Book picks similar to
Wingarden by Elsie Lee


romance
gothic
romantic-suspense
vintage-gothic-romance

Bagels & Salsa


Lara Reznik - 2018
    As the Son of Sam and a scorching heat wave plague New York City, Laila Levin, a Jewish sociologist from Long Island, meets Dr. Eduardo Quintana while giving a speech on the epidemic problem of teenage pregnancies. Laila is relationship-shy after a disastrous marriage, and Eduardo has never completely recovered from his high school sweetheart’s desertion. He is finishing up a residency in New York City and plans to open a family practice near his hometown in New Mexico.The unlikely pair share strong family values and an interest in helping prevent teen pregnancy. Their mutual passion is so intense it stuns them both. After a brief courtship, Eduardo persuades Laila to accompany him to his family ranch near Española, New Mexico, a rural area with one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in North America.  Once in New Mexico, Laila is blatantly rejected by Sylvia, Eduardo’s controlling mama. Sylvia desperately wants Eduardo to marry Violet, his high school sweetheart. Violet has just returned to New Mexico after a failed flight attendant career, and a walk on the dark side of Hollywood. Her mama and Sylvia cook up a plan to get rid of Laila and reunite their children. The Quintanas hold a large pig roast and invite a menagerie of tattooed cousins, rodeo stars, and mariachis, where the drop-dead gorgeous Violet makes a grand entrance.In the midst of the pandemonium that results, a shocking family secret is revealed, and Laila and Eduardo’s love for each other is severely tested. Can their relationship survive the fierce clash of cultures, the murderous intentions of a Son of Sam copycat who has stalked Laila from New York City, and their own uncertainties about the upheavals that their union will cause in their lives?

Death in Kenya


M.M. Kaye - 1958
    But she doesn't realize that coming to her aunt's home will introduce her to an unstable region still recovering from the bloody Mau Mau revolt, and to a household thrown into grief by a recent murder. Distinguished by its mystery, romance, and exotic setting, Death in Kenya is as graceful as it is chilling-it is the beloved novel of one of our finest and most accomplished writers.

Rainsong


Phyllis A. Whitney - 1984
    Old fans--and new ones--can dig in with total confidence."THE KIRKUS REVIEWSHollis Sands has never gotten over her husband Ricky's death. She cannot believe he took his own life and wonders if it wasn't really murder. Trying to escape her memories, she seeks peace at Windtop in Cold Spring Harbor. But strange and frightening things keep happening--voices sing the song she wrote for Ricky and guitars play from nowhere. Windtop has become a trap, but Hollis Sands will not leave, until she discovers the truth, no matter how close to death that takes her....

This Side of Midnight (Tildas Islands #4)


Tamsen Schultz - 2021
    But when tourists start dying under suspicious circumstances, she never imagines that the biggest battle she’d have to fight is within her own department. That is, until her friend, Dominic Burel, and the FBI Task Force he’s a part of, prove she’s right to be concerned.As an FBI agent and former PJ with the elite Air Force Pararescue Unit, Dominic Burel has been happy to move through life solely focused on work. But when a family visit leaves him shaken, he realizes his friendship with Anika could, and should, be so much more. Now he has to change her mind about them and he’s not above using his investigative skills to finagle his way into her case—and life—to do it.As Anika and Dominic hunt a killer, they quickly realize they’ve uncovered something much more sinister. The simple murders aren’t so simple and there’s a much grander plan at play. And when they find they aren’t the only ones hunting, it will take everything they have to stay out of the true killer’s crosshairs.If you revel in escaping into a story, this friends-to-lovers romantic suspense will keep you turning the pages.

Cold Fear


Suzanne Brandyn - 2013
    When she regains consciousness, her daughter is missing.As the police widen their futile search, Macy struggles to pick up the pieces of an unimaginable life. Urged to take a break she heads to an isolated cabin with a girlfriend to recuperate so she can continue searching, only to face her worse nightmare - times ten.Trapped by a man she believed dead, he demands she play a game. She runs, he hunts. There is no place to hide...

Women of Power Boxed Set: Chosen for Power / Built for Power / Fashioned for Power / Destined for Power


Kathleen Brooks - 2017
     These women don’t need a billionaire lover. They are the billionaires. Chosen for Power Elle has always depended on family to make her business run strong. She has led her family business to enormous success, but this has left her without much of a private life. Just as Elle thinks she has met the potential man of her dreams, she also discovers an imposter is out to destroy her entire life. Can she trust "Prince Charming" to help her defend everything she holds dear, or will she only leave herself vulnerable at the worst possible time? Drake Charles’s work in the fast-growing mobile technology field made him a wealthy, powerful man. But he quickly sheds the fame and publicity for a more private life, which earns him the label as a man of mystery. Drake adds to that mystery every year when he hosts a masquerade ball for charity. It’s also his best chance to find the one thing he really wants . . . true love. Built for Power Bree has learned to tolerate a lot as one of the few women in an executive position in the construction industry. But when the normal bullying tactics turn aggressive and threaten her project in Atlanta, Bree decides to go on the offensive. Convinced an architect is out to destroy her project, Bree decides it's time to give Logan Ward a piece of her mind. Despite being thousands of miles away in London, successful architect Logan Ward finds himself on the receiving end of "B. Simpson's" angry messages from across the pond. Deciding to handle B. Simpson’s demands himself, Logan heads to Atlanta only to discover things are not what they seem, starting with the sexy woman he rescues after an accident on the job site. Fashioned for Power Allegra Simpson is the Vice President of Simpson Fashion and she's always handled life like her mother taught her—with manners and a smile. But Allegra learns being nice can get you in trouble as someone haunts her from the shadows and turns her life to one of secrets. She fears she’ll never be able to have a relationship with Finn, because it would put everyone she loves in danger. Finn Williams had a promising professional baseball career until an injury disrupted everything. But Finn wouldn't let that stop him. He went to law school and started his own sports agency. The only thing missing was Allegra’s love. The chemistry between the two had been undeniable. But Finn knew there was something that Allegra is holding back from him. He just has to get her to trust him enough to tell him. The man in the shadows is watching. He’s always watching. He knows Allegra’s every move. He’s been in her house, laid in her bed, and has plans to make her love him. She rejected him, but they are destined for each other. Soon she’ll come to see they are meant to be. Because if he can’t have her, then no one can. Destined for Power When Mallory Westin’s family’s quest for more power caused her a broken heart, she turned her back on the only life she ever knew. Now a successful owner of a security firm, she’s determined to forge her own path. But sometimes one’s past isn’t so easy to leave behind. Mallory has to take control as an assassination plot snares her father and the man she loves. Reid Simpson had loved Mallory since they were teenagers. Then one night changed everything as she suddenly broke his heart. For years, he escaped the pain as he built a resort and casino empire. He pushed her from his mind, if not his heart.

House of Scorpio


Pat Wallace - 1975
    The fate of six sisters lies in the House of Scorpio, where they are brought together by forces beyond their control--written in the stars and over the human heart.Haven of Horror! Haven of Love! SCORPIO!The Sisters:ARA--the brilliant and regal tutor to the household of the handsome actor Solis finds she must act a part in a dangerous play where lives and love are at stake.VENA--the beautiful governess fights the demon warlock Chrion for the love and reputation of the dashing horseman, Ramo.CLAIRE--the dark and comely nurse's love for a famous architect leads her to a wild Saturnalia of unbridled lust and danger.CELENE--the stunning housekeeper is led into a perilous trap with the brilliant doctor Draco, where her wits and passion are her only weapons.MENI--the delicate artist tangles in a web of intrigue and suspense where the masterful ambassador Rigo and the arrogant secretary Miyan play a dangerous game for her life.CYBELE--the love Virgo is trapped in a mesh of deadly poison where everyone is a suspect--including the man she loves.

Dear Santa: A Christmas Wish (The Holiday Series Book 3)


Mimi BarbourStephanie Queen - 2020
    Her wish comes true when she finds Mr. Right injured and stranded, but will they survive the dangerous storm?Rebecca York – Christmas Miracle 1935: Can he trust her enough to help free her father from jail?Patricia Rosemoor – Marrying Molly: Dear Santa, Please let me meet a McKenna man who will help me end Sheelin O’Keefe’s horrible curse on both our families. Molly KavanaughSusanne Matthews – What Dottie Wants: All Ronnie wants is to give Dottie a great Christmas, but not being able to find the doll she wants may make that impossible.Traci Hall – Christmas Kiss: Can a teenage crush become forever love?Angela Stevens – Dear Sinterklaas: Dan had his heart stolen by a girl on summer vacation, now it’s Christmas time, and with a little bit of magic from Sinterklaas, he hopes to make his Christmas wish come true.Melinda Colt – Saving Maddie: The only reason demons exist is because angels do, too.Stacy Eaton – Finding Love with Dear Santa: All Faith wants is to get her life back on track.Stephanie Queen – He Has Santa: A second chance hockey romance.Josie Riviera – A Chocolate Box Christmas Wish: He’s been all over the world. She’s a home-town girl. Can a holiday wish bridge the gap?Mona Risk – Dalia's Christmas Wish: Will the doctor make the right decision between an angry fiancée and a medical emergency?Rachelle Ayala – Toy Soldier Christmas: Can a toy soldier make her wish come true?Dani Haviland – A Plate of Christmas Cookies: Is it too much to ask for a second miracle?Taylor Lee – Please Christmas: Be Done: When his 7 year old son ran away looking for Santa... and all his teenage daughter wants for Christmas is for it to be done....the district attorney concedes not only did he lose his wife to cancer, but he was in danger of losing his children.Susan Jean Ricci – Cruising for Mr. Right: Can a widow discover second chance romance aboard a Christmas cruise and make the right choice between two adoring men?Alyssa Bailey – Christmas Wishes and You: Beth’s Christmas Wish of a Second Chance at Love could happen if only she would be willing to risk her heart... again.Nancy Radke – Zsuzsa’s Christmas Wish: She asks Santa for a strong man to help corral a mule that won’t stay home, and is given a rancher who plans to corral her.Carmen DeSousa – Chicago Hope: Aspiring journalist Maura Hall dreams of changing the world, but she'll settle for Chicago.

Dangerous Lies: Sawyer and Amethyst (An Emerald Falls Romance, Book Two): Clean and wholesome small town romance


Christine Kersey - 2016
    Then a handsome stranger moves in next door. Wanting him to feel welcome in Emerald Falls, she attempts to befriend him. But when he is less than friendly, she becomes more determined to get to know him.Sawyer Cooke is in hiding. Wanting to remain as anonymous as possible, when his gorgeous red-headed neighbor stops by with a plate of cookies and a welcoming smile, it takes all of his will-power to turn her away. When she doesn't give up, he finds he enjoys her company much more than is safe. To keep his secret from being discovered--and to keep his enemies from finding him--he's forced to lie to Amethyst about all aspects of his life.Will a relationship built on lies destroy them both, or keep them safe from those who would do them harm?

Mississippi Blues


D'Ann Lindun - 2013
    Although Trey wanted to believe in his friend’s innocence, he was forced to testify in court, and Jace was sent to prison for life. Trey returns determined to prove he was right. Even if it means losing the woman he still loves. Summer Hill cannot forgive Trey, or his father, the chief of police, for the wrongs she feels they did to her family. When her brother escapes from Angola, Summer vows to keep her brother safe, no matter the cost. Falling back in love with Trey again isn’t an option.Now, five years later, the past begins to unravel. Reluctantly thrown together, Summer and Trey follow a twisted path that lead them to the truth—Jace didn’t kill anyone and an entire town’s ugly secret is unveiled. But more importantly, can Trey and Summer rediscover the love they lost?

Savages Next Door


Myra Brightholme - 2018
    And it seems like two bad guys live next door to me… Moving into a shady neighborhood was scary to me. I expected the problems, but I didn’t expect the two scary guys living across from me, or the animal need I quickly developed for them. With a crazy ex, a psychopath tracking my sister to kidnap her and her child, and money problems, I don’t have time to think about myself. And yet… I can’t help but become more and more attracted to them. Both of them want me, and I’m stuck in the middle. I can’t choose either of them… should I take both? This is a full-length novel with an HEA. Over 60,000 words of pleasure! 18+ Only. Enjoy!

Mistletoe Malarkey


Stella Bixby - 2021
    They practically live together. Now, Shayla's meeting his family for Christmas.In Ireland. Seamus is a park ranger, shares an apartment with three other guys, and drives a beat up pickup truck. How would Shayla have known he was practically Irish royalty? When they arrive at the airport and are bombarded by camera flashes, Shayla's insecurities move closer and closer to the surface. An old girlfriend, a creepy uncle, and an entire town are on hand for a getting-to-know-you dinner party. Everything is going well until someone ends up dead.The guarda want Shayla to stay out of it. She may be a police officer in the United States, but she has no jurisdiction in Ireland. Too bad, she can't seem to keep from stumbling onto clues everywhere she goes. Cozy up with this fun Christmas mystery this holiday season.

Brett, Billionaire Bodyguard


Alexa Verde - 2019
    They'll risk their lives to protect a woman in danger. But will they risk their hearts? When his stepbrother disappears and his niece and nephew are in danger, billionaire security expert Brett Jarvis doesn't hesitate. His responsibility is keep the twins safe. Even when they come as a package deal with their pretty, faith-filled nanny. Being forced to spend more time with her convinces him he's not the man for her. She's a forever kind of girl, and he can't offer her that.Ashley Lamott won't leave the children she cares for when their lives are threatened. But that means going on the run with their uncle. Surely she can deal with her attraction to the man she's spent the past year avoiding. In her experience, men don't stay around, especially men like Brett. The last thing she wants is to fall for him.But as the danger escalates, she sees beyond Brett's bad-boy reputation to the man he really is. And more, the man he could become, if he'll surrender his painful past to God. Can they not only keep the children and Brett's brother safe, but let faith and love heal their wounded hearts?Book 1 Brett, Billionaire BodyguardBook 2 Colt, Billionaire ReunionBook 3 David, Billionaire CowboyBillionaire Protectors series. Not your ordinary billionaires!

Blackout


Annie Solomon - 2006
    Now, suddenly, she can’t remember the last four weeks of her life, everyone close to her has disappeared, and she’s the prime suspect in a murder. When an intruder attacks, she responds with lightning-quick moves she has no memory of ever learning. Undercover agent Jake Wise has her in his sights and can’t decide if this mysterious woman is an assassin or a pawn. Is he tempted to protect her because she’s innocent or because he’s falling for her? Thrust together, these two loners realize that trusting each other is their only hope of survival. Because the good guys and the bad guys have one thing in common. They all want Margo Scott dead—the sooner, the better.

Out Bad


Janice M. Whiteaker - 2019
     The one you warned your daughters about and crossed the street to avoid. Not anymore.  Seven years ago I left the club, and everyone in it, behind me. Walked away with nothing but the clothes on my back, carrying the burden of the things I'd done. But I won't look back.  Not when the view in front of me looks as good as it does.The minute I saw Gwen I knew she could save me. Take on the demons I can't seem to escape and make them beg for mercy. Only there's more than demons coming for me.  Because my past doesn't want to stay buried. When I left I didn't go quietly. Now it wants me to pay, and to the kind of men I used to know, there's only one thing I have worth taking. The only thing that really matters to me.  Gwen.