The romantic suspense story is related to the Gothic novel. The heroine is usually a female who finds herself in a dangerous situation while the hero serves as both her protector and love interest.
Blue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell
Private information collector and reluctant bodyguard Zach Balfour is hired to protect wilderness expert Jill Breck, a river guide with ties to the art world. Zach realizes his charge is in more danger than previously known, a situation that pits them against the ruthless multi-million-dollar Western art circuit.
Close to You by Christina Dodd
Up-and-coming TV reporter Kate Montgomery lands a high-paying job in Austin, where she acquires a stalker who may hold the key to unanswered questions about her past. Kate never suspects that a powerful figure is pulling her strings behind the scenes—or that Teague Ramos, her new bodyguard, will turn her life upside down, both professionally and personally.
(PB)
Hurricane by Karen Harper
As a hurricane bears down on the residents of southwest Florida, forcing them to evacuate, Julie Minton and Zack Brockman, a former Navy SEAL, must race against time to find their missing children. Julie and Zack have more than Mother Nature to worry about, however, as they find themselves in the path of dangerous enemies who use the storm’s devastation their own evil ends.
Killing Her Softly by Beverly Barton
Accused of murdering his lover, defense attorney and notorious womanizer Quinn Cortez vows to prove his innocence to Annabelle Vanderley, the victim's cousin, but his quest for the truth causes the untimely demise of several more ex-lovers. Falling for Quinn, Annabelle wonders just how close she may be to a twisted psychopath
(PB)
Now You See Him by Stella Cameron
After the man Ellie Byron sent to prison escapes, two murders occur, emulating a best-selling author's crime novels. Bookseller and former witness Ellie must team up with attorney Joe Gable to catch a killer when the third crime novel is released. As she and Joe grow closer, she must let him in on the hidden secrets of her past.
On the Run by Iris Johansen
The CIA put Grace Archer and her young daughter, Frankie, under protective custody on a small horse farm in Alabama. When their cover is blown, the CIA wants to use the two as bait to smoke out Marvot, an old enemy. The only person who can protect them is Jake Kilmer—a rogue agent, Grace’s estranged lover, and Frankie’s father.
Open Season by Linda Howard
Daisy Ann Minor realizes that at 34, she's a stereotypical librarian with old-fashioned clothes and mousey brown hair, so she turns herself into a party girl, declaring open season on manhunting. Late one night she sees something she's not supposed to see and finds herself the target of a killer. Daisy turns to Jack Russo, the sexy Chief of Police, for help.
Played by Barbara Freethy
A legendary diamond comes into the auction house where art historian Christina Alberti works, and two thieves, one of them her father, want the gem. FBI Agent J.T. McIntyre is determined to catch the thief who destroyed his family, and he won't let anybody stand in his way, not even the beautiful Christina, whose secrets make him wonder which side she's on.
(PB)
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Jessica Ford is a young D.C. lawyer whose life is thrown for a loop when she survives a car wreck that kills the first lady and finds her own life in danger. In steps Secret Service agent Mark Ryan. As bodies start piling up, Jessica and Mark have no one to turn to except each other. The conspiracy points to some very high places, and the duo realize the key to saving their lives is locked away in Jessica’s memories.
The Rivals by Joan Johnston
Teton County sheriff’s deputy Sarah Barndollar is working a missing child case, and the victim is the U.S. Attorney General’s daughter. Things becomes more dangerous when Sarah realizes a serial kidnapper and murderer might be responsible. With the help of Drew De Witt, the attorney general’s sexy cousin, Sarah works through the puzzling clues while fighting a mesmerizing attraction to him.
Smash Cut by Sandra Brown
Julie Rutledge believes that the accidental shooting of her friend was actually orchestrated by the victim's depraved nephew Creighton. She seduces defense lawyer Derek Mitchell to prevent him from representing Creighton in court. Julie becomes the prime suspect in the murder, and Derek, who wants to believe in her innocence, realizes that the nephew is a psychotic movie buff who enjoys acting out violent film plots.
Twice Kissed by Lisa Jackson
When her twin sister disappears, Maggie McCrae, determined to find the truth, steps into her shoes and discovers her twin's dark side, leading her down a path of revenge, betrayal, and deceit. It also leads her into the arms of the only man she ever loved—and her sister’s ex-husband—Thane Walker. Thane could be Maggie’s best hope, but he might be a cold-blooded killer.
Twisted by Andrea Kane
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank works as an independent consultant, using her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. When her childhood friend disappears and the woman's parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case—even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.
