Books like 'Second Best'
Readers who enjoyed Second Best by Sam Crescent also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance steamy crime dark organized-crime arranged-marriage age-gap anti-hero enemies-to-lovers
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Fighter in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBosco Roth is a crime lord. The owner of the biggest underground casino.He's the kind of man who gets what he wants. He's got the best poker face in the world.Now he wants me.When things become too intense, I hit the brakes and make a run for it.But one problem...he won't let me go.Now I belong to Bosco Roth... -
![Beg For It by _himeros_]()
Beg For It by _himeros_
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsElizabeth Nadir has never had control. All of her life she has been controlled and never the controller. Those who held power over her always did what was best for them and in the end, it almost got her killed. After escaping the hell created by the ones closest to her she vows to never let another man control her again... -
![Camorra Chronicles Collection Volume 1 by Cora Reilly]()
Camorra Chronicles Collection Volume 1 by Cora Reilly
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Camorra Chronicles Collection Volume 1 includes the first three books in the Camorra Chronicles in one big book.The following books are included:Twisted Loyalties(Fabiano was raised to follow in his father’s footsteps as Consigliere of the Chicago Outfit – until the man abandons him. Left to fend for himself, Fabiano is forced to fight for a place in the mafia world... -
![Duplicity by Happydays1d]()
Duplicity by Happydays1d
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 18 ratings"Smoking is bad you know." The placid voice spoke up from the distant dark corner, nothing seen but a tall silhouette and an orange glow of a cigarette cherry."It's the least of my problems." I murmur with my own between my lips, proceeding to feel the stagnant debris fill my throat when I suck delicately... -
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![Forever by J.M. Darhower]()
Forever by J.M. Darhower
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHaven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco grew up under vastly different circumstances. Haven, a second-generation slave, was isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege and excess. Now a twist of fate has caused their worlds to collide... -
![Indulge by Dani René]()
Indulge by Dani René
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m a glutton. I indulge in women because I can. Carrick knows love is merely a shattered memory. Until Peyton stumbles into his arms and he steals a kiss. One taste isn’t enough. One touch would never satiate him. And he does what he’s become accustomed to, he indulges in her. A man hell bent on not falling in love, he pushes. But Peyton’s not giving up... -
![Blade of Iris by K.A. Knight]()
Blade of Iris by K.A. Knight
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI was sold to my enemies.The Volkov’s are the nightmares they warned me of as a child, the ones they spoke of in the dark in hushed tones. Traitors, killers, the boogeymen themselves sent to scare children like me.Children of their enemies.A Kelly.A family that they have been at war with since before I was born, and now?Now I am to marry into the Bratva Pigs. To become their blushing bride... -
![The Mafia And His Angel Series (Tainted Hearts) by Lylah James]()
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... -
![King by S.J. Tilly]()
King by S.J. Tilly
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou thought Nero was a red flag...Okay, so, my bad for assuming the guy I was going on a date with wasn’t married. And my bad for taking him to a friend’s house for dinner, only to find out my friend is also friends with his wife. Because, in fact, he is married. And she happens to be at my friend’s house because her husband was busy working.Confused? So am I... -
![Reluctant Surrender by Measha Stone]()
Reluctant Surrender by Measha Stone
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI took her to protect her. I'll be keeping her as my bride.As her thong is ripped off and my belt lashes her beautiful bare backside for the first time, I can tell Maggie Dudek is finally starting to realize that defying a man like me has consequences.Painful consequences.Rigging a high-stakes poker game put her in danger, but that's not why she's face down on my bed...Categorized as:
dark crime organized-crime arranged-marriage marriage-of-convenience anti-hero age-gap steamy -
![Scarred King by Naomi West]()
Scarred King by Naomi West
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat if your boss asked you to have his baby?With one You have to do it the old-fashioned way.Normally, I would’ve told him to take his offer and shove it.But my mom needs my help.And I can’t afford to save her myself.In comes Arsen Adamov with a devil’s deal on a silver platter.Have his baby.Then walk away—no strings attached.I’d do anything for my mom... -
![His Wife by Bella J.]()
His Wife by Bella J.
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAlexius Del Rossa made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.A temporary arrangement. One that would benefit us both.Be his wife for six months so he can solidify his legacy, and I walk away with the security of having the Del Rossa name.Now I realize that it’s no longer that simple—not while his every command bends my will and entices me to obey... -
![You Have a Piece of My Heart by Willow Winters]()
You Have a Piece of My Heart by Willow Winters
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author, Willow Winters, comes an exclusive collection of sexy short stories with happily ever afters!This addictive collection has quick reads that can be read on their own and deliver all the desired feels of the romance genre...Categorized as:
anti-hero crime enemies-to-lovers organized-crime steamy adult anthologies contemporary -
![Bound by Deception by Stephanie Amaral]()
Bound by Deception by Stephanie Amaral
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrancescaWhile men made war, women were expected to keep the peace. I had loved a man before. I swore that would never happen again.So marrying for the sake of the family wasn’t the worst thing.That’s what I thought.I was a mafia princess afterall and serving as a trading item was my only role in this world ruled by men...Categorized as:
organized-crime arranged-marriage enemies-to-lovers dark crime steamy found-family contemporary -
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![The Wolf and His Wife by Penelope Sky]()
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... -
![The Girl of His Dreams (Bachelor) by Janet Nissenson]()
The Girl of His Dreams (Bachelor) by Janet Nissenson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe was convinced he’d be a bachelor for life. And then he met the girl of his dreams.Jordan Reeves has fully embraced the carefree, uncomplicated bachelor life, figuring that the poor example he’d been provided by his parents of so-called marital bliss was reason enough to remain single... -
![Ferocity by D.H. Sidebottom]()
Ferocity by D.H. Sidebottom
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis short 18,500 word novella is intended to read alongside the Heart of Stone books but after Endurance. Sometimes, love is just that little bit too cruel. Trouble. There it is again, smack bang in the middle of the Fox’s lives once more. Mason and Ava Fox are back in town when family problems demand their return... -
![The Consigliere by Stella Andrews]()
The Consigliere by Stella Andrews
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy stepmother and her deranged lover stole our business.The Ortega Mafia is ours by birth but they have other ideas.With the help of my two brothers, it's time to steal it back and I have a secret weapon.Abigail Kensington .Billionaire’s daughter and Washington princess.The perfect woman who is definitely out of my league.A woman my target is obsessed with... -
![Steel by Serena Akeroyd]()
Steel by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSteel's a prick. He stole my heart when I was a kid, and ever since, he's refused to let go. He's clung to me, even as he pushed me away, and I'm tired of it.I'm over it, and over him. Of the games we play together, the endless waltz of him hurting me to shove distance between us. So I'm out of there. My future is medicine. If I turn into a crazy cat lady, then so be it. I'm good with that... -
![Oath of Silence: A Dark Mafia Romance by Jane Henry]()
Oath of Silence: A Dark Mafia Romance by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'll give her my ring to claim my crown.Vittoria DeSanto leaves me no choice.What she knows could destroy me.Destroy my family.And I won't allow that.She's homeless, penniless, powerless.I’ll give her the life of a mafia princess.Anything she desires will be hers…Except her freedom.Because our marriage will make me The Boss of the Rossi crime family.My word is law... -
![Smoke Bomb by Abbi Glines]()
Smoke Bomb by Abbi Glines
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHuckTwo places I never thought I’d be: a church and my little brother’s funeral.I was the one who was supposed to die first. Not Hayes.He hadn’t chosen my path. I took lives but Hayes had wanted to save souls.Yet here I was drinking from a flask, around people that fucking hated me, unable to take my eyes off the fiancé he’d left behind... -
![Diamond Devil by Naomi West]()
Diamond Devil by Naomi West
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt’s my first time meeting my sister’s fiancé.I knock on the door, and who do I see with his arm around her?The man who got me pregnant.Three months ago, I almost got hit by a car.The guy behind the wheel was gorgeous as they come.We got to talking and… well, things got a little carried away, if you know what I mean.But when it was over, we went our separate ways.Except, not quite...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime enemies-to-lovers steamy cheating domestic-drama age-gap slow-burn -
