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Ava Harrison
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Ruthless Monarch: A Billionaire Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (The Corrupt Empire) Kindle Edition

by Ava Harrison (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,421 ratings
From USA Today bestselling author Ava Harrison comes a gritty, twisted standalone romance.

Matteo Amante.
Dangerous. Deadly. And most of all, devastating.

He’s the king of the city.
Running the mafia and ruling the East Coast.

He’s at war with his cousin, and I am the casualty.
There is nothing Matteo won’t do to win.

He’ll burn everything down to the ground, my hopes and dreams included.

He’s no hero.
He’s the handsome devil who will probably kill me in the end.
Falling in love with the enemy can destroy me, especially when he is my husband . . .
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  1. Part of series
    The Corrupt Empire
  2. Print length
    354 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 4, 2021
  6. File size
    1.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “Plato said, ‘Courage is knowing what not to fear.’ You have no reason to fear your dad. He’s just a man.”
    Highlighted by 155 Kindle readers
  2. “I thought I lost you. I thought you died. You are everything to me. You are my life. Do you hear me? You are my life.”
    Highlighted by 151 Kindle readers
  3. “Viviana. I haven’t so much as looked at another woman since I married you.”
    Highlighted by 147 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Ivy Smoak LJ Shen Vi Keeland Nicole Snow Sophia Lark Kindle Unlimited Parker s. Huntington

Editorial Reviews

Review

This story had me crying and breathless. I'm left completely blown away and satisfied. ~ Ariegentry84

Alright, this book had everything I crave and love! Dear Matteo, make me yours always!
10/10✨ ~ iamTannie

I could not put this book down. Ava Harrison has once again left me mesmerized with this epic, dark mafia enemies-to-lovers paired with marriage of convenience romance! I loved this book! ~ Jodireadsnwrites

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08Z7F5CWV
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 4, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 354 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ The Corrupt Empire
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,421 ratings

About the author

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Ava Harrison

Ava Harrison

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Ava Harrison is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.

When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.

Keep up to date with my new releases and sales ➜ http://bit.ly/2fxPYn6

FB Page ➜ https://www.facebook.com/avaharrisonauthor

You can also visit my website ➜ www.avaharrisonauthor.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,421 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book delivers a page-turning story with wonderful characters and appreciate how love makes a person stronger. Moreover, the action content receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as action-packed. However, the writing quality, ruthlessness, concept, and pacing receive mixed reviews, with some praising the brilliant writing while others find it terrible, and several customers noting the lack of emotional intensity.

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98 customers mention "Story quality"88 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this romance book, describing it as thrilling with twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.

"...This is dark gripping enemies to lovers suspenseful story with jaw-dropping twists. This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go...." Read more

"...But I did really enjoy this story , it held my interest from beginning to end and it will probably be re-read again some day...so...4.5 stars." Read more

"...This story had so many twists and turns. There were secrets, lies, betrayal and definitely so much drama, but it was oh so good...." Read more

"...This story is intriguing, thrilling and full of emotion right up to the end, which I hated to see. I couldn't put this book down...." Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"14 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning how the characters flow together in a mysterious dance, while another notes how the villains are perfectly villainous.

"Loved the characters - villains that are perfectly villainous, a heroine that is sweet but feisty, a hero who is an Alpha a-hole in the beginnng,..." Read more

"I loved the characters but I thought they deserved a little more in the overall story...." Read more

"What a great book, with a surprise ending. Excellent story and wonderful characters. Never read this author, but I am so happy I ran into her...." Read more

"...Her stories are riveting and her characters keep you glued to the pages. I can't wait to read more from her😍..." Read more

14 customers mention "Love"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the love story in the book, noting its emotional depth and how love makes a person stronger. One customer describes it as sweet and feisty, while another finds it inspiring in its portrayal of courage.

"...sexy, ruthless, cold-hearted, arrogant, dominant, violent, sweetly contrite, and a notorious boss that he is now head of the Mafia East Coast..." Read more

"...- villains that are perfectly villainous, a heroine that is sweet but feisty, a hero who is an Alpha a-hole in the beginnng, but there is so much..." Read more

"...She is a strong young woman and makes a daring decision when the East Coast mob boss Matteo Amante offers her "a choice" in her predetermined future..." Read more

"...a “can’t put it down” kind of book with a fast moving plot, passionate romantic moments, protective husbands, and emotional episodes that bring on..." Read more

9 customers mention "Action content"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the action content of the book, with one customer noting its mafia theme and another describing it as action-packed.

"...Action packed and exciting I couldn't put it down." Read more

"...This was action packed with dirty politicians and mob bosses, so if that's what you like go for it." Read more

"You can never go wrong with a mafia themed, enemies to lovers romance...." Read more

"...I love the mafia trope of bad boys that fall hard...." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it brilliantly and well written, while others describe it as terrible.

"...Ava is an excellent author. Editing is spot on, too...." Read more

"...Too many words used that don’t make any sense and too many sentences that are actually missing words. And what is with not using contractions?!?..." Read more

"...The characters in this book were beautifully described, they came to life! Great read!" Read more

"...Viviana should have been more scared. Well written drawing out my trepidations!" Read more

10 customers mention "Ruthlessness"6 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the ruthlessness in the book, with some finding it lacking in emotional intensity and violent, while others appreciate its devoted portrayal.

"...is very handsome, sexy, ruthless, cold-hearted, arrogant, dominant, violent, sweetly contrite, and a notorious boss that he is now head of the Mafia..." Read more

"...Stars is because, although it was a really good story, it lacked the emotional intensity of Mara Luis' "Broken Crown" series or Bella Di Corte's "..." Read more

"Ruthless is an devoted, loyalty, family book. Teaches morals and how to be strong and understanding of life lessons...." Read more

"...So the would be antihero was also a bit anticlimactic for me and the long inner monolgues as always make the story slow of progress for me, I wish..." Read more

9 customers mention "Concept"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's concept, with some loving it while others find it unrealistic and lacking in originality.

"OH my stars, this story! I was in love with the concept and the slow burn!..." Read more

"...Overall, the ending felt choppy and unrealistic." Read more

"...Teaches morals and how to be strong and understanding of life lessons. I loved that Ava showed how love can develop from nothing to something...." Read more

"...Loved the depth and the expertise in which the author did in describing Matteo and Vivianna - in their personalities, expressions and emotions...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some appreciating the no-cheating approach and passion, while others criticize the lies and deception.

"...to the occasion, and watching a powerful man fall is intoxicating, riveting, and a punch right to the lady parts...." Read more

"...Their journey is full of hurt, lies, mistrust, betrayal, and secrets...." Read more

"...And no, there is NO cheating. I am not sure why I saw a couple of reviews that seem to indicate that. Maybe they didn’t actually read the book?..." Read more

"Her books are so good! So full of action and passion! Matteo does such a turn around in this book. From Ruthless Mafia Boss to a good man...." Read more

Intriguing
4 out of 5 stars
Intriguing
Matteo is at war with his cousin who is after the family mafia business with only one option to stop him and show him for him once who is the boss. Matteo makes an unexpected decision, one that will have everyone questioning if it was the right move. The chemistry between Matteo & Viviana is instantly there! Their romance is good. I was just expecting more of the mafia part of the story. When you have an Alpha male like Matteo you expect some brutal episodes to develop.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Beauty95
    5.0 out of 5 stars Astoundingly good!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Life. Death. Blood. Sex. Possession. Obsession. Madness—sums up the story. This is dark gripping enemies to lovers suspenseful story with jaw-dropping twists. This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. This is a crazy rollercoaster ride, but worth it!! This is the first time I have read Ava Harrison’s books, but I assure you it will not be the last.

