Book picks similar to
Darkness Series: Books 1-3 by J.L. Drake


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romantic-suspense
romance
contemporary-romance

Teacher Beware


Charlotte Raine - 2014
    Two years later, she moves to Murray, Virginia to get a new lease on life. On her first day of substitute teaching, her new life is nearly cut short when she finds herself in the middle of a shooting that leaves a married couple dead. Luckily, she is saved by Sam Meadows, a cardiologist, but the shooter has disappeared by the time the police come around. When the shooter tries to kill Grace again, Sam and Grace realize that the killer won’t stop until she is dead. With a killer who has nothing to lose, the question isn’t if the killer will attack again, but when and who will be in the crosshairs. A romance/murder-mystery wrapped in the aspects of life: love, family, forgiveness, danger, and death.

Break Me


Jo-Anna Walker - 2013
    Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid. Sebastian Chelios, a hard as nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner.Sebastian has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.How can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?

The Next Generation Series: Books 1-3


Riley Edwards - 2021
    But he’ll break every rule to protect her.Nick ClarkI clipped a shiny, new FBI badge to my belt, thinking I could save the world. Four years later, the shield’s got some dents, along with my idealism. And there’s one cold case that’s come back to haunt me.A killer has resurfaced, and all my instincts tell me he’s after the victim that got away. I’ll break every rule in the book to protect beautiful, scarred Meadow. Because I’ve done the most dangerous, most distracting thing an agent can do. I’ve fallen for her.Meadow HolidayI don’t believe in fairy tales. Not after an attack left me a half a woman. But when Nick swears to protect me from my worst nightmare, his charm cracks my resolve to guard myself. One kiss shatters it.But, like the evil villain in the tale, the killer won’t stop until he finishes what he started. And our happy ending balances on the point of a knife.Chasing HonorMoney can’t buy love. But a dangerous secret could cost them their lives.Ethan LenoxEight years ago, I was left holding the baby, but I have no regrets. I’m a good single dadand a good cop. While I haven’t exactly been a monk, dating—and trusting my heartagain—are off the table.When I catch a photographer snapping pictures of my kid, I go into hyper-protectivemode. But Honor’s pictures are as arresting as her pretty eyes, and when she answers myad to rent a room at my house, I begin to wonder if she’s another heartbreak…or a secondchance.Honor SullivanGotta travel light when you’re on the run. Luckily, secrets don’t take up much room. Ineed a place to stay just long enough to figure things out, but when I get a look at mynew landlord, my heart flipflops.Ethan and his daughter are everything I’ve been missing. But just when I’m beginning tobelieve I’ve found refuge, my secrets find me. One of which I hadn’t even known I wascarrying. This one could not only get me killed, it could endanger the little family I’vecome to love.Finding MercyDEA Agent Jason Walker became a widower at twenty-eight. Two years later he’s still torturing himself with guilt. They’d married young, and she’d been his first love, but her illness changed everything. They’d fought a losing battle and he’d held her to the very end. Now he just wants to be left alone with his misery and memories.Mercy James is no stranger to grief and loneliness. Her brother’s death of a drug overdose, and her police officer father’s death in the line of duty were the driving forces behind her pursuit of a career in the DEA. In spite of—or maybe because of—her past, Mercy doesn’t believe in feeling sorry for others, or for herself.When a case brings Jason and Mercy together, and their attraction heats up, can her tough, straightforwardness help Jason learn to live in the light again? He’d lost his first love, but is he ready for a forever love?

Beacon of Love


Allie Boniface - 2013
    He wants to protect the town's secrets. She's bent on uncovering them at all costs. As the mystery deepens, sparks fly and legends crumble. Is preserving tradition worth giving up a chance at true love? "Beacon of Love has likable characters, lively dialogue and a local mystery which needs to be solved. Well paced with just the right amount of humor, I found myself turning the pages to see just what was going to happen next...the scenes between Sophie and Lucas are fun, light and full of sexual tension..." ~Queen of the Night Reviews "I really enjoyed the premises of this story. True love...Secrets....New Love....Wonderful!" ~4-Stars on Goodreads "Beacon of Love by Allie Boniface was the perfect slice of heaven for me! Not only did we get a nice romance, but we also got to dig into an old mystery and try to solve a 50 year-old murder..." ~Romance Addict Book Blog *Note: this book was originally published in 2013 by Lyrical Press,

Heart Raider


Sophia Knightly - 2013
    A scorching summer. Danger lurks... After a raging media storm nearly destroys him, financial whiz Nick Cameron finds himself isolated and laying low on a barrier island off the Florida coast, far away from the reporters and scandals that threaten him. But when little Ronnie Whitcomb shows up on his doorstep, all grown up and breathtakingly beautiful, he tries to deny his feelings for her. Fate intervenes when a hurricane strands them on the island together, and suddenly, keeping Ronnie at arm's length becomes almost impossible. But daredevil TV reporter Veronique Whitcomb has an agenda of her own -- an agenda that could quite possibly get her killed. Recalling the hunky boy who rescued her at summer camp, Ronnie knows there's more to Nick than the hot and juicy scandal he's embroiled in, and she is determined to get the exclusive interview with him that will expose the real criminal. Whether Nick likes it or not, Ronnie refuses to sit by while the world slanders the most honorable and decent man she's ever known...and loved.THE HEARTTHROB SERIES: Book 1: Heart Raider (Nick and Veronique) Book 2: Heart Melter (Ian and Natasha) Book 3: Heart Tamer (Alec and Kate) Book 4: Heart Hunter (Cameron and Evie) Book 5: Heart Tempter (Leo and Teddy)

A Cold Dark Place


Toni Anderson - 2014
    He’s an assassin who’ll die to keep her safe. His secret will destroy them both. Former CIA assassin Alex Parker works for a clandestine government organization hell-bent on taking out serial killers and pedophiles before they enter the justice system. Alex doesn't enjoy killing, but he's damn good at it. FBI Special Agent Mallory Rooney has spent years hunting the lowlife who abducted her identical twin sister eighteen years ago. Now, during an on-going serial killer investigation, Mallory begins to suspect there's a vigilante operating outside the law. When Mallory starts asking questions, Alex is ordered to watch her. As soon as they meet, the two begin to fall in love. But the lies and betrayals that define Alex's life threaten to destroy them both—especially when the man who stole her sister all those years ago makes Mallory his next target. Start reading this award-winning Romantic Suspense series today! Winner of the New England Readers' Choice Award and the Aspen Gold. Available in digital, print, and audiobook format. From New York Times bestselling author Toni Anderson. This edition features a brand-new cover.

Condemned Complete Series: A Dark Romance


Gemma James - 2020
    Over 1300 pages of action-packed dark romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Reader discretion is advised. I was fifteen when I sent the love of my life to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Back then Rafe was my brother’s best friend and off-limits, but that didn’t stop me from drooling over him. I’ve never forgotten the guy whose green eyes made me weak in the knees. Rafe hasn’t forgotten me either. Eight years later, I find him on my doorstep with revenge on the mind. The twisted part of this story? I still want him, even though he’s holding me captive on an island. He says I’ve got eight years of misery to atone for, and every move he makes is designed to shame and punish. Instead, his touch lights us both on fire. But the lie I told years ago is ricocheting. Neither of us saw it coming. The violence, death, and betrayal that leave us in ruins. Redemption seems impossible because we can’t undo what’s been done. I belong to him as much as he belongs to me, and we’ll fight for each other or go down in flames trying. Includes all 6 books in the Condemned series: Torrent, Rampant, Fervent, Vagrant, Deviant, and Descent. NOTE TO READERS: Intended for mature readers who enjoy a dark contemporary romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.

RAGE


Alana Sapphire - 2016
    ***This is a boxed set which includes previously published material - Forbidden, Tempted, Claimed, Deception, and Envisage (A #Rage Short Story).***

Marry the Scot Series: Volume I


Jolie Vines - 2020
    Get on a plane with me."A Highlander walks into a bar...My father's conference, to be exact. The Scot is huge, overbearing, and his gaze sets me on fire. He wants to take me home to see his mighty tower.I'm tempted. I really am.Except I just had a proposal from someone else. One that could give me everything I wanted.Apart from love.But when did I ever have a need for that?Love Most, Say Least“With my foot to the accelerator of a stolen vehicle, I kidnapped an unconscious heir.”I never cared about who I’d marry, only that I had to walk the aisle before I was twenty-one or lose my inheritance. Then a tiny, wild-haired beauty pulled a stunt that sent my heart into overdrive, and my pulse hasn’t slowed since.She had no idea a car wreck scarred my body and stole my family.She couldn’t know that from one kiss, I’d be all but in love.I’d saved my virginity for a marriage I didn’t value. Now Beth is in my sights, I finally know what I want, even if loving her means losing everything.Hero"Sit tight, lass. I'll find ye."I always pictured my brother's best friend to be impressive--after all, he's a military helicopter pilot whose job is to save people. Then he appears in front of me and my assumptions fly out of the window.Tattoos on muscles.Grey eyes and a sexy smirk.A Scottish accent to die for.And what's more? He's here to rescue me from my uncle's clutches. My poor sheltered heart stands no chance.The Rival"I won't lose you. Not to him."Resigned to marry a man I despise in order to save my family's farm, I can't let one point lie. If I'm going to lose my virginity anytime soon, it'll be on my terms. But when I proposition a stranger, I can't predict that the sweet, generous, super sexy man will turn out to be my betrothed's relative.And fierce rival.Let the Highland Games begin.This boxed set contains the first three novels and a novella in the Marry the Scot series. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop. Download this now to enter a world of gorgeous scenery and hot Scots!"Jolie Vines has become a one-click author for me" - J. Saman, Bestselling Author

Anonymous


L.P. Dover - 2018
    Some may be sweet with a happily ever after, but there are others that end in tragedy. Mine has yet to be finished.My name is Elizabeth Kingston and this is where my story begins.I never thought my life could be so perfect. I have an amazing job owning my own bakery, and a wonderful husband who I love and who loves me back. Never once did I have to worry about anything, at least, not until the texts started coming in. They always begin the same way … numbers that spell my nickname when read upside down.31773It’s someone from my past, only they won’t to tell me who they are, but that by talking to them, I’ll figure it out. It’s a game I refuse to play. Unfortunately, I’m left with no choice when things begin to take a dangerous turn.His name is Anonymous and there’s only one thing he wants … ME.

Tease


Alexis Anne - 2014
    He was great in bed and only in town for a few hot nights.There was no way I could have known Adam wouldn't be satisfied with just sex. My craving for his body made me careless. I broke my rules. I let him in. I never thought two weeks could change everything. All I wanted was an escape, what I got was so much more.Something I couldn't live without once I had it.***Alexis Anne novels are explicitly romantic. You will find intense stories of love, passion, and self-discovery, alongside intimately detailed encounters that can only occur when two people are falling hopelessly in love. These novels are best suited for readers seventeen and up due to these exciting reasons. And language. Alexis Anne uses a lot of language.  THE TEASE SERIES Tease (#1) Stripped (#2)Tempt (#3) Burn (#4) *If you love Adam, be sure to check out his cousin Jake in The Storm Inside series!

Slow Burn


V.J. Chambers - 2013
    She’d rather snort lines than think about that. She’d rather do shots of marshmallow-flavored vodka until she can’t remember.When Griffin Fawkes arrives with the news that her father’s dead, she isn’t sure if she cares. He wasn’t much of a father anyway. The only silver lining here is that Griffin’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and Leigh wants him bad.Griffin owes his life to Leigh's father. The man begged him to keep his daughter safe. But Griffin didn't expect a cocaine-fueled party girl who barely seems to care about her own safety. It seems like she'd rather destroy herself than anything else.Even worse, he didn't expect he'd care about her. He knows he's too damaged to ever really be with a woman. The best he can do is to make sure she’s safe from whoever could hurt her. Including herself. Including himself.Of course, fighting off men with guns is starting to seem easier than keeping his hands off Leigh.

Kiss of a Stranger


Lily Danes - 2016
    Now he’s returned, determined to expose the men who set him up. His best chance at redemption is seducing the straight-laced woman working for the enemy…until he realizes he’s the one being seduced.A woman who's sworn off bad boys…Maddie Palmer lost everything when her ex-husband betrayed her. Years later, she’s rebuilt her life. It’s safe and stable—everything she thought she wanted. Until a dangerously sexy ex-con appears in Lost Coast Harbor...As passion ignites, Gabe and Maddie find themselves drawn deeper into the corruption behind the town’s richest family, even as they face the greatest danger of all—losing their hearts.

The Serpents and Kings Trilogy


S.M. Gaither - 2020
    One completed story. 1500+ pages full of magic, monsters, and forbidden romance—the perfect next read for fans of Sarah J. Maas!A cursed woman.A powerful prince.A forbidden love, and an empire hanging in the balance...Decades ago, the High King of Sundolia waged a war that vanquished the Serpent clan and drove them out of the empire, reducing them to nothing more than legends spoken of in occasional frightened whispers.But they did not leave peacefully. Their parting gift included curses that now rest within the empire’s soil, beneath the shade of its jungles, treading through the waves of its seas. Growing more and more dormant as the years pass under the rule of that increasingly tyrannical high king. Until Alaya—a young woman with a hidden Serpent mark who shouldn’t exist—accidentally wakes one of them up. Then another. And suddenly she finds herself exiled from her adopted village and left with no choice but to seek the truth about her lost clan and the so-called curses they left behind. About her true home. About a power, stolen from the Serpent goddess herself, that is supposedly resting in that home.It is the sort of power that could help her overthrow a king, expose the lies he’s told, and put a stop to his wars.The crown prince of Sundolia claims he wants to put a stop to those wars with her. That he only wants to help her find that power so he can undo the horrors his father has created. All they have to do is find a way to trust each other.But the closer they get to that power, the more complicated the truth—and the trust— becomes. The more dangerous Alaya’s waking power seems. And the more she begins to wonder: Can you still be the hero if you were born a curse?

Forever Entangled


Kathleen Brooks - 2015
    After working as an undercover FBI Agent in Los Angeles, Ryan gets a phone call telling him to come home to the small town of Keeneston, Kentucky. The woman he thought he was over is now in serious trouble. Sienna Ashton fell in love with Ryan Parker too late. He was gone from her life before she realized what he really meant to her. Now working as a sports psychologist, Sienna finds herself helping others figure their lives out. She thinks her chance of happily ever after is long gone until a murder brings Ryan back into her life and entangles them in a battle for their heart and their lives. Ryan and Sienna discover there is more going on than originally thought and now the two are in the fight of their lives. It doesn't take long for fireworks to ignite as passion and danger drive the couple toward a fate they never saw coming.