Books like 'Cruel Beginnings'
Readers who enjoyed Cruel Beginnings by Lili St. Germain & Lyra Parish also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mystery blackmail dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity steamy captivity female-mc
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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...Categorized as:
age-gap billionaire dark enemies-to-lovers female-mc forced-proximity revenge steamy -
![Empress in Lingerie by Penelope Sky]()
Empress in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'm Vanessa Barsetti, the daughter of the infamous Crow Barsetti. My father taught me how to fight. If a man lays a hand on me, I'll put him in his grave. As a Barsetti, I'm proud, stubborn, and don't take nonsense from anybody. I walk home from a bar and take the wrong path. And witness a brutal crime. The murderer won't let me go. He's handsome, lethal, and terrifying... -
![Awakened by Sin by Mia Knight]()
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... -
![Buttons and Lace by Penelope Sky]()
Buttons and Lace by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsI owe him a debt. A big one. The payment can't be settled with money or favors. He only wants one thing. Me. Every action gets a reward. A button. Once I fill his jar with three hundred and sixty-five buttons, he'll let me go. He'll let me walk away. But I have to earn every single one. By submitting to the darkest, cruelest, and most beautiful man I've ever known... -
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![Iris. by London Miller]()
Iris. by London Miller
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne chance was all she needed … Iris Adler made a promise to herself and her father that she would ensure the man responsible for ruining their lives paid for what he had done, but she hadn’t anticipated Syn, or how quickly she would fall for the beautiful but damaged mercenary... -
![Ruthless King by Meghan March]()
Ruthless King by Meghan March
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsNew Orleans belongs to me. You don’t know my name, but I control everything you see—and all the things you don’t. My reach knows no bounds, and my demands are always met. I didn’t need to loan money to a failing family distillery, but it amuses me to have them in my debt. To have her in my debt. She doesn’t know she caught my attention. She should’ve been more careful... -
![Rhapsody of Pain by Nicole Fox]()
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... -
![Velvet Angel by Nicole Fox]()
Velvet Angel by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsTomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life.I’ll have my daughter back in my arms and we can start over.Spoiler alert: tomorrow never comes.At midnight, there’s a tap on my window.And who should burst in but the devil himself?Isaak Vorobev never intended to let me go.He made me his fake wife.He made me his Bratva queen... -
![The Dictator by Penelope Sky]()
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... -
![Reveal by K. Bromberg]()
Reveal by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg comes the raw, sexy, and jaw-dropping finale to the Wicked Ways series. I play to win, and I won’t let anything—or anyone—get in the way of what I want. The first time I met Vaughn Sanders, I knew I wanted her. Confident, intelligent, and downright sexy. I thought I knew how to play her game. I was ready and willing for the challenge... -
![Carson by Jane Henry]()
Carson by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMegan: Carson Flynn is dangerous and brooding.Intensely possessive.Angry, fierce...Haunted.He’s a member of the Clan. A criminal.And a single father who’d burn the world for his daughter.But when he turns his eye on me, I know I should run.I should definitely hide.But it’s already too late...Because when Carson sets his mind on something, he gets what he wants.And what he wants... is me... -
![Cameron's Contract by Vanessa Fewings, Louise Bohmer]()
Cameron's Contract by Vanessa Fewings, Louise Bohmer
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPart 2 of the Enthrall Sessions Novella Series. Enemies swirl. Boundaries break. Love shatters. The master is being challenged like never before, but those who claw for his possessions will feel his wrath. Billionaire Cameron Cole is a man without equal. For his true wealth is his intellect. Words bind, and once ink soaks paper, lives change... -
![Filthy King by Serena Akeroyd]()
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... -
![Roderick by Jessica Gadziala]()
Roderick by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRoderick He joined the MC for many reasons. To be able to financially take care of his mother and sisters, to have fun, to let loose, to meet women. But only casually. Only for a night or two. He wasn’t ready to settle down. Until one day, when the president gives him a job. Just drop the guns, get the money, come home. Don’t f— it up. Except everything goes to hell... -
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![Ace of Hearts by Renee Rose]()
Ace of Hearts by Renee Rose
