Books like 'Contempt'
Readers who enjoyed Contempt by Bethany-Kris also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance dark suspense crime steamy organized-crime angst anti-hero alpha-mc
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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... -
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... -
Desire in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBones is a man I despise.He gives Bad Blood a whole new definition.But he's not exactly what I thought he was. Maybe men can change.But it doesn't matter how I feel about him.My father would never approve. He'd never let me love a man like him... -
Fine in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI've decided to keep her.I paid for her, after all.I should feel guilty for the decision I've made, but why? She prefers me to her previous master anyway.And it's not like my father didn't do the same thing when he was my age.I'm rich, powerful, and untouchable.I'm a Barsetti, and I can do whatever I please... -
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Truth by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI had no idea she was going to tell Damien. If I did, I would have stopped her. I would have told her the truth myself. Now I'm afraid I'm going to lose her...and there's nothing I can do about it... -
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... -
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... -
Bound by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWith more revealed, what does that mean for the future? From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new dark romance trilogy bringing us back to the same dangerous underworld as WEB OF SIN. You do not need to read the Web of Sin trilogy to get caught in this new and intriguing saga, Tangled Web... -
Secret by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe saved my life. She promised she wouldn't intervene, that her loyalty was to her family, not me. But she did it anyway. Now everything is different. I can feel it with every kiss, every time she's underneath me. This isn't a meaningless fling anymore. It's so much more. I know it...and she knows it... -
Atticus: Secret Lies by K.L. Donn, Sensual Graphic Designs
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTime stands still. Lies were told. Secrets are revealed. Who will we be when the walls tumble like mortar? **WARNING** The Adair Empire is a dark and graphic romance that will push your buttons, and maybe your boundaries. Each book contains a new couple but ends with a plot cliff-hanger... -
Princess in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis woman used to be my slave. But now she means more to me. More than she should. I've done unforgivable things to her, treated her like livestock I bought at the market. I made her tend to my needs without question. To make up for it, I should let her go. But even now I can't. Instead, I want her to marry me. Whether she wants to or not... -
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... -
Submitting in Vegas by Sam Mariano
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOver the years, I’ve watched Rafe Morelli charm every kind of beautiful woman out of her panties. Most of them are practical enough to hold onto their hearts, though; he doesn’t want those. I am the only woman around who has managed to keep her panties out of Rafe’s hands, but not her heart... -
Wire by LP Lovell, Stevie J Cole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTor Jude and I managed to salvage something beautiful from the war torn rubble of our lives, a blissful happiness that we paid for in blood. We fought our way here, leaving pieces of ourselves along the way. I thought this was the happily ever after in our twisted fairy tale, but I was wrong. Jude I may be free by definition... -
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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... -
Enigma: The Complete Collection by Shandi Boyes
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEnigma: The Complete Collection is the entire story of the tumultuous relationship of Isaac and Isabelle. A sitting on the edge of your seat read that will have you enthralled until the very last word. Over 390,000 words on an enigmatic alpha male and the FBI agent assigned to his case. This is a story about two people who were never destined to fall in love... -
The War by S.R. Jones
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKonstantin:I took her to protect her. To keep her safe.Now she wants more.She wants to claim my heart.She says she will fight for me, for us.Trouble is, I don’t know if I have anything left to give.Cassie:He took me to keep me safe.My captor, my protector, my lover.I want more. He’s a Bratva king, and every king needs his queen.My heart is on the line, but I won’t give up the fight... -
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... -
Forever by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe’s mine once again but she’s practically a ghost. She’s just using me...not that I mind. But her indifference is suffocating. I mean nothing to her...less than what she used to mean to me. Admissions of regret and apologies aren’t enough to fix it. I have to return to the gypsy...and hope for the best... -
Caged Thorn by Naomi West
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTen years ago, I ran from my home.Today, I’m running back.The difference this time is that my son is coming with me.We’re going back to the place I swore I’d never return to.Back to the lies and the heartbreaks and the site of the day that changed my life forever.There is one other difference, actually:This time, someone is following me.Konstantin Aminoff isn’t the kind of man who “lets go... -
It Kills Me by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy father has chosen me to succeed him in the family business.But if I want the job, it comes with stipulations. And one of those stipulations is to never mix business with pleasure. AKA, don't sleep with anyone on the job. My father leads by example, and not once have I ever seen him get involved with anyone, not even his beautiful assistant. That was an easy rule to follow...until Axel... -
