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Empire #1
Bartholomew
With Roan out of the picture, I've taken Croatia and eastern Europe. Now it's time I take Italy as well.
I just need to get rid of the Skull King.
What better way to accomplish that than by using his daughter against him -- who happens to live right here in Paris.
But my problem goes south the second I lay eyes on her.
She's the perfect solution to all my troubles. All I have to do is put a knife to her throat to get what I want. The Skull King will cave. Italy will be mine.
But that's the last thing I want to do.
What I really want to do is make her mine.
Who says I can't have both?
At least until she finds out the truth...
I just need to get rid of the Skull King.
What better way to accomplish that than by using his daughter against him -- who happens to live right here in Paris.
But my problem goes south the second I lay eyes on her.
She's the perfect solution to all my troubles. All I have to do is put a knife to her throat to get what I want. The Skull King will cave. Italy will be mine.
But that's the last thing I want to do.
What I really want to do is make her mine.
Who says I can't have both?
At least until she finds out the truth...
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2023
2103 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
72 books6,690 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 166 reviews
January 12, 2023
“There was no mistaking the fact that he was one in a million. He was the supreme lord of fucking. I’d be his fuck buddy anytime. Put him at number one on my speed dial for booty calls.”
He’s a man with a few words and a lot of action. Yessss.
I definitely loved this book.
It’s worth the reading.
He’s a man with a few words and a lot of action. Yessss.
I definitely loved this book.
It’s worth the reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2023
1 star ✿
❛I’ll never tell you I love you. I’ll never ask you to marry me. I’ll never give up what I’ve built for any woman—not even you.❜
why do I do this to myself? this was boring and long and nothing really happened. 🧌
❛I’ll never tell you I love you. I’ll never ask you to marry me. I’ll never give up what I’ve built for any woman—not even you.❜
why do I do this to myself? this was boring and long and nothing really happened. 🧌
January 16, 2023
Ehh Bartholomew was a dick and he can take his demands for apologies and shove them up his ass.
Good line from him, though: "Tolerating someone you hate is toxic to your sanity. Family is no exception."
- Shockingly, I thought there was too much sex and midway through the book, I was skimming over them. It lost it's steam and sexiness when it was in every chapter for me.
- Laura's father was a real p.o.s.! I hope Bartholomew tortures the crap out of him. Also her sister seemed to only care for materialistic things. Like sure beat the shit out of me it's ok as long as I can live my lavish lifestyle. 🤮
- But that cliffhanger was really good, as were the last few chapters.
Good line from him, though: "Tolerating someone you hate is toxic to your sanity. Family is no exception."
- Shockingly, I thought there was too much sex and midway through the book, I was skimming over them. It lost it's steam and sexiness when it was in every chapter for me.
- Laura's father was a real p.o.s.! I hope Bartholomew tortures the crap out of him. Also her sister seemed to only care for materialistic things. Like sure beat the shit out of me it's ok as long as I can live my lavish lifestyle. 🤮
- But that cliffhanger was really good, as were the last few chapters.
January 18, 2023
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : Yes
Hero : Bartholomew
Pace of the story : Moderate
Overall Opinion :
I can never ever resist this author. I thought to myself , I would wait until this whole series once it was out but omg , I dived in the moment I saw it lmao. Penelope’s men never let me down and I have been hooked on them for years. Like seriously , I have read every book of hers , my favorite being the Buttons Series. And then she also writes these books which are all in the same world with all the second generations and character cameos , which makes them so good!
This book is one such example. And now I can't get over BARTHOLOMEW. The way he acts , the way he commands everyone! It;s just so compelling lol , I could read his scenes forever. His possessive nature was one of the best parts of this book. I love anti heroes who are willing to burn the world down for you and he is one of them. He is the king of them!!
Totally recommending this book to all the dark romance loving people out there.
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January 12, 2023
TWs: r@pe, marital abuse, choking
Quotes:
- “Then you must be into women because I’m every woman’s type.”
- “I’m sorry, Bartholomew. You won’t be mentioned in history books.”
- Why are you going in there, telling them you’re my boyfriend?” “Because you told them I was.” “I just said that in the moment. I didn’t mean it.” His eyes shifted back and forth between mine. “You told Victor, and then you told Lucas. You didn’t mean it twice?” “I was just…bragging.” “Then I guess I was bragging too.”
- I think I’m a deeper part of your life than you give me credit for. Do you agree?”
- “I’m not judging you for being in this situation. You think you’re the first woman who’s stuck with a man who wasn’t taught how to control his emotions? Who wasn’t taught how to be a man? You aren’t. But I do judge you for not loving yourself enough to realize you deserve more. You deserve a man who defends you from assholes like this.”
- “If you don’t do something different, then nothing will be different.
- “Do it. Make me black and blue. Break my jaw. Let me go home to my man and show him what you’ve done to me.”
- “We can continue to waste our time arguing, but it’s not going to change anything. Your father will submit to me and become my distributor for a small cut, or he’ll be slaughtered in this square along with all the people who are stupid enough to stand by him—except for you. Now get back in the car and drive away, Laura.”
Review:
We start out with Bartholomew, he’s what you think of as your typical drug lord who wants to be top dog. To do that he has to cut out the top dealer, the Skull King, and he intends to do that through the Skull King’s daughter.
However ,she is estranged from her father and Bartholomew needs to get closer to her to learn more and make his dream of being the best a reality. Shortly after meeting her he can’t stop thinking about this woman which has never been an issue for him. They start sleeping together even though she doesn’t want to, she has a history of choosing a bad boy way too much, she just can’t stop.
Will she still feel the same after finding out his original intentions? Lots of spicy but also a great story line, can’t wait for the next book.
Quotes:
- “Then you must be into women because I’m every woman’s type.”
