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Clean Slate
The Sapphic Suspense Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
This curated collection brings together nine distinct voices in sapphic romantic suspense. Each book delivers a complete story of passion and peril, featuring protagonists who navigate both danger and desire. Several entries serve as gateways to forthcoming series, offering readers a first glimpse of worlds their creators will soon expand. From gritty city streets to seaside villages harboring secrets, these tales explore the exhilarating intersection of attraction and jeopardy. Each author introduces characters who've never appeared in their previous works, ensuring fresh terrain for both longtime fans and new readers.
Clean A Lord & Burton Mystery
On the first day of her new job, divorced Rae Burton is partnered with a younger detective, Dakota Lord, to solve a high-profile murder. Rae, a former lieutenant, who returned to work cases in the field, clashes with Dakota who has a lot to prove.
As the case heats up, so does the growing attraction between the two.
To find a murderer, one of them will have to dig deep into her own past.
Their shared determination to find justice for the victims will bring them closer, but it will also put them on the killer’s radar…
This curated collection brings together nine distinct voices in sapphic romantic suspense. Each book delivers a complete story of passion and peril, featuring protagonists who navigate both danger and desire. Several entries serve as gateways to forthcoming series, offering readers a first glimpse of worlds their creators will soon expand. From gritty city streets to seaside villages harboring secrets, these tales explore the exhilarating intersection of attraction and jeopardy. Each author introduces characters who've never appeared in their previous works, ensuring fresh terrain for both longtime fans and new readers.
Clean A Lord & Burton Mystery
On the first day of her new job, divorced Rae Burton is partnered with a younger detective, Dakota Lord, to solve a high-profile murder. Rae, a former lieutenant, who returned to work cases in the field, clashes with Dakota who has a lot to prove.
As the case heats up, so does the growing attraction between the two.
To find a murderer, one of them will have to dig deep into her own past.
Their shared determination to find justice for the victims will bring them closer, but it will also put them on the killer’s radar…
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
About the author
Barbara Winkes
78 books215 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
Rae Burton was a lieutenant, stuck to an office, and wanted nothing more than to go back into the fieldwork. On her first day back at the precinct, she is paired with a young detective, Dakota Lord, who wants to prove herself and doesn't think she needs any help. Whether they like it or not, they must work together to solve a murder case that could potentially turn into a killing spree.
A wicked, gripping, and suspenseful murder hunt begins with some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. In my opinion, the police work is shown accurately and the case becomes more gripping the longer it goes on. At the same time, Rae and Dakota's determination to solve the case grows.
What I particularly liked was the development of the relationship between the two investigators. How prejudices can cloud their vision and how the past and what they have experienced shape and influence people. It is exciting to see how a lack of understanding and rejection turns into understanding, respect, and friendship. And when suddenly more than friendly feelings arise, everything becomes more complicated and emotional - and yes, also more dangerous.
Both women have interesting backstories, which we learn more and more about, allowing us to understand the characters better. I was fascinated by Rae's charisma and calmness right from the start. I did understand her reasons for deciding to work in the field again. And her family situation isn’t an easy one. Dakota is also an exciting character and a good policewoman, even if her impetuousness isn't always the best thing for her. Her family history is quite contrary to Rae's, but no less interesting, and may very well not only open doors but also close them.
The combination of police work and romance is still one of my favorite genres and Barbara Winkes once again does a very good job.
A very good start to a new series from this author, I can't wait to see what Rae and Dakota experience in the future and how their relationship develops.
This book is one of «The-Sapphic-Suspense-Collection», Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Rae Burton was a lieutenant, stuck to an office, and wanted nothing more than to go back into the fieldwork. On her first day back at the precinct, she is paired with a young detective, Dakota Lord, who wants to prove herself and doesn't think she needs any help. Whether they like it or not, they must work together to solve a murder case that could potentially turn into a killing spree.
A wicked, gripping, and suspenseful murder hunt begins with some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. In my opinion, the police work is shown accurately and the case becomes more gripping the longer it goes on. At the same time, Rae and Dakota's determination to solve the case grows.
What I particularly liked was the development of the relationship between the two investigators. How prejudices can cloud their vision and how the past and what they have experienced shape and influence people. It is exciting to see how a lack of understanding and rejection turns into understanding, respect, and friendship. And when suddenly more than friendly feelings arise, everything becomes more complicated and emotional - and yes, also more dangerous.
