Romantic suspense is a severely underrated subgenre. It gives you high stakes, some mystery, and a good romance that gets to develop through some real danger. I’ve been a fan ever since watching Bones as a kid (my grandparents let me watch TV unsupervised), and then searching for books like Bones when I was old enough to access the internet (my parents were far less lenient).
There’s so many cool things you can do with romance and suspense in the same package, and these books cover almost all of it. You’ll find some really long-running series, some standalones, some paranormal options, and so much more. You’ll also find heroines and heroes from all walks of life solving crimes and beating bad guys while finding their happily ever after. I hope you find your next favorite here!
Editor’s Note: Because a lot of romantic suspense authors have multiple books in this genre, I didn’t list each separately to avoid repetition. Every writer will get one or two notable entries (depending on their catalogue) and then if you end up liking them, you can find more of their books (with quick summaries) in the little collapsible section usually called “more books by this author”.
Naked in Death (In Death Series) by J.D. Robb
J.D. Robb is actually Nora Roberts’ pen name, and she’s written more than 60 books in this series (all following the same characters but different cases). So, if you want a world you can constantly go back to, I highly recommend this. It has this episodic quality that makes it feel like watching a really good TV show. The whole thing is set in 2058, and follows the NY Police Detective Eve Dallas. Her first case is that of a senator’s granddaughter who’s been doing sex work on the side, which is obviously a big scandal. The lead suspect in the case is Roarke, one of the richest men in the world, whom Eve also happens to find very charming.
The Witness by Nora Roberts
If you don’t want to dedicate yourself to a whole series of books, and you need an easier entry point into the Nora Roberts universe (I know I did), I highly recommend The Witness. It will give you a good idea of what to expect, though it’s less “suspense” than In Death. The story follows Elizabeth who defies her extremely controlling mother by going to a party at which she witnesses a murder committed by the Russian mob. She escapes, but spends her life hiding, until she lands in the small town in the Ozarks, and cannot escape the watchful eye of its newish sheriff, Brooks. This is a standalone, and you can enjoy it without worrying about needing more. My full review is here.
More romantic suspense by Nora Roberts
I’m a major fan of Nora Roberts and her books, and all of them deserve so much love. These books are usually set in small towns, with beautiful nature, and love stories that develop so naturally, no contrievances, that it’s lovely to see. There’s usually a good dog or two, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Here are her best romantic suspense books:
- Carolina Moon — Tory had a difficult childhood and the only ray of bliss in it was her best friend Hope. But then Hope got murdered. Now, decades later, Tory is back in her small town determined to find peace. She reconnects with Hope’s brother, but their reuinion and budding romance may be in danger because Hope’s murderer is still not gone.
- Northern Lights — Nate is a big city detective who moves to Alaska to find some peace from his guilt and troubled past. He’s almost convinced that the whole move has been a mistake, when he shares a kiss with the independent pilot Meg, and decides to give the town another chance. But there’s an old murder resurfacing and getting it solved might mean ruining his new chance with Meg.
- The Search — Fiona is the only survivor of a dangerous serial killer. And now, years later, she’s finally found a semblance of peace. But a copycat surfaces, desperate to get his hands on her. Meanwhile, she’s falling for the newcomer and his lovely dog, even if being near her might put them both in danger.
- High Noon — Police hostage negotiator Phoebe MacNamara is accustomed to talking people out of dangerous situations, but her own life becomes threatened when someone begins stalking her. As she works to identify her tormentor, she finds unexpected supportwith bar owner Duncan Swift.
- Three Fates — When Luisitania sank, one survivor and theif kept a statue he stole, for future generations. Now, that statue has been stolen, and three cousins unite to retrieve the statue and reunite the Three Fates, a quest which takes them across the globe.
- Shelter in Place — A teenage girl survives a devastating mass shooting at a shopping mall and grows up determined to build a life beyond the trauma. Years later, when someone begins targeting survivors, she and the man she loves must uncover who is behind the attacks before the past catches up with them.
- The Obsession — Naomi Bowes discovers a horrifying secret about her father when she is a child, and the revelation shapes her entire life. As an adult, she builds a successful career and falls in love, but the shadow of her father’s crimes, and someone determined to punish her for them, continues to follow her.
- The Liar — Shelby discovers that the man she believed was her loving husband left behind a mountain of secrets, debts, and enemies. Returning to her hometown with her young daughter, Shelby begins uncovering the truth and finds both danger and a new romance along the way.
- Angel’s Fall — Reece arrives in the small town of Angel’s Fist, Wyoming, hoping to leave her traumatic past behind and start over. But after witnessing what she believes is a murder, Reece struggles to convince the skeptical locals while teaming up with writer Brody to uncover what really happened.
- Montana Sky — This doesn’t start out as a romantic suspense but it sure gets there. Three sisters who don’t know each other inherit a ranch and have to live there for a year before they can take their piece of the inheritance. There’s danger lurking, though, and they’ll have to work together to save themselves.
Extreme Exposure (I-Team Series) by Pamela Clare
Instead of following police officers or agents (as the series name might lead you to believe) this series is actually about investigative reporters. In this first book, the story follows Kara who has sworn off men, and the senator named Reece, who want each other despite the growing danger. There’s a scandal, murder attempts on Kara, and more — all of which might just serve to open Kara’s heart and allow someone to sweep her off her feet.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
One night, Jaine and her friends are discussing what their dream man would be like (as one does) and they create a checklist as a joke. Soon the list starts spreading around their workplace and via email, which is all fun and games, until one of her friends gets murdered. Now, Jaine has to turn to her police detective neighbor to find out what happened and prevent anyone else from dying before it’s too late. A fantastic standalone if you want something equally funny and scary.
More romantic suspense books by Linda Howard
Linda Howard’s books are quite formulaic but they somehow end up feeling very different and unique. Plus, her heroes are hot and her heroines funny, so what more could a gal want out of life? If you enjoy Linda Howard’s writing, try some of these:
- Open Season — This book follows the librarian Daisy who’s had it with her boring clothes and boring life. She does a full makeover, and starts partying the nights away. But then she witnesses something that puts her in danger, and there’s a police chief who may have liked her from the start.
- Dream Man — Marlie Keen thought that her clairvoyance which allowed her to witness crimes as they happen was gone, but it comes back with a vengeance and so she goes to a police detective named Dane. He doesn’t quite believe her clairvoyance, but he’s quite happy to keep Marlie around.
- Cry No More — Milla’s job is trying to find lost children, and her next trip takes her to Mexico where she uncovers a far more sinister plot of child smuggling. This puts her in danger, with an assassin after her and far more peril (and romance) than she expected.
- After the Night — Faith, the only sensible one in her horrible family, has always had a crush on the golden boy Gray. But then her mother runs away with his father, and he turns all his hate towards her. Twelve years later, she’s back in her small town, and Gray’s determined to drive her out or use her for revenge, but there’s also passion simmering between them that won’t be ignored.
- Cover of Night — Cate is a widow with young twin boys who runs a quaint bed and breakfast and somehow makes ends meet. When one of her guests disappears and men storm her house with guns, it’s none other than the local handyman Calvin that kicks them out. But then the bad men cut off the only road that leads out of town and all the people in there are held hostage, so Cate and Calvin have to work together to get their lives back.
- Now You See Her — Paris Sweeney is a successful painter who falls for the rich and handsome Richard. But, they can’t be together until he’s fully divorced from his horrible wife. And Sweeney also has a gift: she can see ghosts, which this time manifests through a painting of Richard’s wife’s murder. She’s the main suspect, of course, so she has to figure out who did it before she gets killed too.
The Wolf at the Door (Big Bad Wolf Series) by Charlie Adhara
If you love some wolfy romance, Big Bad Wolf will give you that and more. It’s a five book series and the whole story kicks off when an ex-FBI agent named Cooper has to work with a werewolf named Park to investigate a series of werewolf attacks. Cooper is suspicious of his new partner, and at the same time extremely attracted to him, but as the death toll rises and the pressure to solve this mounts, the two must work together or find themselves as the next victims.
Something About You (FBI/US Attorney Series) by Julie James
Assistant US Attorney Cameron stays in a hotel room in Chicago, and it’s just her luck that a murder happens next door. It’s also to her great misfortune that the case is handed to Jack Pallas who still blames her for a botched case three years ago. But they have to put their past aside and focus on this case if they want to get it solved… if only they can smother their sizzling chemistry. Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but who cares — it’s a great, fun book, and the series has 6 books, each of which follows a different couple embroiled in some sort of a crime and investigation.
Don’t Tell (Romantic Suspense Series) by Karen Rose
This series has a name that’s a bit… on the nose, but the books are suspenseful indeed. This first one is about a woman who didn’t know how to get her and her son away from her abusive husband except to fake her own death and make a new identity. She’s mostly found peace eight years later, and now that it finally seems like she’s ready for love, her husband is hot on her trail and threatens everything and everyone she loves. Each book in this 35-book series has a different case and couple, so you can read each as a standalone.
Untraceable (Tracers) by Laura Griffin
Alex is a private investigator specializing in helping people disappear. One such case is Melanie, who wanted a new life away from her abusive cop husband. But then Melanie truly disappears, and now Alex is determined to find her, using the help of a forensic team known as The Tracers and the Austin PD detective named Nathan, who doesn’t really believe her, but his instincts won’t let him walk away. Together they uncover a mystery that could mean Alex is the next one to disappear. The series has 13 books, and each one follows a different couple and crime.
More romantic suspense by Laura Griffin
- Hidden (Texas Murder Files Series) — This series has five books about different couples and cases. Hidden is about Bailey who’s an investigative reporter working on a murder case of a woman brutally murdered on the bike trail. The lead detective Jacob has no answers, but her research takes her to the cutting-edge tech facility and a far more sinister plot than either she or Jacob expected.
The Unsung Hero (Troubleshooters Series) by Suzanne Brockmann
This is a surprisingly tender and lovely story, despite what the synopsis says. The story essentially follows a Navy SEAL as he gets a head injury and sees an international terrorist in his small town. The Navy doesn’t believe him (due to the injury), so he assembles his own team: two WWII veterans, his loyal officers, some misfit teenagers and the girl he had a crush on for ages. There are some really nice moments between him and his crush, nice found family vibes with this makeshift team, and so it gives you a very warm story despite the danger that lurks about. The series itself has 20 books, each with a similar, but different story about different characters.
Show No Mercy (Black Ops, Inc. Series) by Cindy Gerard
Black Ops, Inc. is a series of books about a covert private security team, in which each member gets their own story. The first one is about Jenna, a journalist who was kidnapped and held in Buenos Aires, as she has to return there to interview a mysterious billionaire, and Gabe, who saved her, kissed her, and left her behind. They meet again in an attack on the National Congress but their meeting isn’t brought on by fate, but something far more dangerous. As they fight to survive, they have to figure out whether they’ll stay together or will it end just like last time.
Concrete Evidence (Evidence Series) by Rachel Grant
Evidence is a series about archaeologist women (usually) who find love but also crime. Concrete Evidence, in particular, is about an underwater archaeologist named Erica, who has been accused of artefact trafficking and now wants more than anything to clear her name and get revenge. But her new intern is distracting her from all of her plans, yet what she doesn’t know is that he’s actually the one investigating her.
A Cold Dark Place (Cold Justice Series) by Toni Anderson
The Cold Justice series has 23 books and each one gives you a thrilling story about serial killers and criminals, and the people chasing after them. The first book, A Cold Dark Place, follows Mallory, an FBI agent investigating serial killers, and especially the one who kidnapped her twin eighteen years ago. But she discovers that there may be a vigilante killing off these criminals. Alex is a part of an organization doing the vigilante business and since Mallory starts asking questions, he’s ordered to keep an eye on her. But the moment they meet, he’s charmed. His secrets could destroy them both, and her sister’s kidnapper is back targeting her this time.
Deadly Fear (Deadly Series) by Cynthia Eden
Deadly is a short series with only three books, but all of them are great, and each one follows a different couple. The first one, Deadly Fear, follows an FBI profiler named Monica, whose job has left her walled off from the world, and Luke, a special agent who is the only person who ever got past her walls. They have to unite to solve a case of a serial killer that uses his victims’ greatest fears to murder and torture them. But Monica and Luke have to face their own fears and their past if they want to catch this killer and find a better future for themselves.
More romantic suspense books by Cynthia Eden
- Hotter After Midnight (Midnight Trilogy) — This is another paranormal romantic suspense series, with three books following different supernatural couples solving crimes. The first one is about a therapist that works with vampires, demons, and other creatures, and she knows never to trust shifters. But fate pushes her right into the path of a detective wolf shifter as they have to solve a horrible murder spree together.
- Alpha One (Shadow Agents Series) — This series has eight books, each about a different couple. In Alpha One, covert agent Logan gets a message that the woman he once loved and whose heart he broke has been taken, and he immediately drops everything to go save her, determined not to let her go this time.
- When He Protects (Protector & Defender Series) — The series itself has seven books about (as it usually is) different couples, but the first one is a bout a con artist Esme, who gets taken in by the handsome agent Tyler. Only the police needs Esme to take down a more dangerous criminal, and so they have to go into witness protection, pretending to be newlyweds in a small town. As danger closes in, they fight their desire because Tyler needs his control, and Esme knows that he will never stay with her after the mission ends.
- Compulsion (Poison in My Veins Series) — This series has only two parts, but if you’re looking for something wilder, it’s great. Lilly’s mother was a serial killer and she’s spent her life studying other serial killers and their offspring. She suspects the billionaire Atlas is following in his father’s footsteps but then they both get trapped, chained together and they have to find a way to escape and not succumb to their mutual desire for each other.
Stealing Shadows (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit Series) by Kay Hooper
Cassie is a psychic who works with the police to help solve crimes. But when her involvement results in a child dying, she runs to a small town to hopefully find some peace from her thoughts and visions. Only, she’s become certain there’s a serial killer in town, because she can sense his fury and awful thoughts. The sheriff won’t believe her until the first body surfaces exactly where and how she said it would, so now she’s a suspect and she has to figue out who it is the only way she knows how: by entering his mind. There’s 20 books in this series, and they lean more towards actual crime and investigation rather than romance, but there’s usually a relationship developing.
Black Ice (Ice Series) by Anne Stuart
Chloe is a translator living in Paris and she’s broke and bored, so she takes a well-paid weekend gig to be a translator at a conference in a beautiful chateau. The only problem is, she realizes her employers are illegal arms dealers, and she knows too much. Suddenly, she’s pulled away by the mysterious and handsome Bastien and together they go on a run fraught with danger and desire. There are 6 books in this series, and I highly recommend checking it out if you’d like some globe-trotting romantic suspense.
Whiteout by Adriana Anders
Angel can’t wait to finally leave her Antartica research station and get a second chance at life. But on her last day, the station is under a brutal attack and she and her nemesis-and-colleague Ford barely escape with their lives. Isolated in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, they have to work together to find a way out. This is a very tense read and it will keep you on the edge of your seat, be warned! The series itself has only two parts and the second one is about a different couple.
Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies Series) by KJ Charles
If you want something more historical and kind of magical but still romantic and still suspenseful, this is your book series. In it, Lucien Vaudrey inherits an earldom he never wanted after his father and brother are murdered. He spent years exiled in China and now he inherited his family’s enemies as well. And he has to summon a magician named Stephen whose job it is to deal with supernatural threats and who hates the Crane family. Only, Lucien is entirely different, tattooed and handsome, and very much smitten by Stephen. Together, they have to work out how to save Lord Crane from the evil spirits and dangerous plots brewing.
Mean Streak by Sandra Brown
Mean Streak is a standalone that tells you the story of the renowned doctor Emory who just had a fight with her husband and heads off on a 20 mile run through the harsh, cold mountains. Unexpectedly, she suffers a concussion and wakes up in the cabin of a mysterious man who tends to her wounds but won’t reveal more about himself. There’s a deceptive husband, horrible, creepy fog, and a group of people who won’t stop until they get to her, so prepare yourself for some thrills.
More romantic suspense by Sandra Brown
My mom was a big fan of Sandra Brown when I was a kid, so I have fond memories of pilfering these books from her stash, trying to read them, then simultaneously regretting my choices and enjoying them? Either way, here are more books by this author:
- French Silk — Claire has worked hard to make her lingerie company a success and then a TV evangelist attacks her clothes as sinful. And then, he gets killed. She’s the prime suspect, even if District Attorney Robert Cassidy believes her innocence. He knows she has secrets and she’ll have to reveal them if she wants to save herself and keep Robert.
- Seeing Red — Kerra really wants an interview with this national icon man who has been photographed saving a bunch of people 25 years ago. He’s now notoriously reclusive, so she bothers his son, who hates the press but is intrigued by Kerra’s insinuations that there’s more to the story. And then both the hero man, Kerra and his son are under attack and they have to work together to figure out what’s happening.
You Can Run (Laurel Snow Series) by Rebecca Zanetti
This is the first part of the Laurel Snow series, about the titular FBI Special Agent Laurel, as she has to go back to her hometown due to a series of brutal murders. There she meets the stern, reclusive wildlife officer Huck who’s meant to be her guide, and the mysterious Dr. Abigail with whom she develops a close bond. She has to solve these crimes, but the suspect list is growing and she has to ignore her desire for Huck and her confusion over Abigail to focus on figuring out who did it. The series has five parts and all of them follow Laurel, with a different but loosely connected case each time.
The Murder Between us by Tal Bauer
Noah and Cole share a passionate night without knowing who the other person really is. The next day, they’re both (separately) sent to hunt down a serial killer that appeared again after six years. Cole is a profiler and Noah is an FBI agent, and they’re both confused to see each other again. Noah really wants Cole, but he has a sixteen year old daughter to worry about, not to mention the serial killer he doesn’t want to lose again. Plus, he’s repressed and believes nothing can ever come of it. But, dealing with the charming Cole daily proves more difficult than he believed. This is a duology, and the second book is about the same couple, just a different case, but the first one does end neatly so you can just read that one if you want a standalone.
More romantic suspense by Tal Bauer
- Hush — This is a standalone in which a Federal Judge is finally ready to come out of the closet and give the romance with a US Marshal a chance, when a devastating terrorist attack leads to a trial that could result in a war.
Noble Prince (Clifton Forge Series) by Devney Perry
So, Noble Prince is part four of the Clifton Forge series, but while I enjoyed all of them, this one is probably my favorite. You can sort of read it as a standalone, but I highly recommend the other books too! This one follows Scarlett Marks, who has to go into witness protection (sort of) and live with chief of police Luke Rosen. They don’t immediately agree on how things should be handled. Luke is very rigid and rule-abiding while Scarlett is stubborn and independent. This book is a slow burn as well, so it really takes its time to develop. Plus, there’s lots of action to go along with all the yearning.
