Books like 'Shadows so Cruel'
Readers who enjoyed Shadows so Cruel by Liv Zander also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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The Company of Fiends by Kathryn Moon
After eight years on the stage with The Company of Fiends, the glow of the spotlight is starting to wear thin for Hazel Nix. The theater is perfect for a girl like her—one with a secret she keeps even from her more monstrous peers—but playing pretend is only exciting for so long... -
The Rebel's Vision by Kristen Banet
One declaration was all it took. The Andinna Rebellion has begun. Knowing that the fight will be hard, Mave has taken back the title of Champion. King’s Champion. She’s resolved to stand tall beside King Alchan Andini and fight for him, and to fight for her people.But it’s off to a troubling start... -
Robin's Maid by Jessamine Rue
Threatened with a marriage she doesn't want, Lady Marian strikes a deal with Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Spy on the dastardly bandit Robin Hood and his band, learn their secrets and find their hiding places, and then turn them in to the law. In exchange, she'll be a free woman, with her own property and full control over her future.Dressed as a boy, Marian joins the outlaw band... -
Darling Unchained by JanJan Untamed
The thrilling conclusion to Devil's Darling...Categorized as:
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Monsters Above by R.L. Caulder
The fight for our lives is upon us. Running to a new realm that could hold vital information is our only chance. With that comes closing the distance between me and the godly powers that wish to use me for their own gain. What we need is time to uncover secrets and unlock the powers that reside within me, but that’s a commodity we aren’t granted... -
The Maid and the Orcs by Finley Fenn
She’s fallen for an angel… but he’s mated to a monster. In a realm of orcs and powerful men, housemaid Alma Andersson is drowning — in grief, debt, and drudgery. And when her awful employer makes his darkest demand yet, she flees for the forest, and tumbles toward her doom…Until she’s snatched to safety by a huge, vicious green beast. An orc...Categorized as:
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A World of Lost Words by Jane Washington
I was born with a shadow inside me, a beast clawing and ripping its way to freedom. I was born with a clock inside me, the tick-ticking of my heartbeat drawing us all closer to the inevitable, the inescapable. The end of everything.And now, finally, it has arrived.The world is burning, the souls are screaming, the castles are crumbling... -
Dragon Emperor 2 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNow tested in battle, Evan aims to become the heir of Hatra. Once that he’s a lord, Evan has even more on his plate, from rebuilding the city’s aqueducts to fighting demonic hordes. On top of all that, the King of Rahma gives Evan a quest to prove his worth: to find the lost Sword of Hatra, which was last seen a thousand years ago... -
In Death We Part by M. Bonnet
My routine was simple - classes, work, repeat - then an unearthed family secret changed everything. Four mysterious men shattered my life and stomped on the pieces until I had nothing left. They were strangers to me, but I was no stranger to them. They had been watching me… waiting until the time was right to strike... -
Delightful Sins by Lola King
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA dark and sizzling, enemies to lovers, polyamorous standalone romance from bestselling author, Lola King She betrayed them and ran away. Now they want their revenge. In a town where all that matters is loyalty to your gang, I’ve been labeled a traitor. A death sentence. I ran away from the North Shore the day I knew I wasn’t safe there anymore... -
Wicked Schemes by Amy Oliveira, Santana Knox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTHE GODS HAVE WAGED A WAR IN HER NAME, A FATE SHE NEVER DREAMT REFUSING.The first nightmare I can remember was not my own.To be born with power is to be gifted, but all I know is a curse.I am Florencia Morales, one of the seven witches whose fate was woven long before we were born.Marriage was never my dream, never a desire or a goal... -
Pirate's Witch by Jessamine Rue
A dark, spicy reverse-harem romance reminiscent of 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' with a dash of 'Treasure Island' and a hint of 'Peter Pan.' A desperate crew of pirates kidnap the witch who is the key to their freedom from a terrible curse. But she's more difficult to handle than they expect, in so many ways.. -
Honed in Havoc by Albany Walker
They want an heir and I’m the only way they can get it. With or without my cooperation. I thought Cadieux Island would be a new beginning, but the privileged estates and elite college turned into a nightmare...Categorized as:
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Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean by Shiloh Sloane
Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean is an intensely dark romance and erotic horror set in post WW2 Appalachia.After a violent tragedy, Sadie makes a deal with the Devil: if she exchanges an evil soul for her own within a month, she can have a second chance at life... -
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The Frost Touched Queen by Ivy Fox
From the USA Today Bestselling Author Ivy Fox comes a new angsty romance filled with intrigue and revenge, and a thick web of secrets and lies that begs to be disentangled.“The king is dead. Long live the Winter Queen in the north!”Unfortunately, those jubilant shouted-out wishes over my role as queen of the Kingdom of Aikyam were short-lived.All because three pesky kings stand in my way...Categorized as:
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The Silent Prince by L. Eveland
I will be free, even if it kills me.As a prince of Ostovan, I had everything I the finest wine in my cup, scores of attractive knights to duel and bed, and an endless library of books. I never even saw my brother’s betrayal coming.Captured and stripped of my voice by a magical collar, I’m sold as a slave to a warband of elves...Categorized as:
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Fires of Hatred by Erin O'Kane
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsFires of Hatred ‘My name is 625. At least, that’s the number branded into my skin, the only identity I have. My real name, whatever it was, was stripped from me when I was sold into slavery at age eight. I am now 20, and no more than property, my only purpose working in the palace. Until the day I meet him.’ The Elves and Humans have been at war for millennia... -
No Such King by Coralee June
A puppet, a prince, and a playboy. One arranged marriage. Three men I must keep at arm's length.Prince August is arrogant, toxic, and viscous.I want nothing to do with the man that was once my best friend.I fled this kingdom four years ago, planning to never return.But the king is dead.The kingdom is in chaos.And I’m trapped in an arranged marriage I want no part of...Categorized as:
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The Winter Kissed Kings by Ivy Fox
From the USA Today Bestselling Author Ivy Fox comes the last installment in The Winter Queen Duet, where every secret and lie will be forced into the light to either save or destroy the Kingdom of Aikyam.The plan was simple.Subdue my would-be usurpers with a marriage proposal and guarantee my sovereignty.Little did I know that my reign should have been the least of my worries...Categorized as:
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Bad Moon Rising by Katie May, Steffanie Holmes
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’m Lily Dean, and all I want is a normal life.Prom night is approaching, and I’m trying to build up the courage to ask my two best friends—Jackson and Orion, the dark and mysterious Bellua twins. We grew up next door to each other, and even though the rest of the town thinks they’re freaks because their parents were killed during some spooky occult ritual, I love hanging out with them...Categorized as:
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The Wolf in My Tavern by L.V. Lane
A father should protect his daughter.Mine sold me out to predators for coin enough to pay his debts.Sobbing and broken, I shiver in the cold stone cell, awaiting my desperate fate.Only I am not alone, and my fellow prisoner is about to change the course of my life.A poor fish market girl sold out by her father.A young blacksmith apprentice with secret ties to the rebellion... -
Princes of Sin by Amanda Richardson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPlay dangerous games… win dangerous prizes.It starts with revenge.A decade ago, I embraced death–or so they believe.It’s my life’s mission to make the Lords of Darkness pay for their actions.A perfectly-timed opportunity propels me into the heart of the malevolent order that shattered my very existence...Categorized as:
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A Sword of Shadow and Deceit by Lucinda Dark, Lucy Smoke
Desperation makes warriors of captives. The Gods split the skies and rained down tyranny upon the mortal realm long ago. Ever since then, the only thing worse than being human is being of Divine Blood.For someone like me—an undocumented God child, indebted to the Underworld Assassination Guild—that means only one thing: A life in the shadows.Or so it should have been … until Mortal Gods Academy... -
Tangled Secrets by Yve Vale
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA broken peace treaty. A dangerous secret. How far will they go for love?Abducted and left for dead in the mortal realm, I'm quickly captured by humans. Unfortunately, Oakes and Jaden are arrested for breaking the realms’ peace treaty when they trespassed in their attempt to save me.Prince Eldrin must find a way to free us and prevent another realm war... -
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Survival by Rowen Black
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEach year, the Knightwood Academy chooses the best of the best to join them.Males from different factions are sent there to train.This year, it’s my brother's turn to take part, but sickness eats at his body every day, making it impossible for him to take part in the training...Categorized as:
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A Touch of Savagery (A Demisexual MMM Fairy Romance) by Julie Mannino
After a betrayal between Kingdoms, Oriel finds himself torn down from his position of Crown Prince, collared, named as a traitor, and sold. He’s lost his Kingdom, birthright, family, innocence, and the only man he ever thought he’d love. Trapped with his new Master, Roth Delwin, Oriel is sure he’ll lose what’s left of himself... -
Tisak by Michelle Frost, Michele Notaro
The mage magic that saved them could also be their undoing. Theon and his men escaped House Natas, only to face suspicion and unrest from the Shifter Resistance. Shifters don’t trust mages, even ones who freed an entire House from their bonds. As tensions rise, Theon’s tenuous control on his magic slips further, until one outburst leads to an amount of damage Theon can’t bear... -
Their Blood Queen by J.R. Thorn
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThey’re coming.Monsters Three.It’s Monsters Night and they’re after me.One has claws.One has fangs.The third is terror incarnate, and it’s me he’ll claim.I said the curse.Three names of Blood.A dedication. A desecration.Nemmus. Nefarus. And Nood.I wanted my enemies dead.I wanted revenge.It was Monsters Night and it sounded like a fun game... -
Between Realms by Yve Vale
Rated: 3.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFAE HEARTED SERIES — A PREQUEL TO SHADOWCRAFT ACADEMY A human servant with a secret. A tempting deal with an Elven prince. Three elves willing to break all the rules for her… As an indentured servant summoned to the Elven court, I fear my rule-breaking ways have been discovered. When I arrive at the castle, the powerful and handsome Elven prince makes me a deal for my freedom...Categorized as:
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Caught to Conjure by Kyra Alessy
A powerful witch who escaped a cruel life. Three stubborn enemies who would drag her back. Can they save their world together or will past hatred prove stronger than love? Growing up hated and despised, Vie escaped her uncle and the three men who made her miserable. She vowed never to return to that life nor to let herself be treated like that again...Categorized as:
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Lawless Princes by Dani René
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author, Dani René, brings you a brand new dark, sordid world of why choose romances. This series takes place on the infamous Black Hollow Isle. Danger. Deceit. Death. I was promised to the leader of the Lawless Princes. I don’t have a choice, obeying their rules will keep me alive. But they hold a secret that could bring their perfectly glimmering world crashing down...Categorized as:
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Ruthless Kings by Dani René
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThe Kings are about to take their thrones, but secrets, lies, and violence threaten it all.I don’t love her.I don’t want her.But we need her.And now, we have to save her.There’s no longer denying she belongs to us, but she has to prove her loyalty. And we’re going to ask her to do something far worse than she ever imagined—choose... -
Charming As Hell by Sarah Blue
Hells never been hotter with the long-lost spawn of Satan firmly where she belongs. With a shiny new corporeal body and deep desperation for adventure, Mara is ready to paint the town red. After nearly a decade of possessing humans to survive, Mara is looking for answers and she won’t stop until she has the full picture...Categorized as:
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Caged by Helene Gadot
Rated: 3.69 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMagic is illegal in Ravenswood. Those of us with power are collected and stuffed into prisons. They found me when I was still just a child. I've spent my whole life caged, beaten and experimented on. I'm nothing but a nightingale shifter, little power to combat the torture. The last thing I ever expected was to find my mates in this hell, but they're brought in, snarling and furious and huge...Categorized as:
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The Lords Savage & the Lady: A Monster Fantasy Romance by Cady Austin
The future Silvrout crown princess knew the road to her wedding day would be long and difficult, but she hadn't expected a kidnapping.Or orcs.The Savagefire orc clan stole Princess Luna away from from her knights, but a resourceful, cunning princess accustomed to the intrigues of court can always find a way to survive...Categorized as:
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The Savage Beasts of Salem by Cate Corvin
Rated: 3.71 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn the village of Vostok, no one enters the forest. Only the Beasts of the Wood prowl there, keeping us prisoner from the rest of the world.As a Vessel, an ordained maiden of the church, I consume the sins of the village to free us from their hunger—at the cost of my own life...Categorized as:
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Phantom's Thrall by Jessamine Rue
A Reverse Harem retelling of "The Phantom of the Opera"... What if Christine didn't have to choose? When singer Christine arrives at the opera house, she encounters the lithe dancer Matthieu Giry, the handsome stage-hand Joseph, and her childhood sweetheart Raoul. Each of them is hiding secrets... -
Cruel Monsters by Katherine Bogle
Rated: 3.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings"Your purpose is to die."That's what the people of Alma told me for the thirteen months they tortured me. With no memory of who I once was, all I could do was try and flee.Found. Tormented. Sacrificed.On the day I'm meant to slay myself for their sake, I use one last act of rebellion to choose life over death, and a world I never knew existed swallows me whole.Dark Fae. Shade. Demons... -
Neko by P.L. Nunn
The neko are a cat-like race that live separate from humans. When Dharsha, a young neko is captured and enslaved he learns just how cruel humanity can be. Sold to a group of brutal woodsmen, who despise his differences, he becomes less than human, an object for them to sate their frustrations and lust...
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