Book picks similar to
Mistletoe Malarkey by Stella Bixby


cozy-mystery
romance
romance-mystery
dectective-attorney

Trouble at Clenchers Mill


Diana J. Febry - 2019
    Then the attacks started.Detained in the hospital after an unusual accident, he dismisses the claim his new wife is trying to harm him. He’s convinced the property attacks are the childish pranks of locals annoyed by his plans for Clenchers Mill. As a successful property developer, he’s seen it all before. Mindful of Alicia’s reluctance to involve the police he instructs Kate and Simon to make discreet inquiries.Kate and Simon are keen to find the culprit, but are inexperienced and blissfully unaware they are dealing with a determined killer toying with their prey before they strike. Their first case may prove to be their last.

Fall of the Trident (Season SEALs Book 3)


KaLyn Cooper - 2021
    His work hadn’t changed so it had become his life. He went from one command to another, wherever the Navy sent him.His world was focused on the SEALs he commanded…until the day in his exuberance over a highly complicated operation, he hugged his administrative assistant.Marta Merkel had been a force to be reckoned in the SEAL world. For over twenty-five years, since her SEAL husband had been killed on active duty, she could make or break a career.Even though they were single adults past fifty, she worked directly outside his office, controlling his work life.With years of baggage, could they make this work?

A Critical Tangent


Reily Garrett - 2022
    George, VINE VOICEShe doesn’t trust cops.Can the detective trust his instincts?Keiki Tallerman’s life shatters on a remote mountaintop in Pennsylvania after witnessing her best friend’s bizarre execution. Experience dictates she keep her mouth shut, and when detectives knock on her door, she won’t hand over evidence until she’s identified the assassin. After all, police never found her parents’ killer. Detective Nolan Garnett investigates two disturbing crime scenes sharing a connection with a young tech prodigy. Unless he can coerce the only witness to talk, the body count will rise. Unable to piece the evidence together, he is torn between following the law and protecting the stubborn coed determined to clear her name. Fate decrees they work together before the killer claims his next victim. Keiki. Add snark and off-the-charts chemistry to watch sparks fly.

Don't Lie to Me


Willow Rose - 2019
    She's the town's most beloved surf idol, and it was believed that she could be the next Kelly Slater.As another child, the son of a well-known senator is kidnapped, and the parents receive a disturbing video, FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas — who has just returned to her hometown, divorced and out of a job — plunges into the investigation, breaking her promise to her children not to do police work again.Local law enforcement, with her old flame Matt Miller in charge, are the ones who ask for her help in a case so unsettling that only she can solve it. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier it becomes for Matt and Eva Rae. Soon, everyone she holds dear is in grave danger as this case hits a little too close to home. DON’T LIE TO ME is the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series and can be read as a standalone.

Too Many Secrets (Roxanne Boudreaux Trilogy #1)


E.B. Corbin - 2017
     Roxanne Boudreaux never knew her Aunt Roxy existed until notified of the woman’s death. Named as the sole heir to her aunt’s estate, the Pittsburgh tax attorney finds herself in a world of danger she never anticipated.  Intent on securing a partnership in her law firm, Roxanne dismisses her inheritance as irrelevant. But after an abrupt end to a serious relationship, she travels to Oilville, PA and reluctantly accepts help from DSS Agent John Callahan. They encounter several deadly obstacles including a member of the Irish Republican Army sent to retrieve money hidden years ago. Roxanne has no idea what to do with her small-town legacy when a shocking revelation from her mother adds to Roxanne’s confusion. As the chaos in her life grows, can she overcome both the threats and turmoil? Will she let Callahan defend her or go it alone?

Don't Say a Word


Jennie Hansen - 2021
    She needs to regain her balance, and her parents’ ranch in Montana provides the perfect escape. But respite is the last thing she finds. While camping near the Bitterroot Forest, a strange sound leads Cassie to make a startling discovery: a young child, abandoned in the wilderness. She acts on instinct, taking him home to the ranch with her. But she has no idea that by doing so, she will be forced to engage in a fight for his life—and her own. With the help of Deputy Parker Grafton, Cassie works to uncover the mystery behind the boy’s origins. The pair is drawn closer together each step of the investigation as they follow a bizarre trail of clues. But when a series of dangerous accidents begins to plague the family ranch, Cassie and Parker realize that an unknown assailant is closing in. They have to run. In a game of cat and mouse spanning the country, Cassie and Parker will stop at nothing to protect what’s become most important to them: the child in their care—and each other.

Holly Jolly: Curvy Woman Small Town Romance (Holiday Hotties Book 5)


Ally Crew - 2020
    He’s done things wrong in the past, but he’s ready to make it right. Can a bad memory be turned into a fresh holiday romance start?HollyComing back to Ribbon Cove wasn’t my idea, and I’m not totally happy to be here.And then I see him. My crush, who crushed me, from high school—Abe Roman.Back then he was the one every girl wanted and most of us couldn’t have.He’s got a little more around the middle, and so do I, but he’s as charming and honest as ever.When I realize he doesn’t recognize me, I wonder if this is a chance to have a dream come true.But my past comes with heartbreak and I’m not sure if he’ll break me again.AbeThere’s something about Holly I just can’t put my finger on. She’s familiar. Comfortable. Maybe even…a good memory. And I don’t have a lot of those these days.Football. Many hits to the head. And ignoring my pain all led me to this point.I might not remember the old days, but I’m positive I’ll never forget the curvaceous, colorful sprite that is Holly Thomas.After a beautiful night, my brother takes my dream of a future with her and tells me a nightmare of my past.Can I be better than the man I don’t want to remember to fix what I did?Or will she forever be a memory that I can’t forget?Holiday Hotties is a sweet & steamy instalove series of five curvy, strong women who will find their happily ever after with the man of their dreams--sugar plum dreams, that is.

