Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Aurelia spends weeks planning the perfect romantic getaway with her boyfriend—unaware that he’s been planning hookups and secret trysts with his boss. When he abandons her in Sicily to return to his affair, Aurelia makes herself a promise: she will enjoy this vacation on her own. She begins exploring the city, capturing photographs, sampling new foods, and repeatedly crossing paths with the same irresistibly handsome stranger. When his attention finally turns toward her, Aurelia can’t help but melt. The following days blur into breathtaking experiences and passionate encounters. As her time in Sicily draws to a close, the mystery man makes it clear he doesn’t want to let her go. Will this intense vacation romance fade into memory, or will they find a way to weave their real lives together?
Best‑selling dark romance author Penelope Sky delivers a swoon‑worthy male lead in The Ruler. Dangerous, wealthy, incredible in bed, and deliciously morally gray, Constantine is the kind of hero dark romance fantasies are built on. The novel reads like indulgent dark‑romance fanfiction for lovers of vacation flings, transporting readers through vivid Italian settings with Sky’s immersive writing. While Aurelia initially comes across as fragile, she quickly evolves into a formidable force of her own. Readers will be swept up by the romance and kept on edge by the action.
I rated The Ruler 4 out of 5 stars. I loved the early scenes between Aurelia and Constantine in Sicily, where the romance felt electric and immersive. However, once the story shifts to Rome, my investment wavered. The tone pivots from romance with a dark edge to a darker mafia story with romantic elements, and several scenes in the second half stretched believability for me. That said, the descriptions of Sicily were stunning—I felt as though I was walking the streets and sitting by the fountain alongside Aurelia. This is a quick read overall, though readers should be aware of heavier language and foreign terms woven throughout.
The Ruler is a great choice for dark romance readers heading on vacation or anyone craving a quick mental escape. Fans of Penelope Sky will be pleased to know this book launches a new series, Roman Republic. With references to gun violence, death, and drugging, it may not be suitable for all readers. Still, if you enjoy the work of Lora Leigh or Jolie Vines, this book is likely to hit the mark.
The Ruler will release on April 7th. You can preorder your copy through our Bookshop.org page today!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: The Happiness Collector, Crystal King
- Current audio book: Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Sue Lynn Tan
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Revenge Prey, John Sandford
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