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Skull #2
The Skull Crusher
Balto stole me from Lucian without raising a finger.
I thought I would finally be free, finally get my life back.
But Balto has other plans for me. Now I'm his prisoner. He'll keep me and enjoy me as long as he wants.
Until Lucian gives him back the Skull Diamond.
I never want to return to Lucian again, not after being with a man like Balto. The only chance I have is to become more valuable than that diamond, to have Balto want me enough not to trade me back to Lucian.
But can I ever compete with a diamond worth billions?
I thought I would finally be free, finally get my life back.
But Balto has other plans for me. Now I'm his prisoner. He'll keep me and enjoy me as long as he wants.
Until Lucian gives him back the Skull Diamond.
I never want to return to Lucian again, not after being with a man like Balto. The only chance I have is to become more valuable than that diamond, to have Balto want me enough not to trade me back to Lucian.
But can I ever compete with a diamond worth billions?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
3104 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
74 books6,614 followersA New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
May 20, 2019
These story are starting to look all the same... 😐
The guys are alpha, the girls the best p*ssy they ever had, the h can't sleep without the H!
They like to pump them with their seed... *eye roll*
the h are all nimphos that like sex 3x a day 7 days a week 30 days in the month!
All have a brother to cause problem.
Same stories last couple of books, wash, rinse, repeat!
The guys are alpha, the girls the best p*ssy they ever had, the h can't sleep without the H!
They like to pump them with their seed... *eye roll*
the h are all nimphos that like sex 3x a day 7 days a week 30 days in the month!
All have a brother to cause problem.
Same stories last couple of books, wash, rinse, repeat!
January 18, 2024
3 Chicken and Broccoli Stars⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
So my issue with The Skull King...was it was too much mediocre smut with little to no plot...and I can say the reason this went up in rating from book 1 was this book has a pretty good balance of plot vs smut that I found myself just sitting back and enjoying the story for what it's worth.
You are not going to get anything new in this book, it's pretty generic and you've seen it before 1000 times and probably seen it better...But it will still give you the entertainment factor you need to scratch the itch. I needed a distraction from life and decided to pick up book 2 and I am happy it gave me what I expected. The smut came down in heat quite a bit and borders on EXTREME BORING VANILLA...so if you want dark, dirty and depraved smut - it's not in these pages...The dirtiest thing in this book is the sheets after Balto came in her 4 times and she didn't clean herself up....
There are annoyances that Balto is an awful person, he is cruel and vicious and manipulative and that Cassini happily crawls into bed with the man who kidnapped her (even though they had slept together previously) made my skin crawl (I love captive/captor as a trope but it was that she had no fight in her and she gave into it so easily....she was only feisty at times and just folded WAY TO EASY when Balto was concerned)
But I stand by if you want something to read to just...pass time like a dramatic soap opera, read this... else there is nothing unique about this story to grip you.
Trope Summary:
▶ Mafia/Organised Crime
▶ Captive/Captor
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Insta-Attraction
▶ Posessive Alphahole
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
So my issue with The Skull King...was it was too much mediocre smut with little to no plot...and I can say the reason this went up in rating from book 1 was this book has a pretty good balance of plot vs smut that I found myself just sitting back and enjoying the story for what it's worth.
You are not going to get anything new in this book, it's pretty generic and you've seen it before 1000 times and probably seen it better...But it will still give you the entertainment factor you need to scratch the itch. I needed a distraction from life and decided to pick up book 2 and I am happy it gave me what I expected. The smut came down in heat quite a bit and borders on EXTREME BORING VANILLA...so if you want dark, dirty and depraved smut - it's not in these pages...The dirtiest thing in this book is the sheets after Balto came in her 4 times and she didn't clean herself up....
There are annoyances that Balto is an awful person, he is cruel and vicious and manipulative and that Cassini happily crawls into bed with the man who kidnapped her (even though they had slept together previously) made my skin crawl (I love captive/captor as a trope but it was that she had no fight in her and she gave into it so easily....she was only feisty at times and just folded WAY TO EASY when Balto was concerned)
But I stand by if you want something to read to just...pass time like a dramatic soap opera, read this... else there is nothing unique about this story to grip you.
Trope Summary:
▶ Mafia/Organised Crime
▶ Captive/Captor
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Insta-Attraction
▶ Posessive Alphahole
April 13, 2025
SERIES REVIEW:
For some reason, I have fallen down a Penelope Sky rabbit hole this last week and have apparently decided to read her entire back list. Not sure how or why this is the case, but I am a mood reader and her formula is really hitting the spot for me. So here we are.
Speaking of formula...she has a VERY obvious one. And by that I mean that her characters are almost literally the same across every single series, which I can confidently say as I have literally read five of her series (three books each) since the beginning of the year. Four of those happening in the last week.
And I'm not even joking, her male/female leads are almost carbon copies of each other. The males are all billionaire assholes with ripped physiques they cultivate through a regimented workout program and a strict diet. Except for the scotch, of course. They ALL drink scotch. They also all call the lead female by a specific nickname for entirety of each series and sometimes cheat.
The female leads on the other hand are basically female perfection personified. They are all tiny, with tiny waists, but luscious breasts and asses. They never workout, but maintain their figures despite eating whatever they want. And, of course, they are the most beautiful females to ever live. In every room they enter. And the hero always becomes obsessed with them as they are so not like other girls, you know? Because sassy and sexy and best sex ever. And they sometimes have liaisons of their own.
And you know what?
Cause I am loving it at the moment. It's like reordering your favorite current meal every day, knowing it's going to be delicious. And I am perfectly content to gorge myself right now.
So there you go.
Cassini and Balto were solid. I liked them and they of course had great chemistry. Will definitely re-read.
For some reason, I have fallen down a Penelope Sky rabbit hole this last week and have apparently decided to read her entire back list. Not sure how or why this is the case, but I am a mood reader and her formula is really hitting the spot for me. So here we are.
Speaking of formula...she has a VERY obvious one. And by that I mean that her characters are almost literally the same across every single series, which I can confidently say as I have literally read five of her series (three books each) since the beginning of the year. Four of those happening in the last week.
And I'm not even joking, her male/female leads are almost carbon copies of each other. The males are all billionaire assholes with ripped physiques they cultivate through a regimented workout program and a strict diet. Except for the scotch, of course. They ALL drink scotch. They also all call the lead female by a specific nickname for entirety of each series and sometimes cheat.
The female leads on the other hand are basically female perfection personified. They are all tiny, with tiny waists, but luscious breasts and asses. They never workout, but maintain their figures despite eating whatever they want. And, of course, they are the most beautiful females to ever live. In every room they enter. And the hero always becomes obsessed with them as they are so not like other girls, you know? Because sassy and sexy and best sex ever. And they sometimes have liaisons of their own.
And you know what?
Cause I am loving it at the moment. It's like reordering your favorite current meal every day, knowing it's going to be delicious. And I am perfectly content to gorge myself right now.
So there you go.
Cassini and Balto were solid. I liked them and they of course had great chemistry. Will definitely re-read.
Read
June 13, 2019He was still an escape— even if he was my prison.
Penelope Sky is my queen when it comes to her books, so when a new series comes out I hop on it right away. This time I did it differently because my husband got tired of me being a cranky biotch in between book releases.....so after reading book 1 the day it released, I waited until both book 2 & 3 were out to continue this trilogy. When it was finally time to dive into The Skull Crusher, well this is as close to my excitement as it gets.
