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Empire #2
Barbarian
I sacrificed my relationship with Bartholomew to tell my father the truth—and he shot me.
Bartholomew sacrificed everything to save me—while my father wouldn’t have hesitated to kill me if he didn’t get what he wanted. I made the wrong choice—lost the man that actually cared for me—and I can’t live with the consequences.
I beg Bartholomew for another chance, but those pleas fall on deaf ears. After I made him look weak in front of his own men, there’s no way he could ever give me another chance. He should be able to trust his woman, his ride-or-die, the way he trusts his men. You only appreciate something when it’s gone—and now I realize I’ve lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Now that I have nothing left to lose, I decide to take down my father on my own. I coerce Victor into helping me, since he owes me, and I know the best way to get my father to drop his guard is by convincing him I have no ties to Bartholomew—by becoming engaged to Victor.
Word travels fast, even all the way to Paris, and when I walk into my apartment I feel the seething hostility from my old lover before I see him. Bartholomew’s stare is deadly, his jealousy like poison in the air. “Looks like we have a lot to catch up on, sweetheart.”
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 forbidden dark romance is also available in Kindle Unlimited!
Bartholomew sacrificed everything to save me—while my father wouldn’t have hesitated to kill me if he didn’t get what he wanted. I made the wrong choice—lost the man that actually cared for me—and I can’t live with the consequences.
I beg Bartholomew for another chance, but those pleas fall on deaf ears. After I made him look weak in front of his own men, there’s no way he could ever give me another chance. He should be able to trust his woman, his ride-or-die, the way he trusts his men. You only appreciate something when it’s gone—and now I realize I’ve lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Now that I have nothing left to lose, I decide to take down my father on my own. I coerce Victor into helping me, since he owes me, and I know the best way to get my father to drop his guard is by convincing him I have no ties to Bartholomew—by becoming engaged to Victor.
Word travels fast, even all the way to Paris, and when I walk into my apartment I feel the seething hostility from my old lover before I see him. Bartholomew’s stare is deadly, his jealousy like poison in the air. “Looks like we have a lot to catch up on, sweetheart.”
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 forbidden dark romance is also available in Kindle Unlimited!
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2023
1060 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
74 books6,646 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 150 reviews
February 18, 2023
4,5.
“You didn’t have to save me…” His eyes narrowed in their angry way. “I would never let anything happen to you. Even if you weren’t loyal to me—I’m always loyal to you.”
A man of few words but show every emotion with actions.
This book was beautiful!
It’s worth the reading.
“You didn’t have to save me…” His eyes narrowed in their angry way. “I would never let anything happen to you. Even if you weren’t loyal to me—I’m always loyal to you.”
A man of few words but show every emotion with actions.
This book was beautiful!
It’s worth the reading.
February 19, 2023
soo glad we finally got a duet instead of a trilogy!
So next can we get a heroine that is okay with the lifestyle the hero is living for once? it’s so repetitive that everyone has to “walk away from the business” at the end and then they are bored by their quiet life and suffer in silence but don’t say anything to keep their wife happy. honestly it’s depressing to read. also it’s okay not to want children! guess what, there are even women irl who don’t want kids - shocking I know. not every couple has to end up with kids to have a wholesome ending.. especially when the male lead keeps mentioning that he doesn’t want kids throughout the whole series - as they all do in penelope sky’s books.
So next can we get a heroine that is okay with the lifestyle the hero is living for once? it’s so repetitive that everyone has to “walk away from the business” at the end and then they are bored by their quiet life and suffer in silence but don’t say anything to keep their wife happy. honestly it’s depressing to read. also it’s okay not to want children! guess what, there are even women irl who don’t want kids - shocking I know. not every couple has to end up with kids to have a wholesome ending.. especially when the male lead keeps mentioning that he doesn’t want kids throughout the whole series - as they all do in penelope sky’s books.
February 16, 2023
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review *
I can’t believe this is over
Barbarian is finally here and we can finally know how this is all going to end 🤧
So this book begins right where it ended the first book and honestly I was so worry and anxious because it ended with such a high cliffhanger!
But anyways I feel like in most part of the book I was 100% Team Bartholomew and I get it, each one of them was certain with the things they wanted, things they don’t wanted and okay Laura made sacrifices first BUT you don’t have to force or make Bartholomew feel guilty for not doing it too, you know what you’re doing, you know how he feels and you CHOOSE to make sacrifices to be with him no matter the lifestyle he has because you already knew that girl!!! And this is not the same like with others H from Penelope because Bartholomew since the beginning felt like actually the baddest from all of them, he wasn’t showing romance everywhere or joking around even a little with his woman, Bartholomew was something else, they relationship truly felt “I’m your man and you’re my woman, let’s fuck” (and this is fine, the premise sounds hot 🥵) but Laura, don’t you dare to suddenly want to change Bartholomew because he isn’t that way.
I honestly don’t remember if this story was going to be a trilogy or since the begging was mean to be a duology but I felt like some of the thing were rushed and didn’t explain enough or how actually happened some things at the end, but I really enjoy it anyway.
Bartholomew, it was such an honor read about you and I hope at the future hear about your life, your family and business ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
At the end of the book Penelope gave us a little surprise about other books she’s working on and this new book sounds sooo good and can’t wait to read it.
I can’t believe this is over
Barbarian is finally here and we can finally know how this is all going to end 🤧
So this book begins right where it ended the first book and honestly I was so worry and anxious because it ended with such a high cliffhanger!
But anyways I feel like in most part of the book I was 100% Team Bartholomew and I get it, each one of them was certain with the things they wanted, things they don’t wanted and okay Laura made sacrifices first BUT you don’t have to force or make Bartholomew feel guilty for not doing it too, you know what you’re doing, you know how he feels and you CHOOSE to make sacrifices to be with him no matter the lifestyle he has because you already knew that girl!!! And this is not the same like with others H from Penelope because Bartholomew since the beginning felt like actually the baddest from all of them, he wasn’t showing romance everywhere or joking around even a little with his woman, Bartholomew was something else, they relationship truly felt “I’m your man and you’re my woman, let’s fuck” (and this is fine, the premise sounds hot 🥵) but Laura, don’t you dare to suddenly want to change Bartholomew because he isn’t that way.
I honestly don’t remember if this story was going to be a trilogy or since the begging was mean to be a duology but I felt like some of the thing were rushed and didn’t explain enough or how actually happened some things at the end, but I really enjoy it anyway.
Bartholomew, it was such an honor read about you and I hope at the future hear about your life, your family and business ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
At the end of the book Penelope gave us a little surprise about other books she’s working on and this new book sounds sooo good and can’t wait to read it.
February 20, 2023
1.5 stars ✿
❛Why did I have to fall for a woman so innately incompatible? I could have any woman in the fucking world, but she had to be the one I wanted.❜
Idon’t hate it.
❛Why did I have to fall for a woman so innately incompatible? I could have any woman in the fucking world, but she had to be the one I wanted.❜
I
February 16, 2023
Barbarian was the conclusion of Bartholomew and Laura series and let me tell you Penelope had us on a emotional roller coaster but I absolutely loved it ❤️! Starts off with Laura is in surgery after her horrible father shoots her but our man Bartholomew never leaves her side til she's discharged from the hospital. Even tells her if she needs anything to call him. Even though now his men especially Silas wants him dead. Comes to find out when Bartholomew saves Laura Silas brother John was killed in the gun fire. Laura goes to her father's house to tell him off over shooting her to make a plan to kill his sorry ass. She thinks her ex husband Victor is on her side to actually help her get closer so she can kill Leonardo but after they they get engaged Bartholomew can't stand it and comes to tell Laura how he really feels and that Victor was actually working to get dirty on what Laura had planned! Laura still played along with Victor until one day Victor tried placing his hand on Laura's knee and she brushed it off. Then when Victor confronted her about being back with Bartholomew and the wire transfer of money into her account the horrible father Leonardo threatened to kill her again! Then when we think everything is going to be great Silas has to come and try to rape Laura in hopes of hurting Bartholomew but luckily he breaks the chair he's tied to and kills Silas. Unfortunately Laura goes numb and flash back come back from where she was raped before breaking it off with Bartholomew! Bartholomew drinks his self into misery and Benton has to come slapping him until he wakes up and Bleu gets the doctor. Laura asked Bartholomew if he wanted kids and he point blank wouldn't budge on wanting kids. Victor did somewhat redeem himself when he gave Laura the 30 second warning they were going to attack Bartholomew. Luckily before he bled out she came in and shot her piece of crap father in the head. Too bad she did take a shot at Lucas also! Laura walked away us not knowing she was pregnant. Then Bartholomew got a call she was getting big deliverys of the crib and changing table. Bartholomew finally accepted he wanted Laura and the baby even left the underground world to Bleu so he could become a family man and moved to the country side and married Laura. Even after Catherine left Lucas Bartholomew was letting her live in one of his places. I was so happy when we got to read some of our original men Crow and Cane. Even Cane is going to teach Bartholomew about the business so when the olive oil business starts he's not in the dark. They've even got a second kid on the way! Absolutely loved it!
March 22, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🔥
De los mejores que he leído de la autora.
Diosss… ese final de Bartholomew me hizo llorar. Qué fuerte.
Te creí Bartholomew, creí el amor por ella. No fuiste tan hdpt, así que de los mejorcitos protagonistas hombres que he leído de la autora también.
4/5 🔥
De los mejores que he leído de la autora.
Diosss… ese final de Bartholomew me hizo llorar. Qué fuerte.
Te creí Bartholomew, creí el amor por ella. No fuiste tan hdpt, así que de los mejorcitos protagonistas hombres que he leído de la autora también.
January 23, 2024
I need me a Bartholomew in my life.
February 28, 2023
So I have never been a Bartholomew fan. He has made cameos in several other books, and where I found him mysterious I wasn’t really sure I liked him. This duet on him was phenomenal! Completely changed my perception of him. I loved Laura’s strength throughout, even though she had certain moments of weakness. And I’m such a fan of a fast forward in time epilogue and Ms. Sky delivered!
February 17, 2023
Roller coaster ❤️
A lot of things have happened in the second book. There were a lot of break up, but I'm glad that all throughout those both characters remain celibate. It really ruins the story for me when they try to get involved with someone else.
I love how Bartholomew changed his opinions about things, and how he happily adapt. It so nice to find closure for him.
As for Laura, her love and strength to standup for herself is something to look out for. It was probably too much the part when she almost experienced again that dark moment of her life. But I guess it was vital to the story.
It's a proud moment as well when Catherine (side character) chose herself at the end. She deserves so much better.
There were times it can get frustrating when they don't agree to certain things. The MCs are both stubborn and the H wouldn't even compromise. I don't like the idea at the beginning that the h should sacrifice everything just to be with the H. I'm also relieved that this was resolved.
Overall, this book is so heartwarming and emotional. I'm really happy I got to read this ❤️
A lot of things have happened in the second book. There were a lot of break up, but I'm glad that all throughout those both characters remain celibate. It really ruins the story for me when they try to get involved with someone else.
I love how Bartholomew changed his opinions about things, and how he happily adapt. It so nice to find closure for him.
As for Laura, her love and strength to standup for herself is something to look out for. It was probably too much the part when she almost experienced again that dark moment of her life. But I guess it was vital to the story.
It's a proud moment as well when Catherine (side character) chose herself at the end. She deserves so much better.
There were times it can get frustrating when they don't agree to certain things. The MCs are both stubborn and the H wouldn't even compromise. I don't like the idea at the beginning that the h should sacrifice everything just to be with the H. I'm also relieved that this was resolved.
Overall, this book is so heartwarming and emotional. I'm really happy I got to read this ❤️
February 19, 2023
Penelope Sky did not disappoint once again!!! From beginning to end I loved it. Bartholomew is really a girls dream. He had flaws like every other man but he wasn’t scared to love his woman. He committed way faster than I expected even though he still didn’t want kids at first she was still willing to except him for what he was willing to give. I hated that Laura had to kill her own father I saw it coming but I was hoping he would’ve came around especially since Laura turned out to be pregnant all that time. The ending was perfect with Bartholomew confronting his parents after all those years. It was really messed up that all they could give him was an apology. Then to find out his real name is Ryan??! Wow I wasn’t expecting that lol definitely like Bartholomew better. Even though the series is over I was hoping to get a book on Laura’s sister. Maybe in the future her and Bleu could find each other. Everyone deserves someone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
I think I finished this book in record time. I was pulled in from the start as always. Penelope just has a way with writing her characters that makes you never want to leave her world. I could read about Bartholomew again and again even the not so exciting parts. He’s the type of man you swoon over, the way he treats Laura, his friends, and his men is just *chefs kiss*. He’s the definition of ride or die, the loyalty and love for her is just spectacular. I’ve always said Griffin is my number one book love from Penelope but Bartholomew gives him a run for his money. I love that Laura takes no bull from him, it took her a while in the beginning but once she admitted her faults and came out of her brain fog it was great. You’ve outdone yourself again Penelope! As for the surprise at the end I can’t wait, the last fantasy series you wrote was amazing and I have high hopes for the next as well. I’m so excited!!
