Book picks similar to
Franklin by Billie Lustig
mafia
romance
dnf
betrayal
Roomie Wars
Kat T. Masen - 2016
Who said you had to be married with a fabulous career and three kids? I had a great life. Single, freedom to do whatever I please, and best of all, stay home on a Friday night in my sweats, eating pizza while listening to the best of the ’80s. I’m fine. DrewWhen a woman says she’s fine, she’s not fine. Zoey had it all. Stunning looks, ambition, the whole package. Then he fucked her up. He broke her. And now I’m left picking up the pieces… again. Zoey Richards, strong-willed and driven, settled on the geeky struggling med student to share her apartment with, not the perfect-in-every-way stud who would just distract her and undoubtedly break her heart. When her ex comes back into the picture, Zoey seeks revenge and enlists her roommate’s help. All Zoey and Drew need to do is pretend to be a couple for one night. But one night can change everything. Refusing to break their “roomie code,” and in an effort to deny their feelings for each other, a war erupts between Zoey and Drew. She lives in the past; he, for the future. If opposites attract, will these two gamble their friendship for a chance at love?
Bad Saint
Monica James - 2019
But they didn’t realize I wasn’t a victim…not anymore.The open sea was my backdrop for nine torturous days. During that time, glimmers of my fate were revealed by a man with the mysterious chartreuse-colored eyes. He should have scared me, but he didn’t.He intrigued me. And I intrigued him.He punished me when I didn’t listen, which was every single day. But beneath his cruelty, I sensed he was guarding a grave secret.I was sold. And in a game of poker, no less. My buyer? A Russian mobster who likes to collect pretty things. Now that I know the truth, I only have one choice.Sink or swim.And when one fateful night presents me the opportunity, I take it. I just never anticipated my actions would leave me shipwrecked with my kidnapper.He needs me alive. I want him dead.But as days turn into weeks, one thing becomes clear—I should hate him…but I don’t.My name is Willow.His name is Saint.Ironic, isn’t it? He bears a name that denotes nothing but holiness yet delivers nothing but hell. However, if this is hell on earth…God, save my soul.
Devil's Bargain
Natasha Knight - 2019
I call it a deal she can’t refuse.I was owed a debt and I expected payment. That payment? One night in my bed. My rules. The debt cleared, and she could walk away. There are worse things. And besides, debtors can’t be choosers.The night started as it should. She obeyed as she should. But then something happened. Something I was wholly unprepared for. And what I saw changed everything. I broke my own rules after that. And I didn’t keep my end of the bargain. Because walking away was no longer an option I would grant her, no matter the cost.
White Rabbit: The Rise
London Miller - 2018
When she crosses paths with a man whose smile is a little too cunning—and his power a little too vast—she learns very quickly that dancing with the devil is far more enjoyable than she had ever imagined. But Uilleam Runehart is not at all what he seems, and as a notorious fixer with a thirst for power, he’ll do anything to obtain his title. Ruthless. Sinful. Seductive. How much would you pay to be a king? From Romantic Suspense author, London Miller, comes the first book in a sexy, thrilling new series following a man with too much power and the only woman that can bring him to his knees.
The Villain's Captive
Bella J. - 2021
Drank her in as she performed in front of an empty theatre, pretending every seat was occupied, the cello settled between her legs as her dainty fingers made love to the strings…one beautiful note after the other.She thought she was alone, that no one heard her play. But I did. I heard every note, every tune, every vibrato. It drowned out the voices. Silenced the demons. It gave me peace. I’d hide in the shadows so I could get high on the music that stemmed from her soul. It was entrancing. Beautiful. Utterly hypnotic.She has no idea that I exist—that I live for the nights she performs for me, and me alone. But she will. Soon she’ll realize how important she is to me.My cellist.My soloist.My Requiem.Author's Note: The Villain's Captive was previously published as The Musician.
Fierce King
Sadie Kincaid - 2021
In a few breathless moments, I will be Mrs Alejandro Montoya. He is the King of L.A, and everything a woman could want. Handsome, powerful, rich, and hotter than hell itself. But I am not just any woman. I am Alana Carmichael and I’m only here to save my father. I will not bow to any king. This is no fairy tale. This is my nightmare. He is fierce and unyielding. I should hate him. But, the way he looks at me makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before, and his touch sets my skin on fire. And as I uncover the secrets of our pasts, I discover that monsters are not always what they seem. Sometimes, the real monsters look like ordinary men. Fierce King is a forced marriage, dark mafia romance. It is book 1 in the L.A Ruthless series and features the Montoya crime family.
Shattered Vows
Shain Rose - 2022
I’m signing over my hand in marriage for six months to save my city. That’s it. It should be easy, except Sebastian Armanelli is my sordid one-night fling turned husband. And I’ve just found out he’s the head of the Italian Mob too. Bastian swears he’s set on reforming the mafia though. They’re accommodating when they used to be murderous. And he’ll be amicable instead of vicious. Plus, he agrees that it’s only six months in public. In the dark of a private night, we can do as we please. Yet, I know just how he tastes and where each one of his hidden tattoos are. I know Bastian shapeshifts as that gentleman mobster, but in the dark, he’s commanding, ruthless, unyielding.And possessive. He refuses to share what he’s claimed as his.And I’m realizing that includes me–His lawfully wedded wife.
Southern Charmer
Jessica Peterson - 2018
He's southern. And he won't stop showing up at my door half naked. Meet Elijah Jackson, my hot new neighbor...From the outside looking in? I’ve got it all. Prestigious job. Pretty house. And a perfect boyfriend who just proposed with the perfect ring.I should feel ecstatic—but instead, I feel suffocated. So I break up with my boyfriend, hop in my car, and head south.Charleston, South Carolina: home to stunning architecture, sultry accents, and—oh yeah—my perpetually shirtless neighbor, Elijah Jackson. As if his abs for days and inked up deliciousness aren’t enticing enough, he also encourages me to chase down my dreams. And the chemistry between us? Hotter than the kitchen at Eli’s restaurant. But I still have a life a thousand miles away. One I’ve worked really hard to build. And I don’t know if I can just leave it all behind.I have to choose. A choice Eli doesn't make any easier by inviting me out to his cabin for a long weekend. Just the two of us. And one bed. I swear to God this southerner is out to charm the panties right off me. Just this once, I might let him...SOUTHERN CHARMER is a slow burn, standalone romance with no cheating. It is part of the Charleston Heat Series, which is a series of interconnected standalone novels set in the steamy southern town of Charleston, South Carolina.SOUTHERN CHARMER: Oliva and Eli’s bookSOUTHERN PLAYER: Gracie and Luke’s bookSOUTHERN GENTLEMAN: Julia and Greyson’s bookSOUTHERN HEARTBREAKER: Eva and Ford’s book
The Psycho
Nikki J. Summers - 2021
She didn’t agree, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.She was all I thought about. She was my obsession.So, I watched. I studied.I toyed with her and I played my games. In her I’d found my perfect match, because she met every single one of my challenges with one of her own. She fought back and I loved it. All good things are worth fighting for, right?Trouble was, she thought it was all a game, but I would never give up. I saw something in her that made me crave more. What did she see in me?Cruelty.Savagery.A street soldier with a thirst for vengeance.I was a virus and she was immune. Or was she?Where I come from, they call me The Psycho.And I’m about to show the world exactly why.The Psycho is a Dark, New Adult standalone romance from Nikki J Summers. There are scenes of a violent and sexual nature in this story, therefore it is intended for readers of 18+ years. Please take note of the trigger warnings.
A Love of Vengeance
Nancy Haviland - 2014
Vasily needs someone he can trust in Seattle to protect his estranged daughter, Eva Jacobs, while he avenges the murder of the young woman’s mother. Gabriel is unstoppable in a fight, whether he’s using fists, blades, or bullets; but innocent, onyx-haired Eva may just be the most dangerous—and beautiful—thing he’s come up against.Intense sparks fly between the two, tempting Gabriel to mix business with pleasure while in the Emerald City. But once word gets around that Gabriel has shown up in New York, Stefano—his vengeful brother and the de facto head of the family—decides that Eva is the key to ending the feud between them…permanently.In this pulse-pounding romantic thriller set against the backdrop of New York City’s storied underworld, loyalties will be tested, secrets will be told, and mob justice will be served.
The Russian's Ballerina: A Mafia Romance
Ever Lilac - 2021
All he knows is that he has to keep her in his life. With the precision that only an underground boss can have, he hunts her down and makes her his.But Alec has one, dangerous secret that threatens to tear them apart. And when his ballerina finds out she might dance out of his life forever...
Gilded Cage
Nicole Fox - 2021
I’LL LOCK HER IN A GILDED CAGE AND THROW AWAY THE KEY.The night we met, she thought she was tasting freedom.I devoured her once and left before I even knew her name.Four months later, Bratva business leads me to the house of my enemy with one objective:Burn it down and kill everyone inside.That’s exactly what I plan to do…Until I find her cowering before me.The innocent girl from the club.My beautiful caged bird.I’m not here to save her—I’m here to ruin her.But something stops me in my tracks.Something I never expected.Did she say that’s my baby in her womb?
Mister Diamond
Chance Carter - 2018
He still blames me for my mother’s death during my birth. He’s the quintessential tough Russian father. That’s one of the reasons I’m so happy to be in America. Until I find out he just arranged my marriage to one of our country’s richest heiresses. Valentina. I don’t even like the sound of her name. When I meet her it will be even worse. I know it. I’m practically forced to buy her an engagement ring, so I dutifully go to Tiffany’s and buy the best one I can find. She sends it back. I buy another. And another. All returned. I’m really beginning to hate this bride to be. But there’s a girl behind the counter at Tiffany’s. Gemma. An American. Every time I see her, she makes me smile. She also makes my heart pound, my pulse race, and my … how you say? ... weapon get hard as Russian steel. I can’t stop thinking about her. And getting her to help me pick out diamond after diamond for this spoiled Russian princess is driving me crazy. I want Gemma with a passion that’s making me consider taking some very drastic steps. And believe me, when a Russian says drastic, he means all night, torn bed sheets, covered in sweat, make her scream my name like a banshee drastic.
Tangled Love
Haley Jenner - 2020
A bloody and vengeful penance for wrong doing. She was our way to inflict pain and suffering on those who took away what was most important to us. She was supposed to be a no one. Insignificant. She wasn’t supposed to make me smile. She wasn’t supposed to make me laugh. She sure wasn’t supposed to make me feel anything other than hate. She wasn’t supposed to make me love her. She was a means to an end. Now the bloody and vengeful end looks to be mine. Because it now comes down to love or loyalty and it’s on me to decide what reigns absolute; heart or family.
Devil’s Lair
Anna Zaires - 2021
Must be willing to relocate to a remote mountain estate. $3K/week cash.On the run from ruthless killers, I’m down to ten bucks in my wallet and a half-tank of gas in my ancient car when I spot the ad. The job sounds like the answer to my prayers, but there’s a catch.The child’s father is the most beautiful, most dangerous man I’ve ever met.Darkly seductive and filthy rich, Nikolai Molotov is a tantalizing mystery, a lethally alluring contradiction. Bruised knuckles and tailored suits, tender endearments and dirty promises—my new employer draws me in like a magnet, even as my instincts scream for me to run. I should’ve heeded them… because I’m not the only one with secrets.My safe haven just might be the devil’s lair, and once he’s claimed me, it will be too late to run.