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You are here: Home / My Book Reviews / Bad Boys & Rock Stars / My Top Thirteen Most Illicit Bad Boys, Misfits & Mobsters of Romance Books

My Top Thirteen Most Illicit Bad Boys, Misfits & Mobsters of Romance Books

July 2, 2012 By Maryse 60 Comments

I recently received this email (from “Em”) and thought to myself, OMG YES!!! I have a TON of awesome suggestions!

Hi Maryse!!! I was wondering if you know of any good mafia/mob/organised crime, bad boys romance type books?? I might drop a comment on your Bad Boys & Rock Stars thread and see if anyone else knows of any too!

In fact, I realized that some of my absolute favorite books involve some “shadier” (yet redeemable) characters. And I’m not just talking my usual tattooed bad boys that still fit within today’s social standards. I’m talking about the disillusioned social outcasts, the extreme nonconformists, the hustlers, and those that make their living on the streets. From the homeless to the richest mob bosses, the high-end escorts to the underground street fighters.

So basically, if they can be arrested for “what they do” and yet managed to steal my heart, they made the list. 😉 You know the books I’m talking about. Those that have you really connecting to the whole bad boy/good girl forbidden love thing. Or the sweet heartbreaking stories of those that have resigned themselves to an unhappy life full of struggle and loneliness and yet found the one person that made them whole again.

*sigh* Unconventional, against all odds, thrilling love stories are my favorite!

Now these are not in order of favorites, but just know if it made this list, it’s ’cause it pretty much rocked my world.

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Mafia/Mob Bosses/Organized Crime Leaders

Sempre (Forever) by JM Darhower
Mafia prince in training, born and raised in indulgence, Carmen’s world changes when his Mafia father “rescues” (yes those quotation marks are there on purpose) a modern-day slave girl and brings her home to live with them. Carmen’s world changes as he learns about her past, his parent’s past and his potential role in his crime-lord future. LOVED this one!!! Sort of “Young Adult” but hrmm… not really. Very modern feel with some steamy, violent, and/or obnoxious moments. Check out my Book Review of Sempre

Crow’s Row by Julie Hockley
Very similar to Sempre, but exciting in it’s own right (and quite a bit “cleaner” language and steam-wise). Young king pin of an organized crime ring bumps into a local college girl (jogging) on the wrong side of town (wrong side for her, but right side for him). After multiple warnings for her to stay away, (and of course, her ignoring him, after realizing an intense attraction to him), she happens upon a murder. Bump on the head, and *woops* she’s been kidnapped. By him. 😉 Let the fun begin! Check out my Book Review of Crow’s Row

Lover Avenged: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward
One of my favorite paranormal series of all time, and this book absolutely WOW’D me! “Rehvenge” didn’t quite capture my attention during his lower-key scenes in the earlier part of the series, but when it came to his own book… I fell hard! High-end pimp/high-end dealer/high-end everything else illegal, he walks around with his shiny cane, fancy coats and designer suits, tattoos and hardcore mohawk. But I came to realize with HIS book (this one) that there was nothing “street-tacky” about him. All high-end from head to toe, an elite mix-breed vampire from an affluent family. Be that as it may, he may come from the “right side of town” but his “dealing” and money flow richly from the wrong side. And boy does he know how to rule his world. Check out my Book Review of Lover Avenged (and I suggest you read the entire series which is simply fantastic –> The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Reading Order:

Unholy Ghosts (Downside Ghosts) by Stacia  Kane
An entire series that revolves around “Downside” (the absolute wrong side of town) where two drug lords rule their established territory and war against each other. This series consists of TWO “heroes” (and even still, I swoon for both of ’em). Terrible (my favorite) who is a HULKING (unconventionally sexy in a hard-faced, bad-ass way) enforcer for his crime-boss/pimp/dealer and “Lex” the hottie with the model looks, on the other side of town, who pretty much “heads” the dealer competition (for his dad, the other crime-boss). While the series is paranormal (a local witch who aides in “ghost recon”), her drug addiction keeps her tied to both of the crime hotties. And they both really like her. And I mean really. Which means plenty of angst and emotional uproar ahead. In fact, I’m reading book #5 as we speak, and still…the potential for heartbreak is strong. I love this series, and each book is absolutely relevant to this “illicit bad boy list” –> Here is the entire series reading order: Chess Putnam (Downside Ghosts) Series Reading Order – Also check out my series review here (for the first three books. There have been two more, since.)

