Books like 'Once a Good Girl...'
Readers who enjoyed Once a Good Girl... by Wendy S. Marcus also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary tortured heroine possessive hero secret child betrayal
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1005 Lonestar Terrace by Cee Bowerman
Motherhood has been a journey for Brighten Duke, one she wasn’t expecting, but has enjoyed with her entire heart and soul. But there’s one thing hanging over her head that she’s not quite ready to face. A lie she told along with her best friend six years ago is about to be revealed, and she’s going to have to deal with the consequences of her actions right along with him...Categorized as:
secret child betrayal contemporary bikers explicit-open-door first-person-pov dual-pov angst -
![Kadence by Anne Mercier]()
Kadence by Anne Mercier
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSometimes you find family where you least expect it...When bass guitarist Jace Warner receives an urgent message from his high school sweetheart to come home, the rocker drops what he's doing to get there. Finding out that his first love, the girl that stole his heart, is dying isn't the biggest shock he receives. The bad boy rocker has a child, and now, he's about to be her only living parent... -
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![Cold Fear by Toni Anderson]()
Cold Fear by Toni Anderson
A relentless FBI profiler hunts a vicious killer. When old evidence turns up on a fresh corpse, ASAC Lincoln Frazer is determined it won’t delay the execution of a convicted serial killer. But when more young women are brutally slain, it becomes clear—this new killer is intimately familiar with the old murders. A dedicated emergency physician hides a dark secret. Former Army Captain Dr... -
![Deadline by Sandra Brown]()
Deadline by Sandra Brown
Dawson Scott is a well-respected journalist recently returned from Afghanistan. Haunted by everything he experienced, he's privately suffering from battle fatigue which is a threat to every aspect of his life. But then he gets a call from a source within the FBI. A new development has come to light in a story that began 40 years ago... -
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![The Rage by Jaci J.]()
The Rage by Jaci J.
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThey say love comes in all shapes and sizes, and is found in the most unexpected places. I wasn't looking for anything when I knocked on that big, wooden door, but what I got was a rude ass, leather wearing biker who made me feel, and want things I never thought were possible. Rampage is crude, rude, and tough. He’s everything I’m not, but he’s everything I need... -
![If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins]()
If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins's thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series..Categorized as:
possessive hero betrayal contemporary cheating humor open-door other-man-woman length-long -
![Hateful by Cora Brent]()
Hateful by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI thought I was lucky to have a fresh start.Those don’t come around often for a girl from the streets of this city.But a fortunate chain of events has delivered me to the center of wealth and power.And in the midst of three very different, very formidable cousins with the world at their feet.Gage, Micah and Conner were determined to be my enemies.So I braced for a war.But they underestimated me...Categorized as:
betrayal tortured heroine contemporary suspense new adult super rich hero length-long insta-love -
![All the Pretty Poses by M. Leighton]()
All the Pretty Poses by M. Leighton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsHe never wanted to be a hero…until she needed him to be. Strength… It took Kennedy Moore years to put her life back together after Reese Spencer shattered it. But she did. Now, years later, strong and independent, she is in pursuit of a single dream—to dance with the Altman American Dance Theater... -
![Vasily's Revenge by Latrivia S. Nelson]()
Vasily's Revenge by Latrivia S. Nelson
Vasily Kavlov has been proud of one title in his life, head enforcer of the Medlov Organized Crime Family. As a Russian Mafia hit man, his entire purpose has been to protect his bosses and their families without prejudice. However, even the bravest hit man has loved at least once. To Vasily’s detriment, it was his former boss, Leo Rasputin’s wife, Lilly...Categorized as:
tortured heroine secret child betrayal contemporary multicultural mafia sassy heroine bwwm -
![James by Chantal Fernando]()
James by Chantal Fernando
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsJames Steele leads a complicated life, a life that makes it hard to get close to people. James’ secrets caused him to lose the woman of his dreams, Sasha Crawford. James has now moved on with Tatiana, a lovely woman whom he works with, someone who understands his reasons for secrecy. When Sasha comes back into the picture James will have to make a decision...Categorized as:
possessive hero secret child betrayal contemporary bad boys alpha male second chances college -
![Taking Fire by Cindy Gerard]()
Taking Fire by Cindy Gerard
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBetrayal. Retribution. Redemption? Six years ago, tough-as-nails military contractor Bobby Taggart met the woman of his dreams in war-torn Kabul—a sexy, whip-smart war correspondent who approached him at a local bar, took him to bed, made him fall in love…and then mysteriously disappeared... -
![Bad Habits by Sienna Mynx]()
Bad Habits by Sienna Mynx
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSimone Livingston wants desperately to start again. She and her husband Keith have both agreed that their marriage is worth saving. Despite the deep betrayal and lies she's suffered thanks to his infidelity. Their arrival in a small town run by the wealthy conniving Hollingsworths tests her faith in her husband and the sacred vows of her marriage... -
![How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo]()
How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo
Written in her wonderfully honest, edgy, passionate and often hilarious voice, Tiffanie DeBartolo tells the story of Eliza Caelum, a young music journalist, and Paul Hudson, a talented songwriter and lead singer of the band Bananafish. Eliza's reverence for rock is equaled only by Paul's, and the two fall wildly in love... -
![Second Chances by Delaney Diamond]()
Second Chances by Delaney Diamond
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRenaldo da Silva’s near-perfect life in Brazil comes to a halt when he finds out about his wife’s betrayal. Now he doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. But because he needs her help finalizing the biggest deal of his career, he’s forced to make her a multi-million dollar offer and delay their divorce. Sabrina da Silva can’t forgive herself after a reckless night destroys her marriage... -
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![Deceive Not My Heart by Shirlee Busbee]()
Deceive Not My Heart by Shirlee Busbee
HER FURY PROMISED VENGEANCE Leonie's only interest in the despicable cad she had been forced to marry was the return of her dowry. She had not seen her husband in five years, and now Morgan Slade angrily denied there had ever been a marriage...Categorized as:
possessive hero secret child contemporary rape pregnancy cruel hero historical open-door -
![A Just Deception by Adrienne Giordano]()
A Just Deception by Adrienne Giordano
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe protector: Peter Jessup, former Navy SEAL, currently employed by Taylor Security. He likes being the hero—in charge and in control. His client: Lawyer Isabelle DeRosa. The sexy brunette is the personification of Peter's fantasies. She's willing to get physical but nothing more serious... -
![Second Chance Lover by Natasha L. Black]()
Second Chance Lover by Natasha L. Black
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI swore I’d never ask him for anything.Now I need his help, his protection.Landon’s irresistible--older, experienced, head of a top security firm.We agreed what we had was nothing serious.I fell for him anyway.When I found out I was pregnant, I ran.He told me he never wanted kids,So I left before he could reject me.My family lost everything. Someone’s making threats on my life...Categorized as:
secret child betrayal age difference pregnancy contemporary alpha male forced proximity new adult -
![Absolutely Famous by Heather Leigh]()
Absolutely Famous by Heather Leigh
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 20 ratings***Warning, contains language and situations for mature readers. Appropriate for adults age 18+*** When 24 year-old Sydney Allen fell for the sexy Drew Forrester, it threw her life into chaos. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Sydney had been hiding her identity from the world since her parents' tumultuous and very public divorce when she was 12...Categorized as:
possessive hero betrayal contemporary college famous heroine massachusetts north-america england -
![It's Vegas, Baby (A Vegas, Baby Novella) by Fiona Davenport]()
It's Vegas, Baby (A Vegas, Baby Novella) by Fiona Davenport
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Andrew Lennox spotted Autumn standing at the registration desk of his Las Vegas hotel, she was instantly his obsession. With Autumn leaving to spend a year in Africa, their time was limited. But Drew was determined to use every second convincing Autumn of what he already knew. She was his. And no matter how long she was gone or how far away, that would never change...Categorized as:
possessive hero secret child contemporary alpha male insta-love new adult pregnancy sassy heroine -
![Her Last Chance by Toni Anderson]()
Her Last Chance by Toni Anderson
(Marsh & Josie first appear in HER SANCTUARY. This is their story) Eighteen years ago the Blade Hunter found his first victim on the streets of New York City. As a child Josephine Maxwell was attacked and left for dead. She learned the hard way that life is a constant struggle for survival. She can’t waste time pining over a man she can’t have... -
![The Hitman by Jordan Silver]()
The Hitman by Jordan Silver
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDrake Cisco is a hit-man with an agenda. Ten years ago, his dad offed himself when he was accused wrongfully of stealing from the town's leading citizen. The fact that the black Drake was dating the man's white debutante daughter at the time had a lot to do with the way things went down, and once Drake figures this out, he's out for blood...Categorized as:
possessive hero betrayal virgin heroine pregnancy alpha male insta-love contemporary m-f -
![Dark Waters by Toni Anderson]()
Dark Waters by Toni Anderson
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDanger once again laps at the shores of Barkley Sound, the Graveyard of the Pacific… Since her rocky childhood and its abrupt, brutal ending, schoolteacher Anna Silver hasn’t given her trust easily...Categorized as:
tortured heroine betrayal tortured hero mystery contemporary suspense forced proximity cold hero -
![Bitter Sweet by LaVyrle Spencer]()
Bitter Sweet by LaVyrle Spencer
This engaging, up-to-the-minute romance of high school sweethearts reunited will gratify fans. The untimely death of her husband leaves Maggie Pearson wealthy but emotionally bereft...Categorized as:
tortured heroine secret child betrayal contemporary cheating pregnancy second chances love triangle -
![Hot Shot by M.J. Fredrick]()
Hot Shot by M.J. Fredrick
Their passion rivals the fires they battle. Peyton Michaels expected her assignment to be simple-write an article about everyday heroes. Heroes like Hot Shot firefighter Gabe Cooper. She never expected to find herself running up a mountain, a wildfire nipping at her heels, her life in his hands. And she never expected to be drawn to Gabe...Categorized as:
tortured heroine possessive hero contemporary suspense men in uniform open-door length-short -
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![Blaze: A small town EMT romance. by Laramie Briscoe]()
Blaze: A small town EMT romance. by Laramie Briscoe
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new series from the USA Today and WSJ Bestselling author of the Moonshine Task Force Series!The heat is on.Situated on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, this town is nothing like you’ve ever experienced. Hot guys, the women they love, and a town worth saving. Bradford, TN is the epicenter of the next great romance dynasty... -
![The Case Of The Mesmerizing Boss by Diana Palmer]()
The Case Of The Mesmerizing Boss by Diana Palmer
Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFormer Texas Ranger Dane Lassiter knows all about wanting. He had wanted Tess Meriwether for years, but he had scared her away after nearly claiming her innocence in one out-of-control moment. But when Tess barely escapes a killer's bullet, Dane appoints himself her protector, whisking her away to his Texas ranch. Now his toughest challenge is convincing Tess to accept safety in his arms...Categorized as:
secret child betrayal contemporary virgin heroine pregnancy cowboys suspense length-short -
![Anticipation by Sarah Mayberry]()
Anticipation by Sarah Mayberry
Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBlue Sullivan knows a player when she sees one. And Eddie Oliveira—charm and sex personified—was born to play. She never wanted him to say goodbye, so for the last ten years she’s ignored the sizzling attraction between them and focused on being the best sidekick a guy could have. Smart girl, right? Then Blue has a serious accident, and overnight Eddie changes... -
![The McClane Apocalypse: Book One by Kate Morris]()
The McClane Apocalypse: Book One by Kate Morris
Rated: 3.84 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“The end of the world doesn’t happen with a bang. It takes slightly longer than that but not by much. Research projects, Gross Anatomy class, tests and fancy coffee drinks will cease to be important. The fight for her life will become the only thing that matters... -
![Saving Forever by Jasinda Wilder]()
Saving Forever by Jasinda Wilder
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsEver and Cade, Sorry I vanished like I did. I’m not sure I can even explain things. I don’t know when I’ll be back. IF I’ll be back. I’m not sure of anything, except that I love you, Ever. You’re my twin, my best friend, and leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I know you don’t understand. Maybe you never will. I hope you don’t, honestly. It would be easier that way...Categorized as:
secret child betrayal contemporary cheating college cruel hero angst other-man-woman -
![The Biker's Virgin by Sam Crescent]()
The Biker's Virgin by Sam Crescent
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsColonel isn’t expecting to fall for any woman, but with one pitstop in a small town, that’s exactly what he does. She’s being attacked by a man, so he takes matters into his own hands and he protects her.Piper Dawes is used to men thinking she’s easy prey and she doesn’t expect the angry-looking biker to make her feel safe. He’s not staying for long, and she has no intention of falling for him... -
![Tidal by Emily Snow]()
Tidal by Emily Snow
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsNow that Willow Avery is out of rehab, she's got one chance left to prove herself before she’s officially on every producer’s shit list. At least, that's what her parents and agent are claiming. She doesn't really give a damn if she never makes another movie or not—she just wants to get on with her life, get back to her friends, and find her next escape. But Willow is broke...Categorized as:
tortured heroine secret child contemporary athletes actors college angst cold heroine -
![Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught]()
Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught
Unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and riveting suspense: These are the trademarks of beloved author Judith McNaught. With millions of devoted fans and ten New York Times bestsellers to date, McNaught is a writer whose work just gets better with each new novel–and Every Breath You Take is the book readers have been waiting for...Categorized as:
secret child betrayal contemporary suspense second chances mystery sweet heroine open-door -
![Captive Embraces by Fern Michaels]()
Captive Embraces by Fern Michaels
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBestselling author Fern Michaels has thrilled generations of readers with her glorious love stories and sweeping romantic sagas. Here is a classic historical tale of passion on the high seas as one woman dares to win back the man who stole her fortune–and her heart. . . .Proud and beautiful Sirena Cordez once commanded her own ship, battling pirates to avenge her sister’s brutal death... -
![An Unlikely Deal by Nadia Lee]()
An Unlikely Deal by Nadia Lee
Lucas When Ava Huss, the only woman I ever loved, left without a word after my horrific motorcycle crash, I didn't pursue her. The crash left me broken, and the ensuing two years have been hell. My billions can't make up for what's wrong with me. My body is deadened to the world, and the only thing I crave--with increasing desperation--is her... -
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![Tactical Deception by J.L. Saint]()
Tactical Deception by J.L. Saint
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"One tormented soldier. One woman. Eight snipers. Someone's going down..." "Silent Warrior, Book 2" The fallout from the team's failed mission to Lebanon is still chewing Lt. Col. Roger Weston's butt. God help them all if the media get wind of the real story. Worse, guilt is eating him alive over a decision that left a fallen warrior's wife without a husband..Categorized as:
tortured heroine possessive hero contemporary suspense men in uniform military length-medium -
![Casualties of Love by Denise Riley]()
Casualties of Love by Denise Riley
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA secret she’s afraid to tell . . . The moment Sergeant Jessica Watts lays eyes on Tyson Kidd again she can barely breathe. It’s been six years since she walked away from him, six years since she hid the truth and pushed him out of her life. Now their paths have crossed and he demands the answers Jessica knows he deserves... -
![The Sheik's Secret Twins by Elizabeth Lennox]()
The Sheik's Secret Twins by Elizabeth Lennox
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom the first moment he’d arrived, Sheik Malik bin Saqqaf had thrown her life into chaos. And the longer he stayed, the more she fell in love with him. But could she trust him? He’d betrayed her once, should she risk it again? They’d been lovers four years ago, a relationship that had resulted in her wonderful twin boys. Now he was back and he wanted into her life once again... -
![Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane]()
Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe’s working undercover for the good guys. That doesn’t mean he’s one of them. HE’S A KILLER. Thorne McKelvey knows exactly how Nadia sees him—as a brute and a killer just kinky enough to play her sexy games. And that’s how it has to stay. Leaving her was the hardest thing he ever did, but his undercover mission could blow up at any second. No way will he drag Nadia down with him... -
![Run from Fear by Jami Alden]()
Run from Fear by Jami Alden
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWith each step she takes, he tracks her every move, waiting for the perfect time. The perfect revenge. Until then, he'll watch her . . . RUN FROM FEAR More than anything, Talia Vega wanted to leave behind her harrowing past. Moving eight hundred miles away, she succeeded . . . until the one man who knows her darkest secrets wanders into the restaurant where she works... -
![If You See Her by Shiloh Walker]()
If You See Her by Shiloh Walker
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA FACE IN THE MIRROR Hope Carson may not look like a survivor, but she has escaped an abusive ex-husband and recovered from a vicious assault. Now she endures the painful memories and suspicious rumors surrounding her involvement in the attack. Her ex is a cop, so the last people she trusts are law enforcement officials--and she certainly doesn't trust how the local DA makes her feel inside... -
![Picking up the Pieces by Jessica Prince]()
Picking up the Pieces by Jessica Prince
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsAfter having her heart broken by the only man she’s ever loved everything seemed to go downhill for Emerson Grace. It has taken eight years but Emmy is finally starting to pick up the pieces of her damaged life. But the man who destroyed it has returned bringing with him the pain of the past...Categorized as:
tortured heroine secret child betrayal contemporary military pregnancy men in uniform abuse -
![A Lost Love by Carole Mortimer]()
A Lost Love by Carole Mortimer
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe didn't have to guess how Rafe felt about his wife... Brooke Adamson knew the whole bitter story. Because she was Rafe Charlwood's wife, or rather she had been, before the terrible car accident Rafe believed had claimed her life... -
![Sugar Springs by Kim Law]()
Sugar Springs by Kim Law
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsLee Ann London once had big plans…scholarship, college, love. Then she found herself raising her deceased sister’s twin girls when their father disappeared. Now, with her beautiful girls, a community that depends on her, and her photography studio finally taking off, Lee Ann may not have the life she’d imagined, but it’s definitely where she wants it... -
![Stormy Vows by Iris Johansen]()
Stormy Vows by Iris Johansen
Rated: 3.89 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFiercely proud of her independence, Brenna Sloan felt her assurance crumble under Michael Donovan's forceful approach. They were both fighters--but Brenna wasn't strong enough to reach out for the love she needed, and Michael knew only how to take--until he met Brenna. With tantalizing persuasion, he overcame her objections, urged her into a sudden marriage, and carried her away...Categorized as:
possessive hero tortured heroine contemporary virgin heroine cruel hero length-medium -
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![Vegas follows you home by Sadie Grubor]()
Vegas follows you home by Sadie Grubor
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"We are going to Vegas. We are going to Vegas!" They used the damn Blue's Clues theme music to their lyrics. Olivia Harlow It's a trip with friends. A single girl's celebratory getaway. Olivia Harlow finishes the biggest job she's been offered since starting Harlow Cakes, her custom and specialty cake shop and bakery... -
![Break by A.B. Marie]()
Break by A.B. Marie
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when your best friend doesn't remember sleeping with you?Forget it ever happened. Until it's weeks later and I realized I missed a period. The problem with this? With everything? He doesn't want children. I work up the courage to tell him the truth... then he walks into my clinic... with another woman. "It's serious." He says. "She's moving in." They say...Categorized as:
secret child betrayal sports pregnancy friends to lovers hockey bad boys second chances -
![When the Night is Over by Lily Foster]()
When the Night is Over by Lily Foster
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAre the bonds of our first true love as strong as they feel when we’re young, innocent and consumed with the promise of forever?The last time Charlotte Mason saw Simon Wade, he was shoving a paper bag from the pharmacy into her hands with a morning-after pill inside.Even though he literally left her holding the bag, when love is true it’s limitless...and sometimes it's blind... -
![Heart on Fire by Brandy L. Rivers]()
Heart on Fire by Brandy L. Rivers
Rated: 3.87 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne night to be someone else. Mila Day had plans. When her lover demands she give up her dreams to be a trophy wife, she leaves. Wanting to forget the wasted years, she ends up at a party in the next state, craving one wild night of abandon. It was exactly what she wanted. No strings. No names. But it’s not exactly what she gets... -
![Knight's Possession by Carole Mortimer]()
Knight's Possession by Carole Mortimer
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter years of watching her mother's gullible heart drive her from one man to the next, Laurel had decided to marry, for sensible reasons. She didn't believe in fairy tales, knights in shining armor and happy endings. Still, she discovered a champion the night her fiance broke their engagement... -
![Loving Glory by Joleen James]()
Loving Glory by Joleen James
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe citizens of Fortune, WA are shocked when former town bad boy Jace Stone buys the small town. Everyone wonders how Jace can come back, especially after getting Fortune’s golden girl Glory Moon pregnant, then leaving her alone to raise their autistic son. No one is more shocked than Jace when he discovers that Glory kept the baby she’d promised to give up for adoption ten years ago...
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