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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Slingshot by K.L. Savage
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsShe slingshotted her way into my heart. I’m a laidback kind of guy. I don’t like to take life too seriously. I’ve experienced serious and I’ve gone through the bad life has to offer. I’m ready for the good in life. I wear my heart on my sleeve just so someone can take it. Someone does…. Natalia Moretti. Out of all the people for me to love, why does it have to be her? The frenemy’s daughter... -
Buttons and Blood by Penelope Sky
Crow Barsetti knows about me—and he doesn’t like it. I know he’s paying his top guys to dig up every piece of dirt they can find, but I don’t care what he discovers. There’s nothing I’ve done that he hasn’t done himself. All that matters is I love his daughter—and he’s going to accept it. I get a call in the middle of the night while Vanessa is dead asleep—and it’s him...Categorized as:
alpha male possessive hero forbidden love m-f suspense contemporary strong heroine sassy heroine -
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Code Name: Pisces by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 15 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... -
The Nanny and The Don by Tatum James
Steel Gray built his empire from the ground up on control. Jaded by loss and betrayal, he spends most of his time looking for ways to grow his wealth. Love is the last thing on his mind. When Devlan Rose, a tall, free-spirited server with a crown of wild curls and a smile that thaws his cold heart drops onto his radar, something in him breaks...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity age difference alpha male possessive hero tycoon black-mc length-short -
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Craved by Gray by Cassi Hart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsScarlet. All I’ve ever known is a life of danger and crime. Growing up among the Chrome Vipers, I’ve never known love or safety. As an adult, I still can’t break free. My father’s hold on me is ironclad. But I have secrets, things my father might kill me over if he ever found out. And one of those secrets just walked into my father’s office with a fake name on his lips and mischief in his eyes... -
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 hush. I am the swift uplifting rush. Of 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... -
Runaway by bazookah
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤... -
Sinner by Sheridan Anne
Death surrounds me. Every step I take, there’s someone waiting for me in the shadows. There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and now, I’m out here on my own, my hands stained with the blood of those I’ve killed to survive. Zade DeVil was my executioner, my most feared enemy, but he was also my protector. I wasn’t willing to cross that line with him, despite how much I may have wanted to...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero forced proximity suspense new adult contemporary dark length-medium -
Inferno: Part 4 by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe found me in the dark when I thought all hope was lost. He swore he loved me when I didn’t think anyone ever would. He vowed to keep the shadows haunting me at bay when I felt like I was drowning in my past. But in doing so, he also kept the truth from me. It shouldn’t surprise me...Categorized as:
alpha male age difference forbidden love suspense dark mystery contemporary dual-pov -
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 -
Buttons and Betrayal by Penelope Sky
Conway paid off Knuckles to keep me—but he expects something in return. I belong to him exclusively, to fulfill every order he gives, personally and professionally. I’m more just his muse now. I’m his in every sense of the word. I live a life of luxury in his mansion, but he treats me like a servant. I can’t deny my attraction for him, but I despise the kind of man he is...Categorized as:
possessive hero alpha male m-f suspense contemporary dark strong heroine explicit-plentiful -
Watch Me Rise by K.C. Kean
Emerson Grove is supposed to be my fresh start, a chance at a new beginning and a better future, yet my past is a force I never saw coming. Now my head and my heart are at odds, my future is unknown, and everything I thought I knew is in disarray. Jameson, Ezra, Leo, and Jagger are ghosts from a different time, a different me. One night changed everything and I’m not the girl they once knew... -
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... -
Undying by Madeline Sheehan
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA creation of chaos and lust, I was born into a world so foul, I made it my mission to find the beauty hidden within, to reveal the sun behind the clouds, the rainbows after the storms, the life that still exists even in death. One-third my mother, I had an infectious smile and a heart so big, there was room enough for everyone, no matter their sins... -
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Massimo by Lora Nox
I’m his enemy’s daughter. His captive. His revenge. Until he becomes my weapon to wield against the monsters in my world. Nova. I am the Mancini Princess. A pawn in my monstrous father’s game. His key to an alliance worthy of a king. However, I end up under the control of a new monster - Massimo Santoro. A lethal man whose hate, wrath, and malice toward anyone with the Mancini name is palpable... -
The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume Four by Audrey Carlan, Samantha Brentmoor
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Audrey Carlan, discover The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume Four. What would you do for three million dollars? Four young women enter into a clandestine auction to be married to the highest bidders. For no less than a million dollars a year, for three years, each woman will do what it takes to secure her future... -
Stolen Mafia Vows by Vivy Skys
