love on the edge
why i love romantic suspense and more reads
the other day i posted a story on instagram, “when people tell me they don’t read, i just know it’s because they haven’t found something gripping enough.” over 20 responses to that story and i knew i had more to say.
there’s nothing quite like a high speed chase followed by a steamy kiss. romantic suspense has everything i love in a novel: chaos, chemistry, and characters constantly looking over their shoulders. it is my favorite sub-genre of romance, so today i’m giving it the spotlight it deserves, complete with recs.
romantic suspense is a blend of romance and danger; stories with a romantic core and wrapped with mystery, crime, or psychological tension. i’m especially drawn to small-town thrillers with secrets simmering under the surface. what i love most about this genre is how it merges my two favorites: romance and thriller.
these novels usually include:
high stakes, life or death moments
dual POVs with emotional tension
enemies to lovers, protector dynamics
secret identities, past trauma, and morally gray topics
fast pacing to keep you hooked
basically, if you used to love lifetime movies or read verity, this genre is perfect for you!
📚 starter pack authors i love:
catherine cowles - my queen! the reason i am so fond of this genre is due to cowles. i would start with the sutter lake series. there are five series’ altogether. all excellent.
devney perry - i’m still making my way through perry’s backlist, but i did finish the edens series. small towns, big emotions, so much heart.
lucy score - ily lucy!!! start with the knockemout series. funny, messy, and steamy!
❤️ my all-time favorite:
mindf*ck series by s.t abby - i re-read this book every year. do not judge a book by its cover - nothing comes close to how much i loved this book!!! it is my roman empire and it pains me deeply that the author is no longer with us because her work lives rent free in my mind.
can you tell how strongly i feel about this genre yet? i hope something i’ve shared lights a fire in you too and that you find the kind of story you can’t put down, the one that reminds you reading can be fun.
in true amanda fashion, i spent july reading, watching love island, swimming, and shopping.
june reading wrapped
📖 alive and wells by bailey hannah | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ cowboy era! i really liked this and will read the rest of the series!
📖 the housewarming by kristin offiler | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ the ending shocked me!
📖 the wife before by shanora williams | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 this book had me in a chokehold - read in one day!
📖 beneath the wreckage by catherine cowles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ at this point i have waxed poetic enough about how i love cowles’ work and this is no exception.
📖 the other mistress by shanora williams | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ i had to read what else this author wrote and i was not disappointed!
📖 red queen by victoria aveyard | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ this is one of those fantasy novels i missed; if you liked hunger games, the handmaids tale, or the selection series you’ll enjoy this!
📖 chasing shelter by catherine cowles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ most anticipated book of the summer for me, book 5 in the sparrow falls series, and she did not disappoint!
📖 last one out by steph nelson | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ i came across this book randomly and then proceed to complete it in 24 hours. fab book!
in other news, i’ve been quietly planning out my substack content for the rest of the year and i’m excited about what’s coming. expect more book and style recs, thoughtful personal essays, and deeper reflections. my goal is to shift this space away from quick link drops and turn it into something a little more personal, a little more intentional.
love ya bye,
amanda
