Books like 'Dead of Summer'
Readers who enjoyed Dead of Summer by A.J. Merlin also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance funny somnophilia horror m-f praise-kink suspense bondage forced proximity
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Make Me, Sir by Cherise Sinclair
Her job is to make his life miserable. His job is to make her submit. Whose heart will surrender first? Across the country, rebellious BDSM submissives are being systematically kidnapped, one from each club. When her friend falls prey to the slavers, FBI victim specialist Gabrielle volunteers to be bait in a club not yet hit: the Shadowlands...Categorized as:
bondage bdsm alpha male suspense sassy heroine mystery possessive hero strong heroine -
![Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part One by T.M. Frazier]()
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part One by T.M. Frazier
Bowtie. .. 'till I DIE. Samuel Clearwater, A. K. A Preppy, likes bowties, pancakes, suspenders, good friends, good times, good drugs, and a good f*ck. He’s worked his way out from beneath a hellish childhood and is living the life he’s always imagined for himself...Categorized as:
suspense bad boys alpha male from hate to love angst tortured heroine cruel hero new adult -
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![Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver]()
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
A friends-to-lovers dark romantic comedy full of murder, chaos, and spice, unlike anything you’ve read before. Every serial killer needs a friend. Every game must have a winner. When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, the two find something elusive—the friendship of a like-minded, pitch-black soul... -
![A Love Most Brutal by Kath Richards]()
A Love Most Brutal by Kath Richards
Maxim Orlov is running out of time. At 38 years old, he’s spent the last decade trying to turn the Orlovs into a respectable crime family, but if he doesn’t make an heir, and quick, his horrid cousin is the next in line. With two failed engagements under his belt, Maxim is starting to feel desperate. Meanwhile, Mary Morelli is floundering... -
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![Little Demon in the Details by Nordika Night]()
Little Demon in the Details by Nordika Night
When an arranged marriage between two powerful families sparks suspicion, Blake Carter doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of the bride’s younger brother for answers...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort forced proximity insta-love bad boys praise-kink height-difference caretaking bdsm -
![Rex by Lola Wright, Pam Clinton]()
Rex by Lola Wright, Pam Clinton
Aria. Leaving Chicago and my mafia family ties behind, I plant new roots in Denver. The move accomplished a couple of very important things. It put me closer to my brother and got me away from an arranged marriage within Chicago’s toughest crime family. My much-loved brother is a member of a motorcycle club, The Devil’s Angels, and they welcomed me and my family with open arms... -
![Deviant by Cora Rose, Lark Taylor]()
Deviant by Cora Rose, Lark Taylor
In my defense, this is all Brad’s fault. I had one very important job: kidnap Brad. I’ve never kidnapped someone before but how hard could it be? Find Brad. Snatch Brad. Deliver Brad to the very scary people who hold my fate in their hands. So when a handsome, flirty stranger at the bar drops his name, I think my luck has finally turned. No chase. No fight... -
![Unchosen Ruler by Maggie Cole]()
Unchosen Ruler by Maggie Cole
He’s the future unchosen ruler of the O’Malleys. Locked away for too many years. Underestimated and pissed off. Protective beyond all rationale. Possessive unlike any man I’ve ever known. I should run. Except Liam O'Malley isn't a choice. He's the air I breathe. Still, I wonder if I can really be queen of the O’Malleys—especially when I discover the truth about who I am...Categorized as:
suspense possessive hero sweet heroine sassy heroine independent heroine alpha male m-f mafia -
![Slingshot by K.L. Savage]()
Slingshot by K.L. Savage
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsShe slingshotted her way into my heart. I’m a laidback kind of guy. I don’t like to take life too seriously. I’ve experienced serious and I’ve gone through the bad life has to offer. I’m ready for the good in life. I wear my heart on my sleeve just so someone can take it. Someone does…. Natalia Moretti. Out of all the people for me to love, why does it have to be her? The frenemy’s daughter... -
![Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver]()
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
Doctor Fionn Kane is running from a broken heart, one he hopes to mend in small-town Nebraska, far away from his almost-fiancé and his derailed surgical career. It’s a simpler life: head down, work hard, and absolutely no romantic relationships. He wants none of the circus he left behind in Boston. But then the Silveria Circus finds him...Categorized as:
horror suspense m-f caretaking hurt-comfort forced proximity fetish disabilities and marks -
![Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver]()
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver
“The undisputed queen of dark rom-coms is back with a new swoony, one-of-a-kind banger, and the book world better get ready for it! ” —Ali Hazelwood, #1 New York Times bestselling author. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver comes a wickedly delicious new series where dark romantic comedy meets thrilling suspense—and where falling in love can be a killer...Categorized as:
from hate to love suspense mystery m-f forced proximity bdsm bondage disabilities and marks -
![Born into Chaos by Sonja Grey]()
Born into Chaos by Sonja Grey
She saved my life…and she’s never going to let me forget it. If I ever lay my hands on Svetlana Melnikov,. her dad has made it abundantly clear what will happen to me. It involves a dull blade and the loss of my favorite body part. Even with that threat hanging over me,. I want her. I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anything,. and now I’m in a mess and need her help...Categorized as:
breeding m-f possessive hero insta-love abduction bodyguard-hero secret-relationship sassy heroine -
![Pieces of a Life by Jewel E. Ann]()
Pieces of a Life by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe summer before fourth grade, Colten Mosley moved into the house across the street from mine, and we became inseparable. He played the piano and baseball. I had a penchant for dead things while at the same time imagining what it would be like to kiss Colten. We were filled with curiosity and overly active imaginations. We were also forbidden to be more than friends. But that didn’t stop us... -
![Loyal by Default: Legacy of Carter Reed by K.C. Mills]()
Loyal by Default: Legacy of Carter Reed by K.C. Mills
Carter Reed is an assassin with a heart that only beats for one person, McKenna Smith. In a perfect world she would be the light to his darkness. Carter’s world, however, is far from perfect. Which means McKenna cannot exist in it without a target on her back. While he’s away, Carter’s enemies get close and McKenna’s life is threatened... -
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![Cruel Idols by Sorcha Black]()
Cruel Idols by Sorcha Black
How can my favorite author be such a suspicious alphahole? All I wanted was an autograph, but Vandal Stokes is livid when he finds me on his property. The sketchy contract he makes me sign traps me alone with him and his gorgeous friend, Zero, for months. While we adjust to the awkwardness, Zero volunteers to be my writing mentor and assists me with my creepy research... -
![Hans by S.J. Tilly]()
Hans by S.J. Tilly
Cassie:. How to make the handsome, brooding man across the street notice me. Step one: Deliver baked goods to his front porch, even though he never answers his door and always returns the containers when I’m not home. Step two: Slowly lose my mind as a whole year passes without ever running into him, no matter how hard I try... -
![Lock by Lilly Atlas]()
Lock by Lilly Atlas
Lock is a man haunted by past mistakes, struggling to rebuild his life. Devastated by the loss of his twin sister to a drug overdose, he now bears the weight of raising her infant son. Overwhelmed by grief and the responsibility thrust upon him, Lock seeks solace in the very substances that stole his only sibling... -
![Mad Man by Onley James]()
Mad Man by Onley James
Avi Mulvaney is many things. Son. Twin. Owner of the fashion label, Gemini. Murderous psychopath. Together, he and his brother, Asa, make one brutally efficient monster, ridding the world of predators who victimize the innocent. History proves Avi and Asa don’t do well apart, but their father has decided to test that theory. Felix Navarro knows exactly who he is. Baby brother. Fashionista...Categorized as:
insta-love bdsm bad boys forced proximity suspense possessive hero from hate to love new adult -
![Distortion by Kyra Alessy]()
Distortion by Kyra Alessy
DAISY. They called me broken. Dangerous. At thirteen, I was sent to a facility; their perfect patient. Now? I'm back after ten years, and the notes appearing in my room suggest my mother's death wasn't the accident everyone claims. Living under my stepbrother's roof should be simple. Keep my head down. Start fresh... -
![Mac by Jane Henry]()
Mac by Jane Henry
Bryn Aitkens is the daughter of my enemy. And my enemies must pay. Vengeance for the wrong done my family has driven me. Consumed me. And collateral damage means nothing. So I’ll charm the innocent girl. Seduce her. Win her over, heart and body. Ruin her for anyone but me. And then strike the Aitkens family when they least suspect it. For no enemy of the Cowen Clan goes unpunished…. Including her. -
![Alluring Abyss by K.E. Osborn]()
Alluring Abyss by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Tampa Royal Bastards are riding back into town! Join Ominous as he falls into the alluring abyss. BLURB COMING SOON. -
![Twisted Promises by Lilian Harris]()
Twisted Promises by Lilian Harris
I hate everything about him. I hate his smile. I hate his laugh, and most of all, I hate how he makes me feel—so completely alive with every forbidden kiss. Gio is the son of the Italian Mafia and I’m an Irish Mob princess. An assassin who swore her life to the cause. We were never meant to find each other. But one night changed everything... -
![Corrupted Protector by Kiana Hettinger]()
Corrupted Protector by Kiana Hettinger
I live in a world where my tragedy is branded on my back in the shape of whips and lashes. Every night, I ponder my fate and wish for death. Until I escape. I may have escaped the devil, but hell lives inside my head. The secrets I know could ruin the most powerful men. Including the gorgeous man who saves me. As we get closer, I realize that we share the same wounds...Categorized as:
suspense m-f caretaking forced proximity insta-love tortured heroine bad boys sunny hero -
![Andrey by LeAnn Ashers]()
Andrey by LeAnn Ashers
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNicole. Since I was a little girl, raising my younger sister had always been my main priority. I never imagined, however, that taking care of her would put me in danger. Men came for her, but kidnapped me instead by mistake. Then he rescued me, and on that day, he claimed me. Andrey is mine just as much as I am his. Andrey. The second her eyes met mine I saw the fear in them... -
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![Savage by Brooke Blaine, Ella Frank]()
Savage by Brooke Blaine, Ella Frank
Who are we? Nobody really knows. We’re the seven most powerful heirs to empires, ruling Manhattan from our thrones on Park Avenue. By day, we’re the elite, untouchable, and more connected than you could ever imagine. By night, we revel in the darkness of our secrets, pulling strings that make the city bow to our whims. Ruthless. Dangerous. We’re the Park Avenue Kings...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity alpha male bodyguard-hero angst childfree-couple caretaking hurt-comfort -
![The Hockey Situation by Lyra Parish]()
The Hockey Situation by Lyra Parish
Hating Patterson Cross is easy. Keeping my hands off him? Not so much. He's my ex-fiancé's identical twin brother, my father's star hockey player, and the man I've despised for years. That's three very good reasons I shouldn't ask Pattycakes to be my hookup for the season. But I recklessly do it anyway. To my surprise, my biggest hater says yes. We agree to keep it secret... -
![Tormentor Mine by Anna Zaires]()
Tormentor Mine by Anna Zaires
He came to me in the night, a cruel, darkly handsome stranger from the most dangerous corners of Russia. He tormented me and destroyed me, ripping apart my world in his quest for vengeance. Now he's back, but he’s no longer after my secrets. The man who stars in my nightmares wants me.Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love alpha male abduction forced proximity m-f bad boys height-difference -
![Fixate by K.E. Osborn]()
Fixate by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s a part of me. Even though I don’t know her name. The woman I’ve been exchanging letters with and developed feelings for over the past five years. But I can’t help feeling torn in two when I’m suddenly pulled toward another. Maxxy, the club’s horticulturalist, is strong, sassy, and she gives me so much lip the aggravation is exasperating. She infuriates me. She ignites me...Categorized as:
suspense mystery angst alpha male forced proximity from hate to love friends to lovers bikers -
![Obliterate by K.E. Osborn]()
Obliterate by K.E. Osborn
We met a long time ago. Our bond, instant. And it didn’t matter that she was older than me. At the time I didn’t see her as anything but an incredible woman who stepped up and cared for me when no one else would. Now, years later, Ingrid is the ‘mother’ of the club I’ve transferred to. The thought of us wasn’t a fantasy for me back then. But it’s becoming one now...Categorized as:
alpha male suspense mystery m-f forced proximity hurt-comfort caretaking tortured heroine -
![Stolen Touches by Neva Altaj]()
Stolen Touches by Neva Altaj
Milene. Rules,. I know them,. But I didn’t follow them. I moved into his city, his domain without approval. And now, it’s time for me to pay the price. Marry the cold, calculating Don of La Cosa Nostra,. The man who many have never seen-or could recognize,. And be bound to the mafia forever. But when he comes to collect me,. I realize that this isn’t the first time we’ve met. Salvatore... -
![The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori]()
The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori
She’s a romantic at heart, living in the most unromantic of worlds . . . Nicknamed Sweet Abelli for her docile nature, Elena smiles on cue and has a charming response for everything. She’s the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa . . . or was. Now, all she can see in the mirror’s reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint. They say first impressions are everything .Categorized as:
alpha male possessive hero bad boys from hate to love angst new adult sweet heroine strong heroine -
![Slay Ride by Lauren Biel]()
Slay Ride by Lauren Biel
Snow won’t be the only thing getting blown. Bennett. My mother is in a medical facility, and I’m running out of money to pay for her care after screwing up a recent contract hit. To make matters worse, I’m no closer to finding my missing sister. I need a distraction. That’s where Catarina Novak comes into the picture...Categorized as:
from hate to love suspense m-f fetish secret-relationship forced proximity bad boys tortured hero -
![Inked Adonis by Nicole Fox]()
Inked Adonis by Nicole Fox
My BFF sent the hot stranger a voice note. .. Of me saying I want to climb him like a tree. And he just. Texted. Back. It's the dog's fault, really. If this untrained Great Dane I'm walking had any manners at all, I never would've ended up. With my leash wrapped around the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. Lucky for me, the guy is a good sport about it... -
![Mad Max by S.J. Rowe]()
Mad Max by S.J. Rowe
Cheyanne —I don’t have friends. And I’m not crazy, my mother had me tested. I have my uncle, but he’s in prison. While I’m not great with social cues, I do know it’s not a good dinner topic to bring up I’m related to someone charged for treason. But that doesn’t seem to bother him. A beast of a man who takes me for what I am and doesn’t question. Or at least not till his club thinks I’m the enemy... -
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![Bloodlines by Tabatha Kiss]()
Bloodlines by Tabatha Kiss
The Snake Eyes Series: Stand-alone Romances. Interconnecting Stories. One Unforgettable Adventure. I gave her a baby…. and she started a war. LUKA. There’s been a decade of peace between our mafia families but one moment of passion could tear the whole damn truce apart. Sofia asked for my help on the night before her wedding day... -
![Without Regret by Aubrey Bondurant]()
Without Regret by Aubrey Bondurant
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRejection and I have an understanding: I don't put myself out there and it doesn't screw with my life any more. I keep my feelings hidden, and my heart locked away. It was working well until he came along and threatened my impenetrable armor, one honeyed word at a time. With his clean cut looks, and southern manners, I'm convinced he's not my type. Until I learn Trevor isn't the same gentleman...Categorized as:
tortured heroine strong heroine working class hero office bdsm sweet-hero humor contemporary -
![Protecting Charity by Ann-Marie Davis]()
Protecting Charity by Ann-Marie Davis
Tensions are rising for the Moreno Family’s most ruthless enforcer…. I’m so close to finding my brother, I can feel it. But now there’s a new problem thrown into the mix. A young girl has been sold to the cartel, and I can’t stand by and watch that happen. With a new enemy on my tail, I’m not sure who I can trust… or how to navigate the increasingly steamy encounters with these men...Categorized as:
mystery suspense angst bdsm sassy heroine strong heroine tortured heroine alpha male -
![Stolen by J.M. Johnson]()
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 insta-love new adult suspense dark single-father betrayal -
![Charity's Torment by Ann-Marie Davis]()
Charity's Torment by Ann-Marie Davis
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAll I wanted was to find my brother after he disappeared. I didn't plan on somebody trying to make me disappear, too. All in a day's work for the Moreno Family's feistiest enforcer. When the twists begin to fly and I'm turned in new directions, I realize there's more to my brother's sudden disappearance than meets the eye. Thankfully, I've got plenty of knowledge, and muscle, in my corner:... -
![Bits and Pieces by Bijou Hunter, Noelle Zane]()
Bits and Pieces by Bijou Hunter, Noelle Zane
Silas “Nomad” Bennings doesn’t do normal. As the fearsome enforcer for the Steel Berserkers Motorcycle Club, he refuses to live by other people’s rules. However, this time, the stubborn son of a bitch might have gone too far. Landry Copper spent her life bouncing from one dangerous situation to another... -