Motorcycle Man (book #4 The Dream Man Series) by Kristen Ashley
“Tack” heads a large motorcycle gang and runs a highly successful bike garage. Having taken over the “business” for his father, many things have changed under his rule. However his ties/issues with other gangs and mobsters still disturb his world, and his own way of handling problems don’t always run the straight and narrow. Tack’s ways will surely get under your skin, but OMG will he totally get into your heart! Check out my review here.

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Street Smart Bad Boys
Well, all of the above are obviously “street smart” but these are the loners, and/or the social outcasts that aren’t necessarily part of any organization. The ones who live, and get by on the streets.

Finding Home by Bonnie Dee and Lauren Baker
Sean, a seventeen year old homeless kid is approached by Megan (a twenty three year old) interested in writing an article about kids on the street. Reluctantly he lets her in to his life (including his need to “hustle” to make money), and over the course of a few days, they forge an easy rapport. However, everything changes the day she finds him beaten and having been robbed of everything he had saved to get him off the streets. She offers him her place to stay until he can get back on his feet again. And while she struggles to adapt to a male roommate who has lived without rules for so long, she also struggles with her growing attraction to him. Excellent story (albeit an uncomfortable/unconventional one). I loved it anyway! Check out my review here.

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
I remember this one absolutely capturing me from the start. I was enthralled. A university student notices a young homeless male everyday at the subway station. And every day, as people ignore him or cast him looks of disdain, she makes it a point to smile at him. And everyday he looks for her to smile back. One day, she approaches him, and offers her friendship, and the heartwarming story begins. As she learns about who he is, and how he lives, she uncovers his ties to a particular street gang. This is the story of three foster brothers that promised to always protect and look out for each other, their lives on the street, and the emotional hardships that they deal with. While I would have preferred the entire story to be focused on the first homeless character (and the girl that saved his heart – and it is the bulk of the story) , the story, as a whole was captivating. Check out my review here. Book Review – Poughkeepsie

Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee
I just read this one this weekend and was floored out how quickly and easily I got attached to the “hero”. Why? Well ’cause first, the story occurs in the 1940’s, and second, because he’s tattooed from head to toe (even his face) and part of a traveling carnival side show. I didn’t know if I’d connect or not (or if I’d “fall” for him), but at the insistence of some of my fellow reader friends, I gave it a go. And I’ve been on a mad search for more intensity like this! This story details his struggles as a social outcast, and his reluctant friendship with a recently widowed “respectable” woman. And you know how that goes… prejudices abound and the issues they face (internal struggles and publicly as friends) are absolutely riveting. Check out my book review of Bone Deep.

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The High-End Escorts
Whether they have a “street” past with limited options, or simply chose to partake in such a… *ahem* lucrative career, I think it’s safe to say that the heroes of these stories are absolute hunky bad-boys partaking in illegal activities. Of course, if you ask them… that all depends on how you look at it. 😉

Fallen From Grace by Laura Leone
Model looks and charm have provided this male escort a large clientele of very wealthy women. Having been in this career  pretty much since he was a homeless teen, he has done well for himself. The agency “sweetheart”. However who he really is, is 100% different from his escort persona, and even his “boss” doesn’t really know him. But one person does. His pretty new neighbor. Except that she has no idea the life he leads when he “gets called into work”. Check out my Book Review of Fallen From Grace

Damaged Goods by Lauren Gallagher
This one’s a little different! The heroine meets the “hero” when she calls his agency and privately selects him for a meeting. Never having done this before, she’s second guessing everything! Being caught, being arrested, not being “enough” for him, the right and the wrong of her choosing to pay for… well, you know. 😉 Until he shows up and completely puts her at ease. So much so, that she hires him again. And again. And over the course of a few meetings, she starts getting attached. And the  “fantasy” part of this one? So does he. Uh oh! Now what are they to do? Fun!! Check out my Book Review of Damaged Goods

The Fifth Favor by Shelby Reed
I’m actually currently reading this one, so I can’t say much about it, although the story is already intriguing (and I’ve had many recommendations for it, including one from author Sylvia Day!!). “She” is writing an article on the male-escort business, and “he” is the one who was selected to give her the details (he’s also the most popular escort in the agency. But of course!! Closed off about his own life, she really wants to write about who he is, to give the article a personal spin, but he’s not having it. So she keeps re-scheduing. Except, after multiple meetings, he’s finding himself wanting to get to know her. And that’s where I’m at, so far! It’s only available in paperback, so you know. If you’re an avid e-book reader, this one will take some time to get re-used to. 😉

Stranger by Megan Hart
Thanks to Mandi for reminding me of “Jack”, the gorgeous escort that makes occasional appearances in Megan Hart’s series. But he’s one of the main guys in this particular book and we really get to see another side of him.  So unbelievably drool-worthy (tattooed, pierced and stunningly gorgeous) and just plain… WOW! This is another where the heroine and the escort forge a “relationship” of sorts that begins exceeding normal escort/client conduct. Check out my Book Review of Stranger by Megan Hart

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Honorable Mentions
I just felt the need to include these even though the guys aren’t necessarily “street” guys. But they are street-smart, and they both partake in illegal activities. Absolute bad boys, in one way or another and had to be on the list!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
The most illegal thing about Travis is the way he makes his money (oh, and I suppose his hot-headed temper that has him easily throwing punches, on and off the streets). But that’s the key point. He’s an underground MMA fighter using his fantastic fighting skills to bring in lots of money. Last minute scheduled matches in abandoned buildings, betting and plenty of punching! Travis is pretty much unbeatable so this is certainly not something he’s willing to quit anytime soon, even if his successful college life might lead him to bigger and better things. So that’s pretty much it. Travis is one heck of a player/tattooed bad boy with a hot temper and raised by his father and brothers who are so very similar to him. Plus, this is one of my all-time favorite books, and Travis still reigns as one of my #1 heroes. Check out my Book Review of Beautiful Disaster

Sheltered by Charlotte Stein
Van is the ultimate when it comes to bad boy looks. Shaved head, tattoos, and plenty of piercings! And when good girl “Evie” spies on him as he makes a few illegal purchases next door? Yep! He made my list with that extra bad boy feature. Yet, even as appalled as she is when it comes to anything “Van”, a most unlikely (albeit hesitant) friendship develops. Because you see, Evie is raised in a strict religious household. So strict, that even though she is an “adult” she is not allowed to watch TV or listen to modern music. So… secretly befriending someone that looks like Van is certainly grounds for her tyrant father to go nuts. But when her parents are away… 😉 Although there’s so much more to the story then that. This one had me on the edge of my seat! Check out my Book Review of Sheltered

So guys! Any other suggestions? Send ’em my way!! I’d love to continue reading more like these.

Reader Recommendations:

Knight In Black Leather by Gail Dayton:
Gitte recommends this one!! “How about Knight In Black Leather by Gail Dayton?? I really liked that one!! …actually I LOVED it!!! (hated the cover though!!)” –> I can’t wait to read these, Gitte!

Warrior’s Cross by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux
Gitte also recommends this one! “Also…Warrior’s Cross by Abigail Roux – loved this one too!!” (YAY me!! New reads!)

 

No Turning Back (#1 in Kathleen Turner Series) by Tiffany Snow
Sharon suggested these (and I know that many LOVE this series, so far!): “Lets not forget “No Turning Back” and “Turn to Me” (Kathleen Turner suspense romance series) by Tiffany Snow.  The two sexy Heros in these books are the infamous brothers Blane and Kade.  Blane is an attorney for the mob and carries a gun in his waistband.  Kade is an ex-FBI agent, turned vigilante assassin for hire.”

Knight (The Unfinished Hero Series) by Kristen Ashley
Aidan recommends this one: “Knight? K.A. really made a bad boy who pushes the boundaries in that one.” Yep!! Good choice! Knight may not have been my favorite “Kristen-alpha male” but he certainly fits the bill, and so many LOVED him!

Curio by Cara McKenna
Mandi recommends this one: “My favorite escort books are – Stranger by Megan Hart (Jack..oh Jack), Curio by Cara McKenna and Fallen From Grace as you mentioned.” –> Yes!! for Jack (how could I forget?) and am now very anxious to give Curio a try!

Untouchable by Lindsay Delagair
Kim just adamantly recommended this one: “Just saw your post about the top 13 must reads….you ABSOLUTELY have to put down Untouchable right after Sempre! Our book club is IN LOVE with Micah….OMG! If you liked Carmine from Sempre you’ll love Micah. PLEASE, please make this an exception and add it to your list!”

Perfect Chemistry
CM recommends this one: “Oh god, this is such an amazing list. Maryse, what about Perfect Chemistry? Alex Fuentes is definitely on the wrong side of the law, or at least a very shady area, and yet that book is one of my all time favorite reads!!”

 

Check out my other “Favorites” lists:

  • What to Read After Beautiful Disaster
  • What to Read After Fifty Shades
  • My Best Books of 2011 List
  • What to Read After Twilight
  • My Top 10 Paranormal Series
  • My Top 10 Vampire Series
  • My Top Five Summer Reads
  • 8 Books That Made Me Cry…

Filed Under: Bad Boys & Rock Stars, Book Recommendations, My Favorites Tagged With: antiheroes, bad boys, bad guys, contemporary romance, dark read, escorts, mafia, mob bosses, organized crime, reader favorites, reader recommendations

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brocoliy
brocoliy
10 years ago

When I started reading this post, I was actually kind of scared that you won’t include Travis because, you’re right, he’s not exactly part of the “street”. Imagine my giddiness when you did include him! So this comment is really just to say thank you – thank you for yet another wonderful list and thank you, most of all, for not forgetting Travis. =)

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
Reply to  brocoliy
10 years ago

Who can forget Travis?! LOL! Not I. In fact I’m starting to realize that I always find a way to include him in all of my favorites lists. Tee hee!! He’s adaptable!!

Reply
Lise
Lise
10 years ago

Yowzer…. great list. I have read everything except the Downside Ghost series, I must get started on those soon. Yippee!!!!
I hope all your followers will read these as well.

Reply
Amy
Amy
10 years ago

Maybe you should have a fighter/boxer heading and put Travis under that 🙂 I think there been other favs in that genre also?

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
10 years ago

Actually Amy I did think about that… but since there were so many in this list that were partaking in “illegal” activities, I didn’t want to lump our beloved “legal” boxers in the bunch.

BUT!! You are right, we totally need that list, so I’m on it. I have a few awesome ones for it, and a new one coming up (Kele Moon’s latest), so I will dedicate a post to our top fighters.

Reply
Maureen
Maureen
10 years ago

I love when you make lists!

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
10 years ago

haha!! Me too. I love organizing my favorite book-men into “sections”. Makes me feel complete. 😉

Reply
Sharona
Sharona
10 years ago

Lets not forget “No Turning Back” and “Turn to Me” (Kathleen Turner suspense romance series) by Tiffany Snow. The two sexy Heros in these books are the infamous brothers Blane and Kade. Blane is an attorney for the mob and carries a gun in his waistband. Kade is an ex-FBI agent, turned vigilante assassin for hire.

Reply
Aidan
Aidan
10 years ago

Knight? K.A. really made a bad boy who pushes the boundaries in that one.

Reply
Maggie
Maggie
10 years ago

Every time I read one of your posts, my TBR list grows!

I actually caught myself saying “yes” out loud when I got down to Lover Avenged. I wasn’t sure how much I’d like Rhev’s book but it’s one of my favorites! I think Zsadist’s just squeaks ahead. 😉

I’m just starting City of Ghosts and am hoping we get to see Terrible soon. LOVE his character!

Off to check out some of these books!

Reply
Mandi
Mandi
10 years ago

Love this post!

My favorite escort books are – Stranger by Megan Hart (Jack..oh Jack), Curio by Cara McKenna and Fallen From Grace as you mentioned.

Thanks for the other recs!

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
10 years ago

Oh wow how could I forget Jack?! YES! He’s absolutely making the list!! And thank you for suggesting Curio!

Reply
Carla
Carla
10 years ago

Hey Maryse! When i saw your list i thought you would put Ty from Stolen. Bad bad boy! Although i still don’t know if he’s bad or if he’s just crazy. hahaha But i love him anyway… what can i do!?

Reply
CM Aguirre
CM Aguirre
10 years ago

Oh god, this is such an amazing list. Maryse, what about Perfect Chemistry? Alex Fuentes is definitely on the wrong side of the law, or at least a very shady area, and yet that book is one of my all time favorite reads!!

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
10 years ago

I was thinking about it Carla, but I wondered just how “redeemable” he was, ya know? Stolen was one heck of a tough read (even though my heart felt for him), and I think I’m drawing the line at full-on crazy-like kidnapping. LOL!!!

And then… if I add him (Ty), then I need to add Caleb from Captive in the Dark, and OMG he was so scary!!! Eeeeeeep! Yep! Caleb ‘n me, we certainly did not get along.

Yep I’m sticking’ with the baddest of the bad boys… but redeemable. 😉

Reply
Kim
Kim
10 years ago

YES! MICAH MADE THE LIST!! Your readers will not be disappointed…Love me some Micah! 😉

Reply
CM Aguirre
CM Aguirre
10 years ago

Thanks for adding Perfect Chemistry, it’s truly a spectacular read… Alex is part of a street gang but the way love redeems him is truly beautiful to behold. Definitely my type of bad boy.

Reply
Kerry
Kerry
10 years ago

I agree with Kim. Loved Micah!! The second book of the series is called Unforgivable and the third is being released in the Fall. Micah’s family, like Carmine’s from Sepmre, belong to the Italian Mafia, maybe you can start another list!!

Reply
Ana's Attic
Ana's Attic
10 years ago

Great list!!! My TBR pile jet got even bigger!

Reply
Lisa
Lisa
10 years ago

TBR list just got larger. Never heard of Knight in Black Leather or Curio, but I will absolutely be checking them out now.

Reply
Johanna
Johanna
10 years ago

Havent heard of some of the books you mentioned, but i will happily add it to my TBR.. Thanks to you, my TBR list is growing 🙂
Btw, Rehvenge is also one of my top BDB men.. When i got to his book i wasnt expecting much, but to my surprise, i loved his book!!!! Rehvenge is def #2 on my BDB list, because number #1 belongs to Z 🙂

Reply
Biate
Biate
10 years ago

I was so happy to see Sempre right on top followed with Beautiful Disasters at the top of that categorie. BD will remain a book that I will remember for a long long time!! I now also have some new books to add to my TBR pile (Which is getting way to big, just so btw), but I’m very very excited. Thanks Maryse!

Reply
Biate
Biate
10 years ago

I’m going to start Stranger and Finding Home soon.

Reply
Jennifer
Jennifer
10 years ago

I am so glad to see some of my favorites on here: Knight, Untouchable, Lover Avenged, Motorcycle Man. Now I need to read some of the other mentions, Unholy Ghost series sounds exciting. I also have the Kathleen Turner series, which I haven’t started yet. Love your lists!!

Reply
Jamie
Jamie
10 years ago

Great list Maryse!!! You really pulled that together! I couldn’t agree more with your choices. 🙂

Reply
amie
amie
10 years ago

I read somewhere that a sequal to poughkeepsie is in the works… a storey about Beckett.. I fell in love with him.. I’m. Hoping it is true would love to read about him.

Reply
Em
Em
10 years ago

OMG!!! That’s me!! I’m the Em!! Love this list!!

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
10 years ago

Haha Em!! I hope this list helped 😉 *hug*

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
10 years ago

And hugs to all of you! I hope I can find more of these bad boys to love and add to this list.

OH!! I did read Curio last night and it was awesome so I’m adding it to the main part of the list.

And Amie, thank you for that tidbit, I’m on my way for a bit of research on it now. 🙂

Reply
Biate
Biate
10 years ago

Ive just finished Finding home and I think it was a very good story. It was a little bit different from your everyday book and I realy enjoyed it.

Reply
marcie
marcie
10 years ago

This is so my genre: Epic Rock Stars and Bad Boys. Goodreads has a list: Epic Rock Stars ~ worth checking out! My favorite series: Pure Wildfire series (lynne Connolly), Rock Hard series (Olivia Cunning), Rock Hard Seduction (Tonya Remargos), Sinners on Tour (Olivia Cunning). Individual novels? Ravensong (M.L.Hamilton) read this through twice in three days it was that good!, Rock My World (Lex Valentine), Sheet Music (Ann Lister), Love’s Rhythm (Lexie Couper). There might be a few I’ve neglected to mention. Bad Boy novels: My all-time fav is Rock Me (Cherrie Lynn), Going Under (Georgia Cates)

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
Reply to  marcie
10 years ago

Hi Marcie! They’re fantastic books, aren’t they?

Yep most of those I’ve read and reviewed and LOVED. They’re in my “bad boy and rock star category” (up there in the link bar), and this is my list for bad boys that partake in illegal activities 😉 tee hee!!

There are a few you’ve mentioned that I haven’t read yet, so I’m excited to check ’em out! Ohhhh yes!! A few I definitely want to read BAD! ohhh there goes my TBR list again… shifting to a put some of these new rock star books at the top. 😉

Thanks!!

Reply
Ann
Ann
10 years ago

Could you please make a list for just Weres books that you really liked?

I am not paranormal but only into weres, don’t mind vampires either but not too fond of the other types.

Reply
Tiara
Tiara
10 years ago

CRASH (Nicole Williams)….my #1 bad boy is JUDE!!!!!!!

Reply
Mary jo
Mary jo
10 years ago

I just read the Heller series and he NEEDS to be on this list! Definitely skirting the rights and wrongs of the law while being unapologetic about it. I can help but still swoon but, also hoping that he’s going to change…..isn’t that just the story of our lives with these bad boys?

Reply
Sarah
Sarah
10 years ago

Maryse,oh girl……..I am continually shocked,awed and thrilled by your recommendations!!!!!!Also really neat when I stumble upon a book I have already read,and loved on one of your lists.Its just so validating!!!!!!You are amazing!!!!!So,so,so very glad I found your blog!!!!!!

Reply
Andrea
Andrea
10 years ago

The Neighbor from Hell Series by R.L. Matthewson was funny and AWESOME! Inexpensive GOOD reads. The series seems to be set around these cousins and how they find their soulmates in unconventional ways. Their obession with food is too funny. These are not short stories but I read them fast.

Reply
Kiki
Kiki
10 years ago

You must add Deuce from Undeniable to this Bad Boy list Maryse. You want to hate him sometimes because he doesn’t know better. But I continued to root for him.

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
Reply to  Kiki
10 years ago

YES!!! OH YES!!! I shall update this one tonight. Excellent addition, Kiki! I so agree.

Reply
Rae Blair
Rae Blair
10 years ago

Hi Maryse

I would like to recommend Fragile Crystal – Sapphires and Submission BK1 and Rubies and Rivalries BK 2. These are the first books by M J Lawless. They were so well written, good characters and story. I couldn’t put them down. Also the good new is that we don’t have to wait antother 6 months for the conclusion. (which is becoming a pet hate of mine!)

I hope you can find time to review these. They are worth it.

regards

Rae

Reply
Tracey
Tracey
10 years ago

Have you read Dangerous Passion by Lisa Marie Rice? Drake is and arms dealer and a serious bad guy- he kills three men at his first meeting with the heroine. I wasn’t sure if I’d like him, but I just could help falling in love. Lisa Marie Rice writes really incredible heroes – possessive and passionate.
https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Passion-Lisa-Marie-Rice/dp/B003H4RAYA/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Reply
Paige
Paige
10 years ago

You should read the Heller series by J.D. Nixon! My favorite series WAS the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but ever since i read the Heller series i fell in love and it is now my favorite! (Sorry BDB!). It had me laughing nonstop and always kept surprising me through out all the books! It’s full of jam-packed action and adventure! (And when i say action i don’t just mean fighting! 😉 )I thought that the books would get boring after awhile, but they just keep getting better! Heller is now my favorite bad boy! He has the altament bad boy attitude and the sexiest looks a guy can have! 😉 I think you will love this series, especially if you loved the Black Dagger Brotherhood! 🙂 I hope you take my advise and enjoy the series! 😉

Reply
Jeanie V
Jeanie V
10 years ago

Maryse, just read Hard To Love – Cade is a very bad boy (but with a heart). I’m reading Rule right now & I think you’ll be adding him to the list too. Tattoos, piercings, crazy hair & attitude. His name screams bad boy!!! Hehe! Oh, and did I mention piercings? Reminds me of Brian from Rock Me hehehe!!! 🙂

Reply
Mihaela
Mihaela
10 years ago

Thanks Maryes I love ♥♥ the bad boy list :)))

Reply
Krystal
Krystal
9 years ago

THANK YOU! I loved all the books i read after seeing them from your blog!

Reply
Emily Hall
Emily Hall
9 years ago

Okay there is just NO way you can leave Tony from Consequences and Truth by Aleatha Romig off this list!! He IS the ultimate bad boy that leaves everyone wondering how did he go from someone you hated to someone you LOVED and obsessed over! I read both of these books in 3 days because I couldn’t get enough (this from someone who didn’t even think they were gonna be able to get through the first 1/2 of the first book because he was hated so bad).

