Book picks similar to
Expressionate by Lucy Smoke
dark
romance
available-now
contemporary-romance
Rocking Standby
Cassandra Lawson - 2017
I may not get the private jet, but I always fly first class. Gone are the days when I have to pursue a woman. They toss their panties at me and shove their numbers in the front of my jeans. I am living a charmed life.So, how did I end up stuck as a standby passenger, hoping to get a flight? Not only did I get stuck in coach, I ended up seated next to the girl next door. Bentley seems sweet and genuine, a far cry from the women I normally date. At least, that’s what I believed before finding out Bentley is a deceitful gold-digger.BentleyThere is no room in my life for romance. That’s what I’ve been telling myself since I lost the number of the sweet guy I met on my flight. He somehow managed to turn my bad day around, and for a short time, I considered going out with him. He’d been funny and sweet, or so I’d believed. Boy was I wrong.Gage Addison isn’t just some guy from my flight. He’s lead guitarist of Reckless Release—a freaking rock star! No matter how sweet they seem, I don’t date musicians, especially one who calls me a gold-digging whore the second time he sees me. Getting involved with Gage is not an option, no matter how hot he makes me.
The Ritual
Shantel Tessier - 2021
You vow. We vow.Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all—the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it’s not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had—freedom.I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death.Things to know about The RitualIt is MFTRIGGER WARNINGS (Please see the author's note on the inside)J/P & OTT Hero (jealous/possessive & over the top)This is a 150K word dark romance and may contain triggers for some due to sexual situations, language, and violence.
No Tomorrow
Carian Cole - 2018
They steal our breath.They steal our sanity.And we let them.Over and over and over again.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *They say you never forget your first love.Mine was a homeless musician who wandered straight into my soul.He was my first everything. And fourteen years later, I still can't get him out of my head.He broke all my rules.He also broke my heart.I watched him climb to stardom, cheering him on from afar.But I was never a fan; just a girl in love.Like a tornado, he spiraled, leaving a path of destruction in his wake.But love conquers all, right? It has to. Because here I stand, ravaged and ruined, needing it to be true.You can't go back, but I want to. Back to the park. Back to when he sang only for me. Before he was famous. Before he shattered my heart.I thought I knew everything about him.But I could not have been more wrong.He promised me every tomorrow. And here I am, waiting.And hoping.Again. _______________________ Note: This is not a fluffy, light read or a swoony romance. It's a journey of love between two people who can't let each other go, even though they are far from perfect. It's about loving someone who is struggling with mental illness and addiction and all the ups and downs that come with it. It's about finding a happily ever after that works between two people loving each other the best they can with patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Not everyone will agree with this kind of love and acceptance - but it exists, and it's real, and it happens every day.
Sin
Elena M. Reyes - 2021
Sin and pleasure.The Devil she never sees coming…Everyone knows that Malcolm Asher owns Chicago. Nothing—not a single move is made in my city without my authorization. I’m ruthless. Conniving. Worshipped by those around me, and yet, it means nothing the moment my eyes meet hers…Clear blue and innocent, the delicate doll on this stage holds me captive against my will. She’s decadence personified—a corruptible angel I want to own.I’m hard for her. Starving for a taste. Eager for her to feel me.This little girl has no idea of the danger she’s in within my presence. How I will make her crave the darkness I control.How I will make her…Mine.
Like Dragonflies
K. Webster - 2019
Pampered. Spoiled.Slowly suffocating under my mother’s stifling thumb.He’s the bad boy from Duncan.Poor. Abused. Criminal.Being swallowed by the darkness each passing second.Two lost souls searching for freedom and happiness.We’re lonely—broken—and trapped.Until the universe brings us together.Sometimes love is instantaneous.A supernova collision of emotions.Something that cannot be ignored.As our hearts tangle to the point they’ll never be able to part, the past comes creeping up like an evil villain. The mistakes of our parents become our consequences to face.We’re madly, deeply, foolishly in love.Soul mates who finally found each other.Two people who share the same father.
