Book Review: The Butcher by Penelope Sky
As a lover of contemporary romance, especially those dipped in a hint of darkness—like mafia elements—I was immediately drawn to “The Butcher,” an Amazon Top 10 Bestseller. The idea of a heroine, Fleur, picking up the shattered pieces of her life after her husband’s betrayal, only to find herself entangled with a crime lord like Bastian, sounded like a thrilling escape. I was curious if this read would satisfy my cravings for steamy romance and layered characters.
From the very first page, Penelope Sky captivates with her smooth, inviting prose. The writing flows like warm honey, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created. Fleur’s heartbreak and determination to reclaim her life struck home. As she navigates her shattered marriage, I found myself rooting for her at every turn. Bastian, the archetypal “alpha male,” exudes danger and intensity—characteristics that make him undeniably intriguing. The chemistry between them practically ignites the pages. I enjoyed how Fleur’s character evolves from a wounded spouse to a fiercely independent woman; she truly became a refreshing lead who isn’t just a decorative piece in Bastian’s world.
However, despite the many positives, I couldn’t ignore a few drawbacks. Some readers pointed out, as in the review by Summer, that the character development, particularly for Bastian, felt limited. I agree; while Fleur’s journey is beautifully fleshed out, I would’ve appreciated more backstory on Bastian to fully understand what drives him as a crime lord in Paris. The narrative also felt somewhat predictable—while I loved the steamy passion, some moments felt like they were ticking off boxes on a checklist of romance tropes.
The dual narration was a highlight, capturing the essence of both characters, though I found myself wishing the accents and nuances could have been applied more consistently. This sentiment echoed in Katie Beasley’s review, where she mentioned things felt a bit high school at times with their back-and-forth dynamic. Despite this, I found the balance between steamy encounters and plot development just right for a romance that knows what its audience wants.
What truly stood out was the stunning setting of Paris, coupled with the underlying tension of Bastian’s dangerous world. The vivid descriptions allowed me to immerse myself in their relationship, feeling their passion and the stakes involved. However, I also echoed some reader concerns about the pacing. At times, the plot felt stagnant, even as the sexual tension built, leaving me yearning for more substantial conflicts to keep the thrill alive.
Overall, “The Butcher” introduced readers to a compelling world filled with sharply drawn characters and intense encounters. The story left me eagerly awaiting the next installment, curious to see how Fleur and Bastian’s explosive connection evolves. It wasn’t without its flaws, particularly in character depth and pacing, which prevented me from rating it five stars. Still, I wholeheartedly recommend “The Butcher” to fans of steamy romance and alpha heroes, as it manages to entertain and engage, with enough twists to keep you flipping pages late into the night!
If you’re looking for a mix of romance, passion, and a pinch of danger, this book might just be the cozy escape you need. With all that said, I’m excited to jump into the next book in the Fifth Republic Series and watch Fleur and Bastian’s journey unfold further.✨
Discover the thrilling world of The Butcher and dive into the beginning of the Fifth Republic Series!
>>