Book picks similar to
Devious Gambit (The Players of Kingston Valley U) by P. Mulholland
bully
college-young-adult
arc
arcs
Hero (The VII Knights MC)
M.N. Forgy - 2021
I’ve taken on every unlawful labor with brawn and a side of madness, earning me the president patch on my cut.I am unstoppable.A force no one reckons with. Until my uncle from a rival club discovers a weakness I didn’t even know I had.Monet. With beautiful honey eyes that remind me of my gold plated Magnum and resilience that has my focus only on her, betrayal erupts around us. Lost in a façade of love and lust, enemies slip into my circle. No one can be trusted. I’ll dig until every traitor is taken down.Bury them all in the wake of my destruction. I’ve always been the hero. A god.Now, the villain rises.
Empowered
Cynthia Dane - 2017
He’s the bonus. One bad decision destroys not only Sarah Clayborn’s life, but nearly costs her a lucrative job as the chief executive assistant to the city’s most powerful player. She’s lost her unborn child, her twin brother’s admiration, and any shred of decency her British-born mother instilled in her. To cope with the trauma, Sarah creates a persona – Angel. She’s the one who goes out on weekends and gets into trouble. She’s the one who seduces half the world’s rabble-rousers. She’s the one who meets Lucas Blackbourne. Sarah’s encounter with Lucas was supposed to be a one-time affair. A tenuous balm on her frigid heart that refuses to heal. But when she returns to work Monday morning and discovers that Lucas is helping her boss for the foreseeable future? Two halves start to become whole again. And it’s not pretty. What does Sarah want? Choice. A future. A sense of belonging in a world often too cruel to bear. To be empowered. But she can’t reclaim her life on her own. -Excerpt- “You presume to know my greatest regrets yet.” A growl powered through the undercurrent of his voice. Still, he did not look away from her eyes. “No. I presume to know what you desire, sir.” “Because…?” He was fishing for the perfect answer. If Sarah failed to supply it, she could kiss this encounter goodbye. “Because I want you just as badly.” Lucas eyed her with careful consideration. He sucked one of his cheeks into his mouth before looking away. He crossed his legs. She kept her grin of triumph to herself. “You don’t even know me, Angel.” “That’s supposed to be my line, Lucas.” He stood up behind her. His presence enveloped her, inviting her back against his chest, arms wrapped protectively around her. Sarah caught the eye of the server who had brought her the scotch. The woman smiled in approval and flashed the number four in her direction. Room 4 is available. Good to know. “This whole night is so backward. Next you’ll be telling me you want to be on top.” “Actually,” she said with a happy sigh, “I’d much rather you take the lead on that. If you don’t mind.” “This has got to be some kind of trap.” Lucas bit his knuckle, as if he could barely restrain himself from grabbing her and hauling her off to the nearest bed. What’s stopping you? I don’t have all night. “What’s your story, Angel?” “Don’t you know the story of any angel, sir?” Sarah stepped away, her hand lingering against his chest. His hard, devilish chest that was a greater siren song than that warm voice echoing in her ears. “Once we’re doing shit like this on Earth, we’re considered fallen goods.” “A fallen angel hasn’t done anything good with her existence.” “If you don’t consider doing this something good,” she began, walking in the direction of Room #4, “then I don’t know what to tell you. You either want me or you don’t, Lucas. No strings attached. Should be a dream for you.” She winked at him. He followed her.
Exposed: A High School Bully Romance
Suzana Thompson - 2018
He was holding the proof right before my eyes, and my stomach lurched sickeningly. "Seems like you had too much to drink last night," he remarked in that condescending tone he always used with me. I looked up at him as he stood watching me from the doorway with his attitude of superiority. In that moment of weakness, I actually tried to plead with him. "Please. I've never done anything to you." "Begging me on your knees. That's a good start." Dread turned my clammy skin cold. Mason Sumner hated my guts, and he would have no compassion for me. This was bad. This was really, really bad. Not intended for younger teens due to adult content.
Blurred Lines
R.A. Smyth - 2022
I’ve played hard, too.Still, I don’t know if I started living until Hadley showed up. And now she’s missing.Her guys are being tight-lipped and trying to keep me out from what’s going on, but I’m not backing down. Not from them, and definitely not from her gorgeous, arrogant brother, Hawk.My calm in the storm comes from the most unexpected place, because Wilder Clearwater is by my side constantly.The elite have never included me, but the lines drawn are becoming blurry.***Blurred Lines is a 36k Pacific Prep novella. It is highly recommended that you read the rest of the series first and to check the front of the book for content warning.
Dark Stranger (Boston Bratva Doms book 1)
Melody Adams - 2021
Nightmares trouble my sleep. When Daisy stumbles into my life on her sensible flats in her prim and proper clothes, I find another reason to forgo sleep. Daisy, my little innocent margaritka, is my new obsession. I stalk her. I just can’t leave her alone. She might not be able to see me, but she knows I am there. In the dark. Watching. Obsessing. Wanting. But my little margaritka is too young, too innocent, too good for someone as jaded and dark as I. I promise myself to stay in the dark. To keep my hands off her. Until her life is in danger. I capture her, keep her safe. Even if she doesn’t want me to. Having her as my captive makes it hard to stick to my last promise. To not touch her. If only she knew all the depraved things I want to do to her.I felt his eyes on me many times. I know he is always there. In the dark. Watching me. I knew he was in my apartment even before the little presents kept turning up. Somehow I am not afraid. I don’t know who he is. Until he takes me. Holds me prisoner. He says he is protecting me. But my senses tell me he is the one I need protecting from. I know he wants me. I know he won’t be the gentle knight I dreamed of. But I am not so sure anymore if I want a gentle knight. Maybe deep down I crave the dark promise I see in his eyes every time he looks at me. I know it’s only a matter of time when his darkness will no longer hide away.This is a Dark Stalker Romance, no fairy tale, and the hero is no Prince Charming. If you don't like dark content, this book is not for you. However, if you like obsessive/possessive Alpha males who are a little psychotic and walk on the wrong site of the law, then you might enjoy this dark tale.
Feuds and Reckless Fury
K. Webster - 2021
Grades, money, track—he dominates it all despite his short, insignificant frame.Was one dad not good enough that Alis had to take mine too?Soon, we’ll be stepbrothers.Until then, I vow to make his life a living hell.Maybe Dad will regret his terrible mistakes.Maybe he won’t.I know I won’t regret wrecking their lives like they did mine.I’ll give up everything, even my girlfriend and football, if it means I get a chance for retribution.It’s reckless and risky, but I don’t have much to lose.The havoc I wreak might ease some of the pain Dad caused my mother.I’m willing to give it a shot.What starts as a family feud will become a war… one I plan on winning no matter the cost.There’s only one small problem.I may have underestimated my opponent.
Filthy Valentine (Dungeon Demons MC #0.5)
Elizabeth Knox - 2021
You see, she’s my little sister’s best friend. With an eight-year age gap between us, I went off to college and started my career while she was still learning what she wanted to do in life. I’d check in with my little sister, Cameron, every few weeks and occasionally ask about Scarlett.Imagine my surprise when Cam mentions Scarlett was just dumped by her first ‘serious’ boyfriend.I’m now thirty-two and Scarlett is approaching her mid-twenties. She’s turned into one hell of a woman, and I’m ready to take what should’ve been mine from the get-go.I put a couple things in my little sister’s head to make this think it was her idea, but in all actuality, it was mine.All I have to do is be Scarlett’s date for Valentine’s Day. Who wants to sit in their apartment sulking about their ex anyway?Little does she know just how filthy her valentine will be.
Little Liar
Willow Winters - 2018
That’s how stories like these get started. But every lie I told, he saw through it. I think in his heart he knew I was broken; he felt my pain as if it was his. And that’s what changed everything. He’s the reason it all fell apart.Sometimes it’s a single moment that alters everything in existence.Sometimes it’s the fall of dominoes, lined up in a pretty little row and designed so that each one will cause more and more pain.In a single day, it’s all changed, and there’s no way to take it back.I didn't know what would happen. But secrets and lies ruin everything.“I was captivated from the very beginning, and I couldn't let go until the very end. Winters wove an outstanding tale, which has an even better message within its pages.” - Kendra @ Reads and Treats** It's Our Secret was previously titled Little Liar **
One Last Time: A Billionaire Romance (The Ironwood Billionaire Series Book 4)
Ellie Danes - 2018
The place I had dreamed of building a life, until it all fell apart. Too many bad dates to count. A broken engagement. A job I don’t love.And how do I celebrate? Being stood up by a blind date. And then he showed up. The hot stranger that rescued my night. I’d take his pity, and so much more. Declan Erikson is all that’s on my mind, but everything I don’t need. Tall, dark, handsome and rich with a heart of gold. I thought I had made up my mind, But I’m finding it growing harder to make the right decision. Especially, when he’s promised to give it all to me. One Last Time is a standalone billionaire romance and is Book 4 of The Ironwood Billionaire Series.
Callous King
Emily Sharp - 2021
I have a reputation on these streets, and I have no problem accepting the fact I’m a monster in their eyes. I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to break necks and keep everyone in their lane. At the end of the day, everyone will pay their price, whether it’s in cash or flesh.Most would see reasons for concern because she’s a ferocious beast, constantly fighting me, though it only entices me. I’m a monster . . . and she’s something, though I’ve yet to figure out what type of beast she is. There’s no doubt the woman excites me, but sometimes the most exciting things can be dangerous.Everyone knows in the game of chess that the queen is the second most powerful piece on the board, and I see this spitfire of a woman becoming my queen, whether she wants to or not.
One-Eighty
Marie James - 2019
He loves what he can't remember —she can't forget the truth...PIPERArrogant, controlling, and an absolute jerk.He's everything I loathe, and everything I want to forget.But he doesn't remember a bit of it.One accident, one misstep, changed everything.Changed him.Now, he's different and unbelievably sexy.But I refuse to fall for a bully.DALTONSexy, smart, feisty, and perfect.She's everything I want, and nothing that I remember.What she says I am, I refuse to believe.For her, I will be anything.I will do anything.Even destroy the bully from before.
Camden Walker: Apartment 8C (Wreck Me, #2)
Aly Stiles - 2021
Now, at age twenty-seven, he’s fine being the gifted artist not wired for a world that’s left him scarred. All he wants is to break free and find the beauty that’s been stolen from him.Smart.Successful.Painfully ordinary.Olivia Price is used to being invisible and living in the shadow of her younger sibling. The fact that Olivia is secretly in love with her sister’s boyfriend is just another example of craving what Claire takes for granted.But when Claire dumps Camden without a thought, Olivia can’t let go of the haunted green eyes she’s loved for so long—especially when they finally see her too.Because maybe it takes the one not wired for this world to appreciate the one who’s been ignored by it.And maybe it takes the only person who’s ever understood the wounded artist to show him he’s as radiant as his art.Camden Walker: Apartment 8C is an emotional, slow burn contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone.Coming June 23, 2021.
Merciless Kings
Becca Steele - 2021
The three guys from the wrong side of the tracks.Saint, Mateo, and Callum.And now that they have me in their sights, I know that there's nowhere I can hide.There's no escape from the Boneyard Kings.
Bad Intentions (Kings of Hawk Academy #1)
Peitho - 2019
I was offered the chance to be part of their ritual. Old rules. Old traditions. Old building. Old money. But all of this was new to me. I wasn’t one of them. I wasn’t rich or privileged, and I was far from arrogant. The Kings, both Trent and James, were the most gorgeous but dangerously cruelest guys that I’d ever met. They expected me to fall in line and fade away as if their sky blue eyes would brainwash me as they continued to torture me. I was the new girl, but I was no princess. They may be the Kings of Hawk Academy, but when I find out their secrets, I’m going to bring them and these old walls tumbling down. Author's Note: This is book ONE in a THREE book series. Each part of the series is told from a different viewpoint. Please be advised this series contains material not suitable for all readers. There are dark scenes which could be disturbing to some readers.
The Beauty and the Beast
Alana Albertson - 2016
But without her love, I'll forever remain a BEAST.Isabella—Grady Williams is a national treasure, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, America’s scarred superhero. With tattooed arms sculpted from carrying M-16s, this bad boy has girls begging from sea to shining sea to get a piece of his action.When my father squanders away my college fund, I make a deal with this dirty-talking Devil Dog—I will pretend to be Grady’s girlfriend for the Marine Corps Ball, and my dad will write Grady’s war memoir.Grady is fearless. Hell, this badass jumped on a grenade to save his fellow Marines! As much as I crave him, I refuse to allow myself to become addicted to a dangerous man who will detonate my heart.Grady—Isabella Cuesta is an angel who can see beyond my mangled skin, a pawn used to repay her father’s debt, a woman who makes me feel like a man instead of a monster.But I no longer believe in fairy tales.She’s mine until our contract ends. I’ll take her hard and rough, listen to all her hopes and fears, lay down my life to protect her.This beauty will never let herself love a dangerous man like me—a man who has killed, a man who runs towards gunfire, a man who never backs down from a fight.But without her love, I’m not a man—I’ll remain forever a beast.Publisher's note: This is a full-length, standalone novel. Happily Ever After. No cliffhanger. No cheating.