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Lethal Torture: Lethal Legacy Series #4

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ZINAIDA
My world is too dark for love.
Which is exactly why Luke Macarthur is the wrong choice to protect me.
But I have a leak. And that means hiring from outside.
I expect him to turn down the job. I want him to turn it down.
He’ll have your back .
I hate how dangerously seductive I find those few words.
Sooner or later, people either betray me, or become a weakness to be used against me.
It’s the price I pay for being Zinaida Melikov.
So why doesn't Luke run the first time he sees what he's dealing with?
But keeping a poker face for half an hour is one thing.
Living in the murky darkness of my world for months on end is quite another.
There's only one way a good man like Luke leaves my in a body bag, buried by forces much darker than he will ever be.
Luke Macarthur might well be the killer Mak says he is, but he’s also as wholesome as apple f***ing pie.
And a wholesome man has no place beside damaged goods like me.

LUKE
There's no way I should take this job.
I don't sleep with clients. Ever.
And Zinaida Melikov is the most dangerous smokeshow I've ever laid eyes on.
But someone is definitely trying to kill her, which is the kind of mystery I can’t resist.
And I need danger the way some men need to breathe.
She's a renowned psychopath.
Except I know she isn't.
I saw her mask slip.
It was barely a split second, the briefest loss of control.
Most men wouldn’t have noticed.
But I’m not most men. I’m trained to see what other men don’t.
And in that moment, I saw past the dead eyes. Past the performance, the mask, and the game.
I caught a glimpse of the woman who lives behind the masquerade.
And now I can’t stop thinking about her.

505 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

14 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Paula Walshe

4 books29 followers
I live in Broome, a tiny tropical beach town in the far north of Western Australia. It's my favorite place in the world, and a beautiful place to dream up stories. I also work week on, week off in mining, operating drill rigs out in the Pilbara. I absolutely love my job, and the banter of the boys on my team often creeps into my books! I've loved mafia romance since I was a teenager, so writing it has felt really natural. I also write historical fiction and travel memoir under the name Paula Constant, as well as fantasy/paranormal romance under the name Lucy Holden.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,275 reviews724 followers
January 8, 2026
Part 4

4,5 🌪️⚡️💥❤️‍🔥🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️❣️❗️❣️

I was anticipating this story and it was absolutely another winner for me!

Paula Walshe has had me hooked on this series and hasn’t disappointed me in the slightest.

Luke and Zin’s story was solid, filled with passion and desire, explosive chemistry, danger, action.

All her heroines, up to now, are badass, strong and resilient. Traits that are fully supported and developed.

I can't wait for Ofelia and Alexei’s story, which is coming up next!!!! 😱
558 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2025
I am so happy to be back in Paula Walshe’s Bratva world! I absolutely love how her writing pulls you in from the very first page — and away we go on another gripping, emotional ride.

I adored the main characters, Zinaida and Luke, from the very beginning. The chemistry between them was tangible — you could practically feel it leaping off the page. Zin is fiercely independent, successful, and stubborn — the undisputed Queen of her domain. But beneath that strength lies a vulnerability; she’s had to maintain a certain persona for so long, and it’s taken its toll on her.

Then along comes Luke — her perfect match. He sees her, truly sees her, behind the mask, and likes her for who she really is. He’s drawn to her, protective without being overbearing, and just so lush! I adored how he made Zin feel — “Captain McTasty,” yes please!

Both Zin and Luke carry deep emotional scars from their pasts, and that shared sense of loneliness makes their connection even more powerful. Watching them find understanding and healing in each other was beautiful.

The side characters were fantastic too — Charlie, Paddy, Enzo, and Anatoly all added so much to the story. And it was such a treat to catch up with Roman, Darya, Dimitry, and Abby from earlier books in the series.

Thank you, Paula Walshe, for the ARC — You’ve smashed it again! — and I’m so ready for Ofelia and Alexei’s story next!



113 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2025
ARC Review – Lethal Torture by Paula Walshe

Well, Ms. Paula has done it again she’s dragged me, not kicking and screaming, but willingly back into her Bratva world!

This time we finally get Zinaida (The Psychopath) and Luke’s (Captain McTasty) story and what an absolute gem it was! Needless to say, it had it all.

Zinaida is a fierce, independent, strong woman, but beneath that hard edge lies a deep vulnerability that makes her so real and relatable. Luke, on the other hand, is the ultimate protector totally loyal to his friends, family, and anyone vulnerable or in need of help. The chemistry between these two was off the charts intense, passionate, and completely addictive. It totally sucked me in from the very first page.

Both characters have had their fair share of rough upbringings, yet they’ve both carved out success in their own right. Both believing that HEAs are not for them. I just loved this couple passionate, erotic, and funny in all the right ways.

As always, Paula does a brilliant job with her supporting cast. I adored Luke’s sidekick Paddy and Zinaida’s bodyguards, Charlie and Anatoly. And when Luke brought in his SAS crew… well, “ we’ll be still my beating heart. (I definitely see a series there, if you ask me!). Just great banter and warmth.

