Books like 'The Initiation'
Readers who enjoyed The Initiation by Nikki Sloane also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mystery dark steamy arranged-marriage billionaire enemies-to-lovers marriage-of-convenience age-gap
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Lover in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI know this has no future.Only heartbreak.Bosco Roth may be the man I've fallen for, but he'll never be the man I marry.He's too dangerous. Too risky.When our three months is over, I'll walk away.At least that's what I keep telling myself.. -
Forever After All: A Marriage of Convenience Novel by Catharina Maura
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom the author of The Tie That Binds comes another spellbinding marriage of convenience novel.ElenaI’m ready to sacrifice my dignity if it will save my dying mother. Or so I convinced myself as I walked into a gentlemen’s club, ready to trade my body for my mother’s life. I didn’t expect Alexander Kennedy to be there. I didn’t expect him to stop me... -
Sassy in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'm not sure how it happened.But I've fallen in love with my family's enemy.I try to move on but I can't.He's the only man I want.Now I have to choose between the man I love.And my family... -
Filthy Secret by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt's the dawn of a new age...Secrets—you know my family is founded on them.You just don’t know how much they’re suffocating us.Lies—my marriage hinges on one.You know that I chose to protect the wrong woman.I kept the past buried like a coward. Now, I feel the constraints of my choices like they’re a chokehold.I know that it’s time to tell my wife the truth...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc angst billionaire crime dark marriage-of-convenience organized-crime -
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Foxy In Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’m risking everything for Vanessa. One last time. I can’t turn the other way and let her family be murdered by the Skull Kings. I have to do something. Maybe I can earn her father’s trust. And finally get my woman back... -
Surrender by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsJonah Steel has fallen in love with Melanie Carmichael but still lives with the guilt that consumes him as he tries to unravel the mystery of his family's past. A new threat has surfaced, and he finds himself trapped in a web of deceit and lies. Melanie loves Jonah but has yet to surrender completely to his needs. Meanwhile, a new friend uncovers more information and more questions... -
The Resurrection by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom the moment Danny Black met Rose Cassidy, he knew she’d be the death of him. But their electric connection and twisted love gave him a purpose beyond ruling Miami with his iron fist. Faking his own death and disappearing to St. Lucia was the only way he could escape the deadly underworld that brought them together... -
Dancer in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGriffin offered to take me home but I refused, knowing he needed to get Vanessa home. I walked to my apartment and took a short cut down an alleyway. That was the worst mistake of my life. Four men grabbed me. I fought them off, but when the barrel of a gun was pressed between my eyes, I knew the game was up. But then a man appeared from the shadows and scared the men away like rats... -
Awakened by Sin by Mia Knight
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCarmen Pyre had it all until her husband was murdered by a madman who threatened everyone she loved. Now that her husband has been avenged, it's time to move on... she just doesn't know how. Two men who fill her husband’s former roles offer to help her move forward with her life... -
Melt by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJonah Steel is intelligent, rich, and hard-working. As the oldest of his siblings, he was charged by his father to protect them. He failed in the worst way. Dr. Melanie Carmichael has her own baggage. Although the renowned therapist was able to help Jonah’s brother, she is struggling with feelings of inadequacy... -
Hyde's Absolution by Nina Levine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPossessive biker alert Monroe Lee is a handful. She fights me, challenges me and tries to resist me. Where I’m jagged, she’s smooth. Where I’m dark, she’s pure. Where I’m broken, she’s whole. I am not a good man. I’ve hurt everyone I’ve ever loved. I should walk away before I ruin her too. But fuck, we are fire together. And I’ve been out in the cold too long... -
The Don : The Oath Duet by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBlood stains my hands, my soul, my heart, yet I’ll shed more to keep her safe. A chance meeting brings Jen MacNeill into my life—the woman born to reign at my side.She just doesn’t know it yet. How could my Lady be anything other than a silken promise taunting me with every breath she takes?A new Don reigns over Manhattan.But though I won the war, peace isn’t easily brokered... -
Ruin by Laurelin Paige
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWith her heart literally in his hands, Celia will have to try and bargain with a devil.Edward Fasbender is my captor.Trapped on this island he owns everything on--including, it seems, me.He told me he would break me, but I thought he meant in the bedroom. It turns out Edward is playing a completely different game.And he won't stop until he's ruined me... -
Lies by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe twisted and intriguing storytelling that you loved in Consequences and Infidelity continues with an all-new alpha anti-hero in the dark romance series Web of Sin, by New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig. I am... That’s no longer an easy statement... -
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Rhapsody of Pain by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI know Demyen Zakrevsky is wrong for me.But I can't help hoping... What if he's not?After all, he's saved me time and time again.He's made me a mother twice over.He's healed my broken heart.But he's also the one who sold me in the first place.The one who got my baby stolen away from me.The one who broke my heart over and over and over.I can't decide if he's a saint or a sinner... -
Copper by K. Webster
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author K Webster, comes a new MC dark standalone novel!I’m a Fed.Rigid. Rule follower. One of the good guys. I uphold the law…when it suits me.My loyalty lies first with my brother, Koyn, and secondly with his motorcycle club.Jeremy Koynakov was the man I used to be. I’m Copper now. For a decade, I aided my brother in his quest for revenge. We thirsted for vengeance... -
Kingdom Fall by A. Zavarelli
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI was a nanny in need of a job. He was darkness personified. I had little to call my own. He was filthy rich, powerful, and dangerous. The assignment was simple, and my goal was too. Take care of his son. Keep my head down. When he least expects it, destroy him. It should have been easy. I thought it would be until I looked into his stark blue eyes... -
Luck of the Devil by Meghan March
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Meghan March continues the story of ruthless, calculating billionaire Jericho Forge in Luck of the Devil. My poker face has always been one of my greatest assets, along with my grit and determination. I was beholden to no one. Asked permission for nothing.Then Jericho Forge took my life by storm... -
The Dictator by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe only reason I'm still alive is because of the baby growing inside me. My baby saved my life. Now I'm a prisoner inside Cato's fortress. He's pissed at me, livid every time he looks at me. He refuses to sleep with me because now I'm the enemy. But I miss him...and he misses me. I only slept with Cato to save my father, but now he means something to me... -
The Kiss Plot by Nicole French
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJane and Eric de Vries. Often enemies. Sometimes lovers. Husband and wife. Or are we? I wore the dress. We said the vows. And somehow it became more than just a stunt to collect his billions. A promise bound by love more than hate. Until the bastard left me at the altar. Now my errant husband has disappeared, leaving me to unravel his secrets, one by one...Categorized as:
angst arranged-marriage billionaire crime enemies-to-lovers family female-mc forbidden-love -
Loyalty by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFresh out of prison after serving a three-year sentence, Johnathan Marcello wants to get back to normal business as a mafia capo. The rules set out for him are clear—keep out of trouble, maintain a low profile, and stay stable. But stability is a delicate balance for a man like John, and shaky ground is only a single step away... -
Taking Meghan: A Dark Romance by Izzy Sweet, Sean Moriarty
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAlexei Rastov is the most vile, evil, despicable man in the world... And my father tried to force me to marry him. Dragged down the aisle, I prayed to God, to anyone, to save me from a lifetime of cruelty and abuse. Then he came... a force of nature... Disrupting the ceremony with a storm of gunfire and death... -
Filthy King by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'm nothing like my father.My brothers don't realize I'm a thousand times worse.Grief fuels my every action.Vengeance burns through my veins, dictating every decision I make.I'll shatter allegiances to please him.I'm nothing like my father.You don't realize that I'm a thousand times worse... -
A Single Touch by W. Winters
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Single Touch is Book 3 and the FINAL book of the Irresistible Attraction series. A Single Glance must be read first... -
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Divine in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'm Carter Barsetti. Son of Cane Barsetti. I made my fortune in the automobile industry. I've always preferred to live life in the fast lane. My father hoped I would settle down in Tuscany and join the family business in wine making. Maybe someday. I know I'm supposed to stay away from the Underground. I promised my father I would. But then I get an offer that I can't refuse... -
The Mafia And His Obsession: Part 1 by Lylah James
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy life only has one purpose, and it's to protect them—my family. Whether I fight, maim, or kill the enemy, it makes no difference to me. If have to take a bullet for my family, I would embrace death with a goddamn smile on my face. When their safety is compromised, I put my life on the line and made a deal with the devil. I never questioned it, not even once... ...Until her... -
Firefly by Molly McAdams
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe next captivating installment in New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams’s Redemption series. As the Princess of the Irish-American Mob, there’s no shortage of men ready to help guard and protect me. To slowly suffocate me to the point of seeking freedom—a place where I can breathe. Kieran Hayes has been saving me for as long as I can remember...Categorized as:
suspense dark organized-crime love-triangle enemies-to-lovers forbidden-love alpha-mc cheating -
Twisted Pride by Cora Reilly
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsRemo Falcone is beyond redemption.As Capo of the Camorra he rules with a brutal hand over his territory – a territory the Chicago Outfit breached. Now Remo is out for retribution. A wedding is sacred, stealing a bride sacrilegious... -
The Honest Affair by Nicole French
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe climactic end to the Rose Gold series... -
Caelian by Bella J.
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI had to run. It was that, or marry a man my father auctioned me to when I was a little girl. I knew my father wouldn’t make it easy, but color me surprised when he sends Caelian Del Rossa to find me. The man is a menace. Arrogant. Infuriating. Enigmatic. He thinks he’s my knight in shining armor. I’m convinced he’s nothing more than my father’s retriever...Categorized as:
suspense family dark organized-crime enemies-to-lovers steamy arranged-marriage forced-proximity -
The Skull King by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy husband is cruel, ruthless, and despicable. I hate him with every fiber of my being. The only reason I haven't killed him or tried to run away is because of the promise I made. I sold myself to save someone I loved...and this is the price I have to pay. I was sitting alone in a bar when the most handsome man walked inside... -
Heart of the Devil by Meghan March
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Meghan March comes the stunning conclusion to the Forge Trilogy. In this final volume, ruthless billionaire Jericho Forge faces his toughest challenge. To emerge victorious, he’ll have to give up the one thing he’s never offered a woman—his heart.It started as a game. She was nothing but my pawn... -
Luca Vitiello by Cora Reilly
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsI was born a monster. 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... -
Disgrace by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSiena Calabrese is no longer the prized daughter of la famiglia. Her transgressions against her brothers and family have stained more than just her reputation. Her best chance at keeping breath in her lungs would be to sit down and shut up like she was taught to do. She definitely shouldn't be feeding information to her family's enemies... -
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The Mafia And His Angel Series (Tainted Hearts) by Lylah James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Tainted Hearts box set brings you the dark tale of a ruthless mafia boss finding his angel…and then waging a war to keep her. He was a man who wasn’t put on this earth to be loved, but to kill. And she was a woman who was nothing more than an object to be used. They weren’t meant to find each other in this dark, cruel world... -
Tears of Salvation (St. Monarch's Academy, #5) by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsFrom USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new standalone, full-length romantic suspense novel.ISABELLAI was the party crasher.He was the Devil.Three months ago, I suffered a moment of insanity and had a one-night stand without even knowing who the man was.It was hot and unforgettable... -
Wild Card by Renee Rose
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“YOU’RE IN BIG TROUBLE, DOLL” The little hacker stole from the Family—hundred fifty grand. We Tacones don’t take kindly to thieves. Not even when they come in a package as cute as hers. Not even after she shows me how high her freak flag flies. Now there will be hell to pay for my hot geek. And I’m the one coming to collect...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc angst crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity organized-crime -
Thin Lives by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Final Donati Bloodlines Novel *** Emma Donati Some days, it felt like Emma had just imagined it all. Like maybe everything she had been with Calisto was just a dream. Emma knew it was crazy—it was impossible to forget what she had shared with Calisto Donati. All their love, the stolen moments, their foulness together, and the beauty underneath it all were real. They were real... -
Sins of the Father: A Ravens Ruin Novel by Marie James
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’m not misunderstood. I’m not confused about my position in life. I’m not looking for answers to explain why I am the way I am. This is the logic others use to try to make sense of me. According to them, there has to be a reason for my apathy. There has to be some sort of explanation for the calculating way I run my Club. There has to be a root cause for my depravity... -
Entangled by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGian Guzzi has everything a mafia boss could want, but it comes with strings. He shouldn’t be wasting time on a redhead he can’t have, when men like him are not allowed to be affected by silly things like love. A boss’s job is never done, and Gian has far better things to worry about—what with someone wanting him dead, and someone else wanting him in prison for good... -
Family Ties by Sam Mariano
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrancesca Morelli.Sweet as sin, like the cupcakes she slings at the Morelli bakery. Her sweetness and killer looks are what reeled me in, but her unexpected vulnerability really sealed my fate. I don't care if there’s a war brewing between our families. I don’t care if I have to go through her evil dictator of a brother... -
Deal with the Devil by Meghan March
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratings“You can put that man in a suit, but he'll never be tame." One look at Jericho Forge and I knew the rumors were true. He was a predator, and he had set his sights on me. I knew better than to bet more than I could afford to lose that night. I knew better than to bet myself. But desperation leads to bad decisions, and I thought there was no way I could lose. I was wrong... -
Filthy Dark by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDeclanAs a made man, obligations are my middle name.As a Five Pointer? Those obligations are even more complicated.I fell for her when I belonged to another.Another I didn’t love.Another I loathed.Who trapped me in a vise, and blackmailed me into being hers.I was born a filthy fecker, dragged kicking and screaming into a cold, hard world. My son isn't like me. He isn't filthy... -
The Wolf and His Wife by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTensions rise and now I have two enemies that want me dead. But I've never felt safer. My wolf protects me. He cherishes me. And I think he loves me. This arranged marriage was detested by us both, but now I look at him with new eyes. My husband is strong, smart, and gorgeous. His coffee-colored eyes make me melt... -
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Stanton Unconditional by T.L. Swan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe follow up to the gripping first novel by T.L. Swan, Stanton Adore.Unconditional love, does it really exist or is it an urban myth? What does it really mean?Do you love someone because of their flaws?Or in spite of them.And at what point are the conditions more to bear.Than the love is worth.This is what I’m trying to decipherThis is my story.I’ll let you be the judge... -
Cruel Saints by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAn Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance Alliances are made. Loyalty is owned. Love is taken. Little did I know my love and freedom would be taken to form a new alliance.Brutal, possessive, and dangerous, Lucian is feared by all. Including myself. When his father is assassinated, Lucian takes his rightful place as head of the Cotroni family... -
Violent Ends by Jessica Hawkins
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBook 2 in the White Monarch trilogy... -
Burned Cinder by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe monster from under my bed is now the one in it.First of all, this is not a fairytale. There’s no Prince Charming.But there is a villain.An insidiously gorgeous devil with eyes that pierce through all my secrets, and a cold black heart pumping pure venom and conquest.But seven years after Noel Ransom scorched-earthed my life, I’ve come for my revenge.Except Noel’s come for something, too: me...Categorized as:
age-gap angst arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers organized-crime -
The Fixer: A Dark Bratva Billionaire Romance by Renee Rose
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOWNED BY THE MAN I BETRAYEDEight years ago I uttered a lie that changed a man’s life.My father banished him from his bratva cell. From the country.Now he’s back to take my inheritance. My life. Not through murder, but marriage.And my own father arranged it.Maxim thinks he can make me submit to his will. He thinks he gets to call all the shots. I wanted him once and he refused me...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark fake-relationship organized-crime -
His Queen by Bella J.
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI knew loving him would be my downfall.I just didn’t think it would happen so soon.There’s always a price to pay when you’re loved by a man like Nicoli Del Rossa.He’s my king. The captor of my heart.But with the Dark Sovereign empire comes savage enemies thirsting for bloodshed, and when a mafia war is raging, buried secrets are brought to the surface...
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