Books like 'Painted Lady'
Readers who enjoyed Painted Lady by Piper Davenport also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance mystery horror
-
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... -
Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsShe’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no one else would dare.In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo... -
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... -
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... -
-
Calamity by Elizabeth N. Harris
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn abused child sought a home and discovered one in Rage MC. He was accepted, welcomed and finally found his place. He protected the old ladies, embraced Rages’ values and became their perfect prospect. Until the day he saw her. The Rage Princess nobody dared date. The moment he touched her, he knew she was his one. But they were too young, and he hadn’t earned his way. So he bided his time... -
A Dark Mind by T.R. Ragan
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsA serial killer is terrorizing Sacramento, preying on happily married couples and unleashing unspeakable cruelties upon his victims. The ordeal rekindles disturbing memories for private investigator Lizzy Gardner, who barely escaped a serial killer clutches only years ago... -
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... -
In These Words, Volume 2 by Kichiku Neko, Guilt Pleasure
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAsano Katsuya realizes the meaning of his nightmare as everything came around full circle. Finally, Katsuya learned who Shinohara Kenji was and the meaning of his presence in his memories. With some answers surfacing, more questions also were pulled up with it. In These Words rewinds and replays the past that begun it all... -
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... -
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
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... -
The Direction of the Wind by Mansi Shah
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsA heartfelt story that spans continents and generations, about a young woman who searches for answers about a mother she barely remembers.Sophie Shah was six when she learned her mother, Nita, had died. For twenty-two years, she shouldered the burden of that loss. But when her father passes away, Sophie discovers a cache of hidden letters revealing a shattering truth: her mother didn’t die... -
In These Words, Volume 3 by Kichiku Neko, Guilt Pleasure
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShinohara Kenji implemented Asano Katsuya's plan to draw out the serial killer who'd been plagueing the police for years. The net was cast. However, Asano was unexpectedly ensnared in it. For six days, as Shinohara searched for him frantically - the doctor was forced to endure the pain of extreme love and hate for the killer. Then on the seventh day - everything crashed down in a devastating end... -
The Last Party by A.R. Torre
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsA loving mother. A notorious murderer. They both have reasons to hide their secrets in a novel of escalating shock and suspense by New York Times bestselling author A. R. Torre.Perla Wultz lives with her husband, Grant, and their precious daughter, Sophie, in a gated Pasadena community. Affluent, sociable, and accomplished, Perla plays the part of loving wife and mother to perfection... -
-
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... -
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... -
How It Ends by Laura Wiess
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFollowing her stunning and critically acclaimed novels Such a Pretty Girl and Leftovers , Laura Wiess crafts a riveting and emotionally powerful tale of beauty, destruction...and love. Seventeen-year-old Hanna has been in love with Seth for as long as she can remember, but now that she and Seth are in an actual relationship, love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be... -
If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino, William Weaver
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 51 ratingsIf on a Winter's Night a Traveler is a marvel of ingenuity, an experimental text that looks longingly back to the great age of narration--"when time no longer seemed stopped and did not yet seem to have exploded... -
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... -
Pleasure & Prey: vol. 1 by A.J. Merlin
DepravedThere’s nothing out there.That’s what I keep telling myself while I walk back from a campfire to my isolated cabin.BrutalNothing bad happens at summer camp.That’s what my fellow camp counselors have convinced me of when the nights around the lake get a little eerie.ViciousOne, two, he’s coming for you...Categorized as:
horror mystery dark forced proximity contemporary suspense length-epic explicit-plentiful -
Wicked Little Words by Stevie J. Cole
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEdwin Allen Mercer I want them all to read my words. And they do. Every last blood-stained sentence, they've read and praised me for. They love the gore and violence, the realness. And I get a sense of power with it all because I know a secret: the victims in my books—they’re real and have all died on my table. And maybe that’s why the last book had such awful reviews... -
Killing Stalking: Deluxe Edition Vol. 2 by Koogi
ON THE HUNTWhile investigating a vehicle collision, Officer Yang Seungbae discovers dashcam footage that plays into his suspicions about Oh Sangwoo... -
Serial, Volume Three by Lily White, Jaden Wilkes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWith Donovan closing in, his feelings growing for Ronnie, and the sudden realization where their paths crossed before, Jude's composure might be cracking... -
