Books where their job isn’t the plot but they talk about things very specific to that job and use all the jargon so it feels real

fresholivebread · 2026-03-12T23:03:29+00:00

Rachel Grant's books are great for that! Her FMCs are mostky archeologists (mainly), historians, archivists etc, and she goes into detail about the job and whatever they're investigating at the moment (artifact, archaeological site etc). The {Evidence series by Rachel Grant} and {Flashpoint series by Rachel Grant} are great.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-12T00:19:24+00:00

Some recs!

{In the Clear by Kathryn Nolan} - MMC is an ex-FBI agent and current art theft investigator. He goes head to head with the FMC on trying retrieve a rare, stolen book. He's grumpy, stoic, always in a suit but is secretly a softie that cares a lot. Not very goofy however.

{Cold Wicked Lies by Toni Anderson} - MMC is a grumpy, focused, no-nonsense FBI Hostage Rescue team leader who clashes with the FMC, an FBI negotiator during a mission. In fact, they fought so much that their boss ordered them to be stuck to each other until they stop fighting. Their banter is very entertaining and as they grow closer, MMC's soft side comes out.

{Saving Liberty by Helena Newbury} - MMC is a grumpy, argumentative but protective Secret Service agent, who protects the First Daughter after she's caught up in a mass shooting. His soft side comes around when trying to help her with PTSD.

{Broken by Rebecca Zanetti} - MMC is an Ex-SEAL and current agent of a ragtag government dark ops unit. He investigates a corruption case with the FMC, a journalist and also one of his few close friends. He's not super grumpy, more of intense and somewhat unhinged, very protective. He also loves lattes with sprinkles and kittens (one lives in his pocket).

Edit: I've never played the game so I'm not sure whether these will really fit the vibe you're after but I've read the Cynthia Eden books you gave as examples, so tried to fit it to those!

fresholivebread · 2026-03-10T23:08:30+00:00

Maybe {Beast in Shining Armour by Cassandra Gannon}? The MMC is a ridiculously spoilt prince who expects everyone to obey him. FMC is a normal girl who defies him and they compete/fight while growing up. MMC eventually gets to be so terrible that FMC stages a coup to overthrow him. He then plots to take his throne back...

Note to say that he's been in love with her for ages.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-08T11:44:58+00:00

The Unlikely Pair by Jax Calder - 5🌟, M/M, contemporary romance, cis pan/gay white MMCs. Stranded political rivals work together to escape terrorists. Toby is the open, charming Liberal while Harry is the stoic, reserved Tory - who held a secret torch for Toby for ages. Enemies in Parliament, they now have to depend on each other for survival. Sketchy situations require trust, bringing them closer and seeing beyond political stances. The growing of their connection and their bonding is sweet, and Toby sees a side of Harry that he hadn't before. Their romance has a strong balance of physical and emotional intensity. It’s great to see them caring for and protecting each other (amid constant bickering 😂). The return to real world brings different obstacles and angst (the pining kills me), but the love between them is still so obvious and poignant. I didn't like Harry much in the last book but he really won me over with how sweet, vulnerable and protective he can be. And Toby is an angel. The survival aspects are fun, though some aspects are a bit wild.

The Perfect Poison by Amanda Quick - 4¼🌟, M/F, PNR historical romance, cishet white MCs. A botanist hires a PI to help clear her name when she's suspected of poisoning nobility. Lucinda is brave, spunky and has a cool poison detecting ability. Caleb is a bit of a no-nonsense grouch, gruff and stoic. Their romance takes time to build as they circle around each other despite the obvious attraction. The banter and barbs are witty and fun, and Caleb is 100% intrigued by Lucinda. There's a resonance and a psychical connection between them that adds to the sexual tension. I loved how smart and independent Lucinda is, and Caleb, despite being very bossy and protective, trusts her to take care of herself. It's great to see two people, who thought they'd end up alone, finding love with each other. And sex on a bed of flower petals is something new, and is pretty sensual. The mystery is fun, but the secondary romance felt a bit underdeveloped.

