Book picks similar to
Detective Defender by Marilyn Pappano


category-romance
other-uniformed-hero
hqnintriguers-rmsp
romantic-suspense

Cooper's Promise


Caitlyn O'Leary - 2016
    Even though the girl is now a woman, he still feels she is too young and inexperienced, and needs to be protected from everything and everyone, and that includes him. Brenna moved across the country to be close to Cooper two years ago, and despite her best efforts, he has kept her squarely in the friend zone. When a stalker threatens her safety, all of Cooper’s pent-up emotions break free. Is there a way to keep her safe from both the stalker and Cooper’s own need to dominate?

Seduction by Design


Sandra Brown - 1983
    But Hailey's tough exterior hides a fragile self-image that dashes any hopes of a love life. Until a minor emergency brings her into contact with Tyler Scott.

The Defender


Adrienne Giordano - 2014
    Smart, sexy and with just enough sass to keep him honest. Then she went sticking her nose in undercover FBI business. He knew her legal reputation would skyrocket if she won this case. But every move she makes undoes all the work Russell's put into taking down the city's biggest crooks. And the criminals they're after will do anything to avoid the witness stand—including kill. So it's time to pool their resources and collaborate. Even if working together every day takes them late into the night…and into the line of fire.

Tiaras & Teacups (Berry Lake Cupcake Posse Book 2)


Melissa McClone - 2021
    She’s struggling to leave her trophy wife identity behind and make ends meet as a full-time event planner. When her handsome new neighbor needs to throw the perfect birthday party for his niece, Juliet offers her services. If she pulls this off, maybe she can get her life back on track. But to do so, she’ll need the help of the Cupcake Posse. Too bad her friends are grappling with problems of their own:Missy’s recovering from injuries; Nell’s trying to thwart her mother’s matchmaking efforts; Selena’s husband wants her to work less when she needs to do more; and Bria’s facing obstacles she never anticipated trying to save her late aunt’s bakery.Join the Cupcake Posse as they work together to navigate the difficulties of life, loss, and love. They continue to rely on each other, never losing sight of the importance of friendship and family, but will that be enough to save the Berry Lake Cupcake Shop?

Back in Service


Isabel Sharpe - 2013
    Otherwise Jameson Cartwright wouldn't have tripped and ruined not only his knee, but also his newly minted air force career and the Cartwright family pride. Now he's lying low and miserable until the girl he tormented as a kid comes breezing through his door, looking fresh and sexy. This time, it's his turn to be exquisitely and thoroughly tortured.Grief counselor Kendra Lonergan isn't sure she wants to help the (mouthwateringly hot) guy who once put worms in her sandwich. Still he needs her badly. But it's not long before professional turns into provocative, and the sexual tension is off the charts. And there is only one way to get this scrumptious airman back in service.

Tempted into Danger


Melissa Cutler - 2013
    Keeping the anti-crime analyst safe from the notorious mercenaries after her program will put everything he’s worked for at risk. Relentlessly hunted and not knowing whom to trust, Diego takes Vanessa on the run, deep into the heart of the deadly Panamanian rainforest. Vanessa reminds herself that she’s just another asset to the ruggedly handsome black ops agent…until their intense situation leads to a release of passion neither expected. But even if they make it out alive, how can they ever have a future together?

At Your Command


Julie Miller - 2007
    The Proud. The Married. U.S. Marine Zachariah Clark spent his last furlough between the sheets with voluptuous socialite Becky Owensa steamy week he never wanted to end. So he proposed. They secretly said their "I do's" and Zachariah shipped out on an eighteen-month tour.Stateside again, nursing serious war wounds, Zach begins a tough new mission: getting to know his bride. In the bedroom things are perfect, but outside, Zach has plenty to learn about Becky, a steely divorce attorney who's as fierce a warrior in her own way as he is. The question is: who's giving the orders now?

Winter's Last Chance


Stacey Wilk - 2018
    A decision that jeopardizes her brother and their guests when a killer dressed like Santa opens fire at their annual Christmas Eve party. Lincoln Smith spent his life guarding his country, his clients, and his heart. He denied himself everything else – including Serra. He only wants a glimpse of her at the party. Nothing more. But when Santa tries to kill the only woman he ever loved, Lincoln does what he was trained to do. Seeking refuge in his cabin in the town of Winter, Lincoln vows to protect Serra even if it means dropping the shield around his heart. She had never wanted to see him again, but Serra can’t escape her true feelings. Just as passion finds a new path the killer finds them. With only hours to spare, Lincoln must forgive himself for past mistakes or he and Serra will lose their last chance for survival – and love.