The Sea Breeze Cottage:


Amy Rafferty - 2020
    Along the way, Jennifer and her family will discover the true meaning of trust and friendship as they learn to open their hearts to love.The Sea Breeze Cottage. A La Jolla Cove Series is a heartwarming, edgy, and all-around entertaining read filled with romance, excitement, intrigue, butterflies, and adventure.This must-read book rekindles hope after a tragic loss, trust after bitter heartache, shows that life lessons are learned throughout your life and that finding your soulmate has no time or age limit.An ageless inspiring adventure romance that can be enjoyed by everyone.La Jolla, a hilly sea-side coastal town, perched along the rugged shores of the Pacific Ocean forms part of the city of San Diego. Having spent the summers there with her Aunt, it was the place Jennifer had called home as a young girl. It had always been a place filled with the happiest of memories and times for Jennifer. Even as an adult, La Jolla was Jennifer’s haven and place to recuperate from the fast-paced world of New York where she had moved to so she could pursue her career after law school.Now a single mother of three children and a messy divorce behind her, her safe haven is scarred by a tragic accident that rips a hole in her world. Not only does she lose someone she loves dearly, but she unwittingly gets tangled up in a web of betrayal, mystery, and lies.The Sea Breeze Cottage. Book 1 is the first in a series of sun, mystery, and romance. Join Jennifer, her family, and friends as they learn that even the closest of families have secrets. Get tangled in the many twists and turns Jennifer, along with her family, starts to unravel as they dig up buried family pasts to reveal shocking revelations.Fall in love with each of the characters as they each play their part in the mysteries of the cove. Follow them through their heartaches, betrayals, and adventures as they find a way to open their hearts and let true love in.

Curious Minds


Janet Evanovich - 2016
    Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he's also brilliant, rich, and (some people might say) handsome, or he'd probably be homeless.Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight.What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country. Through the streets of Washington, D.C., and down into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City, an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon can stop it.

Next Girl to Die


Dea Poirier - 2019
    Claire has finally carved out a life for herself as a homicide detective in Detroit, but the past comes calling when the local police back home ask for her help with a murder eerily similar to Rachel’s.Still haunted by Rachel’s cold case, Claire returns home, hoping to solve the crime and finally put her grief to rest. As she starts investigating, the last thing she needs is tenacious journalist Noah Washington asking questions she’s not ready to answer. But like her, Noah won’t give up until he finds the truth—and Claire reluctantly finds herself relying on him more and more when disturbing new details about Rachel’s death come to light.When the killer strikes once again, Claire knows he’s not done. Now he’s set his sights on Claire, who will have to find the courage she needs to survive a deadly confrontation years in the making.

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?

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.

The Holidays


M.S. Parker - 2020
    It’s perfect. Getting married now is as easy as Christmas pie.Nyx and Bradyn are in Savannah surrounded by family and good friends for Christmas. They’ve been together nearly a year and Bradyn is more than ready to put a ring on the finger of the woman he loves. A real Norman Rockwell scene, worthy of a snow globe moment. What could possibly go wrong?

Summer in the Bayou


Caroline Mickelson - 2016
    James (AKA manners columnist Miss Prim & Proper) heads to Sinful, Louisiana to stay with her frail, elderly great-aunt Ida Belle, a woman she's never met. What better place to hide than a sleepy little southern bayou town where nothing ever happens? But when the bullets start to fly, she soon discovers that her aunt Ida Belle and friends are anything but feeble, and that Sinful is anything but quiet. When the corpse of a scorned suitor goes missing, Stephanie decides her best hope to escape a murder rap is to join forces with Swamp Team Three.

Our Husband


Stephanie Bond - 2000
    But how even?Fate has just thrown a curveball at the women in Raymond Carmichael's life-- all three of them. When they meet at his hospital bed, they discover they're all married to the same man. And when Raymond suddenly dies, the police suspect that one of these spunky ladies has commited murder...The Socialite-- Blonde, post-menopausal, and mad as hell, Beatrix always suspected Raymond married her for her daddy's money...twenty-one years ago.The Doctor-- a smart, small-town family physician, thirty-five-year-old Nathalie had ironically insisted on only one thing from her husband of seven years...absolute honesty.The Stripper-- Twenty-one and an exotic dancer, Ruby would have chalked up her brief marriage to a learning experience...if she hadn't been pregnant.Now they're three women left with a man's betrayal-- and worse, each other. But one thing they each insist-- they didn't kill Raymond. What can they do? Something outrageous and probably impossible: stick together to catch a murderer...A Selection of the Doubleday Book Club