Books like 'Hearts in Darkness'
Readers who enjoyed Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary tortured hero disabilities and marks forced proximity m-f bad boys alpha male angst sweet heroine sweet-hero
-
Hex by Anna Hackett
She’s the genius hacker known as Hex.He’s a ghost—the deep-cover spy known only as Shade.They generate a dangerous level of white-hot sparks, but he needs her help on a deadly mission.Jet “Hex” Adler loves being a goddess of all thing tech. She provides her team at Sentinel Security with intel and comms, and she’s good at it. No, brilliant...Categorized as:
office forced proximity insta-love strong heroine alpha male sassy heroine m-f bad boys -
Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsChristopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undeniable wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company. Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes… like when attempt to set him up with Victoria, by recommending him to employ her decorating services...Categorized as:
insta-love strong heroine cheerful heroine office m-f humor contemporary super rich hero -
Scenes from the Hallway by Penny Reid
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsYou know who I am. I swear too much, I crack too many jokes, and I got a thing for Kat Tanner; a messy thing, a distracting thing, a getting-in-the-way-of-everything thing; a thing that makes being in the same room with the woman torture. Sometimes it's the good kind. Mostly, it's not. What you don't know is how it all started...Categorized as:
office sassy heroine alpha male men in uniform working class hero m-f humor contemporary -
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
-
Your Captivating Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsLogan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement that left him broken-hearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down. She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met. . .including himself...Categorized as:
alpha male strong heroine insta-love m-f humor contemporary super rich hero length-medium -
Give Me Love by Corinne Michaels
New York Times bestselling author Corinne Michaels returns to Rose Canyon where four best friends are faced with their picturesque lives being upended. Emmett Maxwell prides himself on doing the right thing and being honest, but he’s hiding a huge secret and she’s refusing to stay hidden any longer... -
The Score by Kristen Proby
An all-new meet-cute sports romance from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kristen Proby, featuring Sophie Montgomery!I have millions of followers on social media, and it has absolutely nothing to do with my last name. It’s because I’m good at what I do. I work hard, and it has paid off. I’m not a trainer who only talks the talk, either...Categorized as:
insta-love sassy heroine alpha male m-f contemporary sports dual-pov explicit-open-door -
Blaze by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAre you missing the Steel Brothers? Are you yearning for more? Welcome to the next generation! Join the grown children of Jonah, Talon, Ryan, and Marjorie for new adventures, mysteries, and heart-pounding passion...Categorized as:
sweet heroine sassy heroine alpha male angst contemporary suspense mystery friends to lovers -
Sinful Sorrow by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOctober is the month of haunted houses and deadly secrets — allegedly. It’s not like I’m unaccustomed to Death or the cruelty with which he arrives, knocking on one’s door and demanding access...Categorized as:
office strong heroine m-f forced proximity alpha male found-family contemporary suspense -
Owen North by Nina Levine
A steamy forbidden office romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nina Levine.My one-night stand is my new boss.I met him at the society wedding of the year.The man every woman in New York wants.He's rich.Devastatingly good looking.Charming.Mr. I-Could-Blow-Your-Mind.And yes, he did blow my mind.It was just supposed to be one night.I told him I don't date...Categorized as:
office alpha male sassy heroine m-f contemporary humor super rich hero friends to lovers -
Uninhibited by Melody Grace
He’ll teach her a pleasure beyond her wildest dreams… Alicia Wright isn’t the kind of girl to make out with a stranger in a dark alley. She’s spent years playing it safe, pining after the perfect man – who’s about to marry someone else...Categorized as:
insta-love alpha male bad boys tortured hero sweet-hero competent heroine sweet heroine angst -
Lethal Pursuit by Kaylea Cross
Security Forces Lieutenant Maya Lopez is right at home in a war zone: she's been fighting all her life. A hard-won commission in the air force has brought her to Afghanistan, and if she plays her cards right, she could end up with an FBI job. It won't be easy, but that just makes her more determined. Jackson Thatcher is a protector in all senses of the word...Categorized as:
competent heroine sassy heroine men in uniform sweet-hero m-f suspense contemporary military -
Shielding Gillian by Susan Stoker
As an event planner, Gillian Romano’s an expert at rolling with the punches and solving unexpected problems. But her flight getting hijacked while returning from a job is definitely out of her skill set. Passengers are being murdered, and when she’s chosen by the terrorists to be their mouthpiece, even more innocent lives rest on Gillian’s shoulders... -
Sinful Corruption by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSinful Corruption is the 14th standalone Mayet Justice novel.Full blurb coming soon... -
-
Seatmate by Cara Bastone
I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me... -
Good Girl Gone Badd by Jasinda Wilder
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsEvangeline du Maurier is the definition of a good girl. Attending Yale, raised with the best tutors and etiquette instructors, she's expected to toe the family line and be a trophy wife for a future senator. But when this good girl takes a quick getaway to clear her head, she finds a whole lot more than she'd bargained for. She finds herself in the arms of a bad boy. Baxter Badd... -
Half My Blood by Lauren Gilley
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsIt’s summer in Knoxville, and if the outlaw crew at Dartmoor Inc. thought they were getting a respite from the drama…they were kidding themselves. Almost a year ago, Mercy’s dying mother claimed he had a half-brother, sired by the beloved father he’d always thought infallible, raised by another man as his own... -
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
sassy heroine strong heroine alpha male tortured hero forced proximity office m-f humor -
Capture by June Gray
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe future beckons... Elsie has given Henry three chances to win back her trust, but before he is able to complete the challenge, she finds herself faced with a life-changing decision. Elsie must ask herself an important question: is Henry just a thing of the past or does he have a place in her future? The conclusion to the story of Henry and Elsie... -
The Sexy Billionaire by J.A. Low
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGiorgio I’ve always been the dutiful son, living my life for everyone else but me. So, walking in on my fiancée with someone else during our engagement party should have filled me with devastation, but instead, I felt relieved...Categorized as:
sassy heroine angst alpha male m-f super rich hero friends to lovers contemporary suspense -
In Hate With My Boss by Lexi Calder
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThere are three things I know about Owen Bennett: He’s worth billions. He’s smoking hot. He’s a total asshole.Oh, and he’s my new boss. Which, I guess is technically four things. But who’s counting? Not Owen. Because all he can do is stare at my chest and make rude comments. He’s unprofessional, lazy, and the single most infuriatingly sexy man I’ve ever met in my life...Categorized as:
office sassy heroine angst alpha male contemporary from hate to love super rich hero humor -
No More Secrets by Lucy Score
“I can’t wait anymore.” His mouth claimed hers in a storm of heat and power. Carter Pierce is a man who believes in signs. He just doesn't know what to do with this one. In the small town of Blue Moon Bend, where everybody is a matchmaker, Carter wants to be left alone to tend the family farm. After returning from Afghanistan with scars, his only goal is recovery... -
Dad Bod Kingpin: Dad Bod 2.0: Large And In Charge by Gia Bailey
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA dad bod kingpin, a woman in trouble, and the beginnings of an obsession… From the moment I saw her, I knew she was mine. Mine to protect, to provide for… mine to keep. I’ve made my name in this city and built a reputation to be feared. She’s alone and afraid, running from someone. From one monster's arms, into another. The difference with me is that I don’t intend to let her go...Categorized as:
alpha male bad boys sweet heroine office insta-love age difference contemporary mafia -
Beneath Your Beautiful by Emery Rose
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEDEN All I wanted was a fresh start in a new city...and a bartending job. I never intended to fall for the sexy, tattooed bar owner. Dark. Brooding. Emotionally unavailable. But Killian Vincent is a challenge I can’t seem to walk away from. He’s afraid that if I dig too deep, I won’t like what I find. But he’s wrong, and I’m determined to prove it. KILLIAN Love can destroy a man...Categorized as:
alpha male tortured hero bad boys sassy heroine strong heroine working class hero office new adult -
-
SEAL Out of Water by Abbie Zanders, Suspense Sisters
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsRetired US Navy SEAL Commander Gabriel Michaels has finally found peace after decades of active duty and two failed marriages. No tangoes, no red tape, no women — just his rifle, his fishing pole, and his loyal coon hound on a pristine piece of lakefront heaven. But when the Assistant Director of Homeland Security asks for his help, he can’t say no...Categorized as:
strong heroine sassy heroine men in uniform alpha male m-f military suspense contemporary -
Unbreakable Bond by Hope Ford
She’s my best friend’s daughter and I have no business wanting her the way I do. Especially since it’s my fault that her dad died. Call it survivor’s guilt, if you must, I just know, I’m to blame.Still when she comes to me for help, I can’t refuse her. Which means sleeping on my sofa so she can take my bed.Emerson is temptation personified...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity angst m-f working class hero tortured hero sassy heroine sweet heroine -
His Runaway Bride by Kate Hunt
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen a runaway bride bursts into his butcher shop, gentle giant Seth is overcome with desire.The bride’s beauty and curves are enough to make him forget his own name.But he holds himself back—it isn’t the time or place to pursue her.Besides, he’s never been smooth with women, and she’s too young for a guy in his forties like him... -
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem.MatthewAll I wanted was a quiet few days.Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend.My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career.Fake dating her for a few months? Fine. No problem.Except it’s definitely a problem.The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real...Categorized as:
insta-love m-f forced proximity office competent heroine cheerful heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
Outspoken Angel by Mia Dymond
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsHandbags, stilettos, and spa dates -- not retired SEAL Max Sterling's usual m.o. Until Cameron Tremaine. Duty bound, Max tolerates her sass and smart mouth until she pushes too far. Cameron doesn't need a bald, bossy bodyguard, thank you very much. Especially one oh, so delectable as Max. Except, when someone decides to silence her for good, Cameron realizes bold and brassy go hand in hand... -
Never Too Hot by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA TOUCH IGNITES. A FIRE BURNS. AND THE HEAT HAS JUST BEGUN. Deep in the cool green mountains of the Adirondacks, wounded firefighter Connor MacKenzie has come to rebuild the 100-year-old MacKenzie family cabin - and to be alone...Categorized as:
alpha male men in uniform forced proximity m-f suspense contemporary curvy heroine length-medium -
Tabitha in the Moonlight by Betty Neels
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHer Prince Charming? Sister Tabitha was an efficient nurse, but when it came to matters of the heart she was less sure of herself. So when she fell in love, she had no idea how to deal with her feelings. Was that why the Dutch surgeon Marius van Beek called her Cinderella? If only Marius would ride up on a white horse and ask for her hand in marriage... -
Dirty Liar by Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratings𝐃𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.His impossibly improbable act set off a chain of events I couldn’t make up if I tried, each one stealing a little more from me.My relationship. My business.𝑀𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.But even bad times have to come to an end. I thought that was the case when Valerie slid onto the bar stool next to mine and asked me to buy her a drink...Categorized as:
sassy heroine angst insta-love m-f contemporary super rich hero betrayal length-medium -
Chains (Northern Grizzlies MC) by M. Merin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Iron Savages rule Boise. Or they did. Their numbers decimated, the President on his deathbed, the club becomes unrecognizable. When his cousin and her son are threatened and secrets are exposed, Chains must make a choice. Protect his family or stand with his sworn Brothers. The words that are burned in his mind are 'Blood in, Blood out'... -
The Billionaire's Desire by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is an alternate cover edition for B00U1Y8PLG The sizzling adventure continues in this alpha billionaire romance series. The scintillating, steamy and passionate romance between Ciara and Nikolaj picks up where the last book ended. The only difference is that Ciara discovers Nikolaj’s true penchant for domination and to her surprise, she relishes submitting herself to him... -
-
Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGia Gallo is officially in bridesmaid hell. Stranded in New York with her best friend's wedding dress, Gia has six days to make it to Florida in time for the ceremony. And oh-so-charming best man Bennett Buchanan has taken the last available rental car. Looks like she's in for one long road trip with the sexiest - and most irritating - Southern gentleman she's ever met..Categorized as:
sassy heroine tortured hero forced proximity m-f humor contemporary famous heroine length-medium -
Whispers at Seaside by Addison Cole
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSweet with Heat: Seaside Summers features a group of fun, flirty, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re sassy, flawed, and so easy to relate to, you’ll be begging to enter their circle of friends! IN WHISPERS AT SEASIDE.. -
River by C.E. Johnson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first time I met Kalina Lawson, she nearly passed out. Being a firefighter, I couldn’t just walk back to my cabin. I stayed with her until I knew she was all right. But her warm and friendly company is refreshing, and I quickly become enamored with the stunning cabin manager... -
Rock God by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThey call me The Rock God. As lead singer of the multi-platinum selling rock band Onyx Knight, I have a life most people can’t even dream of… until it all becomes a nightmare.Our bass player dies.Now we’re tasked with the impossible job of replacing him or hanging it up for good.On top of the world just shy of my thirtieth birthday, I can’t imagine walking away. Not now... -
The Brave Line by Kate Stewart, Edee M. Fallon
She is a five foot seven long list of things he can’t have. He is a determined cop, desperate to keep his heart sealed behind his badge. Michelle is a survivor. With a fresh perspective on life, she trades her tragic past in California for the coastal waters of Charleston. Fueled by a new career as a dispatcher, she’s determined not to let her scars weigh her down...Categorized as:
alpha male angst strong heroine men in uniform office contemporary suspense cold hero -
Southern Charmer by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsHe's sexy. He's southern. And he won't stop showing up at my door half naked. Meet Elijah Jackson, my hot new neighbor...From the outside looking in? I’ve got it all. Prestigious job. Pretty house. And a perfect boyfriend who just proposed with the perfect ring.I should feel ecstatic—but instead, I feel suffocated. So I break up with my boyfriend, hop in my car, and head south...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love alpha male angst contemporary friends to lovers dual-pov length-medium -
A Twist of Fate by T. Gephart
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLexi is a successful PR manager for a multinational firm, based in Melbourne, Australia. She is an energetic and impulsive soul whose passions sometimes control her life. Through a twist of fate she is chosen to represent a famous client, catapulting her into a new life in New York – fulfilling her in a way that she had never imagined. When Lexi meets Alex, sparks fly... -
Bodyguard's Obsession by Mink
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsNothing surprises me anymore. At least nothing did … Until she fell into my arms. Fiona is young, beautiful, and a superstar. It’s my job to protect her from her crazy fans and one particularly dangerous stalker. It’s not my job to watch every little move she makes, to hang on her every word, and to imagine what it would be like to get a taste of her...Categorized as:
alpha male insta-love sweet heroine m-f contemporary suspense cold hero bodyguard-hero -
My Brother's Possessive Friend by Lena Little
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThere’s so many things on my plate and the last thing I need is my best friend, Harry, calling in for a favor—to help his little sister with her newly bought, rundown cottage, right here in Scotland and within walking distance of my own home. I figure I’ll just go and tell her I can’t do anything for her since I have projects on top of projects...Categorized as:
insta-love sweet heroine m-f alpha male length-novella contemporary siblings-bff first-person-pov -
Band Together by Piper Sheldon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLeo Cooper is back in Green Valley to hide.Not fall in love with the tenacious band director who's determined to drag him into the light.After being kicked out of his massively successful rock band, Leo is content to spend Bunco nights with his mom, lay low making snacks, and lick his wounds. He'd rather work in his garden than give any attention to his failed music career... -
-
Hot Firefighter by Lena Little
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs the captain of the fire department, I’m expected to lead my men during the yearly training drill and treat it like it’s real life, with actual victims who need our help.I head inside the building, operating mostly on instinct, when my eyes land on someone who turns my blood to fire and awakens a primal hunger in me I never even knew existed... -
Without Judgment by Aubrey Bondurant
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDo you know what I got for always being the good girl? A cheating ex, fake friends, and now a scandal that has even my own father ashamed of me. No one believes it isn’t me on the video. My new bodyguard is no exception. Mason is not only my brother’s best friend, but my newly assigned babysitter who wishes he was anywhere but here. He’s both hot and judgmental...Categorized as:
men in uniform strong heroine sassy heroine alpha male tortured hero humor contemporary cruel hero -
Mountain Man: Protective Older Man, Curvy Younger Girl Instalove by Regina Wade
Not all scars showSome wounds take timeClintThis is my mountain.I grew up on Knotty Wood RidgeSo when I had to walk away from my life as an Army Ranger, there was only one place to go—Home.The mountains of Colorado are wild and untamed.So is Chloe.I’ve never met anyone like the curvy brunette.As innocent and resolved as the wildflowers she’s determined to document.I came to the ridge to be alone...Categorized as:
m-f childfree-couple caretaking insta-love tortured hero alpha male sweet-hero competent heroine -
Built Dad Bod Tough (Dad Bod - Men Built for Comfort) by Ember Davis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLINCOLNThe moment I see Willow I know she is the woman I need in my bed, in my life, forever. The only problem is the douche she’s meeting at the club where I work, Aces. There have been some sketchy things happening at the club and there’s no way I’m letting anything happen to my girl.She’s all curves I want to wrap around me and a smile I want to see every day... -
In The Doghouse: Love At First Bark (Love At First Bark) by Violet Rae
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsJonasI'm not a bad guy. My police record would have you think I am, but only Missy, the furry love of my life, knows what’s really in my heart. After getting out of prison, I'm looking to leave the past behind and move forward into the future with my cute, loyal corgi at my side. I have a new job, a new place, and a new life... -
Melinda's Manster by Ember Davis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMELINDAGetting away from my boutique and seeing some old friends was exactly what I needed. I’ve been all about working and making my shop a success for so long, I forgot that it’s okay to let loose a little and have some fun. My weekend was full of fun, laughter, and witchy things which can’t possibly come true, but I wasn’t going to wreck anyone’s fun and say it out loud...Categorized as:
insta-love cheerful heroine competent heroine alpha male contemporary dual-pov length-novella
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.