Books like 'Essential'
Readers who enjoyed Essential by Drethi Anis also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance forced proximity age difference possessive hero college cruel hero alpha male tycoon forbidden love
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Sancte Diaboli: Part One by Amo Jones
The Devil comes with baggage, and not the kind you can lose. I was two years old when he saved me. I didn’t understand much at that age, but I remember the pale boy with hair as dark as ink, saving me from two evils. He said he would protect me; I just didn’t know he meant from himself... -
![Broken Heir by Helen Scott, Zoey Shelby]()
Broken Heir by Helen Scott, Zoey Shelby
I thought the truth would be black and white. I couldn’t have been more wrong.The Boys of Ascendance Bay have wormed their way under my skin, or rather some of them have. The others I’m still not so sure about.With each task for the Regents getting deadlier and the Pi Ep parties growing more depraved, the guys have become my safe haven...Categorized as:
cruel hero college forced proximity from hate to love first-person-pov dual-pov m-f reverse harem -
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![Code Name: Pisces by Janie Crouch]()
Code Name: Pisces by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy code name is Pisces. The stars say I’m independent, wise, and intuitive.Still waters run deep. I’m the leader of Zodiac Tactical’s guardian unit. We’re the bodyguards—the ones who stand toe to toe with danger and refuse to give any ground. We protect people who need it most.But what if who needs it most is a spoiled diva?I don’t normally take on movie stars... -
![Brutal Billionaire by Laurelin Paige]()
Brutal Billionaire by Laurelin Paige
He’ll get what he wants—even if I’m already taken. Holt Sebastian is royalty in our world.As CEO of the Sebastian News Corp, he’s the man with all the power. The man who decides if I’ll always just be a local television anchor or if I’ll be the rising star of my own show.I make it my mission to be noticed. Make him see my potential. But soon, it's clear he's the one in charge... -
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![Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken]()
Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA mafia romance about love and loss by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.…When you awaken in the morning's hushI am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry;I am not there. I did not die. — Mary Elizabeth Fyre "I'm sorry for your loss... -
![Savage Little Lies by Eden O'Neill]()
Savage Little Lies by Eden O'Neill
Tiny. Twisted. Secrets.The news about what happened to Dorian’s uncle rocks the town. Especially when a private school’s educator turns up dead. The focus surrounding the events that occurred that night shifts, and no one knows that more than the Legacy boys’ dark prince. Dorian’s looking for answers in the hours following the harrowing truths revealed in that video...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero dual-pov college first-person-pov m-f contemporary super rich hero -
![Savage Sin: Bellamy Brothers 1 by Helen Hardt]()
Savage Sin: Bellamy Brothers 1 by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEnter a world of mystery, suspense, sin, and heart-wrenching emotion with Helen Hardt's new series!In prison, they called him Savage.Falcon Bellamy spent years locked up for a crime he didn’t commit, which shattered his dream of serving his country as a Navy SEAL. When he's granted early parole to help with a family emergency, he’s determined to reclaim his life...Categorized as:
dual-pov alpha male forbidden love m-f contemporary suspense super rich hero sassy heroine -
![Drew by Siobhan Davis]()
Drew by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe explosive finale in the highly addictive Rydeville Elite series. Mistakes and secrets. My life is littered with them. And it’s not always me who pays the price. So, I do something I swore I wouldn’t do—become the monster my father raised me to be. To shield my loved ones from the predators I hunt, I keep family and friends in the dark, but I won’t apologize for protecting them...Categorized as:
from hate to love dual-pov forced proximity first-person-pov m-f suspense abuse bdsm -
![Scarred King by Naomi West]()
Scarred King by Naomi West
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsI trip over my heels walking into a job interview.My purse spills all over the boss's desk.Embarrassing, right?Not as embarrassing as him picking up my, *ahem* "purple, vibrating friend" and handing it back to me.He tells me the position I've applied for isn’t right for me...But then he makes me an offer I can’t refuse.Be a surrogate for him and his fake wife... -
![The Savage by Stella Andrews]()
The Savage by Stella Andrews
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 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:
from hate to love alpha male age difference forced proximity m-f mafia contemporary dark -
![Charlie by Siobhan Davis]()