Now before I begin, as big of a fan as I am of Penelope, I am still particular about my 5 stars....however this book definitely earned all 5 this time! Anyone who knows her work knows by now that every series and story is centered around the same "world" and these characters intertwine (either by name drops or guest appearances)....the Skull Kings were introduced in the Buttons series afterall and Balto and his Kings were a part of the Banker trilogy as well. Penelope also seems to follow a specific model for her stories (two powerful brothers, stolen/captive girl, dangerous enemies, etc) BUT she always puts a different spin on them all....that doesn't bother me because it happens with every author in one way or another. And it just so happens Penelope's model is GOLD.
The Skull Crusher is book 2 of this series and is not a stand alone. Told in dual POV, it is a story involving graphic violence/death, criminal elements, a woman held prisoner, and talks about sex slavery as well as other triggering topics.
Synopsis:
Picking up where Skull King left us, Balto has just stolen Cassini from Lucian. She might think he's there to save her, but he has other plans....she is a very valuable pawn in his war against Lucian, his goal to get back his 3rd skull diamond and the explosives he was promised. Cassini realizes she's left one captor for a much more powerful and dangerous one, and instead of being scared she's pissed....and I was LIVING for it!
“A woman can only be owned by a man when she wants to be owned.”
Balto knows the ultimate torture for Lucian is to know he's bedding his wife every night and there is nothing he can do about it....too bad Cassini isn't very fond of that plan. The Skull King cares about no one or nothing, but soon Cassini breaks down walls revealing another side of him that seems to see her as more than a pawn. Cassini is determined to make herself so valuable to Balto that he won't let her go, but how can she compete with a diamond worth over a billion euros and revenge?
"I’ve given you that life. You can have anything you want, and you can sleep with the only man you want. You can be the most protected woman in the world and have the power to do whatever you want. All you have to do is stop fighting me and embrace it.”
Despite how obsessed he is with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, Balto is the Skull King to his core and plans to hand her over when the time comes no matter what awful plans Lucian has for her.....but when push comes to shove, will he be able to give her up? Or will he sacrifice it all to save her from her fate and keep her safe with him?
"I refused to admit she was the only one because that would give her way too much power. The fact that she had any power at all was sexy. This woman was taking more and more from me without even realizing it."
The 2nd installment of the Skull King series does end on a little cliffy, with the conclusion of the story already available to purchase. Lucian is the main threat but there is another threat to Balto and his position on the throne right under his nose, and I'm hoping that plays out in the final installment!
Characters:
Cassini will easily go down as one of my fav female leads ever. She's got fire and isn't afraid to demand respect, even from the most powerful and ruthless man in the country. She is loyal to a fault, and is as smart as she is beautiful. I love that she demands what she wants without fear of the repercussions. She deserves a HEA, because she has been through hell!
"I’m basically a pig being prepared for the slaughterhouse. The sex was just sex. The conversations were meaningless. All of this was meaningless.”
As for Balto, he is fighting to take the top spot of Penelope men for me from Crow. He is the definition of power and ruthlessness.....i mean he crushes his enemies skulls with his feet! I love that he is fiercely protective over Cassini and how he cares for her, even though he denies he does. He has earned the respect from his men by being loyal and fair, and the fear of everyone else by his actions and not just the actions of his men. And the way he talks to Cassini most of the time had me swooning and breathing heavy at the same time.
“I know my baby. When she’s in a bad mood, she needs sex.....I know what my baby needs. Don’t worry, I’ll give it to you.”
“If you don’t want another woman to fuck me, then you better start riding my dick. A man can’t be tempted when he’s satisfied. That’s my best advice to you.”
And the brothers! I'm sure Penelope will give us at least one of their stories! I love Case and his protectiveness and love for his sister. I also love that he goes toe to toe with Balto, not backing down out of fear. And Heath is a total handful, and adds the perfect amount of comedy to the story....prime example
“If you guys are about to do something disgusting, you should head up to your place. Because I’ll probably watch and like it.”
Final Thoughts:
“Whatever you say, baby. All I have to do is look for your panties from yesterday in the hamper, and that’ll tell me everything I need to know.”
I definitely liked this book better than book 1 (Although book 1 was great as well). And although I know that Lucian is enemy #1, I have my suspicions that there will be another enemy Balto will have to battle as well. Although I have a guess at what will happen bc of how Penelope tends to end her stories, I know the ride getting there will be exciting and page turning!
And be warned, there are parts like this one in this book that might make you ugly cry
“Every time I think there’s a glimmer of hope, I’m wrong. And those moments hurt far more than anything else. Hope is a dangerous thing. I would rather die and get it over with instead of wasting more time on hope.”
Yep this was totally me when I read the above dialogue
Penelope Sky is my queen when it comes to her books, so when a new series comes out I hop on it right away. This time I did it differently because my husband got tired of me being a cranky biotch in between book releases.....so after reading book 1 the day it released, I waited until both book 2 & 3 were out to continue this trilogy. When it was finally time to dive into The Skull Crusher, well this is as close to my excitement as it gets.
Now before I begin, as big of a fan as I am of Penelope, I am still particular about my 5 stars....however this book definitely earned all 5 this time! Anyone who knows her work knows by now that every series and story is centered around the same "world" and these characters intertwine (either by name drops or guest appearances)....the Skull Kings were introduced in the Buttons series afterall and Balto and his Kings were a part of the Banker trilogy as well. Penelope also seems to follow a specific model for her stories (two powerful brothers, stolen/captive girl, dangerous enemies, etc) BUT she always puts a different spin on them all....that doesn't bother me because it happens with every author in one way or another. And it just so happens Penelope's model is GOLD.
The Skull Crusher is book 2 of this series and is not a stand alone. Told in dual POV, it is a story involving graphic violence/death, criminal elements, a woman held prisoner, and talks about sex slavery as well as other triggering topics.
Synopsis:
Picking up where Skull King left us, Balto has just stolen Cassini from Lucian. She might think he's there to save her, but he has other plans....she is a very valuable pawn in his war against Lucian, his goal to get back his 3rd skull diamond and the explosives he was promised. Cassini realizes she's left one captor for a much more powerful and dangerous one, and instead of being scared she's pissed....and I was LIVING for it!
“A woman can only be owned by a man when she wants to be owned.”
Balto knows the ultimate torture for Lucian is to know he's bedding his wife every night and there is nothing he can do about it....too bad Cassini isn't very fond of that plan. The Skull King cares about no one or nothing, but soon Cassini breaks down walls revealing another side of him that seems to see her as more than a pawn. Cassini is determined to make herself so valuable to Balto that he won't let her go, but how can she compete with a diamond worth over a billion euros and revenge?
"I’ve given you that life. You can have anything you want, and you can sleep with the only man you want. You can be the most protected woman in the world and have the power to do whatever you want. All you have to do is stop fighting me and embrace it.”
Despite how obsessed he is with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, Balto is the Skull King to his core and plans to hand her over when the time comes no matter what awful plans Lucian has for her.....but when push comes to shove, will he be able to give her up? Or will he sacrifice it all to save her from her fate and keep her safe with him?
"I refused to admit she was the only one because that would give her way too much power. The fact that she had any power at all was sexy. This woman was taking more and more from me without even realizing it."
The 2nd installment of the Skull King series does end on a little cliffy, with the conclusion of the story already available to purchase. Lucian is the main threat but there is another threat to Balto and his position on the throne right under his nose, and I'm hoping that plays out in the final installment!