![Ensnared by E.C. Land]()
Ensnared by E.C. Land
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsForced to marry a traitor's daughter, I'll shed blood to make sure it doesn't happen. MarcAs a child I was put on a silver platter and my parents were presented with marriage opportunities. Many other mafiosos were trying to secure their daughter's hand in marriage to me, a cousin of the Irish Boss. Eventually, they accepted one. The only problem is, I've never intended on being with one woman... -
![Stolen Soul by Kristen Luciani]()
Stolen Soul by Kristen Luciani
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe put his ring on my finger and a knife through my heart...Massimo Marrone is pure evil disguised by ripped muscles and a gorgeous face.His dark secrets and blackened heart have turned him into a monster before my eyes.And I’ve become his prey.He promised me protection and committed the worst betrayal with his lies,Breaking my heart in the process.Because Massimo is no white knight...Categorized as:
age-gap organized-crime arranged-marriage dark steamy enemies-to-lovers crime contemporary -
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![Evil Empire by Kristen Luciani]()
Evil Empire by Kristen Luciani
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA dark mafia forced marriage age gap... -
![Cruel Prince by Aidèe Jaimes]()
Cruel Prince by Aidèe Jaimes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI sold my soul to the Devil and he handed me over to someone far deadlier.After the death of my father, his enemies came knocking on my door. Left with no other choice, I agree to an indentured contract, selling my body to a criminal in exchange for my life.Only he never meant to keep me as his own...Categorized as:
organized-crime steamy age-gap enemies-to-lovers crime romance contemporary suspense -
![Getaway by bazookah]()
Getaway by bazookah
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings𝐈𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.. . . . . . . . . .We've all heard the tales of good and bad, the tales of innocent deceit and her hero, the tales that despite their nature, show us the beauty in contrast. But it's the tales of pure evil that get swept under the rug...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers steamy slow-burn organized-crime arranged-marriage crime romance contemporary -
![SINS of the Rex by Emma Slate]()
SINS of the Rex by Emma Slate
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTHIS IS BOOK THREE OF A SERIES. THIS IS A NOVELLA. IF YOU HATE CLIFFHANGERS – SKIP THIS WHOLE SERIES COMPLETELY. It’s complicated, dark, and nothing is as it seems. My name is Barrett Schaefer and I thought I knew myself. And then I met Flynn Campbell. The mystery and danger surrounding him called to me. He changed my wants, my needs, my life. Love can destroy a person. So can death... -
![Bulletproof Butterfly by Anna Brooks]()
Bulletproof Butterfly by Anna Brooks
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI wasn’t a rookie, but I made a mistake because I was selfish, impulsive, and headstrong. I was also in love. My desire for her overwhelmed me. Consumed me. Distracted me. To protect her, I stood motionless as my partner pried her from the security of my arms. I watched as she fought his hold. I even listened when she screamed that she hated me... -
![This Life I by Cara Dee]()
This Life I by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFinnegan O’Shea The Sons of Munster have been living this life for generations. We have our own protocol, our own traditions, dating back to when two families merged and created our syndicate in Ireland. Now, we have our strongholds in Philly and Chicago, and the wrong man holds the highest position... -
![Hit by Mallory Hart]()
Hit by Mallory Hart
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGIUSEPPINAI was never supposed to meet him, but one fateful night had him saving my life.Now he thinks he owns me. I’m his to keep.He’s ruthless, cold, and a killer, but something draws me to him anyway.I know what he’s capable of. I know he was meant to kill me. And I know one wrong slip may make him change his mind about sparing my life.But I want to test him, push him, be a part of his world... -
![Dance for Me by Kay Elle Parker]()
Dance for Me by Kay Elle Parker
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDown on her luck, Boadicea McGee is desperate for a job.Bills to pay, a roof to keep over her head, and vultures for parents leave her with few options. When her best friend offers her a dream opportunity, she has to weigh dreams against survival and her own morals. The pay is good, the people are nice...but working in a BDSM club just isn't her thing... -
