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By Blade, I Love

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I’ve lost everything—except Wolfe.

We flee my family home that’s been in my blood for generations and seek refuge at Wolfe’s villa in Palermo. With a heart so irreparably broken, even this beautiful seaside escape can’t repair the damage.

Warren’s men search for us in Palermo, and instead of snitching on our location, Don Russo and Cosa Nostra protect our whereabouts. I won’t stop until I get revenge, and I won’t stop until my family legacy is returned to its rightful owner—me.

But we can’t do that alone. We need allies—and Cosa Nostra is all we have. Wolfe forms an agreement. In exchange for their help in taking back the winery, he’ll help them defeat Icarus, the Skull King’s ruthless lieutenant.

But the path to success isn’t a straight line. With unexpected twists and turns and mountain slides, either Wolfe or I is in danger, and sometimes both of us. The entirety of Sicily is pulled into the fight for independence against Icarus and the Skull King.

And I’m not sure if we’ll make it out alive.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

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About the author

Penelope Sky

74 books7,351 followers
A 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 211 reviews
Profile Image for Bookishness .
296 reviews185 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 20, 2026
“They say laughter is the best medicine. They’re wrong. It’s revenge.” 🔥

What a great ending to this trilogy.

One of my favorite parts of this book was watching Francesca step into her father’s legacy and truly make it her own. She was everything I want in an FMC strong-willed, confident, fearless, and compassionate, without ever coming across as arrogant or bratty. Watching her rebuild an empire while carrying so much grief was inspiring, and her resilience was incredible.

“You’re my ride or die, the toughest bitch I ever met, fearless and strong, passionate, not to mention fuckin’ fine as hell.” ❤️‍🔥

And Wolfe… I honestly didn’t think it was possible to love him more after Book 2, but this book proved me wrong. The way he supports Francesca, stands beside her, and never once feels threatened by her strength or success made me love him even more. He was so secure in himself that he was willing to put her legacy before his own. He celebrated her power instead of competing with it, and I absolutely loved that. They truly felt like equals in every sense of the word.

“He was the love of my life. He felt like family even when he was a stranger. He felt like home, even when mine had been destroyed by gunfire and violence.” 🖤

The romance was incredible, the emotional moments felt so raw, you felt their connection~ and the plot kept me invested from beginning to end. The pacing was great, there was enough action to keep things exciting without taking away from the romance, and it was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy.

Book 2 By Blade, I Vow is still my favorite, but this was an unforgettable finale that wrapped everything up beautifully. ⭐️

I also want to mention I absolutely thought Leo could not redeem himself after book 2, boy was I wrong!

~YES~ I got the ARC, I absolutely adore this series, its great tension, forbidden romance! RTC
Profile Image for Kayla W.
147 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2026
Wow, this was a fantastic ending to the trilogy! Not only did the plot have a great flow, but it kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I absolutely enjoyed Frankie stepping into her father's shoes and taking over as Donna. She was so fierce and powerful. And of course, having Wolfe by her side made it even better. Their loyalty is unmatched—there is nothing these two will not do for one another. It was such a great ending to the trilogy, and the epilogue was exactly what and how I could hope the ending would be.
Profile Image for Meg.RecsBooks.
596 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2026
audio / 4* / netgalley

The perfect wrap up to the series. I absolutely loved the evolution of Francesca and the progression of all the characters. The drama did not disappoint, everywhere we turned there was a new twist or bomb going off. Love never wavered.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this, and the entire series in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Brina's Emotional Borrow.
433 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
4.5⭐
What a great conclusion to this series!

There’s so much I enjoyed about the series as a whole, but Wolfe and Frankie are at the top of that list. I genuinely adored their characters.

Characters:
Frankie is everything I love in a female lead. She’s fearless, strong, passionate, smart, and ruthless. While confident, she’s still vulnerable and makes mistakes. In this book, she steps into the Donna role, and I loved seeing the ruthless businesswoman emerge. She truly was Wolfe’s equal.

"They say laughter is the best medicine. They're wrong. It's revenge."


Wolfe is the master of love proclamations. A powerful, unhinged man completely devoted to his woman and willing to die for her. He’s so secure in himself that he’s turned on when Frankie asserts her power. He’s proud to stand beside her as her muscle and enforcer while she runs the show. Pure devotion.

Plot & Pacing:
One thing I love about Penelope Sky’s writing is how she blends relational conflict with physical conflict. Each book focuses on tension between the main characters or with side characters. Here, Frankie faces betrayal from Leo, takes over her father’s role, and wonders what Wolfe will do about Cosa Nostra. Just when everything seems to settle, Penelope throws in gruesome danger, and it’s fantastic. This final book has not only Warren to deal with but Icaris as well.

Hang-Ups & Highlights:
There were a few moments where I questioned Warren’s choices, particularly who he let live and how he left the Vineyard Villa. It didn’t feel consistent with a ruthless drug lord who’d gained power and status.

The scenes with Icaris were incredible. He’s truly unhinged, but not in the same way Wolfe is. I loved every moment between him, Wolfe, and Frankie. The final segment with Icaris was intense and fast paced.

"The guy was definitely unhinged. So twisted, he made me look boring."


"I couldn't tell if I was being hit on or threatened. And that was a great strategy to employ."


Narration:
The narration added so much to the reading experience. Ramona Master was phenomenal, especially in the hospital scenes, and Michael Ferraiuolo added depth with distinct character voices. His range isn’t as broad as Ramona’s, but still enjoyable. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

The action, drama, found family, and character growth were wonderful and kept me hooked through the entire series.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Penelope Sky for this ALC.
Profile Image for Shana kay Johnson.
215 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 10, 2026
I love a strong FMC who doesn’t cower—someone who faces her opponents head-on without fear—and Francesca embodies all of those qualities. Even while carrying the weight of loss and grief, she remained resilient, determined, and unapologetically headstrong.

