Books like 'Empire of Ache & Ruin'
Readers who enjoyed Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance alpha male super rich hero from hate to love
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King & Tyrant by T.M. Frazier
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsBook one and two in the King series. King:Homeless. Hungry. Desperate. Doe has no memories of who she is or where she comes from. A notorious career criminal just released from prison, King is someone you don’t want to cross unless you’re prepared to pay him back in blood, sweat, sex or a combination of all three. King’s future hangs in the balance. Doe’s is written in her past... -
![Code Name: Pisces by Janie Crouch]()
Code Name: Pisces by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMy code name is Pisces. The stars say I’m independent, wise, and intuitive.Still waters run deep. I’m the leader of Zodiac Tactical’s guardian unit. We’re the bodyguards—the ones who stand toe to toe with danger and refuse to give any ground. We protect people who need it most.But what if who needs it most is a spoiled diva?I don’t normally take on movie stars...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love suspense military contemporary age difference dark mystery -
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![Envy by Eva Charles]()
Envy by Eva Charles
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMy dark prince. My greatest temptation. My husband.Antonio Huntsman isn’t the prince of childhood fairy tales.He’s savage and dangerous.The ruthless king I need.The beast I crave.Together we’ll fight the monsters.The demons threatening to tear us apart.The villains who will stop at nothing to destroy everything .Our family.Our valley.Our love.There will be no mercy.We will take no prisoners...Categorized as:
from hate to love super rich hero alpha male dark suspense contemporary mafia arranged marriage -
![Empire Nightclub #1-4 by K.A. Tucker]()
Empire Nightclub #1-4 by K.A. Tucker
One visit to her father in prison—convicted for a murder he didn’t commit—and she's attracted the attention of the last man she'd ever want knowing that she exists.This bundle includes all four full-length books in the highly addictive Empire Nightclub series!Sweet MercyGabriel FallenDirty EmpireFallen EmpireThis series is intended for mature audiences... -
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![Savage Sin: Bellamy Brothers 1 by Helen Hardt]()
Savage Sin: Bellamy Brothers 1 by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEnter a world of mystery, suspense, sin, and heart-wrenching emotion with Helen Hardt's new series!In prison, they called him Savage.Falcon Bellamy spent years locked up for a crime he didn’t commit, which shattered his dream of serving his country as a Navy SEAL. When he's granted early parole to help with a family emergency, he’s determined to reclaim his life...Categorized as:
super rich hero alpha male contemporary suspense dual-pov sassy heroine dark length-medium -
![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... -
![The Savage by Stella Andrews]()
The Savage by Stella Andrews
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIvan may be my name but I am best known as The Savage.Born and bred Bratva heir and loving every delicious minute of my life. That's why it was easy to kidnap the entitled Charlotte Richmond from her finishing school in England. It was my pleasure to hide her away while her depraved father searched for her.I have no heart, no emotion, and no morals.She is a bargaining chip, a means to an end...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male mafia contemporary dark age difference forced proximity suspense -
![Chasing Him by Kat T. Masen]()
Chasing Him by Kat T. Masen
Our vows were exchanged.We had our whole lives planned out.And even brought our son into this world.Until hours later… when everything stopped, and you were suddenly gone.Life was perfect, until the day the only man she had ever been with, the man who had stolen her heart at the tender age of seventeen, was taken away before his time... -
![The Six Night Truce by Hannah Shield]()
The Six Night Truce by Hannah Shield
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWhen I stepped into the courtroom this morning, I intended to fight for my client’s life. I never expected to run for my own. Now the courthouse is in lockdown, and I’m trapped in a tiny room with my nemesis—the West Oaks PD cop who hates me most. He’s a single dad with a growly attitude. An ex-Marine. And he’s the star witness against my client...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male suspense contemporary humor dark military length-medium -
![Broken Trust by Jaymin Eve, Tate James]()
Broken Trust by Jaymin Eve, Tate James
They think they own me now. They think they’ve won, and that I’ll be their good little soldier. Four dangerous, damaged, messed up boys. There used to be five, but one of them died, and I’m starting to suspect he was murdered. I didn't ask for this. No one would ask to be played, manipulated, seduced and betrayed. But that’s what happened, anyway. It wasn’t enough for them to break me...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love super rich hero new adult suspense contemporary bad boys dark -