February 24, 2023
Awesome read as always!
I love how your books keep reconnecting everyone to Crow and Cane and Bones one way or the other. If y’all don’t know what I am talking about, you better start reading all Penelope’s books! You are amazing! I love the story and how they ended up. Kinda wished he pulled some strings and involved Cauldron too. Idk why. Lol I can’t wait for the next books!
I love how your books keep reconnecting everyone to Crow and Cane and Bones one way or the other. If y’all don’t know what I am talking about, you better start reading all Penelope’s books! You are amazing! I love the story and how they ended up. Kinda wished he pulled some strings and involved Cauldron too. Idk why. Lol I can’t wait for the next books!
February 23, 2023
loved this book
Between Bavarian and Barthomew I could not put these books down. Had to keep going to see what was going to happen next. I loved how they both grew up and loved each other even with his profession. I cannot imagine any parent treating their child the way these characters were treated. I highly recommend these books.
Between Bavarian and Barthomew I could not put these books down. Had to keep going to see what was going to happen next. I loved how they both grew up and loved each other even with his profession. I cannot imagine any parent treating their child the way these characters were treated. I highly recommend these books.
February 21, 2023
Penelope another great series. I loved it. Laura got her happily ever after, with a husband and a baby. She deserved it. Finally Bartholomew admits he loves her. Almost dying and Laura killing her father. Oh this book made me cry a bit and love the characters more. Can't wait to read your next book.
February 19, 2023
The 2nd installment is basically about two stubborn people fighting it out with a good old fashioned violence thrown in.
Bartholomew is a lovable character and Laura was frustrating at times but I loved that she did not settle for anything less than what she deserved.
That scene where B met his parents and basically made them aware that he survived and his thriving was cathartic.
Nice touch Penelope.
Bartholomew is a lovable character and Laura was frustrating at times but I loved that she did not settle for anything less than what she deserved.
That scene where B met his parents and basically made them aware that he survived and his thriving was cathartic.
Nice touch Penelope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Penelope has done it again. Bartholomew and Laura are two troubled souls. Bartholomew loves and cares for Laura but she choose her father over him. Laura loves Bartholomew but is still wanting her father's love, but her father betrayed her in the worst way. In the end Love won. Her father got what he deserved, but Victor should have gotten something also. Great Read!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Penelope has done it again. Bartholomew and Laura are two troubled souls. Bartholomew loves and cares for Laura but she choose her father over him. Laura loves Bartholomew but is still wanting her father's love, but her father betrayed her in the worst way. In the end Love won. Her father got what he deserved, but Victor should have gotten something also. Great Read!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 17, 2023
Bartholomew and Laura’s conclusion, what an epic story with unexpected twists and turns. He’s insanely hot, dark, demands honesty and loyalty because he gives nothing less than this in return and to top it off he’s generous and loving. They’ve both been stubborn and stupid at times but with Benton’s advice they figure it out. I love that previous characters pop up and we can see the connections. Top read from an amazing author
February 18, 2023
Perfect 👍🏾 💕
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still sad it ended but is was perfect. I love Bartholomew and Laura, they fought but at the love won. If you never read Penelope Sky books you should, I guarantee it. Some of her characters repeat ; so I’m familiar on who they talking about. I’m ready for whatever is next, I know I won’t be disappointed.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still sad it ended but is was perfect. I love Bartholomew and Laura, they fought but at the love won. If you never read Penelope Sky books you should, I guarantee it. Some of her characters repeat ; so I’m familiar on who they talking about. I’m ready for whatever is next, I know I won’t be disappointed.
February 15, 2023
Talk about a whirlwind of emotions. This book definitely had me disappointed to be super excited. I never knew what was going to happen next. I couldn't put it down, much like all of Penelope's books. I loved the ending and listening to Crow and Cane argue, made myle giggle thinking not much has changed!! Laura is so much like Vanessa. Nothing was stopping her from having what she wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
Laura has been shot by her own father 😭but surprisingly Bartholomew was the one who took her to the hospital and stayed with her till she recovers, even when she did betray him by telling everything of him to her father. So she finaly realises that she wants to be with with Bartholomew but he cant see past her betrayal, even when he loves her so much. So much heartbreak followes. But Laura is set on killing her father so she will do everything she can to make it happen. So she made a deal with her ex husband Victor and together they will pretend to be together again and slowly regain her fathers trust again but after a few weeks Bartolomew turns up again as she was fake engaged with Victor and tells her, Victor and her father are also plotting against her and finaly she sees it and the whole plan falls apart. She turns back to France, tries again with Bartolomew a few times and it doesnt work. She gets a phone call from Victor that her father is planning to kill Bartolomew and she is just in time to save her love but she pays a big price for that. She helpt him recover and Bartolomew finaly wants to be with her but she has a big secret of her own. Will she keep it from him or not? I love the epilogue, finaly he has his head out of the sand! Well done again Penelope! I would love to read more about Blue and her sister Catherine, finaly she leaves her asshole abusive husband! I also loved it that Crow and Benton were mentioned a few times. Its great to her from them and hear they do okay!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
OMG! I don't really know what to say that I haven't already with all the books that I have read by Penelope! I mean she is such a wonderful author and writer! She loves the Italy and France settings as you can tell from her books! She takes her readers on such wonderful adventures that it seems like you are actually in the story itself. Sometimes, I do wish the story was my life. I absolutely love all of Penelope's books.
February 27, 2023
One of the worst mafia books. I feel like I read a completely different book. I don't understand how this book has such high ratings.
- The conversations read very robotic. And the story itself was like a bad soap opera.
- Bartholomew character was like a weak, sulking, little bitch. Awful leader/boss.
- None of the characters were likable.
- The conversations read very robotic. And the story itself was like a bad soap opera.
- Bartholomew character was like a weak, sulking, little bitch. Awful leader/boss.
- None of the characters were likable.
October 23, 2025
Loved every minute of both books. This was a new author to me and I will definitely be reading more from her.
February 16, 2025
4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 28, 2023
Bartholomew and Laura
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Bartholomew by Penelope Sky, Empire duet book 2. KU borrow; Alexa app listen. Dual POV. Handsome cover. Content warnings: H pays for a prostitute; h held captive in her home; torture and attempted r@pe of h; murders including patricide.
Apologies in advance, the following events are likely out of order. Bartholomew is a drug dealer and the head of the Chasseurs, but his position is in question after he saved Laura and gave up her father's territory. Silas's brother, John, was k¡lled during the conflict, and now Silas wants revenge. Things escalate quickly, but Bartholomew is merciful to Silas when he comes for him. Bartholomew and Laura break up because Laura wants children, and Bartholomew doesn't. Laura plots against Leonardo, her father, with her ex-husband Victor. Bartholomew tells Laura Victor is most likely just going along with her at Leonardo's request, and he turns out to be right. Laura returns to her home to Paris when her father threatens her a second time. Bartholomew and Laura reunite and plan to move in together until he makes it clear he doesn't want children. The two break up. Silas and his men go after Laura, hold her captive, and torture her in her home. Silas calls Bartholomew and invites him to Laura's home. Bartholomew k¡lls everyone and saves Laura. Laura spends a few days in the safety of Bartholomew's home recovering but ultimately decides to return home alone. Victor calls Laura to let her know Leonardo is going to k¡ll Bartholomew. Leonardo and his crew storm Bartholomew's home. Laura k¡lls Leonardo saving Bartholomew and returns to her home. Benton visits both Bartholomew and Laura in an attempt to bring them together but he's unsuccessful. Later Bartholomew is notified that Laura is receiving baby furniture. Bartholomew finally gets his stuff together and reunites with Laura. He turns the Chasseurs over to Bleu, Benton's brother. In the end, they have a son, are expecting their second child. Bartholomew has started to grow olives to sell olive oil and is getting advice from Crow and Cane. JP
3 out of 5 on my spice scale
1st read/listen 10-27-23
*Constance, Benton's wife, delivers their baby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
I liked this book. I especially liked Bartholomew as a character.