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings**An Age Gap Surprise Pregnancy Dark Romance**. “When can I touch you where no one else has? ”. One reckless text. That’s all it took to start a mafia war. She was untouched. And she let me watch her fall apart—moaning my name through the phone like I already owned her. So I married my wild Irish rose. Filled her with my seed. Marked her as mine. Then my father’s orders caught up to me...Categorized as:
forbidden love m-f alpha male possessive hero age difference mafia length-medium contemporary -
The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 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 -
Followed by the Dark by Danah Logan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Dark follows everywhere. She used to be The Bulldog; but she lost her bite. He buried the one person he should've protected; now, his life is driven by anger and revenge. Together they're toxic for each other, but neither can deny that something is there. FBTD is an age gap, enemies to lovers dark romance. ★ The complete blurb will be revealed with the cover. ★...Categorized as:
from hate to love age difference alpha male forced proximity contemporary angst suspense new adult -
Touched By The Devil by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsFights, sex, and fast cars. Those are what Sebastian Wilcox is all about. On the outside he’s easy smiles and a quick temper, but on the inside, a war rages on. He told the Devils his biggest secret; during a vicious fight, he accidentally hurt someone who didn't deserve it. For months now, he's been cursed by the memory of her screams. But that’s not his only hidden truth... -
Roma Queen by Callie Hart
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratings“The stunning conclusion to the Roma Royals Duet Series. The very best of Callie Hart. Hold on tight, because this is one hell of a ride! ”. Son. Lover. Protector. KING. I’ve been many things to many people over the course of my life, but that title – King – has always been a tough pill to swallow... -
Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsIt should have been easy. I needed the money. He needed a babysitter to keep him from snorting himself to death. I was cherry-picked especially for him. Responsible. Optimistic. Warm. Innocent. The worst part is that I should have known better. Alex Winslow. British rock star. Serial heartbreaker. Casanova with whiskey eyes. “Don’t get near the devil in a leather jacket...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male forced proximity age difference m-f contemporary new adult angst -
A Price to Pay by Raven Amor
One thing the Horsemen have learned. Is everything comes at a price. And now they are going have to pay. As they prepare for war against a new enemy. They 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. Brought to their knees is this end of the Horsemen. Or will they ride from hell once again?Categorized as:
from hate to love forbidden love age difference alpha male cruel hero possessive hero bikers dark -
Vile by Lulu Waters
EVERLEE VERA. This isn’t the life I’m meant to live—stuck on the arm of a rich asshole while he has a pissing contest with other rich assholes. They’re all puppets, playing a dutiful role that condemns them to hell until death do they part. Hatred pushes me forward. Lust fuels me. And there is only one guy who checks both: Holden Van. My boyfriend’s enemy. The guy who flusters me beyond anything...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero alpha male forced proximity m-f contemporary dark sports -
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Amos y mazmorras: Segunda parte by Lena Valenti
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsChegou a hora de encarar o tão aguardado torneio Dragões e Masmorras DS. Entregue-se aos combates. Liberte seus desejos. Na busca pela irmã desaparecida, a agente Cleo Connelly conseguiu se infiltrar no ultrassecreto torneio de práticas BDSM, o Dragões e Masmorras DS... -
Avenging Azalea by Brooklyn Cross
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMF, Mafia, Age Gap, OW Drama (No Cheating), OTT/JP, Family Drama, Found Family, Interconnected Standalone. I promised that I would avenge her, and I always kept my promises. I, Titus Mikhailov, am the calm that holds back the storm in my family. For years, I’ve kept the peace, negotiated, and found common ground between those I love most in this world...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity alpha male mafia dark contemporary abuse friends to lovers -
Filthy Mogul by M. Robinson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes a contemporary standalone romance. All’s fair in love and war…. I’m ruthless. I’m feared. I have more enemies than friends. I didn’t just step into my father’s shadow—I’m a Jameson and that last name comes with money. and power. I’m never afraid to get my hands dirty, especially when it comes to something I want... -
Blackness Within by Norma Jeanne Karlsson
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFighting to find his worthy place in life…. This is the story of a woman that has worked tirelessly to build her own life from nothing. While the task has been exhaustive, it’s been worth every drop of sweat to earn her own slice of normal. Natasha Reynolds has built a life beyond an absent mother and a drug addict brother to become a home-owning, dog-loving nurse... -
Jaded Devil by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’LL SHOW HER WHAT A DEVIL DOES WHEN AN ANGEL FALLS INTO HIS LAP. I met her the day I killed her father. She stood there, soaked in his blood, and swore she’d make me pay when the time was right. Twenty years later, that day has come. She’s beautiful now. A dark temptation I never expected. But Renata Lombardi is in far over her head. Because she thinks this is a game of kill or be killed... -
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. Ginger. Living 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 -
Defiled Innocence: A Dark Mafia Romance by Measha Stone
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAmelia Moreau is barely holding herself together in the wake of her brother’s death. Lukas had been her guardian, her rock—and now, his loss has left her adrift. But when she learns the terms of her inheritance, her grief turns to shock: to claim the fortune Lukas left behind, she must marry...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love age difference m-f alpha male mafia contemporary dark -
Angel's Promise by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
The Broken One by N.O. One
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
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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Depraved Obsession by Morgan Elliott
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI hate the only man I've ever loved. Balor Murphy stole everything from me to save my family's honor. For five years, I've denied his very existence. A cruel twist of fate brings that denial to a screeching halt. Someone is watching me. Someone who wants me dead. He taunts me with cryptic messages and violent paintings. My brother’s best friend swears he can protect me... -
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 -
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 college contemporary office grumpy sunshine mafia -
Scotch by Mhairi O'Reilly
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAshby ‘Scotch’ Feilding returned from the military not feeling like a hero, but as a man fractured by the horrors he witnessed, a shadow of the man he once was. Unable to fit into the normalcy of ordinary life, he finds solace in the roar of engines and the brotherhood of The Devil’s House MC, serving as their tech wizard... -
Destructive Truths by Shauna Mairéad
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLies, Saoirse. It was all lies. Those were the last words I heard before my attacker held me under. Left shattered by deceit, with a past I couldn’t outrun, Killybegs destroyed the girl I used to be. But here’s the thing, this queen was born to rise, and those who hurt me will pay for the sins they committed...Categorized as:
alpha male cruel hero from hate to love mafia new adult suspense contemporary love triangle -
Inescapably Yours by Lizzy West
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsComing Soon! We are overjoyed to invite you to the event of the She’s found the dress. He’s chosen the perfect ring. The venues are swathed in candles and flowers. Now, all that’s left is for these happy couples to make it down the aisle and say ‘I Do’...Categorized as:
age difference alpha male contemporary marriage of convenience dark daddy-kink length-novella -
Griffin by S.M. West
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWINNER of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Thriller, Gold Global eBook Award, and Global Book Award Silver. Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in two categories: Romantic Suspense and Audiobook: Fiction. Finalist in the 17th National Indie Excellence Award. After one electrifying kiss, I’ll risk everything to protect Cora Jennings...Categorized as:
forced proximity age difference from hate to love alpha male contemporary suspense insta-love dark -
Borgata by Katarina E. Tonks
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSamantha finds herself imprisoned in a world of illegal trade and criminal activity, where she must face the consequences of her actions and repay her father's debt. She also will try to resist a mob boss, who understands her on a much deeper level than her heart can allow. -
Craved by Mya Grey
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBook 2 of Brutal Kings, a twisted, forbidden love, dark mafia single daddy romance, enemies to lovers dark romance series. You'll find yourself sweating from the hot and steamy encounter. If you enjoy anti-hero, alpha bad boy, and good girl, you'll want to read Brutal Kings. These alphas are way too hot for a villain. Guaranteed steamy passionate love saga romance. Blurb. He… he bought me... -
Twisted Games by Bianca Cole
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsArcher Daniels is the biggest flirt at the academy, and he’s determined to have me. Coach Daniels has a history of sleeping with students. Now I’m in my senior year, he’s determined to add me to the list. I’d rather die than end up another notch in his bedpost. But the man is persistent to a fault. He’s not someone who gives up easily, pushing harder the more I reject him... -
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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
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... -
Captured Pawn by Livia Grant
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy brother’s death was no accident, and the last thing I want is protection from the same mafia boss whose turf war got him killed. But whether I like it or not, I’m now a pawn in this game….Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male age difference forced proximity dark bdsm mafia strong heroine -
Nomad Kind of Love by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsJune Daniels watched helplessly as the Grizzlies Motorcycle Club destroyed everything she ever cared about. The ruthless gang controls her shattered life, condemning her to darkness without end. .. until she meets him. Aaron “Maverick” Sturm doesn't know what it means to settle down. The President of the Prairie Devils Nomads charter is way too hardened, untamable, and dominant for any old lady... -
Heaven Hill Series Box Set by Laramie Briscoe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGet the first four books in the best-selling Heaven Hill series in one box set. Book #1 – Meant To Be. Single Mother Denise Cunningham meets her match when Heaven Hill VP Liam Walker convinces her to do a job for the club. Once she’s in, she’s not sure if she’ll ever want to get out. Book #2 – Out of Darkness... -
A Promise of Torment by Mallory Fox
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBlood hides carnal desires. Power is overrated. Killing for family, tainted with nothing but love. .. My emotions are supposed to be dead. I was never meant to feel this. Pain. Anger. Rage. Feelings erode me from the inside. They make me weak. They make him more powerful. But I can't lose. Dante is my sweetness in hell. My father has me where he wants me. And my boys. .Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love cruel hero m-f contemporary suspense new adult reverse harem
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