![Queen of Vengeance by Jessica Jude]()
Queen of Vengeance by Jessica Jude
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“What are you going to do when you find him?”I pause, unsure what my answer should be. But there’s only ever been one option. “Kill him,” I say.SlateLife’s taught me not to expect much. Handouts, fair treatment, a decent parking spot downtown. But dead last on that list? Lux Colombia-Clarke showing up at my door, looking like a damn fairytale with a score to settle...Categorized as:
from hate to love super rich hero contemporary found-family angst slow burn dark mystery -
![Illicit Captor by Maggie Cole]()
Illicit Captor by Maggie Cole
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe kidnapped me to avenge my husband. The husband I’ve never loved. The cruel man my father forced me to marry to teach me a lesson. My husband didn’t think twice about how to carry out those lessons. Now, I’ve gone from one prison to another. My captor is just as ruthless as my husband. He’ll kill, torture, and do everything to hurt my family until no one is left. Except for me...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love mafia suspense dark contemporary forced proximity vengeance -
![Javier by Fiona Murphy]()
Javier by Fiona Murphy
The Castillo Family: Follow Rafael, Matteo, Javier and their nephew Santos a billionaire family they made their fortune in the construction business. When it comes to building relationships all their money can't help them when it comes to women who want what money can't buy.Javier Castillo might be a gorgeous, brilliant billionaire—but he's also a massive a$$hole... -
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![The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward]()
The Arrangement 10: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsWhen Avery realizes that her latest client wasn't Sean she doesn't know what to do. This person has invaded her life on a personal level and to make matters worse she doesn't even know who he is. The only good thing that came from it has been seeing Sean again, but now that he's in front of her, she doesn't want to let him go...Categorized as:
alpha male super rich hero contemporary dark new adult college cruel hero length-novella -
![Captive Heart: Armani by Stella Gray]()
Captive Heart: Armani by Stella Gray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNothing lasts forever… except the Bellanti’s hatred for the Bruno family.My family prepared me to fight.My best friend taught me loyalty.My husband showed me who I am.And now I’m caught between them all.The thing about secrets is that they always come out.The past is never gone.No one expected it to explode.I finally understand why my life led me here... -
![Opal: A Wolfes of Manhattan Novel by Helen Hardt]()
Opal: A Wolfes of Manhattan Novel by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe lashes out with spite and venom. He fights back with anger and passion.Being held captive on a South Pacific island and forced to submit to the depravity of strange men was horrific, but it wasn’t the worst experience of Kelly Taylor’s life. Abused as a child and abandoned once she turned eighteen, Kelly is now free…except for the threatening text messages she’s receiving...Categorized as:
alpha male super rich hero dual-pov contemporary dark suspense military length-medium -
![Remy by Jessica Gadziala]()
Remy by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsShe’d never thought she would meet the hottest guy she’d ever seen while in the middle of committing a crime.As far as meet-cutes went, it was certainly a unique one.She also didn’t suspect she would ever see him again.You know, until that little crime she’d been committing ended up becoming a bigger mess than she could handle on her own... -
![Harder Betrayal by Penelope Sky]()
Harder Betrayal by Penelope Sky
I knew a relationship with Cauldron wouldn't be easy.But I underestimated just how challenging it would be...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love contemporary suspense mafia dark new adult explicit-plentiful -
![Naked Truth by Lisa Renee Jones]()
Naked Truth by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsJax North. He's handsome, brutally so, and wealthy. Our first encounter is intense and sex is my escape. I go with it. I go with him and what a ride it is. And then, I say goodbye. Only you don't say goodbye to a man like Jax if he doesn't want you to. I've challenged him without meaning to. He wants me. I don't want to want him, and yet, I crave him. And he tears me down, my resistance, my walls...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love contemporary dark mystery suspense dual-pov length-epic -
![Amos y mazmorras: Segunda parte by Lena Valenti]()
Amos y mazmorras: Segunda parte by Lena Valenti
