Books like Outsider by Diana Palmer

Colby Lane, a former black‑ops CIA agent, has traded covert ops for an assistant chief of security role at the sprawling Ritter Oil Corporation. When his past catches up, he is pulled into a high‑stakes operation to trap a notorious drug trafficker. Adding complexity to the thriller is his ex‑wife, Sarina Carrington, whom he abandoned after a single day of marriage. Sarina’s involvement in the scheme seems deeper than she admits, and her six‑year‑old daughter, whose dark‑eyed face holds a secret about her absent father, could be the key to unlocking the conspiracy. Across the shimmering corporate world and shadowy underworld, Colby must navigate loyalty, love, and betrayal. The story blends contemporary romance with espionage action, showcasing a seasoned operative’s struggle to balance a new secure life with the lingering ghosts of his past. Fueled by mystery and emotional stakes, the narrative probes into the complexities of man‑woman relationships and the hidden costs of secrets.

First publish date: May 1, 2007