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The Institute #4
Ruthless Lover
She hated me…in the most savage, violent way. I deserved it all.
Her fists. Her rage.
But I didn’t deserve her love.
Leila Ivanov, daughter to a dangerous Russian Czar is the perfect woman.
Smart, resourceful, stunningly beautiful with piercing blue eyes and a wicked smile.
But that’s not why I wanted her.
I needed to find a way out of the mess I created.
A mess where the CIA came knocking on my door armed with information.
Information that was dangerous…and could get me killed.
And I’d use the wrath of her family to escape it.
But amongst the deceit I found myself falling for her quiet perfection and her deep, throaty laughter.
I found myself falling for her.
Until it was too late…
Those I’d been running from came for me…but they found her instead.
Now I’m staring at the bruises on her face and the betrayal in her eyes.
and I’m on my knees begging her to stay.
I’ll do anything. Pay any price. Kill any man I had to…even if it means my end.
Because a life without her…is no life at all.
*Released previously as Lazarus Fall, Cosa Nostra Series.
Ruthless Lover is a New Adult dark Mafia Romance and is part of the Blood Ties Series World. Alexi Kilpatrick is the perfect lover so if you are sensitive to particular content make sure you check the warnings inside the book before you begin.
Her fists. Her rage.
But I didn’t deserve her love.
Leila Ivanov, daughter to a dangerous Russian Czar is the perfect woman.
Smart, resourceful, stunningly beautiful with piercing blue eyes and a wicked smile.
But that’s not why I wanted her.
I needed to find a way out of the mess I created.
A mess where the CIA came knocking on my door armed with information.
Information that was dangerous…and could get me killed.
And I’d use the wrath of her family to escape it.
But amongst the deceit I found myself falling for her quiet perfection and her deep, throaty laughter.
I found myself falling for her.
Until it was too late…
Those I’d been running from came for me…but they found her instead.
Now I’m staring at the bruises on her face and the betrayal in her eyes.
and I’m on my knees begging her to stay.
I’ll do anything. Pay any price. Kill any man I had to…even if it means my end.
Because a life without her…is no life at all.
*Released previously as Lazarus Fall, Cosa Nostra Series.
Ruthless Lover is a New Adult dark Mafia Romance and is part of the Blood Ties Series World. Alexi Kilpatrick is the perfect lover so if you are sensitive to particular content make sure you check the warnings inside the book before you begin.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 7, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Relationship: FM
Tropes/Triggers: SA, dubcon, CNC, possible traumatic brain injury
Series: Ruthless Lover - The Institute #4
Synopsis
MMC Leila Ivanov is the daughter and only child of a powerful Bratva leader. She is shielded from the family business and treated like a princess locked in an ivory tower, but has an idea that they are different from everyone else. After spending her entire life within the confines of her family home in Russia, her father abruptly uproots them to move to the US. She decides to seize the opportunity to be an heir and understand the family business by attending The Institute.
MMC Alexi Kilpatrick is the second son of a ruthless mafia family. He finds out that the CIA has infiltrated him and are threatening him to give them information about a secret which could take down not only his family, but all of the mafia families. If he does not, they will reveal how far he has fallen, which will result in a death sentence in his world. He tries to get himself out but when the CIA hits too close to home, he runs to The Institute to hide. He needs to find someone else to give up or risk his family. What better person to give up, than a seemingly naive Bratva princess?
Review
The events in this book run on the same timeline as in the first three books. The major plot points are briefly mentioned, to connect all the POVs. As with the other stories, it’s entertaining to see how the characters feel and initially misjudge each other.
There is a lot of suspense in this story and there is no spice until halfway through. It was also a bit frustrating from a reader’s standpoint because a major conflict could probably have been resolved quickly if the MC asked for help, instead of trying to take on the world by themself.