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsChegou a hora de encarar o tão aguardado torneio Dragões e Masmorras DS. Entregue-se aos combates. Liberte seus desejos. Na busca pela irmã desaparecida, a agente Cleo Connelly conseguiu se infiltrar no ultrassecreto torneio de práticas BDSM, o Dragões e Masmorras DS... -
![Sixth Sin by Cora Kenborn]()
Sixth Sin by Cora Kenborn
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreviously published as StarletHollywood. Mafia. Secrets. Corruption. A dark and twisted enemies-to-lovers retelling of Anastasia. They call me America’s Sweetheart.Hollywood royalty. The last of an era.Sole survivor of LA’s most infamous crime.I’m not any of those things. He forced me into the spotlight.Dominic McCallum—a torn page from my tainted past...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love suspense dark mafia contemporary mystery legends & fairy tales -
![Ruthless Prince by Piper Stone]()
Ruthless Prince by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAlexandra is a senator's daughter, used to mingling in the company of the rich and powerful, but tonight she will learn that there are men who play by different rules. Men like me. I could romance her. I could seduce her and then carry her gently to my bed. But that can wait... -
![House of Heathens: The Complete Trilogy by Alta Hensley]()
House of Heathens: The Complete Trilogy by Alta Hensley
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA villain is made.A monster is hidden.A viper who is forbidden.Together, they are the Gods Among Men.Welcome to the House of Heathens.Within these walls, you are captive to a world of decadence and sin.Where dangerous secrets hide in the shadows.And a family tree with roots so twisted, they bind and strangle each unlucky generation...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love super rich hero dark daddy-kink age difference pregnancy tortured hero -
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![Fair Game by Amelia Wilde]()
Fair Game by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGabriel Hill has always been too charming for his own good. Women. Money. Information. Sex got him everything he ever wanted, until it almost killed him. A price he was willing to pay, before he met Elise. Before he fell for her. Now revenge isn't enough for him. He wants it all. The most beautiful woman. The most dangerous game. And a happily ever after, if it's not too late to save them both... -
![Bratva Jewel by Sabine Barclay]()
Bratva Jewel by Sabine Barclay
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI can’t resist her. I don’t want to…She’s tried to leave our life behind, but no one walks away from the bratva.She can run, but she can’t hide.I’ll be the one to catch her when she falls. And she will because she’s walking a fine line.I’ll be there because she’s mine.I’ll go to the ends of the Earth for her. She’ll discover her limits and realize only I can please her... -
![Filthy Mogul by M. Robinson]()
Filthy Mogul by M. Robinson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes a contemporary standalone romance.All’s fair in love and war…I’m ruthless.I’m feared.I have more enemies than friends.I didn’t just step into my father’s shadow—I’m a Jameson and that last name comes with moneyand power. I’m never afraid to get my hands dirty, especially when it comes to something I want... -
![Till Death Do Us Part by Aleatha Romig]()
Till Death Do Us Part by Aleatha Romig
Arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, Mafia/cartel romanceAs the only daughter of the Kansas City capo, at eighteen years of age, I was given to the son of my father’s consigliere, a man who was expected to accomplish great things for the famiglia. Things didn’t go the way we planned. There wasn’t love. My husband was a traitor, a part of a coup against the famiglia. My husband is dead. I’m free...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love mafia m-f dark contemporary multicultural suspense -
![Angel's Promise by Aleatha Romig]()
Angel's Promise by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEverett Ramses came into my life like a hurricane on a dark New Orleans night. With a deep voice and penetrating gaze, his mere presence tingled my nerves and twisted my insides much like the city’s legendary stories of spirits and ghosts. As the ruler of New Orleans, Everett Ramses lives life hard and takes what he wants without apology.He wants me to be his queen...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male super rich hero contemporary suspense dark mafia age difference -
![A Reckless Note by Lisa Renee Jones]()
A Reckless Note by Lisa Renee Jones
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 22 ratings“I can chase you, and I can catch you, but there is nothing I can do to make you mine.” ― Morrissey It all started with a note, just a simple note hand written by a woman I didn't know, never even met. But in that note is perhaps every answer to every question I've ever had in my life. And because of that note, I travel thousands of miles. I look for her, but find him... -
