During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for February 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now.
Award-winning author Melanie D. Snitker recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I really enjoy writing romantic suspense because I like to keep my readers on the edge of their seat. I also strive to throw in at least one curveball to keep them guessing. The funny thing is, sometimes the characters do the same to me as they come to life!
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? They come from a variety of places. Generally, I have way more ideas than time to write. For my novella, Fear the Shadows, the inspiration was a huge mansion in my town that has been empty for years. Every time I drove past it, I imagined different reasons for why it had been left behind and what might be hiding inside. That’s when I decided that my heroine was going to be an estate liquidator who is hired to inventory the contents of a mansion and uncovers a mystery that she and her friend, the chief of police, must solve together.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? When I was a child, there were three things I wanted to be more than anything else. First and foremost, I knew I wanted to be a mom someday. Secondly, I wanted to write books and become a published author. Finally, I had hoped to be a marine biologist and swim with sharks to study them. Two out of three of those dreams came true! As far as diving with sharks, I took SCUBA diving lessons in college. While I never saw sharks, there was something about being out in the ocean and completely vulnerable that made me realize I was okay with letting that dream go. Ha!
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? My newsletter is my favorite way to connect with readers. I send one out weekly and always include news that isn’t directly related to my books. I’ve had a number of loyal readers who checked in with me when I had surgery last month or who ask how our special needs son is doing. It’s been such a wonderful community, and I’m so thankful for them! Many of them also follow me on Facebook, but I’ve found the newsletter is the best way to stay in touch.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? My house can be relatively chaotic. Regular time to write is hard to come by, which means I need to be able to focus quickly when I get it. I have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that I wear when I write. Partly because it signals to my family that I’m working, but also because it helps me focus on what I’m doing. I usually have music playing through the headphones. It’s almost always either my playlist that I created specifically for writing, or it’s This is Eli Young Band: Greatest Hits.
What has been most rewarding about writing romantic suspense? One of the most rewarding things is having readers reach out to tell me that they couldn’t figure out who the bad guy is in my books. That, even though they had multiple suspects and guesses, I still managed to surprise them in the best way. That’s what I’m going for!
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Frozen Jeopardy, the second book in my Danger in Destiny series, is one of my favorites. Officer Gabe Harrison, along with his K-9 partner (who happens to be named after my own dog, Loki) finds out that his veterinarian friend, Paige Wade, is in danger. I absolutely love the characters (human and dog alike). What was fun about this book is that I got to do a lot of research on how the police and K-9 officers work together. I even got to go on a ride along with a local officer and his K-9 partner, Barco. It was an amazing experience, and I really think it helped bring even more details to the book to strengthen the story.
About Melanie Melanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children, four dogs, two frogs, and a toad. When she’s not writing, Melanie enjoys gaming, building Lego, and spending time with her family.
Christian singer Sedona Reeves shines under the spotlight—until a relentless stalker lurking in the shadows turns her tour into a nightmare. Determined not to let fear steal her voice, she hires private security specialist Mac Durham, whose quiet strength and steady focus make her feel safe in ways she didn’t expect.
Mac approaches every assignment with unwavering discipline and a single goal: protect his client at all costs. But Sedona’s courage and vulnerability stir something he thought he’d long buried—feelings that threaten the clear lines he’s always drawn between duty and emotion.
As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Mac must rely on every skill, instinct, and ounce of resolve he has to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Jacqueline Adam, who lives in British Columbia with her husband and two incredible children. She and her family love to find adventure, whether it be zip-lining, riding roller coasters, or camping throughout the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Jacqueline writes love-inspired suspense stories with strong, dynamic characters that overcome impossible odds.
Jacqueline’s stories start “with an inciting incident. It could be from a show, or from the news. There’s just that little bit of a granular, that little spark. Once that happens, sometimes, I’ll think this would be really cool,” she says.