Charlie by Siobhan Davis
Demi Dropping out of college senior year was never part of my plan. But Dad needs me, and I'd move mountains for the only parent I’ve ever known—even working for the company that fired him. My boss, Charlie, is determined to make my life a living hell, availing of every opportunity to undermine my confidence, to humiliate and threaten me...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero dual-pov alpha male forced proximity college m-f new adult -
![Dare Series Collection by Shantel Tessier]()
Dare Series Collection by Shantel Tessier
Are you ready to swim with the sharks?I DARE YOUWhat do you do when the devil has you in his sights?You show him that you can play his game.Austin Lowes is new to town. She's running from a mom who hates her to her dad who cares nothing about her. Only a few months and she will be free, or at least, that's what she hopes ... until she meets him.Cole Reynolds is the devil disguised as a man...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero m-f first-person-pov dual-pov anthologies dark betrayal -
![Into Ruin by S. Massery]()
Into Ruin by S. Massery
Hockey guys are off limits—and yet, one has set me in his sights, and I have no chance of escaping. Camden Church is the guy I should’ve stayed away from. But when he mistakes my identity, I don’t correct him. I let him break all my rules. It’s a night I’ll never forget—not that he’ll ever let me...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f college dual-pov forced proximity cruel hero forbidden love sports -
![Copper by K. Webster]()
Copper by K. Webster
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author K Webster, comes a new MC dark standalone novel!I’m a Fed.Rigid. Rule follower. One of the good guys. I uphold the law…when it suits me.My loyalty lies first with my brother, Koyn, and secondly with his motorcycle club.Jeremy Koynakov was the man I used to be. I’m Copper now. For a decade, I aided my brother in his quest for revenge. We thirsted for vengeance...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love m-f dual-pov first-person-pov suspense dark contemporary -
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![Deviant Princess by Tracy Lorraine]()
Deviant Princess by Tracy Lorraine
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Lorraine brings you the next installment of her new dark mafia, high school bully romance series.I should have known better than to play with fire...I’d been burned by Theo Cirillo enough to know that I should have seen this coming.He loved to show me his merciless side, but I couldn’t stay away from the deviant even if I wanted to... -
![You Will Bow by Rachel Leigh]()
You Will Bow by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsYou Will Bow is book two in the Wicked Boys of BCU series. It is strongly encouraged to read book one, We Will Reign first.More details coming soon...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero forced proximity college first-person-pov dual-pov dark reverse harem -
![Tiny Dark Deeds by Eden O'Neill]()
Tiny Dark Deeds by Eden O'Neill
Stolen. Missing. Erased. I’m a headline in the town of Maywood Heights and known by a name I’ve never heard. They tell me I was taken, stolen, but none of this makes sense. I’m not who they say I am. I’m not a… twin, but even those close to me seem to believe the rumors swarming around me. Tiny.Dark. Deeds...Categorized as:
from hate to love college possessive hero dual-pov first-person-pov m-f contemporary bad boys -
![Javier by Fiona Murphy]()
Javier by Fiona Murphy
The Castillo Family: Follow Rafael, Matteo, Javier and their nephew Santos a billionaire family they made their fortune in the construction business. When it comes to building relationships all their money can't help them when it comes to women who want what money can't buy.Javier Castillo might be a gorgeous, brilliant billionaire—but he's also a massive a$$hole... -
![The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward]()
The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsWhen Avery realizes that her latest client wasn't Sean she doesn't know what to do. This person has invaded her life on a personal level and to make matters worse she doesn't even know who he is. The only good thing that came from it has been seeing Sean again, but now that he's in front of her, she doesn't want to let him go...Categorized as:
alpha male college cruel hero contemporary dark super rich hero new adult length-novella -
![Black and Brown by A.E. Via]()
Black and Brown by A.E. Via
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrace’s composed, yet lethal disposition balances his partner Mirage’s impulsive nature, creating a duo—the second-generation Brown Ravens—with the potential for greatness. Grace was one of the most decorated sharpshooters in the Marines. He’s fiercely committed to righting the wrongs that plague the world and protecting the innocent...Categorized as:
forbidden love forced proximity dual-pov alpha male from hate to love m-m dark military -
![They Will Fall by Rachel Leigh]()
They Will Fall by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAfter a rocky start to my freshman year at BCU, I was confident the threat was gone. The murders ended, and my name was cleared. All the while, three unsuspecting men took me by surprise… Ridge, my stalker turned lover. Maddox, prince charming who swept me off my feet... -
![Break for Me by Ember Nicole]()
Break for Me by Ember Nicole
Trista has been on the run for years, attempting to escape a past that isn’t willing to let her go. Life taught her that she can rely only on herself for survival, and in turn, it’s made her cold, calculating, manipulative, and just a little vindictive. She knows they’re out there searching for her...Categorized as:
from hate to love age difference forbidden love forced proximity m-f dark contemporary suspense -
![Bloody Cruel Psycho by Lucy Smoke]()
Bloody Cruel Psycho by Lucy Smoke
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA life for a life … will kill the both of us in the end.Clover I know nothing of the Sickness at Eastpoint University. I know only the backroads that slip past the southern beaches and the gators that make their way onto the swamps shores. Until him. Until the killer known as Braxton Smalls finds his way into my stilted trailer on the coast of Port Charlotte... -
![Strawberry Venom by J.L. Kenna]()
Strawberry Venom by J.L. Kenna
I am not a good man.My nine to five is spent with a blade in my hand. I hunt, intimidate, collect debts for my uncle’s Brotherhood, the Hooligans. I believe in consequences, an effect for the cause. Fate is folklore and love? An illusion.Until I met her. Little Red.Some call me Reaper, the Angel of Death. She calls me her wolf... -
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![Boss's Vendetta by Via Mari]()
Boss's Vendetta by Via Mari
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA ruthless mafia boss with a score to settle. A sassy heroine who’s not getting away. Will any chance at love survive the aftermath?We knew the bloodbath was possible, just not when or how our enemies would strike. In a heart-wrenching minute of blazing guns, the responsibility of getting retribution for the savage Italian Crime Family falls to me, Salvatore Larussio...Categorized as:
from hate to love dual-pov alpha male age difference dark mafia contemporary suspense -
![Don't Fear the Reaper by R.E. Bond]()
Don't Fear the Reaper by R.E. Bond
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsEverything I’ve ever known has been a lie.From my family history, to the very reason I ended up on the streets as a kid.There was only one person I ever trusted completely.I’ll never trust him again.Archer Hendricks is everything I despise and crave.I’ve never loved and hated someone so much in my entire life.Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo that he’s the devil... -
![A Price to Pay by Raven Amor]()
A Price to Pay by Raven Amor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne thing the Horsemen have learnedIs everything comes at a priceAnd now they are going have to payAs they prepare for war against a new enemyThey all know one thing for sure, this will change them forever.Lines will be crossed.Bullets will fly.Blood will be shed.Lives will be lost...Categorized as:
from hate to love forbidden love age difference bikers dark contemporary mystery length-novella -
![Controlled: A Dark Mafia Romance by Piper Stone]()
Controlled: A Dark Mafia Romance by Piper Stone
She was an enigma, as innocent as she was beautiful. But one taste would never be enough. I was the merciless Don of the Saint family, the title handed to me by my older brother. Our family was notorious and dangerous, running Chicago with iron fists. I had no conscience, no sense of humanity, crushing my enemies like bugs. No one could soothe the beast... -
![Beast by Penny Dee]()
Beast by Penny Dee
“There is nowhere for you to run, little one…” BeastI am the president of The Knights of St. Bon Motorcycle Club.A seven-foot mountain of muscle and bone in a pair of motorcycle boots and a leather cut.Cursed with demons and darkness and secrets that run deep.To the people of St. Bon, I am a monster.To my club brothers, I am a fearless leader.To her, I am a nightmare...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love alpha male possessive hero forced proximity breeding bikers dark -
![Here Lies a Saint: A Dark Bully Academy Romance by C.L. Matthews]()
Here Lies a Saint: A Dark Bully Academy Romance by C.L. Matthews
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBeing rich is great until you become the saint of Arcadia.Gentleman.Charmer.All-star.They call me a saint, but if they knew the lies, the fallacies,and what truths I hide, I’d be labeled a proclaimed sinner.I lie, do all the bad deeds, especially if it does right by her.She’s the darkness but also the light. He’s my downfall but also my redemption...Categorized as:
from hate to love first-person-pov dual-pov reverse harem dark poly length-medium contemporary -
![Toxic Obsession by J.A. Owenby]()
Toxic Obsession by J.A. Owenby
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.I need a fresh start where no one knows me, and Whitmore University seems like my chance — if I can keep my secrets hidden. But everything I've built is shattered by Quinn Astor, a powerful football god, and he sees me as his next target.Quinn has a relentless drive and a cruel streak. He’s toxic. He's not the prince I thought he was, but a devil I can't resist... -
![January's Ride with Six by Eve London]()
January's Ride with Six by Eve London
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA rebel's heart and a biker's duty collide in a forbidden love that threatens everything.GingerLiving under the control of the Savage Bones is like existing in a cage where freedom remains just out of reach. The night I run, desperation fueling my steps, I crash into Six. He’s at the core of everything I’ve been told to fear...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love forced proximity mystery dark bikers contemporary length-novella -
![Angel's Promise by Aleatha Romig]()
Angel's Promise by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEverett Ramses came into my life like a hurricane on a dark New Orleans night. With a deep voice and penetrating gaze, his mere presence tingled my nerves and twisted my insides much like the city’s legendary stories of spirits and ghosts. As the ruler of New Orleans, Everett Ramses lives life hard and takes what he wants without apology.He wants me to be his queen... -
![Discord by Drethi Anis]()
Discord by Drethi Anis
Brandon: The unthinkable happened; a possibility I had been avoiding my entire life. I should give her up but leaving her behind was no longer an option. Mia: Brandon Cooper was bad news; plain and simple. I should have been scared straight and sworn off my previous obsession. Instead, I turned to him during a vulnerable moment, only to spark his sinful ways all over again... -
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![Veiled Innocence by Ella Frank]()
Veiled Innocence by Ella Frank
Tick, tick, tock. Time. That’s all I have now. A small room, a photograph, and time. They want me to trust them and confess my sins. They told me they wouldn't judge me—they lied. I thought we could convince the world that this wasn't a crime. We were wrong. Time doesn't stand still. The clock keeps ticking, the world is unconvinced, and now… Now he is gone... -
![Thick Skinned by C.M. Wondrak]()
Thick Skinned by C.M. Wondrak
The Black Hand. The criminal organization that owns everyone in Cypress, a group of people who rule the city in blood and blackmail. My plan is to take them down. Whether it’s one by one or all together, I will watch the Black Hand burn for what they did to my family five years ago. For my parents, for my brother… this vengeance is for them. I have both Jameson sons wrapped around my fingers... -
![Why Don't You Make Me? by Rae Knight]()
Why Don't You Make Me? by Rae Knight
Three years. That’s how long I thought I’d escaped the Iron Triad’s grip.Since high school, I’ve rebuilt myself, free from the torment of my three ex-bullies. But when Thorne, cold and unapologetic, lands in my checkout line, I know my past isn’t done with me yet...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love college possessive hero cruel hero m-f dark suspense -
![Bully Me: Class of 2020 by Shantel Tessier, Siobhan Davis]()
Bully Me: Class of 2020 by Shantel Tessier, Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLoving your tormentor isn’t easy, especially when they collect broken hearts and parade them around like trophies. They’re the bad boys, the alpha a**holes, and the thorns in our sides. They push us past our limits, turn us on, and break us. They’re our bullies. They’re the class of 2020...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero alpha male suspense new adult contemporary anthologies dark -
![The Broken One by N.O. One]()
The Broken One by N.O. One
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy secret is out.My entire existence is shattered, and picking myself up again proves difficult.Leaving Rose behind for a new beginning is harder than I thought, but I need to try for a more independent me with a promising future.One that doesn’t involve the infuriating yet irresistible man who challenges me at every turn.Pushing me.Protecting me.Tempting me beyond any possible resistance... -
![Mistakes Made by Marie James]()
Mistakes Made by Marie James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe worst thing you can ever do is make an assumption about me, despite my job resting solely on making people think I’m someone I’m not.I know that makes me crazy, narcissistic, and a little out of touch with the reality of how the world works.I’ll never argue that fact with anyone.Maybe it was the hundred-degree Texas weather.Maybe it was overstimulation from the crowds at the beach...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male forced proximity contemporary suspense dark bad boys length-short -
![Gilded Thorn by Ember Davis]()
Gilded Thorn by Ember Davis
VLADI’ve been watching and waiting for a chance to get Laurel in my arms. I shouldn’t want her since she’s the Orlov princess, but I don’t care that our families have spent generations killing each other. All I want is her. She will be the Petrov family’s queen.I know her power, her strength, and her softness; I crave all of her. I’ll lure her to me and then I’ll never let her go...Categorized as:
forbidden love dual-pov alpha male possessive hero first-person-pov contemporary mafia dark -
![Falling for the Enemy: A Charity Anthology by K.M. Scott, Taryn Quinn]()
Falling for the Enemy: A Charity Anthology by K.M. Scott, Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s cocky. Arrogant. Infuriating. The bane of my existence. But his touch makes me burn with need. Every time we come together it’s like a collision of fire and ice—intense, all-consuming, and utterly unstoppable. We’re all wrong for each other… yet so very right...Categorized as:
alpha male forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov college contemporary office grumpy sunshine -
![The Last Boss' Daughter by Sam Mariano]()
The Last Boss' Daughter by Sam Mariano
Freedom. Annabelle De Luca craved it. On the heels of her beloved father’s murder, betrayed by those closest to her, Annabelle had a choice to make: accept the man responsible and fall in line, or suffer the consequences. Never one to back down, she rejected her new stepfather—then spent years ignoring his best efforts to crush her spirit. Atonement. Liam Hunt never needed it...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love first-person-pov dual-pov alpha male m-f suspense contemporary -
![Griffin by S.M. West]()
Griffin by S.M. West
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA steamy strangers to lovers standalone romance packed with edge-of-your seat action, intense chemistry, and breath-stealing twists...Categorized as:
forced proximity age difference from hate to love alpha male contemporary suspense insta-love dark -
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![Onyx Heart by Mya Grey]()
Onyx Heart by Mya Grey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings💥Plotting to kill someone is one thing. Learning he’s your baby’s father? Well, fate's got a f*@ked-up sense of humor. I had one Send Leonid Kuznetsov to his grave. The man they call "The Raven."The monster who killed my brother.For years, I've dreamt of the moment I'd stand over Leonid Kuznetsov's body, the man responsible for my brother's death, And watch as the light faded from his eyes... -
![The Vipers and Their Vendetta: A Dark College Bully Romance by Marissa Farrar, S.R. Jones]()
The Vipers and Their Vendetta: A Dark College Bully Romance by Marissa Farrar, S.R. Jones
I’m the poison running through their veins, and they’ll never let me go…The biggest mistake I ever made was thinking that once I started this game with the Vipers, I could end it.I’m reeling from what I’ve learned about my sister.She’s the reason I ran… But she’s also the reason I can’t leave.I need to know the truth, but now I’m a target… of them.The Vipers and their anger... -
![Black Widow by Sheridan Anne]()
Black Widow by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho said prison was going to stop me from getting what I wanted?I thought breaking out of there was going to be the hardest thing I ever did. I should have known. Being the leader of The Black Widows is never that easy. Someone should have warned me that the woman I was about to kidnap was going to bring me to my knees...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love cruel hero forbidden love dark contemporary new adult bad boys -
![Secrets by Aleatha Romig, Kelly Dennis]()
Secrets by Aleatha Romig, Kelly Dennis
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsI’m Sterling Sparrow, kingpin of Chicago.I rule the world you see and the one good people pretend they don’t.Nearly two decades ago, my father showed me a photograph—a girl with golden hair and light brown eyes—and told me that one day, if I proved myself, the girl would be mine.Seasons turn to years and years pass.Chicago is now mine.It is time to claim my queen... -
![Inked For Life by Flora Ferrari]()
Inked For Life by Flora Ferrari
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI’m inked for life—a red crosshair on my wrist, marking me as a traitor’s daughter. With my uncle, Nick, I’m forced to attend Cartel parties. I have to prove my loyalty. I have to prove I’m not like my dad. Otherwise, they’ll do the same to me. Then one night, at a party, I see him, Damien Dovlatov, the leader of the Bratva. As a supposedly loyal Cartel girl, I’m supposed to hate him... -
![Royal Bully by Rachel Van Dyken]()
Royal Bully by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsSomething dark this way comes. He's gorgeous, mean, and mine. He catches me dreaming about him, and then just like my dream, he decides to make me his. I should have said no when he asked me to swear fealty to him. The knife clued me in first. The blood second...
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