Christmas Male (Uniformly Hot!, #12)


Cara Summers - 2009
    C. Campbell, Military Police.Current Status: A little bored…but not for long!Mission: Getting his hands on a priceless stolen diamond.Obstacle: Trying to keep his hands off his sexy new partner, Fiona Gallagher.Fiona has never been into Christmas. Having grown up in a series of foster homes, she has no use for Santa…at least until she meets the hottie St. Nick delivers just in time for the holidays—Captain D. C. Campbell.Technically, they're supposed to be working together to find a stolen diamond, one reported to have the power to bring lovers together. Well, they might not have the stone, but Fiona and D.C. aren't having any trouble getting together—in every sexual position possible!But it's only a holiday fling, right? It is—unless Fiona's Christmas Male can convince her he's the gift that keeps

A Mother's Love: Dual Image / The Best Mistake


Nora Roberts - 1994
    Playing Booth DeWitt's cruel ex-wife in his semiautobiographical film is the chance of a lifetime. Not only that, she's secretly in the middle of a custody battle for her brother's son. The last thing she has time for is a complicated relationship with a moody screenwriter, yet Ariel can't get sexy Booth out of her mind. Ever since his very public breakup with his ex-wife, Booth has had serious trust issues. All the same, he can't help it when Ariel makes her way into his life--and into his heart.THE BEST MISTAKEEx-model Zoe Fleming is now a hardworking single mom--and she wouldn't have it any other way. That being said, she needs a tenant to share household expenses. What she gets is confirmed bachelor J. Cooper McKinnon. Coop has no intentions of settling down anytime soon, but when he meets Zoe's son, Keenan, he can't help but bond with the young boy--and fall for his independent mother. But Zoe has zero room in her life for a man! Either this was a recipe for disaster or the best mistake she's ever made. Previously Published.

Reasonable Doubt


Catherine Anderson - 1988
    But soon she discovered that prowlers, vandals and unnatural noises had invaded the isolated mining claim that had been in her family for generations. And her new neighbor, Tyler Ross, was not the first or the last to warn her of the dangers of remaining there alone.As warnings turned to threats--and threats to violence--Brenna swore she would never abandon the claim. And when Tyler charged in to lend her his support, she accepted him with open arms. It wasn't until later that she had cause to wonder if his choice was for her benefit, or for his own....

Grand Passion/Absolutely, Positively


Jayne Ann Krentz - 2001
    One of the hottest writers in romance today--USA Today serves up a sizzling and suspenseful pair of classic New York Times bestsellers together in a single paperback volume.

Deadly Affair


Misty Evans - 2016
     Cooper Harris, head of the SCVC Taskforce and nicknamed The Beast, isn’t afraid of anything…except that the woman who rocks his world may be about to dump him. Celina is acting distant and secretive while an engagement ring burns a hole in Cooper’s pocket. Whisking her away for a romantic weekend at a Northern California vineyard, he hopes to reignite the spark between them and get up the nerve to finally ask her to marry him. Feisty crime scene photographer Celina Davenport hates keeping secrets. The baby growing inside her is cause for celebration, but Cooper has a son from a previous marriage and claims he doesn’t want more children because of his dangerous job. Celina understands what makes The Beast tick, and she also knows he’ll be a great dad to their child. She only needs the perfect moment to break the news. Before either can come clean, Cooper and Celina stumble upon human bones and realize the beautiful vineyard hides a dark and haunting past filled with love, betrayal and murder. Can they unravel the mystery buried in the Northern California hills and bring a killer to justice? Or will the secrets they’re keeping from each other put them in deeper danger than they could ever imagine? Other books in the series include: Deadly Pursuit (the first Cooper and Celina story!) Deadly Deception Deadly Force Deadly Intent

The Bridge


Carol Ericson - 2014
    Under the Golden Gate, Elise Duran refused to be a serial killer's next victim. She was the first of the abducted to survive. And Detective Sean Brody was there to make sure a second chance wouldn't be necessary. As the elusive murderer sends them messages, both personal and gruesome, the point becomes clear: no one can escape death. But Sean's presence can't be any stronger as he shadows Elise while on the job—and off it—proving she couldn't have asked for a better protector. Though beneath his cool exterior Sean hides a troublesome secret. One that's absolutely to die for…

Bedded for Passion, Purchased for Pregnancy


Carol Marinelli - 2009
    Now he wants her!To claim his inheritance, this untamed tycoon must curb his wild ways. He needs a convenient fiancée, and Emma needs a million dollars. So Zarios seizes his opportunity—he will have her! But passion soon leads to pregnancy, and suddenly, the stakes are higher....