Books like 'The Cardinal Sin'
Readers who enjoyed The Cardinal Sin by Mia Smantz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Anarchy by Tate James
Five years ago, I made a choice that I haven’t regretted a day since. I protected the single most important person in my world, my little sister. I protected myself, and I seized control of the Tri-state Timberwolves. Since then, I’ve wielded that power with an iron fist. Done whatever it took to take care of my people. Kept us out of the public eye, and kept us safe...Categorized as:
age difference suspense new adult alpha male friends to lovers reverse harem mafia contemporary -
Poison Roses by Jaymin Eve, Tate James
You know that saying, things can’t possibly get worse? They always can. I thought I’d hit rock bottom when I turned sixteen. The day I broke my first love's heart, ending things before I could ruin his career as a rock star. But damn, was I wrong. Things got progressively worse from that moment on, until now... -
Cardinal of Hope by Mia Smantz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsCallie Jensen has officially taken a step into the world of romance, but even that can't be uncomplicated. She's pretty sure that more than one guy is showing interest in her, and with no experience on the matter, she's not sure how to handle it. It certainly doesn't feel normal. However, the harem she seems to be building with the Delta members is the least of her worries... -
Steel & Hammer's Hellcat by Ciara St. James
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsArchangel’s Warriors MC: Brothers by choice, not blood. Born to ride until they die. All they want is to ride free until lightning strikes them without warning. Consumed by desire, surrounded by danger, they find the “one” who will consume, enchant, frustrate, and ultimately love them. They only see each other... -
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Beautiful Soldier by E.M. Moore
In the Heights, everyone fears the Heights Crew. I wish I had the luxury.I can’t afford to run away from them, I have to run to them. Why? Because now they’re my only chance at survival.Johnny, Brawler, Oscar, Magnum—I hope we can all come together to get out of this. It’s going to take a lot more than luck to free me from the wrongs I’ve been accused of... -
Rule: A Dark MC Romance by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe Red Ridge Sinners MC series from bestselling author Caitlyn Dare continues…The truth is out—I’m in love with three Sinners.Zach, Jax, and Diesel might want to make me theirs but there’s still too many secrets between us, ones that could ruin everything.Ones that could break us.They might rule my body.Own my heart.But ultimately, they have the power to break me...Categorized as:
menage age difference friends to lovers suspense new adult reverse harem dark high-school -
Sinners Reign by R.E. Bond
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe wars have ended, and we are finally at peace.I never thought I’d be glad to not have to shoot at someone.I guess I’m not that crazy after all.The Psychos and Devils have expanded business, and things are running smoothly.Between the crews and my guys, I have the family I’d always wished for.Nothing can shake us, we reign over this town.We are both feared and respected, nothing will stop us... -
Perfect Little Revenge by K.G. Reuss
Desperate. Broken. Unhinged. Vengeful.I’m dead to them.I was buried in a forest, never to be thought of again.Or so I thought.Being stuck in this nightmare, I’m desperate to break free.My whole life seems to be a prison, and with my kings gone, I have a new warden.And this warden is now the kings biggest enemy... -
The Body Counter by Anne Frasier
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsFrom a New York Times bestselling author comes the chilling follow-up to the Thriller Award winner The Body Reader. Months after discovering the mastermind behind her own kidnapping, Detective Jude Fontaine is dealing with the past the only way she knows how: by returning to every dark corner of it... -
The Throne of Lies by Candice M. Wright
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen people think of Saylor Adams, They think of the boy whose life she ruined The football superstar whose future was forever altered by a secret A secret that followed him to his grave. Dubbed a bad seed and a liar,Saylor was the girl we warned our sons aboutBack before she ran away amid a storm of rumors and accusations...Categorized as:
age difference insta-love menage suspense new adult mystery reverse harem contemporary -
Twisted Secrets by Rachel Leigh
The Lawless have been many things:My friends,My enemies,And now my lovers. All but one…Neo Saint—my villain dressed in leather with the body of a god and a heart made of stone. He blames me for his misfortunes. Wants me to feel his pain. It’s time he learns I’m not who he thinks I am. Someone is out there,opening old wounds and creating new scars...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers alpha male suspense mystery reverse harem from hate to love cruel hero -
Lawless: A Dark Captive Why Choose Romance by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn all-new and addictive dark, why-choose, captive romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Tracy Lorraine.I found peace in the last place I expected, but it was a mirage built on lies and unfulfilled promises.I thought we somehow managed to find a way to co-exist in their little lair, but as usual I was wrong... -
The Saint by Delaney Dare
They say I’m theirs. They say they aren’t ready to let me go. Too bad they only bought me for a night.Selling my virginity is an easy decision. I need money, and the masquerade auction is the perfect opportunity to make enough cash to get far away from Chicago and the family who turned their backs on me.I thought I knew what to expect until I saw them standing before me.Imposing.Dangerous...Categorized as:
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The Red Cardinal by Mia Smantz
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter their last encounter, Nikolai Ivanov proved that he's done toying aroung and is finally making his move. Callie Jensen and everyone she loves are more at risk than ever before. It's going to take the entire team working together if they all want to make it out alive...Categorized as:
insta-love friends to lovers new adult suspense reverse harem contemporary dark mafia -
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Unseen (Joker's Wild Novella) by B. Livingstone, Indie Black
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhat happens when the dutiful wife is pushed too far?Rebellion and Freedom.While the whole world searches for the senator’s missing housewife,Zoey crafts a plan to guarantee she steers clear of their radar... -
Delirium by Katie May
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsELLIE New secrets and shocking revelations have brought me and my guys closer together. We must work as a team to bring down the Paragons of Prosperity once and for all. But with one of my men presumed dead, another being actively recruited by the cult in question, and the other three chasing lead after lead, I fear we may be in way over our heads... -
Lawless by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsAn all-new and addictive dark, why-choose, captive romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Tracy Lorraine.I found peace in the last place I expected, but it was a mirage built on lies and unfulfilled promises.I thought we somehow managed to find a way to co-exist in their little lair, but as usual I was wrong... -
The Return by Amelia Shea
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBorn and raised a Ghosttown girl, Trista Anderson has nothing but love for her hometown. After her recent graduation from college, she is eager to return and start the next chapter of her life. However, things don’t go according to plan when her homecoming is derailed by a biker club, an altercation, and a sexy new neighbor who grates on her last nerve...Categorized as:
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Finale by Bea Paige
From the gutter to the stars...Dance has always been the answer to everything.It soothed my soul, kept me sane, gave me purpose.It brought the Breakers back to me. It healed us.This time dance isn’t enough.It’s time to face our enemies. It’s time I fight back.But at what cost?My soul? The death of everyone I care about?All I can be certain of is this..Categorized as:
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Savage Little Queen by K.G. Reuss
Reborn. Reclaimed. Wrathful. Ready. My death was planned. Executed. I took my last breath, and was ready to be reborn. With my kings at my side and new experiences on the horizon, there’s nothing I want more than to have my revenge on the lords for what they did to me. They underestimated me. Not even death can hold me back... -
Cardinal Rose by Mia Smantz
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsCallie finally found a home. It's everything she's ever dreamed of - friendship, family, and a healthy dose of romance, which Dr. Harper repeatedly reminds her is a good thing since it will help her deal with her most recent loss. So, why can't she be happy? That reason comes in the form of one Russian mob boss named Nikolai Ivanov...Categorized as:
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Tainted Kitten by Sarah J.D., Sarah Jane Duncan
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI am Kitten. Feel my Claws!The insatiable cravings that control my life have well and truly thrown me into a clusterfuck of epic proportions! Why didn’t I see this coming? Why didn’t I just walk away when I had the chance?I’ve put myself in less than ideal situations before, but never could I imagine this!Having the choice taken from me.Having my pleas ignored...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers suspense mystery reverse harem dark contemporary grumpy sunshine -
Inside the Maelstrom: Part One by Grace McGinty
It started when I tried to kill a magnolia tree. With my car. While I was driving it. Okay, maybe it wasn’t just the tree I was trying to kill. But that wasn’t the end of it. No, I wasn’t even halfway through the spiralling vortex that would consume my life... -
Mercer by Ruby Vincent
Saint, Cash, Brutal, and Mercer are everything to me. A fact I should not have let slip.A battle rages and only the last man standing claims victory.I must take back what's mine amid deception, lies, and a city-wide gang war laying waste to all in its path.The question is will the men I love be standing with me?Mercer is a dark contemporary reverse harem romance... -
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Breakers by Bea Paige
From the gutter to the stars...Dance brought us back together.Our pain and hurt bled out with every movement, with every step across the dancefloor.The Breakers never expected to love me again and I never believed we could get past our pain.Yet here we are.My Breakers are mine once more.But nothing is ever that simple when it comes to us.True happiness only comes when you’re free.Free to love...Categorized as:
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Sheltered by M. Sinclair
How do you put a price on your life?After laying witness to the cold-blooded murder of my entire family, I did what any rational person would do... I ran.Our name, power, and vast wealth meant nothing now. I was on the run, filled with the fear of always looking over my shoulder, wondering when they would come to collect my life...Categorized as:
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Insatiable Kitten by Sarah J.D., Sarah Jane Duncan
I am Kitten. Watch me play!They call me Kitten. I’m their plaything, and I love it. I thrive on it. I need it.Why?It’s like an itch I can’t quite scratch.A craving that doesn’t take away the hunger.A compulsion that I can’t control.It’s all-consuming in every way.I thought I’d come to terms with how my future looked. Meaningless sex. Lots and lots of meaningless sex...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers suspense mystery reverse harem dark contemporary high-school -
A Day of Ruin by Steph Macca
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhat do my high school sweetheart, roommate and work associate have in common?They all loved me and now they hate me.My family used to run this town. Until that fateful night when my mother died, and an innocent man went to prison…And it was apparently all my fault.Not only did the entire town now hate me, but I was left with my mother’s secret crippling debt. And I had to face everything alone... -
Shattered Rhythm by Blake Black
How much would you sacrifice for a fresh start?My life seemed perfect. I had everything I could ask for—loving parents, a boyfriend who was also my best friend, talent, and a promising career as a contemporary dancer and YouTube influencer.But then, everything crumbled away. My life fell apart, forcing me to flee from home to survive, leaving shattered dreams in my wake... -
Cruel Hearted by C.M. Wondrak
The Black Hand. The syndicate of hardened criminals I planned on destroying. Things are not what they seem. Someone knows my secret, and it’s not someone I ever expected. He knows my truth, and he understands my need for vengeance—though he’s tried to convince me otherwise. What he doesn’t understand is if I don’t have justice, I’m nothing. I’m not Shay, not Celene...Categorized as:
new adult age difference alpha male contemporary mafia reverse harem from hate to love poly -
Ruin by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA new dark romance from the bestselling author of the Savage Falls MC series .My whole life I’ve been treated like some innocent naïve girl. Shielded from the dark and dangerous world my big brother inhabits.But not any longer.Now, Savage Falls is my home, the Sinners MC, my family. I’m the new club princess, a burden I neither want nor need.Because I’m not as innocent as they all think...Categorized as:
new adult age difference friends to lovers alpha male menage suspense reverse harem dark -
Player by Hattie Jude
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom Hattie Jude comes Player, a sexy standalone why choose academy romance.The secrets I’m keeping are catching up with me.I’ve tried to keep my life as simple as possible out of necessity, and for the safety of me and my sister.I’ve kept my virginity, focused on my grades, and stayed away from trouble.But the desire to live a normal life is beginning to override everything else...Categorized as:
new adult suspense menage friends to lovers virgin heroine from hate to love cruel hero college -
Brutal by Ruby Vincent
The nature of the game has changed.But my feelings for my guys haven’t.As the search for Kieran intensifies, the battle between us reaches its pitch. And in every fight, Brutal shows up to win.My silent, savage love has his own reasons for starting this war, and nothing will get in his way.Something we have in common.I will defeat the undefeatable Brutal... -
Chaos Crown by Ruby Vincent
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsChaos Crown description will be published closer to the release date to prevent spoilers... -
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Pretty Savages by Steph Macca
They say you can’t run from your past. But damn, I am determined to try.I had finally escaped as I had always planned. Things were going great - I had new friends, a job, and a new life.When I’m called back home to deal with an emergency, I do my best to fly under the radar. But I should know by now it’s never easy when it comes to the three Taylor brothers... -
Reese by Candice M. Wright
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWelcome to the Candy shopWhere poison never tasted so sweet...Being a Candy Girl is more than just a job, it’s who I am.But before I became ReeseI was known as Malice, the street kid who killed a man before disappearing without a trace.Now seven years later a serial killer is using those same streets as his hunting ground... -
Return by N.V. Roez
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey say there’s beauty in broken things… I don’t agree.My past broke me, nothing beautiful about it. I buried my past and my secrets to live a normal life at the prestigious Stratham University.School of dreams… with new friends and a fresh start. But I didn’t bury my past deep enough. The boys that betrayed me are now the men of Stratham’s elite...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers alpha male reverse harem contemporary dark abuse from hate to love -
Shattering the Darkness by Kerry Taylor
It has been a long road for Olivia and her guys. Together they have been to Hell and back more than once... -
What Sinners Love by Eva Ashwood
What Sinners Love is the explosive final book in the Sinners of Hawthorne University series!Note: The blurb below contains spoilers for the first two books, so I'd highly recommend not reading it until you've finished both When Sinners Play and How Sinners Fight.***All it took to blow my world apart was a single word.A name.Sabrina... -
Her Mafia Daddies by Shanna Handel
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was an innocent virgin. They didn't care.Even good girls sometimes need a little discipline.But they're going to do much more than just spank me.They're going to make me be a very, very naughty girl for them. First she will blush. Then she will beg.Protecting her is our job. Taming her will be our pleasure.By the time we are done with her, she won't just be screaming our names... -
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...Categorized as:
new adult alpha male age difference contemporary reverse harem mafia from hate to love poly -
Lies and Other Drugs by Coralee June
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAlternate Cover Edition of ASIN B07L92X791Killing my brother’s murderers has become my latest obsession. Against the advice of my alcoholic therapist, I've left my life behind, moving across the country with just two goals in mind: Take down the elite Ivy League School that covered up my twin brother’s death, and seek revenge on the ones responsible...Categorized as:
new adult mystery suspense reverse harem dark contemporary from hate to love vengeance -
Fall by N.V. Roez
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhat happens to the broken? … Honestly, I don’t know. My past is catching up to me from all directions. I’m stuck between the girl I was and the woman I want to be. Everyone is blaming me for what happened to Micah, but nothing is as it seems. People are after me, and debts have to be repaid. That’s not the hardest pill to swallow, though... -
Raven by Leah Steele
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSecrets are revealed, and I’ve never felt so betrayed. We had a plan, a good fucking plan, and with one explosion it all went to shit. Only, it wasn’t the bomb I set off that left destruction in its wake, it was the truth about my men. They've been hiding details about my life, and until they decide to share every last truth, they're choosing to live life on the edge of my blade... -
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Lost In The Light by Kerry Taylor
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsRescued by the brothers she never knew, Addy has found some solace from the hellish nightmare she lived & survived for two long years. She now has a place to call home, family who will do anything to care for and protect her, and three guys who make her feel safer than she has ever felt in her life... -
The Queen by Ivy Clyde
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis is our time to rule.Victor has taken his father’s throne but the violent, unforgiving mafia world will not let him rule without testing his limits.Victor. River. Alexei.Each man holds a piece of my soul in his hand.Struggling to stay sane in the shitstorm blowing all around me, I must not forget my loyalty and duty to my team mates who are watching me. Waiting for me... -
Greed: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling by J. Kearston
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI thought they’d be my salvation, but they look at me like I'm theirs.Beaten, starved, broken.With nowhere else to go, my only hope to survive is to sell my soul to the devil. After all, when you have nothing, even poison starts to look tempting. But the brutal men that work beneath him are just as trapped as I am, and now it's too late for me to back out... -
Snakes & Lovers: Part Two by K.L. Coburn
I'M BACK IN HIS CLUTCHES.I always hoped that I would never be in this position again. Stuck, abused, taunted...AT THE MERCY OF HIS SICK MIND, AND EVEN SICKER GAMES.However, this time I am not alone. I have company in this hell. I also have four men willing to do anything to get me back.And they do. The six of us escape to recover from injuries and trauma. We plot, we learn, and we love...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers new adult contemporary reverse harem mafia forced proximity dark -
Reconcile by Leah Steele
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsI always thought it was best to keep my darkness hidden, outta sight, outta mind. But my stalker has been showing me the errors of my ways. He’s been guiding me into nurturing that side of myself, and now that it’s been set free, there’s no going back. I’ve killed three people, and with each new kill, I learn more about myself. But I crave more than the bloodshed...Categorized as:
suspense insta-love age difference new adult menage reverse harem dark possessive hero -
Betrayal & Deception by Sara Hinds
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSin used to run this city until Vengeance ran them out.Too bad they didn’t get them all.Like a parasite, they linger, and while they’re still here, nobody is safe.Freedom means nothing if I’m constantly watching not only my back but the backs of the people I care about. And with every day that passes, that list of people grows, no matter how hard I try to fight against it...
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