Books matching: manipulative villain
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:To Love a Dark Lord by Anne Stuart is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Emma, a spunky and likable heroine, who finds herself under the watchful eye of her sadistic cousin Miriam. Lord Killoran, the quintessential dark and seductive hero, befriends Emma and uses her to gain revenge on his long-time enemy. The book is filled with witty and sarcastic dialogue, passionate and intense scenes, and a secondary love story that adds depth to the plot. The writing style is described as unique, raw, and dark, with a touch of humor and suspense that keeps readers engaged.
- #2
Save:Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip is a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a kingdom facing turmoil after the death of the prince. The story follows a cast of characters including a young prince, a plotting great aunt, a royal bastard, a mysterious sorceress, and her assistant, all intertwined in political maneuverings and secrets. The narrative explores the mystery of Ombria, a city with a shadowy existence, blending elements of power seeking, magic, ghosts, and political intrigue. McKillip's writing style is described as poetic, lush, and detailed, with a focus on character development and rich storytelling.
While the ruler of the ancient city of Ombria lay dying, his mistress, frozen out of the room by the black stare of Domina Pearl, drifted like a bird on a wave until she bumped through Kyel Greve’s un... - #3
Save:'The Courtship Dance' by Candace Camp is the fourth book in the 'Matchmaker Mystery' series, focusing on the love story between Lady Francesca Haughston and the Duke of Rochford. The book explores their past engagement, the challenges they face in the present, and the rekindling of their romance. Readers praise the well-developed characters, interesting unfolding of history, and the mix of excitement and romance in the story.
NO ONE WOULD have guessed from the way Lady Francesca Haughston moved through the Whittington ballroom that she was making the opening moves of her campaign. She strolled along in her usual manner, pa... - #4
Save:In "Lord of Scoundrels" by Loretta Chase, the story follows Jessica and Dain, who initially clash but later find themselves entangled in a battle of wits and desire. Jessica takes charge in their relationship, pushing Dain to confront his past and his responsibilities, including a son he fathered with a prostitute. The book is praised for its entertaining diversion, witty and romantic writing style, and the strong, independent, and modern-thinking heroine, Jessica Trent.
Sir Bertram dragged his hand through his tousled brown curls. It was two o’clock in the afternoon and he’d only just changed out of his dressing gown. “Genevieve,” he said hollowly. “Oh, Lord, it is h... - #5
Save:'Vicious' by L.J. Shen is a gripping tale that delves into the complex relationship between Barron Vicious Spencer and Emilia. Shen skillfully reveals the past history between the characters, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout the story. The writing style is described as intense, with a mix of 18-year-old and 28-year-old perspectives, creating a captivating narrative that explores unresolved issues from the characters' past.
MY GRANDMAMA ONCE TOLD ME that love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances. The passion is the same. The pain is the same. That weird thing that bubbles in your chest... - #6
Save:"Tears of Tess" by Pepper Winters is a dark and intense romance novel that follows the story of Tess Snow, a young woman who embarks on a vacation with her boyfriend, Brax, only to be kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. Stripped of her freedom and subjected to unimaginable horrors, Tess must find the strength within herself to survive and escape her captors. The relationship between Tess and her captor, Q Mercer, is a central aspect of the story, evolving from a captor-victim dynamic into something more complex and nuanced, exploring themes of love, desire, and Stockholm Syndrome. Pepper Winters' writing style is raw and evocative, immersing readers in the dark and gritty world she has created, with vivid descriptions that effectively convey the emotions and experiences of the characters.
delves into the depths of human emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride from heart-wrenching despair to moments of hope and redemption. Tess is a complex and multi-dimensional protagonist who undergoes a profound transformation throughout the story, evolving from a naive and sheltered young woman into a strong and resilient survivor determined to reclaim her life and seek justice. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers captivated and emotionally invested from beginning to end.
A week ago, Brax surprised me with a romantic dinner and an envelope. I grabbed him and squeezed him half to death when I pulled free two airplane tickets with the destinations blacked out by a marker... - #7
Save:The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys is a historical romance novel set in medieval times, revolving around the tumultuous relationship between Felicia, a helpless young woman, and Domenico, a cruel and unpredictable duke. The story explores themes of dominance, submission, and forbidden love, with a dark and intense writing style that keeps readers glued to the pages.
It had been as hot as this the summer it began. All Fidena stank. The fetid smell from the bay, where ships lay beached and their cargoes rotted for want of men to unload them, mingled with human swea... - #8
Save:"An Evil Mind" by Chris Carter follows the story of Robert Hunter, a Los Angeles police detective with a background in criminal behavior psychology. The plot revolves around a chilling discovery made after a freak accident, where the FBI uncovers a man with a dark past and a penchant for gruesome murders. Lucien Folter, the evil protagonist, manipulates and controls the situation, leading to a psychological cat-and-mouse game between him, Hunter, and the FBI. delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer, with meticulously researched details on law enforcement techniques and behavioral science, creating a gripping narrative that is hard to put down.
‘Morning, Sheriff. Morning, Bobby,’ the plump, brunette waitress with a small heart tattoo on her left wrist called from behind the counter. She didn’t have to check the clock hanging from the wall to...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robert Hunter ) - #9
Save:"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.
The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.
Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrific... - #10
Save:'The Man Who Laughs' by Victor Hugo is a compelling and horrifying tale set in 17th century England, following the tragic story of Gwynplaine, a disfigured boy condemned to exhibit himself for the amusement of the public. The novel delves into themes of love, injustice, and the impact of societal classes on individuals' lives. Through Hugo's majestic prose, the reader is taken on a journey filled with vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and a universal message against the cruelty of the aristocracy.
The book explores the struggles faced by the main characters, Gwynplaine and Dea, as they navigate a world filled with deception, betrayal, and unexpected turns of fate. Hugo's writing style weaves together elements of romance, thriller, and manifesto, creating a multifaceted narrative that captivates readers with its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.
Ursus and Homo were fast friends. Ursus was a man, Homo a wolf. Their dispositions tallied. It was the man who had christened the wolf: probably he had also chosen his own name. Having found Ursus fit...
