#romantic crime suspense

[scarletimania99]

Reviewing Eyes by Imania Margria (Guest Review)

Jamal Johnson's Review of Eyes by Imania Margria

Aiko’s Ratings Story Rating: 10/10 Character Rating: 10/10 Mood Rating: 10/10 Uniqueness Rating: 10/10 Overall Rating: 10/10 Overall Review (This is the review we post on our review pages.) A suspenseful mafioso tale about falling in love while standing on the edge of a knife. The story is multi-layered, gripping and full of twists and turns. The mid-1900s cityscape setting is bursting…

[katenewmanwrites]

Aesthetic for my WIP - Lighthouse

Ava and Detective Mason -

mystery - murder mystery - romance - enemies to lovers - rival to lovers - small town - crime drama

Pinterest

[karihighman]

wait I actually am liking this omggggg !!!!!

[thewritingsofevbrowne]

Allison Halloway is a crime novelist going through a rough patch in her marriage. She is struggling with her addiction of alcoholism. Alice has thrown herself into her work after a miscarriage. After a heated fight with her husband and with him threatening divorce, she flees to a local hotel. One night at the hotel, she meets a stranger. She shares a few drinks with this stranger, named Henry, a man dealing with the aftermath of a nasty divorce. One thing leads to another. Filled with guilt, Alice is determined to forget her mistakes only to discover Henry is no stranger. Alice finds out that Henry is a man from her past, driven to make her life a living hell. Blackmailing her and threatening to ruin her career.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Peril by Kat Martin

Blood Ties: The Logans #3.5

 Three authors tackled the story of bad guys on the run that end up in three different towns creating trouble and putting three young women at risk before the criminals are finally dealt with.

 REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy

Tessa Ralston has spent five years investigating cold cases while following the trail of the killer that took the life of her police partner in Denver. When a tip comes in that Deke will be in Denver, she soon flies out of Wisconsin to Denver hoping to bring Deke Mitchell to justice. Detective Ian Sullivan is eagerly waiting for Tessa’s arrival as he still has feelings for her and hopes they might get a second chance for a HEA. First, though, they have a killer to find and bring to justice…if they can.

 RESCUE – HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti

Ella Riverton is getting over Caden Scott at the Cattle Club when he reappears. Caden has determined that Ella and he are meant to be together and is ready to make it happen only to have Deke and his criminal cohort show up in town, make life more difficult and put Ella at risk. In this one I became curious about the men who run the Cattle Club and wondered if Ms Zanetti might have a series out about them in the future.

 ONE LAST KISS by Kat Martin

This starts out as a lost/spoiled little rich girl being sent to learn what is important by working to inherit what her uncle has for her. It sounded familiar and I felt I had read it before, and I had. It was just as good this time as the last and saw Libby remembering parts of her past while learning what she really valued in life as she fell in love with Sam Bridger. In this novella the remaining bad guys are finally receive their comeuppance with the aid of some interesting characters that I would gladly read about in spinoff stories of their own.

 The three stories segue together nicely with a satisfying conclusion and all three stories in the collection were a joy to read.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the book – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

    BLURB

 IN THE PATH OF A KILLER . . .When a cop killer resurfaces in Denver, enlisting the help of a pair of local lowlifes, it marks the beginning of a violent crime spree that will wreak havoc and endanger lives. Law enforcement is on alert from the first sighting of the cold-blooded trio. To take down this brutal gang, only those willing to risk everything they hold dear stand a chance . . . First, a pair of Denver police officers facing each other for the first time after one night of abandon find themselves working together to stop an ambitious bank heist. In Wyoming, a string of robberies marks the gang's arrival, and the local sheriff springs into action when the criminals discover his estranged fiancée can identify them. Finally, in the mountains of Colorado, the gang takes shelter on a peaceful guest ranch, where a fiercely protective rancher is hellbent on roping the fugitives up for good. Trusting their sharply honed instincts, three rugged men will fight to stop the rampage before the women they'd die for become the next victims . . .

[danielleurbansblog]

Review: Double Take

Synopsis: Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he’s rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics. Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by…

[nickyfrancis24]

If Tomorrow Comes – Sidney Sheldon

If Tomorrow Comes – Sidney Sheldon Book Title: If Tomorrow Comes Author: Sidney SheldonPublisher: January 1, 1985 by William Morrow and Co., IncGenres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Novels, Drama More Books by Sidney Sheldon My Review “If Tomorrow Comes – Is what you do when life gives you a second chance. The end of something bad is the…

[dcomeaux]

[carlaswafford]

Newsletter: Author Carla Swafford - Short One

I’ve decided I need a friend called Sam. They’re loyal. They’ll follow you into danger and protect your back, tell you when you’re wrong, support you when you’re right, and so much more. Why do I say that? You may have already guessed. As many of you have done, years ago, I’d watched all of the Lord of The Rings movies. Now, I’m watching the Game of Thrones series. When it was originally on, I…

[sylviahubbard]

#SampleWednesday with🔥 Wicked Chances. Re-Release 📚on eBook and newly release paperback NOW AVAILABLE🗓️ #syllit #intriguesuspense #blackmailmarriage #multicultural #realestateromance #heartofdetroit companion novel

book info | about author | more books by author | buy direct from author Themes and Tropes Blackmail Romance Suspenseful Thriller Forbidden Love Story Family Drama Fiction Survival Suspense Novel Multicultural /Interracial Strong Female Protagonist Emotional Romantic Suspense book info | about author | more books by author | buy direct from author About this story: A woman with her…

[mishacrews]

Her Secret Bodyguard is Free on Kindle for 5 Days!

Free on Kindle today and tomorrow! When a Special Forces veteran is hired to protect a Malibu playgirl, sparks fly faster than bullets. But will they live long enough to realize they’re falling in love? Get it now on Kindle ★★★★★ “Perfect combination of romance, intrigue, suspense, action.”★★★★★ “A wonderful, quick, fast paced book. I completely enjoyed it. There was just enough romance with…

[katenewmanwrites]

Racing Hearts - Chapter Sixteen

Warnings: Violence, Blood, Intense Situations, Emotional Stress and Makout Scene.

As nightfall approaches, we set off for the park. The cool evening air sends a shiver down my spine, not just from the chill but from the anticipation of what's to come. The headlights of our cars cut through the darkness as we arrive at the park. Each of us takes a deep breath, mentally preparing ourselves for the confrontation ahead.

I step out of the van, dressed in a way that would draw attention to myself without screaming 'bait.' Finn gives me a look that speaks volumes—a mix of admiration for my courage and fear for my safety. His hand squeezes mine, a silent promise that he'll be there for me. The park's serenity is a stark contrast to the chaos in our hearts, but it's a familiar setting that offers a sense of comfort amidst the horrors we're about to face.

The bench where I'm supposed to wait feels cold and unforgiving beneath me. My heart races as I watch the shadows dance under the flickering streetlights, listening for any sign of danger approaching. The quiet is deafening, and every small sound echoes in the stillness—a rustling leaf, the distant hum of a car engine, a footstep that might be real or imagined.

The plan is simple: lure Dom into the open, let him think I'm alone, and then the others will move in to save me. But as the minutes tick by, doubt starts to creep in. What if something goes wrong? What if he didn't get the message I'd left the safety of the Rossi's? What if he sees through our ruse?

My thoughts are interrupted by the crunch of gravel behind me. I stiffen, the footsteps are getting closer. The figure emerges from the shadows, and I let out a shaky breath—it's Dom. He strides over with a smug grin, his eyes flickering with malice as he takes in my vulnerable state. "Lily, what are you doing all the way out here?" His voice is as smooth as silk, but I know the monster lurking beneath.

Over the earpiece I hear "We’ve got eyes on him." Finn's voice is calm, reassuring, but the fear in my chest is a living, breathing entity, threatening to consume me.

I force a tremble into my voice, playing the part of the scared and desperate little girl. "I-I'm trying to get out of this mess, Dom." I look up at him with pleading eyes, willing him to buy my act.

Dom's grin widens, his confidence growing with every second that ticks by. "Ah, so you've come to your senses. You know you can't trust those Rossi’s. They'll use you up and spit you out when they're done." He reaches out a hand, beckoning me to join him.

Sofia chimes in over the radio, "He's alone, no backup in sight."

I take a deep breath and hold Dom's gaze, my hand inching closer to the gun tucked in my waistband. "I've found that you can't trust anyone, Dom," I reply, my voice shaking slightly.

His smile falters, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

With a flicker of a smile, I stand up from the bench, pulling my gun from my waistband. "It means the game's up, Dom," I say, my voice steadier than I thought possible.

Dom's eyes widen in shock, his hand darting for his own weapon. "You little bitch," he snarls, his smile vanishing.

I pull back the safety, "I wouldn't if I were you," I say, my voice cool and collected. Dom freezes, his hand hovering over his gun. The silence is thick with tension, the only sound the distant murmur of the city and our shallow breaths. His eyes dart around, looking for an escape, but he knows there isn't one. Behind him, the shadows begin to move as Finn and the others emerge, guns drawn.

