Book picks similar to
The Sicilian's Defiant Virgin by Susan Stephens
harlequin
harlequin-presents
romance
contemporary-romance
Luca Vitiello
Cora Reilly - 2019
Cruelty ran in my veins like poison. It ran in the veins of every Vitiello man, passed on from father to son, an endless spiral of monstrosity. A born monster shaped into an even worse monster by my father’s blade and fists and harsh words. I was raised to become Capo, to rule without mercy, to dish out brutality without a second thought. Raised to break others. When Aria was given to me in marriage, everyone waited with baited breath to see how fast I’d break her like my father broke his women. How I’d crush her innocence and kindness with the force of my cruelty. Breaking her would have taken little effort. It came naturally to me. I was gladly the monster everyone feared. Until her.Author's note: Bound By Honor in Luca's POV.
Coerce
Candice M. Wright - 2021
After witnessing its devastation, I’ve shied away from it,Until Atlas.I never thought I’d ignore the red flags and wave a white one.Surrendering to Atlas in the most delectable way,I didn’t realize he’d been playing me all alongUntil I found myself at his mercy.They say love can heal all wounds,But what about the scars left behind?AtlasI don’t know what love is. I’ve never been touched by its light or fallen into its depths,Until Ivy.When I see something I want, I take it.And right now, all I want is her.Each move I make is calculated and methodical,Until I have her exactly where I want her.By the time she realizes it’s a trap, it will be too late.She’ll never forgive me, and I’ll never set her free.But I feel no guilt, nor remorse.Not when I’ll own every inch of her; body, heart, and soul.And not even Ivy herself will stop me.Author note: If you’re looking for a White Knight, you might want to look elsewhere. Atlas is an Antihero in every sense of the word.This book plays with the darker side of love such as obsession, infatuation, and the power plays made to obtain it.*Coerce is a complete standalone novel*Triggers: It goes without saying that this book contains dark elements that some readers may find uncomfortable including offensive language, graphic violence, and sexual situations. All readers should be over 18 so I don’t have to answer any awkward emails from your parents or dodge pitchforks when I’m doing my weekly shopping.
The Prince's Waitress Wife
Sarah Morgan - 2008
Bedded for the prince's pleasureWhen virgin waitress Holly is thrown into the playboy prince's arms, he lives up to his wicked reputation by bedding her—then casting her aside!Expecting the prince's love-childHolly is pregnant! Casper is furious; Holly's just a scheming gold digger, but royal protocol demands he make her his bride!Wedded by royal commandInnocent Holly has the wedding of her dreams—and Casper knows her first duty as his convenient wife will be on their wedding night….
The Initiation
Nikki Sloane - 2019
But there are rumors of a sordid rite of initiation. Whispers how one woman and nine men disappear into a boardroom. This time, that woman will be me. The Hale family owns everything—the eighth largest bank in the world, everyone in our town, even the mortgage on my parents’ mansion. And now Royce Hale wants to own me. He is charming. Seductive. Ruthless. But above all, he’s the prince of lies. My body may tighten with white-hot desire under his penetrating gaze, but I refuse to enjoy it. I’ll make a deal with the devil to save my family and sell myself to the Hales. But Royce will never own my heart.
Captured
Jordan Marie - 2016
I was her destruction. Beth:My life is not my own. I belong to the family. Every step I make is dictated. Until him. Skull.The only man I’ve ever loved. The only man I will ever love. His touch inflames me. I can’t stay away—even if I should. I gave him my body and my heart.To keep him safe, I will sell my soul to the devil. The lies began with our hello. Now, I’m captured by them. Skull: There’s an animal in me that I keep hidden. Beth calls to him. She tempts the monster and lures him to the surface. I’m obsessed with her. I can’t stay away, even when doing so puts my entire club in danger. Her blood is on my hands. I formed her to fit only me. I was her first and if I have to kill everyone in our way. So be it. I will be her last. She is mine. This book ends in a cliffhanger and continues in Torch's story (Burned). Torch's story will have his happy ending and then the series will continue.
Salvatore
Natasha Knight - 2016
While my father sat silent, a man defeated, giving his daughter to the Benedetti monsters.I obeyed. I played my part. I signed my name and gave away my life. I became their living, breathing trophy, a constant symbol of their power over us.That was five years ago.Then came the time for him to claim me. For Salvatore Benedetti to own me.I had vowed vengeance. I had learned hate. And yet, nothing could have prepared me for the man who now ruled my life.I expected a monster, one I would destroy. But nothing is ever black or white. No one is either good or evil. For all his darkness, I saw his light. For all his evil, I saw his good. As much as he made me hate him, a passion hotter than the fires of hell burned inside me.I was his, and he was mine. My very own monster.SalvatoreI owned the DeMarco Mafia Princess. She belonged to me now. We had won, and they had lost. And what better way to teach a lesson than to take from them that which is most precious? Most beloved?I was the boy who would be king. Next in line to rule the Benedetti Family. Lucia DeMarco was the spoils of war. Mine to do with as I pleased.It was my duty to break her. To make her life a living hell. My soul was dark, I was hell bound. And there was no way out, not for either of us. Because the Benedetti family never lost, and in our wake, we left destruction. It’s how it had always been. How I believed it would always be.Until Lucia.Author’s Note: Salvatore and Lucia’s story is a steamy standalone romance. No cliffhanger and no cheating. It is intended for mature readers.