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Kidnapped for Ransom by Jacqueline Adam. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong — Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)
Amish (Contemporary and Romance):
Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne — Jane must overcome her disappointment upon discovering that the man she’s loved since childhood is the same person who gave her a hated nickname in their school days; can she and Sam overcome her distrust and his guilt and shyness and find their way to a shared future? (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)
An Amish Second Chance by Beth Wiseman — Can Hope and Rueben share the secrets that they’ve held close to their hearts and have the second chance they long for? (Amish Contemporary, Independently Published)
Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:
The Case of the Four-Legged Friend by Becca Wierwille — In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl must find a dog’s home before he’s sent to the animal shelter. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
General Historical:
What Loyalty Demands by Carol Ashby — When rebellion breaks out in Roman Britain, the protective British cousin of a Christian woman and the Roman tribune who wants a future with her discover how enmity born of conflicting loyalties can be overcome when believers serve as the peacemakers Jesus commanded them to be. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)
Historical Romance:
Far Grander Than Paradise by Barbara Blythe — She needs to find her father. He needs to atone for his dead brother’s sins. Can they find what they seek on a voyage that takes them halfway around the world? (Historical Romance from Elk Lake Publishing)
Whispers in the Valley by Amanda Cabot — A woman whose life is in shambles. A man who’s fighting for his future. A decades-old mystery. Carr Valley will never be the same. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Love Under Construction by Linda Shenton Matchett — Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job – the only man in town willing to work for a woman – sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Romantic Suspense:
Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell — When author Leah Beach is threated because of a new rescue mule she’s modeled one of her comic characters after, she seeks help from a reluctant body guard, Carlton Marsh, who soon discovers the threat is real. (Romantic Suspense from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)
Fighting for You by Robin Patchen — She’s running from her past. He’s protecting his future. Together, they must fight for what matters most. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short — Forced into hiding after witnessing a double murder by an organized-crime gang, Beth Ryder’s identity is suddenly leaked online and a kill order is placed on her head. Her survival is now in the hands of US Marshal Jake Cruz, who is determined to keep her alive. But when it becomes clear that more than one group is targeting Beth, the stakes are higher than ever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Deadly Secrets by Penny Zeller — Betrayal has consequences… Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn’t want sold? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)
Speculative Fiction:
Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin — A mysterious, in-depth re-telling of Cinderella. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)
Braving Fiery Waters by Sarah Hanks — Her husband died in a fire. Now she’s heading straight into one. Marina Stone planned an ideal family vacation, perfect for reconnecting with her two teenagers after their father’s death. But those plans go drastically away when she time sails to the White Cloud in the year 1849. Now she must face her greatest fears and complete a mystery mission before she can return to her life and children. (Speculative/Time Travel, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Love & Cheer – Holidays in Hallbrook by Elsie Davis — Talia Hunter’s promotion is riding on one flawless New Year’s Eve company gala. But when her caterer cancels at the eleventh hour, her career is on the line. And with her six-year-old daughter, Nicole, on a holiday school break, everything is more complicated as Talia tries to juggle life. She needs a miracle, except the only chef available on such a big party night is a man from her past…one she would rather avoid. (Contemporary Romance)
Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison — After witnessing a murder, firefighter Jules Adler must work with police sketch artist Dante de Marco to come up with a likeness of the killer before he tracks her down and silences her forever. (Romantic Suspense)
A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans MD — From the opulent danger of Herod’s court to the quiet refuge of Bethany, from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, A Certain Mercy weaves a powerful story of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and the transforming grace of Christ. (General Historical)
Colors of the Ocean by Cheryl Fitzgerald — A multi-generational story that follows thirteen-year-old Roxi on a transformative journey as she sails across the Pacific Ocean with grandparents she barely knows. Along the way she must navigate stormy conflicts in several relationships and within herself. (General Contemporary/Young Adult)
Into the Promised Land by Sarah Heatwole — Into the Promised Land is a tale of courage to forge a new path, as Andy and Sylvia navigate the balance between Amish tradition and the compelling call of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus, until their Amish community demands a choice between faith and belonging. (General Historical)
During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from four authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for January 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now.
About Melanie
Connect w/Jacqueline