I have to say, though, that after the way Laura killed her father, I'm a little surprised they would move to Florence. Yes, he would always be able to defend his family .... But if you're trying to live a normal life, I'm not sure why you take the chance that there wouldn't be current Skull King people or criminals who had worked for her father who wouldn't want to take both of them out for revenge. Lucas comes to mind, since he has reason to hate both Laura and Bartholomew.
As an aside about most, if not all, of Penelope's books ... Why does the criminal/hero always have to go straight and leave whatever criminal organization they run?
I am a big fan of Cora Reilly's books. Her main books are 3 separate series, focusing on three different interconnected mafia families. All the guys end up marrying and having children, and none of them actually leave the mafia business. They take the steps they need to provide security for their wives and families. I suppose it is true that for the most part the heroines grow up in a mafia family, so it's probably more acceptable for them..... And the ladies in Penelope's books usually come from normal backgrounds, so perhaps it does make sense for them to want their men to leave and start a more normal life. I'm just saying I would find it interesting if sometimes that didn't happen.
I had started a project to read all of Penelope's books in chronological order. Some I have read before, and others I'm reading for the first time. So I'll be starting the "Betrayal Series" next. Can't wait!
I have to say, though, that after the way Laura killed her father, I'm a little surprised they would move to Florence. Yes, he would always be able to defend his family .... But if you're trying to live a normal life, I'm not sure why you take the chance that there wouldn't be current Skull King people or criminals who had worked for her father who wouldn't want to take both of them out for revenge. Lucas comes to mind, since he has reason to hate both Laura and Bartholomew.
As an aside about most, if not all, of Penelope's books ... Why does the criminal/hero always have to go straight and leave whatever criminal organization they run?
I am a big fan of Cora Reilly's books. Her main books are 3 separate series, focusing on three different interconnected mafia families. All the guys end up marrying and having children, and none of them actually leave the mafia business. They take the steps they need to provide security for their wives and families. I suppose it is true that for the most part the heroines grow up in a mafia family, so it's probably more acceptable for them..... And the ladies in Penelope's books usually come from normal backgrounds, so perhaps it does make sense for them to want their men to leave and start a more normal life. I'm just saying I would find it interesting if sometimes that didn't happen.
I had started a project to read all of Penelope's books in chronological order. Some I have read before, and others I'm reading for the first time. So I'll be starting the "Betrayal Series" next. Can't wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
Gangster Romance
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 5/5
Age range: Mature
Quotes:
- “I would never let anything happen to you. Even if you weren’t loyal to me—I’m always loyal to you.”
- “Happiness is living a life that doesn’t revolve around money. Happiness is being at peace with whatever hand you’ve been dealt. You’re dependent on something for joy, which means you’re a prisoner to it, which means you’ll never truly be happy.”
- “Because it was real…every moment…every night…all of it.”
- “Not the kind of guy to say such things. But I will say that I’ve loved you far longer than you’ve loved me.” He said it with a hard face, without an ounce of emotion. “I would have let you die if I didn’t.”
Review:
This is my 2nd Penelope Sky book and this Empire Series is great! Yes there is a lot of sexual content to it though there is such a great story of love and fighting for that love. Also how you can hate change but eventually it happens and you either go with it or get left behind. Bartholomew our favorite bad boy and Laura pick right up where they left off in book 1. We are taken through ups and downs of their crazy love story with several surprises throughout.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 5/5
Age range: Mature
Quotes:
- “I would never let anything happen to you. Even if you weren’t loyal to me—I’m always loyal to you.”
- “Happiness is living a life that doesn’t revolve around money. Happiness is being at peace with whatever hand you’ve been dealt. You’re dependent on something for joy, which means you’re a prisoner to it, which means you’ll never truly be happy.”
- “Because it was real…every moment…every night…all of it.”
- “Not the kind of guy to say such things. But I will say that I’ve loved you far longer than you’ve loved me.” He said it with a hard face, without an ounce of emotion. “I would have let you die if I didn’t.”
Review:
This is my 2nd Penelope Sky book and this Empire Series is great! Yes there is a lot of sexual content to it though there is such a great story of love and fighting for that love. Also how you can hate change but eventually it happens and you either go with it or get left behind. Bartholomew our favorite bad boy and Laura pick right up where they left off in book 1. We are taken through ups and downs of their crazy love story with several surprises throughout.
August 24, 2025
The Barbarian by Penelope Sky was a beautifully written and emotionally intense story. The suspense throughout kept me fully engaged — I couldn’t put it down. One thing I struggled with a bit was the back-and-forth between what Bartholomew wanted and what Laura wanted. Their desires and actions changed so frequently that it gave me a bit of whiplash. It made the story feel slightly chaotic at times.
I also wish the author had explored more of Bartholomew and Camille’s relationship. It would’ve been great to see a clearer resolution there, especially knowing if they stayed friends after he married Laura. That added closure would have made Bartholomew’s character feel more grounded and multidimensional.
One of my favorite things about this book — and Penelope Sky’s writing in general — is how she weaves in characters from her other novels. Those little cameos and crossovers are such a treat for longtime readers! I especially loved the relationship between Bartholomew and Benton. It was touching and added depth to Bartholomew’s character. Benton’s decision to go talk to Laura during her and Bartholomew’s break was one of the standout moments for me.
I also wish the author had explored more of Bartholomew and Camille’s relationship. It would’ve been great to see a clearer resolution there, especially knowing if they stayed friends after he married Laura. That added closure would have made Bartholomew’s character feel more grounded and multidimensional.
One of my favorite things about this book — and Penelope Sky’s writing in general — is how she weaves in characters from her other novels. Those little cameos and crossovers are such a treat for longtime readers! I especially loved the relationship between Bartholomew and Benton. It was touching and added depth to Bartholomew’s character. Benton’s decision to go talk to Laura during her and Bartholomew’s break was one of the standout moments for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
Nice Ending
Spoiler
I enjoyed this series and the characters very much. I was glad to see that Bartholemew/Ryan confronts his parents in the end. I wish that part was a little longer and we found out the motivation for what they did, but i still have no clue why they dropped him at an orphanage and started having more kids. Also, it makes no sense that the couple would move to Florence after Laura killed her father, the head of Gang there where everyone in her family and in the gang hated her and could possibly retaliate against her & her Barthalamew.
What i didnt like is this is the 2nd mafia series written by this author with the same exact formula. Couple gets together, falls in love, breaks up because of the male characters profession being a top kingpin due to an ultimatum to give up everything and leave their illegal business or they can't be together. I hate that trope. I dont believe i will be giving anymore of the mafia stories by this author a read if they are all going to be the same.
Spoiler
I enjoyed this series and the characters very much. I was glad to see that Bartholemew/Ryan confronts his parents in the end. I wish that part was a little longer and we found out the motivation for what they did, but i still have no clue why they dropped him at an orphanage and started having more kids. Also, it makes no sense that the couple would move to Florence after Laura killed her father, the head of Gang there where everyone in her family and in the gang hated her and could possibly retaliate against her & her Barthalamew.
What i didnt like is this is the 2nd mafia series written by this author with the same exact formula. Couple gets together, falls in love, breaks up because of the male characters profession being a top kingpin due to an ultimatum to give up everything and leave their illegal business or they can't be together. I hate that trope. I dont believe i will be giving anymore of the mafia stories by this author a read if they are all going to be the same.
December 29, 2025
OMG - the only Barbarian in this book is the FMC trapping him with an accidental pregnancy. So their relationship totally sucks. she chooses her dad, then her dads shoots her so she chooses Bart. But then Bart is like b/c you chose your dad, I'm no longer trustworthy b/c I had to save you so we're done. Then after groveling forever, they get back together and then she dumps him b/c she was almost raped and he saved her. Like, she's the one that went back in the first place and said she was okay with who he was but is like you must now quit your job. alright - make up your mind!
Then when tries to get back together, she's like alright but you now need to be a baby daddy and if you won't then I'm making this breakup permanent without telling him she's pregnant. so he finds out anyway and then finally he quits. but even then, she's like - you need to want to do this. it's clear he does NOT want to quit. or be a baby daddy. it's like literally the most depressing ending ever. she basically tricks him into being a dad and then is like - why aren't you happy? you don't seem cheerful!
Then when tries to get back together, she's like alright but you now need to be a baby daddy and if you won't then I'm making this breakup permanent without telling him she's pregnant. so he finds out anyway and then finally he quits. but even then, she's like - you need to want to do this. it's clear he does NOT want to quit. or be a baby daddy. it's like literally the most depressing ending ever. she basically tricks him into being a dad and then is like - why aren't you happy? you don't seem cheerful!
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