Finn steps forward, his gaze never leaving Dom. "Lily, stand down," he orders gently.

Finn steps forward, his gaze never leaving Dom. "Lily, stand down," he orders gently. Finn's voice is firm but calm, the unspoken message clear: trust me. I hesitate, my finger still poised over the trigger, but then I lower the gun, my heart hammering in my chest. Dom's eyes flicker to the others, and then back to me, his face a mask of fury.

"You're making a mistake," Dom growls, his voice low and menacing. "You think you can take me down?"

"We're not the ones who need to watch their backs," Finn counters, his eyes like ice. "You're the one who betrayed the family, Dom. You're the one who's outnumbered."

Anthony, flanked by Gabriel and Michael, takes a step closer. "You're coming with us." he says, his voice steely.

My hand is shaking as I hold the gun. I didn't mean to shoot him, but instinct had taken over. The others rush forward, guns drawn, but it's clear Dom isn't going anywhere. He's lost too much blood, dripping into the cold concrete. The rage in his eyes slowly fades, replaced by a cold, hard acceptance.

Finn is at my side in an instant, his arms around me, pulling me away from the scene. "You're safe now." he whispers into my hair, his voice filled with a mix of relief and admiration.

Anthony quickly takes over, assessing Dom's condition. "We need to get him to the safe house," He says, his voice calm and professional. "Gabe, help me tie him up. Michael, grab the van."

As the brothers move swiftly into action, I stand there, the trembling in my hands doesn't stop, even as Finn holds me tighter. "You okay?" He whispers into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"Too much excitement for me," I murmured into his chest, trying to laugh it off, but the tremor in my voice gave me away. "Let's go."

We pile into the van, with Dom secured in the back, his grunts of pain piercing the silence. As we drive through the quiet streets, the gravity of what just happened starts to sink in. I can feel the weight of his gaze on me, but I can't bring myself to look at him. The adrenaline is wearing off, and all I want is to collapse into a ball. Finn's hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You did good, Lils," he says, his voice low and soothing. "Real good." His words help steady my nerves, but the fear and anger are still there, just beneath the surface.

When we reach the safe house, it's a flurry of activity. The brothers quickly move Dom inside, we follow, my legs feeling like jelly. The stark contrast between the cosy, dimly lit interior and the cold metal of the van feels like stepping into a different world.

Finn guides me to the couch, his eyes never leaving mine as he sits beside me. I'm acutely aware of the blood staining my shirt from where I shot Dom. It's a crimson reminder of the line I've crossed twice now.

I hear Anthony in the other room, ordering Michael to tie Dom up and for Gabriel to call their father, the Don. Their urgent whispers echo through the hallway, a stark contrast to the quiet understanding that passes between Finn and me. He gently takes my trembling hands in his, his touch grounding me in the present. "We should get you cleaned up," he murmurs, his voice warm and soothing.

We walked into the bathroom, Finn gently unbuttoned my shirt. He's careful not to cause any pain as pulls it off my arms, revealing the stark red of my bra strap where the blood has seeped through. He grabs a washcloth and wets it with warm water, gently wiping the blood from my skin.

"I should get you a shirt," Finn says, leaving the room briefly, returning with a clean shirt; one of his shirts, which smells faintly of his cologne. He helps me into it, his hands gentle. The fabric is soft against my skin, and the intimacy of the moment isn't lost on me.

"None of my shirts left?" I ask, as I button up the oversized shirt, feeling a strange sense of comfort in the fabric that smells like him.

Finn chuckles, "It's the last clean one." He says with a warm smile that reaches his eyes, his hands find my waist and pull me in, "But it looks good on you." His words hang in the air as we stand in the bathroom, our eyes locked. The gravity of the situation is momentarily forgotten as our bodies lean into each other, the warmth of his touch seeping into my body.

Without another word, he pulls me into a kiss, his arms wrapping around me protectively. It's not the first time we've kissed, but it feels different this time—deeper, more urgent. I melt into the kiss, feeling the tension of the day melt away, my fears and worries momentarily silenced by the rhythm of his heart beating against my chest.

His hands tangle in my hair as he deepens the kiss, and for a brief moment, the world outside ceases to exist. The chaos and danger are replaced by the comforting warmth of his embrace, the softness of his lips against mine. I grip the fabric of his shirt, feeling the tension in his muscles as he holds me closer.