Wolf was the perfect match for her. He wasn’t there to overshadow her strength; instead, he complemented it with his own fierce loyalty and protective nature, making them true equals.

This book skillfully unravels Leo’s betrayal and the far-reaching consequences of his actions. It also explores the complicated reality that family can make devastating mistakes and live with deep regret, but that doesn’t erase the bonds that tie them together.

This was an emotional, action-packed, and compelling read from beginning to end. It’s an easy 4.5 star book for me, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys strong characters, emotional depth, and powerful family dynamics
Profile Image for Mamawattto4 Melissa.
409 reviews20 followers
July 13, 2026
Thank you Dreamscape and NetGalley for the audio ARC

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars | Audiobook

I’ve really enjoyed this series, even though it’s not my usual type of listen. This installment kept the action, suspense, and romance coming, and I was invested from beginning to end.

The audiobook was fantastic. I always love a good dual narration, and both narrators brought so much emotion and intensity to the characters, making it hard to hit pause.

If you’ve been enjoying this series, this is another strong addition that leaves you eager to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Cassandra Bergman.
168 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2026
Such a great ending to the series. Starts off right where book 2 left off. The action and spice were perfect as usual. Definitely some parts that made me gasp. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy dark mafia romance books.
Profile Image for Becca.
251 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I will read anything from this author and was super thrilled to receive the third book in this series early. It continued well from the ending of the second book. I found this one to be slightly more repetitive than the others and the writing was lacklustre or overly descriptive. The story line and the characters were great. A quick, fast paced read as usual. Looking forward to the next series.
Profile Image for Laura Martin.
56 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2026
This series wrapped up PERFECTLY! Frankie is a complete BA in this book living up to her “tough fu€£!my b!tch” remarks from the ever sexy, Wolfe. I feel like book 3 really gives a good grasp at not only Wolfes love for Francesca but her love for him! I was able halfway done reaching and I was like okay I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop, and boy did Penelope deliver with the suspense and drama!!! Grateful for the ending to be wrapped up for us all with a nice little bow. Wolfes charm and charisma really makes this series! Francesca really reminds me of Vanessa and Pearl! I loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cindy Eckerman.
56 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2026
The explosive conclusion to Francesca and Wolfe’s story was absolutely magnificent. Penelope completely outdid herself. Every book she writes pulls me in, but this series has been on another LEVEL from beginning to end. It gave me that classic Italian mafia feeling that I fell in love with years ago❤️‍🔥 This book had it all… power, loyalty, family, betrayal, and a love story wrapped into one crazy journey.
This finale picks up immediately after the heartbreaking events of the previous installment. Francesca has lost everything and watching her struggle through her grief was genuinely emotional🥺 She isn’t magically “fixed” overnight and I appreciated that so much. Penelope gave her the space to mourn while showing just how deeply Wolfe loves her. He protects her, keeps her safe, nurses her through her heartbreak, and never rushes her healing even while a war is brewing around them. He understands that reclaiming her family’s empire can wait until she’s ready to stand again and that patience made me love him even more.
Once the healing begins… it’s time for revenge. The alliances, strategy, and political maneuvering were so addictive to read. Seeing Francesca reclaim what was stolen from her felt incredibly rewarding👏 I also loved that Wolfe never tried to take her place. He knew she was the true Donna and stood proudly beside or behind her instead of in front of her. That level of respect in their relationship was chef’s kiss 😚

Leo… whew. I still struggled to forgive him after everything his jealousy set into motion. While I appreciated his attempt at redemption, he’ll never truly forgive himself for what happened, and honestly neither could I. His storyline came full circle in a way that felt earned without erasing the damage he’d caused, but I still have a hard time with what he did. I was side eyeing a lot towards the end lol

The romance was just as beautiful as the action. The proposal absolutely melted my heart, and I adored how intimate their wedding was and of course plenty of steamy and swoony moments between all the chaos and I was kicking my feet with glee. These two are HOT together 🥵

And then came the war…

THAT final battle had my heart racing. There were so many moments where I genuinely had no idea how some of these characters were going to survive. The action, the suspense, and the emotional punches just kept coming. There was one particular scene involving Wolfe that had me holding my breath… I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read so fast while trying not to lose my sh*t. The real villain of the series was exactly the kind of monster that gives me chills… calculating, terrifying and completely ruthless. Every confrontation with him felt dangerous so the final showdown was absolutely insane. I’m so glad that nightmare was finally over!

And finally… we get the epilogue🥹🥹 It was the perfect reward after everything these characters endured. This series has easily become one of my favorite mafia romances. It had unforgettable characters, incredible world building, emotional depth, explosive action and a love story built on loyalty, sacrifice and unwavering devotion.

This finale delivers absolutely everything!!!

