposed with its darker underbelly adds a rich, atmospheric layer to the narrative.
This is an engrossing read for those who appreciate mature storytelling — a potent mix of romance and suspense that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a captivating exploration of how love can be both a sanctuary and a peril, set amidst the complex machinations of power and loyalty. Highly recommended for readers seeking a sophisticated and emotionally charged experience. ✨
Constantine is a complex character — a tattooed enigma who exudes confidence and danger 🖤🔪. Their nights together are charged with passion and vulnerability, offering her a temporary escape from her pain and solitude 💞. Yet, beneath his sophisticated exterior lies a much darker reality; he is a brutal enforcer with a reputation that commands fear and respect in Rome’s shadowy underworld 🔥. As secrets surface, the narrative deepens, revealing the perilous nature of trust and loyalty.
The story masterfully explores themes of power, love, and morality, weaving a compelling tapestry of suspense and emotional depth. The tension escalates as the heroine is drawn further into Constantine’s world—one fraught with danger, yet also filled with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. The author’s portrayal of Rome’s grandeur juxtaposed with its darker underbelly adds a rich, atmospheric layer to the narrative.
This is an engrossing read for those who appreciate mature storytelling — a potent mix of romance and suspense that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a captivating exploration of how love can be both a sanctuary and a peril, set amidst the complex machinations of power and loyalty. Highly recommended for readers seeking a sophisticated and emotionally charged experience. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I want to say I LOVED the setting of this story. From someone with Italian heritage I enjoyed reading the Italian experience and scenery. It was realistic and original. I loved the idea of the trio between powers explained in this story as well. It was picturesque and beautiful the way the author described in great detail of the setting.
I wanted to love this book but I had some issues with the MMC and the relationship between the Constantine and Aurelia.
Constantine- I enjoyed is character in the beginning of the story but what hung me up was the third act break up. It was so quick and final. When I was reading, I was expecting an explanation of love and devotion but rather it dissolved into simply she had to understand or else. Then a final statement of he is happy to see where this relationship goes...
Aurelia- I enjoyed this FMC for her wit and being able to speak her mind. I did get the sense she was struggling with low self esteem. Her self worth was tied around Constantine and her ex. This is where I begin to struggle also with the relationship. She met the MMC for like a week and he expected so much it seemed more like love bombing. Then when he pulled away it seemed more like a tactic to manipulate her feelings so she would be afraid of losing him. Combined with her feelings of low self worth she felt like she had no choice but to commit earlier than SHE had wanted.
I would have liked an epilogue or maybe a scene of where the two had committed long term into a loving relationship. Not necessarily a wedding but maybe a proposal or some sort of idea that he felt like he was in love with her while telling her what he loved about her and she felt less insecure while confident in her abilities.
I wanted to love this book but I had some issues with the MMC and the relationship between the Constantine and Aurelia.
Constantine- I enjoyed is character in the beginning of the story but what hung me up was the third act break up. It was so quick and final. When I was reading, I was expecting an explanation of love and devotion but rather it dissolved into simply she had to understand or else. Then a final statement of he is happy to see where this relationship goes...
Aurelia- I enjoyed this FMC for her wit and being able to speak her mind. I did get the sense she was struggling with low self esteem. Her self worth was tied around Constantine and her ex. This is where I begin to struggle also with the relationship. She met the MMC for like a week and he expected so much it seemed more like love bombing. Then when he pulled away it seemed more like a tactic to manipulate her feelings so she would be afraid of losing him. Combined with her feelings of low self worth she felt like she had no choice but to commit earlier than SHE had wanted.
I would have liked an epilogue or maybe a scene of where the two had committed long term into a loving relationship. Not necessarily a wedding but maybe a proposal or some sort of idea that he felt like he was in love with her while telling her what he loved about her and she felt less insecure while confident in her abilities.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley and publishers for allowing me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Aurelia feels like her boyfriend is distancing himself from her but everytime she asks what's wrong, he just refuses to tell her. As a last ditch effort to try and repair her relationship she takes him on a vacation to a small Italian island.
After finding out her boyfriend has been cheating on her and leaves her on the vacation by herself, she's brokenhearted but decides to say fuck it and jump into bed with the hottest guy she's ever seen.
A fling that turns into more, but does she really know the guy she's with? Is she ready to accept all he is or will she continue to hide within herself?
I liked this okay. It was a quick read, the writing was easy to follow along with and I overall had a decent time with this.
The texting parts need work, at some points I didn't even know who was talking or if it was even a text in the first place since there was nothing to distinguish between text and storyline.
I didn't really like Aurelia, too cowardly, too leading him on, but I didn't really necessarily like Constantine either. Too arrogant and pig headed. His honesty was also too much.
There's a difference between being honest and just an explosion of things that the FMC didn't even ask for lol
Overall, I still had a good time though.
Aurelia feels like her boyfriend is distancing himself from her but everytime she asks what's wrong, he just refuses to tell her. As a last ditch effort to try and repair her relationship she takes him on a vacation to a small Italian island.
After finding out her boyfriend has been cheating on her and leaves her on the vacation by herself, she's brokenhearted but decides to say fuck it and jump into bed with the hottest guy she's ever seen.
A fling that turns into more, but does she really know the guy she's with? Is she ready to accept all he is or will she continue to hide within herself?
I liked this okay. It was a quick read, the writing was easy to follow along with and I overall had a decent time with this.
The texting parts need work, at some points I didn't even know who was talking or if it was even a text in the first place since there was nothing to distinguish between text and storyline.
I didn't really like Aurelia, too cowardly, too leading him on, but I didn't really necessarily like Constantine either. Too arrogant and pig headed. His honesty was also too much.
There's a difference between being honest and just an explosion of things that the FMC didn't even ask for lol
Overall, I still had a good time though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am giving this 3 stars overall but the steam factor was a definite 10! Constantine definitely knows his way around a woman's body and exactly how to switch things up to please her.
Now to the meat and potatoes...This was a quick and enjoyable read. Parts of it were relatable in that our MFC Aurelia was in a long-term relationship and took a trip with said boyfriend to try and bring back some of the spark that had been missing. Like all true life scenarios, that is almost dang near impossible.
Now Aurelia finds herself alone on the rest of the vacation where, unlike my luck, happens upon the most amazing, rich, sexy god of a man who makes it his mission to ensure that her life is anything but ick while she finishes her time off. Constantine has secrets of his own but, again, unlike any man ever, he does not hide them. He speaks the truth and nothing but the truth which leaves Aurelia spinning.
"The Ruler" spins some mafia, steam and emotion into a fun and entertaining read. Like I tell anyone who reads fiction, it is supposed to be the most unbelievable scenarios known to man. Its a world we all just want to escape in for a few minutes and Constantine is definitely worth the blip from reality.
Thank you to Penelope Sky and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now to the meat and potatoes...This was a quick and enjoyable read. Parts of it were relatable in that our MFC Aurelia was in a long-term relationship and took a trip with said boyfriend to try and bring back some of the spark that had been missing. Like all true life scenarios, that is almost dang near impossible.
Now Aurelia finds herself alone on the rest of the vacation where, unlike my luck, happens upon the most amazing, rich, sexy god of a man who makes it his mission to ensure that her life is anything but ick while she finishes her time off. Constantine has secrets of his own but, again, unlike any man ever, he does not hide them. He speaks the truth and nothing but the truth which leaves Aurelia spinning.
"The Ruler" spins some mafia, steam and emotion into a fun and entertaining read. Like I tell anyone who reads fiction, it is supposed to be the most unbelievable scenarios known to man. Its a world we all just want to escape in for a few minutes and Constantine is definitely worth the blip from reality.
Thank you to Penelope Sky and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
Aurelia's marriage was in trouble. She and her husband Enzo had somehow grown apart and their relationship had begun to feel disappointing and tedious. That was when she met Constantine and got to know the man behind the title of powerful Emperor. This book was a really quick read. It was a pleasant surprise that the vibe wasn't as dark as some of the mafia romances and Aurelia and Constantine's relationship growth felt believable rather than insta-love/lust. Their relationship felt healthier than some of the dark mafia romances I've read. Constantine showed Aurelia sides that other don't get to see. It was "soft for her" trope done right. There were two full open spice scenes but neither were super lengthy or overly explicit with a focus on emotions. My main issue is that this book ended on really abruptly, almost during their conversation. It wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, the ending was just sudden. I loved how Constantine patiently healed Aurelia's anxiety of not being enough and showed her how worthy of love and effort she was. This is a planned trilogy, so I'm hoping that both characters go through more development and their relationship goes through more growth.
Thank you so much Penelope Sky, Montlake, and NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you so much Penelope Sky, Montlake, and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This books starts out with our fmc Aurelia arriving in Italy for a vacation with her boyfriend.
Things are already headed downhill for their 2 year relationship. Her boyfriend is distant and constantly on his phone. When she confronts him, he breaks up with her and leaves.
Now she’s on vacation and heartbroken.
While she’s out a bar she sees the most attractive man ever. But she just got out of a relationship and he’s out of her league.
That’s how we officially meet our mmc Constantine. He also feels an immediate spark with Aurelia.
It starts as a vacation rebound but their relationship doesn’t end in Italy!
I love how the author writes these characters that are so magnetic towards each other that you can’t help but be absorbed in the storyline.
This book isn’t love at first sight but it’s connection at first sight. It’s seeing someone and not being able to look away. It’s meshing so well together physically and then finding out your personalities work together too. It’s that feeling of realizing you want to keep a person you can’t get enough of.
If you like dark romance and mafia romance this is one that will grip you from the first chapter! It’s very similar to her Fifth Republic series (which I also enjoyed).
Things are already headed downhill for their 2 year relationship. Her boyfriend is distant and constantly on his phone. When she confronts him, he breaks up with her and leaves.
Now she’s on vacation and heartbroken.
While she’s out a bar she sees the most attractive man ever. But she just got out of a relationship and he’s out of her league.
That’s how we officially meet our mmc Constantine. He also feels an immediate spark with Aurelia.
It starts as a vacation rebound but their relationship doesn’t end in Italy!
I love how the author writes these characters that are so magnetic towards each other that you can’t help but be absorbed in the storyline.
This book isn’t love at first sight but it’s connection at first sight. It’s seeing someone and not being able to look away. It’s meshing so well together physically and then finding out your personalities work together too. It’s that feeling of realizing you want to keep a person you can’t get enough of.
If you like dark romance and mafia romance this is one that will grip you from the first chapter! It’s very similar to her Fifth Republic series (which I also enjoyed).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aurelia and Constantine meet after Aurelia is left single and humiliated while on holiday in the picturesque town of Taormina. A whirlwind romance ensures and guess what dear reader, we've got VIP front row seats.
☠️ Mafia Romance
🥵 Holiday Fling aka F**kcation
💔 Emotionally Bruised FMC
😴 Somno
I do love a good mafia romance and was hopeful this one would tick all my boxes when the MMC was described as being a "Golden Retriever". The book is relatively short, well written and the story is much more down to earth in comparison to other mafia romances out there plus we even get a couple of decent spicy scenes. I did enjoy reading it, especially the scenes when our MCs first went on dates but unfortunately for me despite having all the right pieces they failed to slot into place on this occasion. This one felt more like a love letter to Sicily/Rome than anything else and I think I was just expecting a bit more oomph with it being a mafia romance.
I am hoping by the time the book releases we get a bit more to the story as it ends abruptly in its current format and hopefully an epilogue or two. 🤞🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
"This man could run me over with a car and I'd be the one apologising for getting in his way." 🤣
☠️ Mafia Romance
🥵 Holiday Fling aka F**kcation
💔 Emotionally Bruised FMC
😴 Somno
I do love a good mafia romance and was hopeful this one would tick all my boxes when the MMC was described as being a "Golden Retriever". The book is relatively short, well written and the story is much more down to earth in comparison to other mafia romances out there plus we even get a couple of decent spicy scenes. I did enjoy reading it, especially the scenes when our MCs first went on dates but unfortunately for me despite having all the right pieces they failed to slot into place on this occasion. This one felt more like a love letter to Sicily/Rome than anything else and I think I was just expecting a bit more oomph with it being a mafia romance.
