UPDATED: 03-15-2024 (new recommendations on this list below, PLUS you can find more recommendations on lists with similar tropes, ’cause this is one of our MOST POPULAR requests – we LOVE these!!!).
Check these out, too:
- ➡️ He doesn’t want her – Unrequited Love Book Recommendations
- ➡️ Looking for book recommendations w/ alpha males & unrequited love…
- ➡️ all of the posts/books that we’ve categorized Unrequited Love
- ➡️ all of the posts/books that we’ve categorized groveling hero
- ➡️ all of the posts/books that we’ve categorized marital strife
- ➡️ Reader Recommendations – Shaira’s Favorite angsty romance, groveling heroes & second chance romance books
- ➡️ Reader Recommendations – Our Favorite Rejected Mate Romance Books
Jill: Oh you’ve listed quite a number over the years & I’ve succumbed, I’m surprised my Kindle has survived
Sonia is looking for recommendations, and I know we’ve read a bunch like these (especially the arranged marriage ones). Let’s see if we can make a new “best of” list. 😀 These are the genres that make me FURIOUS… and yet I can’t put ’em down. Definitely tends towards “bully” anti-heroes.
She asks:
Hi Maryse,
I hope you could help me out. I’ve already searched goodreads. But came up with reads with hero’s that were so-so cruel not truly cruel.
I’d like to read a book . Where for some reason . The hero married and has rejected his wife. But before doing so he’s been very cruel towards her. Which is showed throughout the book. Or a book where the hero raped the heroine and now regrets it.
Now he’s trying to repent.
Books that I’ve read so far are The Unwanted Wife (The Unwanted Series Book 1) and A Husband’s Regret (The Unwanted Series Book 2).
READER RECOMMENDATIONS (UPDATED 03-15-24)
Carla: Bound by Duty by Cora Reilly. This book has a lot of angst. It’s so good. It’s a mafia book as well. This guy doest want to get married cause he’s still in love with his dead wife and he doesnt want or need another woman in his life, but in order to be the next Cabo, he needs to get married. And even he tries to be a decent husband to her, he is still so cold and rejects her all the time. So this unriquted love, arranged marriage and cruel hero kind of book
Shanice: Ohhhh I know this series and love it!!!
Carla: Cora Reilly also has another book (Sweet Temptation) that is similar to Bound by Duty. Except he has three kids (one of them is a newborn) and he needs help to raise them and he also thinks they need a new mom, since his wife died recently. But he doesnt think this marriage is gonna work cause she’s only 18 yo, but the only real option avaiable. He doesnt want a wife, he just wants a new mom to his kids. It gets messy. Cora Reilly is an amazing author. Love her mafia books.
Athena: I love this book and any mafia book written by Cora Reilly and Bethany-Kris.
Daphne: my fave mafia romance story has to be the Born in Blood mafia series and Camorra Chronicles series by Cora Reilly. It’s so hard to pick just one book so I’ll say the two series lol… 🖤🔥
KissedbytheShadows: Hey Guys! I’ve just read Nothing in my heart by Peri Elizabeth Scott and Arranged: A clean billionaire romance by Trisha Grace. Hero hates being married to h for some reason, but then there is a turning point. From then H starts to grovel.
Skye: The second book in the “Unbreak My Heart” series is pretty decent too in regards to angst. Not as good as Shane and Kate’s story though. It did make me cry.
Carla: The Rocchetti Dynasty trilogy by Bree Porter. Its a mafia book actually and he treats her like shit. He doesnt like at all.
Skye: Also some good mentions: “Heartbreak at Roosevelt Ranch” by Elise Faber is an awesomely emotional book. Wife feels neglected and feels criticized for her looks by her husband (who is a detective). She finds a secondary phone and thinks her husband is cheating. Husband does some good groveling.
Skye: “The Shameless” series by Meli Raine is awesome. It adds a bit of danger to the love story. H is bodyguard to h after a series of rather unfortunate events causes h life to be in danger due to being accused of certain crimes. The H loses trust in h and hates her but has to protect her until she is proven guilty.
Mony: Method by Kate Stewart is an unusual twist on this theme…Well written and edgy. May not be what you expect though…
Linda: I totally thought it unputdownable!!
Lisa M: I loved the Method too!!!
Mony: Another one… Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips…love this one!
bev: Nobodys Baby but Mine. The heroine does something kinda awful….but ended up rooting for them.
Jessica: A Love Letter To Whiskey by Kandi Steiner should be added to that angst list. It’s favorite book of all time and so angsty you will be feeling it for days.
Yasmen: “A love letter to whiskey” i honsetly don’t know how no one have mentioned it here
Nay: Ooh, and I LOVED A Love Letter to Whiskey! The kind of angst I’m crazy about!
READER RECOMMENDATIONS (UPDATED 09-24-19)
Aditi: Read “The Kiss Thief” it will satisfy you completely and you will be head over heels for this book
MichelleS: just finished The Kiss Thief. Another 5 star read! I’m on a roll here. Could not put it down. …That Wolfe is a big bad alpha. And everyone has secrets. Every page has me saying, “he did NOT just do that” or “he did NOT just say that”.
D.G.: Soooooo….I started reading The Kiss Thief earlier today and I am HOOKED!!! My catnip…bully and arranged marriage. Not too far in yet but that Wolfe is a big ole meanie!
Mona: I totally agree with D.G., The Kiss Thief was unputdownable (is that a word??) for me!
HER HEART WAS SPLIT BETWEEN TWO RIVALS...
"...I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit. Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage.
They say that all great love stories have a happy ending. I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter. One kiss. Two men. Three lives. Entwined together..."
Shawna: The Kiss Thief by LJ Shen. I love me some Wolfe Keaton!
Dennishiel: The Kiss Thief by L. J. Shen is a must read! Frankie & Wolf were true celebrities in my eyes on a more Bonnie and Clyde but classy level! It’s more of a suspense romance! It’s hard to explain plz go read it if you haven’t!
MichelleS: Y’all I just finished The Kiss Thief. Another 5 star read! I’m on a roll here. Could not put it down. ...Woo-eee-mama. ...That Wolfe is a big bad alpha. And everyone has secrets. Every page has me saying, “he did NOT just do that” or “he did NOT just say that”.
Sonia: I would like to add Take this Regret (The Regret Series Book 2) on the list. Because the hero was mean at the start which caused the heroine alot heartache. But he grovelled alot.
Lauren: Take This Regret by A.L. Jackson. Young couple in love, both in law school. She gets pregnant, he gives her an ultimatum- him or the baby. 6yrs pass before he sees either of them again.
Monica: I can tell you that take this regret is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I also loved lost to you, the prequel. They are all beautifully written.
Anyone have more to suggest? (original suggestions when post was first created)
Maryse: I read The Unwanted Wife!!! I remember how popular that one was back in our early indie-days.
Amy: …something about The Unwanted Wife was extra touching and still sticks with me to this day.
Rachelle: The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders for sure!!!
Robyn: I absolutely hated Sandro from The Unwanted Wife at first, but grew to love him in the end!
Tiffany: …the most recent read that made me cry was The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders. Bawled like a baby from the beginning
Melissa: Consequences by Aleatha Romig – I know I am going to have nighmares tonight but cannot stop reading it!
Maryse: Another that comes to mind is Aleatha Romig’s “Consequences” series. OMG!!!!! Perfect recommendation for this.
Dawn: Consequences. A complete mind fck !!! I can’t stop thinking about it.
Lisa76: He was so Bad and yet he could do such sweet things at times.
Candi: …as soon as finished I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Truth! Do I love Tony now? Do I ever!!!
Robyn: OMG! You so need to read Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn. The H and h aren’t married in the first half of the book, but he is married to her best friend. She has loved the H all her life and he is sooooo mean to her even though the h helps take care of his 4 kids with her BF while he deploys. EEEEEK! I totally love this book!!
Maryse: YES Robyn!!!! HE WAS SUCH AN A$$!!!!!! Great suggestion, I read and loved that one!
Angie: I’ll definitely start Unbreak my heart next. Unrequited love!!!! It sounds like I might be reading all day today, which is perfect because it’s raining here in Texas. Thanks for the recommendation.
Kathy: Unbreak My Heart. I have been so wanting to read it but wanted the perfect moment. After I read your post, I picked it up today and read it in one day. You go through so many different emotions in this book. I loved it!!
Karen: Life Without You by S.P. West. Just finished this one. It was hard to give the husband a second chance on this one.
Maryse: OH WOW!!! This one sounds incredible.
Tessa: Accidental Witness (Morelli Family, #1) by Sam Mariano is one. She witnesses him kill someone and he has to marry her to prevent her death.
Dena: Accidental Witness (Morelli Family, #1) by Sam Mariano The series is full of that.
Tessa: Accidental Witness by Sam Mariano is one. She witnesses him kill someone and he has to marry her to prevent her death. …starts off kind of predictable, thinking HS mafia has been done (though I love it so I’ll keep going back to the trope) to OMG, WTF… dark. 🙂
Charity: Consequences of Deception by Ella Fox. They aren’t married but the h was always in love with the H but misunderstandings and events took separated them. Then the H comes back and the H is cruel and mean to the h until the truth comes out.
Jean: I highly recommend Consequences of Deception!! I loved it!!! Crazy twists!
Antonella: Just started Consequences of Deception by Ella Fox… First few chapters in and I’m hooked. …Was recommended by Pepper Winters.
Jen: there is another book where they are forced to marry each other but i can remember the name of it. he brings another woman into their bedroom and sleeps with her and her makeup gets all over the wall and that is how the wife finds out. does that sound familiar to anyone?
Maryse: GASP!!!!! JEN!!! That would have made me throw my eReader!!!!!
Billie: Jen. Yours is Sparrow
Jen: Billie, Yes! Sparrow! That was a good one! Thank you for helping me!
Maryse: YES!!! I read that one. That’s true, and I think there was extreme ranting and raving by me. How did I forget that??
D.G.: Maryse Sparrow was one of my five stars!!! I just LOVED it! It got the emotions going!!!
D.G.: Oh and Virtue & Vanity by Astrid Jane Ray!!!!! Arranged marriage, total misconceptions, and he does hurt her so definitely has triggers.
Melinda: 53 Letters For My Lover. I loved that book. It’s Arranged marriage and Shayda gets raped. Then the husband won’t have anything to do with her. And then she meets someone else while she’s married.
Carla: Ohhh I crave these books as well. Actually I read a bunch these last days. I’d recommend you:
- Unbreak My Heart (Fostering Love) by Nicole Jacquelyn (amazing book)
- The Contract (The Contract Series Book 1) by Melanie Moreland (I never expected it to be so so good)
- Kiss an Angel by Suzan Elizabeth Phillips (he’s so cruel to her)
- Sparrow by L.J. Shen
- Duncan’s Bride by Linda Howard
Sonia: I read Duncan bride and frankly I never found him that cruel.
I feel unbreak my heart hero was worse. Also the hero in virtue and vanity.
I read both books last year. I’m not sure about Life without you by S.P West. I read the reviews on gd and it seems like the hero cheated. But heroine took him back minus any grovelling. In cheating I prefer grovelling.
Cicely: Wrecking Ball by B.N Toler is a good one too!!! Made me cry buckets 🙁
Amy: My first thought was The Unwanted Wife but great minds and all. 😉 LOVED that one, and the second (A Husband’s Regret (The Unwanted Series Book 2)) was pretty good as well. But something about The Unwanted Wife was extra touching and still sticks with me to this day. GAH!!! I have Sparrow but I can’t do the whole forgiving-the-H-after-cheating thing Dangit!! And now I have Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus stuck in my head!
