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Author: Reggi Allder

What makes a romantic suspense novel?

As a reader as well as a writer, I like the mix of danger and romance. Statistics show I’m not alone. Romantic suspense books are popular sellers.

I’ve often wondered why we love a dash, or should I say a slash of suspense with our romance. I guess a psychologist could answer that. But for me, a well plotted romance and an equally well plotted suspense, woven seamlessly together works. Each storyline moves the plot forward and holds my attention. Perhaps the need to solve a mystery helps keep my pages turning.

A romantic suspense must have a compelling love story often with the hero and heroine striving toward different goals. They share a strong attraction for each other that might get in the way of solving the mystery, perhaps even put them in danger. Still, they must be sympathetic as each of them struggle with internal problems and personal baggage while maintaining a determination to catch the bad guy(s). Right is on their side, though the villain might take issue that statement.

A believable villain is important too. Not just a crazy man or woman wanting to hurt people, but a villain with a credible goal. The average person would think the objective is completely wrong. However, the villain knows he’s righteous. The idea keeps him motivated and the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. The anti-hero should be intelligent, a person to be reckoned with, fear imparting and perhaps a bit mad.

Mysteries are often written in the first person. However, the romantic suspense has multiple points of view allowing the reader to understand the motivation of many characters.

In suspense, it just gets worse and worse until the reader can’t see how the hero and heroine will solve the suspense and survive. There is often a possibility the villain may win and all will be lost.

You can check out romantic suspense books on Amazon.

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Good News!

Books

Yay! The third Sierra Creek Series book, Our Country Heart, is available. Amy and Wyatt’s friend, Vanna, tells her story. I’m also working on the fourth book, My Country Heart, and hope to have it ready in the fall of 2022.The new edition of His Country Heart, will be available soon.

The romantic suspense Dangerous Denial is available on Amazon. Follow Webb’s brother, Jon from Dangerous Web. He has his own mystery to solve in the California Wine Country. Also planned is a fourth novel in the Dangerous series, Dangerous Choice.

Movies

If you love films, check out the list on my romantic movie page.

Recipes

Since apples play a big part in the Sierra Creek series, an apple pie recipe will be ready for those who sign up for the newsletter and also an excerpt from the new book Our Country Heart.

Come back soon for more good news.

Looking for a summer love? How about a classic romance? Plus 5 Summer Safety Tips

We have all been waiting to be out in the sun. Are you finally able to hit the beach or shore?

When you do go, remember to bring a book with you. Here are five great classic romance novels available in print or eBooks. Let them take you away from the world of responsibly and transport you to a place far away from today’s life.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon published 1991 and published in the U.K. under the title “Cross Stitch. Plot? This book is too long for a synopsis. I’ll just say it’s a great read, 20th century, 18th century, Scotland, historical romance, science fiction; it’s one of the best.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen published 1813. This tells the story of the Bennet family, the father, a country gentleman, his wife and five daughters. Each daughter needs a suitable husband. The main character is Elizabeth Bennet. As the book opens an appropriate gentleman moves nearby and the excitement begins. Read this book and understand why readers love Mr. Darcy. Temperature: Sweet.

Jane Ayre by Charlotte Brontë published 1847. This book follows Jane from childhood to her life as a governess at Thornfield Hall with its dark secrets and her relationship with the mysterious Mr. Rochester. I first read this in high school and still love it. Temperature: Sweet.

Little Women Louisa May Alcott published 1868. Family life and love in the 1860s. Meg is the eldest daughter is and on the brink of love and Jo is a tomboy who longs to be a writer. This is different than the movie and gives a truer version of life rather than the 21st idea of what it should have been. Temperature: Sweet.

Tell me No Lies by Elizabeth Lowell published 1986. Priceless artifacts are smuggled from China into the U.S. An international crisis is brewing and a thief must be caught. One woman is the key to understanding the events. If you like this book try Lowell’s series Amber Beach, Jade Island and Pearl Cove. Temperature: Hot.

5 Summer Safety Tips

  1. Stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day 10 am to 4 pm.
  2. Wear sun block and reapply every few hours or when you go into the water.
  3. Do not use sun block on babies under six months of age, instead keep babies in the shade.
  4. Remember to protect your eyes from the sun. If you use sun glasses be sure they are UV protected and if you can wear a hat. Good for babies too.
  5. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.