Lazarus' Crown

Cosa Nostra Institute #2

by Atlas Rose, Raven Scott

A dark mafia romance

Genres: New Adult, Mafia Romance, Dark, Dark Romance

ebook

Published May 29, 2021

About the author

Dark Romance Author who loves forbidden romance.
➣ Blood Ties Series
➣ The Institute Series
➣ Mafia Monster Series

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
💋💋

Really enjoyable series, who is after the heirs, who want to kill them.
The question pile up but no answer are forthcoming.
Love Lazarus’ character, he’s so dark and Moody.
Great reading

[yueting ♡]

﹙ dnf at 20% ﹚

usually i'd give a book a bit more of a chance than this, and there were some promising things, but there were just too many flashbacks/timeskips at the beginning for me and i wasn't really jiving with Kat. plus, Kat and Lazarus only just met over a hundred pages in. for making me wait that long, their first meeting had to be something magnificent and it just wasn't. such a shame.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest I didn’t love Lazarus as much as I loved/love Finley. His character just seemed 2D in comparison to Fin or even Anna. Loved Kat in book one... this one just seemed to fail to give her more. It explained things but almost contradictory. Not my favorite story of the series but you bet your biscuits I’ll be continuing to read the series and excited to see where this leads. I really want to see these boys as adults. To see what they become to see the alliance’s form and grow.

[Dania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authors that were new to me and quickly became two of my favorites. From writing style, to tropes to amazing plots to characters that you can’t NOT fall for! Atlas Rose and Raven Scott killed it with the 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒂 𝑵𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆 series.

The first book left one hell of an impression and added Finley to my list of boyfriends… but Lazarus… DAMN!!!

So 𝑳𝒂𝒛𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒔' 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏, book 2 in the 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒂 𝑵𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆 world, is a dark mafia romance that follows Lazarus and Kat story. We met these 2 characters in book 1, and although there were a couple scenes overlapping here, reading them from their POVs brought a whole new level of insight to what was happening.

Kat’s personality and backstory was captivating. I couldn’t image that the same girl we met before, the feisty, sassy, fun, outgoing girl, hid so much from everyone, and was living a dark kind of life. I had tears in my eyes in some scenes, my heart literally ached for her. Please beware the trigger warnings. But despite it all, she was one hell of a strong woman. She devised a plan to run away from her life, putting her past behind, enrolling in an institute dedicated to the most influential families’ heirs, and finding herself an ally to help her escape. And what an ally she found!

Lazarus and his family have quite the reputation. Despite his young age, he is quite well know. That speaks for itself. He wasn’t really what I was expecting. His character had depth already. He has this sense of loyalty… it was incredible the way he completely focused on Kat from the beginning, the length he went to for her even though there was nothing between them at the time. He was ruthless in his pursuit to protect her and love her. They were honestly precious together, their emotional connection was only rivaled by their physical one because again… DAMN!

So basically, 2 things:
• I’m so excited to read book 3!
• An amazing book for me is when even after months, I can still recall so much of it. It just means that it left one hell of an impression on me.

But yeah, if it wasn’t obvious, I HIGHLY recommend this entire series. 🔥

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Lazarus' Crown' is the second book in Atlas Rose and Raven Scott's "Cosa Nostra Institute" series and if you thought book one was dark, hang on for the ride because he just dug a little deeper. Of course, by now, we've learned that the Cosa Nostra Institute is a college-type school on a private island where the worst criminals can learn to become even better at their illegal actions and make connections. For Lazarus Rossi, it's a place to go for vengeance. For Katarina, aka Kat, VanHalen it's a place where she could run in order to get away from what she thought was the worst of it. After getting here though, she's not quite sure. In book one, Lazarus came off to me as the prince of all alphaholes and yet we see a different side to him in this book, which was wonderful. We also get Kat's backstory, which truthfully about broke my heart. There was no way for me to walk away from this book without feeling all the emotions of these characters or the feeling I had been drawn into their world. Be mindful of any trigger warnings if you're prone but, to me, this story was fantastic and the series just keeps getting better.

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one dark, action packed book that took me a bit by surprise. Events that happened in Finley’s book Barry scratched the surface of what was going on with Kat and Lazarus - especially her.

Cosa Nostro is the setting again as these two offspring of powerful, mafia/crime families overcome some horrific pasts to find their way to each other.

It was hard seeing what Kat experienced at the hands of her father and associates. She may come across as put together but she wears masks to hide behind. Lazarus was harder to warm up to but he quickly won me over with his overprotectiveness that Kat sorry needed to survive.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lazarus Crown is the 2nd book in the Cosa Nostra Institute series and it follows Kat (Anna's Friend) & Lazarus. This book is a lot darker than the first book i think as well as full of heartbreaking parts. Kat's story is not happy reading even though she was full of fun and sass in book 1. In this book you find out what all of that is covering up. Lazarus comes across as cold at the beginning but when it came to Kat he was caring even though he was possessive as hell! I liked Kat and Lazarus. It was great that Anna & Finley were in this book too. It was a cracking read full of love, tears, steam and some violence too. I cant wait for the next book in this series

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it can be read as a standalone. Lazarus and Kat’s story is fast-paced with loads of drama, suspense and steam. The characters have lots of depth and the chemistry is intense and steam. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.

[Marina Jauregui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the 1st book

Yessss so much better than the first book. I was so glad to read of Fin and Anna in this book knowing they’re still going strong and formed an alliance with Laz and Kat. Took a star away because thought the kidnapping dragged on too much. Would rather of read about the take down of the sicko pedio’s. Also, felt like I still have questions of story line. Why did they mention Laz had a tracking device and the kidnapping was really for him and leave that unfinished? What’s going to happen to Hale and Damon? Why did the pregnancy story stay and what’s Hale going to say about it? Would rather Kat be pregnant with Laz and have a fresh start. Otherwise still a good story.

[Lammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

My god this book was good. The things Kat went through made my heart bleed. And Lazarus, despite being a Mob son had such a capacity for love … for Kat, and for his brothers.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dark story that was shocking to me with some of the things that went on. It was entertaining but also upsetting. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. They all did things that were not "good". Sebastian VanHalen’s actions and treatment of his child were horrific and he needed to have some kind of consequences for his actions. Haelstrom Hale was a sick being (I can't call him human as he has no humanity) and needed to be punished for his actions as well. Both of them should have been put down like rabid dogs although that wouldn't make up for their actions. Kat (Katerina) was amazing but she also frustrated me. She was trying to be herself on the island but as soon as her past comes back after her she doesn't really do anything. There's no reaching out to superiors or carrying a weapon to deflect the person attacking her repeatedly so that was frustrating. The fact that Kat was still standing was a testament to how strong she was. Lazarus was just wow. He was more than happy to let Kat do things at her own pace. Lazarus was protective and possessive but very sweet with Kat (most of the time). He was so dedicated to her that it was kind of wonderful. I liked how the story ended but at the same time I was screaming (internally) for more. I would have liked another epilogue that was further out. I recommend reading this book, but be warned it was not a run of the mill kind of story. This is dark.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and intense....You will crave more by the end

Lazarus' Crown is the second book in the Cosa Nostra Institute series and is the story of Katerina "Kat" VanHalen and Lazarus Rossi. Be warned that there are some potential triggers for readers by what is inferred in the way Kat is treated by her father and his "friends". The story has Kat and Laz meeting at the Cosa Nostra Institute. He went there to mess with Finley Salvatore whose Mafia family is the enemy of the Rossi Mafia family. Kat went to the institute to get away from her father and maybe build her own life. What they find with each other is powerful and soul deep. But there are enemies in the shadows and they will strike at what they see as a weakness. For Lazarus that is definitely Kat. So when she is kidnapped to get to Lazarus he is not going to stop until all those involved have met their end at his hand and he is once again holding his beautiful Mafia Princess by his side.
This story is dark, violent, dramatic, action filled, emotional, has intrigue and a lot of smexy passion. It is fast-paced, has a great story-line and unbelievable characters that you feel for and fear at the same time as you see the evolution of them.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so book two in this series is here. OMG this book will blow your mind. I definitely was not prepared for this book. So we have Lazarus and Kat in this story. Now Kat's childhood is harsh. I mean I was like how could a father be like that. She is strong and determined to change her fate but she falters when it comes to her father. It is sad to see how she crumbles in his presence. I mean I was anxious to find out what was really going on with her. I did not see it coming!! Then we have Lazarus who is one scary alpha hole. His childhood made him into the man he is. He definitely has not had it easy as well. Then you also have the mystery of what is going on with him as well. So when he meets Kat there is a spark. This spark slowly builds to a crazy inferno. Let's also add the fact that Damon is causing some issues. Laz wants Kat but feels like he is getting different vibes. The issues that occur will make your skin crawl and pray there will be retribution. Laz finally gets the signal he needs and he isn't about to let go. Their journey is rough, but he will do anything to have his queen by his side. I was not ready for the book to end but we get a happy for now ending. I definitely need more of their story.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and what a book it was! This book will have you gripped from the start you won’t want to put it down. Kat has lived through a horrific upbringing, despite her wealth and apparent perfect life, she has been at the hands of her father and all his “friends” for years. When she discovers she is pregnant she knows she has to get away from them all, she goes to the island in the hope of meeting someone to help her escape, only she ends up wanting a lot more from Laz than just his help. Laz can’t stop thinking about Kat, he knows she is totally different from any other woman and when he finds out she is in danger on the island he immediately rescues her. However things get worse when Kat is kidnapped, and when one of her abusers arrives on the island to find her and claim her Laz can barely control himself, he needs to make sure he finds her first. I loved the storyline, it had me on edge right the way through. I loved the characters but particularly Kat, the strength of her character shone through so many times, I was so glad Laz came through for her. A definite must read!

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

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Cosa Nostra Institute series. It is a dark mafia romance which is my favorite book genre. There are triggers so be warned they touch on subjects of rape and abuse so read at your own risk. This book is about Lazarus and Katand let's just say that they are explosive when they first meet. I absolutely loved their chemistry with each other. You will need to read the first book Finley's Claim because the main characters from that book make appearances in this book.

Lazarus is the Stidda mafia prince that just seems dark, haunted and of so yummy. He's like a bomb waiting to go off and when he does, man is it epic. He has an attitude of not needing anyone besides his family. Soon he realises that's not really true.

Kat is a firecracker and loved her in the first book. I loved her passion for life but in this book I felt so sad for her actual life. She's felt with a lot and is a total survivor. She definitely deserved Lazarus as her savior.

I can't wait for the rest of this series to come out!! There are three more coming out focusing on the other Mafia families at the institute.

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

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat is fed up with her life and her controlling father. She just wants to escape and live her life without him or his "friends". The only way is to join the top secret Mafia institute and make an alliance of her own. She wasn't expecting to walk right into her enemy's hands, or to find safety in an unlikely source.

Lazarus just went to the island to mess with Finley Salvatore. He wasn't looking for anything or anyone else. But the red head interested him in ways he couldn't exactly explain, other than he knew that she was desperate and running from trouble. He's trouble with a capital T, the prince of the Stidda, and perhaps just the ally Kat needs to keep her safe.

So, this story was extremely slow to start. Too many flashbacks, and convoluted histories that don't start to make sense until halfway through the book. That being said, if you like fights, mysterious plots, and over the top romance, then this is probably going to be a book you will like. The only thing that wasn't present in the plot was an alien invasion.

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

[Samantha Love HEA Romance Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my very first read from either one of these authors, and I am definitely interested to read more. Lazarus' Crown is a dark, emotional story. Between Kat and Laz they have both had to endure so much in their short lives, Kat more so. I had to reach for a tissue in the first couple of chapters. The writing flowed nicely in this story, I did find a few things being repeated through the book that maybe didn't need to be, but I enjoyed this read. I was glued to the pages for most of it and was unable to put it down until I finished.

Laz is what you would call a street thug. He has a possessive nature that I really liked. Once he honed in on the heroine there was no way he was letting her go, and I loved that. Never once would the heroine feel the need to question whether she was the only one in this heroes eyes.
Kat was a little more up and down with her personality, but I think that has more to do with what she has been through. I liked how Laz would not let anything stand in his way to protect Kat.

I am definitely interested to pick up the rest of the series now that I have finished this one. Can't wait to see what these authors have in store for us next.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is even darker then the first book. I loved Lazarus he's dark intense and he will kill to protect what's his. Kat she is very complicated when you read her story which is very dark you understand her more why she comes of as hard its all to protect the only thing left that's hers. I really hope by the end of this series all the monsters are dealt with in a truly violent ending that's all I'm going to say. I liked also how too former enemies find common ground even if it's only there women and there need to protect. This book shows what Lazarus and Kat thought about each other when they first met and how there childhood shaped them. There were parts I loved and there were parts I had to skip because it was harder to read the details of what was going on it was really about what Kat had to deal with. So the plot is good the story seems to expand with each book but the main mystery of what's really going on is still being kept a secret.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review. I have also purchased a copy as well.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Lazarus Crown by Atlas Rose and Raven Scott is book 2 in the Cosa Nostra Institute series. Wowie! This book is darker and more intense than the first. In book 1 we learned about Finley and Anna. Now in book 2 Lazarus, of the Stidda mafia, decides to go to the institute to keep an eye on Finley. The families are not on real friendly terms. Kat is the friend and protector of Anna. Kat has grown up abused and saw the institute as her way to escape.

Lazarus' Crown helps round out the first story. Lazarus is such an alpha but he had no choice in that. His father raised him without feelings, putting a lot of expectations on Lazarus. Filling in Kat's story helps the reader to gain perspective on her. This story advances with a plot that someone is out to kill the mafia heirs.

The story as I have said is dark, intense and kept me turning the pages. This world that Atlas Rose and Raven Scott is compelling and suspenseful. The series is on my must read list.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Cosa Nostra Institute series is Lazarus & Kat's story. Although this is an interconnected series and we met these two in book 1, you could read them as standalone books, but you'd be missing out on some great reads. And, since they ate available on KU, you can read for free with your subscription. Kat's story is heartbreaking, her father has abused and allowed her to be sexually used from a young age to better his position. She is promised to her abuser in marriage. She finds that this situation follows her to school where classmates try to manipulate her as well. Lazarus is smitten and wants to protect and cherish her, but she is unsure and afraid. These two characters were so well written, they were compelling and so interesting. The story is twisted, brutal, disturbing, crazy steamy, and so well written. I loved this book as much as Book 1, Finn and Anna's story. This is a great series so far!!

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

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Cosa Nostra Institute and is the follow up to Finley's Claim. If you like dark, mafia romances that are full of danger and violence this books for you. Fast paced and overflowing with action and steam. Lazarus is the mafia prince and many are after him. He swept the billionaire heiress off her feet and now they've taken her to get back at him. They want her family to pay and she knows they will. What about Lazarus she knows how ruthless he is and will stop at nothing to get back at those who cross him. Talk about dark and dangerous, this book will keep you awake at night. The author did a great job of spinning his story. The characters have a lot of depth and the story line is a page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendall Rubel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest this is such a good arc story of Cosa Nostra. I cant wait for the next story with Bruno! Great story with Laz and Kat, now i understand what was happening with Kat and Ann in the bedroom.. at first, i was like who the heck is this dude and i really dont like him, and now glad what he gets... bye Damon. Also i really did like we started in the beginning and work towards the ending of Kat and Laz story it gave more a plot story of understanding of their background. I still felt my heart break of Kat her life was horrible and thankfully Laz saves the day and helped her out so much! I thought the plot and the concept was amazing and i can not wait for the next book to come out and the future too. Beautiful work btw Author!

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

[Carol 27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The events that transpired at Cosa Nostra Institute during ‘Finlay’s Claim’, play out once again through the POV’s of Kat and Lazarus. Given that Kat and Anna were roommates, there was quite a bit of repetition from that first book, until Kat and Lazarus’ storyline took priority. There were several surprising revelations pertaining to Kat however, that resolved some of the mystery surrounding her behaviour within the first book. I enjoyed getting some perspective on both Kat and Lazarus' characters through the glimpses we had of their childhood and the days and events leading up to their arrival at the Institute.

This is a well written, dark romance with plenty of violence, brutality, and torment including those of a sexual nature. There’s also some conflict, and suspense, along with several explicit encounters between the H&h. While this story had a satisfactory conclusion, I came away wanting some clarification surrounding the identity of who had set all this chaos into motion – and why.

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

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Definitely a Adrenaline Rush!!!

Lazarus' Crown: A Dark Mafia Romance (Cosa Nostra Institute Book 2)
By Atlas Rose, Raven Scott. 5 Stars*****

Wow, Defintely a Adrenaline Rush!!

If you thought reading about Finley in the previous book was intense and frightening, then hold on to your seat because Lazarus is downright terrifying!!! Holy Crap he is walking nuke when he's pissed or in protection mode!!!

Kat's circumstances for going to that institute on the island sure differed from Anna, but dang if she didnt make my heart hurt for her and be enraged at what shes lived through. Lazarus's rage is what I
was feeling too...

Loved it!!!

I have voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review for it. Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lazarus' Crown by Atlas Rose and Raven Scott is a dark mafia romance. This is the second book in the Cosa Nostra Institute series. The books can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading them in order since the stories are interconnected.

This is the second book of Atlas and Raven's that I have read it definitely won't by last. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Lazarus and Kat. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait for the next book in the series Bruno's Devotion to be released on August 2, 2021.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, mafia romances, or romantic suspense.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this greats series and is Lazarus and Kat’s story. Lazarus is dark, dangerous, controlling, and malicious, and is a mafia prince. Kat is strong and feisty, and had a horrific childhood, and when she desperately needs someone to help her and that is Lazarus, who will do whatever he must to protect and keep her safe. There is combustible chemistry between these two, and the are a perfect match who compliment each other. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, and is dark, raw, gritty, and with action, suspense, betrayal, drama, loyalty, passion, heartbreak, violence, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Ann Mihailovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lazarus's Crown is book two in the Cosa Nostra Institute series by Atlas Rose and Raven Scott. It can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading Finley's Claim, book one as some of the scenes interconnect. This is a completely dark mafia romance that does contain some potential triggers so be warned. This story is dark, emotional, gripping, and suspenseful.
In Lazarus's Crown, we hear Kat and Lazarus's story. These two met at the Cosa Nostra Institute, a school of sorts for families of the most elite crime families to learn more about the workings of the criminal underworld. Kat is there to get away from her controlling father and his abusive friends. As much as she wants to escape her life and hopefully get a sense of herself, she doesn't know anyone and is hoping someone on the island will help her to escape.
Lazarus initially attended the institute to mess with his family's rivals. He is very alpha and brooding but as soon as he meets Kat, sparks immediately fly. Their chemistry is absolutely electrifying and while these two have their own dark pasts, together they are able to see the light.
This was a great dark and intense story. It was fast-paced, action-packed and full of violence and suspense. I'm curious to see what else these two authors have in store for the rest of this series because I have a feeling it will be beyond violent, suspenseful and gritty.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was equally sad and happy with this story



I read this via my ku subscription and am leaving my review voluntarily. This is a dark, mafia story that has several triggers. Be warned. Have tissues.

Triggers:
child sexual abuse, murder, kidnapping, violence, rape

Spoilers:
Lazarus, young, rich. son of Mafia leader. Goes to the island to make other mafia children miserable.

Kat, abused from a young age, she turns her emotions off and yearns to escape her life. Wants to go to the institute in hopes to meet Annalise (Finleys Claim b1) to see if she can help her.

When Lazarus see's Kat for the first time, it was lust at first sight? Love? and the feelings were mutual even if Kat was afraid to believe in it. 

Alot of action. Violence. Friendship. Loyalty and Love. Lots of love.