Book picks similar to
Out of the Shadows by Michelle Arnold
crime
lesbian-romance
mystery
romance
Don't Call Me Hero
Eliza Lentzski - 2014
She knew that coming back after eight years in a war zone wouldn’t be easy, but she’d underestimated the real difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. War is hell, but the aftermath is endless. Looking for a fresh start, she’s left her friends and career in Minneapolis to be a police officer in northern Minnesota. It’s in the tiny town of Embarrass where she learns more about Julia Desjardin. The city prosecutor is cool, professional, and untouchable. But she and Cassidy have history, and Cassidy isn’t going to let her easily forget that. For all their surface differences, Cassidy and Julia have more in common than they first realized—both are reluctant to hand over their pasts to be judged and studied. But it might take someone just as damaged as the other to help each cope with the skeletons in their respective closets.
Mounting Danger
Karis Walsh - 2013
When she is put in charge of the new mounted division, dissension in the ranks seems to guarantee the program’s failure. Rachel asks an old college acquaintance to help her train the horses and their riders before they make their public debut amid the fireworks and crowds on the Fourth of July.Callan Lanford doesn’t play by the rules. She invents her own. The scion of a polo-playing dynasty, Cal has been riding since before she could walk, and she scores both on and off the field with equal ease. But she isn’t prepared for the emotional ride she takes as Rachel forces her to confront her achievement-oriented family’s rejection. Cal’s attraction to Rachel grows, but both their future together and the future of the mounted unit are uncertain, plagued by “accidents” and threats.As Rachel and Cal battle a corrupt politician’s greed in the face of mounting danger, can their love prevail?
Risk: Three Crime-fighting Women RISK All for Love, Lust and Justice.: A Lesbian Fiction Thriller
Sam Skyborne - 2017
Guaranteed to thrill! *** 2019 - Award-Winning Finalist in International Book Awards *** *** 2018 - National Indie Excellence Award - FINALIST! *** *** 2018 - NYC Big Book Award - DISTINGUISHED FAVOURITE! *** It is not bad enough 'coming out'.... Never mind unwillingly being wrenched from the closet in the midst of a dangerous serial killer case by your new nemesis and your long time best friend. "Another gripping, racy page-turner, starring three strong, sexy female protagonists on the hunt for a psychotic killer." "In the dark domains of crime, lust and love - innocence and guilt mix like blood and water. Will Toni RISK it all to catch the psychotic killer?" Toni Mendez, an ex-cop turned private investigator in London, takes on a case to find the truth behind the violent murder of the young wife of a successful entrepreneur, Lucille Ransom-Evans. Little did she know that this case would bring to her door Maxine Bennett, a feisty, opinionated, American detective, on the hunt for a serial killer. Maxine not only infiltrates Toni's working life presenting a sore reminder of a profession she once loved, as a British detective, she also invades her private life by seducing her best friend, Lizbeth Du Cannon. As the action-packed investigation continues, Toni is engulfed, both professionally and privately, into a racy subculture she knew only from a distance - the LGBTQ+ world. She is forced to reassess everything she thought she knew about herself, her sexuality and the foundations (repressed romantic feelings) of her long-term friendship with Lizbeth.
Damaged in Service
Barrett - 2011
She’s also recovering from a traumatic head injury and months of being undercover on the mean streets of the Windy City. She takes an extended vacation in New Mexico to help her recover from her physical and emotional duress.She meets Anne Reynolds, a home health nurse, who is recovering from a failed sham marriage. Surrounded by the breathtaking New Mexico landscape, they are pulled into the horror of a serial murder case that Zeke thought was closed. Zeke’s PTSD runs dark and deep and threatens to overwhelm their fledgling relationship. But every once in a while, two opposing energies can merge to create a stronger alloy—but the laws of physics, like love, can be fickle.
The Domme Tamer
Kat Evans - 2017
What was the one thing they had incommon? A fetish for breath play...Homicide Detective Jillian Robichaux is smart and persistent. When a string of brutal murders hits the Big Easy's ultra-secretive BDSM community, Jillian rolls up her sleeves and gets to work tracing the victims' last steps. In her search for the truth, she enlists the expertise of the FBI. But as each clue is uncovered, the deeper she is lured into an underground world of sadomasochism.In a case that threatens to expose high-profile members of a conservative Southern culture, only one question remains: How far will she go?In the world's first provocative thriller of its kind, #1 bestselling author Kat Evans takes you on a bold race to catch a killer.
Lost and Found
Natasha West - 2019
After three months, they’re both in deep. And then April vanishes off the face of the earth. Sophie is mystified and devastated. Two years later, Sophie is trying to get on with her life. Until Sophie’s best friend spots April in another town. Sophie needs answers and goes to find her lost love to demand them. But when she finds April, she doesn’t get the answers she’s expecting. What she gets is a story of danger, deceit and intrigue. As well as a lot of old sparks flying. But can Sophie and April find their way back to each other? Or will April’s past find them first? ‘Lost and Found’ is an hilarious romantic comedy packed with adventure and thrills, from the internationally bestselling author of ‘Just Married?’, ‘The Matchmaker’ and ‘200 Hours’.
Incognito
V.K. Powell - 2019
US Marshal Evan Spears commands a federal task force of seasoned agents who track and capture dangerous fugitives around the world. When Evan is forced to take on DEA Agent Frankie Strong, a free spirit with unorthodox methods, she sees nothing but trouble for the team, the mission, and her future. Frankie just wants to locate the murder suspect and prove her worth, but Evan seems determined to block her. To catch the killer they must learn to work together, but their attraction blurs the lines between professional and personal.
White Roses Calling
Dakota Hudson - 2014
In the midst of a career making serial murder prosecution she finds herself having an unexpected attraction to the arresting officer in the case - a female police sergeant. The attraction leads her to a confusing journey of self-discovery in regards to her own sexuality.Sergeant Alex Chambers is a talented veteran of the LAPD. Fearless on the streets but gun shy when it comes to relationships - the result of a heartbreak years prior. Despite this she cannot deny the attraction she is feeling towards a certain beautiful - and straight - assistant district attorney.As the women attempt to figure out their emerging relationship, a serial murderer begins targeting female attorneys in the southland. The killings appear to be a copy cat of the case which introduced the two, yet that killer remains behind bars. When it becomes apparent the killer has set his sights on Sydney, Alex vows to protect her -even at the potential cost of her own life.
A Marine Awakening
Jax Meyer - 2019
Navigating the policy and finding allies is harder than she expected, but she's determined to complete her enlistment period and return to college. Meanwhile, gregarious military kid Sharon Rodriguez knows connections are critical to navigate the unspoken rules of the Marine Corps. She’s confident in her ability to enjoy the casual flings she's accustomed to, while pursuing the 20 year career she desires. When Sharon convinces Cam to attend a party with her, neither realizes their lives are about to become more complicated than they planned for. How hard will they need to fight for a love that must remain in the shadows? A Marine Awakening, a Dal Segno prequel, is a contemporary new adult lesbian romance with a happy ending that shows that no person or policy can stop two Marines fighting for each other.
The Fifth Gospel
Michelle Grubb - 2016
A shocking discovery and dark secrets. Is the leader of the Catholic Church hiding something that could change the world? Investigative journalist Flic Bastone overhears a startling conversation she can’t ignore. There is no proof, nor does she want any. Poking into Vatican affairs is dangerous. Aware that the secret could soon be exposed to the world, Flic hastily pens a novel that shares alarming similarities to the uncovered truth. Eager to capitalize on what they recognize as a best seller, Griffin Publishers fast-tracks the novel to print, propelling marketing guru Anna Lawrence and Flic on a grueling promotional tour. Pushed closer together when attempts are made on Flic’s life, their growing attraction intensifies. Who’s targeting Flic? And will Anna move beyond her own religious beliefs while their worlds fall apart?
