''Cookie -- cowgirl, line cook, wife -- strode into her kitchen and, standing straight and happy, strung a beautiful arrow in her hunting bow. She aimed it at the world. It made her grin. Her husband, Kenny, though, thought she was going to shoot him.'' From THE LOST COAST, by Steven Nightingale (St. Martin's, $21.95)

''As a lesbian, I never thought I would mind another woman wearing the same dress to a big event. But the woman was Tracy Port, and the dress looked great on her even while she writhed, poisoned, at my feet.'' From SHE CAME BY THE BOOK, by Mary Wings (Berkley, $21.95)