Ruthless King

by Bella Ray

He calls me his storm... He just forgot storms don’t obey kings.

I needed to get his attention, so when the hospital asked if they should notify someone, I said, “Yeah, call my husband. Tell him Temporale. His name is Stephano Conti.”
Since I knew he wasn’t married, it was sure to get his attention.
I wasn’t dragged into this world.
I was born into it.
Bratva blood. My father’s favorite assassin. His sharpest secret.
Stephano Conti is the son of an Italian king, heir to an empire built on betrayal. He should’ve been my target, not my salvation. But one shared secret turned into a mission neither of us could walk away from. Now we're hunting his believed dead brother, and unravel the conspiracy that could drown both our families.
He calls me zhena.
I call him marito.
Wife and husband by name, enemies by nature.
Together we steal secrets meant to stay buried, trade bullets for vows, and blur the line between devotion and destruction. When we finally find the truth, I’ll have to decide whether to keep the title of wife—or make myself a widow.
Because loving a man like Stephano Conti isn’t a fairytale.
It’s a contract signed in blood.

RUTHLESS KING is a dark, high-voltage mafia romance about a fake marriage born of lies and obsession, a Bratva assassin who becomes her husband’s obsession, and a love powerful enough to turn vengeance into the storm of the century.

Genres: Mafia Romance

614 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

Bella Ray writes dark, addictive mafia romance where power is everything, loyalty is lethal, and love always comes at a cost.

Her stories are filled with ruthless kings, dangerous obsession, and heroines who don’t just survive—they fight back, set boundaries, and draw blood when necessary. Expect morally gray men, high-stakes tension, and relationships that burn as much as they break.

If you love possessive antiheroes, twisted loyalty, and romance that walks the edge of danger, you’re in the right place.

When she’s not plotting betrayals or forbidden kisses, Bella is rewatching Dexter “for research” or walking her German shepherd—usually while thinking about her next morally questionable hero.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oksana looks at the man she's supposed to be rescuing, and yes he's handsome and young. But considering he's been held for three years he still looks like he can handle himself, thin but still strong enough to help. Now trying to get to her helicopter there's too many cars and trucks chasing and shooting at them. He's injured and he tells her to jump and find his brother and then return to save him. She never likes losing but she'll return and next time she won't lose. Stephano can't understand the nurse on the phone saying his wife is in surgery. He's not married. Just who is pretending to be his wife. Then that one word. Only his brother knows that word, and he's be missing presumed dead for three years. Now he's married to a Russian and searching for answers. This is a story that just keeps giving. Between the lies, betrayal and so many secrets, just who can be trusted. How are the Italians and Russians supposed to work together. Especially as his wife's brother is the head of the Russians. The twists and turns, lies, bretrayal and history keep you guessing just who is who. Then just as you think everything is sorted an old photo changes everything you thought you knew. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this whole series!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[Kim (KJW Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Ruthless King (Savage Kings of New York: Book 5)
Author: Bella Ray

Review: I received an (ARC) Advanced Reader Copy for MY honest review for free.

This is the fifth and final book in the Savage Kings of New York series, where we meet the infamous mafia heir, Stephano Conti, and the lethal bratva princess assassin, Oksana Arsenyev aka ’Ana’, ‘La Tempesta di Sangue’ or ‘Metelitsa’.

Wow… what a series! I have been a ride or die for these books, and sad that’s it’s coming to an end… or is it?

Stephano and Oksana brought all the feels with a devilish smirk to go with it. After Oksana comes face to face with a ghost, she barely escapes with her life. She is left wounded, but luckily the doctor’s call her emergency contact, her ‘husband’ Stephano Conti.

From the moment Stephano lays eyes on Oksana, his protective instincts kick in and he will stop at nothing to make sure she will be his.

Some of Stephano's family secrets are revealed and he is left devastated that his brother has been alive the entire three years he has been missing. Although Oksana tried to save Nico, she failed, and she can never let a mission go incomplete. Oksana spills the beans about everything she seen and knows, all but a few secret details that she keeps close.

There are so many lies and secrets that are uncovered, it makes your head spin. Everything starts clicking into place from the previous books but still, so many questions and speculations as to how everyone is involved.

Stephano and Oksana agree to work together to save his brother from captivity. Deep down, Stephano knows Oksana is dangerous, but he still has no clue to who she really is. Slowly but surely Stephano falls for Oksana’s charm and vice versa. She is irrational, stubborn and deadly, but with a great sense of humour, what’s not to love?

Stephano suffers a serious blow, realising that it was his father that actually betrayed him and their family. With that realisation, he needs to take over the family and remove his father before more damage is done.

It becomes glaringly obvious that Stephano and Oksana actually have real feelings for each other and that realisation is a hard pill to swallow. Both of them find it hard to show their emotions and vulnerable side, but they can’t bear to be apart. They are a force to be reckoned with, brutal, deadly and a strong unit. They come together to expose the traitors of their families and La Famiglia.

No easy task when family is involved, but when your family has betrayed you, there is only one option left….

The last few chapters came to a close nicely. What a sight to have seen the look on Don Eduardo’s face when all his lies and secrets were revealed in that boardroom.. priceless!

Although this wasn’t my favourite book in the series, it was still a fantastic read. The banter between Stephano and Oksana was hilarious. Oksana has such a quick wit with all the sass to go with it, no wonder Stephano was hooked from the get go, even with her busted face.

I was so excited to read that there is going to be a spin off series ‘Empire of Sin’, as we can’t be left hanging like that. Will Nico start a war… who is this runaway bride, and we need the infamous Pakhan’s love story.



“I think, if there’s such a thing as home for men like me, this is it. Not the room, not the money, not even the fucking title. Just her. The truth is a sharp, clean ache in my chest. I was born into a family that thought violence was love, that loyalty was best measured in how many bodies you’d stack for each other. But this is different. She’s different. Oksana doesn’t want my scars. She wants the part of me that’s still alive, the piece that never learned how to surrender.”

"You’re not replaceable, not by anyone. You don’t come in versions. You’re singular, Oksana. Unique. And you’re mine.”


Stars: 4.25/5 ★
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Recommend: Yes
Notes: ARC received through BookSprout via Author

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've reached the end of the series, and it was undoubtedly a rollercoaster of emotions.

Stephano and Oksana brought this story to a spectacular close; their meeting was a true twist of fate, wounded after a mission, she claimed to be his wife, and from that moment on, everything changed for them. Stephano's family secrets came to light, revealing a devastating truth his brother is alive, Oksana tried to save him, but she failed, and now she must bear the burden of telling Stephano the truth. however, this is only the beginning, because many more secrets remain to be uncovered.

They end up working together to save Stephano's brother, though the path is fraught with obstacles, Stephano knows Oksana is dangerous, but from the very first moment, something about her irrationally draws him in, she manages to disarm him and make him lose his mind. Oksana, who has always had everything under control, discovers that with Stephano, her emotional stability is at stake. Together they must uncover who is betraying them and who is pulling the strings to destroy their families, while pretending to be a happy couple, what began as a lie starts to become real, and the fear of their feelings is ever-present, but the tension between them is unavoidable ,when they finally give in, they understand there is no turning back and that they must confront their feelings while fighting their enemies.

As more truths are revealed, Stephano discovers that his own father betrayed the family and he can no longer simply be the heir; he must claim the throne, the process was not easy, as he had to make difficult decisions and transform himself into the man he was always destined to be. The conspiracies reach their peak, and all the cards are on the table, and Oksana knows it Stephano is ready to rule, and she is ready to take her place by his side, as the strong and lethal Russian princess, aware that together they are unstoppable and that they need each other to end the true threat.

They both accept their feelings and recognize that they cannot be without each other, both are intense and dangerous, but together they become a single team, the mafiosi rise up together to cleanse their families of traitors. It wasn't an easy path, and the final moments of the book were truly tense, but it was necessary to face the truth, establish a new order, and put everything in its place, in the end, after many sacrifices, they succeeded, and the snake's head fell.

Oksana found in Stephano a man who admires, respects, and accepts her as she is. He sees her as his equal, protects her without limiting her freedom, and recognizes her as his queen, thanks to him Oksana allowed her heart to open and stay.

Stephano, for his part, found in Oksana the strength he needed to become who he was always destined to be, she was his driving force, his support, and the key to protecting his family. In her, he found his equal, because a king needs his queen, and together they grew stronger, reached their happy ending, and brought the series to a flawless close.