HER HUSBAND NEARLY DESTROYED HER!
"...I let him become my everything; my sun, moon and stars but that wasn’t enough for him. What he did nearly destroyed me.
My husband’s betrayal taught me the hard way that once trust is gone, it can never be regained. He won’t ever be part of my life again..."
HE'S MOURNING HIS WIFE BUT IS FORCED TO RE-MARRY...
"...Valentina fears the wedding night might reveal her secret, but her worries prove unfounded when Dante ignores her. Soon, her fear turns to confusion and anger.
Valentina is tired of being ignored. She’s determined to get Dante’s attention and desire, even if she can’t get his heart that still belongs to his dead wife..."
HE NEEDS A WIFE TO TAKE CARE OF HIS CHILDREN...
"...Giulia has always known she’ll marry the man her father chose for her, but she never expects to be given to someone so much older. Suddenly she’s supposed to be a mother to two small children when she hasn’t even held a baby before. Giulia quickly realizes that Cassio isn’t interested in a relationship on equal footing. Her mother has warned her that men of power, like Cassio, don’t tolerate insolence..."
TRAPPED INTO MARRIAGE & HE CAN'T HIDE HIS DISDAIN...
"...Feeling trapped into marriage, Beckett Kilmer doesn’t hide his disdain for his young wife, although he certainly wants her physically.
Grace didn’t deliberately trap the man she loves, but ignorance is no defense, neither in a court of law nor the law according to Beckett.
When she loses their baby, he's kind and supportive but remains distant..."
FORCED TO MARRY FOR THEIR FAMILIES' BUSINESS...
"...She’s been in love with Julian for as long as she can remember. She would marry him even if he didn’t have a single cent to his name. Julian, however, hates being arm-twisted into marrying Hayley. He will never trust an Espel, and he makes it clear to Hayley that he couldn’t care less about their marriage vows..."
HE NEVER LETS HER FORGET THAT SHE'S AN OUTSIDER...
"...For fifteen years, Ani and Bram have agreed on exactly one thing: they can't stand each other-until one night when their anger gives way to passion.
Yet even as Ani and Bram begin to secretly seek comfort in one another's arms, they remain emotionally worlds apart. When Ani's life takes a dramatic turn and she realizes she needs more than Bram can give, their fragile, no-strings relationship unravels..."
HER BEST FRIEND - HIS WIFE - DIES & SHE HELPS HIM WITH THE KIDS...
"...their lives are forever entwined and they are growing closer.
Now with Shane deployed for seven months, Kate is on her own and struggling with being a single parent. Shane is loving and supportive from thousands of miles away, but his homecoming brings a betrayal Kate never saw coming. So Kate's only choice is to fight for the future she deserves - with or without Shane. . ."
ONE OF MARYSE'S FAVORITES!! Here is my 4.5 STAR book review.
SHE SEEMS TO HAVE IT ALL... EXCEPT FOR HER HUSBAND'S LOVE.
"...I had it all. Two beautiful children. A gainfully employed husband. A successful food blog. The only thing missing from my life was . . . heat. And I wanted to live. To live loudly and without fear.
I also wanted my husband to think I was as hot as I was when we were high school sweethearts. More, I wanted what my sister had: love, passion, and a husband whose love was infinite. Because something was happening with Rob..."
"...Last year, I was kidnapped along with presidential candidate’s daughter Lindsay Bosworth, forced to help her assailants, my mother implicated in one of the biggest political scandals in American history.
I've been cleared of any wrongdoing, but that doesn’t matter. Once you’re tried by the media, you’re guilty as sin...
HER HUSBAND IS A METHOD ACTOR & SHE'S WORRIED SHE'S NOT GETTING HIM BACK THIS TIME...
"...I chose Lucas as my safe haven...he chose the role of a lifetime.
For the next three months, I’ll share my nights with a stranger, watching as he buries his pain, immersed in his role and living as someone else. We’ve done this before. I tell myself it’s just another movie, and he’ll return to me. I should’ve known this time would be different. To get my husband back, I’ll need the strength of ten men. As it turns out, I’ll have to go through two..."
SHE'S LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO FATHER HER CHILD...
"...a beautiful, brainy scientist desperate to be a mom with a brawny, smoking hot jock who, though handsome enough to father her child, is nowhere near as stupid as she wants her baby’s daddy to be..."
bev: Nobodys Baby but Mine. The heroine does something kinda awful….but ended up rooting for them.
HER HEART WAS SPLIT BETWEEN TWO RIVALS...
"...I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit. Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage.
They say that all great love stories have a happy ending. I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter. One kiss. Two men. Three lives. Entwined together..."
Shawna: The Kiss Thief by LJ Shen. I love me some Wolfe Keaton!
Dennishiel: The Kiss Thief by L. J. Shen is a must read! Frankie & Wolf were true celebrities in my eyes on a more Bonnie and Clyde but classy level! It’s more of a suspense romance! It’s hard to explain plz go read it if you haven’t!
MichelleS: Y’all I just finished The Kiss Thief. Another 5 star read! I’m on a roll here. Could not put it down. ...Woo-eee-mama. ...That Wolfe is a big bad alpha. And everyone has secrets. Every page has me saying, “he did NOT just do that” or “he did NOT just say that”.
HE LEFT HER & HIS UNBORN CHILD FOR HIS CAREER...
"...For five years, Christian has regretted the day he walked away from his family and will do anything to win them back.
When Christian wrestles his way into their lives, Elizabeth is faced with asking herself if it is possible to forgive someone when they’ve committed the unforgivable and if it is possible to find a love after it has been buried in years of hate..."
Tina: I’d have to say Christian from Take This Regret. I hated him at the beginning but then found myself loving him somewhere along the way!
Mertxe: I love A.L. Jackson writing. Christian and Elizabeth’s story is heartbreaking. Lost to you should be read after take this regret.
ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN THIS TROPE!!!!
"...Theresa Noble has met her father’s associates in the past, but the gorgeous, Italian-born Sandro De Lucci leaves her speechless. Eighteen months into their marriage, however, Sandro has turned to ice. Desperate to escape a relationship that has proven to be as stubbornly passionate as it is cold and hateful, Theresa summons up the courage to ask for a divorce. But before he’ll grant her request, Sandro demands something from Theresa: a son. The stalemate sickens her..."
Michelle: I really enjoyed the Unwanted Wife. A very good read.
Rebecka: The unwanted wife was really good. Love these lists. I always find such awesome stuff cause of you.
HE KIDNAPPED HER & HE HAS NO TOLERANCE FOR IMPERFECTION...
"...Driven by unknown demons, he has no tolerance for imperfection, in any aspect of his life, including his recent acquisition. Anthony may appear to the world as a handsome, benevolent businessman, but in reality Claire knows firsthand that he’s a menacing, controlling captor with very strict rules: do as you’re told, public failure is not an option, and appearances are of the utmost importance. Captivate the captor..."
Melissa: Consequences by Aleatha Romig – I know I am going to have nighmares tonight but cannot stop reading it!
Kirsten: Regardless of how you feel about Tony, love or hate him, we all agree that the twists and turns in this story are awesome, and the writing is wonderful. I was sure after reading Consequences that Truth would in some way not live up to my expectations… WRONG. Even though I didn’t think it was possible it’s even better. I’m kinda jealous I’m not experiencing this for the first time again.
DARK ROMANCE/KIDNAPPED SERIES
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a suspenseful thriller about secrets and deception, passion and love, choices and consequences.
Becky: I loved Consequences! You really do have to stick with it because it is soooo worth it in the end. Sometimes I wanted to quit bc I didn’t know where it was going. Then BAM! Shocker! I started Truth immediately but I stopped at 46% bc I needed something lighter. I was screaming at my Kindle and I wanted to throw it across the room. I was an absolute mess. I’m planning on starting it back next week. I love it when I find a book or a series that makes me so emotional.
Shannon: just finished both books….tony “fan” may be the wrong term. But, by the time you finish truth you will be hoping the answers to your questions will provide the happy ending you WILL want in the 3rd book….trying to be vague as not to give away to much.
Tracey: ...my review went something like this: “I love Tony. I hate Tony. I love Tony. I hate Tony. I love Tony. I hate Tony.” That booked played games with my heart and mind f^$ked me to no end. I yelled at the book and I yelled at the people sitting near me while reading it….nonsensical yelling like “I am going to kick his ass” kind of yelling! Seriously a great, great series.
HE HAD NO REASON TO NOTICE HER... until...
"...I inadvertently witnessed his first mob hit. His family doesn’t believe in leaving witnesses alive, but Vince seems different. He knows the best thing he can do for me is stay away, but something keeps drawing us together..."
HE TURNED HIS BACK ON HER...
"...losing Killian Brandt left a scar that never healed. Four and a half years after turning his back on her, Killian steps back into Sloane's life in the most shocking of ways, giving her no choice but to abandon her life and go with him.
Why would a man buy a woman that he hates? Not everything is as it appears. Love is beautiful, revenge is ugly, and lies destroy lives..."
KIDNAPPED & FORCED TO MARRY HIM!
"...No one seemed to remember my name up until he barged into my life. But then he caged me. Kidnapped me. And killed every chance I had to run away from the place where we grew up. Put simply, Troy Brennan clipped my wings.
I have dreams, big ones, but I doubt he'll ever let me chase them. I have no idea why he decided to take me as his wife. But I do know this: pissing off this man will not do me any good. At all..."
Kelli: Sparrow- by LJ Shen… also another good one! Arranged marriage and there is another woman involved with the hero.
KIDNAPPED & FORCED TO MARRY HIM!
"...No one seemed to remember my name up until he barged into my life. But then he caged me. Kidnapped me. And killed every chance I had to run away from the place where we grew up. Put simply, Troy Brennan clipped my wings.
I have dreams, big ones, but I doubt he'll ever let me chase them. I have no idea why he decided to take me as his wife. But I do know this: pissing off this man will not do me any good. At all..."
Kelli: Sparrow- by LJ Shen… also another good one! Arranged marriage and there is another woman involved with the hero.
Want more?
- ➡️ He doesn’t want her – Unrequited Love Book Recommendations
- ➡️ Looking for a book recommendation with an alpha male and some unrequited love… AND
- ➡️ all of the posts/books that we’ve categorized Unrequited Love
- ➡️ all of the posts/books that we’ve categorized groveling hero
- ➡️ all of the posts/books that we’ve categorized marital strife
- ➡️ Reader Recommendations – Shaira’s Favorite angsty romance, groveling heroes & second chance romance books
- ➡️ Reader Recommendations – Our Favorite Rejected Mate Romance Books
➔➔➔ Love this trope? Browse more unrequited love and groveling hero features and reviews on my blog. 😀
OMG! You so need to read Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn. The H and h aren’t married in the first half of the book, but he is married to her best friend. She has loved the H all her life and he is sooooo mean to her even though the h helps take care of his 4 kids with her BF while he deploys. EEEEEK! I totally love this book!!
YES Robyn!!!!
HE WAS SUCH AN A$$!!!!!! Great suggestion, I read and loved that one!
Life Without You by S.P. West
Just finished this one. It was hard to give the husband a second chance on this one.
Consequences of Deception by Ella Fox. They aren’t married but the h was always in love with the H but misunderstandings and events took separated them. Then the H comes back and the H is cruel and mean to the h until the truth comes out.
there is another book where they are forced to marry each other but i can remember the name of it. he brings another woman into their bedroom and sleeps with her and her makeup gets all over the wall and that is how the wife finds out. does that sound familiar to anyone?
GASP!!!!! JEN!!! That would have made me throw my eReader!!!!!
“Sparrow”
Accidental Witness by Sam Mariano is one. She witnesses him kill someone and he has to marry her to prevent her death.
Jen. Yours is sparrow
Maryse …Sparrow was one of my five stars!!! I just LOVED it! It got the emotions going!!!
Oh and Virtue and Vanity by Astrid Jane Ray!!!!! Arranged marriage, total misconceptions, and he does hurt her…so definitely has triggers.
53 letters for my lover. I loved that book. It’s Arranged marriage and Shayda gets raped. Then the husband won’t have anything to do with her. And then she meets someone else while she’s married.
Billie, Yes! Sparrow! That was a good one! Thank you for helping me!
Accidental Witness by Sam Mariano
The series is full of that.
Wrecking Ball by B.N Toler is a good one too!!! Made me cry buckets 🙁
My first thought was The Unwanted Wife but…great minds and all. 😉 LOVED that one, and the second (A Husband’s Regret) was pretty good as well. But something about The Unwanted Wife was extra touching and still sticks with me to this day.
GAH!!! I have Sparrow but I can’t do the whole forgiving-the-H-after-cheating thing. Dangit!!
And now I have Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus stuck in my head…
Ohhh I crave these books as well. Acually I read a bunch these last days.
I’d recommend you:
Unbreak my heart by Nicole Jacquelyn (amazing book)
The contract by Melanie Moreland (I never expected it to be so so good)
Kiss an angel by Suzan Elizabeth Phillips (he’s so cruel to her)
Sparrow by L.J. Shen
Duncan’s Bride by Linda Howard
Maryse thanks for the email reminder. Gals thanks for the help.
Some of the books I’ve already read like consequences series, 53 letters to my lover, unbreak my heart.
But I’ll definitely be added the rest xxxx
My pleasure Sonia!!!! I’m so glad you asked us. 🙂
Dena I have a question for you.
I know you have to read the seriws in order. But the other book seems about other characters. So can I read accidental Witness then resisting Mateo? Then so on or do I have to read the whole lot.
I thought I could skip because one book about Mateo right man another about his sister.
I read Duncan bride and frankly I never found him that cruel.
I feel unbreak my heart hero was worse. Also the hero in virtue and vanity.
I read both books last year. I’m not sure about Life without you by S.P West.
I read the reviews on gd and it seems like the hero cheated. But heroine took him back minus any grovelling. In cheating I prefer grovelling.
I would like to add Take this regret on the list.
Because the hero was mean at the start which caused the heroine alot heartache. But he grovelled alot.
I’m looking for this book where the H and h are married and he treats her very badly. And I don’t remember the whole thing but she gets amnesia and can’t remember how he treated her. She gets nightmares and also the H’s driver (I think his name is Drew) raped her. I think the h’s name is Skye?
The book you’re talking about is “underestimated” by jettie woodruff
Oh….and also I think you’re missing things up… it’s the Hero’s name that’s Drew while the heroine’s name is Morgan.
Ann I found it I’ve read this book. In it the girl moves and escapes the hero. Then later remembers what happens. When she escaped she made a life where she worked at a hippy cafe. She had a police officer bf and a loud/bossy neighbour.
It turns out her husband would abuse sexually/verbally neglect her. Leave her in a room locked with no food.
It’s His Indecent Proposal
Lynda Chance
Sonia, I just finished His Indecent Proposal and it wasn’t the one I was looking for
Sonia, In the book I’m looking for the h was married to the H and he hated her for some reason I can’t remember. So he treated her very badly.
Then I think the h runs away and gets in an accident and gets amnesia. By then, the H, who’s a millionaire regrets hurting her and finds her and brings her back. She gets her memories in the form of nightmares and she tells him in the end that she was raped by his best friend( or driver).
Hi Ann!
We have 4 guesses so far and we’re dying to know if any of them are right!
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-abused-wife-that-gets-amnesia-and-cant-remember-how-he-treated-her.html
Let me know if you see it. 🙂
*hug*
Maryse
Hi Ann, I think the book you’re looking for is called underestimated.
Hi Ann!!
I just posted your reader question here:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-abused-wife-that-gets-amnesia-and-cant-remember-how-he-treated-her.html
Keep and eye on it and let us know if you see the correct one. 🙂
Thank you so much Maryse!!!
Ann i looked at the list Maryse suggested im 1000% sure its Underestimated by Jettie Woodruff .
i know it wasnt indecent proposal . I checked it out after suggesting you it. The problem was i had read Underestimated by Jettie Woodruff on unlimited kindle so i gave both books back. But had thought the book would still be in my library which it wasnt and i confused it for indecnt proposal. it deffo Underestimated by Jettie Woodruff.
Spoilers in that book what happens is the author shows us that a girl called Morgan lives in a shitty trailer with her drunk mother and dad Morgan neglected . i think her mum takes drugs i cant remember . Morgan mum leaves her and runs off . I think Morgan dad a drunk and beats her she has a brother too . We find this on later on in the book. Morgan basically marries Drew who is verbally abusive of her , he uses her like a sexual toy, does bdsm but without consent . He shared her with his driver . Locked her up in a cold gym room after beating the shit out of her . At the same time when she would go out with the driver he raped her in the car but Morgan didint tell Drew because she thought he wont believe her. Anyway the driver took advantage and then would threaten her that if she didint have sex with him he would tell Drew. After that one time Morgan got beaten up by Drew she decided enough is enough. Drew house keeper was trying to convince Morgan to leave but Morgan kept saying no. The house keeper transfered money that Drew thought was donation money since he donated alot . Into a private account got Morgan a fake id , money from the account and got her out.
Morgan moved made a life for herself where she had a wild/bold neighbour who would come over to her house everyday. Morgan started dating a sherif and she worked at cafe with the owner who was a hippi . she was still scared Drwe will find her but she eventually started living her life. She didnt tell anyone about her past.
Her boss told Morgan to come with her to New York for a hippy market fair where they could buy stuff to sell . Morgan tried to make excuses not to go because NY was where Drew stayed. But she went anyway everything went fine and she came back no incident a few months later they went again this time the owner could not go with her . But told Morgan that her sister will meet her at NY . But morgan would have to travel back and forth by herself. So Morgan went everything was fine one day Morgan told her owner sister you can do your thing i’ll just go around and we will meet later . Morgan was walking around when she stopped at a jewellers shop. Drew owned lots of jewellery shops. it was his shop Morgan froze then moved away but before she could leave a man shouted her real name Morgan ( she used a fake Reily name where she lived) and Morgan turned only to come face to face tothe drew driver. She tried to run he grabbed her arm she screamed run away from him got into her car and drove very fast with the driver chasing her . thats when she had the accident . But got amensia Drew decided not to tell her how their marriage was and pretended everything was normal. She later got dreams of past vile Drew which never added up to the new loving Drew.
There is more but i dont want to spoil the whole series. this is my review on it https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17913288-underestimated
Read “The kiss theif” it will satisfy you completely and you will be head over heels for this book
Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips was so good I re-read it at least once a year!
Hi, i hoped that you could help find a book. It is a part of a series, I dont remember the series, I just read one of the books and at the end the author gave this sneak a peak off the uncoming book. Thats the book that im searching for, so okey what I remember is the next things:
– In the book that I read the hero had a sister and she kinda of had an unhappy marriage, the hero got his HEA and at the end they all (like all the famil, the sister included) had a dinner and the hero’s wife (which would be her sister-in-law) asked her if everything is okey in her life (she kinda like gain weight) and they were all concerned because she stopped coming around and her husband didnt come around too, so the sister-in-law asked her and she told that they were trying to get pregnant but it was not working.
– in the teaser at the end of her brother’s books, we could see how was her married life, she was not working and I remember that went the time came for her husband to come from work she got ready and he didnt notice or maybe he said something rude like,what are wearing? or you are too fat. I really dont remember more.
If someone knows which book im talking about please comment it. TIA
Hi Ywan!!
I will post your question this week on the blog and message you as soon as it’s live. Hopefully we find it. 🙂
Okay Ywan!! I just posted your reader question here:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-unhappily-married-woman-whose-husband-didnt-notice-her-and-was-rude-to-her.html
Keep and eye on it and let us know if you see the right guess. 🙂
Maryse
The second book in the “Unbreak My Heart” series is pretty decent too in regards to angst. Not as good as Shane and Kate’s story though. It did make me cry.
Also some good mentions: “Heartbreak at Roosevelt Ranch” by Elise Faber is an awesomely emotional book. Wife feels neglected and feels criticized for her looks by her husband (who is a detective). She finds a secondary phone and thinks her husband is cheating. Husband does some good groveling.
“The Shameless” series by Meli Raine is awesome. It adds a bit of danger to the love story. H is bodyguard to h after a series of rather unfortunate events causes h life to be in danger due to being accused of certain crimes. The H loses trust in h and hates her but has to protect her until she is proven guilty.
Great recommendations!! Thank you Skye! I’ll be adding them in. 😀
Method by Kate Stewart is an unusual twist on this theme…Well written and edgy. May not be what you expect though…
Another one…
Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips…love this one!
Any book on a couple’s arrange marriage but the man doesn’t want his wife because he already is in a relationship with someone else. Might be good if it’s written in the husband’s pov. Thanks.
Oooooooh YES THAT WOULD BE A GREAT list to make. No choice but to be angsty and full of emotional turbulence!! Great idea Areesha!
Thanks
Hi, I am looking for a historical romance novel. The hero and heroine are married, but live separately. They correspond through letter. One day while the hero was sitting with his friends, he gets a letter from his wife informing him that his mother in law has passed away. He leaves immediately to attend the funeral. Later on he is rude to his wife and eventuallythe give their marriage a second chance. Ends with happily ever after.
Hi Aldagi!
I just posted your reader question here:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-historical-romance-book-about-the-married-couple-that-live-separately.html
Keep an eye on it and let us know if you see the right guess. 🙂
*safe hug*
Hey Guys! I’ve just read Nothing in my heart by Peri Elizabeth Scott and Arranged: A clean billionaire romance by Trisha Grace. Hero hates being married to h for some reason, but then there is a turning point. From then H starts to grovel.
Ohhhhh I’m looking that up right now!!! Thank you! 😀
The Rocchetti Dynasty trilogy by Bree Porter. Its a mafia book actually and he treats her like shit. He doesnt like at all.
Bound by Duty by Cora Reilly. This book has a lot of angst. It’s so good. Its a mafia book as well. This guy doest want to get married cause he’s still in love with his dead wife and he doesnt want or need another woman in his life, but in order to be the next Cabo, he needs to get married. And even he tries to be a decent husband to her, he is still so cold and rejects her all the time. So this unriquted love, arranged marriage and cruel hero kind of book
Cora Reilly also has another book ( Sweet Temptation) that is similar to Bound by Duty. Except he has three kids (one of them is a newborn) and he needs help to raise them and he also thinks they need a new mom, since his wife died recently. But he doesnt think this marriage is gonna work cause she’s only 18 yo, but the only real option avaiable. He doesnt want a wife, he just wants a new mom to his kids. It gets messy. Cora Reilly is an amazing author. Love her mafia books.
In this book there are two sisters. The elder one is going to be married to the MC but MC loves the younger sister who is quite an introvert compare to her elder sister. & the elder one’s having an affair with some old dude who works for them & lived with them & he is quite creepy. But the MC has to kill him because of his betrayal so in the end it shows that the elder sister is after blood of everyone because of her ‘lover’s’ death & also the younger sister also gets pregnant with her “supposed brother in law /now lover”. Plz help me find this book.