- “I’m sorry, Bartholomew. You won’t be mentioned in history books.”
- Why are you going in there, telling them you’re my boyfriend?” “Because you told them I was.” “I just said that in the moment. I didn’t mean it.” His eyes shifted back and forth between mine. “You told Victor, and then you told Lucas. You didn’t mean it twice?” “I was just…bragging.” “Then I guess I was bragging too.”
- I think I’m a deeper part of your life than you give me credit for. Do you agree?”
- “I’m not judging you for being in this situation. You think you’re the first woman who’s stuck with a man who wasn’t taught how to control his emotions? Who wasn’t taught how to be a man? You aren’t. But I do judge you for not loving yourself enough to realize you deserve more. You deserve a man who defends you from assholes like this.”
- “If you don’t do something different, then nothing will be different.
- “Do it. Make me black and blue. Break my jaw. Let me go home to my man and show him what you’ve done to me.”
- “We can continue to waste our time arguing, but it’s not going to change anything. Your father will submit to me and become my distributor for a small cut, or he’ll be slaughtered in this square along with all the people who are stupid enough to stand by him—except for you. Now get back in the car and drive away, Laura.”
Review:
We start out with Bartholomew, he’s what you think of as your typical drug lord who wants to be top dog. To do that he has to cut out the top dealer, the Skull King, and he intends to do that through the Skull King’s daughter.
However ,she is estranged from her father and Bartholomew needs to get closer to her to learn more and make his dream of being the best a reality. Shortly after meeting her he can’t stop thinking about this woman which has never been an issue for him. They start sleeping together even though she doesn’t want to, she has a history of choosing a bad boy way too much, she just can’t stop.
Will she still feel the same after finding out his original intentions? Lots of spicy but also a great story line, can’t wait for the next book.
October 27, 2023
Bartholomew and Laura
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Bartholomew by Penelope Sky, Empire duet book 1. KU borrow; Alexa app listen. Dual POV. Handsome cover. CLIFFHANGER! Content warnings: prost¡tutes; murders; r@pe; domestic violence; and H and h both suffer gunshot wounds.
Bartholomew was abandoned by his parents at an orphanage when he was 2. He lived there until he was 16. He planned to k¡ll his parents because they abandoned him. When he found out they have two more children, he walked away. He is now a drug dealer who hungers for more power and territory. He plans to take over the Skull King's territory. He learns that Leonardo, the Skull King, has an estranged daughter: Laura.
Laura is a tailor and personal shopper. She hasn't spoken to Leonardo, her father, in seven years. He did not protect or provide safety for her and her mother when his enemies struck out. Her mother was r@ped and murdered, and Laura was g@ng r@ped by four men. Victor, her now ex-husband, changed after her r@pe and did nothing to avenge her so she divorced him. Laura is also estranged from Catherine, her younger sister. Catherine is now married to Lucas, Leonardo's right hand man. Lucas is abusive to Catherine and Leonardo does nothing to stop him.
Bartholomew intends to use Laura to get to Leonardo, but his plans change as soon as he meets her. Their chemistry is instant, but she makes it clear that she is not interested in a relationship with him because he's a criminal. Bartholomew was hurt by his first love when her family refused to accept him. Both have baggage, but they are seemingly perfect for each other. Bartholomew k¡lls the four men who r@ped Laura, he then threatens Lucas against any future attacks on Laura. Laura's father uses her to try to convince Bartholomew not to take over his territory. Bartholomew refuses, and Leonardo shoots Laura. Bartholomew agrees to leave Leonardo's territory in order to save Laura. JP
3 out of 5 on my spice scale
1st read/listen 10-26-23
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
Hot, hot!! I was so excited to finally read Bartholomew! What starts off with revenge for her father changes when Laura comes into his life. His and Laura’s relationship is off the chart. He is the worst of the worst, but she still falls in love with him. He swore no woman could get that close to him, but he goes to great lengths to save her. I can’t wait for the next book! Penelope Sky has done it once again!
January 10, 2023
Must read
Pene outdid herself again! This book was amazing. I love that Bartholomew stood his ground in this book. He gave himself without losing himself. He made it clear that he did not intend to give up his world and meant it. He's loyal and protective. Laura had to learn a hard lesson after her already hard life. And the book ends on that note. I cannot wait for the next one.
Pene outdid herself again! This book was amazing. I love that Bartholomew stood his ground in this book. He gave himself without losing himself. He made it clear that he did not intend to give up his world and meant it. He's loyal and protective. Laura had to learn a hard lesson after her already hard life. And the book ends on that note. I cannot wait for the next one.
April 29, 2023
.
.
[SERVICE PRESSE]
•
•
Bartholomé (Empire #1) de Penelope Sky
•
•
Je remercie mon partenaire et l’auteure pour ce nouveau service presse et pour leur confiance à travers les années.
•
•
Mon résumé :
•
Bartholomé est le dealer le plus puissant de Paris. Après avoir raflé le marché de la drogue en Croatie, il souhaite conquérir celui de l’Italie. Pour ce faire, il devra écraser le Skull King. Histoire d’être certain de faire pression sur le baron en place, il compte bien utiliser sa fille aînée, Laura. Personnal shopper, installée dans la capitale, elle hait son père depuis des années.
•
•
Bartholomé est un gangster sans pitié. Dealer craint et tueur sans scrupule, il fait prospérer son affaire sans difficulté. Jeune homme à l’enfance difficile, il est aujourd’hui un puissant homme d’affaire.
•
Laura est personnal shopper. Établie à Paris depuis des années, fuyant un drame personnel et un père italien à l’empire grandissant, elle gagne sa vie de manière honnête.
•
•
Mon ressenti final :
•
Comme tous les romans de Penelope Sky, j’ai passé un excellent moment de lecture.
•
Chaque roman de cette auteure est un explosion de sexe et de testostérone. Je suis absolument fan de tous ses univers.
•
Bartholomé est une enflure. Mais une enflure ultra sexy. Gangster aux yeux de braise, il possède un empire de la drogue, blanchit son pognon dans l’immobilier et baise des putes à gogo. Après avoir conquis le marché de la Croatie, il choisit de s’occuper de l’Italie. Sauf que ce marché est déjà tenu par le Skull King, un malfrat tout aussi impitoyable. Pour le faire plier, Bartholomé à une stratégie. Il va faire plier le Skull en manipulant sa fille aînée Laura. Il y a sept ans, un drame a frappé cette famille et Laura a tout quitté pour se réfugier à Paris. Depuis, elle n’a plus aucun contact avec sa famille. Sans passer par quatre étapes, Bartholomé va mettre Laura dans son lit et commencer son travail de sape.
•
Aïe aïe aïe ! J’ai dévoré ce premier tome en deux jours. J’aime les personnages construits par Penelope depuis que je suis tombée amoureuse de Crow, dans la série Boutons. Bartholomé est taillé dans le roc, abdos saillants, aura de mal alpha, Dieu du sexe et tueur impitoyable. Le genre de mec à emmerdes mais aimant à gonzesses. Mais Laura est une femme de son temps. Ok pour un coup d’un soir mais c’est tout. Sauf que Bartholomé obtient toujours ce qu’il veut et que Laura est plus faible qu’elle ne le pense.
•
Bref, même si Bartholomé adore passer la nuit avec Laura, il ne perd pas de vue son objectif : mettre le père à genoux.
•
Je ne vous dévoile pas le reste, mais Penelope nous signe là un nouveau best-seller. Des hommes forts, beaux, friqués, dangereux, de l’action, du sexe (beauuuuuuucoup de sexe) et des femmes fortes mais sensibles. Tous les romans (ou presque) de Penelope sont câblés sur la même trame. Tout va bien au début et ensuite, c’est l’apocalypse.
•
La fin se termine sur un cliffangher dont il me tarde de lire la suite. A noter que la série Skull King est disponible à l’achat, même si on peut tout à fait lire cette nouvelle série sans avoir lu l’ancienne.
•
•
Si tu veux passer un moment privilégié avec Bartholomé, c’est ici : https://amzn.to/3Ho9UqQ
.
[SERVICE PRESSE]
•
•
Bartholomé (Empire #1) de Penelope Sky
•
•
Je remercie mon partenaire et l’auteure pour ce nouveau service presse et pour leur confiance à travers les années.
•
•
Mon résumé :
•
Bartholomé est le dealer le plus puissant de Paris. Après avoir raflé le marché de la drogue en Croatie, il souhaite conquérir celui de l’Italie. Pour ce faire, il devra écraser le Skull King. Histoire d’être certain de faire pression sur le baron en place, il compte bien utiliser sa fille aînée, Laura. Personnal shopper, installée dans la capitale, elle hait son père depuis des années.
•
•
Bartholomé est un gangster sans pitié. Dealer craint et tueur sans scrupule, il fait prospérer son affaire sans difficulté. Jeune homme à l’enfance difficile, il est aujourd’hui un puissant homme d’affaire.
•
Laura est personnal shopper. Établie à Paris depuis des années, fuyant un drame personnel et un père italien à l’empire grandissant, elle gagne sa vie de manière honnête.
•
•
Mon ressenti final :
•
Comme tous les romans de Penelope Sky, j’ai passé un excellent moment de lecture.
•
Chaque roman de cette auteure est un explosion de sexe et de testostérone. Je suis absolument fan de tous ses univers.
•
Bartholomé est une enflure. Mais une enflure ultra sexy. Gangster aux yeux de braise, il possède un empire de la drogue, blanchit son pognon dans l’immobilier et baise des putes à gogo. Après avoir conquis le marché de la Croatie, il choisit de s’occuper de l’Italie. Sauf que ce marché est déjà tenu par le Skull King, un malfrat tout aussi impitoyable. Pour le faire plier, Bartholomé à une stratégie. Il va faire plier le Skull en manipulant sa fille aînée Laura. Il y a sept ans, un drame a frappé cette famille et Laura a tout quitté pour se réfugier à Paris. Depuis, elle n’a plus aucun contact avec sa famille. Sans passer par quatre étapes, Bartholomé va mettre Laura dans son lit et commencer son travail de sape.
•
Aïe aïe aïe ! J’ai dévoré ce premier tome en deux jours. J’aime les personnages construits par Penelope depuis que je suis tombée amoureuse de Crow, dans la série Boutons. Bartholomé est taillé dans le roc, abdos saillants, aura de mal alpha, Dieu du sexe et tueur impitoyable. Le genre de mec à emmerdes mais aimant à gonzesses. Mais Laura est une femme de son temps. Ok pour un coup d’un soir mais c’est tout. Sauf que Bartholomé obtient toujours ce qu’il veut et que Laura est plus faible qu’elle ne le pense.
•
Bref, même si Bartholomé adore passer la nuit avec Laura, il ne perd pas de vue son objectif : mettre le père à genoux.
•
Je ne vous dévoile pas le reste, mais Penelope nous signe là un nouveau best-seller. Des hommes forts, beaux, friqués, dangereux, de l’action, du sexe (beauuuuuuucoup de sexe) et des femmes fortes mais sensibles. Tous les romans (ou presque) de Penelope sont câblés sur la même trame. Tout va bien au début et ensuite, c’est l’apocalypse.
•
La fin se termine sur un cliffangher dont il me tarde de lire la suite. A noter que la série Skull King est disponible à l’achat, même si on peut tout à fait lire cette nouvelle série sans avoir lu l’ancienne.