I am hoping by the time the book releases we get a bit more to the story as it ends abruptly in its current format and hopefully an epilogue or two. 🤞🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
"This man could run me over with a car and I'd be the one apologising for getting in his way." 🤣
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
This one feels very on-brand for Penelope Sky: big setup, dangerous man, lush European setting, and a whole lot of heat. Aurelia decides to enjoy her Sicilian vacation solo after being spectacularly ditched by her cheating boyfriend and promptly falls into bed—and feelings—with Constantine. “Con” is a tattooed, golden-retriever-in-human-form who is kind to her, devoted to his family, obsessed with his dog… and secretly a brutal Roman enforcer known as the Emperor. Casual.
The vibes are strong. Where this stumbled for me is the pacing and payoff. Like Sky’s Fifth Republic series, the plot has real promise, but the erotica often takes center stage while the political intrigue and power dynamics feel rushed or underdeveloped. Since this is the first book in a trilogy, it’s clearly laying groundwork for Aurelia and Constantine’s longer arc—but it does start slow.
All that said, it’s an easy, entertaining read with plenty of heat and a compelling enough hook to keep me curious about what comes next. Not her strongest, but solid mafia romance escapism if you’re in the mood for danger, devotion, and a morally gray man who absolutely calls the shots.
This one feels very on-brand for Penelope Sky: big setup, dangerous man, lush European setting, and a whole lot of heat. Aurelia decides to enjoy her Sicilian vacation solo after being spectacularly ditched by her cheating boyfriend and promptly falls into bed—and feelings—with Constantine. “Con” is a tattooed, golden-retriever-in-human-form who is kind to her, devoted to his family, obsessed with his dog… and secretly a brutal Roman enforcer known as the Emperor. Casual.
The vibes are strong. Where this stumbled for me is the pacing and payoff. Like Sky’s Fifth Republic series, the plot has real promise, but the erotica often takes center stage while the political intrigue and power dynamics feel rushed or underdeveloped. Since this is the first book in a trilogy, it’s clearly laying groundwork for Aurelia and Constantine’s longer arc—but it does start slow.
All that said, it’s an easy, entertaining read with plenty of heat and a compelling enough hook to keep me curious about what comes next. Not her strongest, but solid mafia romance escapism if you’re in the mood for danger, devotion, and a morally gray man who absolutely calls the shots.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aurelia travels to Sicily with her boyfriend Enzo hoping the trip will fix their relationship, only for him to break up with her suddenly and without explanation. Left alone in a foreign country, she reconnects with Constantine, a stranger she met earlier, and what follows is a fast moving mafia romance.
I enjoyed the premise and the Sicilian/Rome setting, and while this is technically a mafia romance, it’s much lighter than expected. It isn’t especially dark, which may work for some readers but felt a bit surprising given the genre. There’s plenty of spice and chemistry, but emotionally everything moved very quickly.
My biggest issue was pacing. Certain moments could have used more detail, and the ending in particular felt rushed and resolved too suddenly. I wanted more buildup and a stronger emotional payoff.
Overall, a good concept with enjoyable moments, but it didn’t quite reach its full potential for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc. All views are my own.
Tropes:
• Mafia Romance
• Vacation Fling
• Dual POV
• 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spice
• Morally Grey MMC
• Golden Retriever MMC
I enjoyed the premise and the Sicilian/Rome setting, and while this is technically a mafia romance, it’s much lighter than expected. It isn’t especially dark, which may work for some readers but felt a bit surprising given the genre. There’s plenty of spice and chemistry, but emotionally everything moved very quickly.
My biggest issue was pacing. Certain moments could have used more detail, and the ending in particular felt rushed and resolved too suddenly. I wanted more buildup and a stronger emotional payoff.
Overall, a good concept with enjoyable moments, but it didn’t quite reach its full potential for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc. All views are my own.
Tropes:
• Mafia Romance
• Vacation Fling
• Dual POV
• 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spice
• Morally Grey MMC
• Golden Retriever MMC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Penelope Sky knows how to write a romantic, spicy book! In this story Aurelia is on vacation when her boyfriend dumps her leaving her by herself. Somewhat sad she leaves her hotel room and finds the most handsome man she's ever seen and despite some competition wins him over. A week full of spicy adventures ensues and when it's time for her to leave Aurelia isn't sure if Constantine is just there for a quick fling or for more. When he does tell her he cares for her but divulges more about his life she gets scared. And when an unexpected situation happens to her, she knows only one man who can save her.
This book was spicy and had great characters. I felt like Constantine was golden retriever/touch her and die and I loved it! He was a man who knew what he wanted and he wanted Aurelia. This book shows that sometimes it takes letting go and finding someone who believes in you to move on, changing your life and finding love. I would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley, Penelope Sky, and Montlake for allowing me to review this ARC!
This book was spicy and had great characters. I felt like Constantine was golden retriever/touch her and die and I loved it! He was a man who knew what he wanted and he wanted Aurelia. This book shows that sometimes it takes letting go and finding someone who believes in you to move on, changing your life and finding love. I would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley, Penelope Sky, and Montlake for allowing me to review this ARC!
December 28, 2025
Book 1 in new series by this author. Aurelia’s current relationship is falling apart; a trip to Sicily together as a last ditch effort to save what is clearly no longer working. After her boyfriend dumps her, she decides to stay and savage what is left of the trip. A chance encounter with Constantine - a tattooed, gorgeous man who oozes confidence and strength - has Aurelia immersed in an exciting, dynamic ride to find what it means to be truly appreciated and adored.
***Mafia romance set in Italy
***Dual POV
***🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a quick read that felt similar to another of the author’s mafia series. Constantine was somewhat of an enigma - a major player in a mafia role, but golden retriever energy underneath. I’m intrigued to see where the series goes in the second book. A great mix of suspense and romance.
Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
***Mafia romance set in Italy
***Dual POV
***🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a quick read that felt similar to another of the author’s mafia series. Constantine was somewhat of an enigma - a major player in a mafia role, but golden retriever energy underneath. I’m intrigued to see where the series goes in the second book. A great mix of suspense and romance.
Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A rollercoaster. I don’t know how else to describe it. This book literally follows this pattern: 📈📉📈
The beginning was great. It was such an enjoyable read – funny, with well-written 🌶️ scenes. I liked both main characters, I liked Constantin’s family… and then something shifted, and I started struggling to keep reading.
To quote the book directly: “One step forward, fifty steps back, back and forth, back and forth.”
I like controlling, possessive men (in books, obviously), but here… again, I enjoyed it at first, yet in the second half it started to feel a bit unbalanced. I can’t go into details without sharing spoilers.
To sum it up, there were scenes I enjoyed A LOT, and at the beginning I truly thought this would be a 5-star read. The concept was great. However, there were enough issues that piled up and forced me to lower my rating – and unfortunately, I can’t give it more than 3.5⭐.
The beginning was great. It was such an enjoyable read – funny, with well-written 🌶️ scenes. I liked both main characters, I liked Constantin’s family… and then something shifted, and I started struggling to keep reading.
To quote the book directly: “One step forward, fifty steps back, back and forth, back and forth.”
I like controlling, possessive men (in books, obviously), but here… again, I enjoyed it at first, yet in the second half it started to feel a bit unbalanced. I can’t go into details without sharing spoilers.
To sum it up, there were scenes I enjoyed A LOT, and at the beginning I truly thought this would be a 5-star read. The concept was great. However, there were enough issues that piled up and forced me to lower my rating – and unfortunately, I can’t give it more than 3.5⭐.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Penelope Sky delivers a scorching story of rebirth in The Ruler. We follow Aurora, a woman who has been gaslit and distanced by her boyfriend for months, only to have her heart shattered in beautiful Sicily. But the story truly begins when she meets Constantine.