His hands run down my back and he lifts me up onto the counter, my legs wrapping around his waist. The kiss becomes more passionate, more desperate, as if we're trying to hold onto each other to keep the world at bay. The room spins, and all I can focus on is the feeling of his hands on my skin, the taste of him, the way his breathing has quickened to match mine.

I slid my arms around his neck, and his strong arms encircled my waist, pulling me close. We kissed as if we could breathe life into each other, as if the world could be forgotten in the warm embrace of our lips. The scent of him, woody and spicy, filled my senses.The world outside faded into a distant murmur, leaving only the sound of our mingled breaths and the pounding of our hearts.

Our kiss grew deeper, more urgent. His hands grip my hips firmly, as if he was afraid to let go. The warmth of his body against mine is a stark contrast to the cold, hard countertop beneath me. His mouth moves from my lips to my neck, leaving a trail of fire wherever it touches. I gasp, my head tilting back to give him better access, my eyes fluttering shut.

His breath is hot against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I feel alive, more alive than I have in months. Finn's hands are gentle yet firm, as if he's afraid I'll break if he holds me too tightly. But I don't want gentle. I want him to consume me, to make me forget everything except for him.

Our kisses become more insistent, Finn's hands roam over my body, exploring every curve with a gentle confidence that sends waves of heat crashing through me. His thumb traces the edge of my bra, I lean into him, needing to feel every inch of him, to be as close as possible. The sound of the cabin door closing pierces the bubble of our intimacy like a bullet through glass. We pull apart, breathless, our eyes wide with shock.

"Finn?" I whisper, my voice trembling as the cold reality of our situation rushes back in.

Finn helps me off the counter, and we both rush to straighten our clothes. Finn raises a finger to his lips, signalling for me to be quiet. He places a hand on his gun and slowly opens the bathroom door, peering out into the cabin. He walks out, and I follow closely behind, my heart pounding in my chest. We enter the main room of the cabin, expecting the worst.

Only to find Mr. Rossi and Dr. Seno standing in the cabin's doorway, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. "Mr. Rossi?" Finn says, his voice steady despite the chaos of moments before.

"Finn, Lily," Mr. Rossi greets us, his eyes scanning the room before returning to us, his gaze lingering on our flustered expressions. "What's the situation?"

Finn clears his throat, trying to compose himself. "We've got him in the back, Anthony and the others are in the room," he reports. The tension in the air is palpable as Mr. Rossi nods, his eyes flicking towards the hallway. Mr. Rossi leaves, going down the hallway with Dr. Seno following closely, leaving us in an awkward silence.

"Coffee?" I ask, breaking the silence as I head to the kitchen, needing something to do with my trembling hands.

"Coffee sounds good," Finn murmurs, his gaze trailing behind Mr. Rossi. His expression is a blend of relief and anxiety, the weight of the day's events etched into his handsome features.

As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the cabin, we sit on the couch, sipping our drinks. The warmth of the mug feels comforting in my trembling hands. The sound of muffled voices from the other room pierces the quietude. Finn's arm wraps around my shoulders, and I lean into his embrace, finding strength in his presence.

"What happens now?" I whisper, my voice shaking.

Finn squeezes my shoulder gently. "We get information," he says firmly. "Then we deal with him." His voice is low and steady, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within me.

Mr. Rossi nods gravely before turning to Finn, "The boy's are taking Dom to one of my locations, for my men to work on him." He glances at me, his expression unreadable. "You can take Lily home."

Finn nods, his jaw tight. "Thank you, Mr. Rossi."

The room feels heavy with unspoken words and the weight of the night's events. Dr. Seno steps forward, his eyes searching my face. "How is your arm?" He asks, his voice professional but concerned.

Mr. Rossi leaves the cabin with Dr. Seno, and the remaining tension seems to dissipate with their departure. Finn stands, taking my hand in his, "We'll leave with the others." His voice is gruff, the stress of the day etched into every line of his face.

"Should we grab our things?" I ask, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down on me.

Finn nods. "let's pack up…" He says, his voice trailing off as he looks around the cabin. We quickly gather our belongings, putting our two bags by the door. Sofia is the first to come out of the room. She looks at us with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Who wants to go home?" She asks, her voice a whisper.

"I do," Michael says, popping his head out from the hallway, his eyes red-rimmed. "I need a hot shower and a week's worth of sleep."

Gabriel and Anthony emerge from the back room, Carrying Dom's unconscious form. Despite the gravity of the situation, they move with a sense of urgency and purpose. The sight of him makes my blood run cold. But I hold firm, my resolve unwavering. We're all tired, but the night isn't over yet.