Characters:
Cassini will easily go down as one of my fav female leads ever. She's got fire and isn't afraid to demand respect, even from the most powerful and ruthless man in the country. She is loyal to a fault, and is as smart as she is beautiful. I love that she demands what she wants without fear of the repercussions. She deserves a HEA, because she has been through hell!
"I’m basically a pig being prepared for the slaughterhouse. The sex was just sex. The conversations were meaningless. All of this was meaningless.”
As for Balto, he is fighting to take the top spot of Penelope men for me from Crow. He is the definition of power and ruthlessness.....i mean he crushes his enemies skulls with his feet! I love that he is fiercely protective over Cassini and how he cares for her, even though he denies he does. He has earned the respect from his men by being loyal and fair, and the fear of everyone else by his actions and not just the actions of his men. And the way he talks to Cassini most of the time had me swooning and breathing heavy at the same time.
“I know my baby. When she’s in a bad mood, she needs sex.....I know what my baby needs. Don’t worry, I’ll give it to you.”
“If you don’t want another woman to fuck me, then you better start riding my dick. A man can’t be tempted when he’s satisfied. That’s my best advice to you.”
And the brothers! I'm sure Penelope will give us at least one of their stories! I love Case and his protectiveness and love for his sister. I also love that he goes toe to toe with Balto, not backing down out of fear. And Heath is a total handful, and adds the perfect amount of comedy to the story....prime example
“If you guys are about to do something disgusting, you should head up to your place. Because I’ll probably watch and like it.”
Final Thoughts:
“Whatever you say, baby. All I have to do is look for your panties from yesterday in the hamper, and that’ll tell me everything I need to know.”
I definitely liked this book better than book 1 (Although book 1 was great as well). And although I know that Lucian is enemy #1, I have my suspicions that there will be another enemy Balto will have to battle as well. Although I have a guess at what will happen bc of how Penelope tends to end her stories, I know the ride getting there will be exciting and page turning!
And be warned, there are parts like this one in this book that might make you ugly cry
“Every time I think there’s a glimmer of hope, I’m wrong. And those moments hurt far more than anything else. Hope is a dangerous thing. I would rather die and get it over with instead of wasting more time on hope.”
Yep this was totally me when I read the above dialogue
May 8, 2019
Balto did it. He ripped me from the arms of my husband, claiming me as his prisoner unless/until Lucian lives up to the terms of their contract. A contract that Balto paid for but Lucian reneged on.
I'm now Balto's prisoner but that won't be a chore as it comes with benefits not afforded other prisoners. Lucian doesn't know that Balto and I have history and would kill me if he knew the extent of that history. Regardless, I'm free from my husband's control and won't go back, no matter what.
Little does Cassini Salazar realize that Balto has an end game goal that she has no control over. Balto's made it clear that her value to him isn't on par with the value of the stolen Skull Ring currently in her husband's ownership. It's up to her to convince him otherwise.
* * * *
Warning: This is it's a dark Italian crime family erotic romance story that includes violence and situations consistent with that lifestyle. Also, for those with adultery/cheating triggers, adultery plays a major part in this book/series. Consider yourself warned.
This is the second installment in the "Skull" trilogy, a book that cannot be read as a stand alone and does end as The Skull King did with a major cliffhanger. Suggest those who have issues with cliffies wait for the next and final book in series if cliffhangers are an issue.
This story, imho, features angst issues related to an evolving romance and family dynamics issues vs having any real action-adventure-suspenseful content. To clarify, there are crime family lifestyle 'business' situations that include how Balto got his 'Skull Crusher' nickname but for the most part the reader will experience the evolving lust to love between the two. That means more erotic scenes to enjoy.
Secondary characters. Heath, Balto's brother is the stand out supporting role character who I feel the author is grooming as a spin off series main character. Regardless, he plays more a role in this story than the previous. It's up to the reader to determine if he's redeemed himself or not and thus deserving of any possible independent future story of his own. Other characters do add value and depth to the world building with one unidentified character who was awkwardly placed with questionable need to exist in the first place.
My pro/con thoughts. I love dark crime family stories in general. That the setting is Italy ups the ante as this is ground zero for mobsters/crime family/gangs and thus I expect the ultimate degree of violence and bloodletting content. Does this story/series live up to my expectations? Guess you'll have to read it for yourself to find out.....
Overall good series that I recommend for fans of contemporary dark crime family erotic romance fans who appreciate the jealous/possessive alpha male persona.
I'm now Balto's prisoner but that won't be a chore as it comes with benefits not afforded other prisoners. Lucian doesn't know that Balto and I have history and would kill me if he knew the extent of that history. Regardless, I'm free from my husband's control and won't go back, no matter what.
Little does Cassini Salazar realize that Balto has an end game goal that she has no control over. Balto's made it clear that her value to him isn't on par with the value of the stolen Skull Ring currently in her husband's ownership. It's up to her to convince him otherwise.
* * * *
Warning: This is it's a dark Italian crime family erotic romance story that includes violence and situations consistent with that lifestyle. Also, for those with adultery/cheating triggers, adultery plays a major part in this book/series. Consider yourself warned.
This is the second installment in the "Skull" trilogy, a book that cannot be read as a stand alone and does end as The Skull King did with a major cliffhanger. Suggest those who have issues with cliffies wait for the next and final book in series if cliffhangers are an issue.
This story, imho, features angst issues related to an evolving romance and family dynamics issues vs having any real action-adventure-suspenseful content. To clarify, there are crime family lifestyle 'business' situations that include how Balto got his 'Skull Crusher' nickname but for the most part the reader will experience the evolving lust to love between the two. That means more erotic scenes to enjoy.
Secondary characters. Heath, Balto's brother is the stand out supporting role character who I feel the author is grooming as a spin off series main character. Regardless, he plays more a role in this story than the previous. It's up to the reader to determine if he's redeemed himself or not and thus deserving of any possible independent future story of his own. Other characters do add value and depth to the world building with one unidentified character who was awkwardly placed with questionable need to exist in the first place.
My pro/con thoughts. I love dark crime family stories in general. That the setting is Italy ups the ante as this is ground zero for mobsters/crime family/gangs and thus I expect the ultimate degree of violence and bloodletting content. Does this story/series live up to my expectations? Guess you'll have to read it for yourself to find out.....
Overall good series that I recommend for fans of contemporary dark crime family erotic romance fans who appreciate the jealous/possessive alpha male persona.
September 25, 2023
2 stars ✿
❛In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a kind man. I’m heartless. I’m cruel.❜ He slowly stepped toward me, his blue eyes dark with hostility. ❛I own this city—and I own you. Fight me all you want. I get off on that sort of thing. But you’ll just make it harder on yourself.❜
this is giving me some jughead 'i’m weird. i’m a weirdo. i don’t fit in and i don't want to fit in.' vibes.
❛In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a kind man. I’m heartless. I’m cruel.❜ He slowly stepped toward me, his blue eyes dark with hostility. ❛I own this city—and I own you. Fight me all you want. I get off on that sort of thing. But you’ll just make it harder on yourself.❜
this is giving me some jughead 'i’m weird. i’m a weirdo. i don’t fit in and i don't want to fit in.' vibes.
August 17, 2024
Cassini & Balto
June 20, 2019
I thought we would see some changes in these two characters. Some acceptance that they have something more than sex. He hates feeling vulnerable and doesn't want to have a person in his life that makes him weak. She is just this meek, sexy object. At no point does she have fight in her. Well other than that one scene with his brother. She has all the time in the world and doesn't learn how to defend herself, use a gun, anything. She has money why can't she get her brothers to help her disappear? She just accepted everything that happens to her. It's really very annoying.
I wanted some fight, revenge, let her get the men comfortable then do something epic. But no. Sadly it's up to Balto to come to his senses. It's too bad. And now there's another book to be disappointed over. I wish the heroine was more badass.🙃
I wanted some fight, revenge, let her get the men comfortable then do something epic. But no. Sadly it's up to Balto to come to his senses. It's too bad. And now there's another book to be disappointed over. I wish the heroine was more badass.🙃
May 16, 2019
Yes!! Yes!!! Yes!!!! I have loved these books!!! Balto is my type of character!!! Loving this series so much!!
June 29, 2021
Things are definitely starting to heat up in this second book. Balto is by no means a good man but he is the best option for staying alive. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 4, 2021
3.5
Este libro es mas repetitivo, pero se afianza mas la relacion de Balto y Cassini. Al final se ve un poco mas de accion, pero me gusta igual. Penelope siempre me entretiene.
Este libro es mas repetitivo, pero se afianza mas la relacion de Balto y Cassini. Al final se ve un poco mas de accion, pero me gusta igual. Penelope siempre me entretiene.
December 25, 2022
I do not care what y’all tell me about this damn book my rating stays the same
First and foremost, let’s discuss that weird Evan guy you’re telling me you were “in love” with Cassini even tho you LITERALLY moved on from her the moment she married that fat ass Lucien. Honey you didn’t like her and you DEFINITELY didn’t love her because if you’d love her you wouldn’t have sold her for 100k, like is that all she’s worth to you? I have a lot of respect for Cassini because if I were her and Balto offered to kill him i would’ve let him.
Secondly, what the fuck Cassini you don’t let a fucking guy betray you like that and then just swoon over him again just because he decided not to SELL YOU like girl why you only concentrating on the positive things? Why don’t you also concentrate on the bad things? Like maybe the fact that he kidnapped you or the fact that he held you captive for MONTHS or the fact that this guy tried to sell you to your husband who would’ve LITERALLY raped you and killed you or also the fact that he’s a criminal? I don’t even wanna talk about your bad taste Cassini. Also what kinda name is BALTO it’s like the author tried to make him as hot as possible and then just gave him the worst name ever to even it out with his “hotness”.
Thirdly, (this is directed to the author) why the fuck are you romanticising mafia and criminals like you could’ve chosen him to be ANYTHING like ANYTHING and you’ve made him a criminal he could’ve been rich and powerful and “hot”without all of the criminal activities. At some point of the book it started to feel like I was only torturing myself with continuing this book.I mean “selling women” really? Balto (still a weird name for a “hot man”) already has enough money why would profiting from selling women help him in any way and I know it was explained in the book that it was some sort of “tradition” BUT WHAT KIND OF TRADITION IS THAT. I mean as if being a mafia boss (which in my opinion is still not a good thing to romanticise) isn’t bad enough he decides to make women slaves. I hate Balto and the fact that he was claiming that “he was a man unlike Lucien or Evan” annoyed the hell out of me YOU’RE NOT BETTER YOU’RE LITERALLY SELLING WOMEN IN THE FUCKING UNDERGROUND.
Fourthly, who decided to name Balto ‘the skull king’ cus as soon as I heard him call himself that I burst out laughing you’re telling me a grown ass “man” would wanna be called “the skull king”? It sounds like something my brother would’ve called himself in the middle of a pillow fight.
Fifthly, is it only me or does this kind of feel like it was more of a Wattpad Story than anything I mean “the very bad mafia boss rescued me from my bad husband only to make me his prisoner” is it only me or did it feel like that to anyone else too?
First and foremost, let’s discuss that weird Evan guy you’re telling me you were “in love” with Cassini even tho you LITERALLY moved on from her the moment she married that fat ass Lucien. Honey you didn’t like her and you DEFINITELY didn’t love her because if you’d love her you wouldn’t have sold her for 100k, like is that all she’s worth to you? I have a lot of respect for Cassini because if I were her and Balto offered to kill him i would’ve let him.
Secondly, what the fuck Cassini you don’t let a fucking guy betray you like that and then just swoon over him again just because he decided not to SELL YOU like girl why you only concentrating on the positive things? Why don’t you also concentrate on the bad things? Like maybe the fact that he kidnapped you or the fact that he held you captive for MONTHS or the fact that this guy tried to sell you to your husband who would’ve LITERALLY raped you and killed you or also the fact that he’s a criminal? I don’t even wanna talk about your bad taste Cassini. Also what kinda name is BALTO it’s like the author tried to make him as hot as possible and then just gave him the worst name ever to even it out with his “hotness”.
Thirdly, (this is directed to the author) why the fuck are you romanticising mafia and criminals like you could’ve chosen him to be ANYTHING like ANYTHING and you’ve made him a criminal he could’ve been rich and powerful and “hot”without all of the criminal activities. At some point of the book it started to feel like I was only torturing myself with continuing this book.I mean “selling women” really? Balto (still a weird name for a “hot man”) already has enough money why would profiting from selling women help him in any way and I know it was explained in the book that it was some sort of “tradition” BUT WHAT KIND OF TRADITION IS THAT. I mean as if being a mafia boss (which in my opinion is still not a good thing to romanticise) isn’t bad enough he decides to make women slaves. I hate Balto and the fact that he was claiming that “he was a man unlike Lucien or Evan” annoyed the hell out of me YOU’RE NOT BETTER YOU’RE LITERALLY SELLING WOMEN IN THE FUCKING UNDERGROUND.
Fourthly, who decided to name Balto ‘the skull king’ cus as soon as I heard him call himself that I burst out laughing you’re telling me a grown ass “man” would wanna be called “the skull king”? It sounds like something my brother would’ve called himself in the middle of a pillow fight.
Fifthly, is it only me or does this kind of feel like it was more of a Wattpad Story than anything I mean “the very bad mafia boss rescued me from my bad husband only to make me his prisoner” is it only me or did it feel like that to anyone else too?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
Not much has changed in this book.
Cassini is still with Balto while Lucian tries to get her back. Not because he loves her, but because he wants to kill her. Balto continues to insist he doesn't have feelings for Cass and that he'll give her back to Lucian when the time is right. Balto says at least 500 times that he's the "Skull King" and will never give that position up, especially for a women. They continue to have missionary sex without any foreplay. Balto also has a pecker that never gets soft. He should see a doctor.
It ends with a cliffy, but that's expected since there are 3 books.
See my first review for series info.
Cassini is still with Balto while Lucian tries to get her back. Not because he loves her, but because he wants to kill her. Balto continues to insist he doesn't have feelings for Cass and that he'll give her back to Lucian when the time is right. Balto says at least 500 times that he's the "Skull King" and will never give that position up, especially for a women. They continue to have missionary sex without any foreplay. Balto also has a pecker that never gets soft. He should see a doctor.
It ends with a cliffy, but that's expected since there are 3 books.
See my first review for series info.
May 9, 2019
Oh how this story gets more and more complicated as we go. We were lulled into a false sense of security here thinking that Balto cared about Cassini, yet that wasn’t the case. She’s just a pawn in this game now that he knows who she’s married to, and as such, she’s a slave, a prisoner in an entirely different cage. One that seems like it could be better, if and only if Cassini is able to make herself the most valuable thing in the world.
The bulk of our story lies around this idea that Cassini is now in another hell, and she doesn’t know what to believe, she doesn’t know how safe she is and for how long, and she doesn’t know what to do with the fact that she trusted a man who seemed to care for her, seemed to want to protect her but really just wanted to use her.
