Guest Blog

Why Romantic Suspense Draws the Attention of Mary Alford

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Multi-published and bestselling author Mary Alford recently stopped by to share some about her writing life.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I’ve always been drawn to stories that keep you on the edge of your seat—but I also believe that even in the darkest moments, God’s love has the power to shine through. Romantic suspense gives me the perfect blend of danger, mystery, and emotion. I started writing in this genre because I wanted to give readers that heart-pounding rush—of both adrenaline, romance and faith—in every story.

Why do you like writing romantic suspense?
I love writing romantic suspense because it combines two of my favorite things: heart-pounding tension and heartfelt connection. There’s something so compelling about placing characters in high-stakes situations and watching them fall in love while fighting for their lives—literally or emotionally. The danger raises the emotional stakes, and the romance brings hope and light to even the darkest moments. It’s the perfect balance of grit and heart, and faith, and I enjoy every twist, turn, and tender moment along the way.

How do you connect with your characters?
I connect with my characters by digging deep into their fears, hopes, and past wounds—just like real people, they carry emotional baggage that shapes how they react to danger, love, and trust. I spend time getting to know them before I start writing, almost like building a friendship. I ask myself what keeps them up at night, what they’d die to protect, and what they secretly long for. Once I understand their emotional core, I can step into their shoes and feel every heartbeat, every risk, and every moment of connection right along with them.

How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
The setting is like another character in my stories—it adds mood, tension, and sometimes even danger. I choose locations that naturally heighten suspense: remote towns, rugged landscapes, or places with a deep sense of mystery. But I also look for settings that can reflect God’s presence to the characters. Whether it’s a quiet Amish community with hidden secrets or a windswept mountain town, I want the setting to pull readers in and make them feel like they’re right there in the thick of it.

What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
One of my favorite ways to connect with readers is through email and social media. I love hearing what moments made their hearts race—or melt! Whether it’s a quick note about a favorite character or a message about how a story helped them see God’s love, those connections remind me why I write. I may be the one creating the story, but it truly comes to life when a reader feels it. That shared experience is something I treasure.

What is absolutely essential for you to write?
A cup of coffee is non-negotiable—and preferably hot, even if I forget it a few times while getting lost in a scene! I also need a quiet space where I can really sink into the world I’m creating. Sometimes I’ll put on a favorite playlist, but more often than not, I like to hear my characters’ voices clearly in my head without distraction. Coffee, quiet, and a little suspense in the air—that’s my recipe for writing.

What do readers ask you when they meet you?
One of the most common questions readers ask me is, “Where do you get your ideas?”—especially the twists and suspenseful moments! I always smile because the truth is, inspiration can strike from anywhere: a news headline, a place I’ve visited, or even a simple “what if” that won’t let go. Readers are also curious about whether I get scared writing some of the creepier scenes (sometimes, yes!) and if my characters are based on real people (not exactly—but bits and pieces sneak in). I love those conversations—they remind me how curious and connected readers are to the stories.

About Mary
Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots. She is a USA TODAY, Parable, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Mary and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of seventy acres with one very spoiled dog.

Connect w/Mary
Website: www.maryalford.net.

Amish Country Killer
Reopening the investigation of her mother’s disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

How Suspense Snuck Into Rebecca Lake’s Writing

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Multi-published author Rebecca Lake recently stopped by to share some about her writing life.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I’ve always enjoyed mystery and suspense novels. I started out writing sweet romances, but the suspense kept sneaking in.

How do you connect with your characters?
What a great question. I get to know the characters in my stories as I write. They grow and become more familiar with each event or challenge. By the middle of the story, I have built a connection with them.

Why do you like writing romantic suspense?
I enjoy suspense and twists, with a sweet sprinkle of romance. My goal is to create the perfect blend for readers to enjoy.

Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I’m inspired by everything around me. I start with one idea, and then another comes to mind. It’s very satisfying when an event in the current story connects seamlessly to previous books. I also enjoy weaving a sliver of an actual event with a unique twist into my stories, such as a historical marker, an unbelievable news item, and a breathtaking art robbery. Anything that captures my imagination.

How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
I love the mountains. History, rugged terrain, danger, and mystery. That natural landscape really inspires the imagination. It’s a perfect setting for romantic suspense…there are so many possibilities.

Which of your books is your favorite and why?
His Last Text. It felt like the events included as part of Wyatt and Anna’s story had been waiting for me to put into words. My first draft flowed smoothly, without the typical struggle for words. I really enjoyed writing His Last Text.

