Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio arc of The Butcher in exchange for my honest review.

When I was approved this audio I was totally stoked because the reviews for the book have been so positive. Although I didn’t not like it, I wasn’t blown away. I think I was expecting something more dark with the mafia vibe, but it was kinda fluffy.

I thought the relationship between Bastian and Fleur was cute. They seemed to be drawn towards each other from the moment they met. You get to learn the baggage that Fleur carries and the way Bastian wants to make it all go away. It was automatic chemistry and I kinda wished there was more of a push and pull to their banter, but there wasn’t.

I felt like Stacy Gonzalez did a great job at portraying Fleur. You felt the emotion when she spoke and the way she brought their relationship to life. Michael Ferraiuolo voiced Bastian and I just didn’t feel like his voice matched Bastian. It was enjoyable to listen to, but I just felt like I needed more grit into the character to really make me feel emotion for this character.

If you’re new to dark romance and you want to ease into the genre, this is a good place to start. I felt like you get some darker undertones that were mentioned but not talked in depth about. This is the first book in a series and the end of this book gets you ready to continue.

First I would like to thank NetGalley, the Author, the Narrators and the publisher for their patience and the Audio ARC of this book.

I had expected more Darkness? Or more blood, violence and stuff like that, like, he is called "the Butcher", where were his knifes and the slashing and brutally torturing people and the killing and so....
I also kept waiting for the plot, like the human trafficking and the big fight.... Guess I have to read the next book to find out what happened next.
Also, Bastien gets terribly mean towards the end of this book. And I didn't like that at all. He was such a "nice" guy, very polite and then when he doesn't give her the time she deserves to get her shit together before being in another relationship, he just forces one on her, not giving her a choice. I get he has a lot going on with his job being what it is, but the whole point of this relationship is giving her better than her cheating ex husband. I get it. He loves her. But you don't need force to prove that.

I will forever remember this quote though:

"like glass. It takes time to heat and temper, to make it transparent for both parties to see through. But once it’s shattered, there are so many broken pieces on the floor that it’s impossible to put back together. A year may pass, and you’ll step into the kitchen barefoot for a glass of water and get a shard in your heel. And you’ll remember how it got there.”

I loved the scene she created in Paris. I've never been there, but I could see everything the characters pointed out.
Also, there is a TON of spice. Like nearly every other page or so.... 😂

This book was kind of a toss-up for me. On one hand, I liked it and enjoyed the growing relationship between Fleur and Bastien. However, neither of them seemed to really know what they wanted. And the fact that Fleur wasn't going to take any money from her soon to be ex after he cheated on her really made me crazy. Why would you struggle and let that piece of crap get off without paying a dime? Just a personal pet peeve.

I do like the underlying plot behind the smut. The fact that Bastien works for a secret government as their "enforcer" and is looking for human traffickers holds promise. I'm holding out hope that it will get better with the next book. I like some solid smut but it felt like that was all this book was about and I need more storyline to really hold my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy of the audiobook.

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop listening. I was hooked from the first minute! The narration was wonderful. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.

Sadly there was very little actual butchering.. unless you count him butchering that p*ssy 👀. Definitely don't go into this book expecting mind-blowing writing and an amazing plot. It's about a woman who got cheated on, leaves and then winds up under another, more powerful man. 🤷‍♀️ It's short, sweet and to the point(a very large point 🍆).

This audiobook is narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo & Stacy Gonzalez

•Thank you to @dreamscape_media

A captivating yet uneven tale of heartbreak and possession, Penelope Sky's The Butcher promises a dark and passionate romance but delivers a story that feels a bit undercooked. It's a quick, addictive read that will satisfy fans of the genre, but it ultimately falls short of its full potential.
The novel opens with a raw, relatable gut-punch: the protagonist's marriage implodes, leaving her a shattered mess. This setup is the book's strongest point, as we’re immediately invested in her journey to reclaim her life. Her foray into bartending and her cynical desire for a no-strings-attached rebound are perfectly understandable. When the enigmatic "Butcher" enters the picture, the spark is undeniable. Their initial encounter is charged with a delicious, almost dangerous tension that perfectly sets the stage for the dark romance to come.
The shift from a casual rebound to a forced, possessive romance is where the narrative begins to wobble. The Butcher, with his alluring blue eyes and intimidating reputation, is a captivating figure, but his transition from a mysterious stranger to an all-consuming crime lord feels abrupt. The protagonist's surrender to his demands, while a cornerstone of the dark romance genre, sometimes feels more like a plot device than a believable character choice. We're told she's "his," but the emotional depth behind this rapid change feels a bit rushed, leaving the reader wanting more than just the declaration.
Despite these issues, Sky's writing is effortlessly readable, pulling you through the pages with a compelling pace. The chemistry between the leads, while not always fully explored, is strong enough to keep you invested. The world-building around the Parisian crime syndicate is intriguing, though it serves more as a backdrop than a fully realized part of the story. Ultimately, The Butcher is a solid, entertaining read for those who love a dominant hero and a dramatic romance, but it’s a story that could have benefited from a bit more emotional complexity and a slower, more deliberate burn. It’s a guilty pleasure, to be sure, but one that could have been a true masterpiece with a little more depth.

I received this book as an ALC from NetGalley. I really enjoyed it!! I liked the push and pull of Fleur and Bastians relationship. I would have like to see a bit more of an epilogue how things worked out but I guess I’ll have to check out the next reads to see if get more!!

This was my first Penelope Sky book, and I was hooked from the very first page. I’ve been on a dark romance kick lately, and this one totally scratched that itch.

Fleur is rebuilding her life after finding out her husband had an affair—the worst part? The other woman told her, not him. Once a polished, powerful woman living the high life in Paris, she’s now in a small apartment working at a bar, trying to figure out who she is outside of that world.

Enter Bastian—tattoos, piercing blue eyes, and a vibe that throws Fleur completely off balance. There’s immediate chemistry, but it’s the kind that feels safe, easy… honest. They start something physical (her idea), but when he’s gone the next morning, she’s left wondering—even if she didn’t want anything serious, did she maybe want something more?

Meanwhile, her ex keeps popping up, desperate to win her back, and the twists that follow kept me flipping pages late into the night.

⚠️ This book is definitely smut-forward—and while I do wish the plot had a little more depth, the drama, tension, and that CLIFFHANGER made up for it. I’m already diving into the next one to see what happens!

there was no butchering. no plot. no drama. just a girl torn between her piece of shit ex and her new serial killer boyfriend.

She was done. Her forever broken. She no longer wanted to be with her husband because of his cheating. So she went back to working and struggling. Then one day the hottest man alive walked into the bar and changed her life forever. The passion was strong and she was safe. But she didn’t know exactly who he was. She thought she was getting out of the life of crime but with him. He was at the top of it all. And he would do anything to keep her safe.

This had so much smut I think I blacked out and forgot there was supposed to be a plot. She spends way too many pages yapping about the same crusty ex like girl, you’ve got a hot, rich new man obsessed with you, FOCUSSSS



🚨*spoiler*🚨
But I did like the part when he unalives the man that touched her and hangs him from the top of the Notre Dame so all of Paris can see how far he’ll go for his girl. That was iconic to say the least.


Many thanks to Netgalley for the arc💗

I listened to this book and wanted to love it, but ended up forcing myself to listen/finish. The plot kind of falls flat, but there's plenty of smut to get through. I usually don't mind it, and sometimes prefer it, but I kept finding myself thinking "wow, again??" anytime there was another sex scene.

I think part of the reason I didn't love it was the narrators. Their voices didn't vibe with the character I was envisioning. Maybe I'd give it another go and read the book in the future (instead of listening), but as of now, I'm ok not knowing what comes next.

Dark, intense, and surprisingly emotional. The narrator captured the sharp dialogue and shifting power dynamics perfectly, making every scene feel alive. There’s a constant undercurrent of danger that kept me glued to my headphones, and I appreciated that the characters weren’t one‑dimensional—there’s depth behind their choices. It’s edgy and unsettling in the best way, and I couldn’t stop listening.

This is my first book by this author. But it won't be the last. Amazing characters and story line. I love thr narrators. It was excellent. Would recommend

I grabbed this one for the cover because look at it! It was spicy and had some action. I loved the story. I wanted to throat punch our heroines ex! The audacity! I’m very interested in the Fifth Republic and need to know more. This is my first by this author but will not be my last. I cannot wait to read the next one. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read the audio arc of this in exchange for my honest review.

Fleur leaves her cheating husband and takes a job where she meets Bastian. He is the most beautiful man she has ever seen and when he finally gets her alone and they have a one-night stand she is sure that is all it is going to be. However, he comes back. Bastian is an enforcer and keeps the streets of Paris safe. When Fleur's husband contacts her to get her back that sets off a whole set of problems. Full of lots of steam but this one did not end in a cliffhanger but definitely know there is more to come.

“You’re too fucking beautiful for this bullshit. Because if you were mine—” He shut his mouth immediately but kept his eyes locked on mine, like he wished he could take back what he’d said, but it was too late. “You wouldn’t have to make this decision in the first place.”

This is the first book in the Fifth Republic series by Penelope Sky. To me, this was good, not great. I enjoyed listening to the narrators (Michael Ferraiuolo and Ramona Master) but the story was just okay!

Tropes for The Butcher:
-dark mafia romance
-obsessive, possessive, jealous, and protective MMC
-secret society
-touch her and d!e
-he falls first

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this title!

This was the first book that I have read by this author, and I was excited to try it out because this book takes place in Paris, France, and I recently just went to Paris. I liked the premise of this book, I would consider this a billionaire romance with mafia/secret society tones. While listening to this book, I did not like the narrators. The female had kind of a creaky voice, but her pronunciation of the French restaurants and locations was with a very thick French accent, so the combination of the two really threw me off. I would have perferred someone with a French accent narrate the female voice. As far as the story line, I liked Fleur and Bastien together, I liked that Bastien was able to give Fleur what she needed, regarding space and a listening ear, however, toward the end of the book, he became possessive, an very cagey. I understand that he was catching feelings for Fleur, but he also should realize that she was in the process of getting divorced and didn't want to jump into another serious relationship. The next book is a continuation of Fleur and Bastien's story, but I don't know that I will seek out this book to see what happens with them.

This was a fun, steamy, and fast paced read. It's been a minute since I've read a Penelope Sky book, but this series has been popping up all over the place, so I decided to jump into the audio. That luscious cover does not lead you astray- this one is definitely not and entertaining.

Fleur, a bartender, is reeling after discovering that her husband of three years has been cheating on her. What she thought was a solid marriage turned out to be a façade. The betrayal rocked her—she had no idea the man she loved had been living a double life. Though he’s not making the separation easy, Fleur is determined to move on, find someone who truly sees her worth, and rebuild her life.

Then, during a shift at work, she crosses paths with Bastien—gorgeous, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. The chemistry between them is immediate and intense, leading to a steamy one-night stand. But Fleur lays down the rules: no strings attached. She’s not looking for anything serious. Bastien, however, is instantly captivated. One night isn’t enough—he wants more. He needs more. And he's determined to make her his.

Bastien isn’t the relationship type. His priority is his brother—whose dangerous activities around town are becoming more and more of a problem. Bastien's focus has always been on fixing that mess. But after meeting Fleur, she’s all he can think about. He’s intrigued by her strength, her vulnerability, and the fire in her. Her ex made a massive mistake letting her go—but Bastien sees her for the rare gem she is.

Though commitment isn’t in his nature, something about Fleur makes him crave it. He wants to be her protector, her partner—the one who reminds her of her worth. He gives her space to process her divorce but knows he won’t wait around forever. He has serious issues to deal with, but he wants her by his side through it all. After a few emotional twists and turns, he gets his wish. With Fleur beside him, he feels like he can take on anything.

There’s definitely an insta-love vibe between these two, and the story leans heavily into the steam—which, honestly, I wasn’t mad about. It gave me major old-school romance energy: possessive, morally grey hero with an obsessive streak who zeroes in on his woman and doesn’t let go. Bastian has some alphahole to him (especially towards the end) but he’s all kinds of delicious. We do have a cliffhanger, and I’m definitely going to be checking out the next audio. This was certainly highly entertaining and consuming.

As for the narration: the dual performance by Michael Ferraiuolo and Ramona was very enjoyable. Michael gave a strong performance, though I expected a bit more grit and dominance in his voice to fully embody Bastien’s intensity. Still, he was engaging. Ramona captured Fleur’s emotional range well and delivered her side of the story with flair and passion. Together, they made for a compelling listen.


What to expect:
-dark romance
-obsessive, possessive, jealous, protective, and delicious anti-hero
-"mine"
-secret society
-touch her and get unalived
-organized crime/mafia
-Paris setting
-he falls first
-kinky
-one night stand to more
-billionaire

Very quick dark romance. There’s a lot of spicy scenes, and the chemistry between the characters is strong but there was way more smut than story. I wish the plot had been more developed instead of jumping from one dark spicy scene to the next.

Also the ending wasn’t a cliffhanger, but it still felt like it ended very suddenly. I got to the last page and thought wait what? I might continue the series but not right now.