The power and arrogance that Balto has is something that comes out on every page in this second installment. He’s confident that he can keep himself protected and safe, confident that he can remain the leader of the Skull Kings, confident that he can make Cassini do whatever he wants, because he’s so confident that she wants it. What he underestimates though is that Cassini is one of the strongest women out there and what he wants isn’t going to matter for long. He quickly finds that she has the control because she has what he wants. The sexuality and allure that no other woman has.
We spend much of this story wondering how Cassini will get her freedom back and remain happy. She needs to feel safe and wanted, and loved (liked even) and when she thought that she was getting that with Balto, she learned that she was wrong. What our author does here in the way that the story is written is that she keeps us on our toes. Whatever preconceived notions that we had of Balto and his organization, they are often flipped and changed around.
As is usually the case in this genre, in addition to a story that gives us so much torment, war, fighting and concern over trust, we also continue to get some of the deepest romance and engagement. We see that there’s so much more connection and desire between our mains and that’s partially because of raw animal connection but also partly due to the insanity that they live in.
When about 2/3 of the way through, Lucian reappears, learning that Balto and Cassini were having an affair before everything went down, war is declared. He’s on the hunt and he won’t compromise at all until he gets his wife back. Balto’s not about to let that happen, and we see the sheer terror that Cassini has at the prospect, but we know that there’s an inevitability here to see that a trade will happen soon. Because Cassini is a prisoner, once Balto gets what he’s after, she’s worth nothing to him. And that’s where we end this second book.
Balto agrees to a trade, and we know that Lucian is out for the maximum pain and punishment since he feels that not only was he betrayed by his wife, he’s been humiliated beyond recognition. Cassini overhears the planned trade, knows that there’s nothing left for her to do but resign herself to a painful death and then….end book.
Case and Dirk as quickly becoming favorites of mine in the story, as is Heath. What’s nice is that the brothers, the family in this series are not only supporting characters but characters that keep us grounded and emotionally bound. There’s a different bit at stake for them as they look at what Balto and Cassini are playing at, and to see how that dynamic is written into the story takes us to another level.
I’m left wondering what’s going to happen. Who’s going to die first and who will be responsible. What will have to be lost for anyone to find happiness and will a diamond, a skull diamond be at the center of it all forever. So, now i actually have to wait a bit since book 3 isn’t out until June, so i’ve got a lot of time to ponder
The bulk of our story lies around this idea that Cassini is now in another hell, and she doesn’t know what to believe, she doesn’t know how safe she is and for how long, and she doesn’t know what to do with the fact that she trusted a man who seemed to care for her, seemed to want to protect her but really just wanted to use her.
The power and arrogance that Balto has is something that comes out on every page in this second installment. He’s confident that he can keep himself protected and safe, confident that he can remain the leader of the Skull Kings, confident that he can make Cassini do whatever he wants, because he’s so confident that she wants it. What he underestimates though is that Cassini is one of the strongest women out there and what he wants isn’t going to matter for long. He quickly finds that she has the control because she has what he wants. The sexuality and allure that no other woman has.
We spend much of this story wondering how Cassini will get her freedom back and remain happy. She needs to feel safe and wanted, and loved (liked even) and when she thought that she was getting that with Balto, she learned that she was wrong. What our author does here in the way that the story is written is that she keeps us on our toes. Whatever preconceived notions that we had of Balto and his organization, they are often flipped and changed around.
As is usually the case in this genre, in addition to a story that gives us so much torment, war, fighting and concern over trust, we also continue to get some of the deepest romance and engagement. We see that there’s so much more connection and desire between our mains and that’s partially because of raw animal connection but also partly due to the insanity that they live in.
When about 2/3 of the way through, Lucian reappears, learning that Balto and Cassini were having an affair before everything went down, war is declared. He’s on the hunt and he won’t compromise at all until he gets his wife back. Balto’s not about to let that happen, and we see the sheer terror that Cassini has at the prospect, but we know that there’s an inevitability here to see that a trade will happen soon. Because Cassini is a prisoner, once Balto gets what he’s after, she’s worth nothing to him. And that’s where we end this second book.
Balto agrees to a trade, and we know that Lucian is out for the maximum pain and punishment since he feels that not only was he betrayed by his wife, he’s been humiliated beyond recognition. Cassini overhears the planned trade, knows that there’s nothing left for her to do but resign herself to a painful death and then….end book.
Case and Dirk as quickly becoming favorites of mine in the story, as is Heath. What’s nice is that the brothers, the family in this series are not only supporting characters but characters that keep us grounded and emotionally bound. There’s a different bit at stake for them as they look at what Balto and Cassini are playing at, and to see how that dynamic is written into the story takes us to another level.
I’m left wondering what’s going to happen. Who’s going to die first and who will be responsible. What will have to be lost for anyone to find happiness and will a diamond, a skull diamond be at the center of it all forever. So, now i actually have to wait a bit since book 3 isn’t out until June, so i’ve got a lot of time to ponder
February 13, 2022
Más de lo mismo, mucho sexo y nada de acción y cuando el final se esperaba con mucho drama, zaz, siempre no.
October 18, 2024
This review is for all 3 of the books in the series. Number 1 is the only one I would consider giving 2 stars to, the others both deserve 1 star. As I do my best not to DNF books, I read all 3 in one day.
It reads like something a 12 year old wrote on wattpad, the flow isn’t great and the characters inner dialogue is written like the reader is stupid and needs help understanding how cool and hot these characters are. Every single thing is spelled out for you. Also, they bring up the MMCs dick and how big it is probably once a chapter.
The MMC is also not a good guy, the only reason the MFC likes him is because hes a little younger than her husband, has abs and his hair isn’t greasy?
There are many characters (MMCs brother, MFCs second brother) who literally serve no purpose in the story? If they weren’t there it would read the exact same.
Personally, I can’t stand any single cliche in this book, I think the only one of my list that that wasn’t used was the memory loss cliche, all other stereotypical boring cliches are there over the 3 books.
Extra note: it is all porn. Like every single chapter. Also the MMC admits to having sex with her while she’s asleep?
Book One gets a 3/10
Book Two gets a 1/10
Book Three gets a 2/10
It reads like something a 12 year old wrote on wattpad, the flow isn’t great and the characters inner dialogue is written like the reader is stupid and needs help understanding how cool and hot these characters are. Every single thing is spelled out for you. Also, they bring up the MMCs dick and how big it is probably once a chapter.
The MMC is also not a good guy, the only reason the MFC likes him is because hes a little younger than her husband, has abs and his hair isn’t greasy?
There are many characters (MMCs brother, MFCs second brother) who literally serve no purpose in the story? If they weren’t there it would read the exact same.
Personally, I can’t stand any single cliche in this book, I think the only one of my list that that wasn’t used was the memory loss cliche, all other stereotypical boring cliches are there over the 3 books.
Extra note: it is all porn. Like every single chapter. Also the MMC admits to having sex with her while she’s asleep?
Book One gets a 3/10
Book Two gets a 1/10
Book Three gets a 2/10
May 7, 2019
So this is the second book in the Skull King Series by Penelope Sky! After the amazing ending at the first book I was really looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint.
After the first book where you know Balto and Cassini's chemistry is off the charts you really get to delve deeper into who they are. What made them into the people they are today. You get to see more of each others families as well. It was very interesting seeing Balto as a twin and Cassini's reaction to it as well, totally something new and unexpected from Penelope that we've never seen but I absolutely love it! And Balto stole Cassini you no longer have to worry about them trying to sneak around to see one another. This was an awesome fast paced book with twists and turns. Cassini is still the strong female we came to love in the first book and Balto is most definitely still the brooding alpha he proved himself to be. These two continue to just get better!