Both women have interesting backstories, which we learn more and more about, allowing us to understand the characters better. I was fascinated by Rae's charisma and calmness right from the start. I did understand her reasons for deciding to work in the field again. And her family situation isn’t an easy one. Dakota is also an exciting character and a good policewoman, even if her impetuousness isn't always the best thing for her. Her family history is quite contrary to Rae's, but no less interesting, and may very well not only open doors but also close them.
The combination of police work and romance is still one of my favorite genres and Barbara Winkes once again does a very good job.
A very good start to a new series from this author, I can't wait to see what Rae and Dakota experience in the future and how their relationship develops.
This book is one of «The-Sapphic-Suspense-Collection», Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
June 3, 2025
Tension filled mystery romance
Rae Burton is partnered with a younger detective, Dakota Lord on her first day at a new job. Dakota is not happy about their pairing and out to prove herself. Working a case together sparks attraction but tensions, especially when solving it means digging into one of their pasts.
Barbara’s mysteries and thrillers always deliver on the action, tension, and the drama! This new story does just that. From the second they meet, you can feel the tension. Dakota makes it known she has a chip on her shoulder and feels resentment to being partnered with someone older. She feels she can do this on her own, but it is that independence that is the reason she really needs a strong, reliable partner she can fall back on. Rae wasn’t put off by Dakota’s attitude and just got on with what she needed to.
I loved how it took them a while to warm up to one another but as soon as they realised their feelings for one another were mutual, things settled down. They made a great team, both at work, and in moments of vulnerability as they learned to trust one another and grew closer. Both of them had the smarts to solve the case and were dedicated to getting justice. Getting along made them a force to be reckoned with and when it came down to it, they proved that together.
Looking forward to their future adventures together.
Rae Burton is partnered with a younger detective, Dakota Lord on her first day at a new job. Dakota is not happy about their pairing and out to prove herself. Working a case together sparks attraction but tensions, especially when solving it means digging into one of their pasts.
Barbara’s mysteries and thrillers always deliver on the action, tension, and the drama! This new story does just that. From the second they meet, you can feel the tension. Dakota makes it known she has a chip on her shoulder and feels resentment to being partnered with someone older. She feels she can do this on her own, but it is that independence that is the reason she really needs a strong, reliable partner she can fall back on. Rae wasn’t put off by Dakota’s attitude and just got on with what she needed to.
I loved how it took them a while to warm up to one another but as soon as they realised their feelings for one another were mutual, things settled down. They made a great team, both at work, and in moments of vulnerability as they learned to trust one another and grew closer. Both of them had the smarts to solve the case and were dedicated to getting justice. Getting along made them a force to be reckoned with and when it came down to it, they proved that together.
Looking forward to their future adventures together.
May 11, 2025
This One Grows On Me
The CLEAN SLATE has multiple meanings and I love that complexity about it. The characters grow and try to build on a clean slate. The mystery is about a clean slate in life but digging through all the layers of dirt and deception is complicated. And in the end, is there anything like a clean slate? Or just a decision to start over. This is a great story. I recommend it.
The CLEAN SLATE has multiple meanings and I love that complexity about it. The characters grow and try to build on a clean slate. The mystery is about a clean slate in life but digging through all the layers of dirt and deception is complicated. And in the end, is there anything like a clean slate? Or just a decision to start over. This is a great story. I recommend it.
July 11, 2025
3 stars for the romance, 5 for the mystery plot
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about sapphic pairings between two strong female leads, but I wasn't feeling this one. The chemistry was there but on the low side, like, the initial attraction was present, but nothing happened to develop an emotional connection. The hook up was believable, but the relationsvip progressing past that? I didn't feel it.
Now the rest - great mystery writing! I was guessing all the way through, the pacing was good, there was enough surprise at the reveal for it to be not overly predictable, but enough clues that by the time I got there, it was pretty close to one of the options I'd been predicting, but it wasn't my top guess, which it usually is! A good balance of suspense and action and intrigue. Well done.
I'd have been happy with this book even without the romance. A bit of subtext, a hook up, a maybe-more-maybe-not ending between the main leads after some open door spice would have been more fitting with the rest of the set up. Unless the characters had been more emotionally developed and a bit more complex, there's no point in a romance when there's very little emotional investment built between reader and characters. I am a romance junkie, I love romance, read hundreds each year, but I will say that I've rated worse written books higher because of deeper character development. This felt very surface, we get a few throwaway hardships for each character, but in the way you sort of know your coworker is divorced, or has rich girl family problems. If they get in a good relationship you're like, "Oh? Hey thats great for you, congrats! Oh, do you think you swap shifts with me next week?" Not in the way you know your best friends deepest secrets and desires and are rooting for them and truly celebrate when they get the girl, and insist on all the details over ice cream and pie.
Make me care, or else make it steamy, or both. If you do neither, why even bother with it? I'd have cheered queer leads with no romance harder actually.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about sapphic pairings between two strong female leads, but I wasn't feeling this one. The chemistry was there but on the low side, like, the initial attraction was present, but nothing happened to develop an emotional connection. The hook up was believable, but the relationsvip progressing past that? I didn't feel it.
Now the rest - great mystery writing! I was guessing all the way through, the pacing was good, there was enough surprise at the reveal for it to be not overly predictable, but enough clues that by the time I got there, it was pretty close to one of the options I'd been predicting, but it wasn't my top guess, which it usually is! A good balance of suspense and action and intrigue. Well done.
I'd have been happy with this book even without the romance. A bit of subtext, a hook up, a maybe-more-maybe-not ending between the main leads after some open door spice would have been more fitting with the rest of the set up. Unless the characters had been more emotionally developed and a bit more complex, there's no point in a romance when there's very little emotional investment built between reader and characters. I am a romance junkie, I love romance, read hundreds each year, but I will say that I've rated worse written books higher because of deeper character development. This felt very surface, we get a few throwaway hardships for each character, but in the way you sort of know your coworker is divorced, or has rich girl family problems. If they get in a good relationship you're like, "Oh? Hey thats great for you, congrats! Oh, do you think you swap shifts with me next week?" Not in the way you know your best friends deepest secrets and desires and are rooting for them and truly celebrate when they get the girl, and insist on all the details over ice cream and pie.
Make me care, or else make it steamy, or both. If you do neither, why even bother with it? I'd have cheered queer leads with no romance harder actually.
May 1, 2025
THIS IS A SERIOUSLY GOOD READ!!!!
How could I not fall right into Rae and Dakota's world - and stay there until the last possible moment? I found myself diving immediately into their case and getting pulled into their pasts with them - wondering, wanting to know. This book has all the classic Barbara Winkes intrigue and suspense, tension and heat. It provides a whole new world to escape into. The story is a wonderful weave of current urgency, threads of the past, and hints of the future. The disturbing trainwreck of crime - the criminal mind, and the imperfect humanity of the women who solve it in the pursuit of justice is a powerful, brilliant mix. These characters reached out from the page and drew me along - staying with me long after my eyes reluctantly read the last word.
How could I not fall right into Rae and Dakota's world - and stay there until the last possible moment? I found myself diving immediately into their case and getting pulled into their pasts with them - wondering, wanting to know. This book has all the classic Barbara Winkes intrigue and suspense, tension and heat. It provides a whole new world to escape into. The story is a wonderful weave of current urgency, threads of the past, and hints of the future. The disturbing trainwreck of crime - the criminal mind, and the imperfect humanity of the women who solve it in the pursuit of justice is a powerful, brilliant mix. These characters reached out from the page and drew me along - staying with me long after my eyes reluctantly read the last word.
May 1, 2025
Wow, this is a seriously creepy book. We meet two new characters Detectives Rae and Dakota who are working together to try and find someone poisoning women, leaving them in not at all befitting pj’s and with creepy dolls on the window sill of the attic they’re found in.
I loved both MC’s. Enemies to lovers, age gap and grumpy/sunshine tropes weave together to make this a fantastic book in what I hope will become a series.
I loved both MC’s. Enemies to lovers, age gap and grumpy/sunshine tropes weave together to make this a fantastic book in what I hope will become a series.
May 8, 2025
Another great book from Barbara Winkes, which I’m hoping may develop into a series 🤞
Dakota Lord is a young detective with a bright future. She’s partnered with Rae Burton who has a stellar reputation as a Lieutenant so why has she has taken such a huge step backwards?
Ms Winkes keep the plot ticking over and introduces enough red herrings to have us think we know more than we do…
Looking forward to more hopefully
Dakota Lord is a young detective with a bright future. She’s partnered with Rae Burton who has a stellar reputation as a Lieutenant so why has she has taken such a huge step backwards?
Ms Winkes keep the plot ticking over and introduces enough red herrings to have us think we know more than we do…
Looking forward to more hopefully
May 30, 2025
Dakota Lord has worked hard to prove herself as a cop, and is less than pleased to be saddled with a new partner. Rae Burton meanwhile has returned to the detective ranks, and hopes to just quietly join the squad.
The suspicious death case they're working turns to murder, then they realize it might be a serial killer. And ss they work the case, they deal with a growing attraction.
3 out of 5. I didn't really buy the accomplice, which hurt the story a bit.
The suspicious death case they're working turns to murder, then they realize it might be a serial killer. And ss they work the case, they deal with a growing attraction.
3 out of 5. I didn't really buy the accomplice, which hurt the story a bit.
August 25, 2025
3 stars. Didn’t grip me as much as Winkes’s In Harm’s Way. The case was okay. It definitely had it’s tense moments but the resolution of it was lackluster. However, I did like the characters. Rae and Dakota were great and I really liked their romance. Great chemistry between them and I liked their relationship developed. The ending was also really nice. While I didn’t love this I would read another book following these two.
May 14, 2025
Loved it
I love this book It was interesting it kept me Up at night I wanted to finish it love the characters and the Up at night I wanted to finish it love the characters and the story line I would just like the little bit more love scenes but it was very good I recommend this book
I love this book It was interesting it kept me Up at night I wanted to finish it love the characters and the Up at night I wanted to finish it love the characters and the story line I would just like the little bit more love scenes but it was very good I recommend this book
May 1, 2025
Love crime stories
This is the perfect first book of then sapphic suspense collection! I am a big fan of Barbara Winkes and am excited to read more of Rae and Dakota’s adventures!
This is the perfect first book of then sapphic suspense collection! I am a big fan of Barbara Winkes and am excited to read more of Rae and Dakota’s adventures!
May 13, 2025
Awesome Power Couple
Rae and Dakota are partners turned lovers. Clean Slate is a suspense romance. Rae and Dakota rush to solve two murders before there is a third. The story was suspenseful as well as romantic. I enjoyed reading this book.
Rae and Dakota are partners turned lovers. Clean Slate is a suspense romance. Rae and Dakota rush to solve two murders before there is a third. The story was suspenseful as well as romantic. I enjoyed reading this book.
May 24, 2025
What a ride
What a ride! This was such an awesome mystery and wonderful story that I enjoyed reading. This was certainly a whopper of a mystery to find out who done it! Very enjoyable.
What a ride! This was such an awesome mystery and wonderful story that I enjoyed reading. This was certainly a whopper of a mystery to find out who done it! Very enjoyable.
June 15, 2025
I love finding the clue to the title in a story. Barbara Winkes takes the reader through the divorce and losing the son to starting a new job as a crime detective with a serial killer. Such a great Tale
Did Not Finish
May 11, 2025DNF @ 33%
May 27, 2025
Nice mystery
And great story about the women in it. Intriguing crime and I sight to monied families. Worth the read even if you're not into mysteries
And great story about the women in it. Intriguing crime and I sight to monied families. Worth the read even if you're not into mysteries
June 9, 2025
Clean slate
Gripping story and great characters you can actually care about
It was hard to keep track of the POVs sometimes but the storyline kept moving smoothly until the end
Gripping story and great characters you can actually care about
It was hard to keep track of the POVs sometimes but the storyline kept moving smoothly until the end
July 29, 2025
Good story. Strong Sapphic leads.
October 13, 2025
It was a little hard to was talking at first, but it was a very good story.
June 28, 2025
Barbara knows how to write a mystery. She takes her readers on a ride, leading them on a trail that has you thinking you’ve solved it only to twist another direction. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are believable and very likable. The flow of the story keeps you reading and engaged. Once again, Barbara has done her job, taking us out of our everyday into another world. Grab this one if you want a good rainy day read.
August 5, 2025
Clean Slate was a very interesting collection thriller and suspense sapphic romance.
Thank you to Barbara Winkes and Bookfunnel for ARC
Thank you to Barbara Winkes and Bookfunnel for ARC
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews