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Ruthless Commander
They call me the Commander. But that wasn’t always who I was. I was once more than the killer they turned me into. I once loved a woman. One who was off limits… So I turned my back on her. I broke her heart…and left it shattered. Until our island came under attack. They came to kill the Cosa Nostra heirs. But they’ll find me instead. Xael Davies is wild and ruthless. A hellcat armed with a foul mouth and an attitude. But that’s all a lie. I know her… the real her. The woman she keeps hidden. The one who let me in, until I ruined it all. Now she needs me to find her…to protect her. And when the dust is settled and I’m bathed in their blood. I’ll fight to do the one thing I should’ve done before. Fight to keep her. But am I too late? Have I gone too far? Can this cold heart of mine find life once more. Can she ever trust me after what I’ve done. Or have I finally become the monster unable to love again…
- GenresSpicyDark Romance
342 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 30, 2025
Loved how everything came together in the end, with a happy ending. All the chaos, heart ache, and tension…loved it all! Lots of spice in the beginning and in the end!
January 8, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Relationship: FM
Tropes/Triggers: Abandoned children fending for themselves, SA, dubcon
Series: Ruthless Commander - The Institute #5
Synopsis
MMC Mateo Ristani grew up extremely quickly when he was left to raise his younger brother at the tender age of ten. With extremely limited options, he went to the army and came out highly decorated and highly savage, given the nickname: The Commander. Mateo has a brief fling with MMC Xael Davies, but abruptly ends it, leaving her heart shattered.
The Commission is made up of leaders of mafia families and other very powerful people. Families of the Commission have been being attacked and some have sent their adult offspring to The Institute, a mafia operated school on a secluded island, where they learn the family business and are protected from the outside world, as well as each other. Xael (daughter of a Commission member) is sent to The Institute for her protection and Mateo runs The Institute. They have difficulty navigating old feelings and current painful feelings, while keeping their social masks on.
Mysterious attacks begin occurring on the island. There is a literal and figurative storm brewing. Will Xael and Mateo open their fragile hearts and find their way back to each other again? Will we finally find out what’s been happening to this island now that we are at the end of this series?
Review with Spoiler
As last book of the series, everything mostly comes together. Like the rest of the books, this story is mostly on the same timeline with many of the same plot points but it extends the story as well.
The beginning was about Mateo’s childhood. It was difficult to read about a ten year old being the sole caregiver for his four year old brother…and starving so his younger brother had something to eat. My heart broke for him as a child and as an adult when he had to bear the brunt of the mysterious attacks on the island.
Xael was presented as a strong female character throughout the series and we find out the reasons for her tough exterior. She and Mateo both have their guard up for different reasons but they will get their beautiful HEA. There are so many twists and turns in this book, like all of A.K. Rose’s books, and sprinkles of delicious spice.
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Relationship: FM
Tropes/Triggers: Abandoned children fending for themselves, SA, dubcon
Series: Ruthless Commander - The Institute #5
Synopsis
MMC Mateo Ristani grew up extremely quickly when he was left to raise his younger brother at the tender age of ten. With extremely limited options, he went to the army and came out highly decorated and highly savage, given the nickname: The Commander. Mateo has a brief fling with MMC Xael Davies, but abruptly ends it, leaving her heart shattered.
The Commission is made up of leaders of mafia families and other very powerful people. Families of the Commission have been being attacked and some have sent their adult offspring to The Institute, a mafia operated school on a secluded island, where they learn the family business and are protected from the outside world, as well as each other. Xael (daughter of a Commission member) is sent to The Institute for her protection and Mateo runs The Institute. They have difficulty navigating old feelings and current painful feelings, while keeping their social masks on.
Mysterious attacks begin occurring on the island. There is a literal and figurative storm brewing. Will Xael and Mateo open their fragile hearts and find their way back to each other again? Will we finally find out what’s been happening to this island now that we are at the end of this series?
Review with Spoiler
As last book of the series, everything mostly comes together. Like the rest of the books, this story is mostly on the same timeline with many of the same plot points but it extends the story as well.
The beginning was about Mateo’s childhood. It was difficult to read about a ten year old being the sole caregiver for his four year old brother…and starving so his younger brother had something to eat. My heart broke for him as a child and as an adult when he had to bear the brunt of the mysterious attacks on the island.
Xael was presented as a strong female character throughout the series and we find out the reasons for her tough exterior. She and Mateo both have their guard up for different reasons but they will get their beautiful HEA. There are so many twists and turns in this book, like all of A.K. Rose’s books, and sprinkles of delicious spice.
August 3, 2026
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, but it completely pulled me in. The story has a great mix of action, emotion, and romance, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next.
What I liked most was that the relationship between the Commander and Xael felt complicated and believable. They both carried a lot of pain from the past, and watching them work through it made the story more emotional than I expected. Xael is strong and doesn't let anyone walk over her, which made her a refreshing female lead.
There were a few moments that genuinely surprised me, and I appreciated that the story wasn't just about romance—it also had danger, suspense, and high stakes that kept things interesting. By the end, I was really glad I picked this up. If you enjoy dark romance with second chances, emotional tension, and plenty of action, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.
What I liked most was that the relationship between the Commander and Xael felt complicated and believable. They both carried a lot of pain from the past, and watching them work through it made the story more emotional than I expected. Xael is strong and doesn't let anyone walk over her, which made her a refreshing female lead.
There were a few moments that genuinely surprised me, and I appreciated that the story wasn't just about romance—it also had danger, suspense, and high stakes that kept things interesting. By the end, I was really glad I picked this up. If you enjoy dark romance with second chances, emotional tension, and plenty of action, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.
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April 11, 2023DNF....
Another let down.... not only a non-v fmc, but she also she slept with other men after meeting the mmc... and something happened between them ~ I could possibly go through with it if they just met,, POSSIBLY... but they did something... so NO.
Why do authors think this is romantic? It's not necessary and doesn't do anything plotwise. Disgusting... i'm sorry but it is. Like she said no matter how many men she fucks,, she can't get the mmc out of her head. fucking ridiculous.
so absolutely not....... sex with others during separation is not for me... and they've only been apart for 12 months
Another let down.... not only a non-v fmc, but she also she slept with other men after meeting the mmc... and something happened between them ~ I could possibly go through with it if they just met,, POSSIBLY... but they did something... so NO.
Why do authors think this is romantic? It's not necessary and doesn't do anything plotwise. Disgusting... i'm sorry but it is. Like she said no matter how many men she fucks,, she can't get the mmc out of her head. fucking ridiculous.
so absolutely not....... sex with others during separation is not for me... and they've only been apart for 12 months
April 4, 2023
These books get better and better with each one! Absolutely love the possessive and obsessive nature. There were a few times I wanted to throat punch Mateo but he redeemed himself. The plot, few twists, and the introduction to his brother, which hopefully we get more of, was so good. Not overly spicy but just enough! Loved this one and looking forward to start the next!
April 10, 2023
This is book #5 of the Institute series. I suggest reading the previous books in the series. It’s an intense mafia romance with lots of action. The plot is full of drama and very entertaining. It’s a great series. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
July 30, 2024
3.5⭐️
I still love the plot. The inconsistencies though...I've been noticing it but I was ignoring it but now phew. I had to go back to prev books just to be sure.
I liked Mateo and Xael esp X because thank God an fmc who actually owns guns and knows how to use it.
I still love the plot. The inconsistencies though...I've been noticing it but I was ignoring it but now phew. I had to go back to prev books just to be sure.
I liked Mateo and Xael esp X because thank God an fmc who actually owns guns and knows how to use it.
April 4, 2023
Very good story
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this book. I would definitely recommend that it be read along with the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this book. I would definitely recommend that it be read along with the other books in the series.
April 21, 2023
This was such a good book
March 5, 2026
Ugh, I wanted to like this I rlly rlly did but idk man. Literally so much potential with these characters but the pace was so wrong and I honestly think I just did not enjoy the writing of this series at all. I feel like everything was so rushed and I absolutely despise the italics, it literally makes everything so cringe. Really disappointed because Mateo was probably my favourite after Lazarus and when I read the first 20 pages I was so invested. Kinda just went shut from there.
August 14, 2024
Commando hasn't had easy life and love when he finally eventually let's Xael in to be his.
Enjoyed the Institute series though it is full on at times.
Definitely make sure to read the other books in series.
Enjoyed the Institute series though it is full on at times.
Definitely make sure to read the other books in series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews