DGR’s Ultimate List of Romantic Suspense

I have been a huge fan of romantic suspense since I first started reading romance. There’s just something so thrilling about a sexy romance with the action of heart pounding suspense. I absolutely love the combination! I’ve binged on so many series in this genre, I have to warn you in advance that this list is going to be HUGE! Because I’ve read so many amazing romantic suspense books that need to be mentioned. Many of these are set in a series, so to avoid having a list that goes on FOREVER, I’ll mention some by series rather than individual book and then tell you what my favorites were within the series. I hope you enjoy!

And if you’re new to my blog,  previous features here:

★ULTIMATE LIST OF MC/BIKERS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF DIRTY TALKERS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF ROCK STARS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF FIGHTERS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF ANTI-HEROES★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF HATE TO LOVE ROMANCE★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF MAFIA ROMANCE★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF ANGSTY ROMANCE★

As always, I’d love to hear from you all in comments if you don’t see one of your favorites listed. You know I love me some book recs 😉

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TEMPTING NAVY SEALs series by Lora Leigh

“My money’s on the lady,” he drawled. “You don’t tame a vixen, you just travel in her wake.”  – Hidden Agendas

Lora Leigh was my first foray into erotic romance. She was also my first intro into the dirty talking über alphas, and I was instantly hooked! Her Romantic Suspense books are deliciously sexy with some horrible baddies and plenty of action. This Tempting SEALs series has a few novellas and full length books (The novellas are Reno’s Chance, Real Men Do It Better anthology features a novella from Leigh in this series, and Atlanta Heat). Dangerous Games, Hidden Agendas, and Killer Secrets are full books. These are all interconnecting standalones, though I highly recommend reading in order for ultimate enjoyment. My favorite two books in the series was Hidden Agendas and  Killer Secrets. Killer Secrets features one kick ass heroine who’s an undercover agent and it just didn’t get more delicious than Ian Richards.

STEAM FACTOR: 10 out of 10

ADD IT ON GOODREADS

RENO’S CHANCE | DANGEROUS GAMES | FOR MAGGIE’S SAKE (Novella in RMDIB) | HIDDEN AGENDAS | KILLER SECRETS | ATLANTA HEAT

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WILD CARD by Lora Leigh

“No” she jerked back, stared up at him.
Her eyes were like thunderclouds. He’d never seen them like that. Shock and fear filled them. Her face was paper white. Her body shuddering.
“Don’t you leave me!” She gripped his shirt and tried to shake him, tears falling from her eyes. “Don’t you leave Noah.”
His head lowered. He touched her lips with his and knew this woman held the best part of him. The memories of the husband he had been, the man he had been. He couldn’t destroy that. He refused to.
He pushed her to Jordan slowly, loath to let her go. To release her. Knowing that releasing her was the only way to save the memories she held.
“Don’t you leave!” She screamed the order, eyes blazing, her lips trembling as tears fell and hysteria threatened to overwhelm her. “If you leave me, Noah Blake, if you don’t come back when this is over, don’t bother coming back at all.
He touched her cheek. Ran his thumb over her lips. “You are the best part of me,” he whispered. “Always remember that, Sabella. The best part of me.”
Before she could grab him, hold him to her, he pulled away, grabbed one of the rifles Mike had set on the table across the room. And left.

Wild Card is the first book in the Elite Ops series, which is a spin-off from the Tempting SEALs series I mentioned earlier. It’s also my all time FAVORITE Lora Leigh book evah! Nathan Malone is a happily married Navy SEAL, who goes on what’s supposed to be a routine mission. But then he’s captured and life as he knows it is done. He’s no longer the man he once was when he’s finally rescued. And his wife thinks he’s dead.

Nathan is forced to take on a new identity, but nothing will keep him away from his wife. She thinks her husband is dead. He knows he is, and in his place is more monster than man. He’s not the man she once knew. But that’s enough about the plot. What you need to know is this book was AWESOME! It had plenty of action, and sex scenes SO HOT, it’ll burn your kindle. Plus I LURVE me a plot like this.

There are 5 books in the series, though Wild Card and Maverick were the only two I really liked. The rest is good, but not my favorite.

STEAM FACTOR: 10 out of 10

ADD IT ON GOODREADS

WILD CARD | MAVERICK | HEAT SEEKER | BLACK JACK | RENEGADE

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The Mccloud Brothers Series by Shannon McKenna

“You use your tits the way a ninja assassin uses nunchuks.”- EXTREME DANGER

If you love über alphas and I mean UBER alphas. The crazy possessive, protective, dirty talking kind. The borderline domineering but still sexy kind. You know what I mean, here, right? Well, if that’s your thing, you need to check this series out. McKenna has some of the most twisty and intriguing suspense with some true baddies. And in case you’re wondering, YES, they’re VERY steamy. While each book is a standalone, there are bad guys that have story arcs that continue through the series. However, if you want to read them out of order, you wouldn’t be lost because the author gives plenty of background. My favorites in the series were Extreme Danger, Ultimate Weapon, Fatal Strike, and In For The Kill.

STEAM FACTOR: 9 out of 10

ADD IT ON GOODREADS

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS | STANDING IN THE SHADOWS | OUT OF CONTROL | EDGE OF MIDNIGHT | EXTREME DANGER | ULTIMATE WEAPON | FADE TO MIDNIGHT | BLOOD AND FIRE | ONE WRONG MOVE | FATAL STRIKE | IN FOR THE KILL

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KGI Series by Maya Banks

“I know this woman.”
“Who the hell is she?”
He stared both his brothers down. “She’s mine.” – NO PLACE TO RUN

If you haven’t met the Kelly family yet, you, my friends, are sorely missing out. The first 6 books in this series were AMAZING. I’m talking heart-pounding deliciousness with some HOT military men and some HOTTER romance. Just check out this description:

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

If that doesn’t scream ‘yum’, I don’t know what does. And in case you’re wondering, yes, what’s inside totally matches these hot as sin covers. Each book may be enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading in order for even better enjoyment!

STEAM FACTOR: 8 out of 10

ADD IT ON GOODREADS

THE DARKEST HOUR | NO PLACE TO RUN | HIDDEN AWAY | WHISPERS IN THE DARK | ECHOES AT DAWN

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THE BULLET CATCHERS Series by Roxanne St Claire

This was one of the first Romantic Suspense series I’d read when I originally got hooked on the genre, so of course it holds a special place in my heart….and my ovaries. What? It’s true *sheepish grin*

I actually own all of this series in paperback (along with the spin-off I’ll mention right after)

If hot bodyguards, high-octane action, kick ass heroines and even better heroes are your thing, well, you need to be adding this series to your TBR. It centers on a company of elite group of bodyguards and security specialist, that’s run by one kick-ass female, Lucy Sharp. (She gets her story in Now You Die)

The series is 8 books, and each book is easily read as a standalone, though some characters are introduced in previous books so you’d definitely enjoy it more reading in order. If you noticed, some of the titles have a theme (Kill Me Twice, Thrill Me To Death, Take Me Tonight) and (First You Run, Then You Hide, Now You Die). The first are still standalones, but they do have a story arc that continues through the books. The second is actually still standalones, but has a murder mystery arc that runs through the three books, so you definitely want to read those in oder.

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD IT ON GOODREADS

KILL ME TWICE | THRILL ME TO DEATH | TAKE ME TONIGHT | FIRST YOU RUN | THEN YOU HIDE | NOW YOU DIE | HUNT HER DOWN | MAKE HER PAY

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THE GUARDIAN ANGELINOS Series by Roxanne St Claire

This romantic suspense trilogy is a spin-off from The Bullet Catchers, and focuses on the Angelino family that launches a security and investigation firm in Boston. Each book focuses on a different couple and is a standalone. However, similar to The Bullet Catchers, it does have a mystery story arc that continues throughout the trilogy, so they’re best enjoyed in order.

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

EDGE OF SIGHT | SHIVER OF FEAR | FACE OF DANGER

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DEADLY Series by Cynthia Eden

I’ve loved every book I have ever read by this author (and I’ve read a good share of her backlist), but there’s just something about this sizzling series that has always stayed with me. The books are sexy, addicting, and edge of your seat sort of reads. This is a story trilogy; meaning each book is a standalone, but the story arc runs through each book.

STEAM FACTOR: 7 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

DEADLY FEAR | DEADLY HEAT | DEADLY LIES

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MINE Series by Cynthia Eden

The “Mine” books are dark and sexy romantic suspense novels that focus on the fine line between love and obsession.

Another addicting RS series that I loved from this author is definitely the Mine series. These are all full standalones and have some of the hottest alphas ever. Cynthia writes the best possessive heroes that are always sexy and never domineering and this reader can’t get enough of it! Best news? You can try the series with book 1 for FREE!! Eeep!

STEAM FACTOR: 7 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

MINE TO TAKE | MINE TO KEEP | MINE TO HOLD | MINE TO CRAVE | MINE TO HAVE | MINE TO PROTECT

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LAST CHANCE RESCUE Series by Christy Reece

Series revolves around Last Chance Rescue, Inc., an organization that employs some of the most highly skilled and ruthless mercenaries in the world, with only one goal and purpose. These brave men and women do whatever it takes, no matter the cost, to rescue the innocent. And in the midst of rescuing victims, the heroes and heroines find their true love. The LCR stories include pulse pounding suspense, thrilling, sensual romance and a happy ending.

The above is the description of this addicting series, and it’s spot on. I binged on these books and loved every page and minute of it. You’ll notice some titles have a theme, and that’s because they introduce the characters and continue their stories throughout the books, though each book is a standalone. I highly recommend reading in order: (Rescue Me, Return To Me, Run to Me) then (No Chance, Second Chance, Last Chance) and finally (Sweet Justice, Sweet Revenge, and Sweet Reward) to truly appreciate the characters’ build up.

There’s also a spin-off series called LCR Elite, which I recommend as well.

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

RESCUE ME | RETURN TO ME | RUN TO ME | NO CHANCE | SECOND CHANCE | LAST CHANCE | SWEET JUSTICE | SWEET REVENGE | SWEET REWARD | CHANCES ARE

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THE BODYGUARDS Series by Cindy Gerard

No assignment is too big, too difficult, or too dangerous for E.D.E.N. Inc., a West Palm Beach security firm. But in these novels of romance and suspense, when it comes to their own personal relationships, the forces of E.D.E.N., Inc. soon find themselves in deep water and sinking fast. These bodyguards will not only guard your body: they’ll steal your heart and fulfill your deepest desires.

Cindy Gerard was THE author that got me hooked on military heroes and Romantic Suspense. She’s one of my favorites and her Bodyguards series is what ultimately introduced me to her writing. After binging on these books, I then went on to binge and fall even more in love with her Black Ops series (a series that follows The Bodyguards that I’ll talk about below).

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

TO THE EDGE | TO THE LIMIT | TO THE BRINK | OVER THE LINE | UNDER THE WIRE | INTO THE DARK

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BLACK OPS Series by Cindy Gerard

Black Ops, Inc. is a covert paramilitary team that “unofficially” works for the U.S. government, taking on missions that are too hot for the sanctioned government agencies to handle.

This series was AMAZING! Ah-mazing, you guys! It just doesn’t get any better than these special ops military men. The action was non stop and the romance was SCORCHING! I loved every book in this series! Though I have to admit, when I’m looking for a re-read, I do have a tendency to lean towards Whisper No Lies. There’s just something about Johnny Duane Reed that DOES it for me 🙂

I also highly recommend her One-Eyed Jacks series that follows the Black Ops.

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

SHOW NO MERCY | TAKE NO PRISONERS | WHISPER NO LIES | FEEL THE HEAT | RISK NO SECRETS | WITH NO REMORSE | LAST MAN STANDING

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PASSION FOR DANGER Series by Nina Bruhns

This yummy trilogy was what first introduced me to Nina Bruhns. While each book is a different couple, the story arc of the bad guy isn’t resolved until the third book, so you definitely need to read these in order.

STEAM FACTOR: 7 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

SHOOT TO THRILL | IF LOOKS COULD CHILL | A KISS TO KILL

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SHADOW FORCE Series by Stephanie Tyler

If you like special ops military romance, this series is definitely worth checking out. Each book is a standalone, though characters are introduced early in the series and there’s also secondary romance story arcs that continue through the series.

STEAM FACTOR: 7 out of 10

ADD TO GOODREADS

LIE WITH ME | PROMISES IN THE DARK | IN THE AIR TONIGHT | NIGHT MOVES | LONELY IS THE NIGHT

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MEN WHO WALK THE EDGE OF HONOR Series by Lori Foster

If you’ve never read romantic suspense and looking for a great transitional series, you can’t go wrong with these steamy contemporaries. There’s plenty of action to keep you gripping your kindle while swooning over the romance!

Another fantastic contemporary/romantic suspense from Lori Foster that I highly recommend is her Love Undercover series.

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD TO GOODREADS

WHEN YOU DARE | TRACE OF FEVER | SAVOR THE DANGER | A PERFECT STORM | WHAT CHRIS WANTS

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SIN BROTHERS Series by Rebecca Zanetti

There was a demand in the way he touched her, in the way he kissed. One she should run the hell away from, if she had any sense of self-preservation. The sexy soldier wanted everything she had to give, and she knew better. – TOTAL SURRENDER

Genetically engineered soldiers on the run from the evil black ops military unit that are responsible for their unique power? Um, yes please! And in their quest to bring down the corrupt unit they also find love. In a word? AWESOME!

You also don’t want to miss the spin-off series, Blood Brothers.

STEAM FACTOR: 7 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

FORGOTTEN SINS | SWEET REVENGE | BLIND FAITH | TOTAL SURRENDER

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BURYING WATER Series by KA Tucker

“He said the truth is like that water: it doesn’t matter how hard you try to bury it; it’ll always find some way back to the surface. It’s resilient.”- BURYING WATER

This series was deliciously suspenseful. If you’re a fan of this author and like New Adult Suspense, you definitely want to check this one out!

STEAM FACTOR: 4 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

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THE EVAN ARDEN Series by Shay Savage

“What the hell are you doing?” she cries.
“I’m going to tear your clothes off and fuck you so hard you won’t walk right for a week,” I respond. “You want me to stop?”- OTHERWISE ALONE

I read these books when I thought they were a trilogy, since there is a satisfying ending at the end of book 3. However, the author has since added another 2 books. I can’t speak for those two, since I haven’t read them. But the first three books in this series were seriously awesome; sexy and with a sinfully hot anti-hero. If you want to read the first three, it easily reads as a complete story.

STEAM FACTOR: 8 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

OTHERWISE ALONE | OTHERWISE OCCUPIED | OTHERWISE UNHARMED

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FLASH POINT by Brooke Blain

“It was the first rule in the handbook: “Thou shalt not have fucking relations with a client, current or former.”

If you’re looking to dip your toes in the genre, but don’t want to commit with a series, here’s a fantastic standalone! Best part? The hero is a total Jason Statham lookalike (or at least he was in my head LOL). Either way, I loved this steamy romantic suspense standalone from the fabulous Brooke Blaine!

He swore to protect her body, but he never promised to protect her heart.”

 

 

STEAM FACTOR: 6 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

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DGR FAVORITES

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I’ve highly enjoyed all of the series mentioned above, but the ones I’m about to list are my TOP favorites. They’re my go-to recommendations and I figure it’s only right to give them a special place on this list!

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I-TEAM Series by Pamela Clare

“It’s not so much where I want you,Sophie, as it is how. Nothing tastes quite like a woman, and no woman tastes like you.” – UNLAWFUL CONTACT

This series! This series is EVERYTHING! The series follows a close-knit team of investigative journalists (mostly women), whose reporting takes them into some dangerous places, and the alpha heroes that they meet along the way. What I love most about this series are the fierce heroines that Clare writes. These are not women that are shy to take matters into their own hands. And while the men will protect them, they also hold their own. Each book is easily enjoyed as a standalone but I highly recommend the entire series because it’s AMAZING! Though I have to admit, that UNLAWFUL CONTACT is my go-to re-read in this series. Once you meet Hunt, you’ll see exactly why.

STEAM FACTOR: 8 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

EXTREME EXPOSURE | HARD EVIDENCE | UNLAWFUL CONTACT | NAKED EDGE | BREAKING POINT | STRIKING DISTANCE | SOUL DEEP | SEDUCTION GAME | DEAD BY MIDNIGHT | DEADLY INTENT

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KILLER INSTINCT Series by Elle Kennedy 

His eyes narrowed as he advanced on her. Like a predator. Because he was a predator. A ruthless soldier, lethal and impassive, and yet right now, she didn’t mind being the prey. If she were being honest, she preferred it. – MIDNIGHT REVENGE

I’ve had a long love affair with all things Elle Kennedy. And while I can’t get enough of her contemporary romance, this sizzling hot romantic suspense series is still one of my favorites of hers. It’s a series that I wish more people knew about it, because it’s absolutely addicting in a way that only Kennedy can write. It’s steamy, heart-pounding, edge of your seat sort of reads that you devour in one sleepless sitting. SO. GOOD. The final book in the series is still one of my all time faves and one of the best series conclusions I’ve ever read.

STEAM FACTOR: 8 out 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

MIDNIGHT RESCUE | MIDNIGHT ALIAS | MIDNIGHT GAMES | MIDNIGHT PURSUITS | MIDNIGHT ACTION | MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE | MIDNIGHT REVENGE | MIDNIGHT TARGET

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HOSTILE OPERATIONS TEAM Series by Lynn Raye Harris

She was an itch beneath his skin. A mosquito buzzing in his ear. A compulsion that threatened to tip across the line into addiction. – HOT VALOR

If you like hot military romance that’s equally steamy as it is a non-stop thrill ride of action and suspense, this series is an absolute no-brainer. I was an insta-fan of Harris from the moment I read her first HOT book and I’ve been a goner since. And if possible, the book just keep getting better and hotter with each new installment! If you haven’t read this series yet, welcome to your new addiction, because these books are bingeworthy!

There’s also a seriously yummy spin-off with some hot SEALs (see what I did there?) You definitely want to check out her HOT SEAL TEAM series too!

STEAM FACTOR: 8 out of 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

HOT PURSUIT | HOT MESS | HOT PACKAGE | DANGEROUSLY HOT | HOT SHOT | HOT REBEL | HOT ICE | HOT & BOTHERED | HOT PROTECTOR | HOT ADDICTION | HOT VALOR | HOT ANGEL

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BENEATH Series by Meghan March

…she didn’t have to like me to fuck me; she just had to want me more than she hated me.- BENEATH THESE SCARS

Meghan March became an auto-click author for me the second I discovered her Beneath series. There was only 3 books in the series then, and I may have resembled a rabid squirrel, foaming at the mouth and vibrating in my wait for each new installment. If you’ve never read romantic suspense, this is a great series to start with as it’s mostly contemporary elements with just the right amount of action and suspense to add to the exhilarating buzz. You can still grab the first book in this awesome series for FREE!!

STEAM FACTOR: 8 out 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

BENEATH THIS MASK | BENEATH THIS INK | BENEATH THESE CHAINS | BENEATH THESE SCARS | BENEATH THESE LIES | BENEATH THESE SHADOWS | BENEATH THE TRUTH

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MASTERS & MERCENERIES Series by Lexi Blake

“I want that connection. I want to feel you, and not only in a physical way. This isn’t playing. Playing is a silly word for what I want from you.”
“What word would you use?”
“Everything. I want everything.” – LOVE ANOTHER DAY

OH. MY. GOD. This series! GAH! I am obsessed, absolutely obsessed with this series. It’s my crack. Crack, I tells ya! Lexi Blake combines scorching hot BDSM with some espionage and edge of your seat, glued to your kindle, heart-pounding suspense and action. It simply doesn’t get better than this series. IT JUST DOESN’T! I will never tire of it and I hope it never ends. Best part? You can grab the first book in this series for FREE! Even better part? Some of these books got a STUNNING facelift with some gorgeous new covers!

STEAM FACTOR: 9 out 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

THE DOM WHO LOVED ME | THE MEN WITH THE GOLDEN CUFFS | A DOM IS FOREVER | ON HER MASTER’S SECRET SERVICE | LOVE AND LET DIE | DUNGEON ROYALE | A VIEW TO THRILL | YOU ONLY LOVE TWICE | MASTER NO | FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE | DOMINANCE NEVER DIES | SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH | FOR HIS EYES ONLY | LOVE ANOTHER DAY | NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

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DIRTY TIES by Pam Godwin

The strongest love begins from a place of conflict. It’s a volatile journey of committing and fighting and recommitting, but the effort is resolute and evolves into something so consuming the heart aches just thinking about it.

Now if you follow my blog, you already know my obsession with all things Pam Godwin. She writes THE best dark romance! And her Tangled Lies trilogy freaking broke me, it was SO GOOD! But when someone asks me for a sexy romantic suspense standalone, THIS is the book that I blindly recommend. I loved and I mean LOVED everything about it! If you haven’t read this one yet, it’s an absolute must read!

He wasn’t a man women said no to. The way he carried himself, the way he fought. Built like a warrior, he knew how to manipulate torque and power between his legs.

STEAM FACTOR: 9 OUT OF 10

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

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Welp, that’s it for the list. Loved it? Tell me in comments! Did I miss one of your favorites? Tell me about it in comments! I love to hear from you all, so don’t be shy <3

Till next time, dirty birds!