By Blade, I Vow

by Penelope Sky

Wolfe gives me an ultimatum—I tell my father or he will.

We only have one chance at this, so I know it has to be done the right way. Once my father knows that Wolfe has been sneaking around with me behind his back this long, he’s going to want to put Wolfe in the ground. The way we handle it is literally a matter of life and death.

But with all the funerals my father has to attend as well as rebuilding our property after Lombardi’s hit, we need to wait a little longer. This makes Wolfe go apeshit, especially after a family friend makes a pass at me right in front of him. I can only placate him so long, and once he’s officially initiated into the family, Wolfe knows we’re out of time.
But then a new enemy, Warren, puts a target on our backs. He provokes my father at a wedding, and when he makes the mistake of commenting about me, Wolfe loses his mind and starts another war.

Wolfe is so obvious about his feelings toward me, that it’s a miracle my father hasn’t noticed. The trust that Wolfe has earned among the syndicate is so strong that no one suspects his treason.

But when the war comes to a head, secrets are revealed and everything is destroyed. The business, my family, everything…up in smokes

The only person I have left is Wolfe.

My ride or my die. The person I trust most. The love of my life.

He would do anything for me—and I him.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

A New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.

Reviews

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the By Blade Trilogy... the books are NOT standalone, you have to read the books in order as they follow the same 2 main characters throughout the 3 books. They do end on cliffhangers (not terrible... but enough to keep you coming back for the next!)

I am enjoying this series, following Wolfe & Frankie... this book is fast paced... picking up where the last one left off... there is drama, action, suspense, spice & more... I look forward to the conclusion of their story!!

I like how Frankie supports her man... it's rough that her Dad won't accept their relationship (at least at first)... Wolfe is so committed & such a keeper!! "I love her. I would die for her, I'd ask her to be my wife if I thought she'd say yes!... I protected her... every single one of you would be dead if it weren't for me & don't you forget it" (yes, he says this to her Dad/his boss!)

*Dark mafia romance
*morally gray/black characters
*rival mafia families
*touch her & die
*obsessive/possessive Alpha protector hero
*hidden/secret relationship
*forbidden relationship
*workplace romance
*romantic suspense
*enemies to lovers
*she's the boss's daughter
*Book 2 in a Trilogy
*Told in a dual 1st person POV

Thank you to the author (Penelope Sky), publisher (Dreamscape Media), narrators (Ramona Master, Michael Ferraiuolo) & Netgalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Tm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was a great follow up to By Blade, I Protect!

This second book picks up with Francesca and Wolfe hiding their relationship still. Wolfe wants to come out and be honest. Frankie says it’s not the right time.
Wolfe is finally starting to get accepted into the family but secrets always come out at the worst times. Frankie’s dad does not take the news of their relationship well

I had hoped Frankie’s Dad would have taken things better. It drives his daughter away. But after the wine business starts tanking with her brother Leo in charge, her dad asks her to come back. But Wolfe is not welcome.
I get the dad is a mafia boss, but I felt he should have been focusing on his daughter’s feelings more. Frankie loves her Dad still and agrees to return to work.

The action, finding out who the mole is, Frankie being tough, it was all so exciting! It kept me listening to this audiobook all day!
It ends on a cliffhanger and I am ready to find out what happens next!

[Shana kay Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5-star read in the books!

I absolutely love a man who is obsessive and possessive in the best way—someone who isn’t afraid to let the world know exactly who he loves. That is exactly the kind of love Wolf shows Francesca throughout this story. A man who is willing to go to war for you and do whatever it takes to protect you is definitely a keeper.

I also loved Francesca’s character growth. When it truly mattered, she stood up to her father and chose to put her faith in Wolf. She was willing to risk it all for the man who had proven time and time again that he was worth it.

Their relationship was intense, passionate, and completely captivating. I was invested from beginning to end and couldn’t get enough of these two.

I can’t wait for the next book!

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Mafia Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the By Blade series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book, and I feel you need to have to read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really love the audiobook. There is a twist in this book, and I guessed it. I do not think me guessing what is going on did not take from my enjoyment of this book. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listen to the audiobook and I enjoyed this book. The narrators (Ramona Master, Michael Ferraiuolo) did amazing job with emotions of the characters and the story.
The tropes
Dark mafia romance, morally gray/black characters, rival mafia families, touch her & d@$, obsessive/possessive Alpha protector hero, hidden/secret relationship, workplace romance, romantic suspense, enemies to lovers, forbidden relationship, she's the boss's daughter

Book 2 in a Trilogy
Told in a dual 1st person POV

The only person I have left is Wolfe.
My ride or my die. The person I trust most. The love of my life.
He would do anything for me—and I him.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, the CB! I did not see that coming and am over the moon with this reveal, but it leaves a question. One I won't state for spoilers. This story continues packed with action and excitement at another battle. Throughout, the adrenaline and tension kept going. My heart broke for both Wolfe & Francesca in the fallout but absolutely shattered by the end of the book. I desperately need book 3 to piece me back together.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - ok - I did not like Frankie and Wolf in book one, I found them irritating and wishy washy. But in book 2 - Wolf is AWESOME!! Love his courage, love his snarky comments, love his bravery and love that he will stand up for what he believes in. And Frankie kicked butt and took names, she stood up to attackers as well as her father. The action continued - the characters sparkled and this book wowed me. Perfect narrated and I absolutely loved it!!

[Andrew Acton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series, I’m truly loving it. She is so badass and doesn’t even know it. The narration is great I love the female voice. The male voice not so much, he sounds too old. The story is great, lots of action and a great twist. The sex is a little repetitive, she describes it herself as vanilla it would be easy enough to shake it up. Definitely recommend.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 really picked up the pace. Frankie family is getting hit at all sides, and Wolfe stays high on the suspect list. But Frankie and Wolfe stand together to fight. You get some really nice chapters of them building their life together, family disputes, and a startling ending where the mole is revealed.

Narration was good.

#netgalley #ByBladeIVow

[caitlin hillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I can NOT say that enough about this book!!! Wolfe is perfect for Frankie!! Frankie is a super independent WOMAN!! She doesn't need a man but Wolfe shows up everytime! Not only does he say he will burn the world down for her but he proves it!!! Time and time again!! The ending CRUSHED ME THOUGH!!! I really hope there is a plot twist