Books like 'The Empress'
Readers who enjoyed The Empress by Michelle Heard also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance crime dark forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers organized-crime marriage-of-convenience arranged-marriage kidnapping
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Beauty in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsConway Barsetti doesn't want me to be a model anymore. He wants to keep me all to himself. I inspire him in ways no one else does. Now I'm living with him in his beautiful mansion, and I don't feel like a prisoner anymore. I'm free to do what I want, with some limitations. But he treats me so coldly, seeing me as an object rather than a person... -
Filthy Truth by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsConor's my lifeline.He doesn't know it.I need him to find me.I need him to chase me.I need him to love me.If I haven't already destroyed what we might have had, he's crazy enough to take me on.My Fecker.Mine...Categorized as:
dark suspense organized-crime friends-to-lovers billionaire enemies-to-lovers steamy crime -
Lady in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI refuse to let this woman have any power over me.She's just my prisoner.But once my Muse is in trouble, I'll do anything to save her.Anything to protect her.She was supposed to inspire me, please me.She was never supposed to care about me.Or make me care about her... -
The Merger by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCrushes are harmless—unless they involve your best friend’s grumpy, off-limits brother.Gannon Brewer is the epitome of my type. He’s at least ten years older than me, emotionally unavailable, and highly disagreeable—a walking red flag in a tailored suit. But do I listen to that? No...Categorized as:
family age-gap billionaire grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers -
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Queen in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMuse told the world how she felt about me.Instead of feeling joy, I felt terror.This isn't what I want.This isn't how our relationship is supposed to be.I end things because I have no other choice.But I struggle to cope with my misery, to sleep in an empty bed without her beside me... -
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... -
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 kidnapping steamy arranged-marriage -
Ivory Ashes by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy new boss is gorgeous, arrogant, and filthy rich.The only problem?He doesn't know he's also the father of my baby.Six years ago, I was supposed to get married.But the night before the wedding, my groom-to-be showed me sides of himself I'd never seen before.I might've died in that hotel room...If Mikhail Novikov hadn't burst in to save me... -
Cashmere Cruelty by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen is the worst time to tell someone he’s going to be a father?Probably the day of the wedding…When he is getting married to someone else.Well, that is exactly what I did.But my hands were tied.Literally.Matvey Groza is a dangerous man.And nine months ago, he strolled into my shop looking for a custom suit...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov forced-proximity -
Emerald Vices by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI did a bad thing...And the man I love is here to make me pay for it."You're coming with me," he snarls."There's zero percent chance THAT's happening," I fire back.But I only get about two steps away before Andrey decides to take matters into his own hands.Literally.And it's me.I'm "matters."So now, I'm back where I started.Stuck somewhere I don't belong with a dangerous man who hates me... -
Cashmere Ruin by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy baby's here.Her father's not.And if I have it my way, we'll never see him again.Because Matvey Groza stomped my heart to smithereens.It went pretty much like "I love you." "I'm marrying someone else."I'm paraphrasing, but not by much.Because some facts are undeniable.Matvey got me pregnant. FACT.I'm just now starting labor. FACT.But Matvey is nowhere to be found. FACT... -
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Matteo: A Forced Marriage Mafia Romance by T. Priceton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn my world, marriage is a transaction between two families. Nothing more. So, when the head of the Mancini crime family approaches me with an offer to marry his daughter in exchange for what I need to destroy my enemy, I accept.But when a woman I’ve never heard of shows up on the contract, questions arise.If forcing her hand in marriage is what it takes to get what I want, then so be it... -
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... -
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Daddy's Obsession by Laylah Roberts
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMaeve had never lived a normal life.She found it hard to settle down, to trust. So letting him close was likely a big mistake.When a threat presents itself, she knows she has to protect him.Gray didn’t let many people close. But when he did, he kept them.If Maeve thought she could run . . . well, she could just think again.He was coming for her. She would be his...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc cheerful-mc crime grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov organized-crime -
The Oracle by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI friendzoned Hunter Lachlan because I thought he could never give me what I needed. After a decade of pushing him away, I don't recognize Las Vegas's new Don.Maybe my childhood best friend knew me better than I ever realized... And maybe, just maybe, he's the one man for whom I'll kneel...Categorized as:
alpha-mc arranged-marriage billionaire cheerful-mc crime dark friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc -
Dom by S.J. Tilly
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsVALWhen I was nine, I went to my first funeral. Along with accepting my father's death, I had to accept new and awful truths I wasn't prepared for.When I was nineteen, I went to my mother's funeral. We weren't close, but with her gone, I became more alone than ever before.Sure, I have a half-brother who runs The Alliance...Categorized as:
dark crime suspense organized-crime age-gap forced-proximity billionaire arranged-marriage -
The Consigliere by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI inherited Las Vegas. It's mine even if I never wanted it.I may be the Don of the Camorra but every leader needs a Consigliere, and the only one I want belongs to the New York Sicilian Mafia. Aurora Valentini hasn't spoken to me in a decade and I'm tired of waiting.It's time to claim what's mine. Whether she's ready or not...Categorized as:
alpha-mc cheerful-mc crime dark enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine -
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...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers -
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... -
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 found-family suspense steamy -
Chosen by the Badman by Hayley Faiman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKonstantin Skumin has never wanted to sign on the dotted line for a woman of his choosing. While it is the Bratva way, it’s a tradition he refuses to practice. A badman with desires both dark and relentless, he is the opposite of gentle. Even so, it cannot be denied that he harbors dreams of romantic notions he will not willingly compromise. Kiska Barysheva has resigned herself to her fate...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc arranged-marriage crime dark insta-love kidnapping marriage-of-convenience -
Forever my Badman by Hayley Faiman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf there's one thing Mika Rybin knows, it's loss. While he was raised to be an ambitious Bratva man, the mob that preserved him has also robbed him more than once. When the tables of life start to turn in his favor, and the beautiful Pakhan's daughter chooses him for eternity, he'll be damned if he allows the rules of the organization he serves faithfully to rob him, once again...Categorized as:
alpha-mc crime dark friends-to-lovers insta-love kidnapping marriage-of-convenience multi-pov -
Steel by Eva Simmons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI stole from the Twisted Kings, and now I’m at the mercy of Jameson Steel.It’s not like I planned any of this... The same way I didn’t plan on being the only parent to my four-year-old brother.But one night, everything went sideways, and now Jameson is my only chance at getting out of this mess.He doesn’t trust me, but he needs me to get back at the man who sent me to his clubhouse... -
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The Savage by Stella Andrews
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIvan may be my name but I am best known as The Savage.Born and bred Bratva heir and loving every delicious minute of my life. That's why it was easy to kidnap the entitled Charlotte Richmond from her finishing school in England. It was my pleasure to hide her away while her depraved father searched for her.I have no heart, no emotion, and no morals.She is a bargaining chip, a means to an end...Categorized as:
organized-crime enemies-to-lovers kidnapping dark steamy alpha-mc age-gap forced-proximity -
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... -
Thorns of Death by Eva Winners
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEnrico Marchetti.One of the five Italian mafia kings.Powerful. Untouchable. Corrupt.It started with one innocent look across a room in Paris. He was a lot older than me. A Roman god dressed in an Italian suit, surrounded by an aura I couldn’t resist.When I ran into him again, he effortlessly pulled me under his spell. But little did I know, a night full of carnal pleasure would cost me everything... -
Roman by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI rescued her because I had to. I fell in love with her because she gave me no choice.Roman CostasPowerful. Intensely private.Cold. Dangerous.When he unwittingly puts an innocent woman in danger, he does something he never planned.Becomes involved.He didn’t anticipate the feelings Effie Warner brought out in him.He didn’t expect the woman he rescued to become his world... -
Taking What's Mine by Siobhan Davis™
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA brand-new stand-alone dark mafia romance from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis.Set within the Mazzone Mafia world. This is Fiero Maltese's story.Indecent Proposal meets The Godfather.Tropes enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, age gap, forced proximity, no one is touching her but me.Full description and cover to follow... -
Raphael by Eva Winners
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEnemies to lovers mafia romanceRaphael Santos.A criminal.The devil.The man was definitely suave and charismatic.The way he looked at me made me shiver but his eyes rattled something deep inside me.I hated him with every fiber of my being. His family destroyed mine. His father started a chain reaction that could never be undone. The Santos family ruled the underworld of Florida...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity kidnapping -
Twilight Sins by Naomi West
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat's worse than a surprise blind date?Finding out your date is a mob boss...And ending up pregnant with his baby.My BFF pulled a bait-and-switch on me.Instead of drinks with the girls, I'm at this bar to meet a blind date."He's nice and normal and handsome!" she promises.Only one of those three is correct.Yakov Kulikov is as gorgeous as they come—and ten times as dangerous...Categorized as:
organized-crime kidnapping age-gap suspense forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
Ruthless Hunter by Faith Summers, Khardine Gray
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratings★ A TOP 100 AMAZON BESTSELLER ★ My Villain. My Rebel. My Ruthless Hunter… Hunter Le Blanche is one of New York’s most sought-after billionaires.People call him the Wall Street Shark because he always gets what he wants.His latest conquest just happens to be me.We met by mistake... -
Monstrous Urges by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI played games with the wrong stranger.Tall, powerful, and lethally gorgeous, Drazen Krylov is the ruthless boogeyman the Bratva world fears.He’s also the masked man from the app whom I unknowingly shared my darkest, most depraved urges with.Now the fantasy has become a nightmare.Drazen says I did terrible, unforgivable things...Categorized as:
dark suspense steamy organized-crime enemies-to-lovers billionaire amnesia forced-proximity -
Unraveled by Bella J.