The brilliance of this book lies in the contrast. You have the stunning, sun-drenched backdrop of Italy clashing with the cold, violent reality of Constantine’s profession. He is a man who protects the innocent by becoming a monster to the guilty.
For Aurora, the struggle isn't just about moving on "too fast"—it's about whether she can reconcile the tender man she knows in the bedroom with the man who kills for a living. After a nine-year hiatus from love, Constantine’s obsession with Aurora is possessive and all-consuming. This is a 4-star read for anyone who loves a protector hero with a very dark edge
The brilliance of this book lies in the contrast. You have the stunning, sun-drenched backdrop of Italy clashing with the cold, violent reality of Constantine’s profession. He is a man who protects the innocent by becoming a monster to the guilty.
For Aurora, the struggle isn't just about moving on "too fast"—it's about whether she can reconcile the tender man she knows in the bedroom with the man who kills for a living. After a nine-year hiatus from love, Constantine’s obsession with Aurora is possessive and all-consuming. This is a 4-star read for anyone who loves a protector hero with a very dark edge
December 31, 2025
3.75 rounded to a 4 for review purposes
I was intrigued by the premise. And I personally like more of a dark romance, so when I saw this, I knew it would fall with the type of books I like. This is my first experience with Penelope Sky. And overall, I liked the writing. I liked the setting. I really liked Constantine and the spicy scenes were great. I will say that it kind of begins like a lot of romances begin where Aurora is coming off a relationship that didn’t end well. But the chemistry between her and Constatine was great. I will say this was a pretty fast read, and it was exactly what I needed when I needed it. I would definitely be giving Penelope’s backlist a look at and will be checking out the other books in this series a go as they release.
Thank you to Montalke for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was intrigued by the premise. And I personally like more of a dark romance, so when I saw this, I knew it would fall with the type of books I like. This is my first experience with Penelope Sky. And overall, I liked the writing. I liked the setting. I really liked Constantine and the spicy scenes were great. I will say that it kind of begins like a lot of romances begin where Aurora is coming off a relationship that didn’t end well. But the chemistry between her and Constatine was great. I will say this was a pretty fast read, and it was exactly what I needed when I needed it. I would definitely be giving Penelope’s backlist a look at and will be checking out the other books in this series a go as they release.
Thank you to Montalke for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Ruler by Penelope Sky is the first book in the Roman Republic series. This isn’t my first read by this author I enjoy her books, and this one did not disappoint.
Aurelia meets Constantine after ending a long-term relationship with her cheating ex. Their initial time together feels almost magical, set against the backdrop of a beautiful vacation destination.
Once Aurelia returns to Rome, however, she begins to understand more about what Constantine does for a living, which leaves her feeling nervous and unsure. Much of the story centers on the push-and-pull of their relationship as she struggles with fear and attraction. The book delivers both plot and spice, with strong mafia elements and a definite “touch her and you die” vibe.
I did wish the ending gave a little more, but overall, I enjoyed the story and would continue the series to see where it goes next.
Aurelia meets Constantine after ending a long-term relationship with her cheating ex. Their initial time together feels almost magical, set against the backdrop of a beautiful vacation destination.
Once Aurelia returns to Rome, however, she begins to understand more about what Constantine does for a living, which leaves her feeling nervous and unsure. Much of the story centers on the push-and-pull of their relationship as she struggles with fear and attraction. The book delivers both plot and spice, with strong mafia elements and a definite “touch her and you die” vibe.