What an incredible ride. 👏
Profile Image for Brittany Simonds.
76 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
By Blade I Love was the final book of the By Blade series and let me tell you I'm going to miss Wolfe and his tough fucking bitch Francesca. Wolfe really climb the ladder making him one of the top men we love! Francesca loosing her father broke my heart how grieved for weeks. Don Russo and his crew stood behind Wolfe when it came time to take Warren out giving Francesca the chance to blow that evil Warrens head off. I know Leo screwed up badly getting his father killed but I was kinda glad Francesca didn't actually kill him. At the funeral after he begged to come back she let him come back but was very short with him to just do his job and stay the hell outta her way. When Leo found out about their engagement he tried being the witness at the wedding but she was still not ready to let him be close just yet. Just when they thought the happily ever after was there her comes that bastard Icraus making life hell. He tries getting Wolfe to join his side with the skull king but you know Wolfe he refused. Then Icarus got impatient took our tough fucking bitch to his graveyard acting like he was going to bury her alive. Wolfe said oh no not my wife and let Icarus bury him alive. He made sure he told Francesca he's got seven hours. At first Francesca didn't understand but then it clicked seven hours of air. She rushed to get Don Russo help even threatening him in the process. It made be happy she included Leo and her team also. While Don and the other were distracting Leo snd Francesca start digging Wolfe up. All while Wolfe just decided to take a nap only Wolfe would catch some 💤 😴 being buried alive. Unfortunately Icarus had set this all up as a trap some he could his Don Russo headquarters also where his wife and two daughters lived. That smug POS Icarus took the wife and daughters to the terrace and was going to hang them. Icarus really believed our man Wolfe was dead. So when Francesca tried to trade places with Don Russo family he thought he'd get to kill the lady Wolfe also. Boy when Wolfe busted into the terrace and shot him he was surprised. Unfortunately Icarus shot Leo when he stepped in front of Francesca to protect her. I was really worried he was killed. Francesca being a nurse she was able to get him patched enough for them to get him out of there to the hospital. Wolfe and Icarus fought until finally Wolfe threw a knife from 10 feet away hitting Icarus near another wound. Icarus thought he wasn't done but it didn't take long for him to go pale and fall over. Luckily Leo survived surgery and Francesca stayed by his side for days that shows she really loved him and was worried about him. Leo got discharged after a couple weeks and was so happy when he found out he was going to be able to attend the wedding ceremony. Wolfe and Francesca ended up having a son and a daughter. There was a name that sounded very familiar "Maverick" it's got me wondering is that a clue for another story or I'm wishful thinking. I can't wait for the next story of a brand new couple! Im still in aw of getting to hear the Barsetti name. I really need a back story of who Wolfes mother is and how the strings tie together! Fabulous job Penelope!
Profile Image for Lory.
3,307 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 27, 2026
What an unforgettable conclusion to this trilogy!

Penelope Sky absolutely delivered with By Blade, I Love. From beginning to end, I was completely invested, and this finale was the perfect blend of emotion, romance, and redemption.

Francesca's journey was, without question, one of my favorite parts of this series. Watching her step into her father's legacy and ultimately make it her own was incredibly satisfying. She embodies everything I look for in a female main character: strong, fearless, compassionate, intelligent, and unwavering in her convictions. Even while carrying the weight of unimaginable grief, she refused to let it define her. Instead, she rebuilt an empire with grace, determination, and resilience. I admired her more with every chapter.

Wolfe I honestly didn't think it was possible to love him more after Book 2, but somehow Penelope Sky proved me wrong.

Wolfe is the definition of a secure, confident man. He never once felt intimidated by Francesca's strength or the power she inherited. Instead, he stood beside her, championed her every success, and willingly put her legacy before his own. He celebrated her ambition instead of competing with it, and that made their relationship feel so refreshing. They weren't fighting for control they were building something together as true equals. Their love was rooted in trust, respect, loyalty, and unwavering support, and I adored every second of it.

The emotional fallout from Leo's betrayal added another layer of depth to the story. It was a powerful reminder that family is rarely simple. People can make devastating mistakes, live with overwhelming regret, and still remain bound by love. Those complicated family dynamics made this story feel even more real and emotionally impactful.

Now, I have to mention one thing that immediately caught my attention

Maverick.

That name felt far too intentional to be a coincidence, and now my mind is spinning with possibilities. Is Penelope Sky quietly planting the seeds for the next story? Or am I just wishfully hoping? Either way, consider me completely intrigued because I am more than ready for the next couple.

And hearing the Barsetti name again? Instant chills. Longtime Penelope Sky readers know exactly why that moment hits differently. It brought back so much nostalgia, and now I have one request: please give us Wolfe's backstory. I need to know who his mother is and how all the pieces connect. I have a feeling there are still secrets waiting to be uncovered.

If you've been following this trilogy, this is a finale that absolutely delivers. It has heart, unforgettable character growth, a romance built on mutual respect, and just enough unanswered questions to leave you eagerly anticipating whatever Penelope Sky writes next.

📌 Voluntarily reviewed. I received no compensation for this review.
Profile Image for Mandy Stafford.
74 reviews
August 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… men written by Penelope Sky hit different.

What a PERFECT ending to this series. I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to move on after this.

From the very beginning, Wolfe proved exactly why he’s one of my favorite book men. The way he comforted Frankie, stood beside her through everything, and still managed to be an absolute menace when it came time to protect his family? Perfection.

This book was nonstop action. Cosa Nostra officially came together, the Skull King kept making move after move, betrayals were revealed, alliances shifted, grenades were thrown, vineyards were reclaimed, and I swear every time I thought everyone was safe, something else exploded—sometimes literally.

The entire vineyard sequence had me STRESSED. Frankie’s men finally turning on Warren once they realized the truth? YES. Wolfe’s fake-out with the smoke before taking everyone down? Incredible. Then Frankie making the heartbreaking decision with her brother while Wolfe put Don Mancini… to rest it was one emotional punch after another.

And don’t even get me started on the proposal. I was literally kicking my feet.

Then came the wedding. Wolfe getting emotional watching Frankie walk down the aisle and gifting her the restored villa? STOP. My heart couldn’t take it.

Frankie continues proving she’s that girl. One of my favorite lines in the entire book was:

“I’ve been a part of this business since I was a child. My father left it to me because I have a bigger dick than my brother. I can lift my dress and show it to you, if you’d like.”

Iconic.

Just when I thought everyone could breathe, Icarus reminded us he was absolutely unhinged. The burial alive scene had my anxiety through the roof. The moment Wolfe told Frankie he had seven hours and she realized he meant air… I was practically yelling at my book. Watching her turn to Cosa Nostra for help—and seeing Leo step up—was such an incredible full-circle moment for their relationship.

Then came the final battle… nooses, switchblades, Leo getting shot, Wolfe facing Icarus head-on… it was everything I wanted from a finale. Every page raised the stakes higher than the last.

And that ending? Absolutely perfect.

I loved seeing Don Russo’s family safe, Leo surviving, relationships healing, and everyone finally getting the peace they’d fought so hard for. The epilogue with the kids was the sweetest way to close out this journey.

