The Ruler

Roman Republic, Book 1

By: Penelope Sky

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo, Andi Eloise

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Sky, an unforgettable golden retriever mafia romance set in modern-day Italy, bursting with violence, dripping with blood, and crackling with desire.

We spent weeks planning this trip to Sicily together. And I was damn sure going to enjoy it, even if my lying, cheating boyfriend just abandoned me.

I push aside self-pity to venture out and take photographs. Later, I lock eyes with a stranger at a bar. This tattooed god, Constantine, is way out of my league, but to my surprise, he’s all in—every inch. And up in his hotel suite, he claims me for his own. Over and over again.

Constantine’s touch helps take away the pain, and he possesses me like I’ve never known. I fall hard. But beneath his kindness to me, to his family, to his dog, I sense danger. How could I know that to the city of Rome, he’s a brutal enforcer?

When I trust the wrong man, I discover just how dangerous Constantine can be. He may call me sweetheart, but the Roman Republic calls him Emperor—and trembles at his feet.

©2026 by Penelope Sky. (P)2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Can’t wait for the next book!

Immediately I fell in love with both the FMC and the MMC. I didn’t think Constantine would top Bastien from The Fifth Republic but he did. His overall character is well rounded and down to earth. The FMC is definitely like most of us with her thoughts and feelings and emotions. I’m sooo ready for the next book!

Fun and Fast Paced!

I had so much fun listening to Constantine and Aurelia! This part of the story focused on the beginning of their relationship and the can she truly be with him. Knowing what he does can she still be with him. I adore both of our MCs they had a fun adventure with a bit of danger mixed in and I’m really excited to see where the story goes! Book 2 is going to be exciting!

Thank you to Penelope for sending me an ARC!

Read: Audible 🎧
MMC: Constantine
FMC: Aurelia
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes: Mafia, Touch Her and Die, O/P H, Golden Retriever MMC, Billionaire

Aurelia and Constantine

This was a good story. Aurelia's boyfriend broke up with her on their vacation. She stays and meets Constantine. They were good together until after they return from vacation, she finds out who he is. He was always very honest with her. Toward the end of the book, she does something really stupid and luckily Constantine and crew come to save her. The ending was a little bleh to me. I am not sure if I will continue with the series. Michael Ferraiuolo and Andi Eloise did a great job with the narration.

Another Remarkable book from the Republic: this time the Roman Republic

If you liked the Fifth Republic series by Penelope Sky, you'll enjoy this one. If you were on the fence with the Fifth Republic because Bastien was an over-the-top Alpha, give this one a try. Constantine is an alpha, but he's nowhere near OTT.
If you want a sweet and spicey romance, with a women who is strong, if a bit confused about the relationship, and a knight in tarnished armor, The Ruler should be your next read.

Good not stellar

I have read and listened to so many of the author stories I feel as if I can write them myself. while each and every story is very well written, and the author obviously has an in-depth knowledge of Italy they are beginning to all sound alike. Girl is cheated on and main male walks into the picture. He is hardened against relationships until he meets heroine. Main male character is also some kind of morally gray law upholding royalty within a criminal institution. They find their happily ever after—-eventually after three book installments. Again this author is so talented with a pen. I wish she would write outside of her comfort zone.