    Matteo Amante is an enigma of a man who is very handsome, sexy, ruthless, cold-hearted, arrogant, dominant, violent, sweetly contrite, and a notorious boss that he is now head of the Mafia East Coast after his uncle was killed. Nobody says ‘no’ to him and gets away with it! He rules without mercy, dishes out brutality without a second thought, turned cruelty into an art form, and he will break others if need be. He can be the man of your dreams and nightmares all at once if he is crossed. Vivianna is the only daughter of Governor Mariano of New Jersey. Vivianna attends college, and she hopes she can escape being under her father’s rule. The governor is in bed with and made a deal with Salvatore Amante, Matteo’s cousin, for an arranged marriage with his daughter. Unbeknownst to Salvatore and Mariano, Matteo finds out about the deal. Unfortunately, for some reasons that are unfathomable, Matteo sets his sights on the daughter of the governor—Vivianna! Matteo saw the opportunity to let himself into Vivianna’s apartment when she returns from class, and informs her that he plans to marry her that will be a marriage of convenience, and claim Vivianna as his own for heirs—as well as use her as a pawn in his scheme against her father. But why would Matteo want to marry and take Vivianna from his cousin Salvatore? Is there some deep imbedded secret that Matteo is concealing? Could Vivianna be the first casualty of war between the two cousins? The chemistry between Matteo and Vivianna is undeniable as they are forced together under unfortunate circumstances. Matteo’s relentless obsession to keep Vivianna safe despite her unwavering need to protect her loved ones is frustrating at best. Will this handsome but dangerous man let Vivianna go or is she forever trapped in this world by her monster. Their journey is full of hurt, lies, mistrust, betrayal, and secrets. As secrets from the past begin to unravel, long forgotten truths are revealed. What happens next? Well read this amazing story and find out—you won’t regret it! Ava Harrison manages to weave dark and twisted plots centered on romantic ideas. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Bonny Reade
    4.0 out of 5 stars Though lacking in emotional intensity, it still held my interest from beginning to end 4.5 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the characters - villains that are perfectly villainous, a heroine that is sweet but feisty, a hero who is an Alpha a-hole in the beginnng, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. He's the anti-hero to hero you just love. There are even two "best friends" that our heroine has sacrificed to protect (unbeknownst to them) who betray her because of a lie they've been told and believe.

    The hero, Matteo Amante is a mafia boss with morals. He has legal and illegal businesses, but draws a line when it comes to human trafficking. He is at war with his sadistic cousin, Salvatore, who has no morals and wants control of the N.Y and N.J. docks and will use any means to get it. Matteo controls the docks in N.Y but is hated by the N.J. Governor who is out to get him.

    Our heroine, Vivianna, has been used as a pawn and controlled since she was 10.... by her father for his own ends and who holds a certain threat over her to contol and force her to his will and then by Matteo who wants to use her to thwart his cousin and force her father, the N.J Governor, to grant him (instead of his cousin) control of the NJ. docks.

    Just as she's graduating college, believing that she might finally be free of her father's control, he informs her that she is to marry Salvatore Amante who will help him achieve his presidential ambitions in exchange for control of the N.J. docks to further his trafficking business. There marriage will seal their deal and partnership. He then reveals something that provides him a new threat to force her to his will. She realizes that not only will she be trading one monster for another, but she will never really be free of her father's control.

    Matteo also intends to use Vivienne as a pawn; by marrying her, her father will have to play nice and grant him control of the N.J. docks thereby thwarting his cousin. He approaches Vivianna telling her she will marry him instead of Salvatorre. That it will be a marriage of convenience, but she will eventually be required to provide him heirs. He tells her he will never love or care for her but she will be provided for, protected from her father and finally be free of him. He knows there is a reason why she'd always obeyed her father but doesn't know the entire story. She realizes that she will still be going from one controlling situation to another, but at least this one will be of her own choosing, on her own terms so she agrees. She also believes Matteo is powerful enough to fix the situation that allowed her father to control her and plans to tell him the whole story and ask his help only when she feels she can trust him.
    Most of this story revolves around Matteo's and Vivianna's developing relationship while he deals with attacks from his cousin on his shipments and warehouses. Matteo first saw Vivianna as a spoiled princess and she saw him as a hard mafia boss incapable of any softer feelings. As they get to know each other, they begin to realize there is more to the other and it's a slow burn into love fraught with betrayals and lies from various sources as well as a few surprises before they get their HEA.

