Books Like...
If you liked The Predator, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A wild, spicy, and fun mafia romance with big personalities and even bigger clashes - perfect for fans of dramatic enemies-to-lovers stories who don’t take their mob reads too seriously.
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark is a mafia romance novel that delves into the arranged marriage between Aida Gallo, a strong and carefree daughter of the Italian mafia boss, and Callum Griffin, the reserved and cruel son of the Irish mafia boss. The story follows their tumultuous relationship as they navigate their forced marriage, enemies to lovers dynamic, and the generational rivalry between their families, filled with passion, violence, and unexpected twists. The writing style of the book balances dark mafia elements with comedic undertones, creating a captivating and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Chief Superintendent Black drove his hired car up the long, private drive to the Home Secretary’s house. He glanced with pleasure at the beautiful woman occupying the seat next to his. He knew he woul...July 2020•283 pages - #2
Love wild anti-heroes, insane plot twists, and don’t mind some rough edges in the writing? Ruthless People is your ride-or-die mafia romp. If you’re looking for realism or relatable characters, proceed with caution!
'Ruthless People' by J.J. McAvoy is a mafia romance novel that follows the intense and ruthless world of the Giovanni and Callahan families. The story revolves around Melody and Liam, two powerful and merciless individuals who lead rival mobs but find themselves in an arranged marriage. The book delves into themes of power, loyalty, and family, showcasing the dark and gritty side of the mafia world. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with steamy and high-octane moments that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
The characters in 'Ruthless People' are portrayed as complex and unlikeable, yet captivating in their ruthlessness and strength. Melody is depicted as a badass mafia queen, while Liam is rough around the edges but equally powerful and headstrong. The book explores their dynamic as a modern-day power couple akin to Bonnie and Clyde or Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with sharp dialogue, intense banter, and a palpable sense of tension that drives the plot forward.
“This is such a sad day.” She frowned when I took the bottle back. If only she would leave after our “meetings.” But there was no point kicking her out right this second. Our meetings were officially...July 2014•480 pages - #3
A must-read for mafia and dark romance fans who love angst, banter, and deeply flawed but unforgettable characters. Just be ready for a wild, emotional ride!
In "The Maddest Obsession" by Danielle Lori, readers are taken on a journey spanning several years, following the tumultuous relationship between young mafia wife Gianna and the enigmatic FBI agent Christian. The plotline involves verbal sparring, passionate encounters, and obsessive love, all expertly woven together by the author's captivating writing style. The story delves into the complexities of their characters, their intertwined pasts, and the magnetic pull that draws them together despite their conflicting worlds.
The book intricately explores the dynamics between Gianna and Christian, showcasing their push-and-pull relationship filled with animosity, desire, and angst. Danielle Lori's writing skillfully brings out the intense chemistry between the characters, creating a narrative that is both gritty and addictive, leaving readers captivated from the first page to the last. The plot unfolds gradually, revealing dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a slow-burn romance that evolves from hate to love, all set against a backdrop of mafia intrigue and forbidden desires.
The clock’s ticks and tocks filled the space between us. With warm colors and a variety of seating, the room was supposed to be comfortable. Too bad the atmosphere hadn’t gotten the memo; the air was...April 2019•342 pages - #4
Sizzling, addictive, and high on romance - perfect for mafia romance newbies or anyone who loves a spicy, banter-filled ride. If the first book isn’t for you, don’t worry - the series just gets better!
'Ruthless Creatures' by J.T. Geissinger is a thrilling mafia romance novel that follows Natalie, a middle school art teacher who crosses paths with Kage, the second in command of the Russian Mafia. As their worlds collide, secrets unravel, and a dangerous attraction ignites between them. The book is filled with suspense, humor, steamy romance, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Geissinger's writing style expertly balances dark mafia elements with light-hearted banter, creating a captivating and entertaining narrative that explores the complexities of love and loyalty in the midst of danger.
The plot of 'Ruthless Creatures' revolves around Natalie and Kage's evolving relationship, as they navigate past traumas, mysterious disappearances, and the dangerous underworld of the Russian Mafia. The author weaves a tale of passion, intrigue, and suspense, drawing readers into a world where love and danger intertwine, leaving them on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Geissinger's storytelling prowess shines through in her ability to create compelling characters, engaging dialogue, and a plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The voice on the other end of the line is somber. I know Chris is telling me the truth. He really is sorry it isn’t working out between us. But it’s not a surprise. I knew this was coming. If only I c...February 2021•388 pages - #5
A sizzling, addictive mafia romance packed with tension, angst, and forbidden love - perfect for fans of slow-burn chemistry and high-stakes drama, as long as you vibe with the tropes.
'The Sweetest Oblivion' by Danielle Lori delves into a gripping tale of forbidden love and complex relationships within the world of mobsters and Made Men. The story follows Elena and Nico, who come from the same dangerous world but are drawn together by an irresistible and unreliable attraction, leading them to push boundaries and cross lines. As they navigate through twists and turns, including Nico being engaged to Elena's sister, the readers are taken on a gut-wrenching and teeth-clenching journey filled with suspense, tension, and passion. The writing style is described as enthralling, with perfect execution of slow-burn romance and explosive payoffs, making it a captivating read that keeps readers hooked until the end.
