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The San Francisco Mystery #4
Tinted Chapstick
Now living with Detective Tommy Vietti, Dr. Jen Dawson is frustrated with her love life. She's interested in someone at the CrossFit box, but wonders why she keeps thinking about her ex-lover, District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne.
As Jen works through her conflicted feelings, she also must manage the expectations of her irritated boss, Dr. Melissa Cohen, and the daily drama served up by angry patients, wild animals, and confidential information made public at the Cohen Clinic.
Even worse, Jen is asked by Amanda's campaign manager to defend Amanda after her HEA--hellish ending to an affair--with Roxy. Jen will be damned before she'll turn into the abused political wife, standing by "her woman" after Amanda fooled around on her. Yet, with just a short TV interview, Jen could clear up a mischaracterization of Amanda...
As Jen works through her conflicted feelings, she also must manage the expectations of her irritated boss, Dr. Melissa Cohen, and the daily drama served up by angry patients, wild animals, and confidential information made public at the Cohen Clinic.
Even worse, Jen is asked by Amanda's campaign manager to defend Amanda after her HEA--hellish ending to an affair--with Roxy. Jen will be damned before she'll turn into the abused political wife, standing by "her woman" after Amanda fooled around on her. Yet, with just a short TV interview, Jen could clear up a mischaracterization of Amanda...
Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2018
68 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Alexi Venice
29 books400 followersAlexi Venice writes award-winning medical, legal, and crime thrillers with smart and gritty female leads. Her stories blend high-stakes investigations, courtroom shenanigans, emotional depth, and character-driven romance in the relentless pursuit of justice.
Both The San Francisco Mystery Series and The Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Standby Counsel was named Best Legal Thriller of 2021 by BestThrillers.com, and Baking Ice Cubes was a BestThrillers.com Legal Thriller finalist in 2025.
With thirty-four years of legal practice informing her storylines, Venice brings authenticity to the page. Her heart and imagination fuel the slow-burn, and sometimes forbidden, romance.
When Venice isn’t writing, she’s wrangling grandsons and playing on the lake.
Both The San Francisco Mystery Series and The Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Standby Counsel was named Best Legal Thriller of 2021 by BestThrillers.com, and Baking Ice Cubes was a BestThrillers.com Legal Thriller finalist in 2025.
With thirty-four years of legal practice informing her storylines, Venice brings authenticity to the page. Her heart and imagination fuel the slow-burn, and sometimes forbidden, romance.
When Venice isn’t writing, she’s wrangling grandsons and playing on the lake.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 18, 2018
'ARC Generously provided by The Author in exchange for a fair and honest review'
Great 4th installment!
It keeps getting better and better. This book/series recognizes that laws and morality have changed over the years because the aspects of certain crimes/criminals(international) and money laundering offenses as the author has written. Plus many of our laws should be reevaluated in light of the morality of how these criminals are sometimes a danger to society at times as portrayed in this storyline. On another front,things do not stay quite so simple as a revenge-to-set-the-wrongs-right or make everything as easy kind of series/book because each lead(Jen & Amanda) had their problems to fix and work on way before facing each other. The unforgettable cast of supporting characters still included the stalwart Roxy who herself had major life flaws & issues that she needed to deal with--then the readers got to know a little more about who Dr.Jen really was underneath all those scrubs. This enthralling tale/series is still jam-packed with the things that i have come to associate with Ms.Venice writing style in this mini adventure and crime fighting series: danger,laughter,hairbreath escapes,tragedy,betrayal,romance,Love,Family,mystery,a touch of wonder,a few truly despicable villains and a couple 'heroes' we/readers can all take to heart. All told,though,if readers want an intriguing well written series,one full of larger-than life heroes--male AND female--and readers do not mind the political intrigues,killings,power plays and still want to know a lot more,then 'Tinted Chapstick' is just what you and everyone will want to be reading.
Great 4th installment!
It keeps getting better and better. This book/series recognizes that laws and morality have changed over the years because the aspects of certain crimes/criminals(international) and money laundering offenses as the author has written. Plus many of our laws should be reevaluated in light of the morality of how these criminals are sometimes a danger to society at times as portrayed in this storyline. On another front,things do not stay quite so simple as a revenge-to-set-the-wrongs-right or make everything as easy kind of series/book because each lead(Jen & Amanda) had their problems to fix and work on way before facing each other. The unforgettable cast of supporting characters still included the stalwart Roxy who herself had major life flaws & issues that she needed to deal with--then the readers got to know a little more about who Dr.Jen really was underneath all those scrubs. This enthralling tale/series is still jam-packed with the things that i have come to associate with Ms.Venice writing style in this mini adventure and crime fighting series: danger,laughter,hairbreath escapes,tragedy,betrayal,romance,Love,Family,mystery,a touch of wonder,a few truly despicable villains and a couple 'heroes' we/readers can all take to heart. All told,though,if readers want an intriguing well written series,one full of larger-than life heroes--male AND female--and readers do not mind the political intrigues,killings,power plays and still want to know a lot more,then 'Tinted Chapstick' is just what you and everyone will want to be reading.
July 18, 2022
And BAM!, read part 4 (they all end in a cliffhanger so you need to keep going) of Alexi Venice’s San Francisco Mystery series, Tinted Chapstick, in a day. Not hard to do because this series reads like catnip.
District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne has fucked up big time and she and Dr. Jen Dawson are on a break. Amanda enters rehab to deal with her issues and after that she needs to focus on her re-election to the DA’s office whilst doing some serious Mea Culpa to convince Jen to take her back. Jen, however, might want to spread her little lesbian wings a little. Sorry Tommy ;-)
We are dealing with the aftermath of book 3. Secret agent Roxy is still part of the investigation and we get introduced to Jen’s possible love interest.
f/f explicit
Themes: cyber crime, still those pesky North Koreans, HELLFIRE!
4 Stars
District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne has fucked up big time and she and Dr. Jen Dawson are on a break. Amanda enters rehab to deal with her issues and after that she needs to focus on her re-election to the DA’s office whilst doing some serious Mea Culpa to convince Jen to take her back. Jen, however, might want to spread her little lesbian wings a little. Sorry Tommy ;-)
We are dealing with the aftermath of book 3. Secret agent Roxy is still part of the investigation and we get introduced to Jen’s possible love interest.
f/f explicit
Themes: cyber crime, still those pesky North Koreans, HELLFIRE!
4 Stars
December 8, 2021
Liked it… And kinda addictive.. Gotta move on to the next book now 😊
4 ⭐️
4 ⭐️
Read
May 7, 2018Just finished Tinted Chapstick and so ready for the next book... Alexi Venice you did it again!!! Unfortunately it only took me two days to finish this book and now I wait for the next one!!! It kept me involved from the beginning.... great story line and loved the ending....Jen, Amanda and Tommy are great characters....
June 15, 2023
3.5 Stars
March 4, 2021
I particularly like the character development & the androgynous nature of Amanda & Jen; they fit equal roles in their relationship. They also have strong rules by which they live!
October 25, 2019
Even better than the previous ones
“Amanda crossed the kitchen and opened the wine fridge like she had so many times, but she didn’t feel reliant. Instead, she felt liberated from old thinking, back when she tried to control everyone and everything in her orbit. Her stated goal during rehab was to work on letting go. Giving up control.”
“The person before her wasn’t a ruthless prosecutor, but a tender, passionate woman. Amanda reminded Jen of a black-eyed Susan, her beauty undeniable and scrappy existence a testament to survival.”
“She realized just how much she needed Amanda. Tommy was great, Nicole was sexy, but—and this sealed the deal—Amanda completed her.”
• ~ • ~ • ~ •
I swear, this series just took it to another level in this book— especially considering how high the bar was set already from the beginning! But, incredibly, not only did Alexi Venice manage to deliver, 💯 she killed it!!
Its a unique & interesting storyline that makes this a very entertaining & captivating book. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & easily relatable & likeable characters made it an easy read. I would strongly recommend this book.
“Amanda crossed the kitchen and opened the wine fridge like she had so many times, but she didn’t feel reliant. Instead, she felt liberated from old thinking, back when she tried to control everyone and everything in her orbit. Her stated goal during rehab was to work on letting go. Giving up control.”
“The person before her wasn’t a ruthless prosecutor, but a tender, passionate woman. Amanda reminded Jen of a black-eyed Susan, her beauty undeniable and scrappy existence a testament to survival.”
“She realized just how much she needed Amanda. Tommy was great, Nicole was sexy, but—and this sealed the deal—Amanda completed her.”
• ~ • ~ • ~ •
I swear, this series just took it to another level in this book— especially considering how high the bar was set already from the beginning! But, incredibly, not only did Alexi Venice manage to deliver, 💯 she killed it!!
Its a unique & interesting storyline that makes this a very entertaining & captivating book. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & easily relatable & likeable characters made it an easy read. I would strongly recommend this book.
July 5, 2020
Tinted Chapstick .🤗 The San Francisco Mystery Series Book4
This being the fourth Book of the series and what a great story and read. We have Dr Jen Dawson and her daughter Kirsten living at her ex Detective Tommy
Bistro following District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne betrayal with Roxy an undercover agent
In this story we have fights, threats,murder,and more.
Alexis Venice author did a brilliant job writing this and looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Definitely recommend this .5*****STARS. If you like a great series then check this one out.
This being the fourth Book of the series and what a great story and read. We have Dr Jen Dawson and her daughter Kirsten living at her ex Detective Tommy
Bistro following District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne betrayal with Roxy an undercover agent
In this story we have fights, threats,murder,and more.
Alexis Venice author did a brilliant job writing this and looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Definitely recommend this .5*****STARS. If you like a great series then check this one out.
September 8, 2018
I love the SF Mystery Series! These characters have great depth and seem like REAL people with real and extraordinary problems. I love the strength that Dr. Jen shows in this book and I think we are only scratching the surface of Amanda’s, would it be ego or maybe dysfunction? Add to all this the love triangle with foxy Roxy. Crime - passion - loyalty - desires.
This made for a great summer read at the lake!
If you are looking for a fresh voice, Alexi Venice delivers!
This made for a great summer read at the lake!
If you are looking for a fresh voice, Alexi Venice delivers!
June 25, 2020
I did not want to put this book down, it is such a great read. The characters are well developed and the writing is spectacular. Even though I have read each book in the series, the books can be read as standalones. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the author, this is my voluntary review.
April 9, 2019
Great book
I did not realize this was book 4 so obviously you can read it as a stand alone. I am going to find the rest. What an intense book. I loved the connection between Jen and Amanda. When it is meant to be it just is.
I did not realize this was book 4 so obviously you can read it as a stand alone. I am going to find the rest. What an intense book. I loved the connection between Jen and Amanda. When it is meant to be it just is.
July 6, 2018
Great series keeps you wanted more ,can’t wait for next book
October 21, 2018
Good series
On to book 5 in this series, plenty of action and Jen finds her way back to Amanda for now. Wish all this series was on on Audio books???
On to book 5 in this series, plenty of action and Jen finds her way back to Amanda for now. Wish all this series was on on Audio books???
April 25, 2020
Another great read in the series, looking forward to more from Jen, Amanda and Tommy!
February 6, 2023
This was better for Dr Jen and Armanda. Am glad I discovered this series after all the books are written...I hope,,so I can go from one to the next immediately.
January 30, 2021
Like the other books in the series, I devoured this so quickly I cannot wait for more from author. Wonderful, tight storyline and sizzling romantic relationship between Amanda and Jen.
February 13, 2026
Another page turner
As is usual, Alexi Venice kept me on the edge of my seat as I read Tinted Chapstick. It is a thriller with intriguing characters that make it a page turner that I just couldn't put down.
When Amanda and Jen describe their lives as complicated they are understating their reality. The campaign for re-election to DA, return to work fresh from rehab and the heartbreak of having devastated Jen with betrayal are all almost too much to bear. Jen has sought refuge with her daughter's father, Tommy, while feeling from the anger and pain caused by Amanda.
Jen tries to bury herself in her practice as a concierge doctor. But the DA campaign keeps pulling her back to Amanda's orbit.
The campaign is riddled with intrigue (including international interference) and violence. I found myself crying out loud warnings and "oh no" like I was watching a horror flick where the young girl is opening the door to the basement.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
As is usual, Alexi Venice kept me on the edge of my seat as I read Tinted Chapstick. It is a thriller with intriguing characters that make it a page turner that I just couldn't put down.
When Amanda and Jen describe their lives as complicated they are understating their reality. The campaign for re-election to DA, return to work fresh from rehab and the heartbreak of having devastated Jen with betrayal are all almost too much to bear. Jen has sought refuge with her daughter's father, Tommy, while feeling from the anger and pain caused by Amanda.
Jen tries to bury herself in her practice as a concierge doctor. But the DA campaign keeps pulling her back to Amanda's orbit.
The campaign is riddled with intrigue (including international interference) and violence. I found myself crying out loud warnings and "oh no" like I was watching a horror flick where the young girl is opening the door to the basement.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
July 21, 2023
Not my favorite in the series, but a solid conclusion. I always feel like these two are always moving across each other while trying to stop the evils of the world. I know they both have high stress jobs, but I always feel like there's just some more than normal amounts of miscommunication. I also love the character of Roxy even though we're supposed to hate her. She knows what she did was wrong, with Jen, and she owns up to her mistakes, but she doesn't make any excuses for them. I like that. And I think Jen liked that too. I think I've read the next 2 before, but I still love the dynamic explored in the next one, Sativa Straiin.
February 5, 2023
Another Alexi Venice win! Loved the book with its wins and struggles. The ups and downs of Jen, Amanda, and Tommy reflected realistic joys and pain.
May 2, 2022
Awesome Characters
I truly love reading t-3 San Francisco Mystery Series. Amanda, Jen and Tommy are wonderful characters to read about. It is easy to lose yourself in this story. I.found myself cheering for Jen.
I truly love reading t-3 San Francisco Mystery Series. Amanda, Jen and Tommy are wonderful characters to read about. It is easy to lose yourself in this story. I.found myself cheering for Jen.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews