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katelin_s's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly didn’t even like Lazarus in book 1 but I’m book 2 here I fell in love with him. His affection and attention for Kat is enough to make you swoon! Neither one has it easy and when their worlds collide, tragedy is bound to happen. Such a good plot & development through the story. I loved Kat in book 1 and I’m so glad to get to read her story. These 2 are explosive and check all the boxes in a steamy couple. Neither will go down without a fight. So so good.
mmstfuattdlagg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Relationship: FM
Tropes/Triggers: CSA, animal cruelty, SA, mentions of past grooming, mention of past suicide ideation/ attempt, drugging for SA, NC, kidnapping
Series: Ruthless Protector - The Institute #2
Synopsis
This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but you get a much richer experience if you read the first beforehand, Ruthless Hunter. Most of the story occurs in tandem with the Ruthless Hunter, but centers on different characters. Some plot points are shared but this story is definitely its own and events occur after the first book.
FMC Kat VanHalen is a billionaire heiress who is renowned for her beauty. But behind her carefully crafted exterior, there is a lifelong history of suffering at the hands of her own father. She goes to The Institute to try to find a way to free herself but her plans go awry.
MMC Lazarus Rossi is a first son of a powerful Mafia family. A threat on his life sends him to The Institute, as well as trying to even the score with other Mafia heirs.
But as soon as he sets his eyes on Kat, he falls, especially when he detects the pain in her eyes.
Kat's history of pain and suffering spawned a plethora of secrets, which hold her hostage. Can Lazarus help free her from her demons? Can he handle her scarring secrets?
Review
As previously said, most of this book is on the same timeline as the first book. Kat and Laz are minor characters in the first book and this book adds so much context to what we know about them. I love seeing how things played out from their POVs and why they were the way they were in the first book.
There is a lot of tragic backstory about Kat. Very awful things have happened to her and continue to happen, which makes this a slow burn. The way the spice is handled is very tasteful and respectful, yet still delicious.
Unlike many mafia family stories, Lazarus has a loving relationship with his family, which is beautiful to see. His story has a lot of parallels with Finley, the MMC from the first book so it's fun to read how much he hates him when they are so similar.
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Relationship: FM
Tropes/Triggers: CSA, animal cruelty, SA, mentions of past grooming, mention of past suicide ideation/ attempt, drugging for SA, NC, kidnapping
Series: Ruthless Protector - The Institute #2
Synopsis
This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but you get a much richer experience if you read the first beforehand, Ruthless Hunter. Most of the story occurs in tandem with the Ruthless Hunter, but centers on different characters. Some plot points are shared but this story is definitely its own and events occur after the first book.
FMC Kat VanHalen is a billionaire heiress who is renowned for her beauty. But behind her carefully crafted exterior, there is a lifelong history of suffering at the hands of her own father. She goes to The Institute to try to find a way to free herself but her plans go awry.
MMC Lazarus Rossi is a first son of a powerful Mafia family. A threat on his life sends him to The Institute, as well as trying to even the score with other Mafia heirs.
But as soon as he sets his eyes on Kat, he falls, especially when he detects the pain in her eyes.
Kat's history of pain and suffering spawned a plethora of secrets, which hold her hostage. Can Lazarus help free her from her demons? Can he handle her scarring secrets?
Review
As previously said, most of this book is on the same timeline as the first book. Kat and Laz are minor characters in the first book and this book adds so much context to what we know about them. I love seeing how things played out from their POVs and why they were the way they were in the first book.
There is a lot of tragic backstory about Kat. Very awful things have happened to her and continue to happen, which makes this a slow burn. The way the spice is handled is very tasteful and respectful, yet still delicious.
Unlike many mafia family stories, Lazarus has a loving relationship with his family, which is beautiful to see. His story has a lot of parallels with Finley, the MMC from the first book so it's fun to read how much he hates him when they are so similar.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, and Murder
mom2three's review against another edition
5.0
This story is dark and could be triggering to some, but it's fabulous and I couldn't put it down. Kat's story wiill break your heart and her strength will inspire you. She's not all that she appears to be and her secrets would destroy most people. Laz is the perfect protector, but it's not going to be easy and there are dangers all around them.
It's dark, full of suspense, gut-wrenching, spicy, and delicious. It captured my attention from the first page. It's also not an easy read and could be triggering to those who don't like SA.
It's dark, full of suspense, gut-wrenching, spicy, and delicious. It captured my attention from the first page. It's also not an easy read and could be triggering to those who don't like SA.
ashreads11's review against another edition
5.0
I love reading Kat and Laz’s story. It was nice to read Kats perspective on the island. She was dealt a hard life and she prospered. She is a strong woman who is desperate to escape her fate. Laz is a mafia son who doesn’t fully have the respect of the other families but he works hard and loves harder. There is an instant connection between the two and I loved how much love I felt through the pages of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
fortheloveofbooksandwine's review against another edition
5.0
**I received this as an ARC**
At this point I will read anything that A.K. Rose writes. I have yet to read a book by them that I do not like. Kat and Lazarus were freaking amazing together. The amount of dirty that comes out of Laz's mouth... woo. This book is dark, so make sure you are checking TWs before proceeding. Authors do not need to get negative reviews because people decide to ignore TWs. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
At this point I will read anything that A.K. Rose writes. I have yet to read a book by them that I do not like. Kat and Lazarus were freaking amazing together. The amount of dirty that comes out of Laz's mouth... woo. This book is dark, so make sure you are checking TWs before proceeding. Authors do not need to get negative reviews because people decide to ignore TWs. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
book_lover_97's review against another edition
4.0
Lazarus and Kat are amazing together. They are really a power couple. This has a fantastic intensity with intrigue and heat along with heartbreak. There is so much passion between the couple along with their connection. I can't wait to read the next book in the Institute series.
kymreads33's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know how, but A. K. Rose (Atlas Rose) blows my mind every time. The Institute series and Blood Ties have some crossover. I would definitely say read Ryth's story first as that is where we first met Lazarus.
We met Kat in book one of the Institute series and I loved her immediately. Getting to know more of her back story in this book had my heart aching for her. Kat and Laz deserve the world.
Laz is such a fierce protector of those he loves. He may be a Mafia prince, but he definitely has a softer side.
This series is so well intertwined since each book takes place at the same time. I am looking forward to the next few!!
We met Kat in book one of the Institute series and I loved her immediately. Getting to know more of her back story in this book had my heart aching for her. Kat and Laz deserve the world.
Laz is such a fierce protector of those he loves. He may be a Mafia prince, but he definitely has a softer side.
This series is so well intertwined since each book takes place at the same time. I am looking forward to the next few!!