MY HOME WAS PICTURESQUE. A red front door with a golden knocker. Black and white checkered flooring. A wooden staircase with a lacquer shine and a sparkling chandelier. However, I’d always wondered, I...June 2018•385 pages - #6
Juicy, steamy, and addictive - Sinners Anonymous is a must for mafia romance fans, but be sure to check the trigger warnings and prepare for a slow burn with plenty of dark twists.
'Sinners Anonymous' by Somme Sketcher is a dark romance novel that revolves around the tension-filled relationship between the main characters, Angelo and Rory. The plot is described as a slow burn, filled with forbidden love and enemies-to-lovers elements. The author's writing style is praised for its ability to build characters and tension effectively, creating a world that captivates readers from the very beginning. The book is set in the world of Devil's Dip, where mafia dynamics and dark secrets add layers of intrigue to the story.
Readers are drawn into the fiery chemistry between Angelo and Rory, as their interactions are likened to a fire that cannot be extinguished. The book is commended for its slow-burn romance, intense sexual tension, and the way it keeps readers engaged without relying solely on explicit scenes. Overall, 'Sinners Anonymous' is lauded for its well-developed characters, captivating plot, and the perfect balance of darkness and goodness portrayed in the character of Angelo.
December 2021•346 pages - #7
Vow of Deception is a wild, addictive ride packed with darkness, drama, and emotional chaos - perfect for readers who crave morally ambiguous characters and psychological suspense, but not for the faint of heart.
In "Vow of Deception," readers are immersed in a dark and suspenseful tale revolving around the complex relationship between Adrian Volkov and Winter, who may or may not be the missing Lia. The story delves into the mysterious disappearance of Lia, Adrian's wife, and the subsequent introduction of Winter as a doppelganger. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Bratva, the narrative weaves a web of secrets, twists, and psychological depth that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as engaging, with a palpable sense of foreboding energy that creates a dark and dangerous atmosphere, drawing readers deeper into the intricate plot.
My attention remains on the deep crimson covering my hands like a second skin. It’s thick, sticky, and its dark color burns in my head. I rub my palms together to wipe it off, but that doesn’t make it...March 2021•298 pages - #8
A binge-worthy, tropey but heartfelt mafia romance with great banter, wheelchair rep, and a heroine full of personality. Not super dark, but super fun to read!
'Painted Scars' by Neva Altaj follows the story of Roman, the Pakhan of the Russian mafia, who finds himself in a wheelchair after an assassination attempt. In order to maintain his power and authority, he arranges a marriage with Nina, a strong and fierce woman whose father owes Roman money. What starts as a business arrangement quickly develops into a deeper connection between Roman and Nina, filled with humor, banter, and unexpected affection. explores themes of arranged marriage, loyalty, disability, and the complexities of relationships within the mafia world, all delivered in a fast-paced and engaging writing style.
Readers praise the book for its well-handled portrayal of disabilities, specifically Roman's leg disability, and the respectful treatment of the characters. The banter and humor between the lead characters, Nina and Roman, are highlighted as one of the strengths of the book, along with the strong character development of Nina, who is portrayed as a witty and independent woman. The light-hearted moments, the unique storyline of an arranged mafia marriage, and the balance between romance and mafia elements are also positively noted by readers.
2022•240 pages - #9
A hot, witty, and heartfelt mafia romance that balances dark themes with laugh-out-loud banter. Perfect for lovers of gruff antiheroes and quirky heroines; not so much if you want your mafia books straight-up ruthless and grim.
'Savage Hearts' in the series 'Queens & Monsters' by author J.T. Geissinger follows the story of Riley, a woman who gets caught up in the dangerous world of the Bratva when she reconnects with her sister Sloane, who is dating a mafia boss. Riley finds herself entangled with Malek, a cold and ruthless assassin seeking revenge. Despite their initial differences, Riley and Malek are drawn to each other, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. is described as a fast-paced, witty, and intense mafia romance with a strong focus on character development and intricate plot twists.
Answering machines and land lines are old-school, I know, but I don’t own a cell phone. I hate the idea of my every movement being trackable. And that Siri thing is just straight-up creepy, if you ask...November 2021•396 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Queens & Monsters ) - #10
A fast-paced, over-the-top mafia romance that's addictive for the right reader. If you enjoy dark, obsessive heroes and don't mind some wild plot moments, give Nero a try - but check those trigger warnings first!
'Nero' in the series 'Alliance' by S.J. Tilly follows the dark and addictive mafia romance between Nero, a lethal anti-hero, and Payton, a barista who inadvertently becomes entangled in his world. Their unconventional first meeting sets the stage for a story filled with obsession, danger, and unexpected romance. The writing style is captivating, with readers praising the unique and engaging plot that explores the dynamics between light and dark, innocence and darkness, in a mafia setting. The characters of Nero and Payton undergo transformation as they navigate through a world of crime and passion, making this book a compelling read.
March 2023•370 pages