About Rebecca
Rebecca Lake grew up in the west, where gold rush towns, remote caves, and the rugged Idaho mountains stirred her imagination. The stories remained unwritten until one day she decided she could no longer wait for tomorrow and began writing. Her clean novels provide unique twists, white-knuckle suspense, and sweet romance.

Connect w/Rebecca
Website: https://rebeccalakebooks.com/

His Last Text
When Wyatt Stone promises Anna Stanten a magical night to celebrate their first anniversary, she imagines fireworks and a diamond ring. Instead, a private detective interrupts their evening and changes their lives forever. After an anniversary gone awry, Anna awakens to his heart-melting text. Then another message—the corporate jet has crashed with Wyatt aboard. Stunned the corporation hasn’t started a search, she recruits a team of volunteer heroes, and the search begins.

She rereads his tender last text, then vows to wear his favorite outfit each day until his return. But danger lurks with any move, courtesy of her sinister uncle. Driven by greed, he’s obsessed with the secret key mentioned in her grandmother’s will—a key he thinks Anna has, a key he’ll stop at nothing to possess. So, did he play a role in the crash? And who is this mysterious new “aunt”? Who can Anna trust?

Anna’s journey to rescue Wyatt and stop her uncle forces her to face dark family secrets, build new relationships, and, without fully realizing it, find her purpose.

What’s the Hardest Part of the Writing Process for Penny Zeller?

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Multi-published author Penny Zeller recently stopped by to share some about her writing life.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I have always loved reading Christian romantic suspense and have long had a suspense novel of my own just begging to be written.

What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
I think the hardest part is the research because it is time-consuming. Thankfully, because I also write a lot of Christian historical romance, which includes intensive research, I’m accustomed to spending a lot of time interviewing those in the know, Googling, and watching actual footage as it pertains to my books.

When do you find time to write?
I work as a full-time author (along with working two days a week as a certified fitness instructor), so I’m accustomed to planning out my day creating stories.

What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
I love hearing from my readers via my website, in response to my newsletter, and on social media.

How do you ensure your books are accurate?
I have a host of experts that I bounce things off of at various stages when writing my romantic suspense novels. I am super grateful for those who take the time to answer my multitude of questions, verify what I have written, and provide ongoing support.

About Penny
Penny Zeller is the author of nearly 30 faith-filled happily-ever-afters with tender romance, humor, and memorable characters. She writes in the Christian subgenres of historical romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance and resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America.

Connect w/Penny
Website: www.pennyzeller.com.

Forgotten Identity
Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.
Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.
The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

What Jennifer Chastain Finds Hard About Writing Romantic Suspense

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Multi-published author Jennifer Chastain recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
That is a very good question! I saw a story on the news about a federal agent who had been killed in the line of duty. His life was cut short at a young age, and I wanted to give him his “happily-ever-after.” From there, the story kind of took on a life of its own. I’ve always loved to read across multiple genres, and I realized that I really like to write romantic suspense. Well, that and a little bit of encouragement from the acquisitions editor who suggested that romantic suspense might just be a better fit for my writing style. Who knew? I was set on writing contemporary romance but I love the intense drama and mystery surrounding my characters. And I think it’s interesting how God has nudge us in a different direction from what I originally intended.

What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
For me, the hardest part of writing romantic suspense novels is trying to find new ways to kill off my characters (LOL), all while creating a believable yet intricate story plot.

When do you find time to write?
Since I work full time outside of the home, my writing time is limited. I try to write two to three weeknights for about an hour. The weekends are when I’m able to write in big chunks.

How do you come up with titles for your books?
Some books are just easier to name than others. My first book, Lethal Intentions, was supposed to be named “Targeted for Elimination.” It was to be a stand-alone book. The publisher liked the story so much that they asked if I could develop this into a series. So we titled the series Targeted for Elimination and my editor suggested each title have the word “deadly”  or “lethal” in it. I think the word lethal in the three book titles conveys the danger of each plot.

What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
I’m a big Diet Coke fan! Well, that and dark chocolate.

Why do you like writing romantic suspense?
Writing romantic suspense is super challenging and I love it! Besides that, the research can be fascinating. I love the elements of surprise and suspense added to the romance portion of my books. I feel like this is when my characters learn to depend on the Lord.

What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels?
In Lethal Pursuit, I had someone poisoned by eating castor beans baked into a pan of brownies. This is the plant they we get castor oil from. The bean covering is poisonous but not the oil. I thought that was super interesting.

Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I watch a lot of true crime shows such as Dateline or Snapped!, because, as everyone knows, truth is stranger than fiction. I incorporate elements of certain true crimes into my plots.

