The best books that have bad guys who will steal your heart

Why am I passionate about this?

As a lover of all things love and being a published author who has read and watched countless romance books and movies, I wanted to recommend bad/gray characters who have stolen my heart because it’s not easy writing a bad guy who deserves your undying love. Most think a bad guy should redeem himself. I believe some should but I also believed some should remain as they are, bad and proud. If I can write a dark character who can steal your heart, then I’ve won a fan for life. Even through bad guys, we can learn life lessons. So, embrace the dark souls in my recs and the ones I’ve written. 


I wrote...

Heaven on Hell Island

By Shea Swain,

Book cover of Heaven on Hell Island

What is my book about?

If Bleu relied on her first impression of Chris, she might have let him drown. But something about him draws her in. Was it something she saw on his calm face as the plane they were on fell from the sky? Now stranded on a mysterious deserted island, Bleu must not only contend with the elements, she must depend on a survivalist who is a hate-filled extremist. 

Chris can’t keep his eyes off of the woman even though he was taught her kind is beneath him. Yet, Bleu saved his life. That means doing his damnedest to keep her alive. Only, Chris can’t deny how alluring Bleu is. He wants her to see him. Not the man he no longer wants to be.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Lothaire

Shea Swain Why did I love this book?

Lothaire features a Vampire on the brink of madness with revenge in mind. He is known as the Lothaire the Enemy of Old because he’s been around for hundreds of years. He was tortured and has done bad things to get what he wants and that is the throne. Who doesn’t love a revenge story? I love them but ones with a love interest he must kill to gain his goal when he is deeply attracted to her, is rough. I love a bad guy, especially one who really has little care for redemption, and that is Lothaire.

By Kresley Cole,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lothaire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the humblest of beginnings a millennia ago, Lothaire the Enemy of Old rose to power, becoming the most feared and evil vampire in the immortal world. Driven by his past, he will not rest until he captures the vampire Horde's crown for himself. The discovery of his Bride, the female meant only for him, threatens to derail his plot.

Elizabeth Peirce is a mere mortal, a glaring vulnerability for a male with so many deadly foes bent on annihilating anything he desires. Yet soon he discovers his Bride's secret. A magnificent power dwells inside the fragile human, one that…


Book cover of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Shea Swain Why did I love this book?

The Harry Potter series is so good but this particular installment gave you the backstory of one of my favorite characters. Harry is a great character and so are most of the cast but one always stands out. The half-blood prince is a layered character who, by the end of the series, you will realize deserved your love more than anyone else. Who doesn’t love a character who will sacrifice it all, even their whole being for love.

By J.K. Rowling,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

New, repackaged audio editions of the classic and internationally bestselling, multi-award-winning series, read by Stephen Fry containing 17 CDs with a total running time of 20 hours and 45 minutes. With irresistible new jackets by Jonny Duddle to bring Harry Potter to the next generation of readers.

When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shrivelled, but he does not reveal why. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and Hogwarts itself is not safe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: there is a…


Book cover of Lover Awakened

Shea Swain Why did I love this book?

For the brotherhood, the angriest, scariest, and one of wicked deeds title belongs to Zsadist and he has no regrets. He is the brother who the brothers are weary of. And with good reason. He lives in breathes in his own private hell of his past that haunts him. And what can bring him out…yup, you’ve guessed it, love. And when he meets Bella, his heart softens but only for her. Bad until the end…

By J. R. Ward,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Lover Awakened as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion…


Book cover of Stranger With My Face

Shea Swain Why did I love this book?

Laurie is your typical sixteen-year-old who is enjoying life until she is tempted by the fantastical experience she never imagined. A fun, otherworldly experience that she is inexplicably drawn into by someone she feels she can trust but this person isn’t as good and helpful as she seems and it is that person who wants to ruin Laurie. And I was there for it all with my shock and sympathy for that person…oh yeah, and Laurie.

By Lois Duncan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stranger With My Face as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Laurie Stratton finally has everything a sixteen-year-old could ever want. But just as her perfect summer comes to a close, things start to unravel when her boyfriend insists he saw her out with another guy-when Laurie was really home sick! More mysterious sightings convince Laurie someone very real is out there, watching her. . . .

The truth reveals a long-lost sister who has spent the years growing bitter and dangerous. She has learned how to haunt Laurie, but the visits soon become perilous. She wants something from Laurie-her life!


Book cover of Charade

Shea Swain Why did I love this book?

Colt is more of a guy in a bad situation. Nevertheless, he isn’t so nice and when he takes a job of being Cheyenne’s fake boyfriend for pay, you wonder how he will steal your heart. The more you get to know him, the more you become his biggest fan. Even when he’s messy, you can’t help but yell at the book, asking him when is he gonna wake up and learn because he already has you sucked into his web of love.

By Nyrae Dawn,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Charade as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens that picture of perfection.

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it's what he wants too.

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both.…


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By S.M. Stevens,

Book cover of The Wallace House of Pain: A Novelette

S.M. Stevens Author Of The Wallace House of Pain: A Novelette

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Why am I passionate about this?

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What is my book about?

Activist Xander Wallace and his straitlaced father do not have an easy relationship. Jim’s views on race, immigration, gender, sexuality, and even Millennials alienate his son no matter how hard Xander tries to find common ground. Toss in Jim’s second marriage ten months after Xander’s mother died, and it’s a volatile cocktail. How, against this backdrop, will Xander ever dare to bare his soul and reveal his greatest secret?

Winner of a 2023 American Fiction Award, a First Place prize in the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

The Wallace House of Pain: A Novelette

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