![Knox by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Knox by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRevenge.I'm familiar with it. You have to be when you're the firstborn son of a notorious mafia leader. Death and vengeance have been the very foundations of my life. So who in their fucking mind would be stupid enough to cross me?My brother and I have been wrongfully convicted of a crime we didn't commit. We know who is behind this...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime enemies-to-lovers age-gap arranged-marriage sad slow-burn steamy -
![Bratva Prince by T.J. Maguire]()
Bratva Prince by T.J. Maguire
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA hard, dominating Bratva PrinceA fearless, crazy Cartel PrincessAleksandr VolkovI've lived my life with rigid control.A tight vice on myself and my emotions.Scars from my past have left me broken. Riddled with guilt and anguish.When my baby sister was kidnapped, I feared the worst. That she'd suffered the same fate as our mother...Categorized as:
dark crime organized-crime enemies-to-lovers steamy angst arranged-marriage slow-burn -
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![Sapphire Scars by Nicole Fox]()
Sapphire Scars by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s my ex’s brother.A terrifying mob boss with a past too dark to share.And when he finds out I’m pregnant, he becomes something else, too:The husband I never asked for.Kolya Uvarov crashed into my life at a funeral and saved me from a mega-creep.Classic meet-cute, right?Not exactly—because it was his brother we were burying.A.k.a., my ex-boyfriend.A.k.a... -
![Possessing Paisley by Kate Oliver]()
Possessing Paisley by Kate Oliver
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPaisley McKeeHe’s my best friend’s brother.He’s also overbearing, bossy, and stubborn.Obviously we hate each other.Then something happened.We said it was a one-time thing.The next morning he tells me it’s forever.He’s unhinged.But he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.Can I believe him when he says I’m his?Kieran RocheShe’s irritating, sassy, and she hates my guts.Not at all my type... -
![Playing Vinn by Nicola Jane]()
Playing Vinn by Nicola Jane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsVinnHonouring my father’s wish for me to marry his friend’s daughter wasn’t something I thought about until the day actually came for me to take Sofia as my wife. Her father assures me she’s a good girl who’ll give me no trouble. But from the moment I marry Sofia, I realise things aren’t going to be simple.She’s defiant, angry, and she challenges my every word... -
![Deception by Fallon Hart]()
Deception by Fallon Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFirst comes lies, then comes marriage...It was only a matter of time before my twin sister brought chaos into my quiet life. Mel's messed with the wrong people. Now she's in danger and needs my help. She's the only family I have left and she knows I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she stays safe.Unfortunately helping her means pretending to be her...Categorized as:
dark marriage-of-convenience arranged-marriage organized-crime steamy angst enemies-to-lovers crime -
![Ruthless Saints by Ella Jade]()
Ruthless Saints by Ella Jade
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last thing anyone wants is to be a dispensable member of the leading mafia family. But that’s exactly what Luciana is.As a lowly cousin and the only female offspring in the Torrio mafia family, Luciana is just the bargaining chip her uncle needs to make an alliance with the Bilotti family...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime arranged-marriage enemies-to-lovers age-gap steamy crime contemporary -
![One Reckless Knight by Tracy Lorraine]()
One Reckless Knight by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI wanted to drown. I wanted the world to swallow me up whole and take me back to a time when everything was okay. A time when I hadn’t just buried the only father I've ever known. One where I’m not watching as my mother loses herself to her grief. One where the pain isn’t so insufferable. Everything in my world is a dull muted grey. I crave colour. Excitement. Recklessness... -
![Shattered Pieces by Jo McCall]()
Shattered Pieces by Jo McCall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis book has been retired and put into a duet. Please seehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2.. -
![Rouge by Greer Rivers]()
Rouge by Greer Rivers
