The best steamy romantic suspense books for savvy readers

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a contemporary romance writer who does some series in paranormal romance and some in romantic suspense. I know lots of romance is about the fantasy and I write to that, but I want each of my romances to have you walking away believing in real-life love, too. I want heroes and heroines who could walk right off the page! I want to acknowledge smart women finding men who love a snappy comeback and a sharp brain. My favorite stories come together when our heroine is the only one who could solve this crime or mystery. I was first invited to write RS in the Dark Falls series and I shockingly won a Maggie for my first book. I loved the genre so much that I went on to build a whole series of my own!


I wrote...

Book cover of Crash & Burn

What is my book about?

Sebastian Kane knew from the moment he saw Maggie that she was the one… Unfortunately, so did a serial killer…

Maggie has already walked away from sisterly betrayal and an engagement gone wrong. Was walking into redemption the smartest choice? Her Aunt’s creaky old boarding house reveals hidden treasure that points to a serial killer. The FBI and Sebastian Kane aren’t the only ones with their eyes on her. But Sebastian’s hesitation cost him dearly, and new-in-town Maggie is already dating a fellow firefighter. But even his loyalty to the brotherhood can’t keep Sebastian away when danger is on Maggie’s doorstep.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Concrete Evidence

Savannah Kade Why did I love this book?

The Evidence series will pull you under from the first page. This is the kind of romantic escapism that we love, but with the smartest, most reliable heroines. These women are scientists, always prepared and making the best choices. They are pulled from their everyday work into a maelstrom of intrigue and romance. And the heroes? Exactly the kind of men smart women love!

By Rachel Grant,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Concrete Evidence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Full of secrets, deadly intrigue and steamy romance. A MUST read." - Elisabeth Naughton, New York Times Bestselling Author

A year ago she lost everything. Now she wants revenge…

Accused of stealing artifacts from a five-hundred-year-old shipwreck, underwater archaeologist Erica Kesling is determined to clear her name. She’s concealed her past and taken a job certain to give her access to the buyer of the missing antiquities. She's finally closing in on her goal when she's distracted by a sexy, charismatic intern who makes her want something other than revenge.

But Lee Scott is no intern. He's looking for the…


Book cover of Flight

Savannah Kade Why did I love this book?

This is the second book in the Texas Murder Files series and Griffin is the author who brought us the Tracers books (another great series. Go read it!) In Flight, Miranda is desperately trying to take a break and recoup from a far too stressful job. We can all relate. But when she stumbles upon a murder, her skills as a forensic photographer mean her break is over. Local Detective Joel is just the hero we need and the tension builds slowly and wonderfully. This is great romantic suspense!

By Laura Griffin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Flight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Laura Griffin is one of those skilled writers who hook me with the first sentence' reader review

'Wow, this is an absolutely brilliant and hot crime read. I loved the characters and how real it all feels' reader review

If you love Karen Rose, Melinda Leigh and Lisa Gardner, you'll be gripped by Laura Griffin!
With her signature breathless pacing and suspenseful twists and turns, 'Laura Griffin never fails to put me on the edge of my seat' (USA TODAY).

'I love smart, sophisticated, fast-moving romantic thrillers and Laura Griffin writes them brilliantly' JAYNE ANN KRENTZ

'A pulse-pounding romantic thriller'…


Book cover of Hot Response

Savannah Kade Why did I love this book?

Cait has her hands full, the last thing she needs is a playboy like Gavin. The only thing firefighter Gavin takes seriously is his job. Even so, he’s been a challenge. But maybe they can rub each other the right way? When these two finally get over their mutual distrust, the sparks fly. You can always count on a Shannon Stacey book to keep you up all night. This is a perfect opposites attract/hot firefighter romance!

By Shannon Stacey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hot Response as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“The enjoyable latest installment of Stacey’s contemporary Boston Fire series (after Fully Ignited) combines blazing passion and a certain sweetness.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“Stacey has knocked this one out of the park! Hot Response is amazing right from the beginning. The tension between Gavin and Cait is sizzling.” - RT Reviews (TOP PICK) on Hot Response

From New York Times bestselling author SHANNON STACEY

Meet the tough, dedicated men of BOSTON FIRE—and the women who turn their lives upside down

Gavin Boudreau lives for the job, but he also believes in “work hard, play harder.” As the youngest guy in Ladder…


Book cover of Carolina Moon

Savannah Kade Why did I love this book?

This one is a classic but it holds up. It has my favorite opening line ever in a book and Tory Bodeen is exactly the anti-heroine we all need. She’s back in town to clean up old business and maybe her family name. But the rumors swirling around her won’t let go, and it doesn’t help that she can hear everyone’s thoughts…. Including those of Cade, the boy she was ripped away from. The connection between Tory and Cade is one of the best Roberts has ever written. My personal copy of this book is worn from re-reading! 

By Nora Roberts,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Carolina Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents a novel of redemption and suspense, as a woman haunted by the unsolved murder of her childhood friend returns to her small South Carolina hometown...

Tory Bodeen grew up in a run-down house where her father ruled with an iron fist and a leather belt-and where her dreams and talents had no room to flourish. Her one escape was her neighbor Hope, whose friendship allowed Tory to be the child she wasn't allowed to be at home. Then Hope was brutally murdered, and everything fell apart.

Now, as she returns to…


Book cover of Sugar Daddy

Savannah Kade Why did I love this book?

Kleypas is better known for her historical fiction, but her contemporary series knocks it out of the park. There’s never been a better enemies to lovers pair than Gabe and Liberty. This book also has wrong side of the tracks vibes as well as rags-to-riches gold. Their reasons for hating each other are sound—not the kind of ridiculous drivel we sometimes get served. Secrets abound, and when these two finally feel like they’re finding their footing, Liberty’s first love comes back… and then it really heats up! Sugar Daddy isn’t what you expect when you open the book, it’s so much better!

By Lisa Kleypas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sugar Daddy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A love story you'll never forget.

Liberty Jones fell in love with Hardy Cates when she was just fourteen-and-three-quarters. But at seventeen, the ambitious Hardy craves a life bigger and better than their parochial hometown of Welcome, Texas, can offer. While he's fond of Liberty and feels a responsibility to protect her, her crush is a complication he doesn't need.

Yet something continues to draws Hardy and Liberty to each other, especially when she blossoms into a proper beauty. So when he chooses to follow his head…


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The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

By Katherine Grant,

Book cover of The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

Katherine Grant Author Of The Viscount Without Virtue

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Novelist History nerd Amateur dancer Reader New Yorker

Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Enjoy this Persuasion-inspired historical romance!

Six years ago, Amy decided *not* to elope with Captain Nate Preston. Now, he is back in the neighborhood, and he is shocked to discover that Amy is unmarried. Even more surprising, she is clearly battling some unnamed illness. Thrown together by circumstances outside their control, Nate and Amy try to be friends. Soon, it becomes clear that their feelings for each other never died. Has anything changed, or are they destined for heartbreak once more?

The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

By Katherine Grant,

What is this book about?

Is love worth giving a second chance?

Six years ago, Amy Lamplugh decided not to elope with Nate Preston. Ever since, she has been working hard to convince herself she was right to choose her family over Nate.

Now, Nate is back. After an illustrious career as a naval captain, he faces a court martial for disobeying orders while fighting the slave trade. He accepts an invitation to await the trial at a country estate outside of Portsmouth - and discovers he is suddenly neighbors with Amy.

Nate is shocked to find that Amy didn’t end up marrying someone rich…


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