15 Romantic Suspense Books You Will Enjoy

Okay, let’s set the scene: It’s 1 AM. You’re reading in bed. The house creaks. You freeze. Is that the wind… or a shadowy figure here to kidnap you and confess undying love? 😱 Welcome to romantic suspense, babes—where date night might involve defusing a bomb, and the only thing faster than your heartbeat is the burn between the MC and their hot-but-probably-toxic love interest.

Look, I get it. Normal romances are cute, but sometimes you wanna scream, “KISS ALREADY!” while someone’s running for their life. These books are like binging True Crime and The Bachelor at the same time—chaotic, addictive, and guaranteed to make you side-eye your quiet neighbor who “works in import/export.” 🕵️♀️❤️‍🔥 So grab a stress ball (trust me), and let’s read stories where “I’ll protect you” is the sexiest pickup line.

Why Romantic Suspense Books?

Romantic suspense books! They’re like a roller coaster of emotions and a dash of danger. Imagine you’re curled up with a book that’s not just about hearts and flowers but also has you biting your nails in suspense. In these stories, while love is brewing between the main characters, a thrilling element of danger or mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat.

One moment, you’re swooning over the romantic tension; the next, you’re plunged into a heart-pounding situation. Maybe it’s a mysterious stalker, a dangerous secret, or a high-stakes adventure. The beauty of romantic suspense is that it gives you the best of both worlds: the warmth of romance and the thrill of suspense. It’s a genre that hooks you with its emotional depth and sends your adrenaline soaring with twists and turns.

Suspense is a feeling of anxiety, anticipation, excitement, or fear about what may happen in a story. It raises questions: who’s behind the door? What is the protagonist’s dark secret in a spooky house? Although suspense can be extra prevalent and easy to spot in the horror-thriller genre, it can be seen in all genres, especially romance.

We want to discover what happens next and turn to the next page or read another chapter. It also makes you want to watch a movie’s sequel or a television show’s next episode. One way that writers can create suspense is through the cliffhanger. A cliffhanger is when a story or plowing ends suddenly and is left unresolved. It means that our questions remain unanswered.

We don’t know who is behind the door or if the football team won the game. It makes the reader or watcher want to continue to the next chapter or episode to discover what happens. I like romantic suspense when it’s heavy on contemporary themes and light on suspense. They’re a perfect mix of heart-racing excitement and swoon-worthy romance. You get the thrill of a suspense or mystery novel but with the bonus of a love story. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!

15 Romantic Suspense Books

Romantic suspense has strong, multifaceted characters you can’t help but root for. You see them grow and evolve as they face dangerous situations and their feelings for each other. It’s like being on a journey with new friends. Plus, something about the combination of danger and romance hits differently. It adds depth to the story and the relationships. The stakes are higher, the emotions are more intense, and the payoff, when the danger is finally over and love prevails, is oh-so-satisfying.

Let’s discuss the top 15 romantic suspense books to read anytime. These books are amazing for keeping you glued to the pages. You know how sometimes you just can’t put a book down? That’s the magic of romantic suspense. The suspense keeps you guessing, and the romance keeps you dreaming, all at the same time.

1. Deck the Halls

Cynthia Eden writes a lot of romantic suspense, and she used to publish Avon books traditionally. This novella follows our heroine (Christie Tate), who works for her brother’s family business. Christie owns a large stake in the company and contributes much of her work. She is an engineer, and she designs toys. Her brother is behind the business side of things.

Unfortunately, Christie has had her heart broken by someone in the office, and she wants to get over it, especially since it is the holiday season. She doesn’t want to be alone. When she spots Santa in the office, handing out gifts to children and handing out gifts to company employees, she decides that she wants to be bolder.

So she climbs onto Santa’s lap and tries to seduce Santa. The reason why she tries to seduce Santa is that Santa is extremely good-looking. He is unlike the curvaceous Santa Claus we are all familiar with. Moreover, he has amazing eyes, and our hero (Jonas) knows who is wearing the Santa costume. That so happens to be our heroine’s older brother’s best friend.

Jonas pretends to be Santa Claus, a private investigator or a police officer. Now, he’s a police officer, and he’s only doing this because he’s helping out his best friend for the holidays. Also, he did not expect the one person he was not supposed to touch and was completely off-limits trying to seduce him.

After all these years and all these months, he is trying to ignore that he’s in love with his best friend’s younger sister. He can’t hold off anymore during the holiday season and must confess his feelings. So this one did have some romantic suspense elements, as Cynthia’s life was threatened several times in the book. Jonas has to come and protect her during the holiday season.

Author: Cynthia Eden
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Holiday Romance, Suspense & Thriller
Available: Paperback | Kindle

2. Contract Signed (Triggerman, Inc)

Noel is a super-secret assassin who is hired to kill people. He’s a great hitman and always completes and completes the contract. So he likes to return home to a very small town, and it’s a cabin. Here, He wants some time to himself after killing many people in different countries. The one person he cannot stand when he returns home is his next-door neighbor, who is the complete opposite of him. She is a super sweet girl (Adeline).

Adeline is talkative, and she wants to know everybody’s business. She is lovable, and many people like her because of her bubbly personality. Noel has been fighting to push her off for years because he doesn’t want her to know his true identity. He knows that he’s too bad for her. So he tries his best when he returns home after his latest mission.

His ex-girlfriend gave her a baby to care for while he was on vacation. Now, it’s his turn to regain control over the son who came into his arms. He’s confused because any time he had any sexual relations, he made sure that everything was sealed and wrapped. But suddenly, he’s the father, so he doesn’t believe that he is the father, and he’s trying to hunt down who the birth father is.

Meanwhile, Noel and Adeline are getting to know each other more while caring for the baby and going through dates. But a lot of crazy things do happen. Adeline’s life is threatened, and Noel needs to come and protect her because that’s the whole point of romantic suspense novels.

Author: Marie Harte
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Category: Action & Adventure Romance
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

3. The Investigator (Norcross Security)

Haven McKinney is a museum curator, and she has a high-profile job where she takes care of many priceless paintings and artifacts. One day, she’s strolling through her museum and sees her bodyguards are hurt. She automatically knows that she’s in danger because somebody is trying to rob the museum.

So she is fighting for her life, trying not to die while also protecting these paintings. Although she cares about art, she cares about her job, too. But her art comes first. The art gets stolen. Investigator Rhys is the founder of the security firm called Norcross Security. He is her bodyguard, and he follows her around all the time and makes sure that she’s not going to get kidnapped or killed. It’s because she knows a lot of these secrets.

Rhys is more than happy to comply to be the bodyguard because he’s been secretly obsessed with her since he laid his eyes on her. Further, it’s Insta love, too as well. They were already friends with each other and talked with each other.

Author: Anna Hackett
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Military Romance
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle

4. Protecting What’s His (Line of Duty)

Ginger has been dealt with a bad set of cards. She was poor and didn’t have enough money to care for her sister. Then she finds a big bag of money and has all this money. So she runs off with this bag of money, finds a nice apartment, and finds some stable ground to do whatever she needs. But the problem is that her next-door neighbor is a grumpy, grouchy guy she doesn’t get along with because she makes a lot of noise.

Derek doesn’t like it because after a long day at work. As a police officer, he wants peace and silence. He doesn’t want a feisty, good-looking girl down the hallway from him. He does not impress her already, but they start building friendships together. They start dating, and then secrets must be revealed because she’s not telling the whole truth.

Ginger is lying to him about her origins and her financial situation. Meanwhile, Derek is very kind and considerate. There are little hints of romantic suspense themes towards the end, where Ginger is in danger, and Derek has to step up to the plate. Tessa Bailey writes a lot of steamy novels. So, she had to add a bunch of steamy scenes to this book.

Author: Tessa Bailey
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Erotic Suspense
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

5. Broken (LOST)

This one follows Gabe Spencer, the founder of The Lost Team. He’s an ex-SEAL. Eve barges into his office and demands help because she no longer knows who she is. She had an injury to the head had a ninja, but she knows that she’s in danger because of the flashing memories.

She knows that she needs help with many things in her life or dies. She’s trying to figure out her identity with the help of Gabe and his team of special operations people. In addition, they start piecing things together, piecing back her life. They start to think that maybe she is the heiress of this company. Meanwhile, there are also many threats, and Gabe has to protect her. The romance happened way too fast. Eve was clinging to Gabe because she was so vulnerable and so scared.

Author: Cynthia Eden
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Abusive Romance
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

6. Remember Ramsey (Trouble for Hire)

The story follows Ramsey, who is not a good person. He is an ex-military person who wasn’t fighting for the good. He was fighting on the bad side like a crime boss. Ramsey has many people following him, many criminals who would kill for him and who have done bad things for him. They don’t want to wrong him because he has this giant network of connections.

