Blood and Muscle

by Elle Alexanda

This is an out-of-print edition of Blood and Muscle. For the latest edition, you can click here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2....

What would you do if the life you knew was stripped away in a single night?

Ava Bedford’s quiet existence in Nevada shatters when she becomes the sole witness to a brutal murder linked to rising political star Congressman Richard Callahan. Forced into witness protection, Ava is relocated to Cedar Falls, a rugged Wyoming town nestled in the shadow of towering mountains. But even in this peaceful haven, danger lurks—and it’s never far behind.

Sheriff Lou Harman thrives on the steady rhythm of Cedar Falls, her days spent keeping the peace and seeking solace with her horses. She’s built her life around control and self-reliance, so when Ava arrives with her sharp wit and disarming openness, Lou’s carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. What starts as a duty to protect soon blossoms into an undeniable connection, forcing both women to confront feelings they never expected.

But as shadows from Ava’s past creep closer, trust proves to be as fragile as it is vital. Together, Ava and Lou must decide how much they’re willing to risk for a chance at the life—and love—they’ve both been searching for.

Blood and Muscle is a thrilling yet tender sapphic romance about resilience, trust, and the courage to build something lasting in uncertain times.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Mystery, LGBT, Crime, Contemporary, Queer

367 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2025

About the author

Sapphic author fueled by coffee and catastrophic crushes on fictional ice queens ⚢🏳️‍🌈

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

**'Sometimes a story is more effective depend on your wording and subject matter. Words are essential to the story plus never go searching for a subject, it's good to let it find you..'

Enjoyable read!
.......

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from chapter one when Alexanda goes straight to the point with the murder. The undercover job made me smile because no one in Cedar Falls thought this San Francisco paper to waste money sending reporters for months to cover a small town. Once Ava goes undercover, the book focuses on their relationship, so romance lovers will definitely enjoy it. The book is filled with sweet scenes. Both characters are really likable, with touching backstories that somehow make them perfect for each other. The writing is immersive, and I liked how the two main characters grow close. The first love scene was so sweet, it was my first time reading a first time! I was just surprised Lou didn't feel more conflicted about initiating a relationship with a witness under her protection. Those who were more interested in the investigation and the thriller aspect might be a bit frustrated. However, the last 50 pages will keep you on your toes, and that 'touch her over my dead body' moment is always something that made me swoon.
Just one thing I already mentioned: my brain is kind of basic, so it likes to live vicariously, and I'm used to one POV or dual POV. In this case, it’s written with what I call an external POV, where you jump from one POV to another within the same chapter. It's always a bit disturbing for me. But again, it'a personal preference.
Overall, I enjoyed this debut and promising novel from Elle Alexandra.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood and Muscle by Elle Alexanda is a fantastic debut novel. I was quickly drawn into this sapphic crime romance by the author's setting descriptions and the tension that built immediately. 
Ava witnesses a murder committed by a high-profile politician and is subsequently whisked away into witness protection with a small-town sheriff.
I liked the depth of character for our mains, with their interesting backstories and strength and vulnerability. Competency is sexy, and so are communication skills. There is no third-act breakup, which is nice. The relationship is organic, and Ava and Lou are so gentle and passionate with one another. Tender moments and spice are the payoff for the slow burn. I enjoyed the ride!
The crime suspense aspect was more of a subplot to move things along. The few action scenes kept things exciting. I appreciated the twist at the end. 
I really like our mains, and the supporting cast was also well-done, and their interactions were meaningful. 
It wasn't perfect. Some repeated words and phrases, and minor typos caught my attention, which I am sure will be addressed before publication, but overall, it was a very strong debut, and I am glad I got my hands on it. I highly recommend it for a lovely romance, with a little suspense. I also love the cover. This would look nice on my shelf. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
#Nevada #Wyoming #smalltown #sheriff #waitress #foundfamily #supportivefamily #slowburn #crime #murder #witnessprotection #nothirdactbreakup #competencyissexy #communicatoniskey #spicy #sweet #debutnovel #epilogue #HEA
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[The Wild Weary Cow Reads Sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read

I genuinely can't believe this is Elle Alexanda's debut book 😲... She's most definitely storming out of the gates with it!.

This one ticked all my boxes 🤪.
It's really well written, I loved the flow, there's no struggle to get into it, it's got humour, flirting, smirking, banter between the two MCs, chemistry, a deep emotional connection between them and I was definitely invested.