    The only reason I didn't give this one 5 Stars is because, although it was a really good story, it lacked the emotional intensity of Mara Luis' "Broken Crown" series or Bella Di Corte's "Machevellian". (Those books made me feel every emotion and had tears running down my cheeks.) But I did really enjoy this story , it held my interest from beginning to end and it will probably be re-read again some day...so...4.5 stars.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Cathyhannahrblack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved...Gorgeous, Kind, Caring...Ruthless Monarch...Makes me Say Hmm...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I thought I had read all of Ava Harrison's Billionaire Enemies-to-Lovers Romances, but I was wrong. This is Matteo Amante and Viviana the governor's daughter story. Matteo is 35 and single and his parents are dead. His Uncle was head of the Mafia on the east coast, but he was killed and so Matteo's father took over, but he and his wife were dead and so him and his cousin fought over control of the east coast and Matteo won. Viviana is the "only " daughter and child of Governor Mariano of New Jersey, and he is bed with the likes of Salvatore Amante. Viviana has just graduated college and her father told her she was going to marry Salvatore Amante but, in her mind, she is trying to figure out a way to get away from her father and not marry anyone. When she gets home to her apartment after the dinner and confrontation with her father Matteo is in her apartment and lets her know that she will be marrying him and so this is where the story begins and oh what a story. This was just not a good read it was an excellent read. This story had so many twists and turns. There were secrets, lies, betrayal and definitely so much drama, but it was oh so good. I highly recommend this story.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • LianaReads
    5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is probably my favourite book by the author in the last years. I loved the interaction, suspense and steamy moments so much. It touched a few hard topics but they were very well done and I honestly recommend this book is you love a dark mafia romance and need a new author to start with.
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  • v
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    It checked off all my boxes. Refreshing ... a good change, no religious swearing. Fantastic read. Great story line. I really liked the chemistry between Viviane and Matteo. Twists that I did not see coming. The suspense and blackmail really had me hooked. I am going to check out more by this author. v
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  • Made Me Blush Books
    4.0 out of 5 stars Twisted Mafia Marriage
    Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Viviana is the daughter of a crooked governor who is willing to marry her off to anyone offering him the most advantageous alliance. Legality is not a concern of this scumbag dad. Matteo is the mob boss locked in a bitter war with his cousin over who will take the ultimate reigns to their mafia family. When Viviana’s father wants her to marry Matteo’s cousin he steps in and “offers” her an option. This was a little slow in some parts and Viviana is meant to come off as meek yet steel-willed when necessary but I found her a little too naive and trusting at times. Matteo had one too many mishaps happen to his kingdom for me to believe he’s as invincible as he claims BUT once they get going they are hot, hot, hot and the story got more intriguing as it went on. I did get completely sucked in and had to know what happens. I think it’s still worth a read for some mafia madness and steamy love 💕
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  • Becca T
    4.0 out of 5 stars Decent story and decent author!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I read alot. I've read very good authors, and very poor authors. I get very frustrated when I download a book that is so bad I can't get past the first few chapters. If you like tough, mafia men then this is worth reading. Not a top tier, but a decent middle tier.
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  • AMB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really moving
    Reviewed in Canada on April 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best stories I’ve read. I read it in a day because I couldn’t put it down. Thrilling, action packed, kept my heart racing and tears in my eyes for the love these two have for each other. A must read. I need more of these!
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