Book picks similar to
La Bellezza by Susan Fanetti


historical-romance
historical
mafia
dark

Omerta


K.A. Ware - 2015
     Mia Caruso grew up under the roof of a tyrant. Her father was an enforcer for the DeLuca crime family who ruled his home with the same brutality that his job required, her mother was the silent trophy he'd always wanted and Mia was only ever in the way. She'd endured the abuse for years, her only solace was the hope that one day she would be free from his iron fists. Just shy of her eighteenth birthday and four months away from a fresh start at college, he showed up and turned her world upside down. Carlo DeLuca was at the top of his game, master of his own universe, he ran the most successful organized crime syndicate on the west coast. He'd worked his ass off to build his empire after his father had nearly bled it dry, and he wouldn't allow anything to threaten that. Carlo ruled with a cold indifference that terrified even the most brutal of men, and today was no exception, he had a rat to dispose of. But when he looked into a of pair amber eyes and saw a fire that rivaled his own, he knew nothing would be the same again.

The Puppetmaster


Linnea May - 2019
    I don't just own. I make them dance.My name makes their hearts beat with desire and their skin tickle with sweet fear—a name spoken in hushed voices, hot craving lacing every syllable.They call me The Puppetmaster.And when I’m on the hunt, they come running—willing to serve at my feet.But I’m a cruel Master, and highly selective. Not just anyone can become my puppet.I know she can. I’ve known for a long time.Yet, my heart almost stops when I see her name on the list.Because this is not how it was supposed to happen. Not now. Not like this.Alena Prey—your name may imply otherwise, but you’re no easy take. Even for me. You wreak havoc with a plan I’ve had for years, but it won’t stop me from reaching my goal—a goal that you’re destined to be a part of.Don’t even try to cut the strings, my puppet.For you’ll be the last to dance for me

Capturing a Nobleman's Heart


Abigail Agar - 2020
    Determined that she will find a husband of noble birth and outstanding character, she is met with surprises when it turns out that the culture around her is not what she expected at all... Will she manage to capture the heart of the man who stole hers? Or will the criticizing ton make sure she never calls England home?Sir Samuel Moore is a man who loves worldly fun and has no desire to settle himself. But when his father has had enough of the games, Samuel finds himself with a demanding deadline to make a match. When his time is running out, a young lady with American origins will appear out of nowhere into his life and will turn his world upside down. But will he succeed in going against all odds, winning her interest and, eventually, her love?As the gossip and pride of society collide, Destiny and Samuel find themselves wondering how they could possibly find happiness. Will they find a way to lean on one another when they need it the most? Will their love overcome the unexpected hurdles on their way?

The Lyon's Surprise


Meara Platt - 2021
    unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.He was an agitated beast, a Lyon of Mar. THE Lyon of Mar.Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar is at first surprised when his wastrel brother dumps a wife and baby on his doorstep. But Jennifer is intelligent, nurturing, and sweet, just the sort Cheyne could love, if only she wasn't already taken.When unsavory strangers come around looking for a runaway young lady, Cheyne realizes Jennifer is not who she claims to be... and he isn't about to give her up. NOTE: The Lyon's Surprise was formerly published as The Duke's Surprise and has updated content.

Blood For Ink


L.L. Muir - 2012
    But this time it’s different. This time, she interferes with one of the Four Kings, and the brotherhood will not rest until they marry her off and place her securely under a man’s thumb. Only they have to catch her first.The Earl of Northwick is falling for this writer, sight unseen. Will she be pretty? Will she have all her teeth? In his rush to claim her for himself, regardless of who she might ultimately be, he places her in grave danger - her desperate enemies are watching closely for the moment her mask is removed.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage


Regina Jennings - 2014
    Fearing he won't survive, the Confederate soldier's last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it'll be hers. Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears--puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn't duping him, he's left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help--not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs.

This Quiet Sky


Joanne Bischof - 2014
    Go to college. Become president. Fall in love. And pretend like he has enough time to get it all done.Sixteen-year-old Sarah Miller doesn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when she begins her first day at the one-room-school house in her new hometown of Rocky Knob. But when she meets seventeen-year-old Tucker O’Shay—the boy with the fatal illness who volunteers to tutor her in algebra—she finds herself swept up in a friendship that changes the way she sees the world and a love that changes her life.

Rip


Rachel Van Dyken - 2015
    But I broke her, and now we both have to pay the price.I'm her nightmare. I'm her savior. And now that I have her signature on an ironclad contract, I own her body and soul. She doesn't remember me. She will. It's inevitable. Because as much as I know I need to stay away, for fear of unlocking the memories I helped her father bury--I can't. She was the apple in the Garden, dangled in front of me, her core so tempting and sweet. A voice whispered. Just. One. Bite. I bit. I tasted. I fell. Welcome to the world of the Russian mafia, where death, is your only future.

Mistress of Rome


Kate Quinn - 2010
    First-century Rome: A ruthless emperor watches over all--and fixes his gaze on one young woman... Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia. Now she has infuriated her mistress by capturing the attention of Rome's newest and most savage gladiator--and though his love brings Thea the first happiness of her life, their affair ends quickly when a jealous Lepida tears them apart.Remaking herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats, Thea unwittingly attracts another admirer: the charismatic Emperor of Rome. But the passions of an all-powerful man come with a heavy price, and Thea finds herself fighting for both her soul and her sanity. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor's mistress.

Fallen Women


Sandra Dallas - 2013
    It is the spring of 1885 and wealthy New York socialite Beret Osmundsen has been estranged from her younger sister, Lillie, for a year when she gets word from her aunt and uncle that Lillie has died suddenly in Denver.  What they do not tell her is that Lillie had become a prostitute and was brutally murdered in the brothel where she had been living.  When Beret discovers the sordid truth of Lillie’s death, she makes her way to Denver, determined to find her sister’s murderer.  Detective Mick McCauley may not want her involved in the case, but Beret is determined, and the investigation soon takes her from the dangerous, seedy underworld of Denver’s tenderloin to the highest levels of Denver society.  Along the way, Beret not only learns the depths of Lillie’s depravity, but also exposes the sinister side of Gilded Age ambition in the process.   Sandra Dallas once again delivers a page-turner filled with mystery, intrigue, and the kind of intricate detail that truly transports you to another time and place.

In the Arms of an Earl


Alexia Praks - 2011
    It is expected of him to propose the belle of the ton. On his way to his country estate, Merrick saves a youth name Chris from being beaten to death and takes him to his grand home. Suddenly, Merrick begins to feel an undercurrent of emotions toward Chris, emotions he has lost since the mysterious death of his wife. Not to mention an attraction of the sexual type so powerful, he thinks he has gone mad. The desire is entirely unnatural and against God's rule of nature, and he must at all cost annihilate his sinful craving.Shy and loyal to her boot, Christina Smith is disguising herself as a lad in order to protect herself and her family. After Merrick has saved her and fostered her in his home, her devotion and love for him knows no bound. She, however, is very confused and hurt when he starts pushing her away after the arrival of his guests. She knows those vile, scheming beautiful women are competing for his hand in marriage, and she uses her wits and tricks to protect him. Trying to convince the stubborn man so, however, is very hard indeed, especially where his heart is concern.

Their Cartel Princess


Logan Fox - 2020
    They need my heart.Whoever said being a cartel princess would be easy was wrong. Dead wrong. Cora Swan has been betrayed by everyone she’s trusted. Now powerful enemies want her blood. The only thing standing in their way are her guardians, four men who would die to see her safe. Men who've chosen to follow her, protect her, love her. She owes them her life...But is she ready to trust them with her heart? Their Cartel Princess is a grimly dark and violent story, containing topics some readers might find triggering. This slow burn reverse harem spans five volumes and contains rough, intense sexual scenes. For mature readers only. #whychooseThis box set includes all five novels in the completed Their Cartel Princess series:Her MercHer CapoHer DonHer WolfHer King

The Price Of Desire


Jo Goodman - 2008
    Olivia accepts her fate-even if it means that her reputation will suffer from living among rogues and gamblers. But when she meets the sexy and mysterious Griffin Wright-Jones, Viscount Breckenridge, Olivia has more than just her good name to worry about--for he rouses in her wanton thoughts she's never dared entertain-until now. Griffin wears the scars of his life on his striking face. Although he wants Olivia like no other woman before, he doesn't force her to share his bed-a difficult task considering how beautiful she is. But with each passing night, Griffin and Olivia's resolve weakens until finally they take their greatest gamble on one night of reckless pleasure.

The Vampire Voss


Colleen Gleason - 2011
    In exchange, the Dracule are given immortality and power…and a guilt-free life of pleasure, wealth, and freedom. No one can touch them. No man can control them. No mortal can destroy them…unless they find love.But Lucifer will not release those who are bound to him without a fight.
In a battle of good versus evil, love versus hate, only the strongest souls can win freedom from the devil.~~Even after centuries of lust, hedonism, and women, Voss rarely finds himself bored. As a member of the Dracule, he is a rogue of the first order, a man who loves nothing more than a warm woman, excellent vintage, and even a puzzling challenge to keep his mind active.But when one of his seemingly harmless manipulations sets him on the path to seduce the beautiful Angelica Woodmore, things become a little less simple…a lot more passionate…and definitely more complicated.And when the most evil vampire of the Dracule puts Angelica in his sights, Voss will have to risk everything to save her…and possibly his own soul.

Earls Just Want to Have Fun


Shana Galen - 2015
    She runs with the Covent Garden Cubs, a gang of thieves living in the slums of London's Seven Dials. It's a fierce life, and Marlowe has a hard outer shell. But when she's alone, she allows herself to think of a time before-a dimly remembered life when she was called Elizabeth.Maxwell, Lord Dane, is intrigued when his brother, a hired investigator, ropes him into his investigation of the fiercely beautiful hellion. He teaches her to navigate the social morass of the ton, but Marlowe will not escape so easily. Instead, Dane is drawn into her dangerous world, where the student becomes the teacher and love is the greatest risk of all.