Vlad by ker dukey matches your description. The second sister paints. She first ignores her attraction to the hero even though the hero kisses her and finger fucks her. But when she finds out her older sister having a affair with her older guard. She tries to make her sister understand to stop the affair. The sister says she will but doesn’t. Instead the sister openly flirts with a different guy and goes to see her older man at night. Getting scared the heroine plans to seduce the hero to keep him distracted. It works but the hero dad tries to get the heroine married to 70 yr old man . That’s when the older girl affair became obvious. Due to that and the dad pressuring the hero goes ape shit and tells everyone he’s been fucking the heroine and he’ll marry her. He even punches the old 70yr old man.
As a punishment in the end the older sister put into this fight game thing the mob does.
Oh my god. I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been brainstorming for a long time & always ended up with nothing. Thnk u sm! ♥ ♥
Your welcome, you did most of the work by describing the book so well. I’ve found lots of good books through this i can’t find this book section on Maryse blog. It just annoys me when people don’t describe the book with a lot of info or main important info. I hope you enjoy the read the second book is about the older sister in the series apparently there’s 3 books.
Yes, i just checked there are indeed three books & I’m at the end of vlad. There’s just one more book which I’m trying to find out for quite a while now but can’t find it. So can you maybe help me with that too?
Yeah sure if you have enough information. Then I could help you.
Ok so in this book the opening scene is in cafe where hero met the heroine i think heroine works there or maybe they are in same place by coincidence but the hero is quite captivated by her & the heroine is single mom coz her husband is dead. & in need of job. The hero is ceo of company & coincidently the girl applies for job as a graphic designer in his company. I think she landed the position by hero’s brother help who recommended her the designer position. It is something like that. So help pe if you find this one.
Hi Monica!!
I just posted your reader question. 🙂 Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess.
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-ceo-the-single-mom-that-meet-in-a-cafe-and-she-needs-a-job.html
*safe hug*
Maryse
Hi Monica!
I just posted your reader question. 🙂 Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-hero-who-is-married-but-is-in-love-with-her-younger-sister.html
*safe hug*
Maryse
Hi Maryse! I have another book to find & i need your help. So here’s a little description i can remember. So in this book the girl is living with her best frnd. They just started college And one night they went to a party where they met 3 brothers & instantly like them & after a day or two she finds out that they are her soon to be stepbrothers. One of them likes her best frnd and the main guy likes her but after spending some time it finally clicked on guy’s minds that they both knew each other since they were kids (probably 10-11.) they used to eat together once a week bcoz their parents were having an affair with each other from that point. & he got really mad but get over it really soon. And one of the three brothers is dating a girl who is girl’s real secret sister. And she doesn’t know about it. They found it in the end that they are in mafia kind of thing. Also they had a downfall too when they broke up & at some point the girl becomes an actress and boy is some kind of sports celebrity.
Yeah that’s all i can remember.
Hi, I’m looking for a romance book where our virgin heroin is being forced by her mother into an arranged marriage where the Hero mistreats her really badly at first. But then he realises his error and try to make her come out of her shell.
Please let me know if someone knows this book. It has been eating me alive!😁
Hi Kimia!!
I just posted your reader question! 🙂 Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-arranged-marriage-where-he-treats-her-badly-at-first.html
*safe hug*
Maryse
Hi Kimia!
A whole bunch of new guesses came in, since the last time you were on the blog post, and one of them seems to be the right one. Come see and let me know what you think. 🙂
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-arranged-marriage-where-he-treats-her-badly-at-first.html
Maryse
I’m 99.99% sure that the book you’re talking about is “Virtue and vanity” by Astrid Jane Ray….
The book am searching for the lady is dating a guy he is an artist or so then she gets pregnant and he dies. His elder brother who is in charge of the family business finds out, then offers to marry her and takes her home to live with him and his mom. He is harsh to her but later falls in love with her because he hoped she fell in love with him first. I read it in 2006 so i thinks it’s a little old.
Hi Nikky!
I just posted your reader question. Keep an eye on it and let us know if you see the right guess. 🙂
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-hero-who-offers-to-marry-his-dead-brothers-wife-but-is-harsh-with-her.html
*safe hug*
Maryse
Ok thanks. I really you so much
Hi Nikky!
We have a bunch of guesses for your reader question from 2021! Two more answers just came in (and I think the last one on the list is the right one!!) 🙂
Take a look and let me know what you think:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-hero-who-offers-to-marry-his-dead-brothers-wife-but-is-harsh-with-her.html
Maryse
Hi, I’m new here so pls pardon any error. I’ve been dying to read a book for a while now and my memory is really vague on it. All I remember is that our hero is a prince. And this normal occasion of inviting elegant and suitable ladies to the palace so the prince will choose his bride was ongoing on that particular day. Looks like the heroine(just a commoner) at somewhere else was going somewhere to visit someone but then mistakenly got packed in the car with the other ladies that were set for the occasion. On getting to the palace, a test was conducted for the ladies.A man was assigned to intentionally flirt with each of the ladies and if any of them tried flirting back, then they will be dismissed(mind you I’m not so sure about this TEST part as I might be including this scene from another novel into this)……… So pls if you know any book about a hero having to choose a bride- to- be and the heroine got entangled in the mess like I’ve explain above, pls recommend it. THANKS SO MUCH
Hi Helen!
I just posted your reader question. 🙂 Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess.
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-prince-that-will-choose-his-bride-and-a-commoner-is-mistakenly-amongst-the-chosen-women.html
*safe hug*
Ooh have guys read this historical romance book i forgot it’s name but it’s about a mute ordinary girl and scott clan lead & warrior . The warrior comes to marry the clan leaders daughter but she’s too fake & rude & he ends up falling for the mute peasant but she turn outs some other clans daughter who’s generation has mute prsn too it’s lyk a thing in there family & the rude girl’s mother was poisoning her n she knew who the mute girl was and trying to kill her
Hi Alfiya!!
I just posted your reader question, so hopefully we can find out the name of this book. It sounds great!! Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-warrior-that-comes-to-marry-the-clan-leaders-daughter-but-falls-for-the-mute-peasant.html
I’m looking for a book about an earl or marquess, I’m not sure. But he falls for the heroine who’s barely 18 and he’s 24. He has auburn hair and wears colorful clothes, the heroine has dark long hair, she’s Scottish and practices the old religion. She always had two very tall men around her who protects her. In the first scene, she’s seen worshipping the birch trees and oak. His best friend who is a baron is jealous of him and wants heroine to himself. He falsely accuses hero of treason and he is imprisoned. Heroine is pregnant and there’s a part where she climbed down a fence because she was bored in court.
Hi! i’m trying to find a book about the h coming back to look after her sick son – H’s mother paid her to leave her son and the H – h left with her daughter which the H doesn’t know about. A couple of years later, she finds out her son needs helps and comes back to help him.
I’m looking for a book where she tried to kill her husband by removing his brakes with her bodyguard but instead the husband lost his memory and tries to be a better person
Hi Bash! I just found this old comment/question, so I posted it today. Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
Reader Question – The book where she tried to kill her husband by removing his brakes…
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-where-she-tried-to-kill-her-husband-by-removing-his-brakes.html
Hi Bash!
We have a guess on your reader question. Take a look and let me know what you think:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-where-she-tried-to-kill-her-husband-by-removing-his-brakes.html
Maryse
I’m looking for a novel, I don’t remember the name. what I remember is that the FL was married to the ML: he has a sister and that sister was in love with him and his wife didn’t know about it as well. she was very close with the sister in law, her sister Inlaw told her many lies . when her sister Inlaw was killing her she confess to the FL that she was in love with her brother ( ML)and that he is in love with her as well ,that they play her like a fool and she told the Fl the secret about the Ml not being her real blood brother. then she was reborn. she didn’t told her sister Inlaw one secret is that she could see the future and past and she has power, she has a master who love her that if she married to the Ml she will endeded bad way but she didn’t listen then her master never told to her . I think something like that . thank you all xoxo
Hi Zoe!
I just posted your reader question. 🙂 Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-married-couple-and-his-own-sister-is-in-love-with-him.html
*safe hug*
Maryse
Hi everyone i’ve been looking for a book so here goes.
They are a married couple the wife used to be a stripper he married her so that she doesnt marry his brother because he thinks she is a gold digger. He makes her dance for his friends. Then the wife runs away when she finds out she is pregnant. He finds her and bring her back with their son and tells her he will leave her alone if gives them a chance for sometime and he starts to fall in love with her.
Hi Samri!
I just posted your reader question. 🙂 Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-where-she-used-to-be-a-stripper-and-he-married-her-and-makes-her-dance-for-his-friends.html
*safe hug*
Thanks.
Hey everyone i found my book!!!! Its called Monster by francette phal. 😁😁😁😁😁😁
I really need recommendtions on books were the MMC doesnt love the FMC which is his wife but she on the other side is tottaly heads over heels for him and you know the upcoming drama
The unwanted wife by Natasha Anders
I have already read it I want more suggestion please 🙏
Hi Mal!
Have you tried any on this list? Most are books like that. Also make sure to click on my groveling heroes link at the bottom of the list for more like it.
Yes I have and that’s the problem there is no more so that’s why I am asking ur help
But ofcourse thank u for the recommendations💖
Arranged by R K Lilley
I have also read it, I probably finished all the books from this trope
I just recently started reading from a year and half and read for about 700 books and that’s too much
And I can’t find any book with the trope I want.
But thank u by the way🙂
Hi, I also have a book that I can’t remember, so let me start.
The book is about a women who plays with her fiance or boss a scavenger hunt with his family and they get lost in the winter and she loses her engagement ring (as they are both in an arranged marriage) then there is a snow storm so they stayed in a cottage or a house in the forest and they start to fall for each other and stuff.
She was also inscure of her body.
There was also someone who attacked them when they were staying in the cottage.
So these are the details I have got, but there is more I just not so sure about them.
So the MMC is billionare and this book is in a series which is probably the third or the second book I am not sure
Could you please post it on the readers questions because I really want to read the book and I can’t rember its name
I did.
It has its very own post, in the readers questions category. Here it is: https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-about-the-couple-in-an-arranged-marriage-and-they-get-snowed-in-in-a-cottage-in-the-woods.html
Click on it and you will be able to see the guesses that come in. Let us know when you see the right one. 🙂
Maryse
Thank u🤩
I really need recommendtions on were the MMC has a girlfriend he loves but needs to marry another woman (who is innocent, kind, naive, and is the FMC) were she loves him but he doesnt and then he starts to love her back
It would be better if its not a historical romance because it not my trope at all
As recently I am starting to have a reading slump.
Thank u 💖
I would love recommendations where the hero’s been hung up on an ex. Finally moves on just for the ex to show back up and he has to choose between them.
So this book is about fmc living with her sister and her sister’s fiance (after her bf broke up with her maybe) and she doesn’t know him, he’s a totally new person to her. They form a connection when the sister is at work or something (maybe her sister is a lawyer), they even go to a dart/paint throwing thing (in Brooklyn?) for artists. The MMC calls the FMC “slim”, which is a character from the movie “to have and have not” because he loves the movie.
FMC also loves to dance, mmc has made space in their living room many times for FMC to dance.
Also, they have watched both to have and have not and pretty woman together with some people and mmc wonders why only him and the FMC laugh together at the same points.
Please help me find the book. Thank you so much.
Hi Elisia!
I just posted your reader question. 🙂
Keep an eye on it and let me know if you see the right guess:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-where-she-moves-in-with-her-sister-and-and-her-fiance-spends-a-lot-of-time-with-him.html
Maryse
Hi Elisia!
It looks like we have a guess and probably the right one! 🙂 Take a look and let me know what you think:
https://www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-book-where-she-moves-in-with-her-sister-and-and-her-fiance-spends-a-lot-of-time-with-him.html
Maryse