Alexi Venice novels - Legal and crime drama with f/f romance -

Venice's 2019 release of CONSCIOUS BIAS, A MONICA SPADE NOVEL, has been acclaimed by readers. 

• “An impeccably well-written legal drama with a slow burn romance front and center. Look for a surprise twist at the end of this book, too!” Goodreads 5 stars – Gayle
• “I loved the book, characters, and plot. I didn't want to put the book down. I especially liked the way the relationship grew between Monica and Shelby.” Goodreads 5 stars – S
• “What a great read! It had many stories going on simultaneously. There is a murder, a trial, bigotry, coming out, hot romance, friendship, etc. And there is humor to break things up. I was thoroughly captivated and entertained. This is the first book I have read by Alexi Venice and if this story is an example of her writing, I will soon start her San Francisco mystery series.” Goodreads 5 stars – Cheryl
• “Slow-burn F/F romance with some courtroom drama thrown in. Venice did a great job of capturing being a lesbian or gay in the Mid-West, having grown up there myself.” Goodreads – Linds
• “This was a fast moving book who's characters had a lot of personality and steamy moments. This book looks at hate crimes for gender, sexual orientation and color. It was a true joy to read.” Goodreads - Heather

In a drunken stupor, Trevor McKnight—son of the prominent McKnight family—punched Abdul Seif in the face outside a college bar, knocking him unconscious. Even though Abdul was rushed to the hospital, he died a few days later. Trevor is now on trial for the felony murder of Abdul, a Saudi foreign exchange student.

Monica Spade is a rising star among lawyers in her small city of Apple Grove. When the president of the hospital asks Monica to prepare high-profile physicians to testify at Trevor’s murder trial, she eagerly agrees, thinking their heroic attempts to save Abdul’s life will be straightforward testimony. 

Trevor’s slick defense lawyer deploys a number of deceptive tactics to obscure the facts and shift the focus of the prosecution away from Trevor, including taking aim at Monica’s physician clients. 

Monica is shocked to find herself at the center of a local battle against a Muslim with dark skin who isn’t from Apple Grove. Faced with death threats and her career in jeopardy, Monica is forced to make a choice—help the hospital and DA or succumb to the pressure the powerful McKnight family. 

While in the public eye, Monica develops romantic feelings for Shelby St. Claire, a sexy art teacher who dazzles Monica at CrossFit class. Struggling with her fear of being outed at her sexist, all-male law firm, Monica must decide whether to risk her career for love and justice.

A legal thriller/crime drama that tests the bonds of love and loyalty among District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne, Dr. Jen Dawson and Detective Tommy Vietti. 

In Sativa Strain, Amanda carries with her the quiet confidence of a yogi, the unrelenting burden of a prosecutor, and the demons that torture the corners of her soul.

Newly re-elected as San Francisco’s DA, Amanda faces her biggest internal and external foes yet when she and Detective Tommy Vietti investigate a high-profile murder implicating Kara Montiago, the CEO of a Silicon Valley tech company and candidate for President of the United States. 

Navigating the shoals of SFPD corruption, Tommy and Amanda learn that Kara Montiago is a philandering, Sativa-smoking dominatrix who preys on male subordinates at her company.

Battling her desire to control everything around her, Amanda rekindles her relationship with Dr. Jen Dawson, the love of her life, testing the boundaries of Jen’s patience.