Books like 'Still Beating'
Readers who enjoyed Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dark romance abduction forbidden love from hate to love angst tortured heroine suspense forced proximity tortured hero
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Jersey Six by Jewel E. Ann
How far would you go for revenge? A hit-and-run accident leaves Jersey Six orphaned and homeless on the streets of Newark, shattering her dreams of school dances, pink nail polish, and a diploma. Eight years later, a burn victim with amnesia wanders into Jersey’s barely-existent life...Categorized as:
suspense strong heroine angst cheating slow burn tortured hero independent heroine other-man-woman -
Someone to Hold by Marie Force
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIrisTwo and a half years after suddenly losing the love of my life, I’m coming out of the fog of early grief and taking a hard look at the rest of my life. With three young children to care for on my own while also managing their grief, I haven’t had a lot of time to ponder what’s next for me.When I think about what I really want, I keep coming back to one thing... -
Lady in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
I refuse to let this woman have any power over me.She's just my prisoner.But once my Muse is in trouble, I'll do anything to save her.Anything to protect her.She was supposed to inspire me, please me.She was never supposed to care about me.Or make me care about her...Categorized as:
suspense strong heroine possessive hero m-f contemporary alpha male dark explicit-plentiful -
It Ruins Me by Penelope Sky
I married you because I was in love with you.Those words have echoed in my mind ever since he said them, and despite the way my heart races for him every time he steps into the same room, I can't say it back. Not after he hurt me. Not after he betrayed me.Every time I feel us come close together, my heart pulls away...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love angst m-f second chances male-pov dual-pov first-person-pov -
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Wicked Knight by Tracy Lorraine
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Lorraine brings you a new dark mafia, high school bully romance series.The truth is meant to set you free… but not my truth.Mine has sent me deeper and darker, feeding my need for revenge. I want blood for those who wronged me and my family. And my so-called truth is ripping me apart, in a way lies never could... -
It Breaks Me by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAxel betrayed me.As hard as I tried to keep him out of my heart, he broke through it like shattered glass. Even though my father didn't approve and our relationship would always be a secret, I didn't care. He was worth it...until he wasn't.Six months have passed, and that's exactly how long it's taken me to get over what he's done. I never see him at my father's estate... -
Shadows and Whispers by K.C. Mills
Elias Omari exist in the darkness that clouds his mind.Cress Devereaux exist in the light that inspires her soul.Together they create beautiful shades of gray.An arranged marriage forces two families to smooth the edges of their jagged past with the hopes of a new beginning... -
Wrath of Rage by R.E. Bond
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBeing Archer Hendricks’ little sister has always had its problems.My dates ending up dead, kids at school shunning me, and every aspect of my life controlled.I’ve always been kept on the outside of the crew life, always watching, and never participating.I craved to be a part of my brother’s world, no matter the danger.Looks like my wish has been granted because Rage Evans knows I exist... -
The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
Olivia Kaspen is a sharp tongued manipulator used to always getting what she wants. With just one exception-Caleb Drake, the one she foolishly let slip away. After a chance encounter brings Caleb back into her life, Olivia finds herself wanting a second chance with her first love, and asking herself how far she is willing to go to get him back... -
Firefly by Molly McAdams
The next captivating installment in New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams’s Redemption series. As the Princess of the Irish-American Mob, there’s no shortage of men ready to help guard and protect me. To slowly suffocate me to the point of seeking freedom—a place where I can breathe. Kieran Hayes has been saving me for as long as I can remember...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love forbidden love cheating dual-pov angst other-man-woman dark -
Pieces of a Life by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 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...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers angst from hate to love dual-pov forced proximity second chances m-f -
The Brightest Sunset by Aly Martinez
Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. Lies. Words destroyed me. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.” “Daddy, he can’t breathe!” “There’s nothing more we can do for your son.” Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. More lies. Those syllables and letters became my executioner... -
The Mafia And His Angel: Part 2 by Lylah James
Ayla The darkness never truly left me. It’s always there, waiting for the right moment to strike. It’s been months since I ran away from the nightmare that was slowly killing me. I ran for my life, straight into the arms of a man who I thought would be worse than the nightmare I’d left behind. Little did I know he’d become my savior...Categorized as:
suspense tortured heroine tortured hero forbidden love cheating other-man-woman m-f mafia -
Deviant Reign by Tracy Lorraine
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Lorraine brings you the next installment of her new dark mafia, high school bully romance series.Watching her walk away for a second time... nearly destroyed me.But it was nothing less than I deserved from the things I put her through.I should have let her go. I’d already caused Emmie enough pain to last a lifetime. But I’m a masochist... -
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Reclaim by Aly Martinez
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsChoices. Everyone makes them. From mundane to unimaginable, one choice can change the trajectory of your entire life. My mother’s choice was to abandon us with our abusive father. My brother’s choice was to go to prison for killing the boy who assaulted his soulmate. Camden Cole’s choice was to fall in love with a shattered girl who had absolutely nothing to offer him but heartbreak...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst dual-pov second chances suspense from hate to love contemporary new adult -
Beauty in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Conway Barsetti doesn't want me to be a model anymore. He wants to keep me all to himself. I inspire him in ways no one else does. Now I'm living with him in his beautiful mansion, and I don't feel like a prisoner anymore. I'm free to do what I want, with some limitations. But he treats me so coldly, seeing me as an object rather than a person...Categorized as:
suspense strong heroine possessive hero m-f contemporary dark alpha male explicit-plentiful -
Delicious by A.J. Merlin
When I followed the sound of a chainsaw into the woods, I should’ve known it would end poorly.But when I end up in the killer’s house instead of chopped into little pieces, I don’t know what to think. Not when he promises me that he won’t hurt me, and especially when he tells me that I can’t leave. Not unless he can trust me. He can’t, of course... -
Savage Sin: Bellamy Brothers 1 by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 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:
suspense dual-pov sassy heroine forbidden love contemporary super rich hero alpha male dark -
Drew by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe explosive finale in the highly addictive Rydeville Elite series. Mistakes and secrets. My life is littered with them. And it’s not always me who pays the price. So, I do something I swore I wouldn’t do—become the monster my father raised me to be. To shield my loved ones from the predators I hunt, I keep family and friends in the dark, but I won’t apologize for protecting them...Categorized as:
from hate to love suspense dual-pov forced proximity first-person-pov abuse bdsm dark -
If We Disappear Here by Mindy Hayes
They are marionettes under a concrete sky.Pain shoots through Maeve Campbell’s body when she wakes cold and disoriented, locked in a neglected cement room.Her drowsy eyes sweep the cell and land on a masculine, limp body across the room. Gripping his shoulder, she rolls him to his back, face angling toward her. Only it’s not who she thinks.It’s not her husband.And they aren’t alone...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity angst cheating friends to lovers abduction other-man-woman forbidden love -
Sawyer by Siobhan Davis™, Kelly Hartigan (Xterra Web)
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTorn between duty and desire... Sawyer Hunt has always been confident with his place in the world. He knows what he wants, conceals his painful truths behind a mask of cool indifference and keeps his circle small. The only person who has ever come close to smashing through his inner walls is the one person his parents will never accept.Xavier Daniels is sick of being Hunt’s dirty little secret...Categorized as:
cheating from hate to love angst friends to lovers forbidden love suspense other-man-woman m-f -
The Darkness in You by Becca Steele
Scarred. Ruined. Broken. Zayde Lowry was the boy I was never supposed to love. Our families have been rivals for generations, and I knew that if anyone discovered our secret, there would be hell to pay.But I fell for him anyway. He called me his angel, and he bared the darkest corners of his soul to me. In return, I gave him my whole heart.Then tragedy struck... -
Children of Ambition by J.J. McAvoy
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsChildren of Vice #2 "Show me a strong woman and I’ll show you the scars on her soul that made her so.” Everything I’ve done, everything I will do…no remorse. The world is a vicious place for a woman. It’s even crueler to the daughter of the Ceann na Conairte—discarded, married off, left powerless… But I am no ordinary daughter of the mafia...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love angst strong heroine competent heroine independent heroine m-f dark -
Before You Knew Me: An opposites attract romantic suspense novel by MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSometimes moving into a new future requires letting go of the past. If two clashing agents of change can change they way they see each other – they might just change the world for good, and build a beautiful future together. Attorney Sharon Beckett worked hard to lift her life out of the gutter... -
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The Devil Inside by Nicky James
Their love was innocent and pure… Until they were forced to believe differently. Until they were brutally schooled on the “right” way to love.Oakland is not gay. Jameson is not gay.Being gay is wrong. It is immoral. It is a sickness they must fight. It is the devil inside that needs to be purged.At least that’s what they’ve been conditioned to believe... -
Gorgeous Villain by Charity Ferrell
The untouchable mafia princess falls for her family’s rival.How cliché, right?But that’s my love story.Unfortunately, it’s filled with betrayal, violence, and tragedy.As the daughter of the biggest crime boss in the country, I’m off-limits.A forbidden fruit no man risks taking.Except Antonio Lombardi.My world turns upside down when I witness him killing a man... -
Tainted Blood by Cora Kenborn, Catherine Wiltcher
Two Trilogies.Two Authors.One Unholy War.Carrera.Santiago.The legacy ends..Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love angst forbidden love forced proximity second chances abduction male-pov -
The Devil's Lair by Penny Dee
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMassimo De Kysa.The man who stole my first kiss.And now my boss.I learned early how life can turn on a dime.That’s how it is when you grow up as a mafia princess.One minute you’re rich, spoilt, and betrothed to the most revered man in the city—the next your broke and selling your designer bags so you can eat.But I’m not the kind of girl who gives up without a fight...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers forced proximity suspense dark contemporary mafia mystery -
Seeking Peace by Crystal Daniels, Sandy Alvarez
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNothing remains of Blake’s life before the club except death, deceit, and corruption.He was on the road to self-destruction when his path crossed with Jake, the President of Kings of Retribution.Now Blake is dedicated to the MC and loyal to the men he calls brothers.The club gave him a family and purpose.Blake thought he finally had everything he ever wanted.Until Ember... -
Fixate by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
Wicked Secrets by K.B. Winters
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCharlie Ellison found me broken, beaten and bruised. Another biker in a long line of bikers in my life. Except he’s not like the others,And he has me questioning everything. He’s tough, strong and hotter than hell. Could he be my knight on a chrome stallion?Or the devil in a leather kutte?All I know is, he’s different. He makes me feel things I never thought possible... -
Vengeful Devilette by Kylie Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIzzy It’s funny how the things we most desire are usually the same things we’re meant to avoid. Just like Eve’s temptation with that damned apple, Mikhail Petrov is the one person I can’t seem to resist. Even though our union incites war in the streets of New York, causing more bloodshed than the city’s seen in a long time...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love m-f mafia dark contemporary super rich hero -
Twisted Promises by Lilian Harris
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI 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. I was about to end his life, while he was about to end mine... -
Her Rebellion by A. Zavarelli, Natasha Knight
I am a Sovereign Son. A king within The Society. With a look I send men to their knees.Yet she stands tall against me, taunting me with her rebellion. But we all have rules we must live by. Even me. And I have broken the most sacred. I took her to my bed.I claimed that which did not belong to me. And now that the beast within has had a taste, it wants more...Categorized as:
from hate to love abduction suspense forced proximity angst slow burn strong heroine sassy heroine -
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Tormentor Mine: The Complete Series by Anna Zaires, Dima Zales
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA lethal mercenary bent on vengeance. The innocent woman standing in his way.Dr. Sara Cobakis’s quiet suburban life is turned upside down when a darkly handsome Russian assassin breaks into her home and tortures her for information. But the nightmare doesn’t end there.Because Peter Sokolov returns, and this time, he’s determined to keep the pretty young doctor for himself.No matter what it takes...Categorized as:
from hate to love abduction angst suspense possessive hero dual-pov first-person-pov m-f -
Where We Ended by Ashley Munoz
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIt’s been two years since I was traded to the Stone Riders Motorcycle Club. While it saved my life, I was forced to leave behind the only person that ever mattered to me.Dripping with tattoos, his hair as dark as his soul, the brooding president of the Death Raiders still holds my heart...even if he doesn't seem to know what to do with it... -
Beautifully Broken by Portia Moore
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe conclusion to the If I Break Series.Cal’s back and his arrival changes everything.Lauren knew it was coming but what she didn’t think he’d bring with him was an ultimatum.A choice.One that Lauren feels trapped under. A choice she’s unsure will make a difference but could possibly change everything.The ultimatum isn’t the only thing Cal’s got with him but answers...Categorized as:
suspense angst dual-pov possessive hero second chances other-man-woman contemporary mental illness -
Respect by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOnce upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who called a corrupt kingdom home sweet home. Protected and sheltered from the worst the world had to offer, she fell in love with the crumbling city that burned and blazed around her. Every dirty corner, every scary shadow, found a place within her heart. So did a man who was violent and dangerous, just like the streets she claimed as her own...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers forbidden love competent heroine contemporary dark bad boys new adult -
Reviving Izabel by J.A. Redmerski
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsDetermined to live a dark life in the company of the assassin who freed her from bondage, Sarai sets out on her own to settle a score with an evil sadist. Unskilled and untrained in the art of killing, the events that unfold leave her hanging precariously on the edge of death when nothing goes as planned...Categorized as:
suspense strong heroine tortured heroine sassy heroine male-pov dual-pov m-f bad boys -
Ruthless Rival by L.J. Shen
When she was young, Arya Roth became best friends with her housekeeper’s son. Soon, friendship turned to young love, and when Arya dared him to kiss her, a chain reaction of disastrous events led to the boy being sent away and out of Arya’s life.Now, two decades later, Arya is an on-the-rise publicist with her beloved father as one of her biggest clients... -
The Society by Erin Mc Luckie Moya
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWhat happens when you're born into a secret society? When your great-grandfather was a founding member? Do you have a choice whether you stay or not?And the benefits that befall you with such a position? The easy college access and high powered positions - the multinational firms... -
The Devil's Den by Lilian Harris
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe was the boy held captive in the basement. I was the girl who knew. But I never told a soul. I had innocent lives to protect. And this was the only way. He was my friend first. My lover second. We wanted to be free, to make a life together. But that was a dream we knew would never come true... -
Tempt Me by Tara Wyatt
Violent, ruthless, and obsessed, Killian Byrne is a man who rose from the ashes of chaos to make a new life for himself. One in which he does what’s needed to protect the city he’s come to love, even if that means a life of loneliness. He’s damaged and scarred after years as a mob enforcer. Broken. And that means he’s better off alone... -
The Last Boss' Daughter by Sam Mariano
Freedom. Annabelle De Luca craved it. On the heels of her beloved father’s murder, betrayed by those closest to her, Annabelle had a choice to make: accept the man responsible and fall in line, or suffer the consequences. Never one to back down, she rejected her new stepfather—then spent years ignoring his best efforts to crush her spirit. Atonement. Liam Hunt never needed it... -
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The Saint by Kimberly Kincaid
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHis partner’s most trusted informant is his only hope…and his only weakness.When Detective Liam Hollister is assigned to an assault-turned-murder, he brings his signature three “C”s: control, calm, and composure. The “C” he wasn’t counting on? His partner’s informant, Carmen Desoto, who’s not only the key to unlocking his case... -
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Blame It on the Shame: Part 3 by Ashley Jade
There's something lurking in all of us. Something we hide and shelter from those we love in order to protect them. A darkness we try to suppress because we're ashamed of who that makes us. Because that's the thing about Shame. It wounds us. It damages us. Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us. It's there—in the shadows, beneath the surface...just waiting... -
Why Are You Here? by Brianna Jean
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA party in the Hollywood Hills.A perfectly timed smoke break.A chance encounter.From the moment I laid eyes on Judah Colt, I knew I was screwed.He was a whirlwind of emotions, a disastrous tornado of need, while I was only searching for a taste of reckless abandon and a chance to let go.What I got was almost more than I could handle...Categorized as:
angst cheating dual-pov first-person-pov tortured heroine tortured hero contemporary dark -
Captive Bride: Armani by Stella Gray
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI was supposed to get close to him…but Armani keeps his secrets closer. Everyone knows that Armani is the most dangerous Bellanti brother.No one knows what he’s capable of. I do know there is nothing he won’t do for his family. For months, I’ve interacted with the dark, broody man.The way he looks at me moves the earth under my feet.His touch makes my skin tingle.But I’ve had my own agenda...Categorized as:
angst suspense from hate to love forced proximity sassy heroine dual-pov mafia super rich hero -
A Single Glance by W. Winters
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense. I saw her from across the bar. My bar. My city. Everything in that world belonged to me. She stood out from the crowd like she was looking for someone to blame for her pain. That night, I felt the depths of my mistakes. I felt my scars...
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