It was also such a treat to catch up with old favourites Roman and Darya and get a little glimpse into the world they’ve built together.

I don’t know if you can tell, but I love this series! I’m already looking forward to Ofelia’s story and maybe even a wee one for Mak thrown in for good measure.


Keep up the amazing work, Ms. Paula, and thank you so much for the ARC! ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Patricia Monica Provost.
133 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2025
Zinaida and Luke🥰

Zinaida Melikov is the owner of the London’s three most elite members-only venues: The Pigalle Soho for men and gambling rooms, Pigalle Mayfair, for women and the Quartier, the club that lies behind the elegant Pigalle brand, to which membership is the city’s most coveted prize. But lately, someone is trying to kill her and after many tries, didn’t succeed. She calls her good friend Makari Tereschenko aka Mak , who runs the world’s largest private mercenary and intelligence firm, to help her find out who and how they knew where and when she will be. Someone in her entourage is leaking information to her whereabouts.
He sends his best friend Luke MacArthur, Australian, thirty-nine years old, six and a half feet tall, 240 pounds and ex SAS. Specialized in reconnaissance and direct action. But is a kind ,loving and caring man. The best for this contract. But Luke don’t want to play bodyguard to Zinaida but accept. At first sight, there is an attraction so deep that Zinaida is scared that the darkness surrounding her will eat him alive. But Luke is as stubborn as her and he will show her, that darkness can be conquered by light….

Fourth book in the Lethal Legacy from Paula Walshe. And this one I was waiting for it!! Luke as been in previous books and I was so excited to see him getting his story told. Luke is charm incarnation. Like Charlie said: no one can escape it and got the Captain Mc. Tasty nickname for it. Doesn’t help that his handsome too.. He is the light in darkness Zinaida life. He will fight to crumble every walls Zinaida has built around herself. It’s a slow burn 🔥, will tease, flirt, everything in his power to make her trust him in a world where trust is just an illusion. Beware, chapter 24 is the best I have ever read in my entire ARC history, top 3 for sure… It’s a 500+ pages novel but there is no slow pace, action every chapters. It’s Moulin Rouge meet Mission Impossible. Odd mix but so refreshing!! In all her books, this is my favourite!! No need to read the previous one to understand but I highly recommend you do because they are very very good!!
Congratulations on your reveal day!! Next is Alexei and Ofelia and this one is the one everyone wants to see come alive!!!
5⭐️
Profile Image for Redcurlsangel.
106 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2025
ARC Review, thanks Paula Walshe

Lethal Torture is the fourth installment in the Lethal Legacy series, and it's a masterpiece. From the first page to the last, the reader is immersed in a world full of eroticism, suspense, action, emotions, secrets, plots, banter and political connections.
At the same time, the book's title serves as a recurring theme throughout the storyline, as there are obviously so many different kinds of torture. Passionate torture that can be exhilarating or cruel. Emotional, physical, or lethal torture in all its forms—the perfect title for a breathtaking storyline.
The two protagonists are wonderfully portrayed and develop into a unit over the course of the story.
Luke and Zin both have visible and invisible scars from their past. They're lone fighters who are only slowly learning to accept help and advice. And that they, too, deserve to have each other's back. It's a slow process with many ups and downs.
What makes this series so special is that it takes place in many places around the world, and well-known and beloved characters appear repeatedly in all installments. This gives the reader the feeling of being part of this family/circle of friends.
Zin and Luke's story takes place primarily in London.
Personally, I would love to have a place among all the unique characters, with all their rough edges. 😜 If you read carefully, you'll notice little hints of future stories in the series.
Don't miss this gem.
Highly recommended
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 4/5
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,285 reviews207 followers
November 29, 2025
4.25stars- LETHAL TORTURE is the fourth instalment in Paula Walshe’s contemporary, adult LETHAL LEGACY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-nine year old, former British SAS (Special Forces) agent turned private contractor Luke Macarthur, and business woman Zinaida Melikov’s story line. LETHALTORTURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luke and Zinaida) using present day and memories from the past, LETHAL TORTURE follows in the wake of several assassination attempts against our story line heroine. Zinaida Melikov’s life has been anything but easy, and she fights to save those unable to save themselves but the latest attempt on her life forces Zinaida, a stubbornly independent and dangerous woman in her own right, to seek outside help, eventually and reluctantly contracting with former SAS agent Luke Macarthur. Luke is a man on a mission, determined to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love but an internal review reveals both a professional and personal betrayal.

The world building is, once again, dark, detailed and multi-layered as our couple, along with several members of Luke’s business partners and board members on the Mercura Crypto Platform, most of whom of are connected to the Russian Bratva or former Special Forces operatives, begin a deep dive into people associated with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Zinaida and Luke begins as a professional arrangement but from the outset Zinaida is determined to unbalance our story line hero. Zinaida owns several high end, private $ex clubs, and the elite of society depend upon our heroine to keep their secrets. Luke refuses to cross the invisible line with his client but their attraction is immediate and strong. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of thought provoking, questionable, dangerous and twisted secondary and supporting characters including the return of Roman Borovsky, and his wife Darya, Ofelia, Alexei, and Dimitry Stevanovsky. We are introduced to Makari ‘Mak’ Tereschenko; specialist Paddy; Luke’s sister Liana; as well as Zinaida’s security team(Charlie, Anatoly, Enzo), employees, survivors, and several business acquaintance, competitors, and political powers. The requisite evil has many faces.

LETHAL TORTURE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dark, edgy and dramatic-heed the trigger warnings. The characters are desperate, charismatic, determined and often tragic; the romance is spicy and passionate.


copy supplied for review
134 reviews
November 7, 2025
In Lethal Torture, Zinaida Milikov is known as a psychopath, a ruthless woman, a killer. She isn’t scared of anyone. She has been through so much that has made her into the woman she is now. She is a woman full of courage, she is brave, and so fierce. She does not trust anyone except a select few. She lives her life the way she does because there is no other way. Her world is full of darkness. She always has a mask on as a facade. She does not let anyone see the real her. She puts on a persona of a woman who does not have feelings. She does not want to let anyone in. However, when there’s a leak in her organization, she needs protection. The one man who can protect her is Luke MacArthur. This man makes her feel things she has never felt. What will happen when he breaks through those walls?

Luke MacArthur is good at what he does. He can spot things other people don’t see. For example, he sees holes in security. He can read people and know if someone’s lying. He is detailed with everything. He is also a protector. He is a charming Aussie who looks like a surfer, but underneath all that he can be ruthless. He is known for his missions, security, and he just gets the job done. He has one rule and that is to never sleep with a client. When he is asked to protect her, he’s hesitant but he seeks out danger. He knows she’s in trouble and he is the one that can protect her. That attraction is there though between both of them. That sexual tension is about to break. It’s soon becomes a game of who will blink first. What will happen when they give in to their desires? Who is trying to kill Zinaida?

Paula Constant takes us through Zinaida’s heartbreaking past. And what a past it was. To see everything she goes through and become the survivor and ruthless queen that she is was so sad. She has her perfect match in Luke, who also hides secrets from his dark past. I’m glad we got to know him on a deeper level. The chemistry was insane. They really complemented each other. It was a beautiful emotional roller coaster. This book is filled with drama, action, danger, suspense, and heat. This will keep you on the edge of your seat. There were multiple twists I did not see coming, but was entertained. I am so happy the series is not over and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,848 reviews499 followers
October 29, 2025
4.5*

I’ve been looking forward to this one. I love Luke and Zinaida is certainly an interesting character.

Together they’re perfect but they have a battle on their hands first. Someone is seriously trying to kill Zinaida. And it must be someone inside her trusted circle. The thought of someone close to her betraying her is unthinkable. In desperation she turns to Mak who sends Luke her way.

Luke never crosses the line a client is a client nothing more. But Zinaida is under his skin from the get go.

Fabulous characters and story.
And next it’s Ofelia and Alexei which I know we’ve all been waiting for.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
5 reviews
November 3, 2025
ARC Reader
I was really keen to give this a read, having heard so many great things about this series/ Bratva genre.
I haven't read any Paula Walshe, or other books in this series, so it being interconnected yet, able to follow the storyline was a big plus.
The complexity of each character was interesting to follow - particularly loved reading the internal ways that Luke & Zin torture themselves and how that ties into the book title.
The spice, was incredible - so descriptive, so hot. The anticipation, the tease. I loved it!
Really enjoyed this book and will be going back to read the others in the series
2,005 reviews22 followers
November 17, 2025
Loved reading the fabulous and fantastic story. When Luke is hired to guard and protect Zinaida, Luke will do anything and everything to keep Zinaida from harm. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and romance, and another must read riveting story by the amazing author,Paula Walshe
Profile Image for Book_it_to_me_baby.
72 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2025
Luke and Zinaida, what a story. With each other they learn they deserve to have happiness in their lives. They both came from trauma filled backgrounds and had to learn how to survive. Luke became a fighter and protector. While Zinaida had to learn to become a ruthless killer to survive and help others.

The plot and relationship in this book were both great. It got me my attention from the start and I didn't want to stop. My favorite quote:

"Do you have idea how beautiful you are
Only with you, only with you Luke"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,899 reviews14 followers
November 6, 2025
I'm hooked on this series!

I was so disappointed when I found out this isn't Ofelia's story... until I read the first few pages. I'm still waiting anxiously for that book. However, this one is absolutely amazing. This is not a couple I would have seen together. And as always, not only is there a rich cast of characters, the thrilling plot keeps you breathless. I had never read anything by this author before beginning this series. Now I am hooked.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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