The Butcher (Fifth Republic Series Book 1)

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars | 15,019 ratings

Price: 7.99

Last update: 04-30-2025


About this item

I found out my husband of three years had cheated on me and his mistress is the one who told me—because he didn’t have the balls to do it himself.

I move out and get a new apartment, a job as a bartender, and try to move on with a broken heart. I wonder where it all went wrong, if I hadn’t been enough for him, if I’d been stupid for marrying him in the first place.

I’m at work one night when he walks inside—the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. He sits at the bar and a forest fire burns between us. I was depressed the moment before he entered, but the second I look at his blue eyes, I forget the dumpster fire that my life has become. I invite him back to my place and it’s the most passionate night of my life. I expect to never see him again.

I just want him as an anti-depressant—but he wants me all to himself. I just got my heart ripped out of my chest so I want something easy and no-strings-attached, but he wants all the strings because he’s hooked.

I don’t get much of a say in the matter, and that’s not surprising when I learn why—because he’s the Butcher. The crime lord of all crime lords, the boss that overshadows all of Paris, that makes everyone abide by his rules—or pay.

And now I’m his.

Top reviews from the United States

  • Allthingsamazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Butcher!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    No spoilers!! Oh my, I absolutely love a good villain in a book. So much I want to know!! You have to read it to understand whom I'm referring to. The Butcher is a great read from start to finish, and I can't wait to see what happens in The Carver. Penelope's writing continues to pull you in, allowing you to visualize the setting from her attention to detail and way with words. Oh wait...I forgot to tell you it's spicy from the start and throughout, and you won't be disappointed. Happy Reading. The February 2025 book 2 release can't come too soon!
  • Caitlin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Holy Bastien
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025
    Bastien, lord how do I even begin. This book was so freaking hot. I need Bastien in my life STAT.

    He is the quintessential bad boy, like literally is the head of the Fifth Republic (which is essentially all of the organized crime in France). But he has all the green flags. AND he falls first which ????????????.
    He was so strong, supportive, loyal, honest which Fleur definitely needed. Fleur is broken and scared and he is her rock.

    The story was captivating and action packed. And the plot twist- I didn't see that coming. Penelope writes these stories so well, you feel like you are actively in the book.

    I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of this series!!!

    Dark, mafia, with all the spice (it starts at 10% and never stops). Set in Paris
  • Hampton
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good book to read.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    This is the material Penelope is best at. Very surprised the hubby didn’t put up a fight for the wife he loved so much. Now that the new boyfriend has staked his claim, he seems a little demanding. Can’t wait to see what best friend and loving brother is up too….overall good read.
  • Heather Kahookele
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chemistry and Fireworks
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Bastien and Fleur have such good chemistry and fireworks in the bedroom. Fleur leaving an unfaithful husband and jumping into the arms of a rough man who is what she needs.
    The plot that was in here was good. I liked the story and am interested to see where it goes. But if you aren’t into a heavy smut book then this isn’t for you.
  • Patrice Turlington
    5.0 out of 5 stars OOH LA LA HOT
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
    This was another quick, engaging read from Penelope Skye. Fleur is navigating life after separating from her unfaithful, wealthy husband. All she wants is a divorce—no money, no property, just freedom from a toxic relationship. But her husband is determined to block her every attempt to move on.

    To take her mind off things, Fleur takes a job bartending, where she meets Bastien, the quintessential bad boy. With his charming blue eyes, tattoos, and jaw-dropping physique, he’s everything Fleur didn’t know she needed. He offers her brutal honesty—something she craves during this confusing time. What starts as a fling quickly evolves into something much deeper as Fleur discovers chemistry with Bastien like she’s never experienced before.

    In this story, we watch Fleur and Bastien’s connection grow, with Fleur struggling to confront her feelings while Bastien is on a personal mission to find his brother, Godric, to fulfill his duties. While this may not be my favorite Penelope Skye book so far, I’m still excited to see where this story leads. I have a feeling the next installment will be even more thrilling, packed with the action and suspense Penelope is known for, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
  • llilly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Smoldering and Intense
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    Top-notch steam with the backdrop of an interesting criminal world, the Fifth Republic in Paris. Bastian and Fleur’s story is gripping, hot and THE BUTCHER oozes underworld power. Book 1 sets the tone for what will surely be an epic showdown between two competing forces in a secret society.
  • Fionne
    5.0 out of 5 stars THIS MAN! JUST YASS!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025
    Rating 5+/5★ | Spice: 4/5

    MISS PENELOPE MA’AM the contents in this book, this man!!! H0LY H0TNESS! I am salivating at this hunk of a man and I am not just talking about the man on the cover!

    Dear ol’ Bastien, hello mister! I love a man that knows what he wants and goes for it. A d@ngerous man that owns up to what he does with full honesty, no lies, no hiding.

    Absolutely love this story so much and I’m waiting to see what comes next!! I know Penelope has something up her sleeves cause she always does! I would say it ended in not a cliffhanger but a happy for now and you know there will possibly be more!!

    • Dark mafia romance
  • Pen Name
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a fantastic read!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    I thoroughly enjoyed the story of a Fleur and Bastian! I can’t wait for the next book and the next and the next! I hope it keeps going like the button series did!

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