Recommendations based on "The Secret"

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Brutal Birthright series comes a dark college mafia romance series. Welcome to Kingmakers, the most brutal college in the world.He saw what she did. Now, he holds the power…The ruthless halls of a mafia university are no place for the diminutive and gentle Cat. She barely survived her first year at school, at the cost of her innocence.Cat did something bad, and Dean Yenin saw it. Now she's being blackmailed by the most vicious bully at Kingmakers.He offers her a devil's bargain: his silence and protection…if Cat belongs to him.Dean's twisted games of dominance have Cat doing things she never thought she'd do… But even the most sadistic games have rules, and Dean's fascination with Cat might just be his undoing.At Kingmakers, love is a weapon used by the most lethal players. But brokenness can lead to unexpected strength, and sometimes, the one who holds the power is the one most vulnerable to its spell…

Dark Mafia Romance, Contains scenes that could be triggering to some, read with caution. This is book 1 of a trilogy, an epic cliff-hanger can be expected!!TheoMy whole life was mapped out, designed for me, before I was even a twinkle in my old man’s eye. I am the heir to the Valentino throne. A kingdom built with blood and dirty money. But one I’ll rule all the same.My father was the youngest Don to ever be crowned king. However, with any luck, the controlling bastard will drop soon, allowing me to beat his record by a few years.I love my father—respect the hell out of him. But some of his choices lately, the plans he’s laid out for me, they’re… archaic. I was happy to go along with his proposition, to embody the role I was assigned at birth. Until I met her.She wasn’t part of his carefully orchestrated game board. She’s not part of the lifestyle. She’d get eaten alive if I were to bring her into the fold.Those innocent emerald eyes of hers hold me captive from the moment our paths collide. To hell with the plans for my future. This girl, who has no place being in my world, has become its entirety.HollyA new job. A new city. A new country. This is the new me. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself as I step off the plane at JFK. New York, I couldn’t think of a better city to force myself out of my comfort zone, to step out from under my sister’s shadow.My dream once included finding the husband, having the kids, building that white picket fence. It’s funny how things change over time.My new dream? Experience life to the fullest. Explore and discover who I am, without my other half. Surviving the New York culture shock, without getting mugged or killed, is also high on that list.That is, until I run into him. And just like that, my life takes a one-eighty. Again. There’s something dark inside him—it calls to a part of me I never knew existed. Can I really go against my moral compass, every belief I’ve held onto so tightly, just to answer it? To be with him?

THREE indulgent mafia standalone novels in one THICK paperback THREE intoxicating men who adore their fierce women Exclusive BONUS chapters for a deeper dive They're feared. Powerful. Ruthless. And they don't just love-they worship. Welcome to their underworld. This box set features the first three standalones in The Sanctum Syndicate series! Over 700 pages of binge-worthy spicy romance, indulgent angst, and heart-pounding action! Each story focuses on a different couple, with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Books in this collection: #1 Dangerous Strokes, a Dark Mafia Romance he falls first, con artist heroine, chasing, forced proximity, unexpected pregnancy #2 Reckless Covenant, a Second Chance Mafia Romance first love rekindled, hate to love, found family, deal with the devil retelling, sharing scene #3 Manacled Hearts, a Age Gap Mafia Romance angsty slow burn, emotionally scarred hero, innocent heroine, found family, forbidden love What to Expect: Intense, suspenseful stories with dark themes and morally grey anti-heroes. Complex characters, indulgent spice, and gripping action. A perfect blend of angst, passion, and deeply satisfying resolutions. These stories contain dark themes and difficult situations. Please visit the author's website for full details. Your mental health matters.

Book one of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spinoff series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan“Morgan’s hot first NOLA Knights contemporary pulls out all the stops...perfectly balances deep emotions and tense suspense.” —Publishers WeeklyHis world. His rules. Her love.Though his methods may be rough, when it comes to protecting what’s his, Russian vor Sergei Petrovyh’s heart is always in the right place. That’s never been more true than when the gorgeous Evette Labadie asks him for a job. He knows enough to keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about her that calls to him—no matter how badly he burns to make her his.Don’t think Evie hasn’t noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss who makes her favorite diner a regular stop. How can she not? He’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous. But everyone in her struggling New Orleans neighborhood knows he’s the man to turn to. And right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble.Her other needs—needs she knows damn well Sergei can more than satisfy—will have to wait.Evie soon finds herself playing Cinderella to a man who, despite what people believe, is definitely more prince than villain. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day. But when a turf war between Sergei and a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her…or walk away from her best chance at a happily-ever-after of her very own.NOLA KnightsBook 1: His to Defend Book 2: Hers to Tame Book 3: Mine to KeepFor more possesive, protective alpha men, don't miss the Men of Haven series by Rhenna Morgan:Book 1: Rough & Tumble Book 2: Wild & Sweet Book 3: Claim & Protect Book 4: Tempted & Taken Book 5: Stand & Deliver Book 6: Down & Dirty Book 7: Trusted & True

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Kit Rocha return to their explosive post-apocalyptic action/romance series, The Mercenary Librarians, with the next thrilling installment, Dance with the Devil. POWER IS NEVER GIVEN, ONLY TAKEN Tobias Richter, the fearsome VP of Security of the TechCorps is dead. The puppetmaster is gone and the organization is scrambling to maintain control by ruthlessly limiting Atlanta's access to resources, hoping to quell rebellion. Our band of mercenary librarians have decided that the time for revolution has come. Maya uses her wealth of secrets to weaken the TechCorps from within. Dani strikes from the shadows, picking off the chain of command one ambush at a time. And Nina is organizing their community—not just to survive, but to fight back. When Maya needs to make contact with a sympathetic insider, Dani and Rafe are the only ones with the skill-set and experience to infiltrate the highest levels of the TechCorps. They'll go deep undercover in the decadent, luxury-soaked penthouses on the Hill. Bringing Dani face-to-face with the man who turned her into a killer. And forcing Rafe to decide how far he'll go to protect both of his families—the one he was born to, and the one he made for himself. Victory will break the back of Power. Failure will destroy Atlanta. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Gentlemen don't look at engaged women the way Ras Sorrentino looks at me.Ras Sorrentino is the underboss of the most powerful clan in the Camorra. He's also chaos and danger poured into a sleek Italian suit.The first time I met him, I thought he was there to kill me. The second time, I wanted to kill him.The third was in Ibiza, where I glared at him across the church as my sister married his boss.It's not his sharp tongue or his taunting smirks that I hate the most. It's his gaze.How it narrows when I flinch. How it hardens when he notices the bruises on my face. How he stares at my engagement ring like he wants to melt it off my finger.I know it's a bad idea to let him push my buttons. After all, the fate of my family rests on my upcoming marriage and my fiancé is only interested in me because of my pristine reputation.A reputation Ras seems to have no qualms with stomping all over.It's a good thing him and I live on the opposite sides of the world.Until he tells me, he's coming back to New York with me.And he's staying.

The epic conclusion to Blood for Blood, the cinematic heart-wrenching Mafia romance trilogy from number one bestselling author Catherine Doyle. A blood war rages on the streets of Chicago. After a shocking tragedy that leaves Sophie utterly alone and vulnerable, she has nowhere to go except into the protection of an infamous Mafia family. Now she must live a dangerous double life, pretending to be a regular teenager while training as a deadly assassin in secret. But the deceit can't last for ever. Sophie's heart belongs to a killer and she's the prime target of a rival clan. Determined to seek revenge, she faces the ultimate decision: can she pay the price - can she be a Mafiosa? Praise for VENDETTA: 'A grimy, tense, crime/gang thriller with a dynamic cast of characters; VENDETTA brings drama and realism to a dark story of grudges, revenge and passion.' - Alice Oseman, author of SOLITAIRE and HEARTSTOPPER 'I stayed up until Late o'clock finishing VENDETTA... It's AWESOME. Great fighting. Great kissing.' - C.J. Daugherty, author of the NIGHT SCHOOL series 'A vibrant new twist on Romeo and Juliet. Full of energy and intrigue!' Lucy Christopher, author of STOLEN 'Fan-freaking-tastic ... I honestly can't say enough good things about it! I would read anything Cat Doyle writes after flying through VENDETTA!' Victoria Scott, author of the FIRE & FLOOD series Praise for INFERNO: 'It's bloody brilliant, even better than VENDETTA if that's possible ... It's exciting and violent and sexy and heartbreaking. Loved it!' - Louise O'Neill, author of IDOL and AFTER THE SILENCE 'Darker, sexier and more dangerous than ever before ...' - Melinda Salisbury, author of THE SIN EATER'S DAUGHTER 'It's the best, best, best YA romance-slash-Mafia action film that you could ever HOPE FOR ... IT WAS SO GOOD. SO GOOD.' - Lauren James, author of THE QUIET AT THE END OF THE WORLD and THE NEXT TOGETHER series

The gripping second instalment in Blood for Blood, the heart-racing Mafia romance trilogy from number one bestselling author Catherine Doyle. Still reeling from the traumatic Mafia face-off that shattered her broken family even further, Sophie is determined to piece her life back together. But Nic, the Falcone brother who represents everything she's trying to forget, won't give up on their love - and it's Luca's knife she clutches for comfort. It's not long before another Mafia clan spoils the fragile peace and Sophie finds herself torn between two warring dynasties. With her heart drawn in one direction and her blood in another, she's in deeper than ever... Praise for VENDETTA: 'A grimy, tense, crime/gang thriller with a dynamic cast of characters; VENDETTA brings drama and realism to a dark story of grudges, revenge and passion.' - Alice Oseman, author of SOLITAIRE and HEARTSTOPPER 'I stayed up until Late o'clock finishing VENDETTA... It's AWESOME. Great fighting. Great kissing.' - C.J. Daugherty, author of the NIGHT SCHOOL series 'A vibrant new twist on Romeo and Juliet. Full of energy and intrigue!' Lucy Christopher, author of STOLEN 'Fan-freaking-tastic ... I honestly can't say enough good things about it! I would read anything Cat Doyle writes after flying through VENDETTA!' Victoria Scott, author of the FIRE & FLOOD series Praise for INFERNO: 'It's bloody brilliant, even better than VENDETTA if that's possible ... It's exciting and violent and sexy and heartbreaking. Loved it!' - Louise O'Neill, author of IDOL and AFTER THE SILENCE 'Darker, sexier and more dangerous than ever before ...' - Melinda Salisbury, author of THE SIN EATER'S DAUGHTER 'It's the best, best, best YA romance-slash-Mafia action film that you could ever HOPE FOR ... IT WAS SO GOOD. SO GOOD.' - Lauren James, author of THE QUIET AT THE END OF THE WORLD and THE NEXT TOGETHER series

Camila Was Seventeen When Van Quiso Kidnapped Her. Ten Years After Her Escape, The Shackles Refuse To Release Her. Not While There Are Still Slave Traders Preying On Her City. She Will Stop At Nothing To End Them. Even If That Means Becoming A Slave Again. Returning To Chains Is Her Worst Fear--and Only Option. They Won't Know Who She Is Or What She Intends To Do. She's Prepared For Every Complication. Except Him. The One Who Decimated Her Sixteen-year-old Heart. Matias Is Charming, Gorgeous, And Dangerously Seductive. He's Also Untrustworthy And Enshrouded In Secrets. After Years Of No Contact, He Finds Her--on Her Knees, Wrists Bound, In The Clutches Of Her Enemy. Will He Sabotage Her Mission By Needlessly Saving Her? Or Will He Keep Her In Chains And Never Let Her Go?

A Fatal EscapeIt was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.A Dangerous Desire...Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?