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Relationship: FM
Tropes/Triggers: SA, dubcon, CNC, possible traumatic brain injury
Series: Ruthless Lover - The Institute #4
Synopsis
MMC Leila Ivanov is the daughter and only child of a powerful Bratva leader. She is shielded from the family business and treated like a princess locked in an ivory tower, but has an idea that they are different from everyone else. After spending her entire life within the confines of her family home in Russia, her father abruptly uproots them to move to the US. She decides to seize the opportunity to be an heir and understand the family business by attending The Institute.
MMC Alexi Kilpatrick is the second son of a ruthless mafia family. He finds out that the CIA has infiltrated him and are threatening him to give them information about a secret which could take down not only his family, but all of the mafia families. If he does not, they will reveal how far he has fallen, which will result in a death sentence in his world. He tries to get himself out but when the CIA hits too close to home, he runs to The Institute to hide. He needs to find someone else to give up or risk his family. What better person to give up, than a seemingly naive Bratva princess?
Review
The events in this book run on the same timeline as in the first three books. The major plot points are briefly mentioned, to connect all the POVs. As with the other stories, it’s entertaining to see how the characters feel and initially misjudge each other.
There is a lot of suspense in this story and there is no spice until halfway through. It was also a bit frustrating from a reader’s standpoint because a major conflict could probably have been resolved quickly if the MC asked for help, instead of trying to take on the world by themself.
August 4, 2025
I love this series so far but this book just ended with a ton of questions that were never answered.
Alexi’s brother?
Does she ever forgive him?
Does she end up being the heir?
What happened to her bestfriend??
I still liked the story I just have never read an atlas rose book that has left me with so many questions.
Alexi’s brother?
Does she ever forgive him?
Does she end up being the heir?
What happened to her bestfriend??
I still liked the story I just have never read an atlas rose book that has left me with so many questions.
April 6, 2023
Ruthless Lover is another awesome addition to the Institute series. The plot is well written and kept me entertained. Alexi and Leila are strong, well developed characters. I loved their story. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
July 30, 2024
I do not like Leila. Both times she didn't listen to her gut, someone got killed. Also, girl? Given the situations you've experienced, you could have chosen to learn how to handle a gun or maybe some basic self defense 🤦🏻♀️ jeez...she is so frustrating.
April 3, 2023
Very good story
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this book. I would definitely recommend that it be read along with the rest of the books in the series.
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this book. I would definitely recommend that it be read along with the rest of the books in the series.
April 21, 2023
This was such a good book
June 24, 2023
Loved this story about Alexi and Leila. Well developed characters, intensity, danger will keep you turning the pages.
February 22, 2025
As with the other books in this series, a lot of scenes are repeated. I skipped through those. The storyline from Alexi’s perspective is interesting.
October 8, 2025
Annoying FMC
December 30, 2025
Very good and kept me wanting to read more! Not a whole lot of spiciness but enough towards the end! Loved it as always!
May 9, 2026
OMG this book was amazing
July 30, 2026
This was my favorite book so far from the series! Literally couldn’t put it down!
February 25, 2025
Is no one gonna mention that the first scene is an assault... As in...🍇?
I never in my life have I gave up reading a book, and I stopped in my tracks reading this because well, the romance continues! It's not even a survivor story.
Please tell me that I'm wrong or it was just a nightmare because I DNFed this motherfucker so fast at just 4% in... Jesus worst chapter I've ever read.
I never in my life have I gave up reading a book, and I stopped in my tracks reading this because well, the romance continues! It's not even a survivor story.
Please tell me that I'm wrong or it was just a nightmare because I DNFed this motherfucker so fast at just 4% in... Jesus worst chapter I've ever read.
March 2, 2026
Dude I HATED these 2 characters ahaahahah. Fml Leila was so stupid and annoying and Alexei was just weak as. Didn’t like their relationship AT ALL.
What I do like however, is how this series sort of connects in each book. Despite being interconnected, you get answers to other books in later ones and I like that.
What I do like however, is how this series sort of connects in each book. Despite being interconnected, you get answers to other books in later ones and I like that.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews