Book Review: It Kills Me: A Forbidden Dark Romance (Betrayal Book 1) by Penelope Sky
From the moment I stumbled upon It Kills Me, I found myself drawn into a world that feels as tantalizingly forbidden as it is dangerously alluring. Penelope Sky, with her knack for crafting compelling narratives, has certainly outdone herself with this dark romance. The premise of the crime boss’s daughter falling for her father’s enigmatic business partner presents a deliciously intense conundrum that is impossible to resist.
At its heart, this book is not just about the chemistry between Scarlett and Axel, but also about the tangled complexities of family loyalty and forbidden love. Scarlett, who is being groomed to take over her father’s shadowy business, navigates a path laden with expectations and unspoken rules. The stipulation that she must never mix business with pleasure is a philosophy she’s lived by—until Axel strolls into her life with irresistible charm and an intoxicating presence. Their chemistry simmers like a pot about to boil, teetering on the precipice of disastrous choices that could shatter everything she knows.
The way Sky explores themes of control and desire is masterful. I found myself captivated by Scarlett’s internal struggle—the pull between her duty to her father and her undeniable attraction to Axel. It’s a dance of tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing flows seamlessly, and the dual POV offers a rich exploration of both characters’ complexities. Axel is an intriguing blend of danger and allure, a man who knows exactly what he wants and pursues it with a fierce determination that had me swooning.
One of the standout elements in this novel is its pacing. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, punctuated by moments of raw passion and unexpected plot twists that left me reeling—a true page-turner. The cliffhanger at the end? Well, let’s just say it left me with my jaw on the floor and my heart racing. It’s clear that Sky keeps her readers craving more, a sentiment echoed by numerous reviewers who described it as an unputdownable read.
In the midst of the sultry encounters, what resonated with me was the profound emotional undercurrent. There’s a heart-wrenching scene where Scarlett reflects on her father’s expectations, and suddenly the stakes feel higher, the narrative more potent. It’s moments like these that elevate the book from merely a tale of romance to one that interrogates family dynamics and personal choice.
I must admit, the depiction of Scarlett’s relationship with her father is chilling yet deeply compelling. As she grapples with her feelings towards Axel, she must also confront her conflicting emotions about familial loyalty, which only deepens the story’s impact.
It Kills Me is perfect for readers who revel in dark, gripping romances and enjoy a healthy dose of drama. If you’re open to diving into a narrative where love teeters on the edge of destruction, this book is a must-read. As for me, I’m already jittery with anticipation for Book 2 in the Betrayal series—clearly, Penelope Sky has found a new fan in me, and I can’t wait to see where she takes this electrifying journey next.
You can find It Kills Me: A Forbidden Dark Romance (Betrayal Book 1) here >>