Handyman
Claire Thompson - 2008
Simple handyman. Can they find common ground? Will Spencer is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns big money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and openly gay, he’s used to having whatever—and whoever—he wants at the snap of his fingers. And what he wants now is his new handyman, Jack Crawford. But Jack is skittish. One lingering touch, one stolen kiss could send the older man into full retreat. Where Will might have quickly moved on to a more ready-and-willing partner, he unexpectedly finds himself wanting to go slow. With just a little coaxing, he’s sure he can show Jack how good it could be between them. Jack, a recent widower, never thought of himself as gay. Frightened years ago by an erotic encounter with his best friend, he focused firmly on his marriage. Now that his bed is empty, however, those deep sexual longings are rising dangerously close to the surface. Their connection is deep, instant, and one that Jack tries to ignore. Yet friendship grows into an erotic journey that must cross a divide of different generations, backgrounds and worlds. The prize is the one thing neither is sure he can handle—true love.
Vulnerable
April Wilson - 2015
Both books can be read standalone, and both books end in an HEA, but to get the most enjoyment out of them, they're best read in order. The second book - Fearless - is due out early 2016.)Beth Jamison had a rough start in life. She survived a childhood abduction, but her traumatic past still haunts her, and she suffers from anxiety and issues with intimacy. Beth doesn't know it, but the man who kidnapped her has just been released early from prison. When Beth’s brother hires McIntyre Security, Inc. to protect Beth and conduct surveillance on her kidnapper, Beth has no idea she has secret bodyguards keeping her safe 24/7. With his money and good looks, CEO Shane McIntyre has never been short on feminine company, and he’s developed a reputation as a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” kind of guy. But that changes when Shane meets Beth. Their mutual attraction is instant and intense, and Shane falls hard for Beth. Shane has his work cut out for him if he’s going to gain her trust and get past her fears. This alpha protector is determined to keep Beth safe, but he’s also determined to make her his.
Virgin Princess's Marriage Debt
Pippa Roscoe - 2019
She abandoned him once, rejecting the future they’d planned—and he wants an explanation! But when they lock eyes, Theo’s careful plans explode in the fire of their still-intense connection.The truth? Devastated Sofia was forced to return to her royal duties all those years ago. But now Theo has created a scandal, and he’ll take back what’s his and claim Sofia—as his bride! Can their enduring bond overcome his quest for passionate revenge?From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
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 Pawn
Skye Warren - 2016
He tore down my father with cold retribution, leaving him penniless in a hospital bed. I quit my private all-girl's college to take care of the only family I have left.There's one way to save our house, one thing I have left of value.My virginity.A forbidden auction...Gabriel appears at every turn. He seems to take pleasure in watching me fall. Other times he's the only kindness in a brutal underworld.Except he's playing a deeper game than I know. Every move brings us together, every secret rips us apart. And when the final piece is played, only one of us can be left standing.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *THE PAWN is a full-length contemporary novel from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren about revenge and seduction in the game of love. It's the first book in the brand new ENDGAME series.
Echo
A. Zavarelli - 2015
He says he owns me. And it’s true. I’ve signed over complete control of my body and life for six months to a man I don’t know. Five years he’s been planning this. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But my blackmailer serves it up white hot. He’s addicted to my innocence, and I’m addicted to him. He likes to hurt me. I love to let him. He brings me to life. He sets me free. He makes my heart feel things it shouldn’t. But he also scares me. He holds the fate of my brother’s life in his hands. A life behind bars for crimes I know he didn’t commit. My blackmailer can’t give up his revenge on my family, and I can’t be with him if he doesn’t. But I’m nothing more than a butterfly caught in his net. Do I really have a choice?
The Italian's Virgin Bride
Trish Morey - 2004
So heagrees to help Opal, but only if she consents to hismarriage ultimatum.Opal has no choice but to marry Domenic, but thenhe makes another demand: she must provide himwith an heir. But Domenic quickly realizes thatthere's one thing he can't buy--hiswife's love....
The Island
Alice Ward - 2017
One gorgeous virgin. One deserted island... The moment I lay eyes on Kendra Baxter, I know she has to be mine. But the daughter of a Navy SEAL doesn't take orders. She’s been taught skills, strength and integrity. And god, that’s hot. So I do what any powerful billionaire CEO would do — I take her on as my intern and plan my aggressive takeover. Only, fate has other ideas. My perfectly laid out plan of attack is flawed, and our plane crashes on a deserted island. Here, who I am doesn’t matter. Money and social power don’t matter. I’m not a CEO anymore. I’m just a man. Something’s different, I’m different. I still want to claim her, but now I want to protect her too. We are locked in a fight for survival, and maybe more. And I will do anything and everything in my power to protect her and make her mine. *** This is a Full-Length STANDALONE billionaire romance novel with an HEA and NO CLIFFHANGER. For a LIMITED TIME, this copy also includes a HOT FREE BONUS! ***
Monster Prick
Kendall Ryan - 2015
That's what I told Gracie when she informed me of her plan to pick some random guy she met online to get rid of her pesky virginity. If anyone is touching her, it's going to be me. I shouldn't even be considering it, but I can't get it out of my head: her, under me, begging me. ***Arrogant. Cocky. Prick.Those are the words I’d use to describe my older brother’s dangerously handsome best friend. When he learned of my plan to kick off my white cotton briefs, ditching my good girl persona once and for all by losing my virginity to the first eligible bachelor I could find, he flipped out. Said over his dead body. He says if anyone’s going to do it, it’s going to be him. I hate that I’m even considering his offer. But I am … I sooo am. Ever since he suggested it, all I can think about is his cocky smile on those full lips as he’s driving in to me. But if we cross that line … will I ever be able to go back?MONSTER PRICK is a spin off novella from SCREWED, but can be read as a standalone, as it features a new couple.