I must say I was very satisfied with the ending of this book, the snake was eliminated, although there are still paths to explore. Nico still needs to discover who he truly is, and I only hope he makes the right decision in the face of what lies ahead.
Dear author, I loved this ending and I'm ready to join you on this new journey. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUTHLESS KING is the fifth and final instalment in Bella Ray’s contemporary, adult SAVAGE KINGS OF NEW YORK dark, erotic, Mafia series. This is Stephano Conti, and Bratva assassin Oksana Arsenyev’s story line. RUTHLESS KING 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 may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stephano and Oksana) RUTHLESS KING focuses on the rescue of Stephano’s brother Nico, and the ensuing fallout as decades long secrets and lies begin to emerge. Approximately three years earlier, Stephano’s younger brother Nico was capture and held prisoner by the Venezuelan crime syndicate, and Oksana is the first to discover his whereabouts but upon her return, Oksana is ambushed, and finds herself the ‘virtual prisoner’ of our story line hero. In an effort to survive, Oksana agrees to a fake marriage with Stephanoe Conti, a marriage than in reality will strengthen La Famiglia in the wake of things to come. With the Venezuelan’s on the run, and the Bratva quietly gaining control, La Famiglia is about to clean house when betrayal from within threatens everyone involved.

The world building is dark, complex and detailed as a myriad of crime syndicates engage in a fight for power. Secrets reveal decades of lies and deception, lies that can ultimately change the balance of power.

The relationship between Oksana and Stephano begins as a rescue. Oksana is her brother, Pakhan Grigori Arsenyev’s right hand, tech genius and assassin, and as such she is a person unto her self. Shocked by the woman with whom he is falling in love, Stephano will cede some of his control when Oksana proves she is just as capable and compelling as any one of the men in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, familiar and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including the previous story line couples. From the Venezuelan Cartel, Russian Bratva, and the Italia Mafia, the players are numerous, dangerous and often questionable.

RUTHLESS KING is a character driven story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The revealing premise is richly layered, intricate, dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated and ; the characters are animated and dynamic. RUTHLESS KING ends on a happily ever after for now-the author has plans for a new series EMPIRE OF SIN, set in the Savage Kings of New York world.

copy supplied for review

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5* Last book in the series so EVERYTHING is crammed into one book. The plot went totally off the rails and is ridiculous.

Oh dear. I don’t even know where to start with this one. It started off really well and I was enjoying it but it rapidly descended into chaos. There’s no explanations about why things happened, or why, and the author tries to link all these different families and it’s a HUGE mess! I understood the Russians and the Italians, (Sort of.) and then there’s the Venezuelans which is really confusing, and lastly the Mexicans. I have no idea how the Mexicans fit into the plot at all! Theres a secret Russian child apparently, and secret sleeper cells that belong to him, No idea who is running them, or how, as IT’S NOT EXPLAINED, and it’s not the secret heir to the throne as he has no clue who he is. SO WHO IS RUNNING THE SLEEPER CELLS?? ANYONE?? There’s way too many plot mistakes.

Stephano has believed for three years that his younger brother Nico is dead. When he gets a phone call from the hospital telling him his ‘wife’ has been shot, and to pass a message on ‘Temporals’, it’s a code word only his brother would know. He goes to the hospital and finds Oksana who is the Bratva leader’s sister. This is where it totally lost me. Oksana found out that Nico was alive and went to save him. WHY???? What has Nico got to do with the Russians? She makes a really bad job of ‘rescuing’ him and she ends up shot, and his brother does as well! 😡😡😡

For some bizarre reason they carry on pretending to be married and fall in love. Oksana is supposed to be highly trained by the Bratva and is an assassin. 😂😂😂😂😂 Yeah she really doesn’t act it. She has to be saved by Stephano a few times as she keeps ripping open her stitches and she’s an idiot. While Stephano is rescuing Nico, the world famous assassin gets kidnapped, YET AGAIN, and has to be rescued by Stephano. I’m all for strong women but she’s an idiot.

I won’t even try to explain the plot as it’s too confusing and it doesn’t make sense. The author tries to make it make sense but it doesn’t work. The author is obviously trying to link it all together and the whole mess is going to carry into the next series. Yeah I’m not reading them.