This is hands down my favorite book in the series and one of my favorite mafia romance series I’ve read. It had action, romance, loyalty, found family, emotional moments, and characters I’ll be thinking about long after finishing the last page.

An absolutely adorable, satisfying, and unforgettable conclusion. I’m going to miss these characters so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley.
352 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Advanced Listener Copy.
Releases July 28

Tropes:
- Mafia romance
- Found family
- Touch her and die
- Ride‑or‑die love
- Woman stepping into power
- Hard‑won HEA

🎙️ Narration — Ramona Master & Michael Ferraiuolo
I really liked the narration in this one.
Ramona Master gives Frankie all that grief, grit, and quiet strength she’s carrying.
Michael Ferraiuolo brings Wolfe’s protective, controlled, soft‑for‑her energy to life in a way that feels real.
Together, they make the emotional beats hit exactly where they should.

🔥 The Story — Straight Back Into the Fire
This book picks up seconds after book two, so you’re thrown right back into the chaos. Frankie is wrecked her brother betrayed her, her father is gone, the compound has fallen, and she’s standing in the ruins of her entire life.

Wolfe finds her on the side of the road and immediately goes into protector mode. He pulls in La Cosa Nostra, who finally understand that letting him walk away in book one was a mistake. Now they’re ready to stand with him because they all share the same enemy.

This installment is all about rebuilding:
- loyalty
- identity
- family
- power
- trust
- and figuring out who you are when everything you knew is gone

Frankie still has a few loyal people left, and she has to decide whether she’ll step into her father’s place whether she wants that life or whether it was something she was shaped into.

❤️‍🔥 Frankie & Wolfe — Their HEA Is Earned
Frankie and Wolfe do get their HEA And it is earned.
It’s messy, emotional, brutal, and tender all at once.
Wolfe is soft for her in a way that makes you want to scream. He calls her his tough effing B and means it every time. He’s willing to burn down the world for her. And she’s willing to burn it down for him too.

They protect each other.
They choose each other.
They fight for each other even when everything around them is falling apart.

Their love is the one thing that doesn’t break.

⚔️ Suspense, Spice, Betrayal, Chaos
This book is chaos in the best way emotional gut punches, political intrigue, gruesome moments, tender moments, found family, and spice that hits exactly where it needs to. Penelope Sky balances trauma with tenderness in a way that keeps you locked in.

⭐ Final Thoughts
This whole series had me in a chokehold. I was feral waiting for each book. You will jump from book to book to book trying to figure out what happens next. You will be up late. You will be stressed. You will be obsessed.

This is mafia romance at its absolute best.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC. Readers are going to devour this.
Profile Image for Amy Kay ♥️ Books are my daily therapy ♥️.
166 reviews18 followers
July 31, 2026
BY BLADE, I LOVE
By: Penelope Sky
By Blade Series
Book 3 - Completed Series

ALC REVIEW- DUAL-Narration!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Star Rating
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 5/5 Audiobook Rating 
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 Spice Rating
(Spice Rating Guide Below)

MY THOUGHTS:
Another scorching hot mafia romance series by Penelope Sky!! This author writes amazing mafia romance! I love how the characters overlap from the other series’!

Ok what an amazing conclusion to the story of Wolfe and Francesca! This one has some twisted crazy psychological warfare going on with Icarus! Oh my goodness I was totally on the edge of my seat and my stomach was in knots!

Francesca has to decide what she wants her relationship to look like with her brother. Will she be able to overcome what he did? Could he possibly be able to redeem himself after that?

Wolfe and Francesca tie the knot, but what is he going to do with himself? He has to decide whether he will join back with Cosa Nostra or work with Francesca or just do nothing.

She packed a lot of emotion into this last book!! Wonderful series!!

FAVORITE QUOTE(S):
“Now I understand why I was the ruthless, savage, insane Cosa Nostra lieutenant—because I had nothing to lose. My life never mattered to me before you. I didn’t care if I d!ed young. I actually preferred it. But now…the stakes are so high. I used to chase the adrenaline to feel alive, and I had to pursue increasingly more dangerous tasks to get that same hit. But now, leaving you home alone is enough to give me that adrenaline, and it’s a sickly feeling.”

“Wolfe is my family,” I said quietly. “I will marry him and take his last name and give birth to his children, and that will be my family. You’re a stranger to me, Leo. You’re a distant relation, a fourth cousin twice removed. All we share is a last name.”

“You’re the only woman I could ever love, and that’s how I know God made you for me. You’re my ride-or-die. Toughest b***h I’ve ever met. Fearless and strong and passionate, and not to mention, f***ing fiiiinnnneee as h***.”

TROPES:
Forbidden Romance
Insta-Lust
Obsessed Alpha MMC
Nurse Mafia Princess FMC
Touch Her & Die
Secret Romance

GENRE, POV, PAGE COUNT:
Mafia Romance
Dual POV in 1st Person
344 Pages

AUDIOBOOK STYLE, NARRATORS, TIME LENGTH & REVIEW:
DUAL Narration
NARRATOR(S):
Ramona Master &
Michael Ferraiuolo

7 Hours & 58 Minutes Long

Audiobooks are magnificent. They have a way of immersing the reader further into the story and taking it to a whole new level. These narrators do an amazing job of narrating their parts in this book. The transition of voice and pitch changes are seamless and each character is easily distinguishable. His Italian accent is so much fun to listen to!

SPICE LEVEL RATING GUIDE
🌶️ Glimpses and Kisses
🌶️🌶️Closed Door
🌶️🌶️🌶️Open Door
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Open Door Explicit
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit and Plentiful
I have teenage daughters. I am more interested in these spice descriptions than rating the explicit content only.

NOTE:
There are some dark elements, violence and explicit spice. Check trigger warnings.

THANKS:
Thank you to Author Penelope Sky, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this amazing book! I loved reading it, look forward to the next book in this series and look forward to reading future books by this author and publisher! Thank you!
 