Ramsey owns a bar, and a beautiful, striking woman (Dr. Whitney Augustine) walks into his bar and asks him to be her protector for the night. Whitney sits in the bar and studies all the criminals for her research project. She is a criminal psychologist at a university and is doing a research paper, and Ramsey is completely infatuated with her.

They start a sweet relationship until she disappears and never returns one day. Ramsey is left devastated, thinking that she finally smartens up and realizes that he is too bad for her and that she needs to run away. So Ramsey is left heartbroken. His brother tells him that Whitney might have been kidnapped. The problem is that she lost her memory for the last six months, which is the entire span of their relationship. She no longer remembers Ramsey.

This is a good thing because she’s blocking out all these memories of him. Ramsey wants to know their relationship and keeps pestering him throughout the book. If you’re into romantic suspense with many contemporary, sexy scenes, try it.

Author: Cynthia Eden
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Billionaire Romance
Available: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

7. Chill Factor

In this book, the main character is Lilly Martin. She is getting a divorce from her husband, and the setting scene of the book is them packing up their mountainside cabin together. They argue while packing, and he decides to go down the mountain first. He urges her to follow quickly because there is a bad snowstorm going on right now.

So she says she will, and she eventually does follow. But the storm has gotten progressively worse. Then, as she’s driving down the mountain, a figure darts in front of her car, and she has to swerve to avoid hitting him. But she does end up clipping him in the hip, and she runs off the road and into a tree. That’s how we meet our second main protagonist. His name is Tierney.

It was an afternoon when they had a rafting trip. So it was surprising that he was on this mountain and they knew each other. Tierney realizes that the car is not drivable at all, and there’s no way they can make it down this mountain on foot, especially with the snowstorm. So they decided to head back to her cabin to take shelter there. On top of everything going on, there is also a serial killer on the loose abducting women.

This killer confounded the police because they couldn’t find any connection between the women, their different ages and races. They can’t find any similarities between these women that are being taken except for their abduction. There is a blue ribbon left, so the alias they give the serial killer is blue.

While Lilly and Tierney are in this cabin, he doesn’t want to tell Lilly why he was hiking on the mountain in the middle of a snowstorm. Also, he acts very strangely whenever she asks questions; he’s trying to put distance between them that way.

So she soon begins to wonder if she can even trust him and who he is, especially with the serial killer on the loose. One trope we see in this book is the forced proximity trope. We have only a one-bed trope where they lay together to share body heat.

Author: Sandra Brown
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Serial Killer Thrillers
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback

8. Play Dirty

Griff Burkett is a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He was released from prison because he was caught accepting bribes for losing games recently released from prison. No one wants to hire him, so his job prospects are very low. Our other main characters are Laura and Foster. They are a married couple, and Foster was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Laura blames herself for that, and especially it’s created tension because they have always wanted children. Now that Foster is paralyzed, there’s no way that he can perform. So that does create some tension between Laura and Foster in the household. But Foster will do anything so Laura can have children. So that’s how they meet Laura and Foster and invite a business proposal.

Foster wants Griff to be a sperm donor to have their children, but the weird part that comes in is that he doesn’t want them to do it artificially. He wants them to do the deed. So, as they’re going through the motions of trying to conceive a child, Griff gets closer to Laura. Laura tries to create as much distance between them as possible because she is very uncomfortable even though she has agreed.

As they learn more and more about each other, feelings develop. But soon there’s a murder, and it seems that Laura’s in danger. The conspiracy of the murder and what is going on seems to be closer to home than any of them realize.

Author: Sandra Brown
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Crime Action & Adventure
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

9. Mirror Image

Our main character is Avery Daniels, an investigative reporter in this book. She travels to Dallas for what she knows as a scoop of a lifetime. The plane she’s on doesn’t even make it off the runway. It crashes and does set on fire. So she’s hospitalized that when she wakes up, she can’t communicate. She has many birds covering her body, breaking her jaw.

In the chaos of the crash and her coming to the hospital, she is mistaken for the wife of a senatorial candidate, Tate Rutledge. Everyone thinks she’s this wife. They want to get her into plastic surgery to remove the scars. So, Avery is trying to communicate that she is not who they think she is, and she’s going to go into plastic surgery. They will make her look even more like this guy’s wife. She’s freaking out. But she had no way to communicate that she had a visitor from someone while she was recovering.

