Romance books are perfect when you want to just stay in, get comfy, and read.
However, if you get bored with the sweet romantic stories and are looking for a romance that's more on the darker side, you will love our list of new romance suspense novels. Make sure to add them to your list.
Dorothy Eden
New York Times- bestselling author Dorothy Eden is known for her suspense thriller books. In the year 2013, she published her nail biter novel The Deadly Travellers.
It’s a story of a little girl who suddenly vanishes on the train. Even Kate, the main character, was assailed by doubt and fear. Will she find the little girl? You have to read the book to find out.
The book is ideal if you are looking for an easy-to-follow romantic suspense thriller. The story is quick and moves as fast as the train that Kate is on. It's a lovely addition to your reading list.
Ugly Score: 72%
Heather Graham
Down in New Orleans is a thrilling romantic suspense novel by Heather Graham, the author of the bestselling and award-winning series Krewe of Hunters. The book was first published in 1965, but it is still widely considered a romantic suspense must-read.
The story revolves around Ann and Jon Marcel. Accused of the murder of a stripper, Jon must rely on his close friend and ex-wife Ann to help him. And when Ann tries to help her ex-husband, she steps into a shadowy and sensual world in New Orleans and finds herself fighting for her own life.
The mystery, the romance, and the sub-plot of ex-lovers reuniting make it an excellent thriller story.
Ugly Score: 71%
Julie James
A lawyer by profession and a bestselling author, Julie James wholeheartedly focused solely on writing only after her books got optioned by Hollywood productions. So far, she has written nine romantic novels and The Thing About Love is one of her latest published works. A story about two FBI agents who were once rivals, but six years later, they find themselves assigned to work as partners in an undercover mission.
The playful camaraderie and sexy chemistry between John and Jessica make this book an engaging read. However, the average reader may feel slightly distracted from the emotional aspects of the book because a lot of time was spent detailing the FBI's elite HRT team's ins and outs, which may not all be relatable for every reader who picks this up.
However, the romance storyline is on point and the attractive rivals dynamic between John and Jessica make The Thing About Love a delightful read.
Ugly Score: 70%
Suzanne Brockmann
Suzanne Brockmann is a bestselling American author who has written more than fifty novels. She is most famous for her 'Troubleshooters’ series on Navy Seals.
Some Kind of Hero is the story of Lieutenant Peter Greene, who is trying to find a missing child with the help of a romance writer, Shayla.
Brockmann has brilliantly intertwined the relation between the two and created a rich backstory for their characters, which help you get invested in the novel.
Some Kind of Hero is a fast-paced, action-packed book that really takes off from the first page. While the romance doesn't take centerstage when we start the novel, it is definitely worth the wait.
The action, the stress of trying to find a missing child, and romance will definitely keep you hooked till you finish the last page of the book. This book will be a worthy addition in your reading list.
Ugly Score: 78%
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte had originally published Jane Eyre under her pen name, Currer Bell.
Perhaps not your typical romantic suspense book, published in 1847, this book is a timeless classic. Jane Eyre is considered as one of the most progressive books of its time because of its focus on Jane's individuality at a time when society expected women to be anything but and because of how Charlotte Bronte approached sensitive topics like sexuality, religion, and feminism in the eighteen hundreds.
The meticulous character development and vivid depictions of the world Jane lived in are just some of the many things that you make this book exceptional. The book has an intriguing plot and brilliant plot-twists to keep you hooked.
The story revolves around Jane, who was orphaned as a child and felt like an outcast. When she arrived at Thornfield Hall, Jane found herself attracted to Adele. Will she be left heartbroken or exiled? You have to read the story to find out!
Jane Eyre’s overtly religious theme may not suitable for our times, but the book has weathered competition from generations of romantic suspense thrillers and is still one of the best stories you will ever read.
Ugly Score: 90%
Juno Rushdan
Every Last Breath, Rushdan’s fast-paced and gripping debut novel holds the reader’s attention from start to finish.
The story revolves around Maddox Kinkade, an expert agent who recruited Cole to stop the threat of a pandemic. Later she found out Cole was her lost love. As they started working on saving the world, it’s interesting to read how their relationship evolves.
New York Time's bestselling author Lexi Blake said ~.
“An electric combination of heart-stopping thriller and swoon-worthy romance. It’s an unputdownable thrill ride!”
All in all, Every Last Breath is an emotional story of a second-chance romance thriller that will keep your eyes riveted to the pages.
Ugly Score: 81%
Julie James
Julie James’s Something About You is lighthearted romantic suspense. Lawyer turned New York Bestseller author Julie James published her third book Something About You in the year of 2010.
The story revolves around Cameron, who decided to take a break from her daily life and spend her time in a hotel. However, with her bad luck, she got involved in a murder case next to her hotel room. Turned out, Cameron had a history with the special agent who was in charge of the case.
The writing of the story is strong, and it grips the reader's attention with a fun, smooth, and catchy style. It tells the story from everyone's point of view- including the killer. The storyline is not overly surprising, but with Julie James's brilliant and witty writing, it's worth reading.
Ugly Tales: 88%
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.
Another New York Times bestselling author, Laura Griffin wrote Her Deadly Secrets in the year 2019. And it went to become USA Today bestseller.
The book tells the story of Kira Vance, a private investigator who spends her days navigating the labyrinth of Houston's legal world and know all its dark secrets. Soon she finds out that there is a price for keeping deadly secrets as a killer was set out to eliminate her.
Her Deadly Secrets is a thrilling read on how Kira fights to stay alive while also unmasking the killer.
This book is an excellently well written, in-depth, entertaining, and suspenseful story that will surely keep you turning the pages intently until you get to the last page.
Ugly Score: 84%
Jennifer Ryan
New York Bestselling author Jennifer Ryan published another brilliant romantic suspense thriller The Me I Used to Be in the 2019.
In this novel, Evangeline Austen returns home after serving time for a crime she didn't commit. She wanted to rebuild her life after that, but as she went on to rebuild her life, she started to find out the shocking truth about the past.
The book is an breezy and enjoyable read, although, the main characters could have had more depth. Sometimes everything seemed quickly falling into places.
Overall if you love light romantic suspense stories, you should have this book in your reading list.
Ugly Score: 80%
Romantic suspense books are not easy to get right but when an author can mix the right ingredients in the right proportions, it is a reader's absolute delight.
By the way, if you like this list, make sure to check out some of our favorite forbidden romance books in this reading recommendations list.
P.S.
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This listicle has been edited by the Ugly Tales admins.