Book picks similar to
Mad Love by Shana Vanterpool
romance
abuse
new-adult
arc
Knotted
Pam Godwin - 2018
It’s impossible. Growing up together, Conor and I shared all our firsts. First love, first kiss, first… Not all our firsts. We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched. I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering. Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma. Years later, she returns to honor our teenage pact. Except the boy she loved is gone, replaced by a ruthless cattle rancher knotted with secrets. She doesn’t know my dark cravings or the trails of sin that lead to her. I don’t deserve her, but one truth remains. She’s mine. TRAILS OF SIN series (HEAs with no cliffhangers - must be read in order): Knotted #1 Buckled #2 Booted #3
The Dominator
D.D. Prince - 2015
He has 3 rules for me. 1) Obey. 2) Tell no one ANYTHING about him. Rule 3 gives me a peek into just how depraved, alpha and possessive he really is. My life is about to be twisted up in knots. He will hurt me. Love me. Set my body on fire with passion. He will kill for me.Full & complete story - bit.ly/tommyandtia Free in Kindle Unlimited.Book 2 - Dario Ferrano - bit.ly/dareandangelBook 3 - More Tommy & More Dare - bit.ly/dominator3unboundOR box set - bit.ly/dominatorboxsetAnd then Saved, a spin-off that's even darker - bit.ly/lexandholly
Prince of Hearts
L.A. Cotton - 2020
Hardworking. Honest.She’d rather spend her days helping at the local shelter than brushing shoulders with her vain and entitled classmates.Niccolò Marchetti is his father’s son.Dark. Dangerous. Deceitful.He’d rather spend his days getting bloody in the ring than attending class and keeping up pretences.When their paths cross at Montague University neither of them are willing to drop the walls they’ve spent so long building. But he can’t resist the girl with stars in her eyes, and she can’t forget the guy who saved her that night.There’s only one catch.Nicco isn’t Arianne’s knight-in-shining-armor, he’s the son of her father’s greatest enemy.He is the enemy.And their families are at war.*Prince of Hearts in the first book in Nicco and Ari’s duet. Due to mature content that some readers may find distressing, this book is recommended for readers 18+
Keeper
Harloe Rae - 2020
To me, Decker Fredric is another nameless face in the crowd. To him, I’m a forgotten girl he hasn’t seen in years. But he agrees to be my crutch through the fog as if we were once friends.Everything is a blank canvas spreading far and wide in front of me. Any direction I take, my steps stumble over the unknown. Decker becomes the only reliable constant in my life. I lean on him too hard, but he doesn’t seem to mind. His unwavering patience and guidance restore some semblance of normal I don’t recall having.My attraction to Decker is instant, but he appears indifferent. Until the day his stare holds a bit too much heat. In return, I dare to let my touch linger. Our hugs cling tighter than a simple embrace should. But we have no business defying the distinct line cutting between us.Decker Fredric was never mine to keep. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting him to be.
Under Her Skin
Adriana Anders - 2017
Beneath her drab clothing, she hides a terrible secret—proof of her abuse, tattooed onto her skin in a lurid reminder of everything she’s survived.Caught between a brutal past and an uncertain future, Uma’s reluctant to bare herself to anyone…much less a rough ex-con whose rage drives him in ways she will never understand. But beneath his frightening exterior, Ivan is gentle. Warm. Compassionate. And just as determined to heal Uma’s broken heart as he is to destroy the monster who left his mark scrawled across the delicate tapestry of her skin.
Pretty When She Cries
A. Zavarelli - 2020
Ours was baptized in fire.I was the new girl trying to find her place.Landon was the brooding neighbor I tutored over the summer.I didn’t know he was a legend at Black Mountain Academy.I didn’t know they worshipped him like a religion.But I fell for him before I knew those things.To me, he was just the tortured soul who drew me in like a magnet.And then he did something so unspeakable, so unforgivable, it shattered me.I ran away then because I was weak, but I’ve shed my tears.He stole my heart and my dignity, and I’m here to take it back.The only problem is… he’s not giving it up without a fight.
Forgotten Promises
Jessica Lemmon - 2016
. . and a love that crosses all boundaries. Morgan Young had a perfect upbringing, and now she’s got a perfect boyfriend and a perfect future—until her twenty-first birthday changes everything. First Morgan finds out, in the most painful way possible, that her relationship is a sham. But that’s nothing compared to the nightmare about to unfold. It’s too late for Tucker Noscalo. A brutal childhood left him with a bad reputation and a criminal record. Fresh out of jail, Tucker has a score to settle with Baybrook’s crooked chief of police—his own father. Nobody will believe Tucker’s explosive accusations without proof and a good lawyer, neither of which he has on his side. Until he sees someone he used to know, someone who just so happens to be the daughter of the best lawyer in the county. He needs Morgan to convince her father of the ugly truth. But first he has to convince her, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her to listen. Confronted by the story of Tucker’s dark past, Morgan feels utterly compelled to help him. And as their connection grows into a fierce bond fueled by raw passion, Morgan finds herself falling for the wrong guy—but never has the promise of love felt so right.Praise for Forgotten Promises
“This story will grab you from the very first page and refuse to let go.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken“Forgotten Promises is a sexy, heartbreaking read with a tortured hero and a strong heroine. Tucker and Morgan are definitely a couple to root for.”—New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy “Uniquely dark and utterly beautiful, the love story of Tucker and Morgan is one that will stay with you. Forgotten Promises is the best New Adult book I’ve ever read.”—New York Times bestselling author Gina L. Maxwell“Jessica Lemmon has the perfect balance of suspense and emotion in Forgotten Promises. It’s another great read, and I can’t wait for more.”—USA Today bestselling author Chelsea Camaron“With unique characters and a compelling storyline, Forgotten Promises is a definite must-read! Tucker and Morgan’s story is one of heartache and hope. I was drawn into their lives from the first pages, and it’s a story that has stayed with me long after finishing the book.”—Stacey Lynn, author of His to Love“An addicting and angsty roller coaster, Forgotten Promises had me hooked from page one and didn’t let go of my heart until the end.”—Gillian Archer, author of the True Brothers MC series“Intense and emotional; the characters are ingeniously crafted, ensuring empathy to the highest degree.”—Book Angel Booktopia “A wonderfully written story, though definitely different than your typical cookie-cutter feel-good romance.”—Always YA at Heart “If you’re looking for the light, fun story you may be used to Ms. Lemmon writing, be prepared for something different . . . a very good something different.”—Addicted to Happily Ever After “[Tucker and Morgan’s] story is epically beautiful and a must-read for everyone! It will have you in tears of sorrow and joy.”—FMR Book Grind (five stars)Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Vendetta
Autumn Karr - 2013
I've decided between life or death, like it was my due. None of it matters, not anymore. These are not my sins.I see her raise her hands, the dark metal she's clutching reflecting the moonlight. Her finger trembles as she cocks the gun pointed at me. Her eyes are cold, determined, but I know.I know her.My name is Devon Andre and I confess my sin. I am not a good man because this is the woman I love.She pulls the trigger.* Standalone contemporary romance.* Mature reader advised due to sexual content and strong language.