HAVOC by Ker Dukey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy brother once told me, it’s not murder if your hand is forced.But he doesn’t know the secrets I keep.I wasn’t always like this. Angry. Rebellious. A killer.The world I was born into made me this way, pushed me to become what I am. Killers aren’t born,they're made.And do you want to know one of my secrets?I like it.The kill. The violence. The vengeance.It excites me. Empowers me. Feeds me... -
-
The Wrong Drive: A Suspenseful Holiday Romance by Annie Wild
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWelcome to a holiday from hell. Emersyn All I want is a secluded getaway.Instead, I get a wrong turn, a fortnight blizzard, and...A malevolent, enticing, and unstable stranger. Merry Christmas to me.Here's to unwrapping his insanity...And trying not to lose mine.TurnerI come here when I lose my grip.I come here so I can wreak havoc alone.Instead, I get an unplanned and unwanted gift... -
Charlie by Elin Peer
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"Charles, the reserved, mysterious, and unattainable guy I had a major crush on in college, got tangled up with the wrong crowd. Being the heir to one of the largest business dynasties in the US made Charles a target for the narcissistic and cunning cult leader O'Brien. Now, I'm flying to Dublin to get him out... -
No Way Back by Santana Knox
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsTHERE’S NO WAY BACK FROM WHAT WE’VE BECOME.There is no way back. There is no way. No way back. Not from what we’ve become;Bloodthirsty, vengeful, vile.Some women strive to make their men better,I VOW TO MAKE HIM WORSE.With each life we take, we fall deeper into our own sinister desires. We were never looking for a way out, but in this prison? There is no way back from what we’ve become... -
A Perfect Lie by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSecrets. Lies. A man. There's always a man. And there's always a truth to be told. I'm Hailey Anne Monroe. I’m twenty-eight years old. An artist, who found her muse on the canvas because I wasn’t allowed to have friends or even keep a journal... -
The Confession by Penny Reid
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the creator of the Knitting in the City series, Penny Reid — Please enjoy this exclusive piece called, “The Confession.” “I’ve always written short stories. I must have hundreds of them, little ideas that knock around in my brain and won’t let me sleep. This short story was written over ten years ago and the idea came to me while I was (dun dun DUUUN!!!) in confession... -
The Way We Burn by M. Leighton
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsIrresistible attraction. Unimaginable danger. I knew from the moment Noah Williamson walked into the diner that he was haunted—deeply haunted—but I couldn’t resist the lure of him. He was gorgeous and fascinating and mysterious, and like a delicate moth to a brilliant blue flame, I was drawn to him. Drawn to his fire... -
In a Dark Wood by Josh Lanyon
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn a dark, dark wood there was a dark, dark house...Camping in the Jersey Pine Barrens may literally turn out to be a first date from hell for travel writer Tim and the cute cop who persuades him to revisit a past that Tim has done his best to forget... -
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
She's looking for the perfect man. He's looking for the perfect victim.Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it all: men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can't shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect... -
Hunted by Jaycee Clark
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRomantic Suspense author Jaycee Clark takes her writing to the next level with this dark Romantic Thriller. Sins can be buried, but they’re never forgotten . . . Morgan Gaelord has lived with the knowledge of her past and the fear of her secret for years. No one knows the truth behind her nightmares in the hellish Czech Republic underground, and they never will... -
The Devils' Cradle by Darcy Daniel
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOn Australia’s island state, more than one species of Tasmanian Devil exists... Beneath the surface of Nina Holt’s perfect marriage lurks a life of terror inflicted upon her by her politically powerful husband Michael and his brother Greg, a sadistic detective. For over a decade they have managed to keep Nina imprisoned, using her to satisfy their every whim... -
-
Wake to Dream by Lily White
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAlice Beaumont is running out of time…Plagued by sleep disorders since her childhood, Alice had grown accustomed to the nightly dreams that terrorized her. She woke up in strange places. She was paralyzed by fear and hallucinations. She screamed each night at unseen specters and evil faces.When her sister, Delilah, goes missing, Alice’s dreams take on new meaning... -
Because She Loves Me by Mark Edwards
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsA gripping tale of jealousy, obsession, and murder, from the #1 bestselling author of The Magpies . When Andrew Sumner meets beautiful, edgy Charlie, he is certain his run of bad luck has finally come to an end. But as the two of them embark on an intense affair, Andrew wonders if his grasp on reality is slipping. Items go missing in his apartment. Somebody appears to be following him... -
Hot-Blooded by Kendall Grey
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen an accident claims her mother’s life, Keahilani Alana must take charge of her family or risk losing what little they have. With an underage brother to care for and no education, she has few options... -