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"I hit the jackpot with this sexy page turner." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Vanessa Vale THE SWEET LITTLE SONGBIRD'S IN MY CAGE NOW. She owes the Family money. Big money. And I'm the guythey sent to put the squeeze on her. So now she's playing at my casino.Strutting around on my stage in her tight little shorts. Killing me softly... -
![Bully God: An Anthology by R. Holmes, Meagan Brandy]()
Bully God: An Anthology by R. Holmes, Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRuthless and cruel.Ruling from their corrupt thrones, they have the entire world at their fingertips.Arrogant and selfish.They take without remorse, and destroy without a second thought.Creators of light and darkness...The deities of virtue and sin.Wreaking havoc and destruction, yet, demanding to be worshiped.What makes a man a God?Not just any God—a Bully God... -
![Reckless Dynasty by Tracy Lorraine]()
Reckless Dynasty by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy life has been full of half-truths tangled in lies—I’d been to hell and back more times than I could count. But nothing could have prepared me for the fear in her voice, and then the sight of that building going up in flames. After the way I treated her, the way I hurt her, I’d earned that pain back tenfold. I deserved to lose the only bit of light in my dark, twisted life... -
![Tempt Me: A Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance by Faith Summers, Khardine Gray]()
Tempt Me: A Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance by Faith Summers, Khardine Gray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLove is a weakness for a man like me…Two years ago my enemies murdered my wife.They took away the mother of my newborn son.That’s how I became the beast…A merciless, heartless, soulless creature.That’s why I made the deal with Ava:Take her to repay her father’s debt…I couldn’t resist.Not when I saw she feared me as much as she wanted me.I wanted the beauty, a woman nearly half my age... -
![Nolan by Jane Henry]()
Nolan by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’s my nemesis.My prisoner.I‘ll make her beg for mercy.I’ll make her scream my name.I’ll make her mine.Sheena Hurston’s been a thorn in my side for years.But when she tries to bring my family to ruin, I’m done playing games.She will pay for what she’s done.No one comes before my family.Sheena belongs to me... -
![Wild Card by Renee Rose]()
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... -
![Family Ties by Sam Mariano]()
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... -
![Dare To Fall by L. Ann, Claire Marta]()
Dare To Fall by L. Ann, Claire Marta
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsArabella GrayStudious. Good Girl. Liar.She's become my addiction—I feed her my pain.When the threat of losing her awakens the monster, there is no one left to save her from me.Eli TraversOutcast. Artist. Monster.I fell in love with my stepbrother—the Monster.I crave his touch and loathe his name. He took everything I gave and twisted it with hate.The past rises from the dead and stalks the living...Categorized as:
dark suspense steamy cruel-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity plot-twist female-mc -
![His Queen of Clubs: A Bratva / Dark Mafia Romance by Renee Rose]()
His Queen of Clubs: A Bratva / Dark Mafia Romance by Renee Rose
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSORRY, PRINTSESSA, FREEDOM ISN'T IN THE CARDS FOR YOU.YOU'RE MINE NOW. I came for revenge.The Tacone Family wiped out the Chicago mafiya.My bratva. My family.So I captured their little sister.Now that I have her, I don't want to let her go.I'd rather keep her forever--my captive bride.They'll pay a dowry instead of ransom.At the end of the day, the girl and the fortune will be mine... -
![The Terms: Part Two by Ruby Rowe]()
The Terms: Part Two by Ruby Rowe
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCamilla I longed to believe my bond with Ellis was impenetrable, but in reality, I held secrets that could blow open the tightly woven seam of our newfound relationship... -
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![Dirty by LP Lovell, Stevie J. Cole]()
Dirty by LP Lovell, Stevie J. Cole
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPower is rarely an addiction of the pure. And he and I are both irrevocably tainted.He should be the enemy, but Ronan Cole is an addiction that has driven me to madness. Back and forth we go, up and down, round and round. I hate him. I love him. I want to kill him. No man will ever love me with such twisted depravity. Together we are unstoppable... -
![Ripple Effect: Episode Three by Keri Lake]()
Ripple Effect: Episode Three by Keri Lake
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of Ricochet and Backfire comes a dark erotic suspense serial ... Episode Three: In the underbelly, trust is everything, and Dylan will soon discover that Ripley trusts no one. With the return of an old threat, loyalty is on the line, and betrayal could mean the end of everything for both of them. Series Synopsis: Ripley They call me RIP. I’m a killer. A murderer... -
![Bossy Brothers: Tony by J.A. Huss]()
Bossy Brothers: Tony by J.A. Huss
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBelinda Baker and I were not made for each other.We are not soul mates, or lovers, or even frenemies.She is the one who needed to get away.What we had together wasn’t blind love, it was sick rage.We were a match made in hell, it was hate at first sight, and when she walked away from me and never looked back—it was a relief.It was bliss... -
![A Divided Heart by Alessandra Torre]()
A Divided Heart by Alessandra Torre
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan you love two men at once? Is there any future in that?Brant loves me fiercely. A brilliant tech billionaire who has owned my heart for four years, he keeps proposing, and I keep turning him down. I can’t marry him, not with all of the secrets between us.Lee uses me wildly.As grouchy as he is cocky, he's interested in getting me into his bed and little more... -
![Raven by Nikki Landis]()
Raven by Nikki Landis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRaven, V.P. of the Devil's Murder MC, is no stranger to loss.Four months ago, his best friend Rook, president of the club, was gunned down and left for dead.Vengeance becomes his focus as Rook's son Crow returns home to take his place as the new president.The hunt begins for Rook's murderers, leading Raven to an abandoned house outside Las Vegas... -
![Fate Hates by Tina Saxon]()
Fate Hates by Tina Saxon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOf all the times to crave a man's touch, now is not it.Between being handcuffed to a bed post for trespassing, and the stare down from the sexy-as-sin bodyguard sent in to find answers, I'm certain my body must be confusing fear with lust.I was on a mission to find my mother's killer, not a man, but my body seems to think now is a good time to pursue its search for Mr. Right.He's not Mr. Right... -
![Burned Cinder by Jagger Cole]()
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... -
![The Executioner by Jessica Gadziala]()
The Executioner by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBellamyIt was supposed to be an easy job.Get another scumbag off the streets.I never could have foreseen her ruining the plan.Or having to whisk her away on my jet for both our safety.And I certainly couldn’t have anticipated finding myself starting to fall for the blunt, sarcastic, kick-a$$ woman I found myself trapped in a safe house with...Categorized as:
alpha-mc billionaire dark enemies-to-lovers female-mc forced-proximity steamy suspense -
![Enthrall Secrets by Vanessa Fewings, Debbie Kuhn]()
Enthrall Secrets by Vanessa Fewings, Debbie Kuhn
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEnthrall Secrets is a STANDALONE novel that tells the long-awaited story of Scarlet Winters, the infamous, fiery dominatrix from the exclusive Los Angeles BDSM club Enthrall. The promise of salvation. That was his offer. If I surrendered completely. I'd be rewarded with nothing less than my very own salvation. And I needed it... -
![The Six Night Truce by Hannah Shield]()
The Six Night Truce by Hannah Shield
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen I stepped into the courtroom this morning, I intended to fight for my client’s life. I never expected to run for my own. Now the courthouse is in lockdown, and I’m trapped in a tiny room with my nemesis—the West Oaks PD cop who hates me most. He’s a single dad with a growly attitude. An ex-Marine. And he’s the star witness against my client... -
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![Coercion by Amelia Wilde]()
Coercion by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere’s a fight to the death… and a fight for his heart.COERCION is book three in the Controlling Interest trilogy. Find out what happens in the explosive conclusion of Will Leblanc’s emotional story... -
![Fallen Rose by Amelia Wilde]()
Fallen Rose by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLeo Morelli has lost everything.His safety. His sanity. But worse than that, the woman he loves. He will destroy Bishop’s Landing to get her back, even if it means becoming the monster she fears. The entire city will feel his wrath. Haley Constantine loves her beast, but she can’t walk away from her family. They need her now more than ever. It will take more than violence to face these enemies...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc angst billionaire captivity dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity -
![Take by Pam Godwin]()
Take by Pam Godwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s a notorious crime lord, a kidnapper, and an artist.Scarification is his outlet, and he just captured a new canvas.Kate refuses to surrender beneath his blade or the cruelty in his beautiful eyes.But she’s drawn to the man inside the monster. A man who makes her ache with his touch. Who owns her with his kiss.A man who worships her as deeply as he hurts her... -
![A Reckless Note by Lisa Renee Jones]()
A Reckless Note by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“I can chase you, and I can catch you, but there is nothing I can do to make you mine.” ― Morrissey It all started with a note, just a simple note hand written by a woman I didn't know, never even met. But in that note is perhaps every answer to every question I've ever had in my life. And because of that note, I travel thousands of miles. I look for her, but find him... -
![Cutslut by Kim Jones]()
Cutslut by Kim Jones
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’m that girl. No…I’m not. They want their title. I don’t. They’re proud to belong. I’m not. They chose this life. I didn’t… My name is Winter Tews. I am a thief. Liar. Traitor. Con. The enemy is my lover. I am his Cutslut. And this is my story. Damn right she’s not that girl. They’re sugar and spice. She’s misery and sin. And I want her. Not to hold...Categorized as:
alpha-mc angst billionaire captivity dark enemies-to-lovers female-mc forced-proximity -
![Wild Rebel by Laurelin Paige]()
Wild Rebel by Laurelin Paige
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWe were supposed to run away after graduation.When she didn’t show at our meeting place, I got brave and went after her.It was a mistake.I left bloodied and bruised.I had no choice but to walk away. Years passed. I traveled, settled halfway around the world, made enough money that I didn’t have to look back.But I never got over her. Then, out of the blue, she calls... -
![Damien: A Stark Novel by J. Kenner]()
Damien: A Stark Novel by J. Kenner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark series… I am Damien Stark. From the outside, I have a perfect life. A billionaire with a beautiful family. But if you could see inside my head, you’d know I’m as f-ed up as a person can be. Now more than ever... -
![Reign by Cassandra Robbins]()
Reign by Cassandra Robbins
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO LEGENDS COLLIDE?From USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Robbins comes her latest sinfully hot rockstar romance. A scorching, enemies to lovers, deliciously addictive stand-alone about rock ‘n’ roll royalty and burning obsessions.They call him a legend.One of the greatest guitarists of our time.The mighty Ace of Spades brought in to produce my album and save the day...Categorized as:
steamy enemies-to-lovers age-gap forced-proximity billionaire alpha-mc suspense dark -
![My Control by Lisa Renee Jones]()
My Control by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI have lost the man I once was, letting guilt and heartache definewho I am. Darkness has controlled me, and one woman has seen what no one else hasseen in me, what I do not wish to exist. I'm consumed with my hunger for herand my need for her has driven me to the edge of sanity, but no more.She's about to find out that the Master has returned... -
![Tempted to Kiss by W. Winters]()
Tempted to Kiss by W. Winters
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author W Winters comes an emotionally-gripping, romantic suspense.I fell for someone I shouldn’t have. I’m not the only person to ever do such a thing. I know that. And I’m not an awful person for desiring his touch, his kiss, his everything… but I knew I shouldn’t have indulged. There’s something about knowing it’s wrong that tempts me that much more... -
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![Wrong Crowd by Lisa Helen Gray]()
Wrong Crowd by Lisa Helen Gray
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy entire world was turned upside down the day my mum died. I feared what my life would become when an aunt I never knew about came swooping in and threw me into the unknown. She was rich. I couldn’t even afford a pack of gum. We were complete opposites, yet I wanted a fresh start in life, and she was promising to give me that. I just had to live with her for a year, until I graduated college... -
![The Bratva's Locked Up Love by Jagger Cole]()
The Bratva's Locked Up Love by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'm locked behind bars with a beautiful monster.I might be one of the youngest surgeons in the country. But as the in-house doctor in the hellish top-secret prison my father runs, I'm like a trapped dove in a cage with bars that are all too real.That is, until prisoner 5049 ends up on my operating table... -
![Sinful Hearts by Jagger Cole]()
Sinful Hearts by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy first mistake was sleeping with the most dangerous man in New York, without him knowing who I was.My second was believing he never would...It was supposed to be easy: one night of sin with a beautiful stranger to forever cut ties with my Bratva past.But I didn’t pick a stranger. I picked him... -
![My Hunger by Lisa Renee Jones]()
My Hunger by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhile Chris and Sara have traveled to Paris to avoid the chaos of press and police after the tragic events in San Francisco, I have stayed to face the reality of what has happened. But there is no peace to be found in facing the truth, and no truth to be found in the confessions that have been made and retracted... -
![Third a Kiss by Pepper Winters]()
Third a Kiss by Pepper Winters
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNew York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, brings a new Dark Romance Series to life. This is the third book in GODDESS ISLES. “There was hate once. Hate born from dangerous attraction and fate’s cruel design. There was love once. Love destined to kill us if we didn’t surrender to our war.” Full blurb and cover to come... -
![The Tyrant by Penelope Sky]()
The Tyrant by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI've fallen in love with Cato, and I'm not afraid to say it.He doesn't need to say it back. I know how he feels.Even if he doesn't have the balls to admit it.Our daughter will be here soon, and our lives will change forever...
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