What do you wish readers knew about the romantic suspense genre?
There are so many different elements to the romantic suspense genre. Mine are more mystery with a lot of romance while others might be more of a psychological thriller within this genre. Others have more police procedures with less of the romance thread. Romantic suspense is not a one-size-fits-all cookie cutter type of genre.

Which of your books is your favorite and why?
I think each book is my favorite while I’m writing it! Seriously, I fell in love with Travis Beckett (hero of Lethal Connections) when he was a minor character in my first book, Lethal Intentions. I kept saying to myself, there’s more to this guy than meets the eye. He pops up in book two, Lethal Pursuit, as well. I had to really dig to figure him out and it was totally worth the effort. Even my readers kept telling me that Travis needed his own story, and I’m so glad I was able to write his HEA.

About Jennifer
Ever since she was a little girl living in her small town in New York, Jennifer has been a voracious reader. As a teen, she dreamed of embarking on epic adventures and exploring the world, just like all the characters in her favorite books. Instead, she writes suspense-filled romantic adventures. A northern transplant, she has grown to love the grace and charm of the South. In fact, she even married a native Charlottean. Jennifer is a member of ACFW, ACFW-Charlotte, Blue Ridge Reader Connections and Novel Academy. During the day, she works for a research center at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. But on nights and weekends, she is a writing ninja, cramming in as many words as possible. A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, and a good rom-com. She and her husband have been married for over thirty years and are permitted to reside with their rescue cat.

Connect w/Jennifer
Website: https://jenniferchastain.com/

Lethal Connections by Jennifer Chastain
Being a Marine prepared him to fight, but not for his heart.
Travis Beckett has perfected the surfer guy persona with a devil-may-care attitude. He lives simply, but he longs for more. Forced into the Witness Protection program five years ago, he had no choice but to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved, and he was positive he’d never see her again—but then she shows up in Hawaii, and now, they’re both in danger.
Five years is a long time to mourn for a man who left her at the altar.
When Kaitlyn Daniels flies to Hawaii to attend a medical convention, she expects a relaxing week spent furthering her career. Instead, she escapes a fire at the hotel, gets shot at, and discovers her supposed-deceased fiancé is alive and living in Hawaii. Together, they barely escape all the danger, and she’s more than ready to go home.
Trouble comes knocking on her front door.
As a new Christian, Kaitlyn’s faith is tested to its limits when the trouble from Hawaii follows her home to Providence, NC—so does Travis. Now, a more sinister danger lurks behind every shadow, and if she and Travis can’t work together to find out who is behind the violent attacks, and why, they can both say goodbye to their second chance.

Why Lynette Eason Writes Romantic Suspense

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Bestselling author Lynette Eason stopped by to share about her writing life and her latest romantic suspense, Target Acquired.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I started writing romantic suspense because I’ve always loved both romance and suspense novels. Growing up, I read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys mysteries and fell in love with shows like Magnum PI, Simon and Simon, Hart to Hart…well, the list goes on. But you get the idea. I loved the shows where the good guys always won. The combination of heart-pounding suspense and a bit of romance was always my favorite.

What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
The hardest part is definitely balancing the romance with the suspense. You want enough danger to keep readers on the edge of their seats, but you also need those quiet moments where your characters can connect and fall in love. I’m not much of a romantic—my husband is much more romantic than I am—so I often get to the end of the story and I’m like…yikes! I need some romance in these scenes. LOL.

When do you find time to write?
I don’t find time, I make time. I write from sun up to sundown most days. Sometimes beyond. And yes, I do take breaks in between. But early mornings are my sweet spot, usually around 7 a.m. or some days even earlier. I love that quiet time when it’s just me and the story.

How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
Research is fascinating and one my very favorite things to do. The bad thing is I can get so involved I lose track of time and that’s not conducive to getting words on the page! Thankfully, I have law enforcement contacts who help me get the details right. I also attend writer’s conferences with forensics workshops and people who are involved in every area of law enforcement. These contacts are essential to getting the details right. I’m probably on some interesting watchlists because of my internet search history!

What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
My family is incredibly supportive. Seriously. I couldn’t ask for more support. They’re so proud and I’m so appreciative. Though sometimes they give me funny looks when I’m researching unusual ways to solve crimes or commit murder. Ha!

About Lynette
Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty-five books. Many have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country, but when she’s not teaching or plotting her next story, she can be found taking pictures of various wildlife or shooting headshots for other writers.

Connect W/Lynette
Website: www.lynetteeason.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lynette.eason
Twitter: @lynetteeason
Instagram: @lynetteeason

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason
Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn’t get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.

Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own–if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.

It’s all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper’s bullet?

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