Books like 'Hearts Held by Barbed Wire'
Readers who enjoyed Hearts Held by Barbed Wire by Deanne Dietz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy tortured hero tortured heroine mafia suspense from hate to love
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Fate & Furies: An epic romantic fantasy by Scheuerer
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 27 ratings“I always knew you would be the end of me. ”. With darkness cursing the world around her, Althea Zoltaire is desperate for vengeance. But as she hunts Wilder Hawthorne across the kingdoms, brutal secrets begin to unravel. Not knowing what – or who – to trust, Thea and her companions find themselves entwined with a destiny far greater than one man... -
![Callum by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Callum by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsOne wedding, one fake relationship, and a threat no one saw coming. Attending a wedding is dead last on Fiona Lock’s list of priorities. She has two options: stay home and let the family gossip mill speculate on why she isn’t there; or attend the wedding and pretend she’s just fine. The decision is obvious. Not only does she choose option B…she may have mentioned a boyfriend she doesn’t have...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love military mystery contemporary marriage of convenience fantasy m-f -
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![The Queen's Shadow by Alexandra St. Pierre]()
The Queen's Shadow by Alexandra St. Pierre
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsRaven and Rycon are on a warpath to reclaim what was stolen from them. As Raven fights to protect those she loves, she must also somehow manage to build political allies for the looming war. In a world where allies are just as likely to turn to enemies as enemies are to become friends, will Raven be able to keep those she loves from harm’s way?Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love fantasy forced proximity fated-mates contemporary length-epic -
![A Court of Wicked Fae by Alaya Wells]()
A Court of Wicked Fae by Alaya Wells
A woman determined to destroy a conniving king. A fae lord who will sacrifice himself to shield her from harm. Can their love survive the upcoming battle? A thorny collar controls my every move and betrayal haunts me, but I’m still determined to seek vengeance for my brother’s death. I’ll do it with or without Vexxion’s help. But when he calls in his favor, I’m given no choice...Categorized as:
from hate to love suspense contemporary fantasy audiobook explicit-open-door cliffhanger -
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![Breaking All The Rules by Sapna Bhog]()
Breaking All The Rules by Sapna Bhog
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA workaholic by day, a playboy by night – that is the reputation which precedes RITHWIK BALI – India’s most eligible bachelor - he always manages to create a stir, no matter where he goes or what he does. Tired of his extravagant lifestyle, his father gives him an ultimatum – marry within six months or relinquish his position as the Managing Director of his company... -
![The Order: Chasm of Wicked Sins by Katerina St. Clair]()
The Order: Chasm of Wicked Sins by Katerina St. Clair
In the third gripping installment of "The Order Series," Forest Blackburn, burdened by her past and haunted by her demons, faces her toughest challenge yet. As the death of those closest to her shatters her world, Forest finds herself teetering on the edge of darkness, grappling with grief and betrayal... -
![Preacher by Erin Trejo]()
Preacher by Erin Trejo
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI was put on a job that I didn’t really want until I saw her. Keeping the Mafia Boss’s sister safe was a job I could handle. She was feisty and smart and something I wasn’t expecting. Throw in a fake marriage you have a disaster in the making. Now I’m running from not only my feelings but her brother who will kill me if he knows what we did. Is she worth the risk? -
![Chemical Capture by Debbie Baldwin]()
Chemical Capture by Debbie Baldwin
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings✓ Former Navy SEAL. ✓ Damaged hero. ✓ Gorgeous, fiery FMC. ✓ Revenge Con. ✓ Steamy romance. ✓ Twists and turns. ✓ Stay-up-late page-turner. The first time former Navy SEAL, Jonah "Steady" Lockhart, laid eyes on his provocative neighbor, he knew she was going to be trouble...Categorized as:
from hate to love suspense contemporary military slow burn fantasy vengeance mystery -
![A Realm of Dark Fury by R.D. Baker]()
A Realm of Dark Fury by R.D. Baker
In an arena of death, it is not what you hope to win - but what you are willing to loseBefore she could even rule, war stole Elara’s kingdom and her freedom. To claim it back, she must risk it all within the a series of brutal tournaments held by her captor, King Theron. But just surviving might be even harder than winning, especially when her only ally here is her enemy...Categorized as:
from hate to love suspense new adult fae fantasy historical contemporary length-long -
![Vengeance by Rebecca Gannon]()
Vengeance by Rebecca Gannon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAngela. I've been a captive my entire life behind the walls of my family’s making. And while the walls have kept me in, they didn’t keep the monsters out. Under a constant watchful eye, I have no choice in anything, my path already carved out for me the moment I entered this world... -
![Hating Them by Evie Rae, Poppy Flynn]()
Hating Them by Evie Rae, Poppy Flynn
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThey're my stepbrothers. My rivals. My enemies. It’s hard to watch someone else live your dream. When my best friend settles into her happy-ever-after, I’m determined to make my own dreams come true. Inheriting my father’s beach house gives me the space I need to make my desires a reality. But love seems to be a bit more elusive for me. Enter my stepbrothers... -
![Humility by Brooklyn Cross]()
Humility by Brooklyn Cross
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe already took everything from me, but now he's back and won't take no for an answer. In a tale as old as time, a mafia princess fell in love with the wrong boy, or in my case, boys. I am Jasmine Isabella Falcone, and I grew up knowing that I needed to be on my guard from the snakes around me. But, even knowing that, I still fell in love with Angelo Esposito and Dario Lombardi...Categorized as:
mafia from hate to love suspense reverse harem forced proximity arranged marriage vengeance death -
![Corrupted Deception by Kiana Hettinger]()
Corrupted Deception by Kiana Hettinger
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsI’m hunting down the man who has taken my father. We’re finally in the same room and this time,. He won’t get away. Nothing will stop me from finding the truth. Nothing…. Until I lock eyes with a ghost from my past. Cielo Luciano. As gorgeous as he is lethal. The way he stares at me through. those piercing blue eyes. makes my body shiver,. and it’s not out of fear. Now we're forced together... -
![Dark Rage by Rora Noir]()
Dark Rage by Rora Noir
Don’t Touch Me…. Fiona. After being trafficked in my youth, I’ve finally found peace. It’s my own little safe haven where everyone knows and respects my boundaries. Until my new intern’s father shows up. The son of a mafia don shouldn’t be allowed to be that sexy or sweet. He keeps trying to push my boundaries and break down my walls... -
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![Yakuza Lover, Vol. 6 by Nozomi Mino]()
Yakuza Lover, Vol. 6 by Nozomi Mino
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen feisty college student Yuri is attacked at a party, she’s saved by Toshiomi Oya, the underboss of a yakuza syndicate. Despite her obvious attraction to him, she convinces herself that she’s not in the market for a bad boy type. But when they meet again, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him—kicking off a steamy and dangerous love affair that threatens to consume her, body and soul... -
![Wish by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff]()
Wish by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a sexy, complete-standalone, Contemporary Romance. If I could wish for one thing, it would be to have never met my ex. He took my money, cheated on me, and saddled me with an impossible mortgage. Now, just as I’m fighting to put my life back together, I find an unusual bottle with a note inside: “You get one wish. Make it count. ” Har har...Categorized as:
suspense tortured hero christian fantasy super rich hero humor contemporary length-medium -
![The Shadow Children by Cheryl Bradshaw, Janet Fix]()
The Shadow Children by Cheryl Bradshaw, Janet Fix
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSave the children. This is her motivation, mantra, and endgame. Within the tunnels of the historic port city of Savannah, fourteen-year-old Andi Leland has her mind set on freedom—not just for herself but for all the other teens who have come before her. But it is not to be …... -
![Highland Strength by Celeste Barclay]()
Highland Strength by Celeste Barclay
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA lonely woman with far too many secrets…. Greer Gunn feared for her life every day that she breathed the same air as her father. An unwanted reminder that he had no heir, Greer employed her greatest defense. She looked and learned, tucking away her clan’s secrets that she used silently to defend her people against her father’s inept leadership and to keep their enemies at bay... -
![Branches of Betrayal by Sarah James]()
Branches of Betrayal by Sarah James
The sequel to the explosive, enemies-to-lovers dark romance novel Seeds of Sorrow. Loosely inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth. Peyton Dimitra is no longer a good girl. She was ruined the second she met Hadina Adis. After her life imploded and a lifetime of secrets were uncovered, Peyton found herself running from her problems...Categorized as:
mafia from hate to love queer fantasy age difference f-f length-short explicit-plentiful -
![Protection for Hire by Camy Tang]()
Protection for Hire by Camy Tang
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTessa Lancaster's skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo's Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa's abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But there's a problem or two . .. or three . .. -
![Bratva Beast by Misty Winters]()
Bratva Beast by Misty Winters
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI have a secret. .. I’m the daughter of one of the most deplorable Bratva Bosses in the underworld. Only I didn’t know that growing up. I was shielded and under his watchful eye until his past caught up with him and tragedy struck. I fled to Moscow to find answers, and the only thing I found was my father’s past chasing after me. I had nowhere to go until I came upon the perfect hideout... -
![Genius (CENTURIES) by TheBibicalSinner]()
Genius (CENTURIES) by TheBibicalSinner
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"You want me to be a genius or do you want me to fuck you? ". • • •. The Alexandrettia is the finest school in the state, known for producing the smartest, and most talented kids in America. 21 year old keen painter Mia Hanson managed to get a spot. She worked her whole life to get inside, to see the hallowed halls her biggest idols once walked through...Categorized as:
from hate to love mafia suspense mystery grumpy sunshine contemporary fantasy alpha male -
![Imprisoned by the Night King by Lola Glass]()
Imprisoned by the Night King by Lola Glass
He thinks I'll bring him peace, but all I want is revenge. Twenty years ago, everyone and everything I loved was destroyed by the kings of the Night Court. Since then, I’ve been locked in a prison, tortured and used because of those same kings. Now that I’m free, there’s only thing on my mind:. I have to make them pay. Most particularly, him...Categorized as:
from hate to love tortured heroine tortured hero fantasy fae fated-mates magic length-short -
![The House Of Grenville: A Deliciously Dark, Fantasy Romance. by B. Green]()
The House Of Grenville: A Deliciously Dark, Fantasy Romance. by B. Green
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYour new, spicy Dark Fantasy obsession is here. Power, corruption, immorality. Louisa Garrick wants nothing more than her father out of prison and her family back together again. So when she’s offered a scholarship at Britains most prestigious university, she takes it without question... -
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![Peaceful Chaos by Kimberly Carrillo]()
Peaceful Chaos by Kimberly Carrillo
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsRaven and I fought for peace and found it inside chaos and bloodshed. Our life will never be perfect. There are too many victims, too much pain for us to wrap our happy ending in a bow. Not that a perfect ending matters to us, because that isn’t who we are. We found each other through pain, and tied ourselves to each other in ribbons of trauma... -
![The Crown Prophecy by Meg Acuna]()
The Crown Prophecy by Meg Acuna
Mundane baker Quinn Parry wasn’t born with a Gift, unless you count her skills with a pastry bag. When she’s hired into the kitchen of the magic-Wielding royal family, she thinks the most challenging part of her new routine will be hiding her position from her magic-hating mother. She certainly doesn’t expect to get entangled in the affairs of the crown prince...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love fantasy length-medium open-door standalone standalone-first -
![A Game of Masks by Eliza Eveland]()
A Game of Masks by Eliza Eveland
An elvish assassin desperate for atonement. A woman in search of purpose. A battle-ravaged city engaged in a deadly shadow war. Mercia Trevisa has always been happy to fade into the background. She’s a helper, not a fighter. Ever since the Crows have settled in Brucia, Mercia has struggled to find her place in Eris’s new court... -
![Dawn of Fate and Valor by Lucinda Dark, Rebecca Grey]()
Dawn of Fate and Valor by Lucinda Dark, Rebecca Grey
Born a royal heir. Fallen from grace. Born as the daughter of the Saintess Queen, now my hands are soaked in blood. I am a killer. I am Awakened. I am a Queen without a throne. Against the wishes of my escort guard, Solomon, I must seek the aid from the kingdom of my betrayer. As the connection between Solomon and I soars to new heights, one thing is becoming incredibly clear…...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love fantasy fated-mates age difference new adult contemporary length-long -
![Sagittarius by Gemma James]()
Sagittarius by Gemma James
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTatum Harding. Resident pilot. A man of surprises. Self-proclaimed voyeur. At the monthly dinner with the Brotherhood, he reveals his gift—a trip to Los Angeles, where I’m scheduled to debut as a designer at the Fashion Festival. To sweeten the deal, he allows me a plus-one. Sebastian is my only choice, but there’s just one condition. Tatum wants to watch...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love reverse harem mystery rape arranged marriage fantasy contemporary -
![Prima by Alta Hensley, Maggie Ryan]()
Prima by Alta Hensley, Maggie Ryan
Rated: 3.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe was an angel when she danced. Too bad she attracted the attention of the devil. She was so innocent and naïve. Not meant for the cruel realities of this world. Certainly not meant for someone unworthy. But every time she floated across the stage, I knew she danced only for me. Watching her wasn't enough. .. My Prima became the light to the dark... -
![Spades by Kyra Irene]()
Spades by Kyra Irene
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBetter the devil you know than the devil in disguise . . . Born into a Mafia family, Nina Romano has no choice but to respect her papa’s honor, even if that means marrying a man she doesn’t love. It’s a business transaction, but Nina knows how to drive a hard bargain. In exchange for two years of freedom, she’ll marry whoever her papa says without argument... -
![Wicked Truths by Lila Sharp]()
Wicked Truths by Lila Sharp
Rated: 3.30 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMaking a deal with the brutal leader of a rival mafia group was the last thing I wanted. But being forced to live with him? That's even worse. .. Sebastian Amato is everything I've been taught to hate. As the daughter of an Irish mobster, I know better than to trust an Italian mafioso. And when he offers me blood money to betray my family? I slam the door in his face... -
![Guarded by the Yeti by Cara Wylde]()
Guarded by the Yeti by Cara Wylde
A mute girl and a furry beast once got snowed in at the North Pole. Ysella is a mafia princess. I saved her and her brother when a rival family tried to wipe them out, and now her brother wants me to take her far away, somewhere no one will find her. The farthest place I know is my cabin in Alaska. But is this a good idea? Absolutely not. I shouldn’t have accepted the job in the first place... -
![My Dark Prince by Amanda Keen]()
My Dark Prince by Amanda Keen
Rated: 3.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsInvisible until needed…that’s me. But when the city’s more powerful man sees me, everything changes. Forced to live in the shadows, I’ve been the go-to girl for the thankless tasks no one else wants. My dreams take a backseat, buried under obligations. But all that changes one fateful night at the Luminary Soirée...Categorized as:
mafia from hate to love fantasy super rich hero contemporary new adult length-novella -
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