• Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Romantic Suspense Books

    An Aria for Nick by Hallee Bridgeman

    The Only Man who can Save her Life Has been Dead for a Decade…

    Raised in a loving home, Aria Suarez dreamed of becoming a professional pianist happily married to her high school crush. After the only boy who ever caught her eye dies a hero’s death and her wrist is shattered along with her future plans, she turns her brilliant musical mind to nuclear engineering and solving mysteries of science. Abandoned to an abusive father at five, Nick Williams grew up dreaming of escape; of enlisting in the Army and leaving his wretched life behind; of proving himself worthy of the girl he loves. But the crucible of combat offers only the escape of death.

    A decade later, Aria uncovers a nuclear plot that threatens the heart of our very nation. Sinister forces surround and threaten her when, out of nowhere, the man who reportedly died so many years before returns as if from the grave — intent on protecting her.
    Has God finally joined them together?
    Or is Aria doomed to mourn Nick twice?

    The author on her character Nick Williams:

    “Nick is such a deep character who has suffered so much in life that you just find yourself rooting for Aria and him to be together so that maybe some of his demons will quiet.”

    Hallee Bridgeman

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Romantic Suspense Books

    A Melody for James by Hallee Bridgeman

    Solitary strangers meet during a stormy stopover. Hours later, their hearts hum a harmonious duet.

    Melody Mason has the hottest female voice in the country music scene. But the cheers of throngs of adoring fans mean little in the absence of the handsome stranger who rescued her years before. Widower James Montgomery has never forgotten her. He prays God can bring her back. Incredible events finally bring them face to face again. Together at last, they realize the bond between them has miraculously risen to a crescendo, melodiously marrying them like strong symphonic chords. Uncannily, they learn they share more in common than they could have ever imagined. They know God reunited them for a purpose.

    Sinister forces threaten to destroy their new found happiness. The couple must work in close concert, placing all their faith in God as they solve the deadly mystery that ties their lives inexplicably together. Fire, loss, and bloodshed cannot shake their faith in God to see them through as they face a percussive climax that leaves hearts and lives forever changed.

    The author on her character James Montgomery:

    “The main character in aMelody for James, James Montgomery, is autistic. I never say it in the book, and I’ve had five people call me out on it, but it’s not at all in any way shape or form part of the book other than that’s who he is and his personality. A friend of mine a couple weeks ago was all excited because I had normalized an autistic character without making it be like this thing–this label,this negative space.”

    Hallee Bridgeman

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Overflow by Brynne Asher

    There’s nothing like getting caught in the middle of an FBI raid to change your life…

    That’s what happens to Gabrielle Carpino. Just when she forced herself to move on with life after tragedy touched her family, she finds herself thrown into a tailspin so swift, she can’t find her bearings. Being cuffed and patted down by Special Agent Jude Ortiz is enough to wake anyone up. With his dark chocolate eyes and commanding ways, Gabby can’t resist. And between battling criminals, flooded basements, fantasy football drafts, and her crazy Italian family, Jude also finds himself unable to resist her charms.  

    That doesn’t mean he isn’t wrestling feelings he hasn’t allowed in years. Nightmares that are his reality have paralyzed him from living a full life. Yet, he can’t help himself when it comes to her and Jude moves in to watch over Gabby. But just when life seems to be settling down, demons surface from the past. Horrific ones that carry a vengeance so evil, no one saw them coming.

    The author on three characteristics of her writing style:

    “My heroines are very important to me. I hope they are all strong in their own way, yet still feminine.I love secondary characters–they add so much to a story… Finally, a book that has a balance is important to me. I like angst, drama, humor, and suspense. But too much of one thing in a book can drag it down.”

    Brynne Asher

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Shattered With You by J. Kenner

    Charismatic. Dangerous. Sexy as hell. Meet the elite team at Stark Security.

    Quincy Radcliffe has fast become a key asset at the newly formed Stark Security. A former British agent with lethal skills and criminal connections, it’s a no-brainer for him to rise through the ranks. But Quincy isn’t the man he appears to be. And one woman could expose all his secrets. Once, he worshipped Eliza Tucker. He adored her body and then broke her heart. But now she needs help, and he’s the only man that can do it. Quincy knows he must either turn his back on her or risk revealing his dark past to the one woman who can—and will—tear open his old wounds.

    For years, Eliza has tried to forget the man who shattered her. His smoldering good looks had drawn her in; his British charm had enchanted her. But it was the wildness of his seduction and the ferocity of his passion that captured her. She’d given herself to him—and he’d destroyed her. Now, he’s the only person who can help find her missing sister. She’ll use him because she has to. She’ll pay anything he demands, whether in the bank or the bedroom. She won’t fall for him again. But what if it isn’t her choice to make?

    The author on writing damaged male leads:

    “Oh, I could get all psychoanalytical, but I think the bottom line is that the classic story that love heals. Your hero (or your heroine or both) is damaged. Broken. But once they find their other half – once they find the person who completes them – then they’re healed and they can make their way to their happily ever after. Love conquers all …”

    J. Kenner

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books,  Best Romantic Suspense Books

    In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson

    Croft Towers holds more than its share of secrets . . . and Sybil is determined to uncover them all.

    When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?

    When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

    A lesson God taught the author while writing the novel:

    “At the heart of my novel is the theme of trust. The heroine, Sybil, must make several difficult decisions where she learns to trust her inner voice, which is sometimes at odds with the seemingly obvious choice. God used this story line and character arc to remind me that answers in my own life may not always be easy or quick or tied up in pretty pink bows, but that I needed to trust him—with everything!”

    Abigail Wilson

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Make You Feel My Love by Kait Nolan

    Will danger catapult these lifelong friends to lovers?

    Autumn Buchanan has loved Judd all her life. Best friends since they were children, he’s been fulfilling her rescue fantasies for years. But years ago, her dreams of more ended in blood and a nightmare that nearly cost them both their lives.

    Now she’s ready to take the leap and profess all to the friend who’s stood by her through thick and thin. But before she can make her confession, their nightmare returns and secrets are revealed that threaten the very fabric of their lifelong friendship.

    The author on the greatest joy of writing:

    “The world is often a terrible, dark place. I get the glorious job of proving that that isn’t the ONLY thing the world is. I get to put out little beacons of light and hope, escape pods for readers to get an infusion of positive. I can’t think of a better job than that.”

    Kait Nolan

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    To Die For by Linda Howard

    She was a dead ringer. Now she’s just dead. . . .

    Blair Mallory lives the good life. She’s pretty, confident, and the owner of a thriving up-scale fitness center. But in the shadow of success, a troubled member of the club develops a strange fixation on Blair, imitating her style and dress. Matters take a darker turn when the look-alike is shot dead—and Blair witnesses the horror.

    As the media speculates on the tawdry details of the homicide and pushes Blair into the harsh spotlight, she locks horns with police lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth. He wants to lead an investigation without interference, while Blair is determined to probe the dead woman’s life on her own. But when someone begins to menace Blair with mounting threats, Wyatt takes notice: Was this murder indeed a lethal case of mistaken identity–and was Blair the intended victim?

    Writing the main character, Blair:

    “Blair was fun, period. I was never a cheerleader, and my friends call me “the queen of logic.” That’s when they aren’t saying that I think like a man. So Blair is nothing like me, and if I didn’t channel a cheerleader I’d like to know what the heck that voice is chattering away inside my head??? Her family never underestimated her, but men did. And she had fun with it. She was so cheerfully ruthless, and so intelligent and sharp, that she used her personna as a means of getting her way. If someone underestimated her, she blithely rolled over them. When I was writing To Die For I spent a lot of my time sitting in front of the computer laughing like an idiot.”

    Linda Howard

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    The Outpost by Devney Perry

    Trapped in his tiny mountain cabin, she didn’t expect to fall for his big heart.

    Exposing a prominent criminal family with an investigative news report didn’t exactly work out the way Sabrina had hoped. Instead of basking in the glory of her article’s success, she’s on the run from a powerful man who wants her dead. To stay safe, she’s forced to trade one bad situation for another. Stuck in the Montana wilderness, she’s secluded from anything resembling civilization or the modern-day world. The only good thing about her situation is the gorgeous mountain man assigned to protect her. Too bad he isn’t the slightest bit interested in a city girl like her.

    Beau likes his life quiet and simple. Give him a peaceful day hiking in the woods with his dog, and he’s a happy man. He has no use for large crowds, noisy cities or dramatic women. So when a hotshot reporter rolls into town, dragging her big-time problems with her, he should have run for the hills. Instead, he volunteered to keep her safe. Bringing her into his world won’t be easy, but if he can convince her that Montana isn’t as terrifying as she believes, they might just be the perfect match.

    The author on her connection with the main heroine:

    “There are a lot of small pieces to her that we have in common, but our biggest similarity is how writing gave us each a purpose when we were feeling lost.”

    Devney Perry

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Cold Secrets by Toni Anderson

    Computer expert Ashley Chen joined the FBI to fight against evil in the world—evil she experienced firsthand. She has mad skills and deadly secrets, and once she starts working with straight-shooting FBI agent, Lucas Randall, she also has big trouble. After years of pushing people away, she’s finally falling for someone. 

    An FBI agent risks her heart and closely guarded secrets in the 7th book of this pulse-pounding Romantic Thriller series: Cold Justice.

    The feeling is entirely mutual, but as Ashley intensifies her online pursuit of an international trafficking ring, her traumatic past collides with her present and suddenly Lucas can’t tell which side she’s on. As the case escalates into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, it turns out Ashley isn’t the only one with something to hide. If neither can trust the other with their secrets, how can they trust each other with their hearts?

    Awards for this title:

    Winner of the Book Buyers Best for Romantic Suspense.

    Finalist in the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards

    Booksellers’ Best Award for Romantic Suspense.

    New York bestselling author Toni Anderson

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Indebted by Sharon Cooper

    Even when he does good, he’s bad…

    Detective Lazarus Dimas doesn’t play by the rules. On the streets, he’s a force to be reckoned with, a dangerous man with a badge and a gun. But he does have a soft spot — the sexy assistant district attorney Journey Ramsey. There is something about the woman he can’t shake. She’s irresistible and off limits.

    Journey plays by the rules, normally. But she can’t deny the sexual tension that sparks whenever Laz is near, even when he puts her professional integrity at risk.Yet, there’s a gentle, vulnerable side to him that he lets no one see except her, and she can’t resist him. Can Laz prove he’s the man for Journey before a reopened case exposes his true colors? Or will the danger they face show that the love they share knows no boundaries?

    Sharon Cooper’s thoughts on the Lazarus Dimas:

    I try to never play favoritism with my characters, but I have to admit, Laz ranks up their pretty high as one of my favorites! He’s a good guy (police detective) who skates on the edge of right and wrong…usually for a good reason.

    Sharon Cooper