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
-
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: 4.39 of 5 stars · 34 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 -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links / Remove ads -
![Seduction by Cassie Hargrove, Story Brooks]()
Seduction by Cassie Hargrove, Story Brooks
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsᴀ ʟᴇꜱꜱ ᴛʜᴀɴ ɪɴɴᴏᴄᴇɴᴛ ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ʜᴀꜱ ᴛᴜʀɴᴇᴅ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟʏ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴇᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ…. The Deadly Seven were something I never could have prepared for. They came into my life like a silent stalker, claiming my heart and body, and I gave into them willingly. I love those seven broken souls, but even love has it’s limits... -
![Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose]()
Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
-
![Final Orders by Gregory Ashe]()
Final Orders by Gregory Ashe
An embattled author. Fanatical parents. A son who can’t stay out of trouble. It’s the last one that’ll probably kill him. When Emery Hazard gets drawn into a brawl at a monthly school board meeting, he knows he’s in trouble; his husband, John-Henry Somerset, is chief of police, and they’re already under enough scrutiny as they try to finalize their foster son’s permanency plan... -
![Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose]()
Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 28 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 -
![Forty Days and One Knight by Samantha A. Cole]()
Forty Days and One Knight by Samantha A. Cole
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe royal wedding of the year . . . might just be a fairy tale . . . Keeping their secret puts his dream job in jeopardy, but revealing it will destroy the woman who is inching her way into his heart... -
![Mystic River by Dennis Lehane]()
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 75 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... -
![The Red Cardinal by Mia Smantz]()
The Red Cardinal by Mia Smantz
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 19 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:
friends to lovers new adult suspense reverse harem contemporary dark mafia insta-love -
![Fracture by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Fracture by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
After three years, Snow and Jude’s relationship is still passionate and strong. They’re getting ready for a romantic vacation at home when Jude receives a horrifying call no one wants to receive. His youngest brother was found barely clinging to life. While Jude’s family is rallying around Jordan, Jude is determined to find out what happened to him... -
![I Belong to You by Lisa Renee Jones]()
I Belong to You by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsBook 5 in the New York Times bestselling INSIDE OUT series now in development for TV with Marvista Entertainment! Master. .. Being that person, that man, is how I define myself, how I allow the rest of the world to define me as well. And now, with a terrible loss shredding me inside out and someone trying to destroy my family to punish me, control is more important than ever. It is everything... -
![Ivy by Willa Nash]()
Ivy by Willa Nash
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
![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. .. . . -
![Murder Book by Marshall Thornton]()
Murder Book by Marshall Thornton
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the second of the Boystown mysteries to be a finalist for the Lambda Award, it’s fall 1982 and Chicago is gripped by panic after five people die from poisoned Tylenol capsules. Amid the chaos, the Bughouse Slasher takes his eighth victim, this time striking close to private investigator Nick Nowak. With the Chicago Police Department stretched to its limit, Nick takes matters into his own hands... -
-
![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 Lauder. Easton 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... -
![A Forgotten Mistake by Alice Winters]()
A Forgotten Mistake by Alice Winters
Liam. Despite winning Gabriel’s heart, my trials are not yet over when I’m stuck competing with Gabriel’s cat for his affection (why is she only evil when he’s not looking? ), dealing with coworkers trying to befriend me (I should have blackmailed more of them), and worst of all. .. meeting Gabriel’s parents (whose affection I will win with lavish presents). Oh, and hunting down another killer... -
![Midnight Target by Elle Kennedy]()
Midnight Target by Elle Kennedy
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Score and Midnight Revenge. .. Four years ago, Cate’s entire life changed when she discovered she was the daughter of a supersoldier. But Jim Morgan’s overprotectiveness has pushed her away. These days, she’s working as a freelance photographer and living the dangerous life Jim never wanted for her... -
![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... -
![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 Chance. She 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... -
![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... -
![The Final Hour by London Miller]()
The Final Hour by London Miller
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 29 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. . . -
-
![Bastard Vol. 3 by Carnby Kim, 김칸비]()
Bastard Vol. 3 by Carnby Kim, 김칸비
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFROM ONE KILLER TO ANOTHER. Jin 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... -
![If You Dare by A.R. Torre, Alessandra Torre]()
If You Dare by A.R. Torre, Alessandra Torre
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsEqual parts Dexter and 50 Shades, this is the eagerly awaited new novel from A. R. Torre, author of the award winning erotic thriller, The Girl in 6E. The rules are the same. I can't open the door. I can't leave. I can't kill anyone. The only difference is, I don't set the rules anymore. Guards in grey uniforms do. It is everything I never wanted and everything I always deserved...Categorized as:
mystery suspense new adult dark contemporary strong heroine mental illness heroine sleuth -
![Crashing Hearts by K.A. Knight]()
Crashing Hearts by K.A. Knight
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPine Valley is a school that’s both rich in history and legacy, and it’s once more opening its doors to another year of students. Skylar Warren owns the streets of Pine Valley and everybody in it. From cars to people, there is nothing he wants that he can’t get—until now... -
![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. Easton. A 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 -
![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 -
![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 THRILLER. If you like a master gamesman for a detective and a few twists in your criminal cocktail, you want to read this. -
![Reaper by Rachel Leigh]()
Reaper by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey call me the reaper. Saying I have no soul. A heart that’s charred black. I tell them it’s true,. because it is. I’ve been hiding in the shadows. Stealing secrets, destroying the lives of those who deserve it. But there’s one story to be told before this book closes. My story. Don’t be fooled, it’s not a fairytale. I’m no prince. And I certainly don’t want a princess...Categorized as:
suspense new adult mystery high-school dark length-short contemporary first-person-pov -
![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. “Do you ever really know someone, or do you just know the parts they want you to see? ”...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 a. STEAMY, 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... -
![How Much for a Broken Heart? by R.J. Scott]()
How Much for a Broken Heart? by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen the game turns deadly for a SEAL and his Ranger, love becomes the most dangerous mission of all. In a single devastating morning, August's life crumbles. His covert assignment derails disastrously as the family he's meant to safeguard falls prey to the ruthless Cooper River cartel... -
![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...Categorized as:
found-family suspense mystery dark contemporary forced proximity length-medium standalone -
![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 a. STEAMY, 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... -
![Nevermore by A.K. Graves]()
Nevermore by A.K. Graves
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen Leonor died, she didn’t see a light. There were no angels, no pearly gates. She didn’t see anything at all, just a cold, dark void. But she did hear music…. Leonor heard her music, the music she made with The Ravens, and she was glad it was waiting for her in the end. Until everything went eerily silent, and she was pulled from the afterlife and thrown into the life after... -
![Unmask You by Avril Ashton]()
Unmask You by Avril Ashton
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsTheirs is a perfect marriage. Until a home invasion exposes secrets, lies, and shatters everything Elias and Lucky hold dear. Too many bodies. Rivers of blood. Elias Kote sees them all in his sleep. Only the love of his husband and daughter keeps him alive and fighting. This contract killer is exhausted and weighed down by all the lies he tells every day. Who he is. What he does... -
![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... -
![Triangulation by Cole McCade]()
Triangulation by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsABOUT THIS EPISODE. Less than a day. Less than a day of peace, of calm, of comfort before the white rabbit returns to tear Malcolm and Seong-Jae's lives apart. An eerie video presents them with a deadly ultimatum, which leaves our intrepid pair racing to discover the identity of the latest victim — and desperate to protect their families from the threat hanging over their heads... -
![Tarnished Soul: A Nine Minutes Spin-Off Novel by Beth Flynn]()
Tarnished Soul: A Nine Minutes Spin-Off Novel by Beth Flynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![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. With no evidence of foul play, it looks like the family is unduly suspicious…... -
![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. -
![Combative Trilogy by Jay McLean]()
Combative Trilogy by Jay McLean
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIn a world full of secrets, heartache, and betrayals, they only have one thing on their mind: redemption. But with redemption comes destruction. And that destruction might cost them their hearts. *. Kyler Parker is not one of the lucky ones. Abused and neglected until he was sixteen, Kyler needed an out. A way to escape...
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.