Stay Here Tonight
Cynthia Dane - 2017
LYDIA KELLERMAN Lonely Lydia has little to look forward to during her long days working at the local LGBT resource center. Except greeting multimillionaire heiress Maxine Woodward, who drops by every week. But Maxine could barely care who Lydia is. Maxine’s a faraway dream, the ultimate fantasy for young lesbian Lydia. When she attends a high-class fundraiser at Maxine’s country manor, the last thing Lydia expects is for her dreams to come true! Dancing. Flirting. And a one-night stand that leaves more than her heart racing and her body shaking. But the fantasy comes to a halt when Maxine tells her young lover to leave. Now. Because Maxine Woodward does not let girls spend the night. MAXINE WOODWARD Fresh from the most toxic divorce that side of the Sierra Nevadas, Maxine is the last person looking for love. Lust? Yes. Most definitely. Sex is the only thing that keeps Maxine distracted from ex-wife Penelope long enough to function. Lydia was supposed to be just another one-night stand. Until the society pages misprint that they’re dating. Then all hell breaks loose – both in Maxine’s legal life, and in her heart. Will these two finally admit that there’s something more there? Or will Maxine’s obstinate personality and Lydia’s nerves get in the way of something special? First step? Staying the dang night. **EXCERPT** Maxine Woodward wanted something casual with her. Her. A woman who normally didn’t have opportunities like this. Lydia didn’t have anything against casual, right? She understood what that meant and entailed. They weren’t girlfriends. This wasn’t a date for a trial relationship. Maxine wanted to screw someone, and Lydia – of all people – was the one she wanted to screw. I could say I slept with her. Maybe not to people in general, but to myself… Every time Maxine came by the resource center, Lydia could have that wash of fun memories, knowing that she had seen this gorgeous woman naked, felt her heat, tasted her skin… “Like I said, I don’t like to waste time. That includes wasting other people’s time. If you want to leave, you should probably do so now. Otherwise, I’m going to have one of my staff suggest to your friend that she leave without you.” “What’s my name?” Maxine abruptly turned her head toward her guest. “Excuse me?” “If you can tell me my first name, I’ll stay.” Lydia was all about casual if the hot moment presented itself, but not at the expense of her humanity. She wouldn’t let Maxine use her. They didn’t have to be friends. They didn’t really need anything in common, as long as they didn’t hate each other. A physical connection, chemistry… that was all that was needed, right? Lydia definitely felt that way about Maxine. She simply never guessed it could go the other way. Maxine squared her shoulders, her honor on the line. “Lydia. I dare you to tell me I got that wrong. I don’t care if your name is actually something else. That’s the name that showed up in my background check, and I’ve bothered to remember it, thank you very much.” Damn, she was hot when she was bothered. “All right.” Lydia inhaled a deep breath for confidence.
The Big Tow: An Unlikely Romance
Ann McMan - 2020
When a high-priced luxury car belonging to one of the firm’s top clients goes missing, Nick gets saddled with the unenviable job of recovering the vehicle—and its mysterious contents—without involving the cops. Enter Fast Eddie and his quirky band of misfits at The National Recovery Bureau, a repo agency located in a sleepy town called K-Vegas.When Nick is unceremoniously furloughed from TWAT, she throws caution to the wind and signs on to become the newest agent of the NRB, teaming up with moonlighting third-grade schoolteacher, Frances “Frankie” Stohler. Frankie’s mortician father and beautician mother are stalwarts of the Winston-Salem community—so it’s no surprise that everyone across three counties has some connection to her family. What is surprising, however, is the Slim Jim Frankie carries in her purse and her preternatural talent for jacking cars.Nick and Frankie’s stumbling entrée into the surreal world of asset recovery takes them on a hilarious, fast-paced, and mind-bending journey across the back roads and byways of the Tar Heel state, setting into motion a chain of misadventures that lead them both toward financial independence, cataclysmic legal jeopardy, and the discovery that true love can sometimes lurk in the most unlikely places.
Fire and Water
Amanda Kayhart - 2020
No one knows this better than Diane Hollenbeck, who has the settlement papers and scars to prove it. Determined to salvage her life from the ashes, Diane starts fresh, beginning with a long sabbatical in New England. A retreat to her friends' lake house seems idyllic--to ignite her writing career, rediscover herself, and rekindle her confidence along the placid shores of Lake Champlain. Until Diane encounters her new neighbor--a sexy recluse with a strong and stormy personality. Now navigating the small island town and finding her much-needed solace is impossible. Conflict swells. And sparks erupt. But as Diane draws closer to this fiery acquaintance, as discovers there's more behind her neighbor's stinging flames--a shared loss and longing that fuses them together.
Intersection
Nancy Ann Healy - 2014
But when she gets to New Rochelle, Alex discovers that there is more to the situation than simple stalking or political agendas; she finds that she has growing romantic feelings for Cassidy—and that the feelings are mutual.As Alex and Cassidy explore their budding romance, they must surmount many obstacles in explaining their relationship to those around them, including Dylan. All the while, the investigation continues, and the disturbing, convoluted, and complicated web surrounding the threats begins to unravel, placing the characters’ lives in grave danger.Intersection is a taut political thriller that combines the action and suspense found in hit television shows like 24 with the insight and drama found in the widely popular fiction of LGBT authors such as R. E. Bradshaw and Stacey D’Erasmo. It is sure to appeal to fans of intrigue, mystery, and romance, and to provide positive role models for marginalized groups and relationships.