What do you think?
The Institute #2
Ruthless Protector
I came to the Institute to exact revenge on a rival... And found a heiress instead. Kat VanHalen is beautiful, rich and savagely loyal. But she also carries a secret. One that's so deadly it invades the island to snatch her out from under our nose. But there's only one problem... Kat wasn't just a rich woman. She was mine. I'd staked my claim. On her body. Her mind. Her soul too. And when they came for her, they earned themselves an enemy. One fueled with vengeance and wrath. They don't call me the Stidda Mafia Prince for nothing. With fists, fury and a surprising allay I hunt them across countries... Until I find her. And protect her with all I am. May God have mercy on her enemies... because I wont. * Released previously as Lazarus' Crown, Cosa Nostra Series and Rossi, First Sons Series. Ruthless Protector is a New Adult dark Mafia Romance and is part of the Blood Ties Series World. Lazarus Rossi is the perfect protector so if you are sensitive to particular content make sure you check the warnings inside the book before you begin.
546 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 23, 2025
The epilogue alone holllly crap I was in tears and triggered anxiety OMG! I can say book 1 was ok, a lot didn’t connect but still a good book- but book 2 cleared so much up. CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS because non con and the father ugh the father…. and also stick with it because it did drag, some should have been cut down because bored during a lot of parts but more than made up!
October 5, 2022
Lazarus Rossi and Kat VanHalen are two powerhouses! We got to see a bit of the spark these two had in the first book of this series, Ruthless Hunter.
This book has triggers so be warned. It's also got a gripping storyline, intense and heartbreaking moments, characters are resilient and will keep you captivated until the end.
There was a little bit of scenes that we read in the first book, but it was interesting to see the POV from these main characters this time around.
My heart broke for Kat and I'm so happy that she has someone in her corner that will fiercely protect her now. Laz is not afraid to fight for what he wants, and he wants this sassy redhead that he can't stop thinking about. Being a mafia guy, he can't show weakness... but he just can't not pursue her and that he does!
This book has triggers so be warned. It's also got a gripping storyline, intense and heartbreaking moments, characters are resilient and will keep you captivated until the end.
There was a little bit of scenes that we read in the first book, but it was interesting to see the POV from these main characters this time around.
My heart broke for Kat and I'm so happy that she has someone in her corner that will fiercely protect her now. Laz is not afraid to fight for what he wants, and he wants this sassy redhead that he can't stop thinking about. Being a mafia guy, he can't show weakness... but he just can't not pursue her and that he does!
September 25, 2026
As much as i enjoyed the plot and the characters in this (and i really, really did), i can’t give this book more than 3 stars. And that’s frustrating. Because this had the potential to be brilliant, much like the first one, maybe even better. But damn. The issues with it were simply too massive for me to ignore.
1. The typos.
This book didn’t see a single pass of editing. Or even a single re-read before publication. I’m not one to complain about the occasional typo. But come on now, they only ramped up as the book went on. At points i had to re-read a sentence multiple times to make sense of it, other times i had to replace a word on the page with a different one in my head for it to make any sense. The punctuation is all over the place too (multiple instances of “,.”, quotations that start but never end, etc). Some words are simply not finished? As in, there’s only half of the word there. They were even in character names, everywhere. At random points in the middle of the book Marco becomes Marcus, Laz becomes Lars, and then Freddy randomly becomes Freddie in the last few chapters and stays that way.
2. If you didn’t read book 1, you wouldn’t understand most of what’s happening here.
And i’m not even talking about world and character introductions. I mean entire events from book 1 are referenced in book 2, without actually happening in book 2. And not in a clear way. There will literally be conversations between characters like “when Xael explained about the Commission yesterday, i was shocked”. But that interaction with Xael takes place in book 1. It doesn’t show up at all in this book. So if book 1 wasn’t properly fresh in your mind, you’d have no idea what they are talking about. HOWEVER, if you do have book 1 fresh in your mind, you’ll run into the next problem:
3. The contradictions and inconsistencies.
3.1 As someone who read books 1 and 2 in this series pretty close to each other, it’s super obvious that the same events play out differently in book 2 vs book 1. They are supposed to run in parallel, following different characters going through multiple of the same events together. And yet, sometimes the plot will switch up the order of those events in book 2 vs what was originally established in book 1. e.g. Tell me HOW IN THE WORLD does Anna know Damon before being introduced to Damon? How does Kat already date him before their first ever flirty interaction? Other times, the events in book 2 have a completely different outcome from the exact same event in book 1. e.g. That first party when Kat and Damon sleep together. In book 1, Kat comes out all giddy and happy with Damon in tow, sits down with him on the couch to join her friends, and then decides to spend the night at his place, leaving Anna alone. So Anna spends the night talking to Fin on the phone cause she’s alone in the house. In book 2, at the exact same party, Kat comes out of the bedroom alone, leaving Damon in there, immediately grabs Anna, asks her if she wants to leave, and they both go home together before the Commander even gets there. Then Kat spends the night thinking about how Anna is super quiet on the phone because she’s trying to hide something from her. And later on, even more randomly, Kat tells Anna that she won’t leave her alone at the apartment anymore and apologizes… b-but but KAT NEVER LEFT ANNA ALONE IN THERE IN THIS BOOK. She only did that in book 1. In book 2, Kat sleeps in their apartment every single night!! In fact, in book 1, Kat sleeps at Damon’s place most nights, but she never once does that in book 2. And it’s not like she was somewhere else and we were fooled in book 1, cause in book 2 she literally sleeps in her own bed every single night!!!!!!!
OR how during the truth gas scene, in book 1, Laz passes out before he can find out that Anna is the Ghost (yk the best hacker, computer genius, money launderer in the WORLD), and Fin even checks that he’s passed out. Then Laz finds this out at the very end of the book in this very dramatic conversation with Fin when he goes to ask for help. In book 2, Laz not only is awake long enough to hear, but he’s also looking straight at them the entire time. Fin never checks that he’s passed out, which makes no sense. Cause Fin would be a lot more concerned with Laz finding out (yk, the enemy), than Kilpatrick. After the event, Laz even mentions TWICE how he didn’t forget that Anna is the Ghost. And yet all of this plot change is completely pointless, cause at the end, when they are looking for Kat, Laz randomly thinks “Fin seems to think Anna is good with computers or something”….
OR how in book 1, Anna is under lock and key after leaving Mauritius by Fin’s dad, and her every breath is tracked. She’s not allowed to go anywhere or do anything, which is the main catalyst for the finale of the book. She even explicitly mentions that Kat is now married, but he hasn’t seen her since leaving Mauritius. AND YET, in book 2, Anna is at Kat’s wedding in Normandy, somehow in the middle of her captivity. While she’s also being tracked by the man helping Kat’s enemies to look for Kat at that same moment?? HOW DID THIS AUTHOR FORGET HER OWN BOOK???
3.2 Anna Shaw and Anna Eden are interchangeable names in the second book. People randomly know she’s Shaw (when we spent all of book 1 convincing the reader that not a single soul knows except Fin), and then randomly go back to calling her Eden. There were multiple instances where i had to stop and question “wait… do you know or not know?”. And considering what a massive plot point her name was in book 1, the slip is inexcusable.
3.3 The writing contradicts itself from one paragraph to the next, sometimes one sentence to the next. At one point, it literally goes “I lifted my hand to his cheek. I dropped my hand just as Logan walked in. Logan saw me with my hand resting on his cheek. I dropped my hand” LITERALLY IN CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES. Did nobody ever give this book a second read? Is this a very first draft?
And then there are smaller ones that i won’t even get into cause these were so glaring and upsetting, that at this point, i don’t even care about the rest anymore. But to really drive the point home about how completely unedited this book is, i’ll leave this one too:
4. The epilogue is called prologue.
1. The typos.
This book didn’t see a single pass of editing. Or even a single re-read before publication. I’m not one to complain about the occasional typo. But come on now, they only ramped up as the book went on. At points i had to re-read a sentence multiple times to make sense of it, other times i had to replace a word on the page with a different one in my head for it to make any sense. The punctuation is all over the place too (multiple instances of “,.”, quotations that start but never end, etc). Some words are simply not finished? As in, there’s only half of the word there. They were even in character names, everywhere. At random points in the middle of the book Marco becomes Marcus, Laz becomes Lars, and then Freddy randomly becomes Freddie in the last few chapters and stays that way.
