Book picks similar to
The Badge and the Bad Boy by Lena Hendrix


forced-proximity
romantic-suspense
arcs
opposites-attract

My Fallen Saint


J. Kenner - 2020
    Confident. Powerful. Controlling.A brilliant investor with a Midas touch, Devlin Saint turned a modest inherited fortune into billions, and now operates one of the world’s foremost international philanthropic organizations. He’s a man determined to help the underprivileged, to fight injustice, and to make the world a better place. And that, at least is true.It’s not, however, the full truth.Because Devlin Saint is a man with a dangerous secret. One he’ll do whatever it takes to protect. And when investigative reporter Ellie Holmes turns her attention to an unsolved murder, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and passion as Devlin draws her closer and closer. But as the intensity and sensuality of their relationship grows, so do Ellie’s suspicions. Until she is no longer certain if the heat between her and Devlin is real, or only a facade he constructed to hide his dark and twisted secrets.

Body of Trust


Jeannine Colette - 2020
    A mansion that offered a glimpse back to the days when the mob had ruled New York. I took my seat at the bar and flirted with the man behind it—the one who made me weak in the knees yet kept his personal life a veiled secret. It started off like any other, except, that night, Jesse Grant and I shared a moment. And then all hell broke loose. As gunfire rained down, I fell to the floor in fear, only to be shielded by a man who was risking his own life to save mine.Jesse led me away from danger that night. While traipsing through the underground tunnels of the city, I learned my family wasn’t who I’d thought they were and no one could be trusted … including Jesse.He devoured my body and stole my heart. Then, he left in the shadows of the night, leaving me to wonder if he was really who he had said he was.Discovering dark secrets, intense attraction, and a plot where everyone’s life was on the line … my once-boring life morphed into that of a crime drama.And there was only one man I was willing to give my trust to. I just prayed that he was worth the risk.

The Predator


RuNyx - 2020
    As the only non-blooded member in the high circle of the Tenebrae Outfit, he is an enigma to all - his skills unparalleled, his morality questionable, and his motives unknown. He is lethal and he knows it. As does Morana Vitalio, the genius extraordinaire daughter of the rival family. What Caine does with weapons, Morana does with computers. When a twenty-year old mystery resurfaces, Morana infiltrates Caine's house, intent on killing him, unaware of a tie that binds them together. Hate, heat, and history clash together with unexpected sparks. But something bigger, something worse is happening in their world. And despite their animosity, only they can fight it down.

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.

Those Three Words


Alexis Winter - 2022
    I never thought getting fired from my dream job would change my life.And I certainly never imagined three little words would be my undoing.Trust me—they’re not the words you’re thinking.Those three delicious, toe-curling words whispered by my boss were where it all changed.When budget cuts at my local school leave me scrambling to find a job before I get evicted, I stumble upon the listing of a lifetime.How hard can being a live-in nanny for a little five year old girl be?Especially when it’s double the salary and comes with a sexy, single dad.But the moment I step inside Graham Hayes multi-million dollar estate and meet the grumpy billionaire—I know I’m in way over my head.It’s not just that he’s quite possibly the most attractive man I’ve ever seen, it’s the way he stares at me like it takes everything he has to keep from devouring me.The way he curls his hands into fists to avoid touching me.The way he reprimands me through gritted teeth while his lust filled eyes burn through me.The naughty things he whispers against my lips as his hands explore me.Way over my head.Caring for his daughter is a dream—even his mother loves me.Soon, I’m head over heels in this fantasy I’m living.I’m even able to ignore the cryptic threats from his house-keeper who’s hellbent on getting me fired.But I’m not prepared for the world of high-powered billionaires and glitzy parties.Besides, Graham isn’t like these people—he’s different.At least, I think he is…until a shady character I’ve tried to leave in the past reappears as Graham’s new business partner and I’m reminded that I don’t belong in this world.Sometimes life changing news comes in the form of just three simple words.Sometimes it comes in the form of an unexpected, heart-wrenching secret and the fairytale is shattered.Sometimes, it comes in the form of the opportunity of a fresh new start.You just have to be willing to take the risk and walk away or maybe…there’s three little words that can fix it all.Those Three Words is a steamy, sexy billionaire stand-alone with no cheating and a satisfying happily ever after.

Bro Code


Kendall Ryan - 2018
    In a word, she’s dangerous. And completely off-limits.Falling for her could ruin everything.Yet I can’t seem to stop, even when her company is threatened by a lawsuit, and my promotion hinges on representing the opposing client—and winning.I can’t see a way out of this mess that doesn’t end in a broken friendship, a broken heart, or a ruined career.I may have broken the bro code when I fell for Ava. But do I have the balls to handle what comes next?

Mischief Night


Delaney Foster - 2022
    There was only one way in and one way out: death. Power.That was the code we lived by. It was like a religion in our world. Men would fight for it. Die for it. Kill for it. Sacrifice.It was a way of life. Family. Freedom. Our very souls. Everything we had came at a price. Love.That was the biggest illusion of all. I f*cked up and fell in love with the enemy. She's too good for me, too good for this world I've been bred to conquer. But I couldn't stay away. When I was near her, the monster beneath the surface begged to be set free. She was untainted. I wanted to desecrate her. She was flawless. I wanted to ruin her. She was light. I wanted to drag her into the darkness. She was forbidden. I took her anyway. I crossed a line and started a war. Both of our families were out for blood. The only question is, who will bleed first?Coming January 20, 2022

Stolen Lust


Charmaine Pauls - 2021
    Like the thief he is, he came in the dark and stole a night of my life.He left me with souvenirs. Disaster and fear are my new realities. I'll forever look over my shoulder, terrified he'd return, because when he took me, he stole more than just a few hours of my time.His crime has consequences neither of us could've imagined. If I'm to escape the nightmare of my life, I have to outsmart him. If I'm to survive, I have to outwit every enemy he's turned against me, including Ian himself, the most dangerous and cleverest man I know.*Stolen Lust is Book 1 of the Beauty in the Stolen trilogy. Book 2 will be released on 18 May 2021 and Book 3 on 22 June 2021.Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection: Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)Diamonds are Forever trilogyDiamonds in the Dust (Book 1)Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)

Perfect Chaos


Nashoda Rose - 2014
    Have since I was sixteen and my world fell into chaos. But I found a way to endure, or rather it found me. Now I’m a prisoner of my own doing, hiding behind a false mask so no one sees the truth. Not even the man I want but can’t have—Deck. But I messed up and the lies are spilling over, out of control. Deck is unrelenting and will settle for nothing less than the truth. He demands everything from me—EVERYTHING—even if it rips me apart.DECKI kill for a living.Unyielding—It’s how I survive in my line of work. I bend people to my will…except Georgie.But that ends now.I've played her game for far too long. Now I think it's time we play mine.

Tales of Darkness and Sin


Pepper WintersCora Reilly - 2021
    Bestselling authors include: Aleatha Romig, A Zavarelli, Ashley Jade, Cora Reilly, Giana Darling, Isabella Starling, Jade West, K Webster, Lucia Franco, Lylah James, Natasha Knight, Parker S Huntington, Pepper Winters, Sam Mariano, Sierra Simone, and Skye Warren.

Grumpy As Hell


Marika Ray - 2022
    Literally.Ace Hellman. Star quarterback. Grumpy-as-hell firefighter. Chief pain in my ass.He’s beyond arrogant, inducing women to fake emergencies just to see his sexy swagger as he comes to save them. Not me though. That fire was a total accident. I swear. He and I actually have a long history of hating each other, starting with him ruining my live performance of the Nutcracker in kindergarten and ending with me being the only woman in town under forty whom he hasn’t dated. I wear that title with pride.Now that we've been roped into teaching a first aid class together, things can't get more awkward. He’s determined to prove me wrong at every turn, and I’m determined to stop picturing him without his coveralls. I refuse to hide who I am, and Ace stands for everything I’m against.He’s so wrong for me the whole town knows it. So why do I feel like we start a fire every time we’re together?

Hate Me


Ashley Jade - 2021
    The bully you can't run away from. I'm the tormentor who makes your life a living hell. The villain you love to hate.I'm the vicious stepbrother sleeping in the next room.The one who knows all your secrets. And I'll stop at nothing to make you pay.WARNING: This book is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language, sexual content, and dark elements.

On the Rocks


Kandi Steiner - 2019
    It's what the town said when his father died and the Becker brothers went wild. And it's on repeat in my mind the day I walk into the whiskey distillery where he works to buy a wedding gift for my fiancé.He's trouble. Dirty, sweaty, rude trouble. No matter how many times I repeat it, I can't escape Noah in our small Tennessee town. And the more I run into him, the more he infuriates me. Because he sees what no one else does.He sees me—the real me. The me I'm not sure I'm allowed to be.I'm Ruby Grace Barnett, the mayor's daughter. Soon to be a politician's wife, just like Mama and Daddy always wanted. Soon to fulfill my family's legacy, just like I always knew I would.Until the boy everyone warned me about makes me question everything, like whether the wedding I'm planning is one I even want. Everyone says Noah Becker is nothing but trouble.If only I had listened.

Make You Mine


Tia Louise - 2018
    I was too old to have them, so I left to join the military.Four years passed. Loss, injury, angry words I can never take back… I’m home, but I’m not the same.Neither is she.Now she’s a woman with flashing blue eyes, long blonde hair, and gorgeous curves.Still, she’s the same sweet smile, the same sassy mouth…I could never say No to her before.I should for her sake. She deserves better than what I’ve become, scarred and damaged. “They told me to stay away from you.I went away to try… God, I tried.Now everything has changed. I’m back, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make you mine…”

Unlovable Bastard


K.A. Merikan - 2017
    All he has to show for it is a bag of money and a lifetime of regrets. There’s no other way out of his line of work than in a body bag.So Robert decides to die.But on the night he chooses to seal his own fate, destiny offers him a chance at redemption. When Robert saves a handsome young escort from a terrible death, he has no idea he is setting in motion much more than one last attempt at proving that inside the hardened shell, he is a decent human being. Charming, quick-witted, and full of smiles, Nathan is all Robert could dream of. He’s also ready to fall into the arms of his gruff protector. Robert, on the other hand, has never been with a man and will first need to fight his own demons if he is to accept that his whole being wants to make Nathan his.With his former boss hunting them both, time is ticking, and Robert might just not get the chance to decide before it’s too late. More importantly though, Robert will stop at nothing to protect the man who’s made him feel alive again, the man who is the only thing between him and the abyss.*“I never had to think much about death before, but I did yesterday. I thought I would die. In a hole. Covered with dirt. Suffocate underground. But then you saved me.”POSSIBLE SPOILERS:Themes: enemies to lovers, protector, cruelty, homophobia, crime, self-discovery, family conflict, age gap, escort, self-hate, first time, revenge, on the runGenre: Dark, gritty, contemporary M/M romance Erotic content: Scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenesLength: ~90,000 words (Standalone novel, HEA)WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, torture, mentions of suicide, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters, homophobia and homophobic language