Happy Reading! ♥☻
Profile Image for Faiza BEGUM.
970 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 26, 2026
🖤 This series continues to surprise me in the best way. It's not a genre I normally gravitate toward, yet every installment manages to pull me right back in. This book had the perfect balance of emotion, danger, and romance, and I was completely invested from the first chapter until the last.

⚔️ Francesca was, without a doubt, the standout for me. I love female characters who refuse to back down, and she delivered exactly that. Even while carrying unimaginable grief, she never allowed her pain to define her. She faced every challenge head-on with determination, courage, and a stubborn streak that made her impossible not to admire. She never waited for someone else to save her, and I loved that about her.

🐺 Wolf was exactly the kind of love interest I wanted for someone like Francesca. Rather than trying to outshine her, he respected her strength and stood beside her as an equal. His fierce loyalty and protective instincts never came at the expense of her independence, which made their relationship feel balanced and believable. Together, they were an incredible team.

💔 One of my favorite aspects of the story was how it handled Leo's betrayal and everything that followed. The emotional fallout felt significant, and I appreciated that the book didn't present family relationships as something simple or black and white. It explored how love, regret, forgiveness, and painful mistakes can all exist at the same time, adding another layer of depth to the overall story.

🔥 Alongside the emotional moments, there was plenty of action and suspense to keep the pages turning. Every conflict felt meaningful, and I never found myself losing interest because there was always something happening that pushed the story forward.

🎧 I experienced this one through the audiobook, and it was such a great listening experience. I'm always a fan of dual narration, and both narrators delivered performances full of emotion and intensity. They captured the personalities of the characters so well that it became incredibly difficult to pause once I started listening.

✨ Overall, this was another fantastic addition to the series. It combines compelling characters, heartfelt emotional moments, exciting action, and a romance built on mutual respect and unwavering support. If you've been following this series already, I don't think this installment will disappoint, and if you enjoy strong heroines, loyal heroes, and stories where family relationships are just as important as the romance, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Profile Image for Samantha.
523 reviews
July 29, 2026
⭐️4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. 🩵

This was the perfect ending to this series, even though I was sad that this series is over, I loved coming back to these character and just seeing them get their happy ending it was so worth it after all the stress I went through for the majority of the series.

I really appreciated that this book picks up immediately after the ending of the last book. I was both excited and so nervous because literally anything was possible after that cliffhanger, and out of the books in this series, this one was the one that had me at the edge of my seat the whole entire time.

This book was everything I wanted and more. I loved the mix of all the high-stakes moments mixed in with all of the sweet moments between Francesca and Wolfe. I honestly didn’t know where the story was going to go because there was constantly something happening, and I just wanted to see how everything unfolded.

I listened to this whole trilogy, and at when I was listening to the first book I didn’t know how to feel about the narrator for Wolfe. At first, he wasn’t how I pictured, but as I continued listening, my opinion completely changed. Now I love how Michael Ferraiuolo and Ramona Master’s voices work together. Now, whenever I hear their voices, it will immediately remind me of this story. If you ever plan on reading this story, the audiobook is so good and it completely elevated my entire reading experience.

One of my favorite parts of this series has always been Frankie and Wolfe’s relationship. No matter how chaotic everything became around them, their love for each other only grew stronger. Watching them fight for each other, and support one another through the impossible circumstances just solidified how they were truly meant to be together.

My favorite part was how throughout this whole series, I loved watching Frankie becoming the powerful woman she was always meant to be, and even after everything she went through, she never lost her determination to prove everyone wrong. Wolfe being big on her side the whole time and being her biggest supporter was everything.

I’m so sad that this trilogy is over, but I’m also so grateful that I discovered a new author whose books I love and I am so excited to read whatever she writes next.
Profile Image for Alexandria Williams.
940 reviews75 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
If you've made it this far in the series then you already know this isn't just a mafia romance anymore.....it's about grief, loyalty, rebuilding after unimaginable loss......and choosing love even when your entire world has burned to the ground.

So babes we pick up immediately after the devastating ending of By Blade, I Vow and Frankie has truly lost everything...except Wolfe.
That man never once lets her carry the weight alone.
Every decision he makes comes back to one thing.....
Frankie.

He never tries to overshadow her.
He never tries to take control.
Instead, he stands beside her, reminding everyone exactly whose throne she's meant to claim.

Watching Francesca grow into the leader her father always believed she could become was one of my favorite parts of this entire trilogy. She isn't simply surviving anymore instead she's rebuilding a legacy while carrying unimaginable grief, and I loved seeing her strength evolve throughout every page.

Every time I thought everyone could finally breathe...
💥 another betrayal.
💥 another assassination attempt.
💥 another war.
💥 another impossible decision.

🎙️ Narration — Ramona Master & Michael Ferraiuolo
Once again...Absolute perfection.
Ramona gives Frankie so much vulnerability without ever making her feel weak. You can hear every ounce of heartbreak, determination, and resilience in her performance.

Michael Ferraiuolo IS Wolfe. His voice carries that calm lethal confidence. When Wolfe speaks to Frankie you can hear exactly how much she means to him.

These two continue to make this series feel cinematic, and I can't imagine experiencing it any other way. What I loved most about this finale was that the happily ever after didn't feel easy. It was earned. After everything Wolfe and Frankie survived together watching them finally choose peace after fighting so hard for each other felt incredibly satisfying.

Was I emotional?
Absolutely.
Did I cry a little?
Mind your business. 😂

Read if you love:
🖤 Mafia Romance
⚔️ Found Family

❤️‍🔥 Touch Her & Die

🔥 Morally Gray Hero

🩸 Obsessed MMC

🤝 Ride or Die Love

👑 Woman Stepping Into Power

💣 Revenge

🖤 Protective Hero


Huge thank you to Dreamscape Media
Profile Image for Sue Bee.
16 reviews
August 3, 2026
What a way to end this trilogy!

Wolfe and Francesca have been one of my favorite couples from Penelope Sky, and this final book gave me everything I wanted. The action is nonstop, the stakes are higher than ever, and I couldn't put it down because every chapter left me needing to know what happened next.