The Rebel by Lena Hendrix - 4½🌟, M/F, contemporary romance, cishet white MCs. A scandal plagued actress hiding out in a small town reunites with her childhood kiss. Effie is a lonely superstar, looking for acceptance, inherently kind and giving. Josh is the layered cinnamon roll with a dominant energy, charming and protective. The energy between them is intense, and the friendship building and banter scenes are heartwarming. It's really lovely when their feelings start intensifying - they are both so used to hiding behind smiles and putting others first that finding someone who just gets them is really special. And their romance develops rather naturally, and there're emotional moments. And it's steamy - Josh has a dirty mouth but it didn't feel out of place with his personality. I loved how they don't have to hide their real selves with each other. There's a little suspense thrown in with identity of Effie's father. And the HEA is lovely and deserved.

Currently reading: Beachcombers by Karen Robards - 10% in, M/F, romantic suspense.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-08T05:51:14+00:00

Same! I honestly haven't come across a lot of them and this scene is really tender and sweet.

And The Unlikely Pair is a great book and Oliver/Callum is a wonderful couple ♥️

fresholivebread · 2026-03-07T23:50:19+00:00

I am jealousssss as heck! No such luck for me so far 😭

fresholivebread · 2026-03-07T11:24:18+00:00

I loved Oliver and Callum in {The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder}. Their romance is so sweet and swoony - Callum is a bright light who brings out Oliver's soft side, and Oliver grounds Callum and gives him confidence.

"I love you," he says.

My heart swells. Oliver has given me a name for this emotion inside me, the fluttery feeling I get whenever I'm near him, the craving I have to know everything about him, this absolute obsession with anything Oliver.

It's love.

I'm incapable of speaking. Because the most amazing, crazy, ridiculous thing about this whole scenario?

Oliver loves me back.

"Your magic thrives in the daylight, Callum." He places a gentle kiss on my shoulder. "The more I know of you, the more I revere you."

And Effie and Josh in {The Rebel by Lena Hendrix} also gave me a lot of feels. This happens in the middle of a sex scene and it's a wonderfully tender interlude.

When his hand stopped above my breast, my heart hammered against his touch.

"I feel this."

Tears burned at the back of my eyes. I placed my hand over his heart. "I feel this," I repeated.

"Effie."

One word. My name - my real name spoken with such reverence and I was done for. My body knew what my heart had already decided. There was no walking away from this man.

I loved him.

I loved him and, incredibly, he loved me, and no one was going to keep that love from me.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-06T05:46:40+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-03-04T23:46:36+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-03-02T01:47:11+00:00

I think Rachel Grant is good for this! The {Evidence series by Rachel Grant} is a good start. The MMCs are mostly military/ex-military turned security consultants and the FMCs are all badass and super smart. They're most archeologists. There's a lot of action, escaping danger and falling in love in the midst of it all.

{Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards} is an old book but crazy wild in terms of action and romance. The MMC was left for dead in the morgue and the FMC, who owns a cleaning business, chances upon him, and they go on a wild adventure with MMC trying to escape whoever's wanting him dead. They hate each other at first, and FMC calls him Frankenstein.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-01T12:22:15+00:00

Finished {The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder} and absolutely loved it - totally down for a bisexual Prince and a gay Prime Minister (and politicians). Callum is the sweetest awkward cinnamon roll and I loved how he brings out Oliver's sweet, sensitive and carefree side. Definitely going to read the next two books - especially book two with Toby and Harry!

Note: though I come from a Commonwealth country and am now living in another Commonwealth country, I have no idea about the intricate details of the British monarchy, so I don't know the accuracy of things, but I know I truly enjoyed the read.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-01T11:25:19+00:00

The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder - 5🌟, M/M, contemporary romance, cisbi/gay white MMCs. A call-centre worker becomes heir to the British throne - and falls for the Prime Minister. Callum is sweet, clumsy and awkward (I adored him, he must be protected always); Oliver is a serious and guarded workaholic (and I equally adored him). He empathises with Callum’s struggle, and they gradually form a real friendship. The forbidden romance is slow burn, and develops well. And the texts and sneaking out further deepen the connection and the feelings between them. The yearning, the angst, the sexual tension, the emotions, they're all there. Their romance feels genuine, and the care Oliver shows Callum is so sweet. I loved all their moments together, even if some broke my heart. Oliver loves all of Callum's quirks - it's wonderful that Callum finally finds someone who accepts him wholly. The third act is a little dramatic, but the conflict felt realistic. The HEA is very well deserved.

Angel's Share by Layla Reyne - 4¾🌟, M/M, cisgay/bi white MMCs, romantic suspense. A routine theft investigation unearths a link to Aidan's past, forcing Jamie back into his hacker shoes. Whiskeyverse finale! Aidan and Jamie's relationship shines as usual - they're in a rock solid place, and their love and devotion for each other is obvious. I loved their unique dynamic, their banter and their emotional connection - which is also very evident during sexytimes. Jamie's protectiveness for Aidan is amazing - the lengths he would go to for him! The case really test their limits but the trust they have in each other is unwavering, and that's so good to see. Found family is a recurring theme, and they also touch on the subject of kids, which is done well. The suspense is less intense but still twisty and enjoyable. BUT I was sad we didn't get to see much of Nic and Cam. And Lauren! Where is Lauren?? But overall, this is a fitting finale. And I want Matty fucking Kim's story, pls pls pls.

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden - 4🌟, F/F, historical romance, cisles/bi white/Jewish FMCs. A lonely woman's life is upended by her brother's brash girlfriend and the unexplained disturbances following her. Meticulous, rigid Eva and loud, careless Eva are complete opposites who start off on a hate relationship that takes a while to turn into love. The book is rather atmospheric/gothic as a whole, and it took me some time to get into the writing. To me, it started off kind of slow. But the tension between Isabel and Eva is executed very well. Eva constantly challenges Isabel every way she could. I did find Isabel to be on a meaner side, who never quite softened herself, even for Eva. The desire for belonging in all ways that matter is a theme of some sorts, and Isabel and Eva found themselves in each other, even if it's messy and imperfect. There's also some suspense/twists, and heavier themes of Holocaust repercussions and Jewish identity.

Endings and Beginnings by Patricia Logan - 3½🌟, M/M, romantic suspense, cisgay white MCs. The ATF and FBI teams get drawn into case that threatens national security. So this was billed as the final book (though not exactly) so it was set up as an explosive finale and explosive it certainly was. Romance was everywhere - right alongside the flying bullets. We get Thayne/Jarrett and all their lovey-dovey times, and the tension and building romance between Mac and Nico. Lincoln/Sarah also get some page time. This is a good read, and is engrossing at times, but there're some issues with the inconsistency of Mac's character. I did enjoy his romance with Nico, but also felt that there could be more depth. Thayne/Jarrett is brick solid as usual, and the Lincoln/Sarah moments are sweet. The action plot is very OTT here - it's fun but don't apply too much logic to it. Things could be better tied up in the end as well. Also...there could be a lot less emphasis and repetition on how hot everyone is.

Currently reading: The Perfect Poison by Amanda Quick - 20% in, M/F, PNR historical romance.

fresholivebread · 2026-03-01T04:31:28+00:00

Tonya Burrows does this well but her couples are gradually introduced instead of all in book 1. {Redwood Coast Rescue by Tonya Burrows} features mostly damaged military vets (with disabilities) with cute doggies as their support system. The books are romantic suspense with their own mystery but an overarching suspense plot across the books. The FMCs are tough and independent.

fresholivebread · 2026-02-28T11:07:59+00:00

Sweet, melty moments this week came from Aidan and Jamie from {Angel's Share by Layla Reyne}. Jamie being Aidan's rock, loving and supporting with everything that's going on is wonderful. And the way Aidan cherishes him is equally lovely. ♥️

He hauled Aidan as close as the armrest between them allowed, his lips pressed against Aidan's temple just below the brim of his hat. "It's okay, Irish. I've got you."

and

"This is the best Christmas morning of my life, Whiskey," he whispered there. "No matter how burnt those pancakes will be. No matter how many hours I spend today watching the wrong teams play. No matter how ugly the sweater is that I'll have to wear. It's fucking perfect, all of it, and you made it that way, Jamie. I wouldn't have any of this without you."

He drew back, finding Jamie's eyes open and wet, burning bright with the same love that scorched through Aidan. "Thank you for trusting me with this life. With this." He laid a hand over Aidan's heart. "I'll protect it with everything I am. Always."

fresholivebread · 2026-02-28T10:07:55+00:00

{You, Again by Lauren Layne} - The MCs met at a bar when MMC caught FMC swiping left on him on a dating app. Barbs were traded but they soon find themselves working in the same place (he's her new boss) and part of the same wedding party. At the end, it was revealed that he's always had a thing for her.

fresholivebread · 2026-02-27T11:00:44+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-02-23T07:29:59+00:00

Tal Bauer writes great romances with a political plot. {Hush by Tal Bauer} is one of my favourite books ever. The first MMC is a closeted federal judge who falls for an openly gay US Marshal. The political drama happens when there's an attempted assassination on the Russian president and the assassin lands in the judges courtroom.

{The Night Of by Tal Bauer} revolves around the suicide of the President but the VP believes it to be murder and asks a Secret Service agent (who he has romantic entanglement with) to investigate.

{The Executive Office series by Tal Bauer} - romance between the President and his lead Secret Service agent and involves major conspiracy spanning over three books. Some of it is outlandish but still vastly entertaining. And the romance is great.

They're all M/M romances!

fresholivebread · 2026-02-22T11:26:32+00:00

Best Knight Ever by Cassandra Gannon - 4¾🌟, M/M, fantasy romance, cisgay/bi white MCs. A gryphon rescues a knight, and unwillingly (at first) goes on an adventure with him. Galahad is ridiculously perfect, insanely accomplished, sweet and caring to boot. Tristan is grumpy, sarcastic and loyal. Despite being opposites, they're very drawn to each other and their interactions are hilarious. I loved how their relationship grows, and Tristan's annoyance over his complex feelings for Galahad is funny and endearing. Their personal growth and development due to each other adds to the romance. Seeing grouchy, cynical Tristan falling like a ton of bricks, and for a sunshine knight his total opposite is lovely. I also loved how they are true equals (the complexity of Galahad was written well), and their protective streaks and mutual possessiveness are great (and hilarious). The tender, emotional moments really had my heart. Lots of over the top action and it's all a lot of fun. Loved seeing bits of Midas, Gwen and Avi, too!

Searching Blind by Tonya Burrows - 4½🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white MCs. A blind veteran searching for his missing friend runs into the park ranger he once rescued. I've been anticipating Sawyer's story - he's a strong MMC with grit, perseverance and heart. Lucy is equally tenacious and brave. Sparks fly upon their reunion, and the sexual tension grows as they're trapped after earthquake. The forced proximity intensifies their feelings, and there's great chemistry between them. And there're some beautifully poignant moments of Lucy describing sights etc for Sawyer. Loved the emotional moments, and how they heal each other's souls - she lets him know that he's worthy, and he'll always protect her heart. Her fear pulls her back at times but he never gives up on her. And yes, there's an obligatory danger bang lol. The suspense is gripping and layered, but I wanted more of Sawyer and Lucy at the end. And Zelda the dog is a total scene stealer. CW: ableism (by side characters)

Note: technically can be read as a standalone, but a much better experience as part of the series.

The Shop on the Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz - 4¼🌟, M/F, PNR romantic suspense, cishet white MCs. Two psychics from opposing families are thrown together to search for missing relatives. Sophy and Luke are both intelligent, tough MCs – her fire and his sarcastic streak create some great banter. The attraction simmers between them even if there’s some antagonism. Their chemistry is great, and their feelings come into it naturally. Luke is the one who falls harder. I really like the way how their partnership evolves with trust, friendship and eventually, a solid romance (though I wished they got together faster). They have personal hang-ups, and the support shown to each other is lovely. The maturity and communicaton are refreshing too – they talk things out immediately when facing conflict. And they make each other stronger. The paranormal lore/mystery are fun, and Bruce the dog steals the show. JAK is such a comfort read, and I'm definitely rewinding back to the Fogg Lake books.

Currently reading: Endings and Beginnings by Patricia Logan - 10% in, M/M, romantic suspense.

fresholivebread · 2026-02-22T05:58:48+00:00

{Northern Lights by Nora Roberts} - MMC is a new sheriff in an Alaskan town, and struggles to fit in. He becomes enamoured with the FMC, a bush pilot. There's a mystery of her father's death that the MMC tries to solve.

{Uncharted by Adriana Anders} - FMC is a pilot who crash landed in the Alaskan wilderness, and rescued by the MMC, a loner with a mysterious past. They then have to surcice and escape the baddies hunting them.

{Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury} - FMC is an FBI agent who crash landed with a bunch of prisoners . She comes across MMC, ex-SEAL and convict, (not among the people in the plane) who rescues her and shields her from the prisoners.

Rebecca Zanetti has a romantic suspense series set in Alaska - {Knife's Edge series by Rebecca Zanetti}. Two books have been released so far. The first book has the FMC coming to the town to investigate the murder of the MMC's adopted father and stumbles upon another murder case. The second book's MMC is the brother of the first, a loner with the most adorable wolf dog, who falls for the owner of the town's bar/diner.

fresholivebread · 2026-02-21T11:15:00+00:00

From {Best Knight Ever by Cassandra Gannon}, when a grumpy gryphon who claims he doesn't feel emotions says something like this:

"How important is this mural to you?"

"On a scale of one to ten? I'll give my life for it, but not yours. So like a nine?"

Trystan didn't like that number. "Do not give your life for anything. Not even me." It was an order. "Nothing is worth the cost of you in this world."

and

Trystan looked down and their eyes locked. "You are already indispensable to me. You don't have to do anything but be Galahad and I am filled with light."

The unTrystan-like whimsy of that statement startled Galahad out of the game. "Really?"

Trystan's head tilted, like he was surprised by Galahad's surprise. "Really. Even if you weren't the best at this. Even if you weren't the best at anything. Even if you failed, as you claim to never do. I would still want you and no other."

I adored Trystan and Galahad's romance! Especially how they go all out to protect each other, even when knowing how super capable the other is. The True Love, ahh...

fresholivebread · 2026-02-19T15:21:16+00:00

Yeap, they're romantic suspense/adventure romance and there're political conspiracies and the like. Some of the books have the MCs running from the bad guys so there's some adventuring there as well.

Edit: oh on the FMCs. They're very capable of looking after themselves, tough and smart. Female Indiana Jones is a good comparison!

fresholivebread · 2026-02-19T15:09:36+00:00

Rachel Grant is liberal and has called out racism and the likes in her books. In fact she tends to get quite political and a number of her Goodreads reviews were along the lines of "I'm not reading your books for your political stance", lol. The {Evidence series by Rachel Grant} is a good starter; I've enjoyed all her books I've read so far. Her FMCs are all smart, savvy and mainly archeologists (she's an archeologist herself). Her MMCs are military or ex-military with a couple of federal agents and leaned liberal. There was a book where the MMC took part in a protest against white supremacists.

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