I did wish the ending gave a little more, but overall, I enjoyed the story and would continue the series to see where it goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love how this world has been built with emperors and just more complexity than your average mafia romance. Constantine is a powerhouse but Aurelia meets him in his smaller hometown. She knows he is an important man but she stays in the dark about who he truly is. Once they are back in Rome, she starts to out the pieces together. Although she thinks he is just involved with the mafia…. I fell in love with Aurelia’s energy. She has this spark about her that leaps off the page. She is on vacation hoping to turn her relationship around when her partner leaves her. She knew they were struggling but she was committed and totally gutted. Enter Constantine to turn her vacation right around. They are beautiful couple together. This was a shorter book but man was it packed perfectly with spice and plot! I received an advanced copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had an intriguing premise with the FMC finding herself in a whirlwind romance after being broken up with by her live-in boyfriend while on vacation. It takes very little time for Aurelia to come into contact with Constantine and begin anew.
Constantine and Aurelia's relationship is a physical one first and foremost. There is a lot of back-and-forth where Constantine is enamoured with Aurelia, but she is scared to get too involved too quickly. Constantine's job is another hurdle for them to work past. These tensions become a bit repetitive.
This book was quick to read and I generally enjoyed it plot-wise. There were some colloquialisms in terms of the setting that didn't work for me and I had trouble finding an emotional connection to either main character.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Constantine and Aurelia's relationship is a physical one first and foremost. There is a lot of back-and-forth where Constantine is enamoured with Aurelia, but she is scared to get too involved too quickly. Constantine's job is another hurdle for them to work past. These tensions become a bit repetitive.
This book was quick to read and I generally enjoyed it plot-wise. There were some colloquialisms in terms of the setting that didn't work for me and I had trouble finding an emotional connection to either main character.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Solid 4 star read! Aurelia and Constantine have undeniable chemistry from the first time they see each other and Sky does a great job of building the sexual tension between them while keeping the plot moving forward. I love their banter with each other and I also really appreciate how realistic Aurelia is about her feelings (not wanting to jump immediately into a relationship after her previous one abruptly ends) and that Constantine is willing to *try* to give her space (emphasis on try because homeboy is down bad for our girl). The spicy scenes are very satisfying and there are some action sequences that show off how badass Constantine is. If you love mafia-type romances, intense MMCs and a realistic/badass FMC then this is definitely a book you should read. I hope we get to see more of them together in a sequel/potentially see her helping Constantine in some way in his line of work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Ruler by Penelope Sky has a strong premise and all the core elements I look for in a mafia romance that pulled me in. The plot itself was engaging, and I genuinely wanted to know where the story was going.
That said, I struggled with the execution of the writing style a bit. At times, it felt juvenile, with frequent run-on sentences followed by very choppy ones, which made it difficult for me to fully settle into the flow of the story. While the plot had me hooked, the writing pulled me out of the moment.
Overall, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy mafia romances and who prioritize tropes over prose.
3.5 Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
That said, I struggled with the execution of the writing style a bit. At times, it felt juvenile, with frequent run-on sentences followed by very choppy ones, which made it difficult for me to fully settle into the flow of the story. While the plot had me hooked, the writing pulled me out of the moment.
Overall, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy mafia romances and who prioritize tropes over prose.
3.5 Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
December 28, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
I love how Penelope tells this story as well as her pacing throughout the book. I feel like we really get to know and fall in love with her characters through conflict and everyday life that arise in her book. The MC’s as well as thier loved ones feel fully formed.y favorite part of Penelope’s books is how the scenes almost feel like I’m ease dropping on a private momemt in the MC’s life. It’s the big reason I keep coming back!
My biggest complaint though is the writing. I find a lot of the dialogue and some parts of the general content to be clunky with awkwardness that could be easily switched to sound smoother. It’s a minor compliant but one that comes up a lot throughout the work.
Overall, really enjoyed this book and thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I love how Penelope tells this story as well as her pacing throughout the book. I feel like we really get to know and fall in love with her characters through conflict and everyday life that arise in her book. The MC’s as well as thier loved ones feel fully formed.y favorite part of Penelope’s books is how the scenes almost feel like I’m ease dropping on a private momemt in the MC’s life. It’s the big reason I keep coming back!
My biggest complaint though is the writing. I find a lot of the dialogue and some parts of the general content to be clunky with awkwardness that could be easily switched to sound smoother. It’s a minor compliant but one that comes up a lot throughout the work.
Overall, really enjoyed this book and thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
January 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the first half of this. Aurelia decides to finish the rest of her vacation after her cheating scumbag boyfriend decides to leave her. She meets tall, dark & handsome Constantine, who just so happens to be the Emporer of Rome. She doesn’t know right off the bat who he is, but just knows his line of work is dangerous.
The first half was great. I loved the connection between Aurelia & Constantine. But then it was lost when the story takes them back home. The second half of this felt verrrrrrrry rushed. Too many things were happening and I am NOT a fan of a third act breakup.
The ending also was very abrupt. It was….. odd.
Overall, this was a fun little spicy read.
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the first half of this. Aurelia decides to finish the rest of her vacation after her cheating scumbag boyfriend decides to leave her. She meets tall, dark & handsome Constantine, who just so happens to be the Emporer of Rome. She doesn’t know right off the bat who he is, but just knows his line of work is dangerous.
The first half was great. I loved the connection between Aurelia & Constantine. But then it was lost when the story takes them back home. The second half of this felt verrrrrrrry rushed. Too many things were happening and I am NOT a fan of a third act breakup.
The ending also was very abrupt. It was….. odd.
Overall, this was a fun little spicy read.
December 22, 2025
Enjoyment while reading: 4 stars
Writing/plot: 2 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was really over-the-top, but I enjoyed the descriptions of Italian food. Aurelia meets Constantine after her boyfriend of two years dumps her. Constantine is the head of an underground secret network that disciplines criminals that break certain rules. Aurelia likes Constantine, but she is worried that his work is too dangerous. The writing and character development was nothing special, but the wild plot was entertaining. It felt different than other contemporary mafia romances.
Content: graphic sex scenes, some mentions of violence
Spice rating: 3 out of 5 🔥
Writing/plot: 2 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was really over-the-top, but I enjoyed the descriptions of Italian food. Aurelia meets Constantine after her boyfriend of two years dumps her. Constantine is the head of an underground secret network that disciplines criminals that break certain rules. Aurelia likes Constantine, but she is worried that his work is too dangerous. The writing and character development was nothing special, but the wild plot was entertaining. It felt different than other contemporary mafia romances.
Content: graphic sex scenes, some mentions of violence
Spice rating: 3 out of 5 🔥
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Penelope Sky said alpha male and then turned the dial all the way up. Constantine is dangerous, dominant, and emotionally unavailable in the exact way dark-romance girlies eat up. Italy as a backdrop? Chef’s kiss. Trauma-bonding, temptation, and “I should not want this man but I absolutely do” energy run this book.
Is it intense? Yes.
Is it dramatic? Extremely.
Did I question my morals a little? Also yes.
If you love brooding men with power, morally gray choices, and romance that feels like a beautiful bad decision — this one delivers. Not here for soft boys or slow burns. This is fast, fiery, and feral.
Thank you NetGalley
Is it intense? Yes.
Is it dramatic? Extremely.
Did I question my morals a little? Also yes.
If you love brooding men with power, morally gray choices, and romance that feels like a beautiful bad decision — this one delivers. Not here for soft boys or slow burns. This is fast, fiery, and feral.
Thank you NetGalley
January 17, 2026
did i absolutely devour this book in one sitting? yes, yes i did. If you want a fast paced mafia romance then this is definitely for you, it was such an easy read. Constantine was EVERYTHING and more i love about a mmc, protective yet also the sweetest man when it came to Aurelia. i really hope to see more of them in the future
My only negative about this book is that i wish it were longer. I do think the plot could have been developed a little more, however, i still really enjoyed the book.
My first Penelope Sky book and it definitely won’t be my last!
thank you netgalley and penelope sky for the arc!
My only negative about this book is that i wish it were longer. I do think the plot could have been developed a little more, however, i still really enjoyed the book.
My first Penelope Sky book and it definitely won’t be my last!
thank you netgalley and penelope sky for the arc!
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