Wolfe is still the walking red flag of my dreams—completely unhinged, terrifying, violently protective, and absolutely obsessed with Francesca. He's the definition of touch her and die, and somehow Penelope Sky makes all that madness impossible not to love. His loyalty never wavers, and that's one of my favorite things about this series. No pointless misunderstandings. No unnecessary drama between the couple. It's always Wolfe and Francesca against the world.

One thing I especially loved was discovering that Wolfe is a Barsetti. As a longtime Penelope Sky reader, I always enjoy the subtle ways she connects her different series. It wasn't a huge plot point or fan service—it was just enough to remind us that these stories exist in the same world, and as a fan of the Buttons series, I appreciated that little connection.

I also thought Icarus was the perfect adversary for Wolfe. He wasn't your typical villain—he was just as calculating, just as ruthless, and maybe just as psychotic. There was an undeniable respect between them because each recognized the other as a worthy opponent. They understood one another in a way no one else could. In the end, though, there was never going to be another outcome. One of them had to die.

Francesca continues to prove she's the perfect match for Wolfe. She's strong, determined, and never fades into the background, even when surrounded by powerful men and dangerous enemies. Watching these two fight for each other has been one of my favorite parts of the entire trilogy.

This book ties together the mafia politics, revenge, family loyalty, and explosive action while still making the romance the heart of the story. Every battle felt earned, every emotional moment landed, and the ending was incredibly satisfying after everything these characters endured.

The only thread that felt a little unresolved for me was the Skull King. Unless I missed something, we're left to assume he simply accepted the outcome and abandoned any ambition of taking over Cosa Nostra. It didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story, but it was the one lingering question I was left thinking about after I turned the last page.

I'm genuinely sad to say goodbye to Wolfe and Francesca. They've become one of my favorite Penelope Sky couples, and this trilogy reminded me exactly why I love her books so much.

If you love dark mafia romance, obsessive heroes, fierce heroines, incredible chemistry, and a hero who would burn the entire world down for the woman he loves, this trilogy is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Dora Harvey.
1,143 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2026
OMG! BY BLADE, I LOVE is a good book—a page turner indeed!! This is the last book of the trilogy. This story starts where the second book left off. What an epic ending for Wolfe and Francesca’s story! This is a MUST READ with plenty of heart-thumping moments! Get ready to be engaged in a story like no other. It’s an emotional turmoil! It’s nail-biting action! It’s suspenseful! It drags you deep into its darkness! It’s full of heartache! What a ride!!

What would you do if you lost all of your immediate family? How would you move on? These are the questions Francesca asks herself every day, but it is a good thing Francesca has Wolfe. Because of Wolfe’s support, Francesca is a force to be reckoned with because she’s shown profound resilience, sharp intelligence, sturdy backbone, strength when she embraced forgiveness, and balances competence with vulnerability. I love it when a man is not intimidated by how strong and independent a woman can be, and Wolfe loves it that ‘his woman’ is strong, fierce, and independent—even turned on. After the turmoil at the vineyard, Wolfe gets help from Cosa Nostra—the home he left—for help. Of course, he had to make a concession to help with their enemy. Who is the enemy? The story will keep you on the edge of your seat to find out what happened next. Not all of the surprises are pleasant ones, but this one stands out because it doesn’t shy away from showing how desperation can twist ordinary people into something unrecognizable. The suspense increases as you wait with bated breath to find out if the impossible choices made by Wolfe and Francesca are irrefutable. I was thinking this story was going one way when BAM—out of nowhere it turns! Then an incident occurred, and it will affect both Wolfe and Francesca. Will Wolfe and Francesca be able to get past all of the abhorrent circumstances that caused a lot of pain? There are several twists and turns within the story that will tempt the characters in ways they never envisioned. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story—you won’t regret it! Penelope Sky delivered a powerful and emotional, intense, and all-consuming story that left me obsessed.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,714 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 24, 2026
4.25 Stars ⭐️

I received the ARC for the second book in this series, and it ended up being my surprise read of that week. The minute I finished reading that book, I immediately went to see when the 3rd book was coming out. When I realized it wasn't out yet, I ran to NetGalley and thankfully, I was approved for this Audio ARC/ALC.

This book begins immediately after the end of the last book and we are dropped right into the drama with the Skull King and his Lieutenant, and with the consequences of Leo's betrayal with Warren and his group.

I don't know what it is about the characters in this book, but I still find myself utterly besotted with Wolfe and his crazy possessive behavior and his downright crazy love for Francesca.

This book has us seeing quite a bit of growth from Francesca as she deals with so much turmoil - her father, Leo, Warren, and battle for the vineyard. I liked her as a character, and she is a great match for Wolfe. He has absolutely NO problem letting her know what he thinks about her "Boss B***h" behavior and I am completely there for it :)

There is also non stop action and drama, and many, many surprises for them as things began to unfold. I loved this story arc and it felt like it was one thing after another being thrown at both Wolfe and Francesca.

I listened to this on audio and loved both of the narrators. I am becoming more and more picky about whether or not the narration is done in Duet Narration vs Dual Narration. Thankfully, this book was Duet Narration and Ramona Master and Michael Ferraiuolo both did a great job. Michael Ferraiuolo really stepped up and did quite a good job with his portrayal of Wolfe. Lately though, he has become a consistently great narrator and he is a voice that is easily recognizable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC/ALC. This book will be out for publication on July 28, 2026.
1,465 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2026
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

The By Blade trilogy, by unapologetically fiery author Penelope Sky, is a steamy dark Mafia romance that leaves you breathless after an adrenaline fueled fight for your life romance. The first two audiobooks end in cliffhangers but the good news is the third is out tomorrow.

All are voiced by Ramona Master and Michael Ferraiuolo. She brings out Frankie's lady mob boss don't mess with my man attitude while pained by brutal betrayals. He leads with the bravado of an obsessive, scorched Earth, morally black over protective lover.

