Books like 'Brutal Defender'
Readers who enjoyed Brutal Defender by Maggie Cole also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
multicultural suspense mafia arranged marriage age difference from hate to love dual-pov fighters sassy heroine rich heroine
-
Fractured by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsLoving Echo Kent was painful. Not the falling in love part, that was easy. One look at the tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed narcotics detective and I knew I wanted him. A few months later I knew I couldn’t live without him. But my Echo, he had demons and secrets and a mountain of guilt. His love was selfish and one-sided—he could love but he refused to allow others to love him... -
Stall by MysteryMixtapes
"Strangers in the dark can change your life in the light.""As I reach the front door I can't help the same question swimming around in my mind, what could possibly be on all of those tapes?"-----Preview:"You wanna try and be my medicine Abby?" he asks with a deep testing tone, keeping his voice quiet... -
Burn in Hail by Lani Lynn Vale
One look at the sixteen-year-old, prim and proper town goody-two-shoes, Hennessy Hanes, and Tate Casey knows he’s in trouble. He knows he should stay away from the preacher’s daughter, but there’s something about her he’s drawn to, and he can’t resist the pull. The more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that something isn’t right... -
Summer in the Falls by Elle Gray
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhile the town prepares for the annual local festival.Spenser helps with the festivities while chatting with the residents.Unfortunately the pleasantry is interrupted when Spenser runs into Rafe Johnson,the man beginning his campaign to unseat her as sheriff.The standoff between them is tense with Spenser deciding to walk away... -
-
It Hurts Me by Penelope Sky
My husband of two years tells me he wants an open marriage. I'm stunned. I'm hurt. And I'm livid. I don't want to be married to a man that wants to open our bed to other people. But then I get a flat tire in the pouring rain and a sexy-as-hell gentleman helps me out. My husband is in the game, so one look at the skull ring on this gentleman's left hand tells me exactly who he is...Categorized as:
mafia m-f suspense from hate to love super rich hero contemporary explicit-plentiful -
The Lies in the Falls by Elle Gray
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIt’s the perfect time to enjoy the winter snow.Unfortunately, there are things brewing in Sweetwater Falls that neither coffee nor hot cocoa can solve…It’s Founders Day in the once idyllic town, as well as the beginning of the festive holiday season.Contrary to the beautiful scenery, being the sheriff of Sweetwater is not quite as cozy as Spenser Song imagined... -
Silenced in the Falls by Elle Gray
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsTo be young, wild, and carefree.The true essence of Taft High’s Spring dance.But there’s a price for the naivety of youth.A high price that could cost your blood, soul, and your silence.Sweetwater Falls is a charming town with all sorts of characters.From chaperoning the school dance with Ryker to putting drunk drivers behind bars... -
Dirty Cravings by Kenya Wright
We return for the sixth installment of the Lion and the Mouse. Kazimir and Emily hunt for the traitor in Italy. Constant threat lurks within the shadows. The more puzzle pieces are discovered the more their reality unravels. Dark and deeply erotic, this high-octane romance will lure you into a mystery with deadly twists and turns... -
Playing With Danger by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsIt’s strange how quickly life can go from predictable and boring to…not. How a chance meeting can set off a chain reaction. How a single moment can offer much-needed clarity. How a kiss can alter the course of your life. Valentine Malone fell into my life…correction, I fell into his in the aisle of a grocery store... -
Take A Chance On Me by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsOh Sh*tThis is part 2 of the Marc and Meg Duet. It cannot be read as a standalone. Due to spoilers, the above is all the blurb you will get.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The conclusion to the Meg and Marc duet is phenomenal. It’s been a long time since I’ve found a writer that makes me laugh, scream, and cry in the same sitting. This is an epic story - epic love, epic friendship, epic woman finding her way... -
Fatal Scandal by Marie Force
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsBook 8 of the Fatal series from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Marie Force... As a new year dawns in the capital city, dual scandals rock the Metropolitan Police Department—and Lieutenant Sam Holland is right in the middle of them... -
Fatal Jeopardy by Marie Force
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsWashington, D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland and her husband, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, have been looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving with their son. But any thoughts of a restful holiday are dashed when Sam and Nick return home to a gruesome scene: Sam's seventeen-year-old niece Brooke, barely conscious and covered in blood on their front stoop... -
