Book picks similar to
Dying to Play by Debra Webb


romantic-suspense
debra-webb
modern-romance
contemporary

Tall, Dark and Deadly


Lorie O'Clare - 2009
    Having traded in her big-city badge for life in the slow lane in Rockville, South Dakota, Grace and her daughter were hoping to make a fresh, clean start. But crime is at-large in small towns, too…and young women keep turning up brutally murdered. Before she knows it, Grace has got a serial murder case on her hands—and the infuriatingly seductive FBI agent Justin Reece by her side.Grace did not come to Rockville looking for romance. But she can't deny the chemistry between her and Justin—no matter how much she might want to. Meanwhile, things keep heating up as more women turn up dead, and a disturbing new pattern points to a killer who seems to be sending a message for Grace alone. But how could he know such secret, scandalous details about her life? Unless he happens to be someone from the past she would kill to forget…

Date With a Devil


Anne Stuart - 2004
    These men are waaay too tempting. One wicked, sexy grin and, well -- who can resist! Certainly not these three women....A spy should know better, but this spy gets stuck on a blind-date assignment with the ex-partner who broke her heart. A lot of making up can get done between scaling rooftops and dodging bullets. "Dance with the Devil" by Cherry AdairA hostess discovers what it's like to really crash and burn on her first date with the undercover cop who's been casing her restaurant.... "Hal and Damnation" by Muriel JensenAnd if that isn't hot enough, what about a date from hell... literally. Satan at his seductive best! It's getting hot in here .... "Blind Date from Hell" by Anne Stuart

Sinful Surrender


Elisabeth Naughton - 2014
    Songwriter Grace Ryder has never liked the spotlight, but her skin tingles whenever his sexy gaze drifts her way. Only one night will prove whether he's safety or sin. ...will lead to a dangerous game of surrender. Aegis operative Brian Walker's orders are clear: observe, but don't touch. Things change, though, the moment the leggy brunette makes him an offer he can't refuse. Desire leads to seduction, but it comes at a price. Because someone wants her dead, and if Brian's not careful, his obsession for a woman he never should have touched could get them both killed.**Previously published in the SINFUL SECONDS anthology. Available as a stand alone story May 1, 2014**

Prime Target


Ellis Vidler - 2014
    Madeleine Schier heeds her husband's panicked call and runs home, only to witness his brutal murder by a crime boss and become a target herself. Under police security, she vows to testify. But when the police protecting her are killed, the last of her NYC life disintegrates, leaving her no place to hide. She flees, relying on her wits and imagination to survive on a dangerous journey to become someone else. Who can she trust? The helpful widower who advises her on farming? The damaged recluse who's always near? The neighbor who brings cherry pie? With the murderer still searching, one wrong move could be her last.

Perilous Trust


Barbara Freethy - 2017
    They were two tortured souls, looking for escape, and they weren't supposed to see each other ever again…Four years later, Sophie's FBI father, who is also Damon's mentor, is killed in a suspicious car crash after leaving Sophie a cryptic message to trust no one from the agency. When Damon shows up looking for her, she isn't sure if he's friend or enemy, but she knows he could easily rip apart what is left of her heart.The last thing Damon wants is to get involved with Sophie again. It was hard enough to walk away the first time. But she's in trouble, her father's reputation is under attack, and the lives of his fellow agents are at stake if there's a traitor in their midst. When someone starts shooting at them, they have no choice but to go on the run and off the grid. Everyone in their world becomes a suspect. They want to uncover the truth, but will it turn out to be the last thing they expect? Proving her father's innocence might just cost them their hearts…and their lives…

Thread of Fear


Laura Griffin - 2008
    Her skill at mining victims' memories to re-create the faces of sadistic criminals has left her haunted and wary, and only Jack Bowman's dogged persistence convinces her to help him. The rugged police chief is hunting a serial killer who's targeting teenage girls. But what seems like a simple assignment is fraught with complications, including a searing attraction to Jack that's tempting Fiona to let her guard down in potentially dangerous ways. Jack never intended for Fiona to become so deeply involved in the case -- or in his life. But every instinct tells him she's his best hope for finding a psychopath who's lurking in plain sight, growing more ruthless with each passing day. And now that Fiona is right in the killer's crosshairs, the only way to keep her safe is to unravel a small town's darkest secrets, one terrifying thread at a time....