I was unable to put this one down until I had devoured every page! I can't wait to see what the final book has in store!
After the first book where you know Balto and Cassini's chemistry is off the charts you really get to delve deeper into who they are. What made them into the people they are today. You get to see more of each others families as well. It was very interesting seeing Balto as a twin and Cassini's reaction to it as well, totally something new and unexpected from Penelope that we've never seen but I absolutely love it! And Balto stole Cassini you no longer have to worry about them trying to sneak around to see one another. This was an awesome fast paced book with twists and turns. Cassini is still the strong female we came to love in the first book and Balto is most definitely still the brooding alpha he proved himself to be. These two continue to just get better!
I was unable to put this one down until I had devoured every page! I can't wait to see what the final book has in store!
June 2, 2023
OKAAAYYYY we get it - she’s the most beautiful woman ever in existence and he’s the most gorgeous man in existence…yet in this book she’s somehow a size 2, but is now curvy and voluptuous…and don’t get me started on Balto’s holier-than-thou eating habits, but then he drinks like 15 glasses of scotch a day…did it also bother anyone else that this is all taking place in Italy and almost all the characters have English names??? If I’m in Italy and I’m hanging out with a group of people with names like Heath, Evan, Hunter, Case, and Dirk I’m going to go out on a limb and say I’m not doing Italy right…Yes, the spicy scenes are good (and numerous), but there’s no substance between the H and h. There’s honestly not a whole lot of plot to this book. And now with this review I’ve talked myself into lowering my review to 2.5 stars…thankfully these books are short or it would be much easier to DNF the series (damn OCD!)…
August 22, 2024
Why do I do this to myself
Look. I wasn't expecting this to be a masterpiece, but I was expecting a scene or two to screenshot to my husband and I didn't even get that. Book 1 was juuuuuust interesting enough to make me read Book 2 but these characters are god awful. I can't believe there's a third book. Why? What exactly is Cassini attracted to in Balto? There is absolutely no substance to the man. Not a single personality trait to be found. And speaking of, who actually is Cassini? She's a shell of a person with absolutely no character. Look, I get it, I read this for the smut not the character development but even the smut was repetitive and unimaginative. This series could have fit into one book if it weren't so bloody redundant. We get it, Balto is an emotionally constipated, altruistic ruler who can't comprehend a romantic relationship because he's so masculine. Barf-o-ramma.
Look. I wasn't expecting this to be a masterpiece, but I was expecting a scene or two to screenshot to my husband and I didn't even get that. Book 1 was juuuuuust interesting enough to make me read Book 2 but these characters are god awful. I can't believe there's a third book. Why? What exactly is Cassini attracted to in Balto? There is absolutely no substance to the man. Not a single personality trait to be found. And speaking of, who actually is Cassini? She's a shell of a person with absolutely no character. Look, I get it, I read this for the smut not the character development but even the smut was repetitive and unimaginative. This series could have fit into one book if it weren't so bloody redundant. We get it, Balto is an emotionally constipated, altruistic ruler who can't comprehend a romantic relationship because he's so masculine. Barf-o-ramma.
March 16, 2025
“Baby, I’d never let anything happen to you.” I would defend her with my life, torment Lucian every day by reminding him she belonged to me, not him. With her legs wide apart and her tits shaking with the thrusts, she looked into my eyes with parted lips. “I know…”
These two are on a course leading to disaster. Balto is in deep with Lucian's wife Cassini and she is trying to keep her head in the game because she realizes he's not the savior that she had hoped for. Lucian is only keeping her to get back at his biggest enemy but be also is starting to realize that he might not want to let her go. His brother has taken notice and he is determined to remain the Skull King and not give everything up for a woman he is only sleeping with.
The writing has gotten better this book and I'm still interested in the outcome. It's not super suspenseful and deep so it's an easy read.
These two are on a course leading to disaster. Balto is in deep with Lucian's wife Cassini and she is trying to keep her head in the game because she realizes he's not the savior that she had hoped for. Lucian is only keeping her to get back at his biggest enemy but be also is starting to realize that he might not want to let her go. His brother has taken notice and he is determined to remain the Skull King and not give everything up for a woman he is only sleeping with.
The writing has gotten better this book and I'm still interested in the outcome. It's not super suspenseful and deep so it's an easy read.
July 12, 2022
The hero literally does not love the fmc. He keeps mentioning that she is just property and is basically a dog and has to do whatever he says. There’s no romance whatsoever, do declarations of love. We’re at the end of book 2 and there is no suggestion that he actually cares for her as more than a fuck buddy. Also, he literally rapes her. She says no she’s not in the mood because she’s sad but he slides in anyway after she says no because apparently he knows what she needs to feel better 🤬 like whhattttttt?! Anyway, I’ve read Penelope Sky’s buttons series and loved that but after 2 failed series from her after I think I’m done with her books, her hero’s seriously have no redeeming qualities.
July 4, 2019
(4.3 Stars)
Possessive. Scorching. Irresistible.
From an unpredictable and ferocious montser to an affectionate and passionate man. As Cassini slowly peels away Balto's hardened character, she finds a compassionate and possessive lover. But once he realizes the effect she has on him, he must determine whether his prisoner is a liability or an asset. This scorching and irresistible read held us captivated and intrigued!
www.marvelusreads.com
Possessive. Scorching. Irresistible.
From an unpredictable and ferocious montser to an affectionate and passionate man. As Cassini slowly peels away Balto's hardened character, she finds a compassionate and possessive lover. But once he realizes the effect she has on him, he must determine whether his prisoner is a liability or an asset. This scorching and irresistible read held us captivated and intrigued!
www.marvelusreads.com
June 19, 2019
5 stars
I must admit i did not like book 1 in the series because i hate love triangles (even when the heroine didn't love her husband) but a major factor for reading book 2 is Balto our hero, he is such alpha, dominant hero. This book is a hundred percent different than book 1, Cassini is more mature, and we get to see Balto and Cassini grow up like a couple.
I must admit i did not like book 1 in the series because i hate love triangles (even when the heroine didn't love her husband) but a major factor for reading book 2 is Balto our hero, he is such alpha, dominant hero. This book is a hundred percent different than book 1, Cassini is more mature, and we get to see Balto and Cassini grow up like a couple.
April 9, 2023
Change of heart
I am really enjoying this series, but I have to admit that rather unusually my initial feelings for Balto have wained a little throughout this book.
I’ve read over 500 books in this genre and generally alpha males that start out being tyrants without a heart, gradually become more desirable over time as their chosen woman melts their hard heart.
Balto appears to be the exception to this.
Before he claimed Cassini as his property by stealing her from the husband she was forced to marry, he treated her like a Queen. She was his woman because he was taking something that didn’t belong to him and he enjoyed the thrill of the chase and the deception.
As much as he revelled in taking her away from Lucian, a cruel, vile and despicable man, having Cassini in his possession changes Balto into an equally cold and harsh captor. And sadly, despite his gorgeousness and being hit-as-heck, I struggle to maintain my like for him.
Balto is a mixed bag of contradictions. He wanted Cassini when she wasn’t his, but now he has her, he claims not to want her. He can kill a man with his bare hands for dishonesty, but allows an evil tyrant like Lucian live. He claims to feel nothing for Cassini except lust, yet the thought of Lucian taking her back puts a fear in his heart that he doesn’t know how to deal with.
But I believe this is a clever suggestion by Penelope to make us mirror Cassini’s dilemma. Balto is her saviour in many respects, and she’s safe in the luxurious home that Balto provides for her… but she’s still his prisoner. She is still his possession. And that’s a fact he reminds her of whenever she makes the mistake of showing her feelings or gratitude towards him.
I mean… the sex is phenomenal and he’s the best lover she’s ever had… but he’s so closed off and entrenched in his responsibilities at The Skull King, that the more she opens up to him, the more he pushes her away.
My other change of heart is for Balto’s twin brother, Heath. At first, I was very wary of him. When we first encountered him in prison he was dark, broody and dangerous… he’s still all of those things, but now we see the lighter side of him and his sense of humour and loyalty to his brother and Cassini, I really like him. And I think he’s going to be quite important in Balto’s fight to keep Cassini safe in the war he’s just waged against his greatest enemy.
I really do hope Cassini manages to get Balto to open his heart and accept her into his heart, because she deserves to be the Queen again for this beautifully savage Skull King.
I am really enjoying this series, but I have to admit that rather unusually my initial feelings for Balto have wained a little throughout this book.
I’ve read over 500 books in this genre and generally alpha males that start out being tyrants without a heart, gradually become more desirable over time as their chosen woman melts their hard heart.
Balto appears to be the exception to this.
Before he claimed Cassini as his property by stealing her from the husband she was forced to marry, he treated her like a Queen. She was his woman because he was taking something that didn’t belong to him and he enjoyed the thrill of the chase and the deception.
As much as he revelled in taking her away from Lucian, a cruel, vile and despicable man, having Cassini in his possession changes Balto into an equally cold and harsh captor. And sadly, despite his gorgeousness and being hit-as-heck, I struggle to maintain my like for him.
Balto is a mixed bag of contradictions. He wanted Cassini when she wasn’t his, but now he has her, he claims not to want her. He can kill a man with his bare hands for dishonesty, but allows an evil tyrant like Lucian live. He claims to feel nothing for Cassini except lust, yet the thought of Lucian taking her back puts a fear in his heart that he doesn’t know how to deal with.
But I believe this is a clever suggestion by Penelope to make us mirror Cassini’s dilemma. Balto is her saviour in many respects, and she’s safe in the luxurious home that Balto provides for her… but she’s still his prisoner. She is still his possession. And that’s a fact he reminds her of whenever she makes the mistake of showing her feelings or gratitude towards him.
I mean… the sex is phenomenal and he’s the best lover she’s ever had… but he’s so closed off and entrenched in his responsibilities at The Skull King, that the more she opens up to him, the more he pushes her away.
My other change of heart is for Balto’s twin brother, Heath. At first, I was very wary of him. When we first encountered him in prison he was dark, broody and dangerous… he’s still all of those things, but now we see the lighter side of him and his sense of humour and loyalty to his brother and Cassini, I really like him. And I think he’s going to be quite important in Balto’s fight to keep Cassini safe in the war he’s just waged against his greatest enemy.
I really do hope Cassini manages to get Balto to open his heart and accept her into his heart, because she deserves to be the Queen again for this beautifully savage Skull King.
September 6, 2025
The Skull Crusher picks up with Balto seizing Cassini from her husband, Lucian, a move meant as a brutal power play, showcasing just what he is capable of. For Cassini, however, this feels like a chance of freedom. Escaping Lucian’s cruelty seems like deliverance, until she realizes she’s simply traded one cage for another. Balto’s restrictions cut even deeper than Lucian’s, stripping her of freedoms she once thought she might reclaim. The story thickens when Balto escorts her to see her brothers. There’s clearly more beneath the surface, and when Cassini discovers the truth, the revelation is heartbreaking. Meanwhile, Lucian waits in the wings, biding his time. If he regains Cassini, her fate will be sealed in terror and bloodshed. The question is, does Balto care enough to shield her from that fate, or is he too far gone in his own ruthlessness to change?
This book delves more deeply into Balto’s inner conflict. He constantly reminds both Cassini and himself of his brutality, his lack of softness, and his reputation as a man to be feared. But rather than letting his actions speak for themselves, the narrative leans heavily on repetition. His insistence on telling how ruthless he is, quickly becomes tiring. I found myself wishing for more showing than telling. Cassini, too, undergoes a frustrating shift. Where she once displayed fire and resilience, she suddenly melts into a character who gives in too easily. Jealous, pliant, and stripped of backbone, she feels like a different woman altogether (A different character), one who is overshadowed rather than empowered by Balto’s presence. There are still redeeming elements. The twist involving Balto’s twin adds intrigue, and Penelope Sky does scatter breadcrumbs of Balto’s growing attachment to Cassini, despite his emphatic denials of love. Those subtle hints are what keep the tension alive. But for me, The Skull Crusher fell a little flat. The pacing lagged, bogged down by Balto’s endless internal monologues, and much of the real action was crammed into the final pages. While I appreciated the darker tone and psychological games, the middle lacked the intensity promised by the setup. Here’s hoping book three finds a better balance, more action, less self-obsessing, and characters who stay true to the strength they showed in the beginning
This book delves more deeply into Balto’s inner conflict. He constantly reminds both Cassini and himself of his brutality, his lack of softness, and his reputation as a man to be feared. But rather than letting his actions speak for themselves, the narrative leans heavily on repetition. His insistence on telling how ruthless he is, quickly becomes tiring. I found myself wishing for more showing than telling. Cassini, too, undergoes a frustrating shift. Where she once displayed fire and resilience, she suddenly melts into a character who gives in too easily. Jealous, pliant, and stripped of backbone, she feels like a different woman altogether (A different character), one who is overshadowed rather than empowered by Balto’s presence. There are still redeeming elements. The twist involving Balto’s twin adds intrigue, and Penelope Sky does scatter breadcrumbs of Balto’s growing attachment to Cassini, despite his emphatic denials of love. Those subtle hints are what keep the tension alive. But for me, The Skull Crusher fell a little flat. The pacing lagged, bogged down by Balto’s endless internal monologues, and much of the real action was crammed into the final pages. While I appreciated the darker tone and psychological games, the middle lacked the intensity promised by the setup. Here’s hoping book three finds a better balance, more action, less self-obsessing, and characters who stay true to the strength they showed in the beginning
September 18, 2023
Book: The Skull Crusher
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Penelope Sky
Narrator: Natalie Eaton, Michael Ferraiuolo
Genre: Crime, Dark Romance, BDSM
Main Characters: Balto and Cassini
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Im not sure what keeps me coming back to this series….
“Baby, I’d never let anything happen to you.” I would defend her with my life, torment Lucian every day by reminding him she belonged to me, not him. With her legs wide apart and her tits shaking with the thrusts, she looked into my eyes with parted lips. “I know…”
The man is both horrible and nice. I cannot father why I like him. Balto is cruel, but not so cruel he hurts Cassini. Its more mind games. But she loves it. Its like she thrives on the games. So maybe that’s why I don’t mind Balto?
I’m basically a pig being prepared for the slaughterhouse. The sex was just sex. The conversations were meaningless. All of this was meaningless.”
I have no idea, but I want them to have a happy ending, and I need Balto to realise he is in love with her!
I predict that he leave his crown, gives it to his brother and runs away with Cassini….
“Every time I think there’s a glimmer of hope, I’m wrong. And those moments hurt far more than anything else. Hope is a dangerous thing. I would rather die and get it over with instead of wasting more time on hope.”
Well I hope that’s what happens.
This is one of those train wreck style books that has you wanting more but not sure why!
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Penelope Sky
Narrator: Natalie Eaton, Michael Ferraiuolo
Genre: Crime, Dark Romance, BDSM
Main Characters: Balto and Cassini
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Im not sure what keeps me coming back to this series….
“Baby, I’d never let anything happen to you.” I would defend her with my life, torment Lucian every day by reminding him she belonged to me, not him. With her legs wide apart and her tits shaking with the thrusts, she looked into my eyes with parted lips. “I know…”
The man is both horrible and nice. I cannot father why I like him. Balto is cruel, but not so cruel he hurts Cassini. Its more mind games. But she loves it. Its like she thrives on the games. So maybe that’s why I don’t mind Balto?
I’m basically a pig being prepared for the slaughterhouse. The sex was just sex. The conversations were meaningless. All of this was meaningless.”
I have no idea, but I want them to have a happy ending, and I need Balto to realise he is in love with her!
I predict that he leave his crown, gives it to his brother and runs away with Cassini….
“Every time I think there’s a glimmer of hope, I’m wrong. And those moments hurt far more than anything else. Hope is a dangerous thing. I would rather die and get it over with instead of wasting more time on hope.”
Well I hope that’s what happens.
This is one of those train wreck style books that has you wanting more but not sure why!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
1.4 Why Did I Read This Stars
I am going to stop listening to strangers on the internet telling me that books are good. I swear the silent rows of my old library have better book recommendations than what’s coming across my feed on a constant basis. This shit is a prime example.
Again, he’s a human trafficker. And again, he’s got like morals about it, ok? All the girls kidnapped, chained and auctioned off are 18 years old or older. Duh. And like it’s always going to happen so why not make money off of it. If he doesn’t do it, someone else will. If only this fictional man could sit on a knifed dick.
This girl is spineless to me. Her moral high ground seems pompous and just plain fucking stupid. Is she dumb? Woe is me, I made a terrible decision and I will die on this hill cause like my word, and my loyalty are so important to me. I am going to betray all other characteristics that are important to me but I will hold on to this one for some insane fucking reason. I really can’t stand her.
And lastly, I came to this series after reading The Banker series. The author seems to regurgitate the same subplot throughout both but just changes up the dressings of the story. Man- power, money and status is important. Female- money means nothing without love and having a fulfilled simple life.
Conflict = clash of money vs love.
Swish. Rinse. Repeat.
I have read many many many authors who have multiple series without it feeling like a regurgitation of the same plot with just different names and trimmings. Do better. Use. Your. Imagination.
I am going to stop listening to strangers on the internet telling me that books are good. I swear the silent rows of my old library have better book recommendations than what’s coming across my feed on a constant basis. This shit is a prime example.
Again, he’s a human trafficker. And again, he’s got like morals about it, ok? All the girls kidnapped, chained and auctioned off are 18 years old or older. Duh. And like it’s always going to happen so why not make money off of it. If he doesn’t do it, someone else will. If only this fictional man could sit on a knifed dick.
This girl is spineless to me. Her moral high ground seems pompous and just plain fucking stupid. Is she dumb? Woe is me, I made a terrible decision and I will die on this hill cause like my word, and my loyalty are so important to me. I am going to betray all other characteristics that are important to me but I will hold on to this one for some insane fucking reason. I really can’t stand her.
And lastly, I came to this series after reading The Banker series. The author seems to regurgitate the same subplot throughout both but just changes up the dressings of the story. Man- power, money and status is important. Female- money means nothing without love and having a fulfilled simple life.
Conflict = clash of money vs love.
Swish. Rinse. Repeat.
I have read many many many authors who have multiple series without it feeling like a regurgitation of the same plot with just different names and trimmings. Do better. Use. Your. Imagination.
March 25, 2024
The storyline here confused me to some extent, these two had been together for over a month already. Now Balto has taken Cassini, she’s now his prisoner that seemed weird to me, which he keeps reminding her, maybe he’s a controlling alphahole who needs to keep the distance between them. Who knows! It feels contradictory with the way he’s been with her previously.
Cassini goes from being a meek, scared woman, to a feisty strong badass only to fold the second Balto looks her way.
There’s lots of repetition again in this book, with the same storyline over and over - such as: Them in bed throw some smut at this, he gets up to leave, she asks him to stay, he leaves anyway. Rinse and repeat.
The bit of the story I questioned the most was they went to the doctors to get checked if they were both clean, she has a tracker placed in her ankle yet contraception was never mentioned, despite them not using any. Does always surprise me that in romance books, these women are like mythical beings that never have periods.
This is however probably the strongest of the 3 books, if you pulled out the strongest parts of each book, you could easily condense this trilogy into a single book.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
TROPES: Dark Mafia / Forced proximity / Infidelity / Dub-Con / Captive / Captor /
PAIRINGS: MF
POV: Duel (MFC / MMC)
TRIGGERS: Human trafficking / Death / Sexual content / Torture
KINKS: Somnophilia / CNC /
Cassini goes from being a meek, scared woman, to a feisty strong badass only to fold the second Balto looks her way.
There’s lots of repetition again in this book, with the same storyline over and over - such as: Them in bed throw some smut at this, he gets up to leave, she asks him to stay, he leaves anyway. Rinse and repeat.
The bit of the story I questioned the most was they went to the doctors to get checked if they were both clean, she has a tracker placed in her ankle yet contraception was never mentioned, despite them not using any. Does always surprise me that in romance books, these women are like mythical beings that never have periods.
This is however probably the strongest of the 3 books, if you pulled out the strongest parts of each book, you could easily condense this trilogy into a single book.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
TROPES: Dark Mafia / Forced proximity / Infidelity / Dub-Con / Captive / Captor /
PAIRINGS: MF
POV: Duel (MFC / MMC)
TRIGGERS: Human trafficking / Death / Sexual content / Torture
KINKS: Somnophilia / CNC /
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2019
Out of the frying pan into the fire! Little did Cassini realize Balto was not out to free her from Lucian's control. She is not Balto's property. As he has told her, her future does not look very bright. He will keep her while he is still entertained by her. Once that is over, or if Lucian agrees to his terms for a trade, he will either give her back to Lucian or will kill her.
The relationship she has with Balto is very complex. The animal attraction they both feel for each other and her abhorrence of the ruthless killer she knows he is. She has witnessed how far he will go when someone is dishonest or displeases him. Respect and absolute obedience is what he demands of all who are under his control. Cold and calculating, Balto becomes a different man when he is alone with Cassini. The problem is Balto has reiterated their relationship is temporary. He will trade her for what he wants or she will die.
I can hardly wait for the last installment of this riveting story. Balto has big decisions to make and Cassini has to find a way to be free of these men. Lucian and Balto are ruthless and she will not be safe until she is rid of them both.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
The relationship she has with Balto is very complex. The animal attraction they both feel for each other and her abhorrence of the ruthless killer she knows he is. She has witnessed how far he will go when someone is dishonest or displeases him. Respect and absolute obedience is what he demands of all who are under his control. Cold and calculating, Balto becomes a different man when he is alone with Cassini. The problem is Balto has reiterated their relationship is temporary. He will trade her for what he wants or she will die.
I can hardly wait for the last installment of this riveting story. Balto has big decisions to make and Cassini has to find a way to be free of these men. Lucian and Balto are ruthless and she will not be safe until she is rid of them both.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
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