[Mairi Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
I loved, loved, loved Stephano and Oksana. This is a dark, mafia, billionaire, instalove, fake marriage, betrayal, different crime worlds, suspense, morally grey heroes, touch her and die.
Usually I don't really like badass heroines where they are super duper wow. I find that there's a fine line projecting a badass heroine but still feminine and most of the times I read this had failed. But in this one I loved Oksana! I loved how efficient and ruthless she was but she had this gentle side of her, not visible to everyone but to anyone that mattered.
And their banter? It was such a delight reading it, I was giggling like a little girl. Their hot scenes were really hot and the book was full of action.
This book made me love it despite having my least favourite subjects. It's full of action and a plot twist I didn't expect. Actually it was something I expected but not this twist and it was kind of a shock for me.
I loved Stephano and his brutality, his royalty, his posh upbringing that made him a joke to the others. Seriously it was hilarious reading how he acted when he had to go to an average hotel room and how they gave him grief.
I'm fan of reading cameos of other characters I've read before and as this is interconnected standalone you get a glimpse from the other couples.
But what makes a story great isn't just the main characters but the side characters too. Grigori is Oksana's brother and I loved how he threatened Stephano to protect his sister. And Sasha, Oksana's right hand had some on point comments.
Despite being lengthy it is very easy to lose yourself in it, the writing has a flow that's very smooth. I was concerned as not being a fan of really lenghty novels that it would drag or repeat itself within but this wasn't the case here. I couldn't remove any part from it if you could ask me to as they were all necessary for the whole story.
Overall it was amazing and totally recommend it if you want a good mafia story with some action.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed Ruthless King by Bella Ray. The writing style flows effortlessly and pulls you in right from the start, making it very easy to get lost in the story.

Oksana and Stephano were fantastic main characters. Together they are truly a force to be reckoned with. Oksana is an absolute badass with plenty of sass and she fears no one. Stephano, on the other hand, feels an immediate and overwhelming need to protect her the moment he sees her. Their banter had me laughing out loud, and watching their connection grow so naturally—like magnets being pulled together—was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their chemistry was great, and I also liked that neither of them had been sexually active for some time, which made their relationship feel a bit different from the usual dynamic.

I also really enjoyed the family and friends dynamics, and it was nice catching up with familiar characters along the way.

My heart absolutely broke for Nico. I’m really hoping he chooses wisely in the future, because I’m definitely invested in his story.

The book is full of twists and turns that kept things interesting. At times I did find myself rereading certain parts to fully understand the family connections, but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.

All in all, this was a really good read. I’m eagerly waiting for Nico’s story, and I’ll definitely be heading to Vegas for the new series with Massimo Manetti.

Thank you to Booksprout for the ARC📚

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really loved reading this book I was astounded it had me hooked from the start until the very end, the action, suspense, drama, danger, vengeance, ruthless, dominant, violence, torture, betrayal, secrets, lies, deceit, mafia, Bratva, Venezuelans, and so much more. Grigori is the Bratva Pakhan has a secret weapon his sister Oksana she is an assassin she also picks up odd jobs to who pays the most. Oksana is in the middle of rescuing a male he failed to escape so he gave her a couple of words to say to his brother, Oksana just escaped with her life, she had two bullet holes, swelling and bruises. She is at hospital when she pretens to be the wife, she told the hospital the two words to pass onto her husband. Stephano Conti, a ruthless monster, and heir to the Conti mafia family, he has been looking for his brother for three years and the words his wife left, the words only he and his brother knew and said all their lives. Stephano went to see this imposter wife to see what she knew, he was infatuated by her beauty and when they touched the tingles that went through both of them they tried to ignore. As Stephano hot to know Oksana he was growing feelings for her. Now the rescue was going to happen, Stephano wanted Oksana to stay in bed except she was not listening and won the argument if she stayed close to him.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'll address the reason why it didn't get five stars. There were four books prior and too much time between for me to remember everything and everyone. Start at book one and read - don't stop just read.

