Books like 'If We Were Villains'
Readers who enjoyed If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance queer suspense new adult mystery bisexual college sweet-hero found-family
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Can't Go Back by Debra Webb
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe past and the present collide in the final installment of USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb’s Devlin & Falco series, threatening everything these two detectives care about.Birmingham detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco arrive at the scene of a double homicide to discover that nothing makes sense... -
![The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre]()
The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsI have three months to write the last book of my life. Three months to confess the details of that day, and how it changed everything for me. My name is Helena Ross. I’ve written fifteen romance novels, ten of which have become international bestsellers. But this one isn't a romance, no Happily Ever After in place. This novel holds only the truth, which I have run away from for four years...Categorized as:
mystery suspense competent heroine dark contemporary tearjerkers rich heroine length-medium -
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![Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose]()
Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsDeadly secrets lie beneath the murky waters of the Louisiana bayou in this pulse-pounding new romantic suspense novel from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Rose. There's no safe place for a child to hide when danger comes from every direction. Public prosecutor J.P... -
![Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose]()
Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe fourth and final book in Karen Rose's nail-biting Cincinnati Series revisits your favourite characters battling crime in the city's dark underbelly. Fans of Tess Gerritsen, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will not be able to tear themselves away from this explosive thriller. Homicide detective Adam Kimble is no stranger to battling demons...Categorized as:
suspense mystery friends to lovers contemporary abuse dark second chances length-epic -
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![Mystic River by Dennis Lehane]()
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 74 ratingsWhen they were children, Sean Devine, Jimmy Marcus, and Dave Boyle were friends. But then a strange car pulled up to their street. One boy got into the car, two did not, and something terrible happened -- something that ended their friendship and changed all three boys forever.Twenty-five years later, Sean is a homicide detective. Jimmy is an ex-con who owns a corner store... -
![Chasing The Dragon by T.K. Leigh]()
Chasing The Dragon by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHe’s trying to protect his heart… She’s a shell of the girl she once was… Can he chase away the demons threatening to destroy her? Mackenzie Delano craves control. After tragedy strikes during her freshman year of college, she compensates for the helplessness she felt by micro-managing every aspect of her life, from her business life to her social life…to her love life... -
![Two For The Show by Elizabeth Knight]()
Two For The Show by Elizabeth Knight
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHey, it’s your girl Von again. Remember when I said hunting down those two Accardi heirs would be a piece of cake? Well… I found one of them, only to realize he’s a guy I hit and quit two years ago. What's even worse is the fact I still remember him. I never remember my flings, I’m the girl who scratches the itch and moves on... -
![Ivy by Willa Nash]()
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... -
![Deep Spiral by Cole McCade]()
Deep Spiral by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsABOUT THIS EPISODE A deadly, unstable shooter. A trap Malcolm and Seong-Jae can't escape. And more than one life on the line as they find themselves facing down one of the Golden Ratio Killer's proxies in a high-stakes hostage situation that could ramp up the serial murderer's mathematical body counts exponentially. And if Malcolm and Seong-Jae aren't careful, they'll be among the tally... -
![Hard Angle by Cole McCade]()
Hard Angle by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsUnsettled tensions from the last case come to a head as Seong-Jae reveals his secrets — but will it be enough to repair the fractures in his relationship with Malcolm?Especially when their only promising lead on the Golden Ratio Killer's identity falls apart, along with any hope of returning home to Baltimore and to their life together.When their primary suspect turns up dead..... -
![Bastard Vol. 3 by Carnby Kim, 김칸비]()
Bastard Vol. 3 by Carnby Kim, 김칸비
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFROM ONE KILLER TO ANOTHERJin Seon's high school life may seem normal from the outside, but a dark secret hangs over him: his own father is a serial killer! Despite wearing the mask of a philanthropic CEO, Jin's father is a murderous monster who's manipulated his son for years, even forcing him to serve as an accomplice for his crimes... -
![Layered Lies by Kaylie Hunter]()
Layered Lies by Kaylie Hunter
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo years after her son was abducted, Kelsey Harrison rebuilds a new life for herself. She opens a store, makes new friends, and settles into a peaceful existence. At least, that’s what she hopes the world believes.Behind closed doors, Kelsey hunts her enemies, living a life of lies. She hasn’t forgotten, hasn’t forgiven. She searches for answers still... -
![Valiant by Bella Jewel]()
Valiant by Bella Jewel
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsI’ve known fear. I’ve known pain. I’ve known horror. I’ve known all of it. I’ve guarded myself as best I can. I’ve hidden myself from him. I’ve changed my name. I’ve moved. But he still haunts me. One day, I’m sure he’ll find me again. I don’t trust anybody. I don’t believe in anybody. I just want to be free. Until I meet Jack... -
![His Coveted Obsession by Courtney W. Dixon]()
His Coveted Obsession by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPLEASE READ THE BLURB AND WARNINGS IF YOU'RE SENSITIVE TO TRIGGERS! And please, please be careful of spoilers and giving away endings of books. Use spoiler tags.When obsession and possessiveness collide…Thomas LauderEaston is my hero, and I’m obsessed. He comes into my life like a knight in shining armor, saving me from a horrible customer at the coffee shop... -
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![Desperate Lies by Ella Miles]()
Desperate Lies by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI lied. He lied. His search for answers is unrelenting.It makes me hate him, but I also want him. No, I can’t want him. I want to kill him, but I’d also die for him. I’m done relying on men to protect me.I’m the huntress, about to become the killer. Desperate Lies is Book 2 in the Lies Series. Ends on a cliffhanger... -
![Texas Bodyguard: Chance by Janie Crouch]()
Texas Bodyguard: Chance by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe has secrets she prefers to keep hidden.Too bad he’s so good at getting to the truth.When a violent attack puts Maci Ford in the hospital, security expert Chance Patterson learns that she’s carrying his baby. Even though she ended their relationship, he’s determined to do whatever it takes to protect her and their child... -
![Zeppo by Mirrah McGee]()
Zeppo by Mirrah McGee
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrigger Please note this book contains some content which may be triggering to those sensitive to SA off page, verbal abuse, violence, and torture. You may contact the author for more information.RuthPaleontologist? Police Officer? Doctor? Not me. When asked in school what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same; Zeppo Kraus' wife and the mother of his children... -
![Last Resort by Janie Crouch]()
Last Resort by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA TODAY Bestselling Author Janie Crouch. Previously published as Texas ChanceShe has secrets she prefers to keep hidden.Too bad he’s so good at getting to the truth.When a violent attack puts Maci Ford in the hospital, security expert Chance Patterson learns that she’s carrying his baby... -
![Tangled Promise by Ella Miles]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![Divine Proportion by Cole McCade]()
Divine Proportion by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhile Captain Anjulie Zarate y Salazar faces a crisis of loyalty at home, Malcolm Khalaji faces another crisis in Los Angeles—one that will test him to his absolute limits.And that crisis is named Yoon Eun-Ji... -
![Wrath by Alex Grayson]()
Wrath by Alex Grayson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDeath. 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. Can’t let go. His past is responsible for the shell of the man who now exists... -
![Hear No Evil by Ivy Fox]()
Hear No Evil by Ivy Fox
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 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 mystery college dark from hate to love contemporary length-medium -
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![Chip's Forever Daddy by Sammi Cee]()
Chip's Forever Daddy by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsChip’s had a good example of a Daddy—and the absolute worst. Ollie’s determined to give him the best…forever. If Chip didn’t have bad luck, he’d have no luck at all. All he’s ever wanted is a man to see him, truly hear him, and love him. Ollie is the definition of protective, with the muscle to back it up...Categorized as:
queer found-family friends to lovers new adult m-m contemporary age difference daddy-kink -
![Wishing Well by Lily White]()
Wishing Well by Lily White
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe perfect timing of a fairy tale is tied to its tragedy… Journalist, Meadow Graham, is invited to interview death row inmate, Vincent Mercier. Given three days to hear his sordid confession, Meadow seeks to learn why a wealthy hotel owner killed four people, including her twin sister... -
![Tethered Souls by Beth Flynn]()
Tethered Souls by Beth Flynn
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy family has secrets. I’m always the good girl, doing what’s necessary to keep my loved ones safe. I've kept the darkest secrets from everyone I know. As painful as it is to hold them all inside where they live and gnaw away at me, that’s where they must stay. I haven't seen my closest childhood friend, Christian Bear, since I was a teenager—he hasn't changed a bit... -
![Cruel Lies by Ella Miles]()
Cruel Lies by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis is book 4 in the Lies Series. It continues Langston & Liesel's story.Ends on a cliffhanger... -
![The Rogue by Kimberly Kincaid]()
The Rogue by Kimberly Kincaid
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe scars that cut deepest are the ones beneath the surface…Detective Addison Hale is a survivor. The armor she uses to hide her scars keeps her safe on the job, and holding people at arm’s length is a small price to pay when there’s a stalker on the loose.Especially since he’s after the sister of impulsive firefighter Ryan Dempsey, who she had a scorching-hot fling with two months ago...Categorized as:
friends to lovers mystery suspense contemporary dark firefighter military length-medium -
![The Interrogation (Hunt&Cam4Ever) by Adira August]()
The Interrogation (Hunt&Cam4Ever) by Adira August
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHunter’s most twisted killer. Cam’s most dangerous case.A STAND-ALONE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERIf you like a master gamesman for a detective and a few twists in your criminal cocktail, you want to read this... -
![The Final Hour by London Miller]()
The Final Hour by London Miller
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThree months pass without incident, leading Mishca and Lauren to believe they can finally move on from the past and build a life together ...but enemies both old and new lurk in the shadows, waiting for the opportunity to strike. When a dangerous threat presents itself, Lauren is forced to turn to the one person that would rather see Mishca dead than live happily ever after .. -
![The Night Blossoms by Leylah Attar]()
The Night Blossoms by Leylah Attar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Leylah Attar returns with a page-turning romantic suspense/thriller that careens down an emotional highway toward a chilling finale. Dark, thrilling, and ingeniously unpredictable...Categorized as:
suspense mystery friends to lovers dark pregnancy contemporary multicultural length-medium -
![Gabby's Protector by Janie Crouch, Regan Black]()
Gabby's Protector by Janie Crouch, Regan Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter a heart-shattering tragedy, Tony Marino bottled up his emotions and gave more than twenty hard years to the SEAL teams. Now, he’s enjoying a later in life career in paradise in the Ellington Cove special security office.The best part? Working with their research expert, Gabby Ladd... -
![MARCUS: Sins of the Father by Nicole James]()
MARCUS: Sins of the Father by Nicole James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes aSTEAMY, FORBIDDEN MC ROMANCE! The SECOND GENERATION has arrived!This is the first book in her spin-off from her bestselling Evil Dead MC series.Brandy--When a bunch of bad-boy bikers walk through the door to the bar, one catches my eye.He's got a killer smile, and an air of wickedness about him that draws me in... -
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![Bought for Us by Alisha Williams]()
Bought for Us by Alisha Williams
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI didn't expect to fall for them. And I fell hard.When life took an unexpected turn, I was forced to leave them behind.After ten years of hell made by my father, he's finally gone, which means I'm free.Only I'm not. He's left me with a lot to clean up in the form of a hefty amount of debt.It would take a lifetime to pay it off, maybe not even then... -
![Her by D.V. Fischer]()
Her by D.V. Fischer
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI have something to prove.My weight. My worth. My life.Not only am I a woman fresh out of the police academy, but because of my father’s reputation, I have to prove I’m worthy of my badge.And then an opportunity arose, one I couldn’t pass up. Men and women are being abducted from another country to be trafficked for horrific purposes... -
![Vicious Lies by Ella Miles]()
Vicious Lies by Ella Miles
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis isn't a love story. This is a story of all the reasons we can't be together. Reason number one: we lie.Liesel Dunn has a secret. One I literally ripped from her hands when we were kids. Her secret was in a letter that I tore in half. I have half the secret. She has the other half. We've always refused to share our part of the truth, so we've lived separate lives... -
![When Darkness Ends by Marni Mann]()
When Darkness Ends by Marni Mann
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn all new angsty, dark, stand-alone Contemporary Romance in the Moments in Boston Series ...You never forget your first love … even when he becomes a memory.There was before.When we were together, when we were happy.When we had nothing but dreams.When not a single bad thing could ever happen because we were young and in love.And there was after... -
![MARCUS: Sins of the Father by Nicole James]()
MARCUS: Sins of the Father by Nicole James
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes aSTEAMY, FORBIDDEN MC ROMANCE! The SECOND GENERATION has arrived!This is the first book in her spin-off from her bestselling Evil Dead MC series.Brandy--When a bunch of bad-boy bikers walk through the door to the bar, one catches my eye.He's got a killer smile, and an air of wickedness about him that draws me in... -
![Respect by Jay Crownover]()
Respect by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOnce upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who called a corrupt kingdom home sweet home. Protected and sheltered from the worst the world had to offer, she fell in love with the crumbling city that burned and blazed around her. Every dirty corner, every scary shadow, found a place within her heart. So did a man who was violent and dangerous, just like the streets she claimed as her own...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers new adult competent heroine contemporary dark forbidden love bad boys -
![In the Garden of Discontent by Lily White]()
In the Garden of Discontent by Lily White
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis is a love story. It’s brutal. Heart-wrenching. Dirty, terrifying, and raw. But a love story nonetheless because it is so beautiful. Ensley: Noah Carter was the type of guy that every girl wanted. Gorgeous. Talented. Smart and kind. He was the world that revolved around me even though I didn’t deserve him. But then something went wrong. He snapped maybe, just lost his mind... -
![Almost Innocent by Carina Adams]()
Almost Innocent by Carina Adams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCallaghan. A name synonymous with power and fear. A family of untouchable criminals. As a teenager, Gabriella Forte had no intention of getting to know the town's most dangerous brothers. Once Dustin set his sights on her, she was trapped. There was only one way out of her personal hell. Declan was determined to break away from his family's shadow... -
![Dirty Pool by Bethany-Kris]()
Dirty Pool by Bethany-Kris
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTo get what he wants, he’ll have to play a game of dirty pool. Michel Marcello never wanted to be a mafioso like every other man in his family—he wanted to be more. That doesn’t mean he’s unfamiliar with the life, or that he can’t hold his own against other made men... -
![Angel of Mercy by Cara Malone]()
Angel of Mercy by Cara Malone
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Angel of mercy. It was the stuff of legend, and nightmares. The caregiver who was supposed to heal and protect, who chose instead to kill.”In her very first case with the FCPD homicide division, Tate Macawi is investigating a death at one of Fox County’s most upscale nursing homes... -
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![Wrath by Gwyn McNamee]()
Wrath by Gwyn McNamee
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAll I see is red.Blood.Pain.Rage.It consumes me.The moment he took her, wrath invaded my soul.I only have one purpose. End him and take back what’s mine. Love isn’t always clean, and wrath is the deadliest sin... -
![The Society by Erin Mc Luckie Moya]()
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... -
![Damien's Promise by Vic Tyler]()
Damien's Promise by Vic Tyler
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWelcome to our corner of the underworld where everything you love can and will be used to destroy you. ***** She didn't just fall into the lap of the most ruthless criminal organization . She crashed our party. Bruised, battered, and broken - this innocent soul begged us to shed blood on her behalf. For justice . Retribution . Vengeance... -
![Retribution by Crystal North]()
Retribution by Crystal North
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSome secrets refuse to stay buried... it’s time for Retribution.***Raven hasn’t had it easy; her life has been a whirlwind of clusterfucks and disasters, but the latest has left her reeling. She’s faced with a tough decision: crumble and break, or rebuild and come back fighting harder than ever... -
![The Unraveling by Vi Keeland]()
The Unraveling by Vi Keeland
This chilling, sizzling, and addictive thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Vi Keeland follows a New York psychiatrist’s dark descent into dangerous obsession.This isn’t a love story.It’s a story about obsession.After experiencing a terrible loss, New York City psychiatrist Meredith McCall feels painfully adrift... -
![Darkness Lurks by J.L. Drake]()
Darkness Lurks by J.L. Drake
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsEmily McPhee has struggled to overcome her father’s death... It’s not easy, but Emily finally has the life she wants. She’s an A student at Orange University and has a comfortable home and a great circle of friends. She’s also in love with handsome Orange PD officer Seth Connors. He doesn’t seem to return her feelings, though, so she tells herself his friendship is enough...
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