We make our way to the van outside, the cold air hitting me like a slap in the face after the warmth of the cabin. The night sky is clear, stars twinkling like distant eyes watching our every move. My heart races as we load up, Dom's still form being handled with surprising care by the brothers. They're all business now, the banter and jokes from earlier gone, replaced by a stoic focus.

Everything is far from over as we drive away from the cabin, the van's tires crunching over the gravel. The silence inside is thick with anticipation, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Finn's hand finds mine, and his thumb traces circles on my palm, sending a small measure of comfort through me.

His eyes are fixed on the road ahead, his jaw set in a firm line. I know he's worried about me, but I'm also concerned for him. The weight of the betrayal by Dom and the danger it's brought us all is a heavy burden on his shoulders.

[bookdivareads]

Book Showcase: THE LAST CLOSE CALL by Laura Griffin

Read an #excerpt from THE LAST CLOSE CALL by @LauraGriffinAuthor in today's showcase. #fiction #releaseday #crimefiction #romanticsuspense #suspensethriller #BerkleyBooks

The Last Close Call by Laura GriffinISBN: 9780593546734 (Paperback)ISBN: 9780593546741 (eBook)ISBN: 9781666646283 (Audiobook)ASIN: B0BT1CVB15 (Kindle edition)ASIN: B0C7RM2DBP (Audible audiobook)Page Count: 336Publication Date: October 24, 2023Publisher: Berkley BooksGenre: Fiction | Crime Fiction | Romantic Suspense | Suspense Thriller A talented genetic analyst and a detective who’s haunted by…

[karihighman]

Anyone know of good sites to post writing to? Like I know people can do it for tumblr, but it wouldn’t be fanfiction. It’d be like, my own original work, my own characters and story. Is wattpad still popular? Ao3 is a fanfic site too, right - so not one for original work? 😅🙃 as you can tell I’m a little perplexed by the options. Thanks!

Ps: my story is a romantic suspense novel, featuring mid 20s characters. One’s witnessed a crime, the other is the lead detective trying to solve the case. Obviously sparks fly 👁🫦👁

[therealimintobooks]

Those We Trust by Marie Jones @MarieJones14057 @SDBookTours #giveaway

While seeking safe haven at a friend’s home in Scotland, a troubled young computer programmer finds herself implicated in a fraud scheme she took no part in. She soon finds herself swept up in the case and falling for the detective assigned to investigate her. Those We Trust Those We Trust Book 1 by Marie Jones Genre: Romantic Thriller, Suspense, Crime   Broken and humiliated by her husband of…

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Yesterday’s Over by Becky Flade

Philly Heat Series #3

 Bones…old ones and new ones…seekers of truth…a forensic anthropologist and a pathologist… searching for answers within those bones…loved the couple and how though so different in some ways so perfect together.

 What I liked:

* Trudy: pathologist, assistant chief medical examiner, established in her profession, intelligent, empathetic, likes life and spaces neat and tidy, seeker of truth, believes old bones in blast site indicate murders

* Ben: forensic anthropologist, scientist, enjoys learning from old bones and sees what they have to tell differently than Trudy does, enjoys being surrounded by mementos, protective, has a cat, a nice balance to Trudy in more ways than one

* Watching the relationship as it developed between Trudy and Ben

* Feeling that Trudy and Ben were well matched

* The mystery surrounding the bones

* Finding out who the bones belonged to and why they were buried in the blast site

* The supporting characters – would love to hear more about Noah, Sadie, and some of the others

* The families of Ben and Trudy – both had wonderful families

* The dynamics between the main characters and their maturity and ability to communicate honestly

* The plot, pacing, writing and how it all came together in the end

* All of it really except…

 What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* The loss of innocent lives and the pain suffered by more than one

 Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

 Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

        BLURB

 In the rubble of a massive explosion that rocked Philadelphia, bones are discovered beneath the remains of a row house. Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Trudy Beasley prides herself on providing answers and closure to victim's families, but the mystery surrounding the skeletal remains is something she's never seen before. Could whoever did this still be loose in the city? Trudy’s instincts demand she pursue the truth. Forensic anthropologist Benjamin Roberts disagrees. Ben sees the puzzle as an academic challenge, not a legal one. As the investigation progresses, Trudy and Ben are pulled closer together, until their professional relationship crosses the line of professionalism and they find themselves in each other's arms. Will their newfound romance survive when someone is willing to kill again in order to keep secrets buried along with those in the row house disaster?