High Class by Ivy Nelson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI went home to answer for the death of my cousin.Then I meet Zara. A raven haired beauty with a killer smile.Turns out she's an escort and she was sent to be a distraction.Now the mayor of New York City is dead.I'm forced to take her back to Las Vegas to find out what she knows before the police try to pin it on me. My gut says Zara is innocent in all of this... -
Coda by C.D. Reiss
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe stunning epilogue to the bestselling Submission Series. Did you want a pat little ending about Jonathan and I riding off into the sunset? Did you want flowers and stars? Man, I wish it was all soft filters and violins. I wish we could fight about who cleaned the bathroom or who was cooking dinner. But I knew I was never destined for simple contentment. I almost committed murder for him... -
Nikolai: Mine to Protect by Shandi Boyes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Justine walked into my life, I swore an allegiance, an oath to protect her with everything I have. I slayed the devil and stole his crown. I now sit in his throne with my queen at my side. But what happens when everything I’ve ever wanted is pulled out from beneath me? I’ve risen from the ashes more than once, but this resurrection is by far the most dangerous... -
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Dark Reign by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI am going to restore my reign over both worlds.First, with a pen.Next, with a knife.Remind them who sits on the throne of this concrete jungle.Repair the structure that was shattered when my Mia Bella was stolen from me.Revenge will be had.Restitution received.And for me to reestablish order, I will do whatever is necessary.For there is no cost that is too great... -
Hold Me by W. Winters, Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI was born into luxury and used to getting what I wanted. What I desired most, with my life in disarray, was the man who sat across from me. He was tall, dark and handsome, but, most notably, forbidden. It made every accidental touch more sinful and every session more addictive. There was so much tragedy and he was supposed to fix me... -
Brutal Princess by Kylie Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a Dark Mafia Romance, think all the triggers!! A lot of Adult language, even more sexual content mixed in with violence. This is book 4 in the Valentino Series, it is a standalone HEA!!AngelicaDaughter.Mother.Mafia princess.The Donatello assassin.I’ve been called many things.My favorite, though, is when he says I’m his angel.Neo Valentino, my brother’s best friend... -
It Ruins Me by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI married you because I was in love with you.Those words have echoed in my mind ever since he said them, and despite the way my heart races for him every time he steps into the same room, I can't say it back. Not after he hurt me. Not after he betrayed me.Every time I feel us come close together, my heart pulls away... -
Kingdom of Corruption by Annie Rose Welch, Bella Di Corte
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Royal Organized Crime RomanceMy husband had been keeping a secret from me—a secret that would irrevocably change the course of our lives.He was the son of one of the most ruthless men alive, and an heir to the infamous Fausti crime family. They were beautiful, powerful, ruthless—royalty in their beloved Italy and beyond... -
For Cam by Soraya Naomi
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor Cam can be read as standalone, but it's advised to read book 3 For Adriano before book 4. Book 1 and 2 center around another couple.Camilla Guillermo’s life has been turned upside down ever since she joined the Chicago Syndicate and was reunited with Adriano Montesi, the cocky and charismatic Mafia man who captured her heart two years ago... -
Dark Pleasures by M.S. Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s not supposed to happen to people like me. Broken, damaged people don't get to fall in love with amazing, handsome men like Rylan Archer. And men like Rylan never look twice at women like me. Except he had. Rylan loves me. I love him, too... and it scares me to death... -
Dark Ruler : A Dark Mafia Romance by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI was raised to be a ruler of two worlds.One with a pen.One with a knife.Be the king of the concrete jungle at all costs.I should've simply taken a queen, not courted one.I should've forced her submission, not earned it.I should've let respect be enough, not fall in love.Someone has made a grave mistake in coming for my company.For my throne.For my Mia Bella... -
Disbelief by T.L Smith
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat if I was to tell you, you’re all evil? In some shape or form, you are. What If I was to tell you, I was the worst kind of evil? Would you believe me? I did not believe that there wasn’t anyone who didn’t contain evil. I was proved wrong, and it stumped me. I became obsessed with her, someone of pure goodness. And couldn’t get enough... -
Lyric by Molly McAdams
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Molly McAdams delivers the first captivating, stand-alone novel in her REDEMPTION series spin-off—the REBEL series . . . I’m not the kind of girl you forget. I wish I was. I wish I was normal. That I could blend into a crowd. Have a future with the man I’ve loved my entire life… Maxon James understands me in a way others can’t... -
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Predator & Prey: The Phoenix and The Fire by Kate Stewart
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI was drawn to darkness, and he was the abyss.Safe.It’s a liar’s word. No one is ever truly safe.Control is how I survived.I lived my life by two principles: order and excellence. My moral compass steered me out of the backwoods of Tennessee and towards the woman I was destined to become, but not without gathering a few skeletons along the way... -
Ruthless Villain by Faith Summers, Khardine Gray
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy Knight. My Rebel. My Forbidden Villain …In the dazzling lights of Vegas, I indulged in a passionate one-night stand with a man who looked like a Greek god in the flesh.We no names, no strings attached, just an unforgettable night of fun.The plan was simple—say goodbye and move on.Little did I know fate had other ideas for me.I never expected to run into Mr... -
First by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHades retired from the business. Now it’s just me. Look at me now...bitter...angry...depressed. I resent my former friend so much, even hate the guy, but I’ve never been the same since he refused to forgive me. I meet a woman. She’s like all the others...beautiful, interesting, good at the fun stuff, but I don’t feel anything... -
Duty by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey say heavy is the head that wears the crown … Andino Marcello’s world is turned upside down when he becomes the next heir apparent to the Marcello empire. He was comfortable in his place as a Capo, but comfort is for the weak in the world of mafioso. The boss’s seat is waiting... -
Taking the Fall: The Full Complete Series by Alexa Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWe’ve come a long way since Taking the Fall Volume 1 released in 2015. Since then we’ve added pieces to the puzzle as our readers demanded more! Finally, every story has been combined into one bundle... -
Crime Lord's Paradise by Mia Knight
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter Gavin Pyre steps down from his position as crime lord, he and Lyla focus on picking up the pieces of their lives and creating the paradise they deserve. Note: This novella intersects with book 4, Awakened by Sin, so books should be read in sequence... -
The Gift by S.R. Jones
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsKeep your friends close, and your enemies in your bed...ANDRIUSI’m the man they all fear. King of the murky world in which I live.A Bratva hitman with no mercy.Then she comes along, courtesy of a mob boss with no morals. She’s given to me.A gift...mine.To own, to keep. To do with as I please.With blonde hair, and violet eyes, and an innocence begging to be tarnished, she torments me... -
Beautifully Brutal by Nicole Edwards
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSometimes love isn’t beautiful... Sometimes the only way to describe it is beautifully brutal. If you think you know him… You’re wrong. If you think you know his family… Wrong again. If you think you know his story… You don’t. If you did, you’d likely wonder how the hell a man like Maximillian Adorite managed to make it to this point in his life... -
I Need You To Love Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTogether they are nothing more than madness,but they say there’s always some madness in loveSix years elapsed since he shattered her life. Four years since she’s brought him to his knees.Now, Ace is the youngest boxing champion in the world – a force to be reckoned with. He’s dangerous, heartless, and always gets his way.Calla moved to New York to chase her career... -
Remedy by M.K. Gilher
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDr. Jacade Jordan is no good for me. He’s a master at deception, a criminal, trouble. He’s been putting on the ultimate show of betrayal for years. He also saved my life and makes me feel more alive than I ever could have imagined... -
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High Bar by Ivy Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFive years ago, my life changed forever.I spent two nights with a stunning woman I’ll never forget, but I pushed her away because a relationship was impossible.Then I came to Vegas with the second-born sons of three rival crime families with the goal of making it a neutral ground for our families.So far, it’s worked.We’ve prevented an all-out mafia war... -
One Filthy Man by James Crow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRhiannon The high-walled mansion seems almost impenetrable. My contact talks of one man and up to 100 women behind those walls. It could be the trafficking of sex slaves, some twisted sex cult, or even a brothel. Either way, uncovering criminals in the trade of women is my job – my life. I want the scoop – want to expose this one man’s terrible secrets and nail his sorry ass... -
Master of Control by Sienna Snow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm a prize, a treasure, something to cherish. Or so I've been told.But I know the truth. I'm a commodity recently sold to the highest bidder.Sebastian Weber is ruthless, heartless, calculating, and my new husband. Power is the weapon he wields and control is his game.I should fear him, resent him, but instead I'm drawn to him, craving his slightest touch, wanting every part of him... -
Black Ink: Part II by N.M. Catalano
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlexander Black Ruler of an empire. An enigma. Ruthless and powerful. Someone is setting him up, threatening to destroy everything he's built. He's got one thing on his mind; keeping Gemma safe. Gemma Trudeau A pawn in a game. It's a game she has no way of winning, with players who win only one way. Elimination. Black will not lose. To him, it's no game. It's life and death... -
Filthy Richer by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeven-year itch?Can’t say I know what that feels like when my husband is as obsessed with me now as he was on our wedding day.A lot has happened since that first meeting, but through it all, Eoghan's obsession with me is an insatiable craving to make me happy. If anything, I've gotten FILTHY RICHER on his love... -
Lavish Corruption by Alta Hensley, Stasia Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGood girls don’t break rules—but for one night with him, any risk was worth it.Walker St. Claire is my older brother’s best friend and strictly off limits. Especially while he’s an Initiate during his Trials to gain entrance to the secret society.But after a lifetime of following the rules and being the good girl everyone expected me to be, I’m ready to break a few...
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