Reply
Karen
Karen
9 years ago

Maryse, I just read “How Not To Be Seduced by Billionaires” by Marian Tee and loved it! I got it on Amazon for FREE just a few days ago. Although this is a series, the free one that I downloaded contained all three books in the series all in one. Here are my thoughts:
So, this novel had the whole package for me:
Hot Alpha Male-check
Bad Boy with serious commitment issues-check
Young, beautiful, innocent girl striving for independence-check
Love Triangle-check
Devastating heartbreak-check
Drama-check, check, check
Hot and steamy love scenes-check
Intense Pain and Angst-check
NO CLIFF HANGER!!!!-check
This novel was sooooo much better than I expected! Believe me, once your get into it, you won’t want to put it down!

Reply
PJ Taylor
PJ Taylor
9 years ago

Others have mentioned these, but I have to reiterate these two books. I love these lists, btw! 🙂

Tony-Consequences and Truth
Caleb-Captive in Dark

Reply
tanya
tanya
9 years ago

No Barrons??? Whoa!! lol hehe

Can you please do a “what to read after the fever series” list? I’ve only found very very few series (maybe 4) that have made the list :(. Urban fantasy not paranormal romance. Thank you!!!!!!!!

Reply
Kimberly
Kimberly
9 years ago

I have just read Reapers Property I loved it I am sad it ended I wish there were other books as good as that one it was the best

Reply
Kim
Kim
9 years ago

Can anyone help me please?? I read a book about April time and I want to re read it but I can’t remember anything about it other than it starting off with a boy by the beach I think in his car. He’s drinking and doing drugs and another girl is with him. A innoscent girl is walking by and sees them and the boy that was doing drugs etc at the car is in a bad way, being sick and going unconscious. The girl he’s drinking with freaks out and goes to leave so the girl walking by is left to call the ambulance. The girl then goes to visit him in hospital and the boy wants to start to get to know her. That’s all I remember. Does this sound familiar to anyone? If so can you let me know the title of it please.

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
Reply to  Kim
9 years ago

Hi Kim! I know this one. It’s “If You Stay” by Courtney Cole. Hope that helps! 😉

Reply
ash
ash
9 years ago

I would include the Artists Triology. Excellent bad boys all around. A little drug cartel, a little mafia, a little tattoo artist. 🙂 Really enjoying these and can hardly wait for book three release!
Sins and Needles starts you out!

Reply
susan hebblethwaite
susan hebblethwaite
9 years ago

I.ve just caught your site and I’m very interested in reading Sempre but all the sites read to be released on 25/11/13, how is that? By the way I love all the lots of info on all my favourite heroes .

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
Reply to  susan hebblethwaite
9 years ago

Hi Susan!

It used to be indie, so it was available back then. Now it’s been picked up by a publisher and is in the process of being re-released…

Reply
Kelly
Kelly
9 years ago

This is the best blog ever!! I never go anywhere else for recos. Thank you for your devotion to this blog!!!

Reply
Gigi
Gigi
8 years ago

Nero by Sarah Brianne is a Ahhmayzing mafia romance.

Reply
jasmine
jasmine
7 years ago

I have the perfect bad boy for you … i think … Dusty innocents and Dusty delinquents both by mary and sarah elizabeth they are a must read…. also Dont let me go: a story about falling by sarah elizabeth WILL HAVE YOU IN TEARS … I know it got to me (:

Reply
Cheryl V
Cheryl V
6 years ago

HI book friends
So…anyone know what happened to the mafia goodness aka author Cora Reilly? She’s “poof” disappeared. I’m worried…thanks!

Reply
Stacey
Stacey
5 years ago

Maryse;

Could you do a “prison romance” book list please? I read Cara McKenna’s Hard Time and really enjoyed it, would like some recommendations on others like it.

Thanks a bunch 🙂

Reply

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HAPPY TUESDAY NEW RELEASE DAY!! OVER 50 NEW BOOKS & I'm still adding to the list as we speak. 😀

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BLURB JOLT!! WIDOWED & THEIR GHOST SPOUSES BRING THEM TOGETHER...

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"...two couples, strangers to each other. Two beautiful, ordinary love stories, cut short. Both in their thirties and too young to be widowed..."

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Devney Perry's LATEST!! SHE MARRIES A BROODING STRANGER IN VEGAS!!

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"...Her lifelong dream is to own The Eloise Inn. All she has to do is prove to her parents that she’s the epitome of responsible. That her days of being duped and making reckless decisions are history. She’s so close she can taste it.

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Starting this now!! 🥰

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About Me

Reading is my favorite! I love blogging about books, reviewing them, making "favorites lists" & reading order guides, & hearing your own 5-star recommendations to add to my TBR list! I love our virtual book club! 😀  [more about me]

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