Saving Ella
Kirsty Dallas - 2013
Staying still was dangerous...trusting someone was terrifying.The protection every child is owed was lost on Ella Munroe. Her tiny body was beaten and bruised, and pain became her only comfort. With her head down, scars covered, and heart locked behind a wall of steel Ella ran. On the streets she may have found her freedom, but she was still alone, until she found Mercy’s, until she found Jax.Born a warrior, Jaxon Carter could intimidate with no more than a glance, but this warrior was not born to destroy, he was born to protect. With his own scars buried deep inside, Jax spent his days working for his mom’s shelter, Mercy’s. The first time he saw Ella, he knew she was a runner. Gaining her trust would take all his heart, and he was prepared to give it.All Jax had to do was keep Ella safe, it all seemed so easy….“Your scars might remind you of where you’ve been angel, but they don’t have to dictate where you’re going.” ~ Jaxon CarterRead OrderSaving Ella, Book OneFighting Back, Book TwoTortured Soul, Book ThreeMother's Love, Book FourLosing Lola, Book Five
Disgrace
Brittainy C. Cherry - 2018
I didn’t know my worth. I didn’t know how to exist without him by my side.All I wanted was for him to come back to me.Then, Jackson Emery appeared.He was supposed to be a distraction for my mind. A summer fling. A confidence boost to my bruised heart.We were perfect for one another, because we both knew we wouldn’t last. Jackson didn’t believe in commitment, and I no longer believed in love. He was too closed-off for me, and I was too damaged for him.Everything was fine, until one night my heart skipped a beat.I didn’t expect him to make me laugh. To make me think. To make my sadness somewhat disappear.When our time was up, my heart didn’t know how to walk away.Each day I prayed for my husband to love me again, yet slowly my prayers began to shift toward the man who wasn’t right for me. I prayed for one more smile, one more kiss, one more laugh, one more touch… I prayed for him to be mine.Even though I knew his heart wasn’t destined to love.*This book was previously known as Between the Notes.*
Slaughter
Shantel Tessier - 2018
It is about revenge and hatred, misery and violence. I wasn’t always this way even though it was in my blood. I grew up happy and in love with my best friend until she betrayed me and walked away. After that, I fell into the deep, dark world I was meant for. Presleigh Clarke's actions turned me into the ruthless man I am today. Too bad for her, I believe people should pay for the things they have done. The more painful and messy, the better. I get off on making people bleed. It feeds my inner demon, and right now, he is starving. She crossed me once, so now she’ll know what it’s like to fear me. But not all stories end the way you think they will … mine certainly didn’t.
Fury
Cat Porter - 2017
Prisoners in brutal darkness, Finger and Serena fall in love. Free in the world, they’re desperate to put their scars behind them. They kill to be together. What could tear them apart? Ever the defiant biker, Finger’s craving for his forbidden woman drives him to build his own outlaw empire. But still, nothing and no one can satisfy his savage hunger for her. “Soul dark, Heart dense, Blood fierce, Purpose raw. Flame burning. Unrelenting. Brewed on vengeance, laced with tenderness, my fury for you.” For Finger and Serena, first love is forever No matter the sacrifice, the blood, or the fury. This romantic suspense novel is a standalone motorcycle club romance / second chance romance / coming of age romance full of anti-hero alpha hotness. This book is a spinoff of the Lock & Key series saga **Warning: This work of fiction contains graphic violence, language, sex, and disturbing material some readers may find objectionable.**
Blind Faith
Kimberley Reeves - 2012
Though her phobia of men and the loss of her eye sight are constant reminders it happened, Serena has no memory of the brutal attack. Now at age twenty-two, she is ready to conquer her fears and lets an old high school friend rent out the upper floor of her house. Can Will Duncan help cure Serena's insecurities or will the secrets he harbors about that night shatter her faith in men forever?
The Ocean Between Us
Michelle Heard - 2013
I find my safe haven in the form of Detective Aiden Holden.He shows me what love is, but then our lives collide. Our little world shatters, and I'm caught in the crossfire.I'm forced to return home, to let go of the only person who has made me feel like I could be more.How do you return to a cage once you've tasted freedom?My only hope is that Aiden will cross an ocean for me.Please note: The Ocean Between Us contains graphically violent scenes that may be upsetting to some readers.Reading Order of Southern Heroes Series: The Ocean Between UsThe Girl In The ClosetAll The Wasted TimeThe Lies We Tell OurselvesWe Were LostThe Fire Between Us
Painted Lines
Brei Betzold - 2013
Being female never stopped her from getting greasy and slapping on paint with the best of them, and made her work even harder at opening up her own shop someday.When an opportunity to win $500,000 dollars in prize money presents itself, Scout and her group of misfit friends sign on the dotted line to be filmed for a reality television show to win it. But like anything in life there’s always a catch to free money.When nightmares of the past meet dreams of the future, Scout is forced to face her demons, or be quickly over run by the memories. In the midst of her inner turmoil, family will come home, and possibly a life she never expected to have could be within her grasp.