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI warned her.I told her there’s no line I won’t cross to keep her.And that’s what I did. I crossed a line.Thing is, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again if I had the chance.This all started with me needing a wife—a wife I didn’t want.But things changed. She got under my skin and into my bed.Now, I’m not willing to let her go.Not even if she begs me to set her free.She knew the risk...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers -
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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...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage crime dark enemies-to-lovers marriage-of-convenience -
Brutal Savage by Lilian Harris
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratings𝗔 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗗, 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 & 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀Callous and cruel, he’s a DEVIL in every sense of the word.And now, my new HUSBAND... -
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...Categorized as:
alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers organized-crime -
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...Categorized as:
arranged-marriage crime dark enemies-to-lovers kidnapping organized-crime steamy suspense -
Scandalous Liaison by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove wasn't part of the deal. My full surrender was. Family. For most people, the thought brought happiness or comfort. For me, the sheer mention created anger. After all, I hated my ruthless father with a passion. Unfortunately, with my brother's impending marriage, I felt compelled to return to my hometown for a single weekend...Categorized as:
dark billionaire organized-crime grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc anti-hero suspense -
The Man in Black by Soraya Naomi
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStandalone. Although part of the Chicago Syndicate world, The Man in Black is a standalone and can be enjoyed either with or without reading the rest of the series.BrielleHe consumed my mind. I never even crossed his.From the moment I met Michael, mysteriously brooding and dressed like a dark angel, there was something electric between us. Or so I thought... -
Gorgeous Prince by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the Mafia boss’s son.And just as ruthless as his father.I was ten when I first heard the term arranged marriage.From the way my cousin cried about hers, I knew it wasn’t a life I wanted.When I turned eighteen, I learned I’d face the same fate.Benny Marchetti is the heir to the most powerful family in New York City.He’s ruthless, cunning, and my contracted husband...Categorized as:
suspense family dark crime organized-crime enemies-to-lovers arranged-marriage forced-proximity -
Solemn Vow by Measha Stone
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s being blackmailed. Ordinarily, that wouldn't be my concern. But since it's her, someone will have to pay...Categorized as:
organized-crime age-gap enemies-to-lovers insta-love forced-proximity anti-hero billionaire dark -
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... -
Master Me by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSavannah is beautiful. Brilliant. Brighter than a ray of sunshine.She’s also way too young for me and practically family.But she’s in trouble.When she witnesses a murder at the hands of rival mafia, Savannah flees to the only safe refuge she knows — my family.My life is ordered. Careful. Disciplined. But when Savannah needs protection, I can’t turn her away...Categorized as:
crime organized-crime age-gap kidnapping grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy -
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Prince of Darkness by Ajme Williams
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWitness protection. Forbidden crush. Now he's a ruthless killer and I'm pregnant with his child.Liam was supposed to be my FBI guardian angel. Now, he's the monster who kidnapped me.One explosive night. One life-altering secret. Will the Prince of Darkness return for the child he doesn't know exists?This is no fairy tale.This is survival.This is us...Categorized as:
organized-crime forced-proximity age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc billionaire crime -
Scandalous Kingpin by Eva Winners
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChristian “Priest” DiLustro.A charming prince. Only when it suited him. I had a taste of him and got addicted. But he was a heartless bastard and an arrogant mafia prince whose only goal was to ignore me after we scratched the itch.Just when I thought we both moved on, he swooped in, claiming he made a promise and he intended to keep it, even if it killed us both.Ivy Murphy...Categorized as:
dark crime suspense organized-crime enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity age-gap arranged-marriage -
The Woman with the Ring by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPrimo Esposito snatched me off the street in a ploy to bring long-sought peace between the Families. His proposal was simple.Me, my life, my future.In exchange for a ceasefire. If I said no, it would mean the immediate slaughter of my friends, of all my family. There had never been a choice at all...Categorized as:
alpha-mc arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers family kidnapping -
Prince of Hate by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s my curse. I’m his cure To settle my father’s debt, I’ve taken his place as prisoner to a monster. A dangerously beautiful beast of a man with cold blue eyes and ice around his heart. A vengeful, reclusive billionaire cloaked in scars and haunted by pain and violence. He looks at me like he can’t decide if he’ll kiss me or destroy me...Categorized as:
dark suspense organized-crime age-gap enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
Emperor of Rage by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI'm trapped by a beautiful psychopath.A devil with a soul as black as his heart.He knows what I did.Now he won't stop, no matter how fast or how far I run.They say fairytales are just pretend.But monsters?Those are real.And they never, ever let go...Mal's book. Arriving October 2024...Categorized as:
dark steamy suspense organized-crime enemies-to-lovers found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
The King by S.R. Jones
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThey say all is fair in love and war, but he never played fair…They call him the king.He’s not my king.He’s my tormentor, my captor—my secret dark desire.In the brutal Bratva world, to be a king means to wage endless war.I’m about to be collateral damage.I must hope my captor wins as the alternatives are horrific.After all, to the victor goes the spoils.This is book one in the Bratva Blood duet...
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