Given my blog is all about connecting readers with books and the authors that write them, I’ve decided to do some Bookish Questions that help that process! Bloggers like me are always making recommendations through reviews and spotlights, but I know many of you who hang around here are not bloggers or authors, but you love reading! And I know you have lots of thoughts and recommendations that I want to hear about 🙂
If you are anything like me, it’s super hard to keep recommendations short, but I am going to ask that you stick with three only. It’s a given that you will have way more than three recs you could make, that you love lots of books and lots of authors, and by recommending three, you aren’t disrespecting all the others you might have in your brain…okay?! And let’s do this genre by genre, so we can really share more than three over time!
Today, let’s talk romantic suspense – my fav genre! Here are my three…
- Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig – my first Kendig novel and I knew immediately it wouldn’t be my last! Brilliant action scenes, great male POV, super fast pacing, and romance with real heart.
- Burnin’ For You by Susan May Warren – loved the adventure, passion, and Rueben and Gilly’s wrestling with their love and attraction to each other. Super fun!
- The DMZ by Jeanette Windle – adored the international intrigue in this story, the Colombian jungle came alive, and the romantic tension was just right. At 512 pages, there was just more to love!
What are three of your must read romantic suspense novels that come to mind today?
February 7, 2017 at 3:43 am
Here are three I read last year that I really liked:
1) Reluctant Burglar (To Catch a Thief Book #1) – Jill Elizabeth Nelson
2) Burning Proof (Cold Case Justice Book #2) – Janice Cantore
3) Disillusioned – Christy Barritt
February 7, 2017 at 11:03 am
Ah, I read Jill’s trilogy a number of years ago – great reads! Thanks for sharing, Amy.
February 7, 2017 at 2:33 pm
Hey Rel,
I like how you are doing this series of posts. As you know, I am not an avid romantic suspense reader, and prefer straight mysteries (which I hope you cover too), especially historical ones. However, I have read some that I have loved. My choices are actually series. I hope that is ok. It has been so many years since I have read some of them that I could not remember which titles were my favorites. So my three suspense series are:
3. Newpointe 911 by Terri Blackstock – To me, Terri is just a great writer, period. But she is an even better person, and someone I am proud to be able to call friend. I have enjoyed many, but this series stands out to me, especially with its sense of community and family.
2. Edgecliffe Manor Mysteries by Jane Peart – This may be a bit of a cheat, but these books are more like gothic romantic suspense than mysteries, and I really enjoyed them. (Rel, you know I have to sneak some historicals in. 🙂 )
and….
1. Danielle Ross Mysteries by Gilbert Morris – I truly love this series by Gilbert! Some of them lean more toward being mysteries, but some were pure romantic suspense, and they all were wonderfully intriguing! While the romance is usually not my favorite part, the relationship between Danielle Ross and Ben Savage is superbly done.
Thanks, Rel.
February 7, 2017 at 9:38 pm
I loved the Danielle Ross mysteries, too, Aaron! The covers not so much as I look at them now 😉 Things have certainly changed in that regard. Terri’s series, too.
I believe I’ve only read one of Jane’s books but it’s so long ago, I can’t remember!
Appreciate you taking the time to respond, Aaron…and yes, historicals will appear down the track 🙂
February 8, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Covers now are definitely better…mostly anyway. Besides the Edgecliffe series, I also read all of Jane Peart’s “Brides of Montclair” series, as I love multi-generational sagas! I was fortunate to meet her at one of the first CBA conventions I attended. She was signing “Destiny’s Bride” and was dressed like her heroine on the cover. She was such a sweet, precious lady! This had me walking down memory lane, so to speak. I mentioned to some at ACFW once how I wish there was a CF hall of fame where the history could be preserved along with honoring the greats of the genre. Maybe someday…
February 8, 2017 at 2:24 am
Hi Rel,
1. “Taken” by Dee Henderson (Well actually anything written by her is great!)
2. “The Heirs of Anton” Series by Susan May Warren (Again…ANYTHING written by her!)
3. “Secrets” by Kristen Heitzmann (The whole series – and AGAIN ANYTHING she writes!)
The one thing that each of these authors have in common is that they ALWAYS bring a powerful message of God’s love in each of their books. I really love that!
February 8, 2017 at 11:52 am
Hey Marylin – I’m glad you are enjoying Dee’s books. I’ve really struggled with her more recent novels. Agree with you on Susie and Kristen. In fact, that puts me in mind of one of my all time romantic suspense novels, Freefall! Adore that story of Kristen’s 🙂
February 8, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Rel,
OOOOHHH, I love Freefall too! Kristen has written so many different types of books. She is one gifted author!
February 8, 2017 at 5:43 am
I love this question!! My three in no particular order…
If I Run by Terri Blackstock
The Tears of Dark Water by Corban Addison
Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels
February 8, 2017 at 11:53 am
Good to see you representing for some male authors, Staci! I have selected If I Run for my book club this year 🙂
Great list!
February 8, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Interesting! I hadn’t even noticed that.