Shadows from the Past


Lindsay McKenna - 2009
    But keeping everyone convinced she is who she claims to be will be harder than she expects--especially where one sexy ranch hand is concerned.After all he's been through, there's no way Wesley Sheridan wants to tangle with more heartache and lies. So the last thing he needs is to be drawn to the pretty new caretaker. But with a jealous killer out to rewrite Mason family history forever, two lonely hearts must learn to trust each other...if they hope to survive the season.

Deceived


Stella Barcelona - 2014
    Barcelona’s debut book brings an excellent author to the fore; the intrigue blends beautifully with the romance.” -Heather Graham, New York Times Bestselling AuthorTaylor Marlowe Bartholomew carries three of the most notable names in New Orleans society. She hoped to forge her own path in the world as an Assistant District Attorney, but that dream is dying as obligations pull her into the family shipbuilding business. In Taylor’s final days in the DA’s office, she receives a murder assignment that could unravel her perception of reality.Brandon Morrissey is haunted by demons that force him to keep his life simple and detached. He pours all of his energy into his thriving legal practice, until, overnight, he becomes the single father of an infant. For the sake of his son’s future, Brandon searches for a killer and faces the truth about his family’s unfortunate past.Someone is willing to kill to use the past for their own ends. Thrust together, Brandon and Taylor have different views of their families’ intersecting histories. As they confront a sea of uncertainty, one thing is sure…no one is safe until they discover where the truth lies.Their destinies have been set in motion by their ancestors.Ghosts of the past shadow every step they take.Together they have to find the truth…before it’s too late.“Stella Barcelona’s stunning debut, Deceived, has it all. Mystery—check. Action—check. Romance —check. A heart-pounding must read, Barcelona writes for those of us who want intelligent protagonists and an intriguing mystery.” - Cherry Adair, New York Times Bestselling Author

Alpha One


Cynthia Eden - 2013
    You have to get her back."The minute he got the message, undercover agent Logan Quinn sprang into action. Getting Juliana James out of Mexico alive was the Elite Ops covert agent's only priority. But once the senator's daughter was safely back in their Mississippi hometown, Logan had a new mission: to get another chance with the woman he couldn't lose again.Juliana had never forgotten the day, ten years ago, when Logan left her heart in pieces. Now he was back in her life, sworn to protect her from the ruthless weapons dealer who wanted her dead. As passion blindsided her --and she was once again thrust into danger -- Julie realized how much she'd risk for one more day in Logan's arms.

Blood In, Blood Out


Brenda Novak - 2018
    Rex McReady joined the Crew to survive in prison, but he also killed two of his onetime brothers to save Laurel, the woman he loves. Now in the witness protection program, he is trying to sort things out in his tempestuous on-again, off-again relationship with Laurel. He loves her, she loves him, but the breakups and makeups go on and on. After one of their all-too-frequent fights, Laurel is tracked down by Mose, a Crew enforcer. Rex comes by to try to patch things up with Laurel and, with eyes only for her, Rex allows Mose to get the drop on him, too. Is death the only way out of the Crew for Rex and Laurel?

Bougainvillea


Heather Graham - 2011
    Has the man she's fallen for restored her to her birthright—or lured her to her doom?

Tru: Guardian Group Security Team Book 1


Bree Livingston - 2021
    The truth could tear them apart.Desperate to prove herself, Kayleigh Kingston will do anything to keep her job at Beacon Art Gallery. When her boss gives her an ultimatum—retrieve an artifact and escort it back to New York safely, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to succeed.Thaddeus Tru hates lies, but his love of justice outweighs it. His newest assignment? Get cozy with a woman who’s smuggling relics and willing to murder if it means keeping her freedom. Sounds cut and dry—until he meets her.The lie becomes a tangled web when feelings begin to pull Tru and Kayleigh closer together. Once the truth is out, will the deception wither all hope for love, or will it be strong enough to build a future together?

