Books like 'Sticks and Stones'
Readers who enjoyed Sticks and Stones by S. Massery & S.J. Sylvis also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance college from hate to love sports cruel hero athletes new adult forced proximity suspense
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Dare To Take by L. Ann, Claire Marta
Arabella GrayStudious. Good Girl. Liar.I warned her. I told her I would break her if she stayed.Who knew watching her shatter would taste so sweet?Eli TraversOutcast. Artist. Monster.He vowed to make me pay—to ruin me.Only now it's my own sin that will break me.The monsters of Churchill Bradley Academy are stirring and deadly dangers haunt the halls... -
Too Fast by Abby Millsaps
A Why Choose Sports RomanceLake Chapel was supposed to be my fresh start: an opportunity to reinvent myself; my chance to finally live. Now I’m grappling with the demons of my past… and losing. To survive this setback, I’ll need the support of the four possessive, domineering men who think I belong to them. But can my captors really be my salvation? Worlds are bound to collide...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love college new adult sports found-family hurt-comfort abduction -
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... -
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:
suspense new adult from hate to love cruel hero forced proximity contemporary dark length-medium -
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You Will Bow by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 24 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 suspense forced proximity college praise-kink new adult found-family -
Special Kind of Twisted by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHe had a way of pulling everyone into his darkness. Then, to make matters worse, he convinced you that you liked it there. Kyle Davis—ex professional baseball player and current felon—loved Sara, his best friend. Strictly platonically, of course. He’d do absolutely anything for her, even put up with Greer, Sara’s other best friend. What she was not was Kyle’s best friend... -
Ivy by Willa Nash
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCan you keep a secret?Aston University might be teeming with prestigious and wealthy students, but the currency on campus isn’t their millions. It’s their secrets. And the three women living at Clarence Manor are filthy rich in lies and deceit.Two of the roommates have played this game for years. Some would consider them masters of a ruse... -
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 new adult cruel hero super rich hero forced proximity college suspense m-f -
Dare To Fall by L. Ann, Claire Marta
Arabella GrayStudious. Good Girl. Liar.She's become my addiction—I feed her my pain.When the threat of losing her awakens the monster, there is no one left to save her from me.Eli TraversOutcast. Artist. Monster.I fell in love with my stepbrother—the Monster.I crave his touch and loathe his name. He took everything I gave and twisted it with hate.The past rises from the dead and stalks the living...Categorized as:
cruel hero suspense from hate to love new adult forced proximity secret-relationship betrayal m-f -
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:
sports new adult from hate to love tortured hero college possessive hero betrayal m-f -
Hear No Evil by Ivy Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsEvil cannot take hold of an unconsenting soul.Do not be amazed that hell is empty, since all the devils live here.One by one, they will meet their hellish fate.One down…Three to go.EastonA tyrannous society has discovered our most atrocious secret and decided to wage war on us.They’ve had their fun with Finn, and now it’s my turn to be their little puppet...Categorized as:
suspense new adult from hate to love college dark mystery contemporary length-medium -
Wreck My Plans by Kelsey Clayton
My name is Carter Trayland,And I really screwed up.I should’ve ended things before they began.Instead, I wound up in a twisted love triangle,One that I never wanted to be a part of.The wrong choice sent my life on a whirlwind.A woman I forced myself to love is dead.My best friend was nearly blamed for her murder.And the one I’ve always wanted, now wants revenge... -
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:
super rich hero new adult college cruel hero contemporary alpha male dark length-novella -
Key to Hell by Alex Grayson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe highly anticipated conclusion of the Hell Night Series. Emo's story.Death. Destruction. Pain. A soulless void. It's his life. It's his reality.Emo doesn't feel. Anything. His soul is dark and filled with hatred. People in the small town of Malus watch him with fear, with reverence. Exactly the way he prefers it.Guilt surrounds him, caging him in an ominous past he refuses to let go... -
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Tangled Promise by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI can’t keep my promises. I’ve made too many, to too many people. All the promises have tangled into a web of sin and truths. But there is one thing I’m certain of…I have to end this—us. This is Book 4 in the Sinful Truths series... -
Fallen Love by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’ve fallen in love, then out. In… Out… Now, I’m more confused than ever. I always thought falling in love would be easy. It would feel right when I fell for the right woman. With Siren, does it feel so right, yet so wrong? This is Book 5 in the Sinful Truths series... -
Broken Anchor by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’m broken. He’s broken. We are broken. But sometimes you have to shatter to pick up the pieces. To start over. To overcome our enemies. And find out if we can love again. He’s my anchor, but can our love be repaired? This is the final book in the Sinful Truths series... -
Harder Betrayal by Penelope Sky
I knew a relationship with Cauldron wouldn't be easy.But I underestimated just how challenging it would be...Categorized as:
suspense super rich hero new adult from hate to love contemporary mafia dark explicit-plentiful -
Mad as Hell by Hannah McBride
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsI USED TO BE MADISONI was stupid for thinking that I could just step into my twin's world. And I was an idiot for trusting Ryan Cain with my heart. Lesson freaking learned. I won't make that mistake again.MADELAINE IS DEADMy sister wasn't a saint, but she didn't deserve the hell she endured before her death. Gary. Beckett. Adam. Even Ryan...Categorized as:
new adult suspense sports from hate to love forced proximity super rich hero betrayal contemporary -
Stolen by J.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDante wasn't looking for a woman. He was content with being a single dad, and slowly but surely taking his place as leader of his club, Devil's Disciples.His life was busy, and he didn't need women complicating things.Fuck them, leave them. Don't catch feelings.But Dante had never met a woman like Rachel.Rachel has a past. One she has worked hard at erasing...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity betrayal new adult suspense dark single-father insta-love -
Ravaged Soul by J. Rose
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSabre Security saved my life.Now they want my soul as payment.After six years in captivity, forced to fight for survival, I thought I’d seen the darkest depths of humanity. The cartel broke me, forging a ruthless weapon from my shattered pieces.Not even freedom can heal those wounds... -
Summer Sparrow: by Emmerson Hoyt
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRylee Adder left Eden thinking she’d put the worst day of her life behind her.She was wrong.Separated from her new family and Colton—the man she never thought she’d have to live without—Rylee finds herself in Boston facing her biggest challenge yet: surviving the Vipers’ Den...Categorized as:
from hate to love new adult small town suspense dual-pov contemporary dark length-epic -
Royal Mistake: A Dark Billionaire Arranged Marriage Romance by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe keeps what's his. And as far as he's concerned, I'm his already.When Valerio Royal decided I would be accompanying him to his private island, he didn't ask. He just dragged me onto his plane bound and blindfolded with my ass still sore from a spanking.Then, after he finished making me come until I almost passed out, he asked me to marry him...Categorized as:
super rich hero m-f abduction spanking contemporary length-long arranged marriage dark -
Possessed by Lies by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fought my way back, and now I’m possessed. I’ve healed the wounds that kept me trapped. I’m done fighting it. I’m hers. Completely. I just don’t know if she feels the same. What if the empire we’ve been building crumbles along with our love?Possessed by Lies is book 5 in the Truth or Lies series. It continues Enzo and Kai's story... -
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Consumed by Truths by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEnzo is my heart. My soul. My breath. I never thought I could be so dark. Never knew love meant losing myself and getting reborn. The lies and truths have finally caught up with us. We may have stolen an empire, but we aren’t ready to give it up. It’s ours. He’s mine. And our love will find a way to the truth. Consumed by Truths is book 6 and the final book in Enzo and Kai's story... -
The Saint by Kimberly Kincaid
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHis partner’s most trusted informant is his only hope…and his only weakness.When Detective Liam Hollister is assigned to an assault-turned-murder, he brings his signature three “C”s: control, calm, and composure. The “C” he wasn’t counting on? His partner’s informant, Carmen Desoto, who’s not only the key to unlocking his case... -
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... -
Resilient Queen by Amber Vant
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI never wanted this. Never asked for any of it. The corrupted, chaos of the past is playing catch-up with the present and nothing is as it seems. Everyone wants something. Me? All I want is the truth. I thought this was the end, but it turns out it’s only the beginning. The basis for a much darker twist of fate. Secrets are starting to unravel; relationships have grown fractured...Categorized as:
new adult sports cruel hero from hate to love suspense siblings-bff contemporary high-school -
Word to the Wise by Eva Simmons
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAs the daughter of a biker, I’ve been toe-to-toe with brutal men. I grew up surrounded by violence, so I thought I could survive anything.Until I learned what it really means to be at the mercy of a monster. One I loved. One I trusted.Now that I’ve escaped, I refuse to go back.But when I show up on my brother’s doorstep looking for help, I find myself face to face with Mason Zane.My protector... -
Blame It on the Shame: Part 3 by Ashley Jade
There's something lurking in all of us. Something we hide and shelter from those we love in order to protect them. A darkness we try to suppress because we're ashamed of who that makes us. Because that's the thing about Shame. It wounds us. It damages us. Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us. It's there—in the shadows, beneath the surface...just waiting... -
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... -
A Single Glance by W. Winters
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense. I saw her from across the bar. My bar. My city. Everything in that world belonged to me. She stood out from the crowd like she was looking for someone to blame for her pain. That night, I felt the depths of my mistakes. I felt my scars... -
Manik by Amo Jones
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI’m Beatrice Kennedy, but everyone calls me Beat. I live a low-key life, fresh out of college and drifting from town to town until I find my home. I love music, and how it stirs even the deepest and untouched parts of your soul. Depending on what you choose to listen to, would depend on what it touches. It’s the drug we all damper in, only different strains. My strain is Jazz... -
Son of a Gun: A Marked Men and The Point Crossover by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHeavy is the head that inherits the crown.The only thing on Daire Archer’s mind when she pulled a disappearing act on Christmas was proving she was worthy of being her father's daughter. She was born an Archer, which was a blessing and a curse, and Daire was determined to show everyone she deserved to carry the legacy that came with her name...Categorized as:
suspense new adult tortured heroine from hate to love cold hero forced proximity tortured hero m-f -
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Silent Vendetta by Kathy Lockheart
LUNAI just uncovered the secret identity of the Vigilante.Now, he holds me prisoner in his vault of vengeance.And nothing is as it seems.Bound in this abyss of secrets and darkness,I ache for Hunter’s warmth and light.And vow to reclaim my freedom.But how does one escape……being the obsession of a killer?VIGILANTEThe monster inside of me always hungered for death... -
It's Our Secret by W. Winters
From romance author Willow Winters comes a USA Today best-selling emotionally gripping, standalone, romantic suspense. Allison: It was only a little lie.That’s how stories like these get started.But with every lie I told, he saw through it.I think in his heart he knew I was broken; he felt my pain as if it was his.And that’s what changed everything.He’s the reason it all fell apart... -
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:
suspense new adult from hate to love cruel hero contemporary anthologies dark alpha male -
The Hit by Silla Webb, S.R. Jones
Keep your friends close, and your enemies in your bed.... VIOLET: I was taken and given to Andrius. A cold-blooded, unforgiving hitman. I only went and fell for him. Believed the lie of his beauty. But it all turned ugly and dark, and now I'm adrift. ANDRIUS: A gift...mine. I believed she belonged to me, let myself hope. But it all came crashing down in the worst way... -
Dark Stranger by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI was a stranger, a mysterious caller in the dead of night, a monster seeking revenge. Instead of destroying her, I made her mine. Sierra Wynters believes her fiance is dead, victim of a horrible accident. But I know better. Little does she know a predator is stalking her, a dangerous hunter refusing to believe in her innocence... -
THE TEST: Secret Society Dark Romance by Elena Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI woke up to my roommate and best friend missing. In her place was a note on my bedside table that read: You can only find me with your eyes closed.No one thinks a note like that is meant for them. I knew it was meant for me, a clue, a way to seek Justice. Whoever left me that note was hoping I didn’t let my parent’s legacy die when they did... -
The Society by Erin Mc Luckie Moya
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhat happens when you're born into a secret society? When your great-grandfather was a founding member? Do you have a choice whether you stay or not?And the benefits that befall you with such a position? The easy college access and high powered positions - the multinational firms... -
The Villain by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGuess who's having the craziest week EVER?That would be me.Sunday: I get dumped by my boyfriend—right before a couple's bungee jump.Monday: My little sister informs me that she’s invited our evil, estranged mom to the wedding I’ve spent months helping her plan...Categorized as:
suspense new adult super rich hero from hate to love forced proximity multicultural vengeance dark -
Claimed By Daddy by J.L. Quick
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEnzoWe tore down every mafia family who dared to challenge us. Now we reign over this city. The three of us—Italian, Irish, and Bratva—are bound by the blood we shed. Nothing will stop us from building the empire we’ve dreamed of… except her. Eavan O’Brien, the forbidden little sister of my best friend, who I never expected to care about... -
The Mercer Curse by Pepper Winters
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsQ Mercer from Tears of Tess meets his half-brother Henri Ward from Ruby Tears for the first time...……….I’ve fought a curse all my life.A curse inherited by my sick father. There is no cure.No antidote for what I am. For years, I existed alone. Fighting the urges, doing my best to stay good.Until Esclave 58 entered my life and I didn’t have to fight so hard... -
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Arson's Captive by V.F. Mason
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOnce upon a time she became mine. Mine to keep. She was a healer. He was a serial killer. She helped people. He destroyed them. She was a beautiful angel. He was a vicious monster. She wanted to run away. He captured her instead. She promised to never surrender. He guaranteed that she would. Two lives, the hunter and the prey, forever entwined together... -
Wet by Cambria Hebert
Making decisions I regret is basically a hobby.So I guess it really wasn’t that surprising when I went out on a date with an Elite.And then he tried to assault me.I might be small, but I’m not meek. I fought him off… then went straight to the dean.He didn’t believe me. No one does.And now my date from hell is in revenge mode, and I somehow end up in the campus pool... -
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... -
If You Know Her by Shiloh Walker
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA SHADOW IN THE WINDOW Nia Hollister doesn’t scare easily. She’s returned to Ash, Kentucky, with a vengeance—and with a mission: find the killer who brutally ended her cousin’s life. What she didn’t count on was trembling with desire every time she sees Law Reilly. If any man can help her escape the nightmares for a while, it’s him...Categorized as:
suspense tortured heroine possessive hero small town contemporary dark mystery length-long -
Heartless Game by Jo Brenner
The hottest hockey player at Reina U has dark plans for me. Everyone on campus loves Isaac Jones. The gorgeous, dimple-cheeked charmer can do no wrong in the public’s eyes.But they don’t know what I do.I know the truth about his violent past. Exposing his real identity and his family’s crimes won’t just help me graduate with a journalism degree—it will save my mother’s life... -
Merciless Union by Faith Summers
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEverything changed overnight.Truth became my enemy, and the sting of betrayal dragged me into a web of lies.I’m damned if I fight to live and damned if I die. Both will be dangerous for the child growing inside me. I can’t trust Lucca to save us.Love is a myth we shouldn’t have explored.He was always my enemy.Love just made me forget and blinded me to the truth...
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