Babes, I can’t believe what I’m about to say...

The Fifth Republic Series has been acquired in a seven-figure deal by Ballantine and Penguin Random House!!!!!! Pinch. Me. Now. I’ve wanted to tell you this for so long, but I had to wait until everything was signed before I could share this amazing news with my readers—the people who made this happen.

I released Buttons and Lace ten years ago (I know, I can’t believe how long it’s been!) and it hit the New York Times bestsellers list and I was absolutely happy with that. I assumed Buttons would be my magnum opus. And then I released The Butcher…and my entire life changed. I never, ever imagined in my wildest dreams that something this amazing would happen to me. And it’s because of you guys—because you devoured the Fifth Republic Series and begged for more.

I know you’ve been asking about the continuation of the Fifth Republic Series for a while now, and I’m sincerely sorry for how long my silence has gone on. But I want you to know that I literally couldn’t speak on it until everything had been signed. I want you to know how much your support means to me, and keeping this under wraps has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I received so many emails, DM’s, and comments from you guys asking about this, and it killed me not to be able to tell you. It felt like I was keeping a secret from my closest friends. There’s even a Reddit thread about this! That being said, the next three books in the Fifth Republic Series are coming! The exact dates haven’t been selected by the publisher because it requires so much coordination with retailers, etc. But they intend to release books Four, Five, and Six in the first half of 2027. The second I know the exact dates, you’ll be the first to know.

Babes, I know what you’re thinking—that feels like a lifetime away. But before you despair, I have a lot more to share. Ballantine and Penguin Random House will release their versions of Fifth Republic books One through Three later this year, and they’re packed with new content! I’ve written new storylines, chapters, different POV’s from other characters, and so much more. So you’re essentially getting extended versions of these books. And trust me, you’re going to like what I’ve included!

In the meantime, I have so many exciting things you’re going to want to sink your teeth into! I’ve decided to grow my World of Republics with the Roman Republic Series, published by Montlake. The Ruler releases April 7th, The Savage May 5th, and The Breaker on June 2nd, so you’ll be able to binge this entire new series set in the seductive setting of Italy’s romantic Rome and sun-soaked Sicily. And let me say this...Bastien walked so Constantine could run. If you loved the Fifth Republic Series, you’ll absolutely love this too.

But wait, there’s more! I’m also releasing ANOTHER new trilogy this summer, the By Blade Series, featuring an obsessive golden retriever who locks in on Francesca, the daughter of the biggest arms dealer in Sicily and descendent of the original Mafia. And she is very much her father’s daughter…and my MMC is definitely into that. So that’s SIX books in the next six months.

But wait, wait, wait, there’s more! I also wrote my first rom-com Shagcation that will also release this summer. It’s funny and light-hearted, but it has my signature spice and alpha golden retriever lead that makes it unique and distinct. During a vacation in Bora Bora celebrating my wedding anniversary, I was struck with inspiration to write this fun, sexy story. It’s a vacation standalone, and babe, you’re gonna love reading this next to the pool with a cold drink to satiate the hot pages. Then we’ll have the new publications of the first three books in the Fifth Republic Series followed by books Four, Five, and Six, so the next twelve months are going to be soooo exciting.

The Fifth Republic Series is going to be in bookstores everywhere, and that requires a ton of coordination to make happen. I’ve had imposter syndrome ever since I released my very first book, and I’ve never truly felt like a “writer” without my books in bookstores. Every time I would go down the book aisle at the store and see other authors there (who absolutely 100% deserve to be there) I would sigh under my breath and say, “Maybe someday…”

Well, babes…it’s not someday anymore.

My dream has finally come true. I can't wait for the moment I see my books on the shelf for the first time, or walk through the airport and see them for sale for people to purchase and read on a long flight, or see people reading the book in loungers while on vacation. Even now, I seriously can't believe this is happening. The opportunities are endless, and maybe someday we can see the Fifth Republic Series on the big screen. Can you imagine?!

Babes, I’m truly sorry I had to keep you in the dark for so long. I appreciate how patient and supportive you’ve been, whether you’re a new reader or you’ve been with me since Buttons and Lace. I thought not a single person would ever want to read anything I’d write…and now there’s millions of you.

I can’t thank you enough for making this dream a reality.
Love,
Penelope Sky