Dylan


Regan Black - 2014
     Jana Clayton’s father is dead. She is the only person in the world who is convinced it was murder rather than suicide. No one will listen to her concerns that the scene was staged or that there must be more to the dreadful situation. Grieving and frustrated, she’s increasingly worried that she’s being followed, but she’s not sure she can trust her instincts anymore. Desperate for help, she reaches out to a private investigations group known as the Guardian Agency. Dylan Parker, the sexy cowboy who answers her call, isn’t anything like the investigator Jana expected. Though he’s a complete professional, it’s clear he’s reluctant to believe her theory. Worse, he stirs up desire and longing she doesn’t have time to indulge. She’s ready to send him packing… until the bullets start flying. There’s no way she can dodge the danger long enough to unravel the situation alone. Trusting her Guardian Agent is her only chance to survive, no matter the risk to her heart. Author note: Previously published as Against the Wall, this novel has been updated and revised for your enjoyment.

Deadline


Sandra BrownSandra Brown - 2013
    Haunted by everything he experienced, he's privately suffering from battle fatigue which is a threat to every aspect of his life. But then he gets a call from a source within the FBI. A new development has come to light in a story that began 40 years ago. It could be the BIG story of Dawson's career one in which he has a vested interest.Soon, Dawson is covering the disappearance and presumed murder of former Marine Jeremy Wesson, the biological son of the pair of terrorists who remain on the FBI's Most Wanted list. As Dawson delves into the story, he finds himself developing feelings for Wesson's ex-wife, Amelia, and her two young sons. But when Amelia's nanny turns up dead, the case takes a stunning new turn, with Dawson himself becoming a suspect. Haunted by his own demons, Dawson takes up the chase for the notorious outlaws. . .and the secret, startling truth about himself.

The Edgars Family: Kidnapped / Hunted / Seized


Suzanne Ferrell - 2013
    While undercover he’s been shot but he’s not sure if it’s the crooks or local cops behind it. Worse, if he can’t get help fast, two lives will be lost—his and that of the young witness, a boy whom he’s sworn to protect. On the run from both the police and the Russian Mafia, he’ll do anything to save the child at his side, even something illegal. In desperation he kidnaps a nurse from a hospital parking lot. A Woman at The Edge Of Despair ER nurse Samantha Edgars has been living in an emotional vacuum since the death of her daughter. Abandoned by her husband not long afterward, she struggles just to get through each day, but now all she’s wants is for the pain to stop and finally be at peace with her child. Mentally and physically exhausted following a difficult shift, she walks through the hospital’s dark parking lot lost in her own thoughts. Suddenly, she’s jolted from her stupor when she’s bound, gagged, and tossed into the back of her car. Danger on Their Heels When they arrive at her home, she’s terrified and forced to tend a bleeding FBI agent and his injured witness. But Samantha quickly learns the rogue agent and orphaned boy need more than just her professional skills. With a menace bearing down on them, she must learn to trust Jake—and her heart— if they’re all going to survive. HUNTED A Woman Outside the Rules In one fiery explosion Katie Myers' witness protection cover is blown. Unable to trust the Marshals who've been responsible for her safety, she’s on the run from the cult leader she put on death row. In desperation she forces a near stranger at gunpoint to help her hide. A Man Who Lives by Them By-the-book patrolman Matt Edgars is shocked when the woman he's come to rescue points a gun at him and demands he help her leave a crime scene. The stark terror in Katie’s beautiful eyes has him breaking rules for the first time in his career. Making It Up as They Flee the Danger on Their Trail With a hit man on their trail, Matt must break down the walls Katie has built to guard the secrets of her past. If not the cult leader will fulfill his prophecy and take the one woman Matt has ever loved to the grave. SEIZED, A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVELLA They hit a rocky patch Dave and Judy Edgars have always loved each other – they’ve been married ten years and have three kids. But ever since Dave, a SWAT team member, was shot on duty Judy can’t control the intense fear that grips her every time he heads out to work. It puts a strain on their relationship. Dave knows she’s scared, but damn it she knew he was a cop the day they met. His patience is wearing thin. Until the tables are turned… One icy winter night, Judy, an operating room nurse, is called into work. She's taken hostage by a crazed gunman with an agenda. Now with Judy’s life in danger and the SWAT team deployed elsewhere, Dave must face the same fear his wife does on a daily basis. Terrified he will lose her, he and his law enforcement family race to save Judy and stop her captor’s plans.