By Blade, I Protect (Book 1)
"You are my present and my future and I fight for you now."

When Wolfe leaves the Costa Nostra after their entry into human trafficking he finds his way to the Sicilian Mafia where he breaks the Don's first rule. Don't even look at my daughter. But the second they meet, Wolfe and Frankie are combustible chemistry. He's ready to tell the world but she needs time with her father. Then enemies try to take their territory and they're left with few choices.

By Blade, I Vow (Book 2)
"...I would rather take the most dangerous road with him than the smoothest with anyone else."

As Frankie And Wolfe fight for their love they suffer great loss And even greater betrayal. But what might divide others brings them closer together as the world they know burns down.

By Blade, I Love (Book 3)
"He loved me at my worst. He loved me at my best."
"I will protect you. I will fight for you. I will die for you."

As Frankie rebuilds her family's Mafia legacy, Wolfe stands guard beside her as an enemy makes one last attempt to destroy them. But Wolfe will burn them all for their love.

By Blade is a Mafia romance trilogy that cuts through the heart of an all consuming love that will consume you.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for maye’s pov.
111 reviews15 followers
July 29, 2026
Wrapping up Wolfe and Francesca’s story and all I can say is that I’m going to miss that psychopath 💔

I had such a great time with this trilogy because, in some ways, it isn’t your typical mafia romance where the hero’s entire personality is “touch her and I’ll kill you” or being possessive 24/7… although, wait, okay, it absolutely is that kind of story. 😂 The difference is that Wolfe somehow manages to be the classic obsessive mafia hero WITH emotional intelligence.

He’s possessive, completely obsessed with Francesca, and undeniably unhinged, but his love for her is never expressed in ways that hurt her, intentionally or otherwise. He genuinely belongs in a league of his own when it comes to obsessed mafia men, and he wins the trophy 🏆 He was never afraid of his feelings, protecting Francesca was always his priority, and he never felt threatened by the fact that she was the one in charge. No fragile masculinity, no ego getting in the way just unwavering support and devotion. ❤️‍🔥

Francesca is just as incredible. I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a female mafia boss who truly embraced that role the way she does. No damsel in distress here.

Though👏🏼 fucking 👏🏼 bitch 👏🏼

As the book says more than once, they were truly made for each other and I absolutely adored their relationship. I really hope we get to see more of them and maybe explore their relationship with the Barsettis a little more in future books. But even if we don’t, I’m completely satisfied with the ending they got. 🌟

This is one of my favorite scenes so iykyk:

“Wolfe lay there, hands folded together at the bottom of his chest like he’d really been asleep… and he was smiling. Fucking smiling.”

LOOOOOOL.
Profile Image for Nicole.
737 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2026
After the devastation at her family home, and her brother’s betrayal, Francesca and Wolfe are forced to flee to Palermo to regroup and figure out a strategy. Turning to Cosa Nostra for support, Wolfe reaches an agreement with them to get their help resecuring the Mancini compound, and in exchange, he will help them deal with Icarus and the Skull King.

Returning home is bittersweet in many ways, given Francesca is finally taking her place in the legacy as her father intended, but doing it without his guidance is heartbreaking. Beyond that, having to deal with her brother and the aftermath of his decisions makes everything more complicated. While Wolfe fulfills his obligations to Cosa Nostra, he catches the attention of Icarus, who makes it clear he won’t let him go so easily.

I received an early copy of this audiobook from @Netgalley and it was a great ending to the story. I loved watching Wolfe and Francesca truly solidify their relationship, putting it above everything else and making it clear to those around them that anyone who challenges one should expect the other to come out swinging. After the ending of book 2, I wasn’t clear how things would play out with the traitor, and while I would have loved to see more retribution, I think the remorse was clear. This book was just as action packed as the other two, and watching Francesca truly come into her own was everything. I loved that Wolfe never tries to take over for her, content to stand behind her and support her in everything. This book was a perfect ending to the series, but still left so much open for future spinoffs.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,444 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 27, 2026
Nice ending!!

Frankie and Wolfe are in hiding. Laying low after Warren took her vineyard and her father's life. All due to her brother's jealousy. What is the plan now? She has lost everything. Everything except Wolfe. What will they do now? Will Wolfe have to rejoin the Cosa Nostra?

This last book in the trilogy ended nicely. Don't get me wrong, they go through hell and back in this book, but the story wraps up with a nice bow on the top. This last book is non-stop danger. A lot of stuff happens to our happy couple and it is not pretty. You can expect a lot of the violence that books one and two have along with some really intense nail biting moments. The main enemy playing in the background of books one and two finally makes an appearance and he is one ruthless sicko. I believe that Wolfe has met his match with this new threat and Frankie shows her mafia side. Who knew she had it in her.

Overall the story unfolds quite well and the characters deliver a great show. There is a lot of twists and turns throughout the book. I am still wondering though... who is the rat in Cosa Nostra??? It seems like there is one, but the author doesn't really reveal this. I wonder is if the next story will reveal more.

If you love mafia romance with a lot of violence, then this series is for you. But please read them in order and not just one. You need the whole story to understand. I also believe that maybe this trilogy should be read before The Roman Republic trilogy. Also I wonder if Wolfe and Crow are related somehow???? I love how all the books are tied together somehow or another. I can't wait to see what's next in their world.
Profile Image for Shananana.
103 reviews
July 16, 2026
This is my second Penelope Sky series, the first being the Betrayal Series. I feel like this starts off as a bit of a rinse & repeat, including the same narrators for the audiobooks. These Italian mafia series are always fun, with medium-high spice, and medium plot. MMC is going to be indecently well-hung (almost painfully so), incredibly well-built with tattoos, very wealthy, and a newly reformed playboy with a heart of gold for their insta-lust (no wait, is this true love?!) FMC. The FMC will have someone that doesn't want them to be together (if she's a mafia daughter, it's her dad, who's also surprisingly young and good-looking). We all know the tropes and love them. I think where these books get interesting are the different bad guys; here we see more unique characters and stories.
In this series, from the 1st book, it's obvious who the initial traitor is, but there is an ultimate bad guy that makes the story really interesting, and he's mostly in this last book of this series. Because of this, the last book is my favorite for plot and action, although there is a lull in the middle where you're wondering why the book is dragging as it looks like everything is taken care of.
Although the (audio)books aren't long, it did feel like the story dragged a bit in parts, and could have been reduced by about 20-25%, and told as 1 long (16-17 hour) book or 2 shorter (8.5 hour) books. Still, this was a fun listen and I'd rate it 4+ stars; the narrators did a good job.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and #NetGalley for the ALC of #ByBladeILove
Profile Image for Shalee Hill-McCarthy.
86 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It was a complete page-turner from beginning to end. Between the nonstop action, the suspense, and the undeniable chemistry between the characters, I found it incredibly difficult to put down. Penelope Sky has a way of keeping me glued to the pages, and this book was no exception.

One thing I always appreciate in Penelope Sky’s books is her strong female characters, and Francesca absolutely delivered. If you’ve read any of my reviews before, you know I’m a sucker for a strong female lead. Francesca is everything a girl boss should be—intelligent, fearless, independent, and more than capable of holding her own. I loved that she was never written as a helpless victim. She stood her ground, made tough decisions, and proved over and over again why she’s one of my favorite heroines.

As for the ending, I was a little surprised by how everything played out with Leo. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but after thinking it through, I actually liked the direction Penelope Sky took. It felt fitting for the story, and I was satisfied with how his arc concluded.

Overall, I thought the ending wrapped everything up really well. My only lingering question is about Wolf’s lineage. I have a feeling I’m not the only reader trying to piece together exactly where he fits into the Barsetti family tree, and I’m so excited to see if we get those answers in a future book.

Another fantastic installment in the series, and an easy 4.5 out of 5 stars for me. I can’t wait to see where Penelope Sky takes these characters next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Desiree Mosley - A Love Affair With Books.
598 reviews43 followers
July 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)

I listened to the audiobook of By Blade, I Love by Penelope Sky, narrated by Ramona Master and Michael Ferraiuolo, and they both did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Their performances carried real emotion, making the highs and lows of the story feel authentic and engaging.

This book wrapped up Frankie and Wolfe's story in a satisfying way, delivering plenty of drama, pain, redemption, family, heartbreak, and, of course, all the steamy moments fans of the series have come to expect. One of my favorite aspects was Wolfe's unwavering devotion to Francesca. It was refreshing to have a hero who consistently said exactly what he felt instead of hiding behind emotional walls or unnecessary misunderstandings.

The final showdown between Wolfe and Icarus delivered exactly what I was hoping for....intrigue, betrayal, and enough double-crosses to keep me guessing. Even Leo managed to earn a small measure of redemption, which I honestly didn't expect.

While I enjoyed the conclusion and appreciated how all the loose ends were tied together, the story didn't quite reach the emotional impact I was hoping for (you will see what I mean...no spoilers), leaving it as a solid three-star read for me. Still, if you've followed Frankie and Wolfe's journey from the beginning, this is a satisfying conclusion that gives these characters the ending they deserve.
Profile Image for Mandy Enchantedbookduo.
259 reviews26 followers
July 29, 2026
Rating
4 💎
2 🌶️

Quick Summary
Francesca’s journey hit you right in the emotions… her hurt, her fire, and her absolute refusal to shrink made her magnetic. The passion between her and Wolfe was everything, every interaction charged with devotion and intensity, and his protective love never once overshadowed her strength. He let her fight, rise, and claim her legacy on her own terms. Watching her command respect from her enemies while Wolfe stood beside her made their bond feel powerful and earned. And with all that emotion, growth, and fierce connection, the series wrapped up in a way that felt deeply satisfying.

While Reading Thoughts
📗Wow I am loving the emotion and I could really fell the hurt that Francesca was
📗The passion these 2 felt for each was perfection and every interaction with them was divine.
📗I loved how Francesca stood up and owned her space and her legacy and gave her enemies every reason to respect her.
📗Wolfes love of Francesca and the protective was soo good and I loved that he also let her stand up and fight as well.
📗Love how the series ended.

Tropes
🍷Forbidden love
🍷Mafia
🍷Unhinged MMC
🍷Touch her and ☠️
🍷Series end

Narrators
Ramona Master
Michael Ferraiuolo
Both narrators voices are smooth, expressive, and perfectly suited to the story. They make the characters feel vivid and the story incredibly engaging.

Nickname
Baby
Frankie
Tough Fucking Bitch

Thanks NetGalley for the early review copy
Profile Image for Brittany.
7 reviews
July 28, 2026
Penelope Sky somehow managed to raise the stakes again. Just when I thought Wolfe and Frankie couldn’t possibly go through anything more, this book proved me wrong.

This installment is packed with everything I love in a dark mafia romance: relentless action, revenge, political maneuvering, undeniable chemistry, and a hero who would quite literally burn the world down for the woman he loves. Wolfe remains fiercely protective, completely obsessed, and impossible not to fall for.

Frankie continues to shine as a heroine. Even after everything she’s endured, she refuses to give up, and watching her fight for her family’s legacy made me admire her even more. She’s strong without losing her heart, and that’s one of my favorite things about her character.

The pacing never lets up. Every chapter had me saying, “Just one more,” until suddenly I was at the end. The twists kept coming, the tension never disappeared, and the romance balanced perfectly with the high-stakes mafia storyline.

If you’re looking for:
🖤 Mafia romance
🖤 Touch-her-and-die energy
🖤 Morally gray, obsessive hero
🖤 Strong heroine
🖤 Action, betrayal, and revenge
🖤 Swoon-worthy chemistry

…then this series absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Penelope Sky continues to remind me why she’s one of my favorite dark romance authors. Now excuse me while I recover from that ending.
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