•
•
Si tu veux passer un moment privilégié avec Bartholomé, c’est ici : https://amzn.to/3Ho9UqQ
January 4, 2023
𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐲 - 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰 (𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝟏)
* 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝘩𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 𝘩𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 *
We finally got Bartholomew!! So in this story we get to know more about him (if you’re a fan of Penelope Sky’s books and had read The Catacombs and Lesser you already know about him) He’s the most powerful drug dealer in Paris and Croatia and he’s always looking for more power because why not? Power is all that matters so he wants to control Italy too but it’s not that simple since Italy belongs to the Skull King and he has to make a plan to win the territory over him…what could he use for his benefit? A beautiful woman who results to be the daughter of the skull king maybe? Laura it’s a personal shopper who lives in Paris and has a calm and normal life since she took some distance from her family years ago because she didn’t want to know and be part of the criminal and dangerous life she had being the daughter of one of the most powerful man in Italy, but all the calm in her life (and his life too) changes when they met.
In simple words Laura and Bartholomew are FIREEEEE omg 🥵 I think we hadn’t had a couple who had that kind of chemistry in a long time. Laura is a strong, loyal woman who doesn’t scare easily, knows what she wants, defends the people she loves and doesn’t get 💩 from anyone but I just had to say that in the end WITH NO SPOILERS she was sooo fool like I get it, she’s so loyal and she showed it, but girl come on, how could you think that was the right choice?? And Bartholomew is…well I just wanna leave here one of my favorite quotes to describe him:
“You’re acting like a psychopath right now.”
“Sweetheart, I’m the biggest drug dealer in France. Of course I’m a fucking psychopath.”
He actually is a psychopath but you just love the way he is, like he’s so loyal to Laura, defends and stand for her and he’s so obsessed with her and that’s my favorite thing about him because that’s one of my weaknesses on man 🥵
I enjoyed it so much and i’m so excited to read more about them. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
* 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝘩𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 𝘩𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 *
We finally got Bartholomew!! So in this story we get to know more about him (if you’re a fan of Penelope Sky’s books and had read The Catacombs and Lesser you already know about him) He’s the most powerful drug dealer in Paris and Croatia and he’s always looking for more power because why not? Power is all that matters so he wants to control Italy too but it’s not that simple since Italy belongs to the Skull King and he has to make a plan to win the territory over him…what could he use for his benefit? A beautiful woman who results to be the daughter of the skull king maybe? Laura it’s a personal shopper who lives in Paris and has a calm and normal life since she took some distance from her family years ago because she didn’t want to know and be part of the criminal and dangerous life she had being the daughter of one of the most powerful man in Italy, but all the calm in her life (and his life too) changes when they met.
In simple words Laura and Bartholomew are FIREEEEE omg 🥵 I think we hadn’t had a couple who had that kind of chemistry in a long time. Laura is a strong, loyal woman who doesn’t scare easily, knows what she wants, defends the people she loves and doesn’t get 💩 from anyone but I just had to say that in the end WITH NO SPOILERS she was sooo fool like I get it, she’s so loyal and she showed it, but girl come on, how could you think that was the right choice?? And Bartholomew is…well I just wanna leave here one of my favorite quotes to describe him:
“You’re acting like a psychopath right now.”
“Sweetheart, I’m the biggest drug dealer in France. Of course I’m a fucking psychopath.”
He actually is a psychopath but you just love the way he is, like he’s so loyal to Laura, defends and stand for her and he’s so obsessed with her and that’s my favorite thing about him because that’s one of my weaknesses on man 🥵
I enjoyed it so much and i’m so excited to read more about them. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
January 4, 2023
Wauw, finaly we can read the story of Bartolomew. He thinks that nothing is enough and he will do whatever it takes to be the biggest crime lord boss from Europe and he will stop for nothing and nobody. He has set his eye on becoming the big boss from.the Skull King in Florence. That is untill he meets the distanced daughter from the Skull King, Laura. Laura has had enough from all the criminal activities and wants nothing to do with that world anymore because she already had paid the biggest price for being in that world! Untill Bartholomew comes into her life. Eventually they have a physical relationship and they start falling for eachother but neighter one of them will admit it! Finaly Laura knows what Bartholomew has been doing behind her back but loyal as ever she chose her family, she cannot let him destroy them so she warns her father but was that the right decision? Her hearts says no but het mind says yes. So she betrays Bartholomew and tries to stop him from taken over her fathers empire but will it be enough, can she stop him or not? I found it so sad for her that her family uses her and her owns father shoots her to save his empire instead of chosing for his daughter. But what shocked me is that Bartholomew chose to save her and eventualy lets the Skull King have his territory have back to save Laura. He has always said no woman will become important enough to win my heart but i think Laura finaly cracked his heart. Im so looking forward to the next book to see what becomes of Bartholomew and Laura, will they make is and will she tame him and will they get married and have children or will Bartholomew strike back at the Skull King untill he crushes him under his boots for setting up that trap. What will Bartholomew do? Chose for love or chose for the dream he always had to becomes the biggest crime lord from Europe?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
Another great series… with a few names you may know
Fantastic story… one of loyalty and honesty. Loyalty to a man who earns it through respect and authority…. And maybe a little fear. But there’s loyalty all the same.
We’ve met the darkly mysterious Bartholomew in a few of Penelope’s books now, and every time we’ve met him he has been portrayed as a somewhat heartless and ruthless kingpin. Villainous and a little maniacal. But now we’ve been given a chance to see the real man behind the boss of the Chasseurs, I actually really like him. Sure, he’s still cold and dangerous, and he’s certainly not a man you’d ever want as an enemy, but when he meets Laura, the daughter of the infamous Skull King we see him in a very different light.
As with all these bad boy alphaholes, it takes a good, strong and feisty woman to bring them to their knees and Laura certainly makes Bartholomew consider his actions more than once. She brings out a softer side to him and as much as he tries to fight it, he can’t deny that she’s special to him.
But with the Skull King as her father and an ambitious drug kingpin for a boyfriend, the road was never going to be smooth. It’s clear that Bartholomew has strong feelings for Laura, but will those feelings be strong enough when put to the ultimate test?
What I love about Penelope’s books is the way she keeps this whole underworld that she has created alive by bringing back characters we know and love. And there’s a fair few in this book, which always brings a smile of recognition to my face. It’s like visiting old friends.
I’m interested to see where this story goes because everything has changed and Bartholomew has been bested and betrayed by a man he has vowed not to kill. But after what he did to his own flesh and blood, are all bets now off?
Fantastic story… one of loyalty and honesty. Loyalty to a man who earns it through respect and authority…. And maybe a little fear. But there’s loyalty all the same.
We’ve met the darkly mysterious Bartholomew in a few of Penelope’s books now, and every time we’ve met him he has been portrayed as a somewhat heartless and ruthless kingpin. Villainous and a little maniacal. But now we’ve been given a chance to see the real man behind the boss of the Chasseurs, I actually really like him. Sure, he’s still cold and dangerous, and he’s certainly not a man you’d ever want as an enemy, but when he meets Laura, the daughter of the infamous Skull King we see him in a very different light.
As with all these bad boy alphaholes, it takes a good, strong and feisty woman to bring them to their knees and Laura certainly makes Bartholomew consider his actions more than once. She brings out a softer side to him and as much as he tries to fight it, he can’t deny that she’s special to him.
But with the Skull King as her father and an ambitious drug kingpin for a boyfriend, the road was never going to be smooth. It’s clear that Bartholomew has strong feelings for Laura, but will those feelings be strong enough when put to the ultimate test?
What I love about Penelope’s books is the way she keeps this whole underworld that she has created alive by bringing back characters we know and love. And there’s a fair few in this book, which always brings a smile of recognition to my face. It’s like visiting old friends.
I’m interested to see where this story goes because everything has changed and Bartholomew has been bested and betrayed by a man he has vowed not to kill. But after what he did to his own flesh and blood, are all bets now off?
January 9, 2023
Arc review
New year, New book
Great start with this book. We first met Bartholomew in The Cult. He was very dark in those books but I feel there was something more to this character. And with his appearance in The Lesser Evil series, you get a glimpse more about him.
Bartholomew wants to be the Kingpin of the drug operation. Taking over all of Europe a little at a time. He is looking to acquire Italy , but the person in charge is making it difficult.
So by doing his research he feels he has the one thing that will make this happen.
Laura was living her best life as she could despite her humble upbringing! She ran from her past and her father due to the unthinkable happening to her family.
She was supposed to be Bartholomew’s smoking gun to take over her fathers business. But little did he know these two are very estranged.
So being the suave man he is, he knew he can get close to Lauren by his body and charm. Laura wasn’t tease, she knew what he wanted and vice versa.
These two became very close and explosive each time they’re together. Every time it’s like too hot to handle those scenes.
As the book progresses we see that Bartholomew has the ability to be a normal guy despite his background! He grows to care for Laura and doesn’t want anything bad to happen to him. He assure her that his association wouldn’t affect there “relationship” or so he thought!!
That ending though!! Penelope knows how to keep us dedicated readers coming back for more. Again she never disappoints. Can’t wait to see how everything plays out . The questions, so many questions!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2023
Bartholomew is a drug dealer who is multi faceted he’s tough, he’s ruthless, yet he can be extremely thoughtful, loyal and loving. Bartholomew wanted to take over the drug trade in Italy in fact he wants to rule all of Europe. So he decides to use the Skull Kings daughter to conquer Italy, however she is estranged from her father. When these two meet it is electric. She agrees to have one night with him, because she didn’t want to be involved with any criminals like her father, but Bartholomew was able to rock her world and that one night becomes many. Laura has been through a lot in her life and it has made her strong and capable. Bartholomew is drawn to her, she is unlike any woman he has been with. They agree to become monogamous and have some sort of quasi relationship. There will be no mention of love or commitment but they are each other’s partner. There are a lot of steamy, sexy, heart racing, sweaty moments between these two. Their relationship was a true partnership even in the bedroom. In between all this sex Bartholomew is still working on taking down the Skull King. This was a interesting, action packed book. However, the book ended with a cliffhanger. Does Bartholomew take over Italy? Do Bartholomew and Laura stay together? I am eagerly awaiting book 2 called Barbarian.
February 9, 2023
5 “Sweetheart” Stars!!
Wow what a powerful read! Bartholomew is a cold, heartless, ruthless, possessive alpha male and I can’t get enough of him. He says what he means and means what he says. He’s brutally honest and makes no apologies for it. He expects loyalty from everyone. He’s a man that if you betray him, he has no problem crushing your skull with his boots. He’s a no nonsense man. Don’t mess with anything that is his. That be his business, his homes, his money and his woman. That brings me to Laura. She’s the perfect match for him. She’s beautiful, smart, determined, and resilient. These two had a chemistry that was off the charts. She knew he was a powerful, dangerous man, but it didn’t defer her from getting involved with him. The need for him was too great. She was raised by a father just like Bartholomew. But the difference was Bartholomew protected what was his and her father didn’t.
I couldn’t get enough of these two. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Because the cliffhanger in this book, left me in a state of shock. Book one was a wild ride and I’m expecting book two to be just as explosive. Bartholomew gets two thumbs up from me!!!
Wow what a powerful read! Bartholomew is a cold, heartless, ruthless, possessive alpha male and I can’t get enough of him. He says what he means and means what he says. He’s brutally honest and makes no apologies for it. He expects loyalty from everyone. He’s a man that if you betray him, he has no problem crushing your skull with his boots. He’s a no nonsense man. Don’t mess with anything that is his. That be his business, his homes, his money and his woman. That brings me to Laura. She’s the perfect match for him. She’s beautiful, smart, determined, and resilient. These two had a chemistry that was off the charts. She knew he was a powerful, dangerous man, but it didn’t defer her from getting involved with him. The need for him was too great. She was raised by a father just like Bartholomew. But the difference was Bartholomew protected what was his and her father didn’t.
I couldn’t get enough of these two. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Because the cliffhanger in this book, left me in a state of shock. Book one was a wild ride and I’m expecting book two to be just as explosive. Bartholomew gets two thumbs up from me!!!
July 17, 2024
I was looking forward to this series since we first saw Bartholomew in The Cult series. He turned out to be everything I expected and more!
Bartholomew and Laura make a good couple. He definitely looks out for her a few times, even though they both go into the relationship knowing it can't go anywhere and that they'll eventually split. And since he has plans to take over her father's drug business in Italy, you know that break is coming quickly.
There is one major thing I'm puzzled about though. Her father is the Skull King (Leonardo). How that timeline fits in with the recent books of Balto and Heath as Skull Kings, is a little confusing. Bartholomew had gone to older Crow for help. Plus Benton and his brother and Fender (of The Cult series) are mentioned. So I am assuming all of them (as well as Crow and Cane's kids) are the same generation/time frame as Bartholomew.
So Leonardo can't have been a Skull King back when Crow was young because Balto would have taken him down to become Skull King. But Leonardo is the current Skull King in this book. So was Leonardo just a criminal in the Skull King organization when Laura was young and just became Skull King very recently (perhaps even after she had gone to Paris)?
Bartholomew and Laura make a good couple. He definitely looks out for her a few times, even though they both go into the relationship knowing it can't go anywhere and that they'll eventually split. And since he has plans to take over her father's drug business in Italy, you know that break is coming quickly.
There is one major thing I'm puzzled about though. Her father is the Skull King (Leonardo). How that timeline fits in with the recent books of Balto and Heath as Skull Kings, is a little confusing. Bartholomew had gone to older Crow for help. Plus Benton and his brother and Fender (of The Cult series) are mentioned. So I am assuming all of them (as well as Crow and Cane's kids) are the same generation/time frame as Bartholomew.
So Leonardo can't have been a Skull King back when Crow was young because Balto would have taken him down to become Skull King. But Leonardo is the current Skull King in this book. So was Leonardo just a criminal in the Skull King organization when Laura was young and just became Skull King very recently (perhaps even after she had gone to Paris)?
January 9, 2023
Is he friend or foe?.Can a.woman change him??Penelope you never disappoint!!!
If you read the Lesser series,you met Bartholomew there. Knowing he is a strong and powerful man right as you first met him!!!! We also saw that he could show compassion by the way he treated Camille. He is a man that is use to getting what he wants and will use all means to get it. Power is what he seeks no matter what.
When he searches for a way to take over another country he befriends a woman to help bring down his rival, the Skull King. Ok once again if you are a fan of Penelope Sky' s work you have met many of the men who have held this title and know how deadly they are........
Well you need to read all about him and Laura to see where this story goes!
Will she fall for him?
Will she fear him?
Will he give up control for her?
Will she feel betrayed?
What happens to Laura.does.her passion wear her down?
Can she possibly show loyalty to her estranged. family?
Sorry but your going to have to read this to find out the answers.
If you read the Lesser series,you met Bartholomew there. Knowing he is a strong and powerful man right as you first met him!!!! We also saw that he could show compassion by the way he treated Camille. He is a man that is use to getting what he wants and will use all means to get it. Power is what he seeks no matter what.
When he searches for a way to take over another country he befriends a woman to help bring down his rival, the Skull King. Ok once again if you are a fan of Penelope Sky' s work you have met many of the men who have held this title and know how deadly they are........
Well you need to read all about him and Laura to see where this story goes!
Will she fall for him?
Will she fear him?
Will he give up control for her?
Will she feel betrayed?
What happens to Laura.does.her passion wear her down?
Can she possibly show loyalty to her estranged. family?
Sorry but your going to have to read this to find out the answers.
January 18, 2023
Four and a half stars
Ok, I feel like I've walked into the middle of a story when I'm reading this, because there seems to be a lot of secondary characters interacting with Bartholomew that I'm not getting the gist of their relationships. I'm going to backtrack through Penelope's previous books to get up to speed on that ASAP. Now-Bartholomew. A very hot and dangerous man who initially meets Laura because she's estranged from her father, the Schull King, who Bartholomew has intentions of ruining, taking all of his drug trade as his own. Only, when he meets Laura, he begins a VERY scorching affair with instead of getting information from her, AND becomes very possesive of her (a first for him). I really liked this book, I liked seeing the two POV's of the characters, and watching their relationship play out, while learning the backstory of why they are the people they are. This ends on a cliffy, though, so can hardly wait for the next one. I do hope that Bartholomew crushes the Schull King's head under his combat boot-several times over.
Ok, I feel like I've walked into the middle of a story when I'm reading this, because there seems to be a lot of secondary characters interacting with Bartholomew that I'm not getting the gist of their relationships. I'm going to backtrack through Penelope's previous books to get up to speed on that ASAP. Now-Bartholomew. A very hot and dangerous man who initially meets Laura because she's estranged from her father, the Schull King, who Bartholomew has intentions of ruining, taking all of his drug trade as his own. Only, when he meets Laura, he begins a VERY scorching affair with instead of getting information from her, AND becomes very possesive of her (a first for him). I really liked this book, I liked seeing the two POV's of the characters, and watching their relationship play out, while learning the backstory of why they are the people they are. This ends on a cliffy, though, so can hardly wait for the next one. I do hope that Bartholomew crushes the Schull King's head under his combat boot-several times over.
January 22, 2023
We first met Bartholomew in the Cult series but this is his story and it's looking like it's going to be a good one.
Bartholomew is a drug lord and rules over France but he wants more. He wants Italy which is the territory of the Skull King. He plans to use the Skull Kings daughter as leverage, only he doesn't count on them being estranged so it could end up being harder than he first thought.
Laura was done with the criminal activities of her father, didn't want to live in that world anymore so she decided to leave it all behind and fend for herself. In Paris, where she runs into Bartholomew and can't seem to keep away from him.
Bartholomew is ruthless. Possessive. Controlling and dominant. But once you're his, you're protected.
Laura has a hatred for the criminal world but has a loyalty to people in it.
Another brilliant opening to a new series from Penelope Sky, featuring characters from a few other series of hers. Makes me want to do a re read from the start, after reading Barbarian when it release in a few weeks.
Bartholomew is a drug lord and rules over France but he wants more. He wants Italy which is the territory of the Skull King. He plans to use the Skull Kings daughter as leverage, only he doesn't count on them being estranged so it could end up being harder than he first thought.
Laura was done with the criminal activities of her father, didn't want to live in that world anymore so she decided to leave it all behind and fend for herself. In Paris, where she runs into Bartholomew and can't seem to keep away from him.
Bartholomew is ruthless. Possessive. Controlling and dominant. But once you're his, you're protected.
Laura has a hatred for the criminal world but has a loyalty to people in it.
Another brilliant opening to a new series from Penelope Sky, featuring characters from a few other series of hers. Makes me want to do a re read from the start, after reading Barbarian when it release in a few weeks.
February 3, 2023
Intriguing
The man is a for real man. Bartholomew lives his life true to his own rules and governs himself accordingly. He is the boss but treats his men the way he treats himself. He leads by example and loyalty is a priority. Laura is the estranged daughter of a man that is an enemy of Barth and he sets out to use her to take over her father's business. Barth comes to care for Laura and his plans change. They are in strange relationship that is not a relationship.
Many things happen such as beatings, torture, domestic abuse and murder before the two enemies meet. The outcome doesn't come out until book two.
The female character has daddy issues and is indecisive so not very likeable as a mate for Barth. She and the members of her family are flawed, deceitful liars. The way Laura was treated by her father was despicable and she came to regret choosing him over Barth. I did not care for Laura, her father or Lucas.
Good page turner and well written. Four stars for cliff hanging for three weeks waiting on book two. Bah!!
The man is a for real man. Bartholomew lives his life true to his own rules and governs himself accordingly. He is the boss but treats his men the way he treats himself. He leads by example and loyalty is a priority. Laura is the estranged daughter of a man that is an enemy of Barth and he sets out to use her to take over her father's business. Barth comes to care for Laura and his plans change. They are in strange relationship that is not a relationship.
Many things happen such as beatings, torture, domestic abuse and murder before the two enemies meet. The outcome doesn't come out until book two.
The female character has daddy issues and is indecisive so not very likeable as a mate for Barth. She and the members of her family are flawed, deceitful liars. The way Laura was treated by her father was despicable and she came to regret choosing him over Barth. I did not care for Laura, her father or Lucas.
Good page turner and well written. Four stars for cliff hanging for three weeks waiting on book two. Bah!!
January 6, 2023
As always, I devoured this book in hours. Because I mean Penelope Sky. When we saw Bartholomew in Harder Betrayal I immediately became obsessed with him. However, reading this book, I’ve had mixed emotions towards him. I love him, but I also want to slap him in the face with a 2x4. He could be so kind and caring but then turn around and be a jerk. That said, that’s what I always love about Penelope’s male characters, they elicit all the stabby feelings while making you fall in love with them. My heart went out to Laura during this book about a hundred times. Her past and what’s she’s been through to the situation at the end of this book. Her dad’s garbage and I hope he gets what he deserves, but Victor, I think I’d like to see him get his own book. I like him, I like him a lot. If I overlook the past that is. This book has all of the spice we love from Penelope Sky and her alphaholes and I of course definitely recommend this book.
January 8, 2023
What a way to start off a new series! 5 stars! I was hooked right away! I am a sucker for a dark and dangerous man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it! One that will go to the extreme for what he considers his. I love a woman who knows what she wants, not afraid to go for it and will stand her ground despite the odds. Loyal to those she cares for. Yes! Ms. Sky delivers all this and more! This is Bartholomew and Laura's story. It will grab you and not let go till the last word has been read. You will be on the edge of your seat as the story elvoves. Fate seems to have plans for these two! They burn hot and fast! Chemistry off the charts. Is this enough for it to be more than temporary? Will they have a HEA? Check it out and see! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance copy from the author. It is a must read book! I can not wait for the next book!
November 27, 2024
1. Bartholomew compared Laura to Camille several times … who TF is Camille? Ok. Chapter 6. We’re finally introduced to Camille but we still have no idea who she is and how she relates to Bartholomew.
2. 71% and I’m still not sure who Camille is? And what is the “deal” they referred to?
3. 75% and WTF was all that about Bleu and Claire and Benton never forgiving Bartholomew for something he’d done?
4. 77% and we finally have the story about Claire/Benton/Bleu explained. But we still don’t know who Camille is.
5. At 80%, Bartholomew completely flipped out when Laura agreed to go to an event with one of her clients. What about the fact that he has gone to two different events with Camille without Laura knowing about it?
6. So much of this book made no sense to me. How could Bartholomew say, “I don’t owe you anything. You’re a woman I’m sleeping with – that’s it.” in one breath and then, “You know I’d do anything for you.” in the next???
2. 71% and I’m still not sure who Camille is? And what is the “deal” they referred to?
3. 75% and WTF was all that about Bleu and Claire and Benton never forgiving Bartholomew for something he’d done?
4. 77% and we finally have the story about Claire/Benton/Bleu explained. But we still don’t know who Camille is.
5. At 80%, Bartholomew completely flipped out when Laura agreed to go to an event with one of her clients. What about the fact that he has gone to two different events with Camille without Laura knowing about it?
6. So much of this book made no sense to me. How could Bartholomew say, “I don’t owe you anything. You’re a woman I’m sleeping with – that’s it.” in one breath and then, “You know I’d do anything for you.” in the next???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
I am a sucker for steamy foreign romance with crazy happenings outside the bedroom. Bartholomew is the deadliest drug lord determined to expand his territory into Italy. His plan is to kidnap his enemy's estranged daughter, Laura and use her for leverage. When he walks into her personal shopper place of business he acts as a client. Instead of kidnapping her, they begin a passionate secret affair. She tells him she doesn't want to date a criminal, but her body wants his gorgeous body. No tattoos. Yeah! She has no idea Bartholomew is out to destroy her father. When she finds out, she chooses her family over the fling with an expiration date. That makes sense. Not to Barthlolmew, but when push comes to shove, he saves her from her father's ploy to sacrifice her like a little lamb. Bartholomew's character is pissy righteous, me first kind of guy and very entertaing. This author is never boring. This was a great read and I cant wait to find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised with Bartholomew and Laura's story. I have never had an issue with the characters in this author's books. They are likeable, belieable and is the one thing that makes keeps me reading the story.
Although there is still a lot of repeating in this book, that seems to have lessoned a little. However, I am going to wait on the final decision about this until book two is out. I felt that way in the first book of the other series I read of this author's then book two and three just repeated so much it was annoying. The plot line seems to also be better thought out in this book as well, but we will see where that goes as this story continues.
So for this first book I am give a 3.75 and hope book two brings that score up.
Although there is still a lot of repeating in this book, that seems to have lessoned a little. However, I am going to wait on the final decision about this until book two is out. I felt that way in the first book of the other series I read of this author's then book two and three just repeated so much it was annoying. The plot line seems to also be better thought out in this book as well, but we will see where that goes as this story continues.
So for this first book I am give a 3.75 and hope book two brings that score up.
August 19, 2025
This book had everything I love in a dark romance. Bartholomew’s possessiveness and jealousy were intense in the best way, and I absolutely loved that he didn’t waste time hiding his feelings for Laura. The fact that he was open about his emotions and still managed to keep his personal life and business separate really impressed me—it made his character feel strong but real.
I had a feeling Laura’s dad was going to be a jerk, but wow, I did not expect him to be that terrible. That twist really hit hard and added more depth to the story.
I’m so excited to dive into the second book in this two-part series. Penelope Sky 💗 is absolutely crushing it once again. Can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
I had a feeling Laura’s dad was going to be a jerk, but wow, I did not expect him to be that terrible. That twist really hit hard and added more depth to the story.
I’m so excited to dive into the second book in this two-part series. Penelope Sky 💗 is absolutely crushing it once again. Can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
We meet Bartholomew in Cult book. He’s powerful drug dealer in Paris and Croatia.The power is all that matters
to him , he wants to control Italy.But Italy belongs to the Skull King.The Skull King has a daughter. Laura it’s a personal shopper who lives in Paris.She a normal life ,she had distance her self from her family years ago ,because she didn’t want to be part of the criminal world.Bartholomew plans to use her.
When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Penelope Sky is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book
to him , he wants to control Italy.But Italy belongs to the Skull King.The Skull King has a daughter. Laura it’s a personal shopper who lives in Paris.She a normal life ,she had distance her self from her family years ago ,because she didn’t want to be part of the criminal world.Bartholomew plans to use her.
When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Penelope Sky is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book
January 9, 2023
Bartholomew! What can I say about this man? Sexy, possessive, scary, intense, loyal. He met his match with Laura. She’s confident, capable and sexy. They were made for each other. She grew up in a criminal family and left it all behind. The last thing she wants or needs is a man who is another criminal. But she can’t be without Bartholomew. And he is addicted to Laura, too. They know it’s not meant to last, so they are enjoying their time now. But Laura’s past catches up to her and her old world and new collide with a bang. Penelope Sky is the queen of cliffhangers. This is a doozy cliffhanger. Can’t wait for book 2!!
January 9, 2023
Dramatic opening. Straight to the story. I like that.
Been waiting for this book to come out. I can’t wait for the next.
Laura is not some dumb woman. Very observant.
I’m so glad he quickly abandoned his plans for her quickly after meeting her. I wasn’t still sure if his intentions, keeping them hidden down, even at the point where they discussed what they were to each other. I hoped he wasn’t playing her.
Even better that he didn’t flinch or hesitate to call off his takeover when her Father threatened to shoot her over it.
I had a feeling Bartholomew wouldn’t disappoint. Very much reminds me of Balto when he was the Skull King.
Been waiting for this book to come out. I can’t wait for the next.
Laura is not some dumb woman. Very observant.
I’m so glad he quickly abandoned his plans for her quickly after meeting her. I wasn’t still sure if his intentions, keeping them hidden down, even at the point where they discussed what they were to each other. I hoped he wasn’t playing her.
Even better that he didn’t flinch or hesitate to call off his takeover when her Father threatened to shoot her over it.
I had a feeling Bartholomew wouldn’t disappoint. Very much reminds me of Balto when he was the Skull King.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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