Ashes by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDylan Walsh left his small town behind and vowed to never return. But when his brother needs help, Dylan steps back into the memories he tried so hard to forget. He thought there was nothing there for him anymore until a woman he knew as a little girl catches more than Dylan’s eye.Rosie Gallo is known for her kind spirit, good-girl vibes, and her loyalty to the ones she loves... -
Rhapsody by Kenya Wright
*** From bestselling author Kenya Wright, comes a new series called the Butcher and the Violinist . *** In Paris, they called him Le Boucher . The Butcher of the Corsican. Jean-Pierre’s greatest gift was a lack of feelings. His past had ripped them away. But then he saw Eden. On stage, she played her violin, spinning his head with songs that he’d tried to forget... -
-
Wicked Empire 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.She didn’t want to believe me.She wanted to believe the threat wasn’t really there.But as the sirens ring out in the distance and she stares down into my eyes, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love mafia dual-pov contemporary new adult high-school first-person-pov -
Scorch by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe headstrong and wild Luna Gallo is about to have her world rocked, altering the course of her life and putting her on a path she never expects.Scorch is the tenth full-length standalone novel in the Men of Inked Heatwave series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss...Categorized as:
suspense sassy heroine age difference bad boys m-f contemporary friends to lovers alpha male -
Secret by Penelope Sky
She saved my life. She promised she wouldn't intervene, that her loyalty was to her family, not me. But she did it anyway. Now everything is different. I can feel it with every kiss, every time she's underneath me. This isn't a meaningless fling anymore. It's so much more. I know it...and she knows it... -
Fatal Betrayal by Barbara Freethy
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night than losing myself in one of Barbara Freethy’s books. I love the Off The Grid series but I honestly think this one is my favorite. I have no doubt her next book will be awesome, too!" Booklovers AnonymousRomance and danger collide in the next thrilling book in the OFF THE GRID: FBI SERIES by #1 NYT Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy... -
The Girls in the Falls by Elle Gray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAfter answering the job posting for Sweetwater Falls, former FBI agent Spenser Song thought that she had finally escaped her painful past. Unfortunately, she quickly learned some things you just can’t ever run away from…When a local girl goes missing and another one turns up dead, Spenser finds clues that connect to a grim reminder of another fatal mistake in her past... -
The Housewife Killer by A.J. Rivers
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFBI agent Ava James has taken down many murderers.This time she might have met her match.While working on the Margot Carter case, Ava decides to follow a hunch.One to help narrow down the Housewife Killer suspect list.It’s been years, no one has been able to capture the elusive predator.A maniac that is killing young women and dressing them up as a 50’s housewife... -
Jake Understood by Penelope Ward
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length companion novel and sequel. A different side to the story: Jake’s side. “We’re getting a new roommate,” they said. I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis. Nina.. -
Boomer's Rise by K.L. Savage
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIt’s time to rise from the ashes and extinguish the flames.This is a new start.A clean slate for not just me or Scarlett, but for everyone else that’s trusted me to make their life better.Deciding to keep the Atlantic City chapter name was the right move.Not only is the weight of the members on my shoulders, but the immense responsibility of proving ourselves to the city... -
Smolder by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 13 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... -
Memories of the Falls by Elle Gray
Rated: 4.68 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIt’s summertime at the Falls, and this season revenge tastes even sweeter…Sheriff Spenser Song thought she would get a much-needed break after aiding FBI agent Blake Wilder on an international trafficking ring.Shortly upon her return to the Falls and to Ryker, the place is once again in an uproar.When the town’s star athletes are found dead due to a drug overdose... -
-
Rescuing Barbi by Ellie Masters
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRescuing Barbi is the sixth book in the exhilarating new BRAVO TEAM series. It’s an angsty, steamy, romantic suspense chock-full of edge-of-your-seat action, exciting adventure, and all the protective hero yummy goodness you can handle... -
Sinful Surrender by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.84 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsArcher Malone is my husband. My rock hopper penguin. He’s a homicide detective, and I… am a killer. That one small detail has always been a thorn in our marriage. But love does strange things to a man. And the actions once thought intolerable become bearable. Which means, for now, I remain a free woman. But secrets rarely stay hidden, and word tends to travel fast... -
Shadows of the Falls by Elle Gray
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSpenser Song could have never imagined that her career in the FBI would lead to her husband’s death.She moved to Sweetwater Falls and accepted the job as the town’s Sheriff to escape from the pain of her dark past.But a fresh start in the once idyllic town came with many unexpected twists.. -
Emerald Vices by Nicole Fox
I did a bad thing...And the man I love is here to make me pay for it."You're coming with me," he snarls."There's zero percent chance THAT's happening," I fire back.But I only get about two steps away before Andrey decides to take matters into his own hands.Literally.And it's me.I'm "matters."So now, I'm back where I started.Stuck somewhere I don't belong with a dangerous man who hates me...Categorized as:
mafia from hate to love age difference suspense dual-pov m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine -
The Tallest Tower by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI hate Felix Malone with all my heart and soul. He’s the second born son of a murderous don.The newest leader of the Malone mafia family now that his father is dead.But if I could have hoped a change in management would mean a positive shift for the notorious crime family, then I’m proven wrong as Felix quickly settles into his new role and lays scourge on New York City... -
Perfect Sinner by Maggie Cole
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI’m the mafia princess Nolan O’Malley hates to love.The moment we collide, he wants to destroy me.He should. My blood is that of his arch enemy.I’m unsure if the war raging inside him or me is stronger.Instead of running away or ending me, he keeps me close.He watches my every move, and monitors each threat my estranged family delivers to me...Categorized as:
suspense mafia from hate to love sassy heroine m-f suicide strong heroine possessive hero -
Crime Lord's Paradise by Mia Knight
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAfter Gavin Pyre steps down from his position as crime lord, he and Lyla focus on picking up the pieces of their lives and creating the paradise they deserve.Note: This novella intersects with book 4, Awakened by Sin, so books should be read in sequence... -
Of Snakes and Men by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAndres “A” Alcazar.Ruthless cartel leader.The last man in the world Hope wanted anything to do with. Until he was swaggering into her private investigation office.He needed to find a snake in his organization. And he wanted her to do it...Categorized as:
suspense mafia age difference dual-pov from hate to love bad boys mystery strong heroine -
Reckless: Sins of the Father by Nicole James
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes a STEAMY, WOKE UP MARRIED IN VEGAS, AGE GAP, MC ROMANCE! The SECOND GENERATION has arrived! Harley Jean—The pounding in my head wakes me— that and the fact that I have to pee. Must have been one hell of a bachelorette party last night... -
Sinful Chaos by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBy day, I’m the chief medical examiner for Copeland City.The rest of the time, I am a mafioso’s son’s wife.I married a cop who was once a criminal, but despite the seriousness of our job titles, when it’s just Archer and me, we luxuriate in the newness of our marriage.Steaming romance, sizzling touches, and secret adventures only we know about.But now, Archer’s father is dying... -
-
Hugo by Lane Hart, D.B. West
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEverly Fulton is desperate for a man to come along and sweep her off her feet, giving her a brief reprieve from her hectic life. She’s been anxiously awaiting prince charming or a knight in shining armor for years.What she got instead was a grumpy Savage King who is just passing through town.Hugo Reddick set out in search of an old hookup... -
Blind Faith by Sharon Sala
He has nothing and everything to lose…When a seventeen-year-old boy goes missing while camping with his buddies in the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend, the case is right up PI Charlie Dodge’s alley. Charlie’s reputation for finding missing people—especially missing kids—is unparalleled. Unfortunately, trouble seems to be equally good at finding him... -
Cannon by Lane Hart, D.B. West
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the livelihood of the Savage Kings MC is threatened, Cannon Erikson steps up. He’s ready to do whatever it takes to win the war the former police chief started thanks to his twin, Conrad’s involvement with the chief’s daughter.Cannon’s determined to ruin the chief’s political aspirations, starting by backing his opponent in the race for mayor... -
Over My Dead Body by Rebelle Fleur
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsAllegra Grey is the daughter of a powerful American Mafia Leader. Trained since birth to take over the family business, she is ruthless, heartless, and one of the best assassins in the industry. She's completed thousands of assassinations in her career, completing every assignment... except for one. Ace De Luca is her one and only failed mission... -
Leo by Lane Hart, D.B. West
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNadia Gardini has been worshiping the men in the Savage Kings MC for years, even though they rarely want her for more than a few nights.Three years ago, she thought one of their newest members might be different, until he cast her aside faster than the others...Categorized as:
bad boys fighters mafia suspense contemporary bikers disabilities and marks length-short -
Sinful Promise by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes cops are killers.Doctors are hunters.Sharpshooters are bodyguards.And ballerinas rule them all. That’s my life in Copeland City. I’m Chief Medical Examiner Minka Mayet, and Archer Malone is my husband. He’s also a homicide detective. Together, we work hard to bring peace to the victims of violent crime, and we consider it a good day when we can stop perpetrators before they hurt again... -
Sinful Memory by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs a medical examiner married to a homicide cop, I’m no stranger to my phone ringing early in the morning or dead bodies being my constant companions. It’s the deal we each signed up for. And not one I begrudge often. To work so closely with my husband is a pleasure. To bring justice to those who’ve been wronged is my passion... -
The Camorra Chronicles Box Set by Cora Reilly
Rated: 4.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwisted Loyalties: Fabiano was raised to follow in his father’s footsteps as Consigliere of the Chicago Outfit – until the man abandons him. Left to fend for himself, Fabiano is forced to fight for a place in the mafia world. As a ruthless street fighter, he quickly earns his place as the new Enforcer of the Las Vegas Camorra – a man to fear... -
Ruby Mercy by Naomi West
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsI’m having my bosshole’s baby.Safe to say that’s not ideal…Especially because he doesn’t even know.As a matter of fact, Kirill is clear across the country, and I’m pretty sure he’s never coming back.That’s fine.My daughter and I will be a-okay without him.At least, that’s what I thought.But five years goes by like pulling teeth.And I learn something:It hurts to do this alone... -
Drawn Blue Lines by Cora Kenborn
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Cora Kenborn comes a steamy enemies to lovers romance full of sharp banter, cold revenge, and unexpected twists. Loyalty is the deadliest sin Adriana Every devil doesn’t always get his due. I survived a fate worse than death, and the only thing my family’s traitor got was my birthright. I used to rule an empire...Categorized as:
suspense multicultural mafia from hate to love sassy heroine dual-pov latinx-mc abduction -
-
Going Rogue by Amelia Shea
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsQuinn O’Malley’s less than stellar life drags her even deeper, plummeting her into a dark abyss when her misfortune designates her Enemy Number One to the devil himself.After an altercation and deal gone wrong, Quinn finds herself living on borrowed time, at the mercy of a notorious, ruthless, and unpredictable King of the Underground. She has nothing of worth to bargain with except her life... -
Faded Gray Lines by Cora Kenborn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLove is the deadliest lie. Leighton I’m jaded. The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. My first taste of love was my first betrayal. Now, all I want is to start over, but they want my life. Everyone says all’s fair in love and war. Except I’m done playing fair. I’m tired of turning my back on his darkness when it’s the light that always burns me. I’ve danced with the devil... -
Wolf by Erin Trejo
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’ve known heartache. I’ve known pain. The day I met Krista, I felt them all slam into me like a ton of bricks. She was intriguing and mysterious. Then I learned why she kept so many secrets. Her hidden past was going to tear us apart piece by piece before we ever get a chance to get started. And I’m going to let it... -
Dirty Pleasures by Kenya Wright
In this gripping eighth installment, Kazimir and Emily head to New Orleans seeking solace and healing, but destiny has other plans... -
Savage Prince by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGillian's father may be a powerful Irish mob boss, but he owes a blood debt to my family, and when I came to collect I didn't ask permission before taking his daughter as payment. It was not up to him... or to her. I will make her my bride, but I am not the kind of man who will wait until our wedding night to bare her and claim what belongs to me... -
Lucas by Lane Hart, D.B. West
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLucas Bennett hasn't been able to catch a break lately.At the top of his growing list of disasters is the ongoing feud with Jake, his former best friend. It hasn't helped that the two are also prospects competing against each other for the single spot with the Savage Kings MC...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
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.