The Fall of Legend
Meghan March - 2019
We come from two different worlds. I’m from the streets. She might as well live in an ivory tower. I made my living with my fists. I doubt she could even throw a punch. Our paths never should have crossed. We never should have met. That doesn’t change the facts. I would sell my soul to taste those red lips. Fight the devil himself to hear her laugh. Burn in hell to have a single night. Scarlett Priest shouldn’t even know men like me exist, but sometimes temptation is stronger than will. If this is how I go down, it’ll be worth every second of the fall.
Destroyed
Pepper Winters - 2014
Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated. I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn't realized how far I could fall or what I'd do to get free. He has a secret.I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I want, act how I want.I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.One secret destroys them.
Draw
Cora Brent - 2014
A set of fraternal triplets born to a depraved family, they were rough, sexy and wild as wolves."Saylor... I don’t even know if love is real. After running from the bastard who brutalized me, I limped back to Arizona, choosing a vibrant college town in the hopes of starting over. I never expected to find him there. Cord Gentry. He and his brothers were tough, lusty forces of nature I’d known since childhood. Years ago, Cord seduced me as a sick game. I’ve hated him ever since. Now here he is again, a man who beats other men bloody for money. Cord has always been heartless, dangerous, not to be trusted. And I want him so much I can’t think. Cord...They called us ‘those white trash Gentry boys’ until we believed that’s what we were. Our people squatted at the edge of a hellhole prison town for generations. The childhood we endured was the stuff of nightmares. I’d learned early on that my brothers, Chase and Creed, were the only people on earth worth my time. They all told us we were bad, that we’d always be bad. The horrors of the past have scarred my soul. But now I need to be better. For her. Warning: This book contains explicit language, sexual situations, and violence which may be upsetting to some. Draw is the first of the Gentry Boys series, however this New Adult Romance novel can be read as a stand alone.
Thorn
Tracy Lorraine - 2019
From the moment she steps foot in Rosewood High— it's clear she must go.And I'll use my power to get rid of her. The betrayal I'm reminded of each time our eyes lock must end.She's a lost rich girl, trying to recover from the death of her parents. But none of that is my concern.This is my life. My rules. My senior year. What I say goes.And I say she's done.Until she proves me wrong...
Because of Him
Terri E. Laine - 2017
Laine.Past and present intertwine with light and dark to tell a story ...Because of Him Something inside me fiercely craves normal.Sheltered all my life and taught to be afraid, I want to be bold, fearless. Up until now I've kept myself and my heart safe.Tade Astor, a guy so hot he steals my breath away, jeopardizes it all.He isn't the kind of guy to give up on what he wants—me.He’s determined to prove my safe world is missing something—him.Even though he may not be the cocky guy I assumed him to be...He’s definitely not the guy I should give my heart to.But each time I see him, he becomes harder to resist.I want to be brave and give him a chance... though it might come back to haunt me.At the heart of Because of Him is a love story. But due to certain sensitive topics, it might not be suitable for all readers.
Always Meant to Be
Siobhan Davis - 2022
He’s my eighteen-year-old son’s best friend, and I’m old enough to know better.My marriage is falling apart, and Vander’s home life is tragic.Yet, his broken parts speak to mine, and amid all the chaos, a true connection is formed. The only peace I find is in those stolen moments when we share our darkest secrets and our deepest desires.This thing between us has disaster written all over it.But I’m powerless to resist the magnetic pull that draws us closer and closer.Until lines are crossed, boundaries are broken, and everything I thought I knew about myself is undone.This reverse age-gap romance contains mature scenes, dark themes, and situations that may push your boundaries. Reader caution is advised.