![The Devil's Crown by Monica James]()
The Devil's Crown by Monica James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI was feared.Respected.Worshiped.But all of that changed when the impossible happened—I fell in love. Only those feelings weren’t reciprocated, because who could love a monster like me?My empire crumbled. People died. I went from being a victorious leader to lurking in the shadows, planning revenge on my half-brother who now reigns in my place... -
![Misguided Vows by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell]()
Misguided Vows by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell
We met because of a job.We played because he made a bet.We carried on because we couldn’t stop.Now we’re in too deep, and the secrets of our pasts will catch up.It’s supposed to only be a fling, but it’s started a fire.One that we’re both in denial about...Categorized as:
from hate to love super rich hero alpha male forced proximity pregnancy suspense siblings-bff dark -
![Bully Me: Class of 2020 by Shantel Tessier, Siobhan Davis]()
Bully Me: Class of 2020 by Shantel Tessier, Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLoving your tormentor isn’t easy, especially when they collect broken hearts and parade them around like trophies. They’re the bad boys, the alpha a**holes, and the thorns in our sides. They push us past our limits, turn us on, and break us. They’re our bullies. They’re the class of 2020...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male suspense new adult contemporary anthologies cruel hero dark -
![Break Me by C.D. Reiss]()
Break Me by C.D. Reiss
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBook three - and the final in the...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love alpha male dark contemporary suspense mafia new adult -
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![The Broken One by N.O. One]()
The Broken One by N.O. One
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy secret is out.My entire existence is shattered, and picking myself up again proves difficult.Leaving Rose behind for a new beginning is harder than I thought, but I need to try for a more independent me with a promising future.One that doesn’t involve the infuriating yet irresistible man who challenges me at every turn.Pushing me.Protecting me.Tempting me beyond any possible resistance...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love alpha male contemporary mafia dual-pov age difference bdsm -
![Thorns of Malice by Maggie Cole]()
Thorns of Malice by Maggie Cole
For ten years she’s been under my skin and out of my grasp.The last time I saw her, I decimated her and everything she valued.Not a day passes that I don’t crave one more dose of her.And Ivy Ford’s everything I remember.Beautiful. Graceful. Seemingly innocent.I wish that were the case.There’s only one reason she’s reinserted herself into my life.Revenge...Categorized as:
from hate to love super rich hero alpha male vengeance contemporary cruel hero bdsm dark -
![The Break by Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob]()
The Break by Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsOne woman. Two Rivals. Countless secrets…Raine Kendall has everything a woman could want—almost... -
![Monster by Dani René]()
Monster by Dani René
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author, Dani René, brings you the first book in her chapter of the Royal Bastards MC World.They call me a monster for a reason. I left my morals behind long ago, and I forgot what empathy feels like. Emotions get you killed, and I’m tired of watchin’ people die. Not anymore, not under my rule. When Father Donahue calls on the club for help, we step up...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male contemporary suspense dark bikers age difference insta-love -
![The Con-Artist by Zoe Blake]()
The Con-Artist by Zoe Blake
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIf I have to hurt her to get what I want... I will. No is not an option. My little con artist is about to learn I run my criminal enterprise with an iron fist. She is no exception. She will do as Daddy tells her or there will be pain. Little does she know how much I will enjoy inflicting it. This is a dark romance daddy dom series... -
![THE TEST: Secret Society Dark Romance by Elena Monroe]()
THE TEST: Secret Society Dark Romance by Elena Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI woke up to my roommate and best friend missing. In her place was a note on my bedside table that read: You can only find me with your eyes closed.No one thinks a note like that is meant for them. I knew it was meant for me, a clue, a way to seek Justice. Whoever left me that note was hoping I didn’t let my parent’s legacy die when they did... -
![Promised to the Killer by B.B. Hamel]()
Promised to the Killer by B.B. Hamel
Her family tossed her aside like a broken doll.But she's my shining treasure and I'll kill to make her mine.Siena Bastone is going to die. She's the cast-off traitorous daughter of a minor mafia family with deliciously pouty lips and a wicked tongue.But after we spend one unforgettable night of sin in a hotel room, I can't walk away.I pull her from her family's clutches and make her my own...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love contemporary new adult suspense mafia pregnancy bad boys -
![Mistakes Made by Marie James]()
Mistakes Made by Marie James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe worst thing you can ever do is make an assumption about me, despite my job resting solely on making people think I’m someone I’m not.I know that makes me crazy, narcissistic, and a little out of touch with the reality of how the world works.I’ll never argue that fact with anyone.Maybe it was the hundred-degree Texas weather.Maybe it was overstimulation from the crowds at the beach...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male contemporary suspense dark bad boys forced proximity length-short -
![SINS of the Syndicate: The Debt by Lexxi James]()
SINS of the Syndicate: The Debt by Lexxi James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTia/I've done my best to avoid him.But when his dark eyes lock onto mine, this time,I know there's nowhere I can go. Nowhere I can hide.Nowhere he won't find me.He is Smoke. Head of the D'Angelos.Gorgeous and haunting. Brutal and ruthless.He rules Chicago, and I owe him a debt.And now…he owns me.Smoke/I should send her away…This beautiful, innocent girl that conjures the best and worst in me... -
![Destructive Truths by Shauna Mairéad]()
Destructive Truths by Shauna Mairéad
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLies, Saoirse. It was all lies.Those were the last words I heard before my attacker held me under.Left shattered by deceit, with a past I couldn’t outrun, Killybegs destroyed the girl I used to be.But here’s the thing, this queen was born to rise, and those who hurt me will pay for the sins they committed...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love mafia cruel hero new adult suspense contemporary love triangle -
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![Double Standards by L. Hope]()
Double Standards by L. Hope
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWe were different in so many ways, polar opposites, stark contrasts; he was night and I was day.Axel fought the law while I represented it and we could never have be more opposite.You know what they say about opposites, though, and as much as I keep telling myself this is wrong, everything feels right. We all have double standards... -
![Griffin by S.M. West]()
Griffin by S.M. West
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA steamy strangers to lovers standalone romance packed with edge-of-your seat action, intense chemistry, and breath-stealing twists...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male forced proximity age difference contemporary suspense insta-love dark -
![Ruthless Heir by Sienna Snow]()
Ruthless Heir by Sienna Snow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm the player, the gambler, the one without a heart or soul.There isn't a risk I won't take and a challenge I won't meet.Then she came into my world, melting the ice in my veins and showing me a life a man like me never deserved.But it was all a lie.She chose a safer, easier path, realizing too late, it was riddled with chains...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love alpha male new adult contemporary multicultural suspense bdsm -
![Hawke by Anise Storm]()
Hawke by Anise Storm
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPreviously published in 2019, "Hawke" has been updated with a new POV and some expanded scenes. Arrogant. Sexy. Reminiscent. I felt all three about my newest client. The moment I met the sexy club owner in need of a party planner, I soon realized why. He was the one responsible for the most mortifying night of my life just one year earlier... -
![The Villain by Nana Malone]()
The Villain by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGuess who's having the craziest week EVER?That would be me.Sunday: I get dumped by my boyfriend—right before a couple's bungee jump.Monday: My little sister informs me that she’s invited our evil, estranged mom to the wedding I’ve spent months helping her plan...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love suspense new adult multicultural vengeance dark forced proximity -
![Beauty and the Beast by L. Steele]()
Beauty and the Beast by L. Steele
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratings"Run my Beauty... If I catch you, you are MINE..."Michael Byron Domenico SovranoThe Capo of Sicily's notorious Mafia company.My father owed him,so he took me to repay the debt.And married me to further his own ambitions.I hate him, I am determined to resist him.But what happens when I begin to fall for my new husband..Categorized as:
super rich hero alpha male from hate to love dark mafia contemporary age difference abduction
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