2. If you didn’t read book 1, you wouldn’t understand most of what’s happening here.
And i’m not even talking about world and character introductions. I mean entire events from book 1 are referenced in book 2, without actually happening in book 2. And not in a clear way. There will literally be conversations between characters like “when Xael explained about the Commission yesterday, i was shocked”. But that interaction with Xael takes place in book 1. It doesn’t show up at all in this book. So if book 1 wasn’t properly fresh in your mind, you’d have no idea what they are talking about. HOWEVER, if you do have book 1 fresh in your mind, you’ll run into the next problem:
3. The contradictions and inconsistencies.
3.1 As someone who read books 1 and 2 in this series pretty close to each other, it’s super obvious that the same events play out differently in book 2 vs book 1. They are supposed to run in parallel, following different characters going through multiple of the same events together. And yet, sometimes the plot will switch up the order of those events in book 2 vs what was originally established in book 1. e.g. Tell me HOW IN THE WORLD does Anna know Damon before being introduced to Damon? How does Kat already date him before their first ever flirty interaction? Other times, the events in book 2 have a completely different outcome from the exact same event in book 1. e.g. That first party when Kat and Damon sleep together. In book 1, Kat comes out all giddy and happy with Damon in tow, sits down with him on the couch to join her friends, and then decides to spend the night at his place, leaving Anna alone. So Anna spends the night talking to Fin on the phone cause she’s alone in the house. In book 2, at the exact same party, Kat comes out of the bedroom alone, leaving Damon in there, immediately grabs Anna, asks her if she wants to leave, and they both go home together before the Commander even gets there. Then Kat spends the night thinking about how Anna is super quiet on the phone because she’s trying to hide something from her. And later on, even more randomly, Kat tells Anna that she won’t leave her alone at the apartment anymore and apologizes… b-but but KAT NEVER LEFT ANNA ALONE IN THERE IN THIS BOOK. She only did that in book 1. In book 2, Kat sleeps in their apartment every single night!! In fact, in book 1, Kat sleeps at Damon’s place most nights, but she never once does that in book 2. And it’s not like she was somewhere else and we were fooled in book 1, cause in book 2 she literally sleeps in her own bed every single night!!!!!!!
OR how during the truth gas scene, in book 1, Laz passes out before he can find out that Anna is the Ghost (yk the best hacker, computer genius, money launderer in the WORLD), and Fin even checks that he’s passed out. Then Laz finds this out at the very end of the book in this very dramatic conversation with Fin when he goes to ask for help. In book 2, Laz not only is awake long enough to hear, but he’s also looking straight at them the entire time. Fin never checks that he’s passed out, which makes no sense. Cause Fin would be a lot more concerned with Laz finding out (yk, the enemy), than Kilpatrick. After the event, Laz even mentions TWICE how he didn’t forget that Anna is the Ghost. And yet all of this plot change is completely pointless, cause at the end, when they are looking for Kat, Laz randomly thinks “Fin seems to think Anna is good with computers or something”….
OR how in book 1, Anna is under lock and key after leaving Mauritius by Fin’s dad, and her every breath is tracked. She’s not allowed to go anywhere or do anything, which is the main catalyst for the finale of the book. She even explicitly mentions that Kat is now married, but he hasn’t seen her since leaving Mauritius. AND YET, in book 2, Anna is at Kat’s wedding in Normandy, somehow in the middle of her captivity. While she’s also being tracked by the man helping Kat’s enemies to look for Kat at that same moment?? HOW DID THIS AUTHOR FORGET HER OWN BOOK???
3.2 Anna Shaw and Anna Eden are interchangeable names in the second book. People randomly know she’s Shaw (when we spent all of book 1 convincing the reader that not a single soul knows except Fin), and then randomly go back to calling her Eden. There were multiple instances where i had to stop and question “wait… do you know or not know?”. And considering what a massive plot point her name was in book 1, the slip is inexcusable.
3.3 The writing contradicts itself from one paragraph to the next, sometimes one sentence to the next. At one point, it literally goes “I lifted my hand to his cheek. I dropped my hand just as Logan walked in. Logan saw me with my hand resting on his cheek. I dropped my hand” LITERALLY IN CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES. Did nobody ever give this book a second read? Is this a very first draft?
And then there are smaller ones that i won’t even get into cause these were so glaring and upsetting, that at this point, i don’t even care about the rest anymore. But to really drive the point home about how completely unedited this book is, i’ll leave this one too:
4. The epilogue is called prologue.
October 4, 2022
Ruthless Protector is a standalone multi POV in the same world has the Mine trilogy and Ruthless Hunter. I do reccomend reading those 4 so you can piece together some of the missing pieces.
Also check your triggers as this story is dark.
This is Katrina (kat) and Lazarus's(laz) story.