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA dark billionaire romance with a secret society twist and a happy ever after.The Garde values four ideals: The Truth we twist. The Beauty we flaunt. The Freedom we grant. The Power we take.I believed their lies until Lacey O'Shea.She’s the only daughter of the Garde's leading family, and she was meant to be mine. But her father stole her from me to sell to another.So I stole her back...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime arranged-marriage enemies-to-lovers steamy cheating domestic-drama crime -
![The Jersey Vignettes by Bethany-Kris]()
The Jersey Vignettes by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAna Avdonin had always been a little difficult. Particular, hard to please, and she didn’t deny any of it. As a Bratva princess and the daughter of Anton Avdonin, she was taught that if—not when—she chose to have a man stand by her side, he should be worthy of the position. When Koldan Vasin swept into her life like a hurricane, he quickly turned everything that Ana thought she knew upside down... -
![Baron by Stella Andrews]()
Baron by Stella Andrews
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe ran from me, I considered it a head start.Watching her go was the purest form of betrayal.She was always mine.My wife in waiting.But she decided her freedom was a better option - she was wrong .She ran to a psychopath who tore her dreams to shreds.At my request.Then I took what was mine all along.This time it was on my terms and our wedding has been arranged.Tomorrow...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime steamy enemies-to-lovers arranged-marriage crime romance contemporary -
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![Into Temptation by Monica James]()
Into Temptation by Monica James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMonsters are real…and that monster is my father. Ten years ago, I surrendered. I thought I was doing the right thing. But lies and greed have once again destroyed my life, leaving me to deal with the aftermath.This life has always been a curse, but the world as I know it has changed. Belfast isn’t what it used to be. Alliances are broken. Kingdoms have fallen...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime angst anti-hero enemies-to-lovers cheating domestic-drama crime -
![Veiled In Hate by B.J. Alpha]()
Veiled In Hate by B.J. Alpha
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsVeiled in HateVeiled In Hate is a standalone Dark Mafia Romance based on Luca from SHAW: STORM ENTERPRISES Book 1.LucaI’m filled with darkness, thriving on the only thing I feel, hate.The blood I’ve shed to avenge my sister’s death has done nothing to appease me.When my don creates an alliance between our enemies to create peace, I’ve no choice but to comply...Categorized as:
dark steamy crime organized-crime arranged-marriage age-gap enemies-to-lovers anti-hero -
![Last Resort by Amelia Wilde]()
Last Resort by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEmerson LeBlanc lost more than an acquisition. He lost the woman he loves.There’s no redemption for a man with his past. No future for a relationship built on stalking and kidnapping. At least that’s what he believes. When he meets Daphne again, she’s not a piece of art. She’s a woman determined to paint a new path. For herself. For him. Except the ocean holds more than shadows... -
![Kinks of a Billionaire by Eva Winners]()
Kinks of a Billionaire by Eva Winners
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRoyce Ashford.The hottest man I’d ever met.The first man I’d fallen for.I’ve had a crush on my best friend’s older brother for as long as I could remember. His charm and sex appeal could seduce a saint, never mind a sex-crazed woman. With his cocky grin, those broad shoulders, and that filthy mouth, he was a heartbreaker in a leather jacket... -
![Unwillingly His by Zoe Blake, Alta Hensley]()
Unwillingly His by Zoe Blake, Alta Hensley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe moment she slapped me, I knew I'd chosen the right bride. To be fair, I had just stolen her entire inheritance. As Lucian Manwarring, billionaire patriarch of the powerful Manwarring family, my word is law. She's a beautiful and innocent heiress, raised to be the perfect society trophy wife. Although far too young for me, that won't stop me from claiming her as my new prized possession... -
![Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole]()
Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTo stop a mafia war, I’m being forced to marry my sworn enemy.A brutal, domineering, and lethally beautiful monster with a body built for violence. Ares Drakos—new king of the Drakos Mafia family—is every inch the God of War he’s named after.And now, I belong to him.Our unholy union is meant to end the bloodshed between Irish and Greek. A rising tide to lift all ships.A match made in hell...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime enemies-to-lovers arranged-marriage steamy marriage-of-convenience angst crime
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