You start off having this idea of each of them, classic tough officer and shy scared victim ...but that switches over time....I won't give any spoilers away.

There isn't a lot about the 'bad guys' once Ava goes into protective custody after witnessing a murder, until towards the end... But you know what.. you don't need it... This is Ava and Lou's love story and it's not boring in the slightest!.

I was creeping up to 82% and slowed it down because I didn't want it to end!.

Ava & Lou are on my Top fav MCs for this year and I'll be grabbing a physical copy when then time comes 👍🏻.

Thanks for giving me the chance to ARC your fabulous book

[Mari Menne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Elle Alexanda's debut(!!) novel, Blood and Muscle, Ava, unfortunately, did witness a harrowing crime, and is shipped off to Cedar Falls, where she ends up living in Officer Lou Harman's annex. Surrounded by nature, a lake, and a stable with two adorable horses, Ava starts settling into her new life, both in a new place and in her relationship with Lou. Ava and Lou have amazing chemistry from the start, and I loved the flirty banter they had going on.🫦

The way the novel is written makes you feel like you are right there with them, in the scene. Whether it's at Millie's Diner, Lou's station, or in the area around Lou's home. You can almost smell the surroundings, and feel the sunlight beaming down from the sky. The entire novel is immersive, and the pacing is perfect. Nothing felt rushed, or too slow.🌲

I did kind of forget about the crime at some point, though, as the focus was more on the relationship between the MCs. The crime novel-lover in me would have liked a bit more intel about what was going on with the case, maybe a tad more drama, but I am all about small town life, so I was happy either way!🐎🌲

[Lady Olenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This story was cute. It’s a mixture actually. It’s a little bit too easy, too sweet and too simple with regard to the dynamics and relationships aspect. However, the specifics of handling the case, the way the author built the setting, the town’s folk characters was so smooth and endearing. It really did feel like getting dropped into a Hallmark show. There were also moments between the main characters where the dialogue was legitimately funny and crass which was out of character for the setting but gave the story more character. Imo the best, cheesiest most Hallmark moment was the last scene. It was all of what I mentioned above but so cute and adorable that it was a very strong positive 3.5 stars from me. And because of this impression I might actually keep tabs on the author and pull up their book when I want something simple, sweet and not too complicated for my brain and heart.

[Sapphic Bookshelf]

I liked the way Lou and Ava slowly developed their relationship. They had a great dynamic that felt genuine. And wow is the steam steamy! 🔥

The thriller plot takes a backseat after the first chapter and picks back up again at the end. I was hoping for a little more because I love thrillers, but it’s okay! I also love romance novels so I enjoyed the focus on their romance.

Pub Date: March 1st, 2025

Thank you to the author for a copy of this eARC.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptive writing is so skillfully executed that the story truly comes to life as you read; you feel as if you are right there with the characters.

The development of Ava and Lou's relationship was exceptionally well-crafted, and once the tension between them ignited, it was unstoppable. Lou's first experience with Ava (and first experience with anyone) is a beautifully written scene; Ava's care for Lou and her sensitive, gradual approach make it a wonderful scene to read, Their entire relationship's development was a captivating read.

I would also like to commend the side characters, as their roles were equally unforgettable. Anthony, Lou's best friend and deputy, is a wonderful and supportive friend to Lou, keeping her grounded. Millie, Lou's mother, was the sweetest mother one could wish for. And last but no means least, Alma and Constance were a hilarious and endearing duo.

The storyline is captivating from beginning to end, beautifully written, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I am looking forward to Elle's next work.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Ionlyreadsapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this book which is the first by this author. This book was amazing and from the first page I was hooked and the writing made you feel like you where actually witnessing the murder as it unfoldes.
I loved how the MC fell for each other, on occasion I wanted to shake them so they realised how the other felt but such was the way this book was written it didn't feel like it went on too long.
I cannot wait for more books by this author

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give more than 5 stars? No? Why!?
To say I loved this book is a bit of an understatement. It contains every trope I love, including but not limited to:
- Small Town
- Witty banter
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity
- Almost Kiss
- First Time
and more, even the spice is good 🔥🔥

It stars as a thriller but as the story develop the romance prevailed untile the long-awaited twist in the end. The last 50 or so pages are something else 😍, combining action with romance to wrap up the story crating a gran final (they made the book more than worth of reading).

TW: murder, alcoholism, off-page domestic abuse, anxiety attacks, gun use.

[Jae Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I absolutely loved this book; it’s been on my list to read and I loved the tension between Lou and Ava, and I loved the journey of them at the end told in the form of a play; it definitely gives a different outlook to their ending compared to other stories!

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle Alexanda’s Blood and Muscle is a gripping blend of slow-burn romance and small-town suspense, delivering an engaging sapphic love story with just the right amount of danger to keep the pages turning. From the very first chapter, the tension is palpable—both in the high-stakes mystery that sends Ava Bedford into witness protection and in the smoldering connection she develops with Sheriff Lou Harman, a woman more accustomed to keeping order than surrendering to chaos.

The heart of this novel lies in its beautifully developed romance. Ava and Lou’s relationship unfolds with a tenderness that feels organic, making each moment between them deeply satisfying. Lou, navigating her first real experience with intimacy, is written with a refreshing vulnerability, and Ava’s patience and care in guiding her through it make for some truly breathtaking scenes. And when the passion does ignite? It’s sizzling. The chemistry between them is undeniable, making their love story both emotionally resonant and steamy.

Beyond the romance, the world of Blood and Muscle feels lived-in. The Cedar Falls community is full of warmth, adding depth to the story with its small-town charm and found-family dynamics. While the mystery element is relatively low-angst, it provides just enough suspense to keep things engaging without overshadowing the central romance.

For a debut novel, Alexanda has crafted a compelling and heartfelt story, proving she has a keen eye for character development and chemistry. While the mystery may take a backseat to the romance, Blood and Muscle is ultimately a rewarding read that balances love, trust, and resilience in an unforgettable way. A solid four-star read that will leave you eagerly anticipating whatever Alexanda writes next!

Thank you to the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boo AI cover

3.5. This had some issues (like the random perspective switching) but was pretty good imo for a debut. Overall I was hoping for a bit more action but this was sweet and I liked it

[saisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this

[Zayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't normally give 5 stars, but in this case as far as first time author reads go, this was an enjoyable one. I really like the mystery/romance/mixed-feelings type of story driven here.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩶


🩶Small town
🩶Opposites attract
🩶Sapphic romance
🩶Witness protection
🩶Sheriff/ waitress
🩶Femme/femme

Ava witnesses a murder of a congressman and is forced into witness protection and relocated to Cedar falls. This is where she meets sheriff Lou. Chapter 1 had me quickly drawn in as it starts with Ava witnessing the murder after her shift. The tension was palpable. The writing was perfect.

I really enjoyed this book. The crime/mystery along with the romance made the story intriguing. Lou and Ava slowly start to develop a beautiful relationship with undeniable chemistry. There is just enough angst that had me stuck wanting to know how the book was going to end. Towards the middle of the book we get Lou’s backstory which pulled at my heartstrings. She went through so much as a child which explained why she was so closed off as an adult. The spice was sweet and well written. This book gave me all the feels. It’s fun, mysterious, intense, emotional and hot. I feel so much happened in 300 pages and I still craved more. The ending was wrapped up perfectly with a HEA. Lastly, I was so happy to see chapters titles! Seems to be a rare occurrence these days.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

One hundred per cent, this book was written by AI. Avoid it - it's beyond awful!

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF @ 34%

I might try BLOOD AND MUSCLE again another time but for now it's a DNF because I was looking for something faster paced and with more action/suspense. After the first chapter or so this settles into a regular contemporary and I just wanted something different.

Additionally, Lou and Ava are really likable characters but the chapters don't appear to be written from a specific character's POV. The characters' actions, body language, and facial expressions are all described so I have a general idea of what they must be thinking but it's as if a third person is describing what they're observing rather than being in the actual head of a specific character. Although, there would be occasional sentences that were clearly from a single character's POV but those were sporadic and moved around to different characters.

[P G · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dynamic between Ava and Lou was the heart of the story. Their relationship felt raw, real, and refreshingly grounded. It wasn’t overly dramatized or filled with cliché tropes. Instead, it had a quiet intensity that made their connection believable.

Unfortunately, that emotional core just wasn’t enough to carry the rest. The world around them lacked energy, the stakes were low, and the overall story didn’t push far enough to keep things engaging.

While the setup involving witness protection had potential to bring tension or suspense, it mostly sits in the background, underused and undeveloped. The plot never really kicks into gear, and any stakes that should’ve come from that premise just… fizzle out

If you like slow burns with deeply emotional character dynamics and don’t mind a plot that takes a backseat, you might still enjoy this.

[Såo Jimenez · Rating 2 out of 5]

delete it. with haste. my list of grievances for this one included: **unorganized** omniscient narrator, unnatural dialogue (like who is casually saying “truths buried in the dark don’t stay hidden forever. And when they rise, they’re normally more unforgiving than you’d expect." what????), foggy timelines, there’s an epilogue but it’s set EIGHT YEARS LATER bye that’s too far into the future hate that, and my biggest on of all, the book is set in America and the characters were American but I could tell the author was a Brit from her vernacular. TACKYY. whatever big loss. yall know i always root for my lesbos 💔 I gave it two stars bc it had horses and I vibe with that.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book on a story level was everything I wanted, my issue however was how many things were told instead of shown that I felt I didn't really get to watch them fall in love or know why they like each other. Mentioning things like that they started having weekly dinners, or that she mentioned trauma in passing. I did like this book but that and the use of an AI image as the cover were my issues.

[Chris Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down for the life of me. I hope more books are to come!

[Zoë Zahariadis · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit cringe imma be honest … but more points for sapphic

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an absolute blast with this book. I had the honor to read it as an ARC and wanted to give my honest review. Blood and Muscle is a mostly single POV story, with a chapter or two at the end that changed POVs. It is a sapphic thriller. Now that we've gotten the basics out of the way ... I thought this book was SO good! It drew me in from the first chapter, was amazingly well paced and had a finale that was perfect. It left no loose ends, and sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. I loved every minute of it! This was my first thriller and I thought the suspense was definitely there but it was softened by the romance and I really liked that. The mix of the two genres was perfect. 5 out of 5 for me, hands down. I would give more than 5 out of 5 stars if I could. Go check this book out, you're gonna love it!

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and Muscle is a heartfelt small-town romance wrapped in mystery. The story follows Ava, a woman in witness protection who finds herself starting over in a quiet town where she least expects it—surrounded by gossiping neighbors, cozy libraries, and a woman who slowly helps her heal. As she begins to rebuild her life, she finds not just love, but also a sense of family, belonging, and safety she’s never known before.
I loved this book! The mix of mystery and romance was perfect, and the emotional depth behind Ava’s journey really pulled me in. I especially adored Lou and Anthony’s relationship—the way they protected and cared for one another like siblings, even without being related, was portrayed so beautifully. It added such a touching layer of found family that made the story feel even more heartfelt. I also appreciated how both Lou’s and Ava’s stories were shared with care and emotion, showing how their pasts shaped who they became.
Their relationship developed at such a natural pace, filled with tenderness, trust, and beautiful moments toward the end that honestly made me tear up. Between the charming small-town atmosphere, the cozy library scenes, and the emotional storytelling, Blood and Muscle felt like a comforting, soul-stirring read.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.5 I’m feeling pretty let down by this book so take my rating with a grain of salt. I loved this concept, the characters, and their relationship. I can also give some slack given that the author is not American but writing about American politics (kind of). That being said:

The writing was weirdly flowery. For a folksy America-small-town setting, everyone spoke and thought in super metaphorical and verbose ways. Lots of “she looked at me like I was the sun and she had been starving for light”. Which is fine, but it was constant.

The tone shifted drastically. We start off with a grisly high-stakes political murder at a grimy diner, and then 50 pages later we’re exploring the community gardens at Ava’s new town. The two random check-ins from Higgins were the only real continuation of that plot; everything else was soul searching and romance. The tension was gone, and I was bored.

Lastly, and bear with me on this one, the third act reappearance of Victor was handled so poorly that I had to reread it several times. Let me set the scene:

Victor shows up, takes Ava hostage, and Lou follows them. She is described as being furious and ready to pop off at a moments notice. Ava gets away and moves to stand BEHIND Lou. BEHIND.

Victor is still in front of them and his gun has been thrown to the ground a few feet away.

THE AUTHOR DOES THIS: Victor scrambles for his weapon, gets it, then SOMEHOW manages to grab Ava out from around Lou, drag her away, and put a gun to her head. All without Lou firing or doing anything at all. I’m sorry. W H A T. They go on to have another standoff, Lou gets very heroically shot in the ribs, and they end up HAE.

I’ve read worse books so I’m not sure what bothered me so intensely about this one. If you’re looking for something very low stakes and a cute adult romance, go for it.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a struggle to finish. The relationship seemed stilted and the way politics and parties were portrayed was cartoonish and almost borderline offensive. I’m not sure if the writer is American or not, but it reads as if they are not, based on the way the American politics are written. I found myself constantly being taken out of the story by how unrealistic it was portrayed.

[Bronte Mahoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super strong start, but superfluous language gnawed at me. Swung too heavily between original and hyper-corny for me to not be AWARE of it. Understanding it's a debut, brings some brownie points.

[Rhaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling Fusion of Suspense and Sapphic Longing: Blood and Muscle Delivers with Depth and Desire

Elle Alexandra delivers a masterfully woven tale of suspense and romance in Blood and Muscle, a novel that seamlessly balances pulse-pounding tension with deeply felt emotional intimacy. Set against the stark yet breathtaking backdrop of Cedar Falls, Wyoming, this story immerses readers in a world where danger and desire are inextricably linked, and where trust is both a luxury and a necessity.

At the heart of the novel are Ava Bedford, a reluctant fugitive thrust into witness protection after witnessing a murder tied to a powerful political figure, and Sheriff Lou Harman, a woman whose life is defined by structure, solitude, and an unwavering sense of duty. Their dynamic is as compelling as it is electrifying, Ava’s sharp wit and warmth slowly chipping away at Lou’s carefully maintained defenses, creating a relationship that simmers with slow-burning intensity.

Alexandra’s character work is nothing short of exquisite. Both Ava and Lou are richly developed, imbued with layers of vulnerability, resilience, and undeniable magnetism. Their interactions feel organic, their chemistry electric, and their individual arcs deeply satisfying. The town of Cedar Falls, too, becomes more than just a setting, it breathes with its own quiet menace and rugged charm, a place of both refuge and lurking danger.

The novel’s pacing is expertly handled, with the tension mounting in a way that keeps readers perpetually on edge. Alexandra deftly balances moments of tender introspection with sequences of gripping suspense, ensuring that neither the romance nor the thriller elements overshadow the other. The prose is fluid, evocative, and often poetic, drawing readers deeper into the world she has so carefully crafted.

If there is one minor drawback, it is the at-times subtle transition between the protagonists’ perspectives. While both Ava and Lou’s voices are distinct, a more clearly delineated shift in POV would have further enhanced the reading experience, offering even greater immersion into their respective inner worlds. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise exceptional novel.

Blood and Muscle is a triumph, an intoxicating blend of romance, intrigue, and raw emotion. It is a testament to the power of resilience, the fragility of trust, and the courage it takes to love in the face of uncertainty. Elle Alexandra has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, making this a must-read for fans of sapphic fiction who crave both heart-pounding suspense and soul-stirring romance.

[Dan Lasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

this debut novel is an exhilarating mix of high-stakes suspense and deeply felt romance, delivering an experience that had me on edge one moment and swooning the next.

the story follows ava bedford, whose life is upended in an instant when she witnesses a murder tied to a powerful political figure. forced into witness protection, she’s relocated to the quiet town of cedar falls, wyoming—though “quiet” is relative when you’re being hunted. enter sheriff lou harman, the steady, no-nonsense force tasked with keeping ava safe. lou thrives on structure, on keeping her world in order, but ava is the kind of person who disrupts that carefully laid stability in the best way possible. their dynamic is immediate yet slow-burning, a balance of trust, tension, and undeniable attraction.

one thing i truly appreciated was how the story naturally shifted once ava entered witness protection. while the initial hook is the crime she saw, the book doesn’t get lost in the procedural details. instead, it leans into the romance, which makes sense—ava’s survival isn’t just about staying physically safe, but about rebuilding her life. and love, especially one as beautifully written as hers and lou’s, becomes part of that healing.

both ava and lou are layered, flawed, and compelling. their backstories are thoughtfully woven in, and the evolution of their relationship feels organic. there’s an inevitability to their connection, but nothing feels forced or rushed. their chemistry is palpable, but more than that, their trust in one another is what makes their relationship so gripping.

then there’s lou’s decision to protect ava with a lie. it’s one of those moments that made me pause because, logically, you want everything to be straightforward. but trauma rewires people. sometimes, survival instincts don’t make room for transparency. and when you’ve suffered enough, when you’ve seen too much, sometimes the only thing you can think to do is run. the way alexanda handles this complexity—how trust is fragile, how safety can feel like a shifting concept—adds real emotional weight to the story.

it’s worth noting that this book does contain some heavy themes, so i’d recommend checking content warnings before diving in. that being said, it’s a stunning debut—one that balances action, heart, and genuine character growth. if you love sapphic romance with depth, tension, and a touch of danger, blood and muscle is absolutely worth your time.

a huge thank you to elle alexanda for the e-arc!