First

Betrothed #5

by Penelope Sky

There’s rock bottom—and then there’s me. Hades retired from the business to be a family man, so I’m running the show on my own. After everything that happened with Sofia, he’s revoked his friendship. I’ve apologized many times but an apology won’t fix what I’ve broken. I spiral into a dark place, and there’s only one light in my life—Annabelle.When she walks into my office with that hard spine and confidence, I nearly mistake her for an executive. She asks me to remove her off a checking account and I quickly realize she’s divorced—and broke. The small deposits she makes come from her nights working as a waitress in a café. But she gives me this look, like she’ll cut off my balls if I pity her. After she leaves my office, I can’t stop thinking about her.I show up at her restaurant and ask for a date—but she gives me the answer I don’t want to hear. Newly divorced and broken, she’s not the in place for a relationship. But no problem there—because neither am I.I’m just as broken as she is.Pick up the next installment of this dark romance bestseller 2023 now by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page. This dark mafia arranged marriage romance is also available in Kindle Unlimited!

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Shana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just cannot take this shit anymore. Nope not happening.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

CRYING. SCREAMING. THROWING UP.

[Leah City of Words and Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es war wieder so so gut! 😩❤️
Und jetzt muss ich noch bis Mai warten, weil dann erst der nächste Teil erscheint.
Das Ende hat mein Herz gebrochen! 😭😩

[Marjolein · Rating 5 out of 5]

E-book

Damien ziet enorm af van de ruzie die al een hele tijd aansleept tussen hem en Hades. Ondertussen is Hades ook weg uit de drugshandel en staat Damien er alleen voor. Nadat een Annabella langskwam om haar naam te laten schrappen van de gezamenlijke rekening na de scheiding met haar ex man. Zit Damien achter haar aan. Ben zeer benieuwd naar de volgende boeken en de andere series die hierbij passen en in elkaar verlopen.

[Rocio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luego de la historia de Hades y Sofía no encontramos con esta nueva pareja que fue bastante interesante de leer 👌

La historia se centra en Damien, el mejor amigo de Hades , que por cuestiones que se desarrollaron en los anteriores libros, Hades decide salirse del negocio en el que ambos se veían involucrados y terminar su relación de amistad que venía durando mas de 10 años 😥. Damien es un hombre que suele actuar más por sus impulsos que por analizar mejor cuales son sus ventajas, ahora es una persona amargada , deprimida, estresado por estar ahora manejando solo su negocio y el banco.

Annabella Lazio es una mujer que después de divorciarse de su marido boxeador, decide ir al banco para independizarse totalmente de su exmarido para empezar nuevamente una vida, teniendo una actitud muy determinada de que es lo que quiere de ahora en adelante. Ahí es cuando se cruza con Damien, él la ayuda con todo lo que le pidió pero quedó hipnotizado por ella al instante de verla.

Luego de varios intentos ambos empiezan a relacionarse más , teniendo mas encuentros en común volviéndose más exclusivos, pero hay algo que lo frena a avanzar más , lo que le dijo una gitana varios años atrás Una mujer te amará por ti, no por tu dinero o tu poder, pero la perderás. Y una vez que se ha ido ... se ha ido.

A todos lo problemas que le surgen con respecto al trabajo a Damien, se le suma que un nuevo rey calavera empieza a querer demostrar quien es el que gobierna en en casi toda Italia, Heath puede ser tu aliado o tu mayor enemigo. este empieza a intervenir constantemente en la vida, molestandolo y amenazandolo , haciendo que él tenga que tomar decisiones difíciles con respecto a quien debe de proteger, cuestionandose sobre si es capaz de arriesgar todo lo que tiene por salvar a los que más quiere.

Y si la amaba y realmente me preocupaba por ella, renunciaría a todo para estar con ella, pero no me sentía así. No éramos Hades y Sofía. No éramos almas gemelas.

