Book picks similar to
The Carnival's Daughter by Esme Devlin
dark
dystopia
dystopian
dark-romance
Dancing in the Dark
T.L. Martin - 2018
One push. One ding, one dong.And it will all be real.”I never thought it would be easy. And, yet, nothing could have prepared me for this. For them. For him.The second the black walls of the Matthews House swallow me whole, I know it’s a dangerous game I’m playing. One that threatens to consume me. Taunt me. Cut, burn, and bleed me dry. Until there’s nothing left to take. In the end, I will find the dark in a way I never expected.In the end . . . I will question everything.ADAM“Ash and dust. Death and murder. When you have no soul, there’s no fear of losing it. And without fear . . . you’re limitless.”She’s supposed to be a pawn. A gift. Some kind of fucked up way to screw with my head.Another doll, another day.But no one, not even my brothers, know the secrets of my past. None of us could know what the girl’s presence here really means. For them. For her. Or what secrets of her own she has buried deep behind those deceptively innocent eyes.But no secret stays buried forever.And not even I can pull the strings when we’re dancing in the dark.*PLEASE BE ADVISED: this book contains triggers. Dark themes, characters with questionable morals, questionable sexual situations, violence, murder, abuse (including minors), sex, and profanity.
Surrendering the Dark (Lucifer and Amalie's Story, #1)
S.J. West - 2019
Wasn’t it enough that He cast me out of Heaven and forced me to live among the humans? Now, He’s dangling the promise of a soulmate in front of my face hoping for… what? That I’ll give up my quest to destroy humanity once and for all? That I’ll miraculously find my true self again? He only has Himself to blame for the monster I’ve become and the destruction I’ve caused. If He thinks bringing this girl into my life will halt everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve, it just proves He doesn’t know me at all.Yet, I can’t ignore the undeniable attraction I feel for the latest of Lilly’s descendants. Of course she’s beautiful. That’s a given. But there’s something in her eyes, an innocence and strength, that draws me to her, wanting to discover more about her, causing me to desire to make her mine.
Amalie
I never thought wishes could come true, but the moment I saw Lucifer I knew mine had finally been granted. I come from a long line of strong women who have dedicated their lives to a singular purpose: defeating the forces of evil in order to protect the universe from their influence. Having my soul paired with Lucifer’s seems like a cosmic calamity, but there’s something in his eyes when he looks at me. I can see his desire to be accepted for who he is by someone who won’t judge him for his past deeds. Am I the one meant to lead his life down a different path? Can my love help Lucifer remember the angel he once was before his fall from Grace? I don’t have the answers to those questions, but my heart tells me our love will be everlasting and strong enough to change a soul ravaged by hatred and loneliness for far too long.
This is a part of my Watcher series of books. Minimum reading for this story is The Redemption Series (Malcolm, Anna, Lucifer, and Redemption). Reading Order of Watcher Books by Series (All books FREE to read through Kindle Unlimited):
The Watchers Trilogy (Ages 13+)
Cursed
Blessed
Forgiven
The Watcher Chronicles (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes)
Broken
Kindred
Oblivion
Ascension
Caylin's Story (Ages 13+ - Can be read by younger readers without having to read the Watcher Chronicles)
Timeless
Devoted
Aiden's Story (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes)
Alternate Earth Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes)
Cataclysm
Merciless
Willow Winters - 2018
Women like her are made to destroy men like me. I couldn’t resist her though. Given to me to start a war; I was too eager to accept. But I didn’t know what she’d do to me. That she would change everything. She sees through me in a way no one else ever has. Her innocence and vulnerability make me weak for her and I hate it.I know better than to give in to temptation.A ruthless man doesn’t let a soul close to him.A cold-hearted man doesn’t risk anything for anyone.A powerful man with a beautiful woman at his mercy… he doesn’t fall for her.
The Missing Link
J.M. Sevilla - 2013
It's intended to be read by mature audiences. Part one of a two part series. There are three things Lily Evans immediately notices about her new neighbor, Jay Lincoln. The first is his monstrous size, the second is the malicious way he glares at her, and thirdly, but most importantly, the three scars that mark his right eye. She knows the smart thing to do is stay away, but she has never met or seen anyone like him. The more time she spends with this frightening yet captivating man, the harder it becomes. He can make her hairs stand on end but he also has a sweetness to him that tugs at her heart. Soon she finds herself merged into his world full of murder, revenge, and deceit.New Adult Romance
Stone Cold Bad
Tess Oliver - 2015
A guy like him was the last thing I needed now. A guy like Colt Stone was the last thing I ever needed. -Colt-Emotion, feelings and, hell, even love had been turned off in all of us Stone brothers long ago. Then Jade landed in my life. It was the last thing I ever wanted, to feel this way about someone. Attachments like this were only followed by heartbreak, and I wasn't into heartbreak. I wasn't into f*cking attachments. Bad boy Colt Stone has a notorious reputation for being a tough and dangerous heartbreaker. A brutal childhood hardened him to the idea of any type of emotional attachment to anyone. When he becomes the unwitting accomplice in Jade Morrow's escape from an abusive boyfriend, he soon finds that he'll do anything to keep her safe. Has Colt found the one girl who can break through to his impenetrable heart?When she runs away from her monstrous boyfriend, Jade Morrow has no place to go and no one to turn to. She accidentally lands in the arms of a handsome, tattooed stranger. Colt Stone is as formidable as he is appealing and Jade soon finds that he's equally hard to resist. When her troubled past catches up to her, Jade discovers just how far Colt will go to save her.
Sworn
Maria Luis - 2018
The words are tattooed on my skin, just as they’re branded on my heart. But I never planned for Sergeant Lincoln Asher, a man as deceptive as he is cold. His dominance sets my teeth on edge . . . and my body on fire. He won’t stop until I’m his, but I’m not his to take. My secrets bind me—and blind me. I live in the shadows of New Orleans. Hidden and protected in the underworld I call home. I know who I am. I vow never to kneel before a man... Save one. And he will be my downfall.
Blood Red Rose
Fawn Bailey - 2018
I'll make you." Stolen. Kidnapped. Taken. He snatched me off the street, ending my dream of becoming a dancer. Now, I'm locked away in a mansion with girls who've met the same fate. My captor is always rough, rarely kind. He punishes me for every little mistake. He's training me. Preparing me. Getting me ready. Slowly, my body is starting to break. Obey. Bend to his will. Time's ticking. My body is learning to submit. I've almost stopped fighting. Almost given in. Still, the promise of something darker hangs in the air. The real monster is lurking. And soon, he will come for me. Cover reveal for Blood Red Rose coming February 2018.
Sessions Interrupted
Kristi Pelton - 2014
However, when I saw the beautiful, gray-eyed therapist I was supposed to spill my thoughts too in my first session…well, let’s just say her mouth should be used for one thing…and it wasn’t talkin’. Ms. Keep it Professional thought she had control of these sessions. She didn't know who she was dealing with. I would turn the tables faster than she could spell F-*-C-K-M-E!
Iron Dominance
Cari Silverwood - 2011
Being a soldier of a hostile nation she cannot reveal her identity, but Theo sinks his steely Dom fingers into her heart and soul, showing her the pleasures to be found in surrendering to his touch. Captivated, Claire cannot help but bind herself in lie after lie rather than risk losing the one man who’s ever loved her.When her loathsome commander returns from the dead, her deceit is uncovered. Somehow, Claire must find a way to win back Theo's trust and destroy the man who threatens them both.Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and elements, violence.
Bad Boy Blues
Saffron A. Kent - 2019
In middle school, he spread false rumors about her. And in high school, he ruined her prom. She hates that his smirks are unfairly sexy. And she definitely loathes that his dark eyes seem to follow her everywhere. Sometimes, even in her dreams. It doesn’t matter that he’s rich and popular or that he lives in a freaking mansion full of butlers and maids. He’s rude and arrogant, and she wants to stay as far away from him as possible. But unfortunately for Cleo, she lives in the same freaking mansion as Zach. Only he’s the prince and she’s the lowly maid who serves him. #EnemiesToLovers #ZachAndCleo #AssholeAlpha #Angst #NewAdult
Accidental Witness
Sam Mariano - 2017
We’d never spoken, but of course I heard the stories about his family. I know they’re dangerous. I know he’s dangerous. Vince never had a reason to notice me, anyway—until I inadvertently witnessed his first mob hit. His family doesn’t believe in leaving witnesses alive, but Vince seems different. He knows the best thing he can do for me is stay away, but something keeps drawing us together. Despite knowing the risks of getting mixed up with him, I can’t resist. Only problem is, Vince is a package deal—you don’t get him without getting swept up in his family’s dark games. Now entangled with a notorious Chicago crime family, will my life ever be mine again?**Obligatory trigger warning: While not wholly dark, this is a mafia romance with elements of DARK ROMANCE. There are no knights in shining armor to be found here.Sensitive content not recommended for those under 18, or those who loathe the dark romance genre. **This is a continuing story series. The story continues and evolves in each book until you get to the end.
Trophy Wife
Alessandra Torre - 2017
That's what happens when you develop half a town and sleep with the rest. Four years ago, his fiancee disappeared. Last night, he proposed to me. I'd wanted to escape my life, the seedy strip club and the mountain of bills. I had seized the opportunity to live in a mansion, fill my days with country clubs and caviar, my nights with romance and sex. Maybe I should have done my homework first. Note: This book is an expanded and revised version of Mrs Dumont, which is no longer available for sale. It contains filthy hot scenes, voyeurism, a dominating alpha male, and a plot you won't be able to step away from.
Among the Echoes
Aly Martinez - 2014
Including sexual abuse, graphic language, and adult situations. Intended for readers 18+.*My name was Dr. Erica Hill. I was a victim, then a witness, and then I ceased to exist altogether.I may still be breathing, but stripped of my identity, I have long since stopped living. I am invisible, and my life depends on my ability to stay in the shadows.But he sees me.Slate Andrews is the embodiment of everything I have been taught to avoid. He’s rich and famous, and one image of him with a woman would earn millions for any paparazzi lucky enough to snap it. He has vowed to protect me with his life, yet he exposes me with his every breath. I should be stronger and walk away. I should disappear. But I’m terrified he would come after me.I’m on the run, determined not to take him down with me but absolutely unable to let him go.My name is Riley Peterson… at least for today.
Wicked Favor
Sawyer Bennett - 2017
As the owner of The Wicked Horse, an elite sex club located along the Vegas Strip, I never spend the night alone. I don’t grant favors and will rarely give you the time of day—unless I want you in my bed. So when the sister of my sworn enemy shows up asking for help, saying “no” should be easy. But all I see is the opportunity to help this beautiful woman while exacting revenge on her brother, and I am not about to pass that up. Beaten and bruised, Trista Barnes is running out of options, and, unfortunately for her, I’m her last chance to get out of the mess she’s in. She doesn’t know why I despise her brother so much, but as long as I can help her, she doesn’t care. And while I am more than happy to keep her safe, I intend to do so while opening her up to a sinful world she never knew existed.As Trista falls into the wicked world of guilt free pleasure with no regrets, my feelings of possessiveness begin to grow. But when she finds out I used her as my pawn for revenge, my wicked favor may cost me everything.
El Santo
M. Robinson - 2017
Forced to become my own worst enemy. With so much blood on my hands, I was surprised I could still see my own skin.I killed.I tortured.I loved…I played God while I was rotting in Hell. Thriving on control and power was the only way I knew how to live. There were no other options.If you weren’t my friend, you were my foe.If you weren’t with me, you were against me.Traitors, as I called them. There were no imaginary lines. I’d crossed them all. No boundaries. No second chances. No redemption.Not for me.For them.For anyone.Only for her…She loved me. Always convinced I was a saint, never believing I was just another sinner.A fucking monster.Until it was too late.Except, I didn’t choose this life. It. Chose. Me.