Katrina is a wealthy heiress and she has crafted the perfect Mask to play her part. From the outside you see a fun loving, designer wearing heiress and nothing else. No flaws or imperfections. She does as expected and as told. However, things in Kat's life are far from perfect. When an opportunity to escape presents itself in the form of a remote island full of dangerous men and women she is quick to place herself there. She thought she escaped and was finally getting a sliver of happiness in her life. That is until her home life finds itself on the island with her. What's she to do when it doesn't seem she can turn anywhere for help?
Lazarus is the first born son of the Rossi family and when a price is put on his head his dad forces him to go to the island with hopes he will be safer there. Laz has his own motives for agreeing to go, mainly torturing his enemy Finnley. His motives quickly go up in flames when he spots the gorgeous, feisty redheaded Kat. There is something to her that calls to him in a way nothing has before and churns feelings he hasn't felt in a very long time. Can he protect her and chase away the darkness in her eyes? Can he protect her from the threat he wasn't even sure existed?
Their story isn't simple it's full of secrets but the one thing that's simple is Laz's love for Kat is all consuming and he will stop at nothing to protect her even when he doesn't know the truth.
This is a slowburn story but as the story unfolds you understand why it was written the way it was and while the spice is delicious its was placed perfectly.
If you haven't dove into this world you're missing out and highly suggest it. A.k rose is strategic and each character overlaps in one way or another. The stories make it clear she is playing chess instead of checkers and very methodical with her characters and their stories.
Also check your triggers as this story is dark.
This is Katrina (kat) and Lazarus's(laz) story.
Katrina is a wealthy heiress and she has crafted the perfect Mask to play her part. From the outside you see a fun loving, designer wearing heiress and nothing else. No flaws or imperfections. She does as expected and as told. However, things in Kat's life are far from perfect. When an opportunity to escape presents itself in the form of a remote island full of dangerous men and women she is quick to place herself there. She thought she escaped and was finally getting a sliver of happiness in her life. That is until her home life finds itself on the island with her. What's she to do when it doesn't seem she can turn anywhere for help?
Lazarus is the first born son of the Rossi family and when a price is put on his head his dad forces him to go to the island with hopes he will be safer there. Laz has his own motives for agreeing to go, mainly torturing his enemy Finnley. His motives quickly go up in flames when he spots the gorgeous, feisty redheaded Kat. There is something to her that calls to him in a way nothing has before and churns feelings he hasn't felt in a very long time. Can he protect her and chase away the darkness in her eyes? Can he protect her from the threat he wasn't even sure existed?
Their story isn't simple it's full of secrets but the one thing that's simple is Laz's love for Kat is all consuming and he will stop at nothing to protect her even when he doesn't know the truth.
This is a slowburn story but as the story unfolds you understand why it was written the way it was and while the spice is delicious its was placed perfectly.
If you haven't dove into this world you're missing out and highly suggest it. A.k rose is strategic and each character overlaps in one way or another. The stories make it clear she is playing chess instead of checkers and very methodical with her characters and their stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
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.
October 13, 2022
This is part of The Institute Series each book can be read as a standalone yet connect via the characters each with its own overprotective guy and the women who claims his heart so buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!!
We met Lazarus Rossi and Kat VanHalen towards the end of book one and what a powerhouse they are we got to see just how protective, how crazy Lazarus really is, but we also learn about the abuse that Kat has been dealing with all alone it breaks your heart. Katrina learned as a young woman how to put her mask on to fool everyone around her despite wearing the latest fashion, the smile she learned to keep it in place. Arriving on the island was her way of getting away meeting a really great friend wasn’t planned but fate put the two of them together as roommates but even on the island she is abused but this time her protector is there to protect, he is ruthless, lethal especially if you get in his way and loyal once he makes that decision to protect you and Lazarus knows Kat belongs to him she is his and he will do what needs to be done to anyone that hurts her. Kat carries so much on her shoulders when all she wants is to feel safe but is Lazarus the man for the job, will her past secrets come back to bite her since nothing stays hidden for long, and can they find happiness together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!!
We met Lazarus Rossi and Kat VanHalen towards the end of book one and what a powerhouse they are we got to see just how protective, how crazy Lazarus really is, but we also learn about the abuse that Kat has been dealing with all alone it breaks your heart. Katrina learned as a young woman how to put her mask on to fool everyone around her despite wearing the latest fashion, the smile she learned to keep it in place. Arriving on the island was her way of getting away meeting a really great friend wasn’t planned but fate put the two of them together as roommates but even on the island she is abused but this time her protector is there to protect, he is ruthless, lethal especially if you get in his way and loyal once he makes that decision to protect you and Lazarus knows Kat belongs to him she is his and he will do what needs to be done to anyone that hurts her. Kat carries so much on her shoulders when all she wants is to feel safe but is Lazarus the man for the job, will her past secrets come back to bite her since nothing stays hidden for long, and can they find happiness together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2022
Ruthless Protector is book in The Institute Series. It's dark, twisted, raw, and gripping. A fast paced, action packed, pulse-pounding story with multifaceted characters that hooks you from the first chapter and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's told from a dual POV and contains triggers and sensitivity themes that some readers may find offensive and disturbing. Ruthless Protector contains lies, secrets, deception, heartbreak, suspense, pedophilia, darkness, drama, action, steam, lust, enemies, betrayal, twists and turns, rival, revenge, family issues, despair, survival, protection, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, trauma, passion, love and so much.
This is story of Lazarus Rossi and Katerina VanHalen. It's heartwrenching and raw. Kat had been sexual abuse by her father and his rich friends years and her only hope is the Costa Nostra Institute. Lazarus is the mafia prince of Stidda, he went Costa Nostra Institute in order to spy on his rival Finley Salvatore. Kat went to the Institute for a reason, she was looking for help out of her horrible situation. She had deal of an arranged marriage set and yet her cruel and monstrous dad kept letting his friends use up her body. She was drugged without her consent and ended up on Lazarus door step for refuge. Lazarus is ruthless, possessive and fierce a protector. He went to island exact revenge on his rival but instead he found a heiress. Kat is being hunted but Lazarus has already stake his claim on her already. Kat has a deadly secret that she's hiding that will get snatched off the island. But God help the person who touches her now that she belongs to Lazarus, they will fine out why he's called Lazarus Rossi mafia prince of Stidda. Kat and Lazarus chemistry were magnetic and charge they sizzle off the pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is story of Lazarus Rossi and Katerina VanHalen. It's heartwrenching and raw. Kat had been sexual abuse by her father and his rich friends years and her only hope is the Costa Nostra Institute. Lazarus is the mafia prince of Stidda, he went Costa Nostra Institute in order to spy on his rival Finley Salvatore. Kat went to the Institute for a reason, she was looking for help out of her horrible situation. She had deal of an arranged marriage set and yet her cruel and monstrous dad kept letting his friends use up her body. She was drugged without her consent and ended up on Lazarus door step for refuge. Lazarus is ruthless, possessive and fierce a protector. He went to island exact revenge on his rival but instead he found a heiress. Kat is being hunted but Lazarus has already stake his claim on her already. Kat has a deadly secret that she's hiding that will get snatched off the island. But God help the person who touches her now that she belongs to Lazarus, they will fine out why he's called Lazarus Rossi mafia prince of Stidda. Kat and Lazarus chemistry were magnetic and charge they sizzle off the pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2022
((Dark Romance)) -- !!TRIGGERS!! --
It would help if you read previous books, at the very least the one before this book.
Katrina has learned how to put on a grand facade. A wealthy heiress, she is showered in the latest fashion, always smiling... putting on a show that life is perfect; when in actuality, it's anything but that. An opportunity arises for her to escape to an island, only the island is full of ruthless men & women. But, because of her desperation to be free, she takes the chance... only to find out, there is no escape from her life, as it follows her.
As the eldest son of the Rossi family, Lazarus has a lot to live up to. He is ruthless, lethal, & loyal.... however, an enemy has put a price on his head; therefore, for his own protection, his father makes him hide out at the island. With his own plan of vengeance in his mind, he agrees.... however, he is sidetracked when he comes across the beautiful Katrina. Instantly, he is drawn to her... feels the need to protect her from everyone and everything that has put darkness in her eyes.
First off, A.K. Rose has become one of my top authors. Her books are so well written and her characters pull you in. Lazarus & Katrina, are a powerful couple.. these two have that dark spark that you can't help but keep flipping the pages for. Katrina, is sassy and feisty with deep secrets that plague her.. all she wants is to feel is safe and Lazarus makes it his mission to show her he's the one to do it. Laz, is possessive, dark, protective... and oh does he have a sexy dirty mouth..
Highly Recommend... Her other series are amazing as well!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It would help if you read previous books, at the very least the one before this book.
Katrina has learned how to put on a grand facade. A wealthy heiress, she is showered in the latest fashion, always smiling... putting on a show that life is perfect; when in actuality, it's anything but that. An opportunity arises for her to escape to an island, only the island is full of ruthless men & women. But, because of her desperation to be free, she takes the chance... only to find out, there is no escape from her life, as it follows her.
As the eldest son of the Rossi family, Lazarus has a lot to live up to. He is ruthless, lethal, & loyal.... however, an enemy has put a price on his head; therefore, for his own protection, his father makes him hide out at the island. With his own plan of vengeance in his mind, he agrees.... however, he is sidetracked when he comes across the beautiful Katrina. Instantly, he is drawn to her... feels the need to protect her from everyone and everything that has put darkness in her eyes.
First off, A.K. Rose has become one of my top authors. Her books are so well written and her characters pull you in. Lazarus & Katrina, are a powerful couple.. these two have that dark spark that you can't help but keep flipping the pages for. Katrina, is sassy and feisty with deep secrets that plague her.. all she wants is to feel is safe and Lazarus makes it his mission to show her he's the one to do it. Laz, is possessive, dark, protective... and oh does he have a sexy dirty mouth..
Highly Recommend... Her other series are amazing as well!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow What an absolute brilliant book, I really enjoyed book1 of The Institute and book 2 is just as good. Atlas Rose really knows how to hold your attention with this action packed,Dark,Mafia, rivalry, violence, suspense, danger, mystery, enemies, anger, blood, killings, kidnapping, fear, trauma, courage, strength, trust, secrets, abuse, protection, lust, hot and steamy, spicy, passion, romance and maybe even love. Lazarus Rossi is a ruthless man he is feared by people that wrong him, but he is a fearse Protector to what is his and he will protect until the bitter end. Katarina is what her father calls her but every one else knows her as Kat VanHalen she has had a horrible life growing up, her father made her use her body to please his guests and they can do whatever they liked, her father even promised her hand in marriage as a contract. Haelstrom (Hale) is a very dark person, he had a contract and yet he allowed for the men to use her until he wants her back. When Kat was drugged without her consent, she was not happy she could not control what they did to her. Kat went to the Island where the Institute was hoping that they could teach her how to protect herself, unfortunately she didn't get away from the bad treatment. Lazarus Rossi seen what one of the men did to her, she was badly bruised and drugged he went and rescued her. He has slowly been falling for her he has sworn he will protect her until she was kidnapped from the Island.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow What an absolute brilliant book, I really enjoyed book1 of The Institute and book 2 is just as good. Atlas Rose really knows how to hold your attention with this action packed,Dark,Mafia, rivalry, violence, suspense, danger, mystery, enemies, anger, blood, killings, kidnapping, fear, trauma, courage, strength, trust, secrets, abuse, protection, lust, hot and steamy, spicy, passion, romance and maybe even love. Lazarus Rossi is a ruthless man he is feared by people that wrong him, but he is a fearse Protector to what is his and he will protect until the bitter end. Katarina is what her father calls her but every one else knows her as Kat VanHalen she has had a horrible life growing up, her father made her use her body to please his guests and they can do whatever they liked, her father even promised her hand in marriage as a contract. Haelstrom (Hale) is a very dark person, he had a contract and yet he allowed for the men to use her until he wants her back. When Kat was drugged without her consent, she was not happy she could not control what they did to her. Kat went to the Island where the Institute was hoping that they could teach her how to protect herself, unfortunately she didn't get away from the bad treatment. Lazarus Rossi seen what one of the men did to her, she was badly bruised and drugged he went and rescued her. He has slowly been falling for her he has sworn he will protect her until she was kidnapped from the Island.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2022
Talk about being drawn into a book! I was captivated from page 1. This is the 2nd book in the Cosa Nostra Institute series, and it definitely did not disappoint! I fell in love with Lazarus and Kat. I had tears from the beginning of the story and in other parts throughout the book – this is how you know it’s going to be good if the author can get you in your emotions and you react as if you are right there in the middle of it all. Lazarus is dark, dangerous, and unfeeling. Because of his childhood, he decided not to care about anything again or let anyone get close (other than his brothers). Kat had a very sad, disgusting upbringing. There was times I just wanted to vomit. But as Kat got older, she turned into a strong, feisty, determined woman.
Kat has ulterior motives for wanting to attend Cosa Nostra. She is looking for someone to help her. She just wants to run away and forget her past. Lazarus on the other hand, does not run from anything. When Kat and Lazarus meet, there is a chemistry between them, but outside sources keep Kat from going after what she wants. When push comes to shove, Kat ends up on Lazarus’ doorstep and there is nothing that will stop Lazarus from protecting Kat. As the story progresses, both Kat and Lazarus see that they are one in the same – they are what the other needs to survive. Great story, wonderful characters and lots of drama, action, betrayal, suspense, loyalty, and passion. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kat has ulterior motives for wanting to attend Cosa Nostra. She is looking for someone to help her. She just wants to run away and forget her past. Lazarus on the other hand, does not run from anything. When Kat and Lazarus meet, there is a chemistry between them, but outside sources keep Kat from going after what she wants. When push comes to shove, Kat ends up on Lazarus’ doorstep and there is nothing that will stop Lazarus from protecting Kat. As the story progresses, both Kat and Lazarus see that they are one in the same – they are what the other needs to survive. Great story, wonderful characters and lots of drama, action, betrayal, suspense, loyalty, and passion. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2022
Katrina has learnt in life that masks protect you from being hurt. As an heiress, she has to play a certain role. She must be loving, kind, and adore designer outfits and have no flaws whatsoever. She is silent in her suffering, and the moment the opportunity presents itself, she escapes to an island where no one knows who she is.
Lazarus has his hands full as the eldest son of the Rossi family. When an unknown threat is made against him, he is forced to flee to the island where he will be well hidden. But he has a plot of revenge all of his own. A plot that seems to evaporate when he sets his eyes on the feisty Kat. He is drawn to her in a way he never has been to any woman before.
Soon, they both embark on a passion filled affair that blazes brightly between them. Lust soon turns to love as they banish the darkness within each other by shining their light on the shadows. But the outsider world isn't done with either of them just yet.
What happens when their enemies choose their moment to strike? Can Lazarus protect Katrina and chase away the demons that haunt her? Can he protect them both from an enemy he never saw coming?
Lazarus has his hands full as the eldest son of the Rossi family. When an unknown threat is made against him, he is forced to flee to the island where he will be well hidden. But he has a plot of revenge all of his own. A plot that seems to evaporate when he sets his eyes on the feisty Kat. He is drawn to her in a way he never has been to any woman before.
Soon, they both embark on a passion filled affair that blazes brightly between them. Lust soon turns to love as they banish the darkness within each other by shining their light on the shadows. But the outsider world isn't done with either of them just yet.
What happens when their enemies choose their moment to strike? Can Lazarus protect Katrina and chase away the demons that haunt her? Can he protect them both from an enemy he never saw coming?
October 6, 2022
Laz is book HUSBAND material. He is possessive, protective, and takes care of Kat’s every whim. He will burn the world to the ground to protect what’s his. Kat goes through some shit at the hands of some sick pedophiles growing up. She’s trying to find a way out of the life her father has planned for her. She thinks her way out is going to the Cosa Nostra Institute. There she meets Lazarus and he immediately becomes obsessed. She has major trust issues because of her trauma, but Laz being the insistent person he is she can’t help but fall for him. I mean he willingly ties himself to the bed so she is in control to help with her PTSD. He’s just so perfect! This book is the journey that Laz and Kat have to go through to come out on the other side.
October 12, 2022
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.
October 12, 2022
Ruthless Protector by Atlas Rose/ A.K. Rose. This is book Two in The Institute Series. This is the story of Kat VanHalen and Lazarus Rossi. I have read the previous book which did add to my enjoyment of this one. Kat and Lazarus meet on an Island that they are both out to hide from their problems. Kat is hiding from the pain and from putting on a face that doesn't match what is going on with her. Lazarus was sent to the Island by his father because someone is out to hurt him. This book does have some triggering issues so use caution if you are sensitive to those things.
October 27, 2022
OK this one was way way better than the first.
Ms Rose sure can write some drama and intrigue.
What a great story.
Few things I wanna scream about though is the smaller details, like what really happened to Kat, she gives us glimpses here and there but not the whole story which I think is vital in a book like this.
I love Laz, what a very great character as the H. I love how his demeanour changes from lover to fighter. The balance in their character was so great. Its awful when both MC's are over dramatic.
This really was a gripping story.
I loved it.
Ms Rose sure can write some drama and intrigue.
What a great story.
Few things I wanna scream about though is the smaller details, like what really happened to Kat, she gives us glimpses here and there but not the whole story which I think is vital in a book like this.
I love Laz, what a very great character as the H. I love how his demeanour changes from lover to fighter. The balance in their character was so great. Its awful when both MC's are over dramatic.
This really was a gripping story.
I loved it.
October 28, 2022
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.
February 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
I feel like that ending is more of a cliffhanger than they thought but anyways. This book was so much better than the first one, I loved both characters and their story is literally so much better. It had trauma, spice, emotion, love, everything.
My problem is why tf did they not kill her dad as soon as they could? And why tf did they not kill Hale, like that makes no sense.
Also I feel like I should be someone that reads ARCS to spot any grammatical errors bc trust me when I say I will never miss one. Sick of books having so many bro.
I feel like that ending is more of a cliffhanger than they thought but anyways. This book was so much better than the first one, I loved both characters and their story is literally so much better. It had trauma, spice, emotion, love, everything.
My problem is why tf did they not kill her dad as soon as they could? And why tf did they not kill Hale, like that makes no sense.
Also I feel like I should be someone that reads ARCS to spot any grammatical errors bc trust me when I say I will never miss one. Sick of books having so many bro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
**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.
October 9, 2022
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!!
October 10, 2022
Lazarus crown and Rossi Empirre-
Falling for the mafia Prince Laz, is the least of heiress Kats worries. When people want to hurt you they target those around you for Laz his weakness has become Kat, and when she is taken he will do anything to get her back and seek revenge on those who dare to mess with him. Well written with a action packed and drama filled story and chemistry sizzling characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Falling for the mafia Prince Laz, is the least of heiress Kats worries. When people want to hurt you they target those around you for Laz his weakness has become Kat, and when she is taken he will do anything to get her back and seek revenge on those who dare to mess with him. Well written with a action packed and drama filled story and chemistry sizzling characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2022
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.
October 12, 2022
Katerina "Kat" VanHalen has been trapped by the desires and demands of her father and his friends for years. Kat's only hope is Cosa Nostra Institute. Larazus "Laz" Rossi is The Stidda Prince who sets out to keep an eye on Mafia Prince Finley Salvatore. Laz didn't expect to find her Katerina VanHalen. Someone wants first sons dead on the protected island. Can Kat truly escape? Will Laz capture Kat's attention? Your answers await you in Ruthless Protector.
October 14, 2022
This is the second book of The Institute Series. It follows Kat VanHalen and Lazarus Rossi. It has a fantastic storyline that is intriguing and heartbreaking. I couldn't put the book down cause I wanted to find out if Laz goes after Kat. At least Kat had Laz in her corner fighting for her. He was very protective of people he loved. Great story. I'm looking forward to the next book.
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.
October 23, 2022
Ruthless Protector is an intense read filled with drama, twists, suspense, danger, passion and so much more. Lazarus and Kat go through a lot in this book but they are an explosive couple that belongs together. You definitely have to read this book on your own to get the full story but I will say the storyline will captivate you. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
December 8, 2022
This story certainly didn’t follow the way I thought it was going to head. Lazarus’s and Kat’s story blew me away and the things that came out about both of their pasts was interesting to say the least but what Kat has lived through that was one hell of a story. This story has twists and turns all through it and is an emotional roller coaster. I think I enjoyed this book more than the first one and that means this series is heating up to certainly be a great series.
October 12, 2022
So we learn more Kat and man she has dealt with so much. Geez she is a survivor. Lazarus son in Mafia meets her and swoon. He is not at all what you expect for being in the Mafia. Pay attention to the triggers if you are sensitive. Other than that the book is reading worthy.
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.
October 13, 2022
This is the second book in the Institute series. Be aware, there are triggers. The plot was well developed and intriguing. It’s a very entertaining mafia romance. It’s intense and has some heartbreaking moments. I really enjoyed Lazarus’ and Kat’s story. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
March 11, 2025
Again i have read the other series prior to this one and love getting a deeper backtstory on the "parents/adults" Omg my heart broke for both laz and kat, that god damn hale again, shame that they didn't kill kats dad but hopefully he dies soon.
Action packed and spicy, rollercoaster of emotions.
Off to read book 3.
Action packed and spicy, rollercoaster of emotions.
Off to read book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
This was another amazing book in the Institute series by Atlas Rose!!! If you like danger, romance, and mafia princes then you should read this series!!! I look forward to reading more by this author!!! Read and enjoy!!!
October 12, 2022
Ruthless Protector (The Institute Series Book 2) By A.K. Rose.I love this series the story continues from book one. Lazuras will stop at nothing to protect what is his . Kat surely is his . I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
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