Love Romance and Suspense? You Need Romantic Suspense Novels

People have all kinds of preferences when it comes to reading fiction. Some like romance books, and some prefer suspense novels. If readers like one or the other of these genres, they should definitely check out romantic suspense novels, many of which deftly deliver the best of both worlds in a distinct sub-genre that has become insanely popular.

This sub-genre is important to readers for a lot of reasons, and not all of them have to do with entertainment. In fact, studies show the benefits of both the romance and the suspense genres. Best of all, readers get to enjoy a good story while taking advantage of those benefits.

What a Romantic Suspense novel?

Romance Writers of America defines romantic suspense as:

“Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.”

And Goodreads says:

“Romantic suspense is any genre romance that features a prominent mystery, suspense or thriller plot.”

This opens up an entirely new sub-genre that many readers may not have thought of. Some of the best novels feature a balance of both romance and suspense so that one type of writing style does not overpower the other. However, there are those who believe that the romance always comes first, and that can be tricky since it straddles the fence between two genres that people love.

Readers must enjoy the characters. No matter what genre comes first, the whole story comes together. Then readers enjoy a world where romance, passion and the unexpected collide.

Romantic Suspense Novels Encompass Many Themes

Romantic Suspense doesn’t just cover two areas – there are many areas in which it is more than just a two-fold description. For instance, Deja Vu (Titan World Novella), includes someone suffering from amnesia, a sexy doctor, a fake engagement, a disappearance and a spy:

“After Allie arrives at the hospital with amnesia, her doctor was paid by the CIA to ensure that she remembers nothing. However, when Allie wakes up exclaiming that the doctor is her fiance, things really start to get even more interesting.”

Deja Vu is full of fast-paced twists, sexy spies and a mystery to solve. This is just one example of a romantic suspense novel that caters to both genres.

Romantic Suspense Novels are a Winning Combination

Scientists have already shown that reading fiction improves brain function on myriad levels, including theory of mind, where both cognitive and imaginative benefits are many.

Reading romance novels can increase empathy. When participants in a study were asked to guess the emotional states of actors in photographs with just their eyes alone, those who remembered the names of romance authors and readers of romance books overwhelmingly fared better.

Suspense in a book has its own benefits. It creates a sense of caring about the characters. Connections makes things more exciting for readers. They can visualize how a character will act in a certain situation.

Those who love romance novels do not always fall into the category of wanting everything to be forever perfect and sweet. Some love the idea of two people facing incredible obstacles or overcoming the most extreme of circumstances. For them, romantic suspense novels are the perfect type of fiction.

If you’d like to dive into action-packed romantic suspense novels, check out Cristin Harber’s Titan series! In fact, the first book, WINTERS HEAT, is a free read at major ebook retailers.

 

A guest blogger submitted this content.