Once Upon His Star
Ember Davis - 2020
I have a job I love helping bring new life into the world, I have a supportive family, and music fills in the holes. Still, I know something’s missing—a place I truly belong.I had no idea that I’d find a family when I walked into work. I had no idea I’d find more than that in the form of Cole Howard, sexy as sin lead singer of Suburban Outcasts. He looks at me and I feel seen and appreciated. He looks at me and I feel desire and want.I had bad luck with a musician before. They’re all about the image and the celebrity, right? Cole seems different, but that doesn’t mean the fame machine won’t chew me up and spit me out.So many people want a piece of Cole. Will I be enough for him? Will he have enough for me after he makes his dreams come true?He’s a star and I’m just a girl with a wish.COLEI know we made the right decision to relocate to Denver and be closer to our family. I didn’t know how much that decision would change my life until I met the woman who is meant to be mine in a hospital hallway. I might have been there for the family, but I found my future that day.Women who only cared about my money and fame have used me before. I can tell that Holly isn’t like that. The fame might be intimidating, but I just need her to give me a little trust and some time so I can show her how much she means to me.With everything I learn about her and with every moment I spend with her, it makes me more confident that she’s the only one for me.I just hope the fame and the ugliness that comes along with it isn’t too much for her. I need her.I’d give it all up for her. Without her, it means nothing.**18+. If you like alpha heroes and an insta-love story that is sweet but isn’t necessarily simple, then this is for you. This story is safe, no cheating, guaranteed HEA. It is a standalone and the first in the Suburban Outcasts series, but it would be more enjoyable if you're caught up with this Denver family.Warning: This story does contain casual cannabis use, but not to worry, they live in a legalized state and are responsible members of society.**Chronological Reading Order:Protecting His Home (Banks Ink. Book 1)Accepting His Home (Banks Ink. Book 2)Yearning for His Home (Banks Ink. Book 3)Once Upon His Star (Suburban Outcasts, Book 1)Securing His Family (Higgins Security Book 1)Picturing Their Home’ (Banks Ink. Book 4)Catching His Falling Star (Suburban Outcasts Book 1)
Sometimes Never
Cheryl McIntyre - 2012
She’s content with her current no-strings-attached extracurricular activity with the lead singer of her band. She’s never believed in love and commitment.Mason starts his eighth school in five years anticipating nothing more than the usual—boring classes, fighting more than making friends, and girls happily willing to succumb to his easy smile. He’s never put much stock into love at first sight—until he sees her.Regardless of their painful pasts, Hope and Mason discover that sometimes never can become forever.
*This is a mature young adult. Recommended for 17+ due to sensitive subject material, harsh language, and sexual situations.
Better When He's Bad
Jay Crownover - 2014
. . meet Shane Baxter. Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way. Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced. Bax terrifies her, but it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize that some boys are just better when they’re bad.
Hate at First Sight
Penelope Bloom - 2018
My dream. My dark, broken prince.AribelleHe was my own personal apocalypse,But I moved on. I healed. I built a new life.It took me eight years, but I did it. Then he came back.He came into my life just like the last time.Other guys wanted my heart to make their own,But Zach wasn’t like them. He wanted my heart for a trophy.Like a prize to hang on his mantle. And I’d be damned if he was going to get it. It would’ve been easier if the years had been hard on him, But nothing was easy with him.Zach is a rock star now. Household name. Sex symbol. Filthy rich.It’s not long before I’m sucked back into his life,And a six-month blackmail contract that says I have to tag along on his tour. He thinks he can walk over me like the old days,He thinks this is going to be easy.But I’m going to enjoy proving him wrong.ZachI met Aribelle while she was trimming my hedges. And no, that’s not a euphemism.She was a gardener’s daughter,and she should’ve been invisible to me.She wasn’t. She looked at me like she had a right to, Like she was the one who should look at me with pity,Like she somehow knew I was broken inside.That wasn’t why I decided to ruin her life.She dated one of my best friends and learned my darkest secret.But eight years is a long time. I never got what I wanted back then, and now’s my chance.She’s back, and I’m not stopping until claim her heart.She’s still not over what happened. Tough luck, Gardener Girl. I don’t lose, and the game is on.