Eighteen years old, a Bratva princess, and Lev Melnikov's daughter. That should be enough to keep me away, but the second I see Natalya all grown up, I know she's mine. I try to fight what I feel for her, but my principessa is determined to bring me to my knees, and she's willing to do whatever it takes to get me there.

Semyon Kopolov. Gorgeous and formidable. My childhood crush and brother’s best friend. They call him the Ice King—cold, ruthless, unforgiving. He’s the reason my mother’s dead. Now he’s my husband. Once he was my protector. The boy who carried me when I fell and swore to shield me from monsters. Until he became one.

You want to know the secret to everlasting happiness? Never fall in love. That was the wisdom my father imparted to us James boys after our mom died, and it’s a piece of advice that’s served me well. Until dear old Dad asks me for a favor over Sunday brunch. No big deal, right? I love making my old man happy. Except this “favor” is a lot more complicated than picking up his dry cleaning. Dad wants me to marry and provide a few heirs for the James empire, and he’s even done me the courtesy of handpicking my bride-to-be. Lucky me.

From the moment my twin sister set her eyes on Matteo, she decided he was the one. We were just kids, but that didn’t matter to her. In her heart, she believed they were destined to be together. So when their arranged engagement was announced, no one was surprised. At least, that’s what I thought. But lately, something had felt off. Wherever I went, Matteo was there. Lurking in the dark, concealed in the shadows, always watching.

I wake up chained to the bed of a stranger. He says I’m his wife. I have nothing—no money. No friends. No escape. He’s everything I never imagined: ruthless, calculating, feared. A beautiful monster with a face like a god’s, cold and untouchable. A mafia kingpin whose wealth could buy empires and whose power makes the world tremble. My captor. My husband.

Roman Melnikov is a deadly man in an expensive suit. I know what lies beneath the façade—the scars and tattoos that hint at the man he really is. He came here to find his sister, and his search led him to my dad and his friends. We both want to take them down, and the only way to do that is together. I had no idea how dangerous it would be, or that by the end of it, we'd all be covered in blood. Loving Roman is dangerous, but I can't let him go. His path is leading him straight to hell, and it looks like I'm coming along for the ride.

Capo to the Luciano Famiglia was my birthright. The cruelty needed to succeed in this life has been beaten into me since I was a young boy. My father, Vincent Luciano, taught by example and with the slap of his hand. My independent streak took me down paths my father would never have gone. With our enemies gaining strength, it is my idea to attempt an alliance with an unlikely bedfellow. The Roríguez Cartel and the Luciano Famiglia are improbable partners, yet even Vincent Luciano can’t deny the possible benefits. The only way to solidify the deal is for me to marry Catalina Ruiz.

I thought I was late for my cousin’s wedding, but the wedding turned out to be for me... If I’d known the sexy arrogant guy in the elevator was my future husband, I probably would have turned and ran. My own father sold me out, promising my hand in marriage to Alexei Koslov, a sexy, arrogant bratva boss. The last thing I want to do is get married, but nobody says no to the Koslov bratva.

Years ago, I fell in love with an angel. Only problem: her brother was in a rival MC. My prez gave me an ultimatum: her or my club. Fool that I was, I chose the club. Years later, I run into her when she moves back to town. She still hurts from the way I treated her back then. But this time, I'm not giving her up. Her brother's club and mine are still bitter enemies. And claiming Kat threatens to throw us into full-on war. But none of that matters. I'm going to win her back. This time, Kat is mine. No matter the cost.

Powerful and merciless. Cunning and cruel. A monster wrapped in luxury and wealth. Mikhail Romanov is my opposite in every way… and my new husband.

Kane Romano is the most handsome, powerful man I’ve ever met. He’s also the man holding me captive. My asshole of a step-dad found himself on the wrong side of the mafia, and then offered me up in exchange for his life. How does he have the right? I’m 18 years old, and my step-dad doesn’t own me. The problem is, Kane Romano agrees. Everyone knows you don't fight with a Romano, unless you want to end up in an unmarked grave. I should be scared, but every time I look into those dark eyes, I feel safe and protected.

Marrying her was my duty. Falling for her was my undoing. It was my idea to kidnap the daughter of my father’s rival. In my defense, I never expected that marrying her would be a part of the plan.

It's not a regular party, but instead, my wedding. To Angelo Rizzo. A coldhearted man who's feared by all. Including me. Turns out my stepbrother owes the Cosa Nostra money, and I'm being used to repay his debt to Angelo Rizzo. Do I have a choice? No. Not when it comes to matters concerning the Cosa Nostra. Three hours later, I have a new shiny wedding ring on my finger and a husband I'm terrified of standing by my side. Yep, my life just took a turn for the worse.

When trouble lands her at my feet, I take the opportunity to have what I truly want. I offer her a deal. I’ll help her, but the cost will be one night in my bed. One night of submission.

Eriu Quinn is off-limits. Too young. Too innocent. And far too forbidden. Her father is the head of the Irish Mob. And I'm just her bodyguard tasked to keep her safe. She's my job, but she's also a maddening temptation. One I need to stay away from. But I underestimate that feisty little spitfire. She creeps under my skin. Pushes all of my buttons. Until I unravel...

Eighteen years old, a Bratva princess, and Lev Melnikov's daughter. That should be enough to keep me away, but the second I see Natalya all grown up, I know she's mine. I try to fight what I feel for her, but my principessa is determined to bring me to my knees, and she's willing to do whatever it takes to get me there.

Roman Melnikov is a deadly man in an expensive suit. I know what lies beneath the façade—the scars and tattoos that hint at the man he really is. He came here to find his sister, and his search led him to my dad and his friends. We both want to take them down, and the only way to do that is together. I had no idea how dangerous it would be, or that by the end of it, we'd all be covered in blood. Loving Roman is dangerous, but I can't let him go. His path is leading him straight to hell, and it looks like I'm coming along for the ride.

Semyon Kopolov. Gorgeous and formidable. My childhood crush and brother’s best friend. They call him the Ice King—cold, ruthless, unforgiving. He’s the reason my mother’s dead. Now he’s my husband. Once he was my protector. The boy who carried me when I fell and swore to shield me from monsters. Until he became one.

The Ivanov family exudes wealth and power, so when its founder shows up on the surgical roster of a third-year resident, even with me not laying eyes on her previously, I’m thrust under their spotlight. Her son’s, to be precise. Maksim Ivanov is a walking red flag. He oozes confidence, and appears to have never been told no, but despite our differences, sparks ignite the moment we trade sultry glances. The tension is white hot. I’ve never experienced such an immediate mutual connection. But as quickly as his mother was placed under my care, she is removed.

You know the story where the hero comes in and saves the day, rescuing the heroine right in the nick of time? This isn't that story. Instead of a knight in shining armor, he's a sexy, tatted-up Bratva boss with a reputation for being brutal and fierce. Vasily finds me after I've already been brought to my lowest—broken by cruel men until I barely recognize myself. He doesn't offer me salvation. He offers me protection and revenge. And I gladly take it. Because I don't need a knight in shining armor. I need a villain who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty.

A Bratva Boss forced me into a marriage I never wanted, for a reason that I refuse to believe. There's no reason for him to even look at an ordinary girl like me. Let alone marry one. By day, Nikolai Starukhin is an art collector with an eye for beauty. By night, he's a ruthless Bratva boss whose hands deal in broken things and pain. Our paths crossed when he saved me from a creep. I thought that was where our story ended. And then I noticed what he left behind: An invitation to his art gallery. I should have said no. I should've thrown it away.

The mafia world is cold and cruel. I live by one rule: cut their throat before they cut yours. It's what keeps me ruthless and on top of my mafia family. When I see something I like, I take it. It's no different with Alessia DeLuca, who's supposed to marry my rival… while I'm marrying her older sister. When Alessia sees something she shouldn't, kidnapping her is the only logical answer… Taking her cherry sure isn't.

Royce Blackstone has one rule: Never get personally involved with his clients. As the owner of Harper Security Ops, Royce is well aware of everything and everyone inside his building. When he’s about to go in after the biggest lead on latest case that’s landed on his desk, Royce didn’t expect he’d have to abort the mission early. It might have seemed like Tarryn Hendrix was simply looking to learn some new skills, but dedicating two years of her life to training her mind and body is all part of Tarryn’s plan.

As a bodyguard, I have one rule: don't get attached. Yet Daisy's got me hooked. When I'm asked to protect her, I can't resist. She's warmth and kindness wrapped up in a curvy package, and I'm willing to cross any line to keep her safe. Almost. No matter how torn I am between duty and desire, there’s only one chance I can’t take. For her, I’ll risk anything—except for my heart.

I'm a pawn in a twisted game of revenge. Viper slithered in, all dark eyes and dangerous promises. His touch leaves an impression deeper than his ring on my finger—it's a vow all its own. As I plot for my freedom, Antonio's ruthless allure is coiling around me, stealing my breath away. I feel his fangs thrust inside me and I want to say 'I do' forever. But my loyalty isn't so easily given.

Grumpy bad-boy tattoo artist, Conor Mac Haol, doesn't trust anyone. Least of all the new girl apprenticing at his beloved Dublin Ink. She is way too pretty and way, way too young. Coming from a broken home, Aurnia has had to grow up faster than most girls. She doesn't need anyone telling her what to do. Least of all Conor, her new (very hot, very muscled, very tattooed, and very, very rude) boss who obviously hates her. But Aurnia's troubles remind Conor too much of his dark past. He becomes obsessed with keeping her safe. Keeping her protected.

She was a shy little virgin, looking to rebel. I was a bad accident waiting to happen. I’m the bad boy your parents warn you about. I’ve been to prison, killed for someone I love, and now I’m suffering through college. Then I see her…sweet, so naïve it hurts, and of course beautiful. She’s scared of me the moment we lock eyes, but beneath that fear is curiosity. From that moment on I’m consumed with a need to make her mine, to claim her...but when my past collides with my future, will I risk the chance of going back to prison to protect yet another person I love?

Kane Romano is the most handsome, powerful man I’ve ever met. He’s also the man holding me captive. My asshole of a step-dad found himself on the wrong side of the mafia, and then offered me up in exchange for his life. How does he have the right? I’m 18 years old, and my step-dad doesn’t own me. The problem is, Kane Romano agrees. Everyone knows you don't fight with a Romano, unless you want to end up in an unmarked grave. I should be scared, but every time I look into those dark eyes, I feel safe and protected.

Amazon Top 25 and International Bestselling Author Kathy Lockheart delivers an unputdownable romance series where desire and danger collide. Two standalones, interconnected by a deliciously dark thread of romance, action, mystery, and shocking twists… Included in the collection: Deadly Illusion (Book One) and Fatal Cure (Book Two)

Arsen Isakov is the rich A-hole trying to buy out my family's dance studio after my father's death. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind and tell him that we'd never sell. But the moment he sat down across the table from me, I realized I'd seen him before. Last night, in fact. When he killed a man in cold blood. He says he's prepared to discuss the sale with me over drinks. The place he picks? The same place where I saw him kill someone.