Next, I'm pretty sure I said in the last review, I wasn't sure how the author would manage to tie it all up. I'm currently on information overload. Just when you think you have it all figured out with all the twists and turns, you have more twists and turns. I'm certain my brain kept going wait, what? The ladies didn't disappoint. The Kings are just boys having fun with dangerous games. Stephano and Oksana are extreme alphas who could and probably should run the world. Her brother was the over-the-top Pakhan who managed to worm his way into the reader's heart. Nico? He's a question mark and by the end you truly felt for his uncertainty of where he belonged. I also said, "trying to make Cammie likeable but her back story is going to have to be a lot darker for the reader to forgive her." & the author went above and beyond in the dark. Oh, I realize we are off to Las Vegas next, but Massimo has nothing on Cammie and Mikhail. I'm seeing World War II and maybe IV. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magic book club · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stefano and Oksana ❤️♥️♥️

My God, what a book! I was speechless because this knocked me off my feet. This was a spectacle, an unforgettable journey, perfect main characters. And the beginning did not even hint at how the whole story would unfold.
Oksana is an incredibly intelligent, witty and dangerous woman, Stefano is her match. Together they are a lethal and powerful couple. A legend.
And that's what I love to read, strong male and female characters and amazing stories.
This book has the highest recommendations from me and I thank the author for her effort, talent and imagination ♥️

—-

"She kisses like a Tempesta di Sangue," I say before I can stop myself.
Dre stares. "You kissed her."
That and then some, but he doesn't need to know that.
"Then she kneed me in the balls for not asking."

—


She watches me, amused, and mumbles, almost to herself, "You're enjoying this."
"Which part?"
"Bossing me around."
"I'm enjoying you doing what I say." I wink at her.
"And when I'm not?"
"Then I enjoy us arguing," I reply, and her laugh is warmer than the room deserves.
,

[Carly Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an ending to this series!


When Stephano gets a call that his wife is in hospital, he drops everything to get there as soon as possible. Given he’s not married, Stephano is intrigued as to who is posing as his wife.

Oksana has been a pain in everyone’s sides for the last 4 books, but when her mission takes a detour, & she comes across Stephano’s little brother, she attempts to get them both out. Nico is hurt in the escape, & unable to make it to Oksana’s extraction point. Leaving him behind, but vowing to return, she flies back to the US, ends up in hospital & claiming to be Stephano’s wife.

Fake marriage looks good on both of them; & soon they find themselves no longer faking anything - much to both of their disbelief! The sparks that fly between these two are red hot 🔥 The American Mafia heir & Russian Bratva princess/assassin make a formidable couple, & this only fuels their desire for each other.

We get a lot of answers, but still left with questions - & I can’t wait for the stories to continue in a new direction in New York.

[Booked & Broken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review.

I loved this book from the beginning to end!. There are Twist and “Oh I didn’t see that coming!” moments. There are parts where I literally giggled. There is a very strong FMC and ruthlessly MMC. There’s “who did this to you!”. Touch her and ☠️.

That one phone call changed Stephanos life!! His “wife”…. But there’s many questions that comes with that phone call.

Stephano is a man madly in love with Oksana and he dares anyone mess with her. I think he’s an act now, ask questions later man. But she is a fireball!!! She is quick on her toes and speaks her mouth. While she may not need his protection, she loves that she has it. They are perfect together!

Secrets are revealed and enemies face their judgements.

Bella Ray really made all the characters come together. A lot of questions were answered in this book and the ending was just beautiful to me! I still have some questions and while This may be the last of this series, and I’m so very sad about it. I do look forward reading any and all books she continues to write!

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s official! I’m obsessed with Bella Ray’s books, and I absolutely loved this one. The suspense, secrets, and lies never stop, and just when you think you understand what is happening, another twist pulls you deeper into the story. Oksana is an incredible heroine, a total badass Bratva assassin and the perfect match for Stephano, who is instantly infatuated with her. I loved watching them work side by side, chasing answers to a mystery that has weighed on everyone for so long. She didn’t just stand beside him, she witnessed him become the king he was meant to be and helped him claim that place. Their connection is powerful. You can actually feel it… She becomes both his peace and his chaos, his reason to live, just as he becomes hers. Bella Ray’s imagination is truly unmatched. Nothing is ever what it seems, and the betrayals hit even harder and the truth hurts more than the lie. An addictive, high stakes mafia romance and a fantastic ending to a great series. I can’t wait for Bella’s next series. Love you, Bella!

[Soft and Sinister Sisters Talita Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless King by Bella Ray is the fifth installment in the Savage Kings of New York series… and WOW. What an addictive, action-packed ride!

This was my first Bella Ray read and let me tell you — I am OBSESSED. The way I immediately added the previous books to my TBR because I need more of this world and these characters 👏

Stephano & Oksana own this story.

Stephano is everything we crave in a mafia romance hero — tall, dark, tattooed, broody as hell, and absolutely lethal when it comes to protecting his woman. The possessiveness? The intensity? YES PLEASE.

But Oksana? She steals the show. No damsel here. She’s a deadly Russian assassin with a reputation that makes grown men nervous. Fierce. Ruthless. Unapologetic. Watching these two powerhouses collide was EVERYTHING.

✨ High-stakes action
✨ Twists and turns
✨ Explosive chemistry
✨ Morally grey vibes

This book is gritty, spicy, and completely captivating from start to finish.

[psych0_4books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an explosive finale to the Savage Kings series. I loved how the overarching plot of the secrets held by Donna Margarita is solved but also leads to other questions regarding the Bratva. I resonated with each character in Ruthless King one way or another and I couldn't put my Kindle down.

Stephano and Oksana's story is one of my faves in this series; Oksana is an absolute baddie and her penchant for violence had me in stitches. Stephano starts the story as a man bound by duty and honor towards his family but as the story unfolds, the familial illusions drop and he puts everything on the line to protect what's his. I loved the banter and the chemistry between Steph and Ana, especially during the action scenes.

Such a great book and while I'm sad that the New York side is over, I am eagerly anticipating Vegas's turn.

*Thanks to Booksprout for the copy!

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first page to the final one, I was completely captivated by this incredible story! The author masterfully weaves in unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, creating numerous "Oh, I absolutely did not see that coming!" moments throughout. I found myself giggling out loud during several scenes, and the chemistry between the characters is electric. The female lead, a formidable Bratva assassin, is a compelling and fiercely independent character, while the male lead is portrayed as a ruthlessly possessive and undeniably captivating figure. There's even a heart-wrenching "who did this to you?!" scene that tugged at my emotions, followed by a powerful declaration of protection, "Touch her and die!" This book is a thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Oksana, absolutely not a damsel in distress, and Stephano, whose possessiveness and intensity practically burn off the page.

Their banter is sharp, their chemistry electric, and every interaction between them feels charged in the best way.

The story is packed with action, suspense, danger, vengeance, and jaw‑dropping betrayal. We also get long‑awaited answers to lingering questions, making this installment especially satisfying for fans of the series.

This is the fifth book in the Savage Kings of New York series, and while you can jump in here, reading the previous books adds deeper context and makes the emotional stakes hit even harder.

A gripping, high‑intensity romance with heat, danger, and a heroine who absolutely holds her own.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Ruthless King: By Bella Ray

This one was darker, spicier, and completely addictive.

From the first chapter, the tension felt heavy and intense. The chemistry wasn’t subtle — it was charged, consuming, and impossible to ignore. The power dynamic, the possessiveness, the emotional push-and-pull… it all made the story feel dangerous in the best way.

I loved how ruthless he was on the surface but still layered underneath. The darkness added depth, and the spice absolutely delivered without overshadowing the emotional stakes. It felt raw, passionate, and high-risk from start to finish.

Read this if you like dominant, powerful heroes, dark themes, intense chemistry, and romance that pushes boundaries while keeping you completely hooked.

[JenntheRDH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have definitely found a new author to love!
This entire series was phenomenal. I could not put any of these books down and absolutely loved how quickly Bella got us engulfed into this world.
I gave every book in this series 5 stars, but this one I have a 4.
Spoiler ahead..
I am happy most everything was wrapped up in this book (but definitely felt like I needed a family tree to keep track of everything).
I loved the banter between the 2 main characters, but I finished the book feeling bad for Nico - the no resolution with his story left me feeling a bit somber. I wish there was a more final (happy) ending for him - I know he has a book coming, but it put a somber feeling on the ending of the book series for me

[Kaylee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a fake marriage and a mafia book so I knew I was going to love this book. Oksana works as her brothers secret weapon. She tries to rescue Nico and came close but wasn’t able to succeed. He tells her to find Stephano and tell him Temporale. That he will get Nico out of there. So when she’s at the hospital she tells them she’s Stephano’s wife so she can talk with him. You get a bunch of action in this book with the suspense. Watching them rescue Nico and then deal with lies and deception that has been going on for a while. This book was one I couldn’t put down. I was actually sad when it was over because I just loved their story so much. Bella Ray did such a wonderful job on this story. 100/10

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 the Savage Kings of New York series. Can be read as a standalone.

'RUTHLESS KING is a dark, high-voltage mafia romance about a fake marriage born of lies and obsession, a Bratva assassin who becomes her husband’s obsession, and a love powerful enough to turn vengeance into the storm of the century.'

The characters were very dark and obsessive and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to leave more than 5 stars????
The first chapter sucks you in with all the action involved, like watching a movie. Oksana is a bad ass FMC as shown in the first few paragraphs.
Stephano falls first and the story takes off from there. It was so refreshing to read about an assassin FMC who can stand up to the mafia men.
The banter between them was chef's kiss and so organic. It had me giggling and kicking my feet. This book had me in a chokhold in the best way from start to finish. Oksana is my favorite FMC of all time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic betrayal! Epic Romance! Epic Drama! Ruthless King is all of that and more! The MFC, Oksana is Epic in her own right! She is a BA Assassin who is just as smart and just as tough as any of the Kings. Stephano is all King and the only one who can even slightly tame his Queen. Ruthless King answers a lot of questions that have come up throughout the series but it also brings to light more questions that need answers! I am so happy that Bella Ray I continuing the Mafia/Bratva universe! I cannot wait for Massimo's story or Nico's! Or the hash Cammie is going to make of Mikhail's world! I absolutely loved this book!

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Savage Kings of New York series: Stefano and Oksana's unforgettable story!
This fake marriage mafia romance explodes with high-stakes action, intense drama, angst, humor, jaw-dropping twists, and scorching chemistry. Stefano is a formidable, ruthless MMC; Oksana is a fierce, no-nonsense FMC—both characters are brilliantly crafted and impossible not to love. The plot is gripping and exciting from start to finish.
While the whole series is amazing, this one is my absolute favorite. A must-read for dark mafia romance fans!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

She might be a storm, but she's HIS storm. Stephano doesn't know what hit him when he meets Oksana, a Bratva Pakhan's sister and also a deadly Russian beauty with an interest in particular odd jobs (like enforcer, assassin, spy, whatever is needed as she's very skilled at what she does).

A fab read at the end of this series, I absolutely loved it! Full of action and drama, our couple have banter and a dynamic that is all theirs. She is just the right fit for the mafia boss, hard and unapologetic when needed, yet tender and loving too. I can't wait to read more of Bella's work in future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Carniato · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wow what a read! Ruthless King is the 5th and final and final book in the Savage Kings of New York series.
This book has everything we love in a dark mafia romance:
🖤 Morally Grey/ possessive MMC
🖤 Feisty trained assassin FMC
🖤 plot twists and intrigue (the ending leave you gasping!
🖤 spice that will leave you hot and bothered
🖤 Italian/Bratva mafia

You will fall in love with Oksana and Stephano!
For the best reading experience definitely read this story in series order 🫶🏼

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page of this book, I was drawn into Stephano and Oksana’s story. Oksana claiming to be Stephano’s wife set up for an action packed, suspenseful romance with plenty of twists throughout. Oksana is the enforcer for the Bratva and Stephano is the head of the mafia and the two made a scary team. Their love story was beautiful and together nothing could hold them back.
I have enjoyed this series and while this may be the last book in the series, it is one I can go back reread over again.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this story is one that you will not be able to stop reading and its a long story so sit down and relax.
The action starts immediately and doesn't let up until the end or is it the end.
Oksana is a one formidable woman, her nickname makes mafia men terrified on top of that she's the enforcer to her brothers Bratva, two people you don't want to mess with.
Unless your name is Stephano, he's the Head of the Italian mafia who's not scared at all just the opposite and she likes that and him too.
Plots within plots, secrets, betrayals all wrapped up in this intriguing story.

[Sheila Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth and final book of the series, "Savage Kings of New York." I have read the entire series and can say this is by far my favorite mafia series!

In a world where La Famiglia and Bratva meet, what could you possibly not love!

Plots abound throughout all five books, but the last one seals the deal and pulls the series together!

I highly recommend Bella Ray! The hints and strings she uses to pull all five of these books are wonderful! Kudos!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.