Either Side of Midnight by Tori de Clare
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWHAT IF THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE TURNED INTO YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE? When nineteen-year-old Naomi Stone is snatched from her husband at knifepoint on the night of their wedding and taken to a deserted cemetery, she knows her life is finished. Drugged and disorientated, she loses consciousness as she lies in an open grave with a gun to her head... -
Web of Hate by Kylie Walker
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPain...Fear...Uncertainty...That pretty much sums up Kelly Ward's life in a nutshell.Surviving a childhood filled with horrific abuse and then at the hand of the one man that saved her... her first love that she trusted only to discover he was really a monster. Jesse Donovan will try and kill her again once he gets out of prison.On the run... New city...New identity is the new Chloe Green... -
Silence of the Missing by Rick R. Reed
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe went into the woods…and never came out.In 1986, thirteen-year-old Jeb Kleber vanished during his small town’s Fourth of July fireworks. His mysterious disappearance left his first love, Sammy Blake, grieving for years.Flash forward to present day. A now middle-aged Sam Blake has a comfortable and predictable life with his husband Marc in Chicago... -
The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsEven the perfect marriage has its dark side… Iris and Will's marriage is as close to perfect as it can be: a large house in a nice Atlanta neighborhood, rewarding careers and the excitement of trying for their first baby. But on the morning Will leaves for a business trip to Orlando, Iris's happy world comes to an abrupt halt... -
Heaven by V.C. Andrews, The Real Virginia Andrews
Of all the folks in the mountain shacks, the Casteels were the lowest -- the scum of the hills. Heaven Leigh Casteel was the prettiest, smartest girl in the backwoods, despite her ragged clothes and dirty face...despite a father meaner than ten vipers...despite her weary stepmother, who worked her like a mule. For her brother Tom and the little ones, Heaven clung to her pride and her hopes... -
Illicit Obsession by Julia Sykes
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy enemies tried to take her from me. They won’t live long enough to regret it.I’ll do anything to keep Evelyn, and nothing will separate us: not my enemies, and not her stubborn will.I’ll kill any man who threatens her.I’ll keep her so drunk on pleasure that she’ll be addicted to my touch.She says she wants to go back home to America, but her home is with me now... -
Friday Brown by Vikki Wakefield
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsI am Friday Brown. I buried my mother. My grandfather buried a swimming pool. A boy who can’t speak has adopted me. A girl kissed me. I broke and entered. Now I’m fantasizing about a guy who’s a victim of crime and I am the criminal. I’m going nowhere and every minute I’m not moving, I’m being tail-gated by a curse that may or may not be real. They call me Friday... -
-
Slasherazzi by Daniel A. Kaine
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRecently promoted to Detective, Alex is out to prove himself and the Slasherazzi case is the perfect opportunity. Mutilated corpses are showing up across Tampa, and when the team discovers the newest victim was tortured alive, Alex becomes more determined than ever to stop the crazed serial killer before the horrific stabbings escalate further... -
Cards of Love: Five of Cups by Trisha Wolfe
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“How do you see your cup, Dr. West? Half full, or half empty? Her life depends on your answer.”Dr. Ian West is the best trial consultant in the city, and he knows it. He’s made a living—a damn good one—helping lawyers win cases through his special brand of trial science. As a natural people reader, West’s one grave error presents in the form of a murderer named Quentin Shaver... -
Heart-Shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsThey say I'm evil. The police. The newspapers. The girls from school who shake their heads on the six o’clock news and say they always knew there was something not quite right about me. And everyone believes it. Including you. But you don't know. You don't know who I used to be. Who I could have been... -
Ever After by Cara Wade
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA murder, a kidnapping, and a very big secret. All of it tied to me—Finley Grier. Taken against my will and forced into a world unlike any I’ve ever experienced before, I begin to question everything I thought I knew about myself. I’m torn between fear and desire, right and wrong, pain and pleasure. My body betraying what my mind knows is wrong... -
Twisted Attraction: Love Kills Duet: Book 1 by Jhenna Smith
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsBeing a criminal defense attorney isn't for the weak. I spent years in and out of law school and lost countless hours of sleep fighting for my dream to become an ADA, and now, aside from the bar exam, I was just handed a case that could finally help make that dream a reality.If only there weren't other problems getting in the way... -
No Tomorrow by Luke Jennings
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 39 ratings"If you want us to remain silent - if you want to retain your freedom, your job, and your reputation - you need to tell us everything, and I mean everything. . ." We last saw Eve and Villanelle in a spy vs. spy race around the world, crossing powerful criminal organizations and dangerous governments, each trying to come out on top. But they aren't finished yet...
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.