Avery doesn’t know who it is. She cannot see him saying that he’s going to kill Tate. So, hearing that there’s got to be a story here, her reporter instincts kick in, and she plays along at this point. Then she realizes that Tate and the relationship between him and his wife are very estranged, and it turns out getting closer to him is harder than she realized it would be.

As the story progresses, Avery gets closer to Tate. There seem to be a lot of differences in his wife. She’s very loving, especially towards their daughter, and he can’t help but fall in love again with his wife, especially when the life-or-death situation seems to be happening.

Author: Sandra Brown
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Political Thrillers & Suspense
Available: Mass Market Paperback | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

10. Deadly Cover-Up (Fortress Defense)

The main character is Violet. She has a daughter, and she hears news that her grandmother has suffered a tragic accident and she’s comatose in the hospital. So, she makes her way back to her hometown. When she gets there, she meets Wyatt, the other main protagonist. The grandmother hired him to be a protector because the group he works for, Fortress Defense, specializes in security and protection.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t know why he was hired, and he was going there to talk to her grandmother about what was happening and his obligations as a bodyguard. But now that she’s comatose, she can’t say why he was hired. So, while Wyatt is asking these questions in town, he poses as Violet’s boyfriend. Soon, their questions and investigation put them in the crossfire, and they’re in danger and on the run themselves. There is a suspense and fake dating trope in this book.

Author: Julie Anne Lindsey
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Action & Adventure Romance
Available: Kindle | Mass Market Paperback

11. The Darkest Hour (KGI)

Ethan and his wife (Rachel) have been missing and presumed dead for over a year. He is guilty and guilt-ridden that he couldn’t protect his wife because he is also part of a group, Kelly Group International. He specializes in being a bodyguard and security and is also a former military. So, he puts a lot of pressure on himself to protect his loved ones, and it seems that he has failed in this with his wife.

Then, one day, he gets an anonymous tip that his wife is alive. She’s being held captive, so he goes through high water, willing to do everything to rescue her. When he does rescue her, Rachel doesn’t remember him, who she is, and doesn’t remember that they were married. So, to get to the bottom of this, Ethan is trying to remind her of certain memories to trigger the amnesia to go away. But she was held captive for a year. Who knows what she’s been through? That’s very traumatic for her.

So Ethan has to be sensitive in that regard. He also wants to get to the bottom of it because he wants to know who kidnapped her and get his wife again. So, the trope we have in this book is a military hero with suspense. Ethan is an alpha hero, and we have the amnesia trope.

Author: Maya Banks
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Romantic Military Suspense
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

12. Keep Me Safe (Slow Burn)

Our main character is Caleb, and the setting is that his younger sister has been kidnapped. When he seems to get no progress or help from the police, he goes to a very unlikely source for help. That’s when our second main character comes in. Her name is Raime, and she has a psychic ability to locate anybody by holding something they own. The catch is that it causes her a lot of pain to do this, but she agrees to help because that’s who she is.

Caleb is not taking no for an answer, so she is successful. In tracking down Caleb’s sister, Raime creates a psychic link between herself and the killer at a terrible cost. That puts her in danger, and she goes on the run. She has to stay one step ahead of the killer to keep from being his next victim. Caleb feels very remorseful that she’s in this predicament because he was pushy towards her and would do anything to save his sister.

So Caleb is responsible for protecting and keeping her safe, so they’re on the run together. Also, he’s protecting her feelings, and that’s where the romance comes in. So, we have that paranormal aspect, which is interesting. It is a little bit of a step above traditional romantic suspense. There’s also the alpha hero trope as well.

Author: Maya Banks
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Category: Paranormal Romance & Suspense
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

13. Naked in Death (In Death)

Eve Dallas is a homicide detective in futuristic New York. The setting of this book is she is in the case of a murder, and the victim is a very powerful senator’s daughter. While uncovering evidence about the case, she meets a powerful businessperson named Roarke. He was a suspect for a while because he owned the gun used to kill the senator’s daughter. So, he is a genius. He’s very wealthy and mighty in his own right. He uncovers information because he doesn’t want to be the scapegoat.

But how he goes about uncovering that information is not technically legal. As Eve and Roarke go through this investigation because he is helping her, feelings develop, but Eve fights it. She doesn’t understand why a man is handsome, powerful, and well-connected, as Roarke would even look twice at her. But he is drawn to her, and you get his perspective, too. So you get a little bit of inside information about that as well. It’s not your typical romantic suspense, and it’s the futuristic aspect.

Author: J.D. Robb
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Mystery Romance
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

14. Submerged (Alaskan Courage)

Submerged follows a girl (Bailey) going back to Alaska because her aunt passed away in a plane crash. It turns out that it’s a murder. So Bailey and the other guy (Cole McKenna) are trying to solve the murder of her aunt. There’s a bunch of suspense about what her aunt was up to. Then it’s their relationship as well. They made sense, and the characters were smart.

Author: Dani Pettrey
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Christian Mystery & Suspense
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle

15. The Negotiator (O’Malley)

This book follows a girl (Kate O’Malley), a hostage situation negotiator. She talks about a hostage situation, especially for criminals. So it opens with her being at a bank trying to stop the bank robbers from killing everyone. Then, in the bank, one of the hostages is an FBI agent. So he works with her and helps her. They have a connection, and there’s more mystery behind some things.

So they end up working together and love each other. Kate has a bunch of brothers, and there are some sisters, too. It’s a very long series following these siblings.

Author: Dee Henderson
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Religious Romance, Mystery & Suspense
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

5 Steamy Romantic Suspense Books

“Naked in Death” by J.D. Robb – This is the first book in the “In Death” series. It introduces Lieutenant Eve Dallas, a tough and competent New York police officer who faces a high-tech future while solving a high-profile murder and falling for the enigmatic Roarke, a wealthy and mysterious businessman.

“The Witness” by Nora Roberts – This novel tells the story of Elizabeth, a young woman who has lived in hiding for years after witnessing a crime. When she meets Brooks, the local police chief in a quiet town, her carefully constructed life unravels, blending danger and romance.

“Mr. Perfect” by Linda Howard – This book combines humor with suspense. It revolves around four women who create a list of qualities that make up the perfect man, which becomes a national sensation. But things take a dark turn when the list leads to a series of threats and murders, with a romance developing under these intense circumstances.

“Killing Sarai” by J.A. Redmerski – In this edgy and dark novel, Sarai is kidnapped and forced to live in a drug lord’s compound. When Victor, a professional assassin, arrives at the compound, Sarai sees an opportunity to escape. Their relationship evolves in an intense and unpredictable environment.

“Beautiful Disaster” by Jamie McGuire – This novel follows the intense and passionate relationship between Abby and Travis. Travis is a bad boy with a reputation, and Abby is determined to keep her distance, but their attraction is undeniable, leading them into a whirlwind of emotions and danger.

5 Romantic Suspense Series

In Death Series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) – This extensive series follows Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband Roarke in futuristic New York City. Each book presents a new crime for Eve to solve, with Roarke’s assistance, blending intense suspense with their evolving romantic relationship.

KGI Series by Maya Banks – Focusing on the Kelly Group International (KGI), a family-run business that performs military-grade rescue missions, this series combines high-stakes action with emotional romantic plots. The Kelly brothers, central to the series, each find themselves involved in dangerous missions and complex love stories.

Bishop/Special Crimes Unit Series by Kay Hooper – This series features a team of FBI agents with psychic abilities. Each book explores a different crime with paranormal elements and showcases the developing romantic relationships among team members, adding an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the suspenseful storylines.

Tracers Series by Laura Griffin – This series revolves around the Tracers, an elite group of forensic experts, and the Delphi Center crime lab. Each book introduces new characters—detectives, FBI agents, forensic scientists—and their romantic interests as they solve gripping and intense criminal cases.

Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker – Set around a high-tech motorcycle shop that’s a front for an elite special ops team, these books combine action-packed missions with steamy romance. The series follows different members of the Black Knights team as they go on dangerous missions and find love in unexpected places.

5 Military Romantic Suspense Books

“The Unsung Hero” by Suzanne Brockmann – This is the first book in the Troubleshooters series. It follows Navy SEAL Tom Paoletti, who, while recovering in his hometown, spots a terrorist he recognizes from his last mission. Alongside his high school sweetheart, Kelly, he must prevent a disaster while navigating their rekindled romance.

“Killing Time” by Cindy Gerard – Part of the One-Eyed Jacks series, this novel features Mike Brown, a former military operative seeking redemption and truth about his past missions. He teams up with Eva Salinas, a lawyer whose husband was killed in the same incident that haunts Mike. Their journey is filled with danger and growing romantic tension.

“Forged in Fire” by Trish McCallan – This book is the first in the Red-Hot SEALs series. It revolves around Beth Brown, a woman plagued by premonitions of disaster, who teams up with Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEAL, to thwart a terrorist attack. Their intense connection adds to the high stakes of their mission.

“Hell on Wheels” by Julie Ann Walker – The first book in the Black Knights Inc. series, features Nate “Ghost” Weller, a special ops soldier skilled in warfare and secrecy. He teams up with Ali Morgan, his deceased best friend’s sister, who is in danger. Their mission intertwines with their growing attraction, creating a suspenseful and romantic narrative.

“Out of Her League” by Kaylea Cross – This is the first installment in the Suspense series. It tells the story of Christa Bailey, a woman in danger after witnessing a murder. Rayne Hutchinson, a SWAT team member and Christa’s friend, takes on the task of protecting her. Their long-standing friendship evolves into romance amidst the threats they face.

5 Funny Romantic Suspense Books

“Agnes and the Hitman” by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer – This novel is a witty, fast-paced romantic comedy with a suspenseful twist. A food writer, Agnes finds herself involved in a series of unexpected events, including a mafia takeover and a few murder attempts. Shane, a hitman, is sent to protect her, leading to a hilariously tumultuous relationship.

“Mr. Perfect” by Linda Howard – This book combines humor with suspense uniquely. It follows a group of friends who create a list of qualities that make up the ‘perfect man,’ which becomes a nationwide sensation. But when the list sparks a series of threats and murders, the story turns darker while maintaining a light and romantic tone.

“Three to Get Deadly” by Janet Evanovich – Part of the Stephanie Plum series, this book blends humor with mystery and romance. A bounty hunter, Stephanie is on a mission to find a beloved local candy store owner who skipped bail. Her misadventures and complicated love life make for a funny and suspenseful read.

“Nobody’s Baby But Mine” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – This romantic comedy with elements of suspense revolves around genius physicist Jane, who tricks a professional football player, Cal, into getting her pregnant. The ensuing chaos, emotional developments, and unexpected dangers they face together create a humorous and engaging story.

“Faking It” by Jennifer Crusie – This novel is about Tilda, who leads a double life as an art forger and a respectable art gallery owner. When she meets Davy, a con man trying to go straight, they team up for one last con. Their adventures are filled with comic situations, romantic tension, and a touch of suspense.

5 Clean Romantic Suspense Books

“Submerged” by Dani Pettrey – This is the first book in the Alaskan Courage series. It features Bailey Craig, who returns to her hometown in Alaska to deal with her past and gets entangled in a murder investigation. Alongside her childhood sweetheart, Cole, they uncover a deadly plot. The story is filled with suspense, and the romance is sweet and clean.

“Cold Shot” by Dani Pettrey – Part of the Chesapeake Valor series, this book follows Griffin McCray, a park ranger and former sniper, as he teams up with forensic anthropologist Finley Scott to solve a complex case involving a sniper. The romance that develops is gentle and clean, set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue.

“If I Run” by Terri Blackstock – This is the first book in a series where Casey Cox, the main character, is on the run after discovering her best friend’s murder, with law enforcement and a hired detective on her trail. While evading capture, she tries to prove her innocence. The romantic element is subtle and the suspense is high.

“Nowhere to Turn” by Lynette Eason – Part of the Hidden Identity series, it tells the story of Danielle Harding, who, after escaping an abusive husband, finds herself and her son targeted by dangerous people. She turns to Adam Buchanan, a former operative, for help. The story blends suspense with a clean romance narrative.

“Silent Shadows” by Natalie Walters – This book, part of the Harbored Secrets series, centers on Pecca Gallegos, a nurse in a small town who finds herself and her patients in danger. Her relationship with an ex-Army Ranger, Colton Crawford, develops amidst the suspense of uncovering the threat to her life.

5 Christian Romantic Suspense Books

“When a Secret Kills” by Lynette Eason – This is the final book in the Deadly Reunions series. It follows investigative reporter Jillian Carter, who comes back to her hometown to face the murderer she saw ten years ago. Teaming up with Detective Colton Brady, she confronts her past and finds love, all entwined with Christian themes.

“Oath of Honor” by Lynette Eason – Part of the Blue Justice series, this novel revolves around police officer Izzy St. John. After her partner is murdered, she’s determined to uncover the truth. The investigation brings her closer to her partner’s brother, Ryan, and together, they navigate danger, faith, and a growing attraction.

“Vanished” by Irene Hannon – This book is the first in the Private Justice series. It follows reporter Moira Harrison, who meets with private detective Cal Burke after a mysterious disappearance. Their investigation uncovers more than expected as faith and attraction develop between them amidst suspenseful twists.

“Crisis Shot” by Janice Cantore – The first book in The Line of Duty series, tells the story of Tess O’Rourke, a former Long Beach police commander who becomes the chief of a small town police department. Her faith is tested as she faces challenges, including community distrust and a budding romance with the local pastor, amidst a tense and suspenseful plot.

“Traces of Guilt” by Dee Henderson – Part of the Evie Blackwell Cold Case series, this book follows Evie Blackwell, a skilled cold case investigator, as she partners with local sheriff Gabriel Thane in rural Illinois. Together, they work to solve long-unsolved crimes, finding mutual respect and subtle romantic tension, all woven with Christian values.

5 Best Selling Romantic Suspense Books

“The Witness” by Nora Roberts – This novel is a standout in the romantic suspense genre. It tells the story of Elizabeth Fitch, a young woman hiding for years after witnessing a crime. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Brooks Gleason, the charming police chief of a small town.

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – While primarily a psychological thriller, “Gone Girl” also contains romantic suspense. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne and the subsequent media frenzy and police investigation, which increasingly implicates her husband, Nick.

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson – This international bestseller, the first in the Millennium series, combines mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel. The romantic elements are unconventional, adding depth to the suspenseful plot.

“Before I Go To Sleep” by S.J. Watson – This novel tells the story of Christine, who wakes up every morning remembering nothing due to a traumatic accident in her past. The suspense builds as she tries to reconstruct her memories, with the help of her husband, and discovers the terrifying truth about her life.

“Behind Closed Doors” by B.A. Paris – This gripping novel showcases a seemingly perfect couple, Grace and Jack Angel, whose marriage reveals a dark and disturbing reality. The suspense intensifies as Grace plans her escape from the controlling and dangerous Jack.

5 Alpha Male Romantic Suspense Books

“The Darkest Hour” by Maya Banks – This is the first book in the KGI series, featuring the Kelly brothers who run an elite military group. Ethan Kelly, a former Navy SEAL, leads a mission to rescue his wife, who was presumed dead but is actually held captive in a South American jungle. The book combines intense action with a passionate reunion.

“Protecting Caroline” by Susan Stoker – Part of the SEAL of Protection series, this novel introduces Navy SEAL Matthew “Wolf” Steel, who rescues Caroline, a regular woman in a dangerous situation. Their relationship develops amidst suspense and action, highlighting Wolf’s alpha traits.

“Extreme Exposure” by Pamela Clare – The first in the I-Team series, this book follows investigative reporter Kara McMillan and senatorial aide Reece Sheridan. Reece, a strong and protective character, helps Kara expose political corruption while navigating the dangers and their growing attraction.

“Hot Pursuit” by Lynn Raye Harris – This novel, part of the Hostile Operations Team series, features Matt “Richie Rich” Girard, a former Army Ranger and now an elite military squad member. He is tasked with protecting Evie Baker, his former high school sweetheart, from a dangerous stalker, showcasing his alpha characteristics in both the mission and their romance.

“Hard Evidence” by Pamela Clare – Another entry in the I-Team series, this book tells the story of Julian Darcangelo, an undercover FBI agent and investigative journalist Tessa Novak. Julian’s alpha tendencies come to the fore as he helps Tessa uncover a human trafficking ring, all while their intense attraction simmers.

5 African American Romantic Suspense Books

“Forget Me Not” by Brenda Jackson – This novel is part of the Catalina Cove series. It follows Ashley Ryan, who returns to her hometown and unexpectedly reunites with Ray Sullivan, a man she once loved. Together, they unravel a mystery from their past, combining suspense with a rekindled romance.

“Deadly Pursuit” by Ann Christopher – A book from the Deadly series, features criminal defense attorney Amara Clarke, who is in danger due to her latest case. DEA agent John Dolton, who has his reasons for protecting Amara, steps in, leading to a suspenseful and romantic storyline.

“Saving Anya” by Latrivia S. Nelson – Part of The Medlov Crime Family Series, this book revolves around Ananya “Anya” Gromyko and Royal Medlov, who must face the dangerous world of the Russian mafia. Their love story unfolds amidst suspense and action, showcasing strong character development and cultural depth.

“No One Knows” by A.W. Hart – This suspenseful novel follows J.J. Johnson, a private investigator, who gets entangled in a complex case involving murder, corruption, and secrets from his past. The romantic elements are seamlessly woven into the suspenseful narrative, providing an engaging and thrilling read.

“Her Protector” by Netty Ejike – This story centers around Tessy, who witnesses a crime and is placed under the protection of Marcus, a security expert. Their relationship develops against danger and suspense, featuring strong, compelling characters and a captivating plot.

5 Free Romantic Suspense Kindle Books

“On A Night Like This” (Callaways Book 1) by Barbara Freethy – This book combines the elements of firefighters, family drama, and a second chance at love, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy romantic suspense​​​​.

“Frozen In Ice” (Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance Book 1) – This novel is the first in the Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance series, which promises a blend of suspense and romance, ideal for readers who enjoy thrilling cold case mysteries​​.

“Claimed by the Duke of Ice: A Historical Regency Romance Novel” by Violet Hamers – Though it leans more towards historical regency romance, this novel also includes suspenseful elements, providing a unique twist for readers who appreciate a blend of history, romance, and mystery​​.

“Cowboy Love and Mystery Book 1 – Blush” (Cowboy Love & Mystery Clean Romance Series) – This is the first book in the Cowboy Love & Mystery Clean Romance Series, combining western romance and mystery​​.

“Alpha Female” (Wolf Harbor Book 1) – The first book in the Wolf Harbor series, it offers a mix of mystery and romance, likely with a strong female lead character​​.

Best Romantic Suspense Books Of All Time

“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier (1938) – This classic novel is hailed as one of the greatest in the romantic suspense genre. It tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, only to find herself living in the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca. The eerie atmosphere and the suspenseful plot have made it a timeless favorite.

“The Witness” by Nora Roberts (2012) – This book tells the story of Elizabeth, a woman who has been on the run for years after witnessing a crime. Her life changes when she meets Brooks Gleason, the charming police chief of a small town. The book is a blend of romance, suspense, and character development.

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn (2012) – Although primarily a psychological thriller, “Gone Girl” includes elements of romantic suspense. It revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the resulting media and police investigation, which starts to focus on her husband, Nick.

“Legacy” by Nora Roberts (2021) – This novel combines romance, suspense, and family drama. The story follows Adrian Rizzo, a young entrepreneur, who faces a series of threatening messages and dangerous incidents. A romantic relationship develops as she faces these challenges, adding depth to the suspenseful plot.

“The Recovery Agent” by Janet Evanovich (2022) – Known for blending humor with suspense, Evanovich’s book introduces Gabriela Rose, a recovery agent with a knack for finding things others can’t. The novel takes us on an adventurous journey filled with action, treasure hunting, and a rekindled romance from Gabriela’s past.

“The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley (2021) – This book has elements of romantic suspense woven into its narrative. The story is set in a Paris apartment building with a cast of intriguing characters, each with their secrets. The plot weaves together mystery, tension, and subtle romantic undercurrents.

Last Words

Alright, fellow adrenaline junkies, it’s time to close this tab… or not. (I won’t judge if you’re already Googling “how to join the FBI for love.”) Romantic suspense is the genre equivalent of dating a firefighter—hot, unpredictable, and slightly concerning for your insurance premiums. 🔥

Before you disappear into a world of cryptic clues and steamy stakeouts, promise me two things:

You’ll check your locks. Twice. You’ll never trust a mysterious stranger with a jawline that could cut glass. (Unless he’s fictional. Then full send.)

And hey—if you finish a book and suddenly find yourself side-eyeing your Tinder matches? Good. That’s the genre working as intended. 😎 Drop a comment with your latest “I-shouldn’t-love-this-but-I-do” read… or scream into the void with me. We’re all out here living on the edge—of our reading chairs.

P.S. If a brooding detective knocks on your door? Ask for ID. And maybe a kiss. 🚔💋

Happy reading, you gorgeous thrill-seekers. May your drama be plot-driven and your book boyfriends come with a bulletproof vest. 📚✨

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