La participación de Hades y Sofia me gusto bastante, a ella se la ve mucho mas madura tomando actitudes mas razonables, él, en cambio, empezó siendo un resentido, orgulloso a más no poder pero poco a poco esa actitud la va dejando y va mejorando la relación con Damien, claramente que con esto último interfiere Sofia porque si era por Hades nunca mas se relacionaba nuevamente con Damien.😒
La historia me gusto, empezó bastante interesante toda la historia entre estos dos personajes , ella me encanto más no poder , Damien si me hizo rabiar en partes por decisiones que tomaba pero sacando eso de lado me gusto bastante , el final del libro wowow dejo un gran pie a lo que vamos a encontrar en la siguiente entrega. Nuevamente Penelope Sky lo hizo de nuevo, amo como va evolucionando con cada historia 🙌🙌

First Penelope Sky

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting.! This is the book I was waiting for. Damien I love you.! Even when you do stupid sh**

Finally we see the playboy fall for a woman. (Kind of)

Anna is another great fmc loved her.
I liked her story. Married in love and then her husband cheats on her and they divorce she meets Damien. They start a relationship and he messes up yet again.
I liked this because people make mistake and are stubborn. Most men are like this.

Such a good series so happy I picked it up.!
Can’t wait to read the next book.!

If you like
*a playboy
*mafia world
*a man who constantly messes up
*spice 4/5

I highly recommend this book.

[Karla✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh Damien por que tienes que ser tan desgraciadooooo 😭, aun así estoy encantada con el jajajaja, aunque espero que esto progrese en los demás libros

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

First is the start of a brand new couple. It’s still in the betrothed series but we have Damien and Annabella. Hades, Damiens former business partner and best friend are still on the outs, suddenly Heath who’s the newest skull king shows up demanding a cut of his business and suddenly he meets Annabella. The woman without a penny to her name that could hold her head high above the rest. The only woman who Damien ever had any desire to chase.

Annabella is still trying to detach from her cheating ex husband who’s still determined he can win her back. While she’s not in the mood for another serious relationship she can totally see the plus side to having a booty call like Damien. While she was used to a life of wealth with her ex husband she’s determined to make it on her own. There won’t be any man swooping in to save the day despite that being the easier route.

Their relationship of full of fun, witty banter, sexy scenes to make you blush and brutal honesty. I loved Damien from his role in Hades and Sophias story and seeing him with Annabella, total goner! This will be one you don’t want to miss!

To see this Review and more please visit Dirty Reads Book Blog
http://dirtyreadsbooks.com/

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quarantine didn't kill me, Penelope did. This is Damien and Annabella's story and what a story it is. What beautiful drama right from the get go. Love this series.

[Samm Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien proved in Hades' story that he does not listen to advice and has no self preservation skills. And he continues on the same way during the first part of this story BUT there is a turning point and Damien gets his wake up call and it changes him.

This story shows Damien's growth as a person and brings in new characters to support his change. Several older characters reappear to act as the catalyst for Damien's awakening. I was very impressed with this story after having read the last half of Hades' story. Relationships both past and present are everchanging and I actually had to stay up late to finish because I needed to know how this story was going to end. The author gave us one freakin' crazy cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see how Damien handles it.

A awesome improvement over Hades' last half. Plenty of drama caused by a certain twin that now wears the crown. And another fortune that is proving accurate, let's see how Damien deals with his!

I want to thank the author for allowing me a review copy of this book. As I have said in the past - I review these books solely that others may find this author and enjoy her work as much as I usually do (Buttons, Lingerie, Banker, Skull King, etc).

[Brittany Simonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a start of a new couple! First introduces us to the story of Damien and Annabelle. Anna goes into the bank to get money wired so she can get a new apartment and that is when Damien finds out Anna was recently divorced six months prior and she's actually broke after the wire transfer. Damien is so interested in Anna he goes digging to find out where she's working so he can to ask her out when that didn't work he just comes out asking her to be his bootycall. Anna's ex-husband Liam isn't to happy with Damien though especially him taking Anna off his bank account. Damien and Hades finally made up! Once tragedy hits and Damien's father was almost killed Damien broke things off with Anna. In return pushes Anna right back into Liams arms. They end up getting remarried and Damien ends with a broken heart since he was to stubborn to face his real feelings! Can't wait for the story to continue in Second! Way to go!

[Limor Levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Ambreros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blijf deze serie goed vinden ondanks dat het simpel geschreven is. Meer als tussendoor boeken.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way that Ms Sky has evolved this story has really taken us on a journey that makes it both necessary to love Hades and Sofia in order to push Damian forward but also hate them because this story wouldn’t happen if the struggle wasn’t real. What we have here in this first installment of Damian’s story is the path that his life takes now that he’s not in a good place with Hades and likely never will. Maddox is dead, so he’s now the sole owner of the drug business and yet at the same time he’s still partnering with Hades in their bank. Every day is worse for him and all he wants to do is drink himself into oblivion, that is until Anna walks into the bank one day to get his help and Damina’s life is changed forever.

While the summary above reminds me that Damian got a prophecy from the fortune teller years ago, that really doesn’t come up in the context of this story so we almost forget about it. Anna is newly divorced from a powerful man who ironically she wants nothing from aside from getting off of anything that’s attached to him (namely his bank accounts). at the same time she really wants to start a new life for herself which means she needs to clean our her only personal account so that she can buy an apartment. This transaction not only puts Anna fully on Damian’s radar, but that means that we get to be on the peripheral of another guy that we likely do not want to ross (Liam – her ex).

The story that we have from here is one that really results in a lot of pain and suffering. Damian still has lost his best friend, the only person that means anything to him and as a result, he’s also lost Sofia since there’s no way to co-exist there. At the same time, he’s found this attraction to Anna but he knows that he’s neither in a mindset in his life to be a good guy for any one single person, nor does his professional life lend itself to being safe for anyone else. Yet that doesn’t stop either of them from the attraction that’s shared and we have a wild ride come out of it. (Anna’s no stranger to danger given that her ex is a death fighter so the shock is minimal here).

We see positive momentum come from their relationship and then we see it crash and burn when tragedy hits. Some of our favs from other Penelope Sky series come back in this one, in the form of the Skull Kings where we get to see Heath in his role as King trying to take what he feels he’s owed by Damian. Pride of course gets in the way and what we have is a kidnapping, death and fear. Every time i think that we’re about to see something good happen, a truce with the Skull Kings, a change in the trajectory if the relationship with Hades and Damian, hope for romance, another curve ball is thrown and makes us realize that hope really is lost.

We end this first installment at a wedding and then we wonder what the future will bring. So on that note, i’m picking up the next book to see what happens next for everyone!

[PATRICIA GARZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

AMO a esta autora!!🥰, me encanta que todos sus personajes son tan diferentes!!
los primeros 4 libros son la historia de Hades y Sofia.

La historia de Hades me atrapó y me gustaba mucho, me encantaba Hades hasta que cayó de mi gracia por cobarde y me decepcionó mucho su personaje, sobre todo en su último libro.

Libros 5,6 y 7 de Damien (socio y mejor amigo de Hades) y Anabella.
El me cayó mal desde el principio de la historia de Hades por estupido y después lo terminé odiando más en el libro 9 y 10 así que definitivamente ni Hades ni Damien fueron los mejores de la serie para mi.

Finalmente en los libros 8 ,9 y 10 llega la historia de Heath y Catalina hermana de Damien).
🙌🙌❤️❤️❤️❤️, Me encantaron estos personajes, la química es explosiva y definitvamente mis favoritos de la serie. Me enamoré totalmente de Heath. Catalina también me gustó pero hubieron momentos en que me desesperaba su comportamiento y las decisiones que tomaba así que bueno, creo que de las series largas de Penelope, ésta es la que menos me ha gustado. Aun así los recomiendo si son fan de Penelope cómo yo 😀

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despised and cast aside by Hades, Damien is left with no choice but to step up and take the reins of the dangerous drug empire on his own. At the same time, he is required to navigate the treacherous waters of the Bank’s shady clientele. Hardened by Hades's rejection, he becomes ruthless and focused solely on his survival, he has little patience or interest with distractions. Until Annabella walks into his office. She’s stunning, controlled, and utterly fearless as she makes her request, one that immediately puts Damien on high alert. Her ex-husband, Liam, happens to be one of Hades's most powerful and explosive clients. Helping her would ignite a war. And yet Damien is intrigued and offers his help, knowing there will be a blowback. There is something about her that intrigues him, and curiosity wins, so much so, that he tracks her down at her workplace. Annabella isn’t about to be anyone’s conquest. She meets Damien’s intensity with her own, their banter laced with heat. Still reeling from Liam’s betrayal and their bitter divorce, Annabella has no intention of falling for another man, especially not one as dangerous as Damien. But the chemistry between them crackles, impossible to deny. When she finally lets her guard down, what follows is a seductive game of chess, one move forward, two steps back. She swears it’s just physical, yet her heart has other plans. For Damien, it’s simpler. Or so he tells himself. A casual arrangement suits him just fine, especially when his brutal world begins closing in. Heath, the merciless leader of the Skull Kings, tightens the noose with extortion demands that Damien can’t refuse. Once the risks are laid bare, he knows he has too much to lose to risk having a relationship. Hades has finally forgiven him, and he needs to stay on the straight and narrow to not jeopardize anything between them. Damien clings to his hardened defenses. But Annabella isn’t so easily dismissed. She begins to see through Damien’s walls, intrigued by the man behind the mask, the man who keeps her at arm’s length yet when they do get together, they can’t deny the chemistry. Meanwhile, Liam isn’t done with Annabella. Desperate and possessive, he’s determined to reclaim the wife he lost. When Damien hurts Annabella in a moment of cold destruction, she stumbles, humiliated, and heartbroken straight into Liam’s waiting arms. He plays the role of savior, the knight in shining armor that Damien refused to be. And by the time Damien realizes the truth, that Annabella is the woman who shattered his defenses, it might just be too late. The question is, how far will Damien go to win back Annabella when she might already belong to someone else? Oh, Damien, you fool. I have to say, I really like Liam, so this is going to be a real journey of who holds Annabella’s heart. This is the first story of Damien's journey, and it is intriguing.

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love hurts… ain’t that the truth

So, before you start reading this book… or maybe even this review, I hope you’ve already read the four previous instalments of the Betrothed series. Because seriously, you need to, otherwise this book is not going to make any sense to you.

There may very well be spoilers from previous book… so you are duly warned.

We first met Damien in the very first betrothed story. We learned about the prophecy given to him and Hades by that fortune teller and throughout the previous four books we’ve seen how that prophecy had come true for Hades and the dark and lonely places that had sent him to.

Now, it’s Damien’s turn.

He’s already a lost soul following the breakdown of his friendship with Hades. They have gone from family to foe due to Damien’s decisions and their traumatic consequences. But despite their coldness towards each other… there’s still a connection.

Damien is still young, free and single and maybe because of the prophecy he aims to keep it that way. That is until beautiful divorcee, Annabella walks into his office and he instantly wants her.

The more he chases her to ‘scratch the itch’ the more he wants her. She’s the only woman who has turned his head for more than single heartbeat… but love isn’t something Damien wants to feel. Love only brings complications and in his line of work, those complications can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

So when The Skull King comes knocking on Damien’s door for his cut of the profits, Damien knows he must protect those he loves. Even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. No matter how strongly he feels for Annabella… he refuses to put her in danger.

It’s so sad… because Damien and Annabella are perfect for each other. She’s been hurt and never thought she’d love anyone again… but she loves Damien. He just can’t allow himself to feel the same.

The only thing that confuses me is the prelude to the book at the end. It says about her marrying someone else… but that’s already happened in the last chapter. Or, has it? I’m confused.

Guess I’ll find out in book 2.

[Kareen Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin! Hades still loathes Damien. He still has not forgiven him nor is he civil to him. Still breaking his ex best friend’s heart more and more.
Annabella a client walks through his door and explains why she needs the transactions completed. Damien has to have her. She’s beautiful, sexy, there’s something about her that attracted Damien to her. When the two of them start dating it was casual and no strings attached; but one day they’re asking themselves where did these new feelings come from? They started spending all of their free time together. Damien finally met someone that feels right, special to him. Damien falls head over heels for Annabella and she falls harder for him. Do they stay together? Have to read “First” the 4th book in the Betrothed Series.
I was crying especially as I read this section when one of the Skull Kings threatened Damien taking his father. Damien was heartbroken but paid him and trying to save his father. The skull king was ready to kill his father since he wouldn’t pay up. Damien and his father were both saved because of the other skull king stopping his bother the second skull king and by his best friend Hades. He broke down when he saw his father and realized who saved him. There’s so much more to this story. I went through so many feelings and tissues at times. Thank You Penelope Sky for your amazing talent and another great story.

[Wall to Wall Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, book 5 of the Betrothed series by Penelope Sky but also the start of Damien's story. 

Damien is getting it from all sides - Hades hates him and wants him to walk away from the bank; the new Skull King wants what he is owed; a big client at the bank threatens to leave; Sofia still wants to be friends which is slightly awkward. He's a busy man but makes time for the beautiful, newly divorced Annabella.
Will he ever regain Hades' trust and friendship? Or will meeting the beautiful Annabella fill the void? His life is dangerous, can he keep himself and the people he cares about safe? 

So happy to get Damien's story - I loved the part he played throughout Hades and Sofia's journey. I really felt for Damien and hated the way Hades treat him,  he was only trying to help. 
I love Annabella. She is such a fiery, stubborn character in the beginning but she soon softens to Damien's attention. But who wouldn't soften for one of Penelope Sky's heroes?! 
My heart softened for Damien even more by the end of First. Again trying to do what he thinks is best, to protect the people he cares about but it all ends in misery. 

Excited for more from Damien and the cameos from past characters in Penelope Sky's world. 

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hades se retiró del negocio.

Ahora solo soy yo.

Mírame ahora ... amargado ... enojado ... deprimido. Me molesta mucho mi antiguo amigo, incluso odio al tipo, pero nunca he sido el mismo desde que se negó a perdonarme.

Me encuentro con una mujer Ella es como todas las demás... hermosa, interesante, buena en las cosas divertidas, pero no siento nada.

Una mujer te amará por ti, no por tu dinero o tu poder, pero la perderás. Y una vez que se haya ido ... se habrá ido.

Ese gitano no tenía razón sobre mí también, ¿verdad?

Tengo problemas en mi puerta cuando aparece el nuevo Rey Calavera. Quiere un corte de mi negocio.

Como si estuviera obteniendo algo. Esto es todo lo que me queda.

Una vez más me trago el inframundo.

¿Sobreviviré?

Mi opinión:
En este libro conoceremos a Damien y Annabella, viviendo una historia de amor-odio en la cual deberán enfrentarse con decisiones mas allá de lo que sienten para poder seguir con sus vidas.
En pos de ser felices muchas veces tomamos el camino que creemos sera el mejor.... pero es realmente el mejor.... o solamente se quiere tapar el sol con un dedo....una historia que engancha de principio a fin, que nos hace reír, llorar, y querer pegarle un puñetazo a la protagonista de vez en cuando, pero aun en esos momentos el libro es adictivo.

[Patricia H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

The first half of the book I was so pissed at Hades, because of the way he was treating Damien. Until Heath, threatened, his father, and Balto and Hades, came to the rescue. I cried for Damien, when he thought it was the end of his father. I felt his pain, while he was on the ground crying. But Hades, proved that he was a true friend after all. He and Baltimore helped Damien. Priceless. Then Damien and Hades finally made up. They're friends again😁. Annabella, and Damien, made a beautiful couple, until Damien end it to keep her safe. But she doesn't know that. So she went back to her cheating ex-husband. And Damien, had to watch he get married to him again. I felt his pain, then too. Because clearly he's in love with her, but he just doesn't know it. Will he finally find love in the next installment of this series? I sure hope so when "Second", comes out. As for Heath, I liked him when he was first introduced as Haiti's story as his identical twin. Now I can't stand him. He's so heartless, and mean. I hope that someone will knock him down to size in the next book.

[Mrs Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot of thoughts on this book…

Firstly, I think I prefer the books where the men are a little more laid back. Fun loving, less intense.
Whilst still having that ‘alpha possessive’ thing going on.

I do like Annabella. But, there are times she says things that make me cringe a little. And I wished she had a lot more pride for herself.

I don’t think they had a deep enough relationship for them to break up, and still thinking of each other that much, months later. It was superficial to me, at least on his part.
I think he cares for her. I don’t think he loves her.

I don’t get how her ex-husband comes to play a part.
He’s not a threat to her, he’s no-violent.
Possesses no harm towards her, only Damien when he finds out. Even if he challenged him to a death fight, I don’t think Annabella would want to see Liam dead. She may no longer love him. But she cares for him.
So, where does that leave that?

I was surprised to see her re-marry him, and actually go through with it. Expected something to intervene first

[Saianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoy Damien's point of view more than Hades. He's a more likeable character in my opinion. The Hades and Sofia saga is over so it's nice to move on to Damien's story instead.

The Skull King's appearance is interesting. I never read the Skull King series but I like when authors make crossovers with their other books. Maybe I'll end up reading Skull King to get to know that guy's character more, but so far I'm not a big fan of him.

I currently relate to Annabella so much. Starting a FWB or non serious relationship with someone and then realizing you're falling in love with them is super hard to go through, especially when you know the other person doesn't feel the same way or with the same intensity. I sympathize with both characters despite Damien being an idiot and Annabella lacking self respect. But I trust that they'll both come back to each other throughout the series.

Also, reading a man's thoughts during sex written by a woman is funny to me and a little cringe, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Made me wish I was Annabella during those scenes.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama, stubbornness and miscommunication.

I listened to the audio version of this story.
Drama, drama, drama and lack of communication is the theme of this book.
While I enjoyed this story better than the others I still was angry at Hades and the way he treated Damien for almost the whole way thru. He actually redeemed himself when he helped Damien in his time of need so I'm thrilled with that outcome.
Now I loved Annabelle until she went back to her old life. I was confused why she rushed right back into an unhappy situation so fast.
Damien I liked him too especially how he was with his father and Annabelle until he acted like a jerk. Someone needs to shake so sense into that man. I couldn't stand Liam and how he pressured her in her most vulnerable time.
I hope something changes on the trajectory of this story for the better because a lot of these characters need a good kick in the _ _ _!

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Jamile Marrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...now my favorite part of the whole book is when Damien asked Anna but naked do you want a drink she says yes and poor his scotch all over his body sits on his on lounge chair and tell her to drink....goddamn that's hot!!!
I didn't know Damien was so damn sexy...🔥🔥🔥.

But also pissed off how much of coward he is if he looks up to hades so much..take a page out of his book..go for it!! He went after Sofia and didnt stop until she said I do.. not to find of Anna i find her kind of weak..not liking it at all..I know he had a magic stick..but that doesn't define a woman..it seems she couldn't be alone needs a man to define e her..not liking it..Let see what happens in the next book..Second.

But love..love..that you are incorporating other characters from the other series. Secxy ass Balto..yummy..

Ok..won't spoil it all for you readers..but definitely a turnpager.

[Amy Toward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien’s story. So glad Ms. Sky decided to write this. Damien is still fighting with Hades. He’s just going through the notions of everyday life. Then one day, an intriguing woman, Annabella, comes into his bank and asks for his help removing her from her ex husband’s account. He doesn’t know why he is drawn to her. But soon enough, they begin a casual affair. Annabella is not looking for anything serious so this is perfect for both. But her ex-husband, Liam, isn’t ready to giver her up so easily. He knows he messed up, but he realized he can’t live without her. The way this whole situation with these three play out is crazy. I actually forgave Liam because of his dying devotion to Annabella. But Damien...he needs love. He just doesn’t realize it. The ending was nuts! I need the next book now!

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Damien, the thunderbolt struck him the minute Anabella came in his office and sat down. Physically, she was the perfect woman for him. What quickly became apparent was that she was like no other woman he had ever met. Money and power did not interest her. She followed her own morality compass supported her inner strength.

Having finally decided to move on from her divorce to Liam, Anabella is not looking for a relationship. All she wanted from Liam was loyalty and respect and still he cheated on her. Now, it will take a lot for someone to convince her to trust again.

This is only part one of an amazing story of love and greed and a love triangle that will keep you riveted. Worth reading and patiently waiting for the next installment!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Damien comes to the forefront of his own tale. Never one to settle down, Damien is taken aback when Annabella comes into the bank for help. An instant attraction and the feeling that he needs to help her is not something he has ever felt before. But when he once again finds himself on the wrong side of the Skull King does he finally understand the true meaning of love. Will he throw it all away to make sure Anna stays safe? Will Hades and Damien ever find equal footing and end their war between brothers? Can Damien get a HEA? With beautifully written characters and a plot that had me on the edge of my seat and yelling at Damien through my kindle this was an excellent start to his story. I cannot wait to see where Penelope Sky takes us next.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just don't know where to begin..... I suppose that I will begin with the emotional roller coaster ride that Penelope took me on...lol. She's famous for those btw. First, I was happy for Damien cause I thought that he found something that might bring him true happiness. But then I got to thinking that it was too early in the story line for that and of course I was proven right....dang it...ugh! Then I was mad at Hades cause he was being a **** to Damien. Then mad at Damien for making just a stupid decision himself. Men.....lol. I don't know with the way this book ended how Penelope is going to spin Damien's story from here, but I do know that it will be an adventure that I'm looking forward to....lol.

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Damien's story! He does try to do the right thing, even if it's wrong. After Hades severed their relationship, because it was really his fault Sophia was kidnapped and raped, for not following Hades wishes, he became angry and mean. Hades walked away from the drug business, and Damien continued with that and the Bank. Annabella walked into the bank and demanded she be removed from her ex husband accounts, she had her own money and wanted nothing to do with her ex or his money. Damien was instantly attracted, not at all acting like the woman a night kind of guy he was. Both had their secrets, but they drew closer. Until he made a grave mistake, then he felt how bad it was to lose the one you love, even if you don;t know it yet. A Great Start to a new series!