![One Killer Night by Trilina Pucci]()
One Killer Night by Trilina Pucci
“Whip smart and hilarious! Pucci is well on her way to literary domination. ” —Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer. USA Today bestselling author Trilina Pucci cranks up the heat in this sexy slasher filled with dark family secrets, classic horror tropes, and banter as sharp as a deranged killer’s knife. Love is patient. Love is kind... -
![Sinful Hearts by Jagger Cole]()
Sinful Hearts by Jagger Cole
My first mistake was sleeping with the most dangerous man in New York, without him knowing who I was. My second was believing he never would . .. It was supposed to be one night of sin with a beautiful stranger to forever cut ties with my Bratva past. But I didn’t pick a stranger. I picked him... -
![Don't Be Scared by A.J. Merlin]()
Don't Be Scared by A.J. Merlin
Every town has a history. Ours is just a little darker than most. For years I’ve celebrated Halloween and Hollow Bridge’s history with everyone else who lives here. Parades, festivals, and insane Halloween parties have always been a staple for us. Some bad behavior is expected, given what we’re celebrating. But murder has never been on the table before... -
![Reign by Wrath by Ruby Vincent]()
Reign by Wrath by Ruby Vincent
To prevent spoilers, this is Trade In Vengeance's blurb. I thought I knew everything. It only took waking up with a murder weapon in my hand to prove me wrong. There’s more behind my sister’s death than I knew. Secrets she was determined I never learn, and she’s not the only one. Someone is watching. They’re waiting for me to make my move, and bring me down for good...Categorized as:
new adult suspense mystery neurodivergent abduction competent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine -
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![Comeback Hero by Jackie Walker]()
Comeback Hero by Jackie Walker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBeing one of the only female bodyguards at the elite Redleg Security, you’d think I would thrive in difficult situations. But not even my past experience as an Army operative has taught me how to handle the frustration of living with my scorching hot coworker and not being able to ride his face to pleasuretown every night...Categorized as:
office forced proximity suspense bdsm bodyguard-hero m-f caretaking competent heroine -
![Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole]()
Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole
To stop a mafia war, I’m being forced to marry my sworn enemy. A brutal, domineering, and lethally beautiful monster with a body built for violence. Ares Drakos—new king of the Drakos Mafia family—is every inch the God of War he’s named after. And now, I belong to him. Our unholy union is meant to end the bloodshed between Irish and Greek. A rising tide to lift all ships. A match made in hell... -
![Sinners Retreat by Lauren Biel]()
Sinners Retreat by Lauren Biel
All’s fair in murder and mayhem. Ezra. Love isn’t on my mind when I sign up for the yearly Sinners Retreat, but a chance meeting at the airport changes everything. We click right away, and my bond with Kindra only deepens when we discover our mutual love for the most macabre hobbies. But then she brings up her brother’s unsolved murder and her real reason for being here—to find his killer... -
![Ship Happens by Lauren Biel]()
Ship Happens by Lauren Biel
Love hurts, but I like the pain. Maverick. The second I board the Bruise Cruise, I’m ready to indulge—top-shelf liquor, five-star meals, and maybe a little pain to round out the night. What I don’t expect? Falling for the one woman guaranteed to ruin everything. A federal agent. She’s here to sink us, and I’m stuck sharing a suite—and a bed—with the enemy. Frankie. Get in... -
![Savage Revenge by Kate Oliver]()
Savage Revenge by Kate Oliver
Cash. Revenge is what I live for. My father’s blood stains the streets of Las Vegas, and I know exactly who’s to blame. To destroy the man who took everything from me, I’ll start with his daughter. Jordyn is a sweet, spoiled princess—or so I thought. Kidnapping her was supposed to be my way to break her father, but she’s nothing like I expected...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity bdsm suspense cruel hero insta-love m-f abduction -
![MINE: The Anti-Hero, Book One by Amanda McKinney]()
MINE: The Anti-Hero, Book One by Amanda McKinney
After reclusive billionaire Astor Stone receives a ransom note for his estranged wife, whom he’s kept under lock and key, he accepts an invitation to an exclusive party to get her back. But when the evening takes a dangerous turn, Astor takes his rival’s daughter as collateral. The moment they meet, Astor knows Sabine Hart will be the death of him...
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