New Orleans isn’t just about jazz and beignets; it’s also the perfect setting for some heart-pounding romantic suspense. Mysterious alleys, the eerie charm of the bayous, and a city with secrets as deep as its history. If you’re into romantic suspense books set in New Orleans, get ready for thrills and chills mixed with a hefty dose of romance. These stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, with love stories that are just as intense as the suspense.
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16 Romantic Suspense Books Set in New Orleans
Kill & Tell by Linda Howard
In this gripping romantic suspense, Detective Marc Chastain and nurse Karen Whitlaw find themselves entangled in a deadly conspiracy in New Orleans. Karen’s father is murdered, and his mysterious notebook holds the key to a dangerous secret. As Marc and Karen navigate through the city’s shadowy streets, they uncover a plot that could cost them their lives, while their growing attraction adds a fiery tension to the mix.
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The Wish Collector by Mia Sheridan
Ballet dancer Clara Campbell arrives in New Orleans and becomes captivated by the legend of Windisle Plantation. Behind its walls lives Jonah, a scarred and reclusive man hiding from the world. Their unlikely friendship blossoms into something more, but with dark secrets and past traumas, can love truly conquer all?
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Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Julia Hughes starts over in Louisiana, caring for a troubled woman at a spooky mansion owned by the de Vincent brothers. Lucian de Vincent, her new employer, is as tempting as he is dangerous. As they uncover family secrets and face a string of mysterious deaths, Julia and Lucian must navigate their sizzling attraction while staying alive in this darkly atmospheric romance.
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Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown
Cop Burke Basile kidnaps Remy, the trophy wife of a crooked attorney, as an act of revenge. But what starts as a vendetta quickly turns into an unexpected romance. Set against the backdrop of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, this suspenseful tale is filled with thrilling twists, intense passion, and a battle of wits that keeps you guessing until the final, unmasking moment.
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Devil’s Deal by Aleatha Romig
Rett Ramses, a powerful New Orleans mogul, finds himself entangled with Emma O’Brien, the daughter of his enemy. Their arranged marriage is filled with tension, danger, and sizzling chemistry. As they navigate the treacherous waters of family rivalry and hidden agendas, Rett and Emma must decide if their volatile connection can turn into something more enduring.
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Thigh High by Christina Dodd
Nessa Dahl, caught up in a series of Mardi Gras bank heists, becomes the prime suspect in investigator Jeremiah MacNaught’s eyes. Determined to uncover the truth, Jeremiah’s pursuit of Nessa leads to heated encounters and undeniable attraction. This playful, suspenseful romance mixes crime-solving with Mardi Gras madness, creating a wild ride through New Orleans’ vibrant streets.
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Deadly Night by Heather Graham
Aidan Flynn inherits a haunted New Orleans plantation and teams up with tarot card reader Kendall Montgomery to uncover its dark secrets. As they delve into a history filled with ghosts and murder, their partnership turns romantic. This suspenseful tale blends paranormal elements with steamy romance, set against the eerie backdrop of the Big Easy.
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His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan
Russian mob boss Sergei Petrovyh meets his match in Evette Labadie, a woman desperate to protect her son. Their sizzling chemistry and mutual respect grow as they navigate the dangerous world of New Orleans’ criminal underbelly. With high stakes and deep emotions, this romance is a thrilling journey of love and loyalty.
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Never Tell by Selena Montgomery
Criminal psychologist Dr. Erin Abbott and journalist Gabriel Moss team up to catch a serial killer in New Orleans. Their investigation is filled with danger and growing attraction, as Gabriel uncovers Erin’s hidden depths. This suspenseful romance blends intrigue with passion, making for a gripping read set in a city full of secrets.
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The Surrender Gate by Christopher Rice
Emily Blaine inherits a fortune but must find her benefactor’s estranged son, Ryan, linked to the mysterious Desire Exchange. With her best friend Jonathan and ex-Navy SEAL Marcus, she dives into a world of fantasy and desire. As they uncover secrets and face dangers, Emily explores her own deepest desires in this erotic, suspenseful romance set in New Orleans.
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Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts
Declan Fitzgerald falls for an old mansion in New Orleans, only to discover it’s haunted by past tragedies. As he renovates it, he meets Angelina, a local with her own ties to the house’s history. Together, they unravel the mysteries and confront lingering spirits, all while building a romance that transcends time. This story mixes ghostly suspense with heartfelt romance.
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Twisted by Cynthia Eden
In this intense romantic suspense, FBI agent Kenton Lake teams up with his ex, Skye, to catch a serial killer targeting women in New Orleans. Their tumultuous past and undeniable chemistry add layers of tension as they work together. With danger lurking at every corner, this thriller keeps you on edge while exploring a passionate, second-chance romance.
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Alligator Moon by Joanna Wayne
John Robicheaux, seeking justice for his brother’s death, teams up with reporter Cassie Havelin in New Orleans. Their investigation leads them through the murky bayous and into the path of a sinister killer. As they uncover dark secrets, their partnership turns into a steamy romance, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Louisiana swamps.
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Check out our podcast interview with Cheyenne where she recommends Alligator Moon and her favorite vintage romance books.
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
Psychic Olivia Bechet witnesses murders in her dreams, compelling her to team up with skeptical detective Rick Bentz in New Orleans. As they hunt a serial killer, their mutual distrust turns into a compelling attraction.
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Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose
Marine Molly Sutton and chef Gabe Hebert team up to solve the mystery behind Gabe’s father’s death. As they unravel a web of corruption and murder, their attraction grows. Set in New Orleans, this romantic suspense offers high stakes, steamy moments, and a thrilling plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
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Down in New Orleans by Heather Graham
Ann Marcel dives into New Orleans’ underworld to clear her ex-husband Jon of murder. With the help of a determined detective, she navigates erotic clubs and seamy jazz spots, uncovering dangerous secrets. This suspenseful romance is filled with tension and passion as Ann fights for Jon’s freedom and her own safety in the city’s dark corners.
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We’d love to hear your favorite romantic suspense books set in New Orleans! Share your picks in the comments below. And if you’re craving more adventures in the Big Easy, don’t miss our other book lists of books set in New Orleans.
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