Do love and danger go together? They sure do in my world! A romantic plot, even a small one, adds depth and layers to any story, and suspense is no exception. In fact I’d argue it gives the reader space to breathe and more to care about when someone the protagonist loves is in danger. Here’s a list of ten of the best romantic thrillers I’ve read in the past year.
Mind Games by Nora Roberts
The name Nora Roberts says it all. I loved everything about this book from the second chance romance to the unusual profession of the heroine (video game creator) as well as the very unusual suspense with Thea’s connection with the man who killed her parents. A perfect blend of romance and suspense.
Fireline by Kate Angelo
There’s something about a fireman. . . and especially a smokejumper. The high stakes suspense had me flipping pages and I loved the building romantic tension. Kate Angelo is a newer author for me, and I’ve loved everything by her that I’ve read.
In the Barren Ground by Loreth Ann White
I’m a sucker for a wilderness setting like this one in the Barrens near the Arctic Circle. I loved Tana’s spunk and determination to do her job even five months pregnant. The building suspense and the budding romance with bad boy Crash, a bush pilot, made for an irresistible read.
Edge of Collapse by Kyla Stone
Wait, this is an apocalyptic novel so how is it a a thriller with suspense? In all the best ways! It starts off with Hannah at the mercy of a serial killer. She’s been caged and abused by the madman for five years and is pregnant when an EMP attack takes out the grid in Michigan. The cat-and-mouse game she has to play with her abuser and the romance that develops between her and Liam, a reclusive soldier, will take the entire series to play out, but you’ll savor every word.
Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan
I love a strong heroine, and detective Josie Quinn’s determination and drive hooked me immediately. The slow burn romance with Luke was the perfect balance as the ticking time bomb of finding a missing girl before it’s too late. The story scrolled out with perfect pacing.
All the Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan
I loved this perfect blend of thriller and romance. Its heart-pounding tension and deeply emotional love story blend a delicious concoction swoon-worthy moments and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
The Spy Coast is a fresh and thrilling take on the classic spy novel, blending espionage, small-town charm, and pulse-pounding suspense. I, ahem, am of a certain age where I appreciated more mature characters and the romance was a plus.
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The Garden Girls by Jessica Patch
I loved this novel. It is a hold-your-breath-and-pray novel full of suspense and unexpected twists. The remote location (an island in the Outer Banks) added to the tension as Bexley, aided by the last man she would have asked for help, searches for her sister who was taken by a serial killer. The secret baby trope added to the interesting layers for me.
Cold Dead Night by Lisa Phillips
An unstoppable serial killer who traumatized former FBI agent Kenna is determined to land her in jail for his crimes. The nail-biting tension doesn’t let up, and this is a terrific thriller with a small romantic plot I suspect will be further developed in the next book. I like those kinds of series where there’s an overarching thread of romance that plays out. It keeps the thriller elements high.
Beautiful Storm by Barbara Freethy
When her father’s plane mysteriously disappeared in the middle of an electrical storm, Alicia Monroe became obsessed with lightning. Obsessed by storms, Alicia covers local stories by day and chases storms at night. One night during a violent thunderstorm she sees what appears to be a murder during a flash of lightning and her investigation puts her in extreme danger. The storm aspect of this novel was particularly compelling to me (my brother died from a lightning strike) and I read it all in one sitting.
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