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26 Thrillers by Romance Authors
Think romance authors only write about long walks on the beach and stolen kisses? Think again! Today, we’re diving into the thrill-packed world of thrillers written by the masters of romance. No swooning necessary here—just pure, edge-of-your-seat suspense. Stick around for our top picks of thrillers by romance authors that are guaranteed to keep you guessing, not blushing.
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Nalini Singh
Best known for her paranormal and contemporary romances, Nalini Singh proves her versatility with a thrilling twist in her writing repertoire. Stepping away from the world of archangels and changelings, Singh delves into the darker, more suspenseful corners of fiction. Her thrillers are a departure from her romance novels, focusing on gripping narratives, complex characters, and intricate plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you thought her romantic plots were compelling, wait until you see how she handles suspense!
Want to do a Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh readalong? Click here to listen to our discussion on most books in the series on our podcast.
A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh
When Anahera returns to her hometown of Golden Cove, she’s hoping for a fresh start. But life in this small New Zealand town is anything but quiet. Soon after her arrival, a young woman vanishes, stirring up memories of a long-ago summer when Anahera was just a teenager. Nalini Singh’s A Madness of Sunshine takes you into a community where the land is as beautiful as it is dangerous, and the vibe made me think of the movie The Dressmaker with Kate Winslet.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh book review.
Quiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh
In Quiet in Her Bones, Nalini Singh takes us to an elite New Zealand neighborhood shrouded in secrets. Ten years after vanishing with a significant sum of money, socialite Nina Rai’s remains are discovered, sparking her son Aarav’s quest to unveil the truth. This novel takes you deep into a psychological maze where memories are questionable, and everyone is a suspect. Singh crafts a complex web of internal and external conflicts, making this a gripping read.. Perfect for a buddy read, this story’s intricate plot and Agatha Christie-esque ensemble will keep you theorizing till the end.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Quiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh book review.
There Should’ve Been Eight by Nalini Singh
There Should Have Been Eight is set at a secluded mansion in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, where seven friends come together for a reunion. But as snow traps them inside, the atmosphere shifts from nostalgic to tense. Nalini Singh crafts a story that moves from a warm gathering into a suspenseful unraveling of grief and hidden resentments. They convened to honor the memory of Bea, a friend lost nine years ago, yet soon confront the unsettling possibility that her death was not as it seemed. With no escape from the encroaching storm or the escalating revelations, the truth promises to be just as harsh as the weather outside.
Victoria Dahl / Victoria Helen Stone
Victoria Helen Stone, previously known for her romance novels as Victoria Dahl, has brilliantly pivoted to writing thrillers. Her books dive into the murky waters of psychological suspense with sharp, tight storytelling. Stone’s thrillers delve into the complexities of human relationships, blending emotional depth with nail-biting tension. Whether exploring subtle dangers lurking in everyday interactions or the explosive consequences of dark secrets, her stories are perfect for those who love their suspense served with a side of deep, psychological insight. Ready for a thrill? Victoria Helen Stone is your go-to.
If you’re looking for her contemporary romances, our series guides are the perfect place to start to visit Tumble Creek and meet the Donovan family.
Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone
Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone is a gripping psychological thriller about revenge and justice. Jane, a self-proclaimed sociopath, seeks to avenge her friend Meg’s suspicious death by targeting her abusive ex, Steven. Posing as his ideal partner, she infiltrates his life to unravel and destroy it. This fast-paced novel delves into themes of friendship and revenge, offering a unique twist on the thriller genre with its dark humor and complex protagonist. Perfect for those who enjoy morally ambiguous stories and strategic mind games.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone book review.
False Step by Victoria Helen Stone
In False Step, Denver fitness trainer Johnny Bradley turns overnight hero when he finds a missing child, propelling him and his family into a sudden, unwelcome spotlight. But as the media frenzy grows, so do the fissures in his marriage to Veronica, who fears the fame will expose the deep-seated secrets and resentments of their relationship. When a shocking twist reveals a darker aspect of the child’s disappearance, Veronica realizes that her life is built on a foundation of lies and that fear should be her new normal. Victoria Helen Stone delivers a tense thriller where the truth is more dangerous than any facade.
Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone
Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone dives deep into the long-lasting effects of trauma through the story of Elise Rockwood, whose life was forever altered by her sister’s murder. Years after a local boy confessed to the crime, Elise tries to start anew by purchasing a mountain lodge near her childhood home. However, her brother Kyle insists that the truth behind their sister’s death remains uncovered. When Elise’s ex is found dead in the same forest where her sister was killed, the past’s shadows loom large once again. As old fears resurface, Elise faces a horrifying possibility: the real story might still be waiting to be told.
HelenKay Dimon / Darby Kane
When looking for thrillers by romance authors, you have to meet Darby Kane, the thrilling alter ego of romance author HelenKay Dimon. Known for her edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense and thrillers, Kane’s transition into psychological thrillers feels like a seamless leap. With Darby Kane, readers can expect stories where darker plot lines meet the tension of a good mystery. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, Darby Kane’s thrillers are sure to engage and thrill.
Check out all our book reviews of HelenKay Dimon’s books.
Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
In the seemingly tranquil town where Lila Ridgefield lives, her husband Aaron’s disappearance stirs up dark secrets and links to other missing person’s cases. Darby Kane’s debut thriller, Pretty Little Wife, delves deep into our protagnist, who appears confused about her missing husband—mainly because she was the last to see his body before it mysteriously vanished. As the community reels from the loss of their beloved teacher, Lila harbors secrets that could unravel everything, challenging the notion: shouldn’t a dead husband stay dead?
The Last Invitation by Darby Kane
The Last Invitation by Darby Kane is a gripping tale of vengeance and secrecy, where Jessa Hall finds herself inducted into an exclusive, clandestine group known as the Sophie Foundation. This powerful assembly of women enacts justice on men who have crossed lines, deciding their fates over wine and cheese. As Jessa navigates the perilous waters of this secretive society, she teams up with her former friend Gabby Fielding, who is probing the suspicious death of her ex-husband. Together, they delve into the deadly stakes of this game, where leaving is not an option, and survival is uncertain.
What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane
In What the Wife Knew, Darby Kane spins a complex web of deceit and ambition following the mysterious death of Dr. Richmond Dougherty, a pediatric surgeon and national hero. His newest wife, Addison, quickly becomes the prime suspect as a wealthy widow of a mere ninety-seven days. Despite the community’s growing hostility and the police closing in, Addison is unyielded in her secretive agenda. Her initial plan was to marry, then ruin Richmond, but his untimely death only marks the beginning of her true intentions, as ominous threats begin to surface.
Shanora Williams
If you love getting lost in a good thriller, but also crave the emotional depth of romance, you’ll want to check out Shanora Williams. She’s taken her talent for writing deeply emotional romances and ventured into the world of mysteries and thrillers. Shanora’s books pack all the heartfelt punch of her romance novels, but with added layers of suspense and intrigue. Whether she’s exploring the complexities of love or untangling a gripping mystery, Shanora Williams knows how to keep readers riveted and emotionally invested.
Check out all our book reviews of Shanora Williams’s books.
The Perfect Ruin by Shanora Williams
The Perfect Ruin introduces us to Ivy Hill, a woman haunted by a traumatic past and fueled by revenge. Ivy’s target is Lola Maxwell, the epitome of success and charity, whom Ivy believes is responsible for her childhood ruin. As Ivy embeds herself into Lola’s glamorous life, seducing her husband and turning friends into foes, she must navigate her complex feelings and the consequences of her actions. This debut mystery by Shanora Williams serves up a twisty tale of vengeance.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Perfect Ruin by Shanora Williams book review.
The Wife Before by Shanora Williams
Shanora Williams’s The Wife Before spins a gripping narrative reminiscent of Rebecca, where Samira Wilder’s fairy-tale marriage becomes a haunting maze of secrets. Moving into a luxurious mansion with her new husband, renowned golfer Roland Graham, Samira stumbles upon his late wife’s journals, unveiling troubling suspicions about her accidental death. As she digs deeper, the mansion’s opulent walls close in, revealing that nothing—and no one—is as perfect as it seems. With each page, Samira peels back layers of lies, questioning her safety and everyone’s motives around her.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Wife Before by Shanora Williams book review.
The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams
In The Bitter Truth, Shanora Williams crafts a tense thriller about Jolene “Jo” Baker, who fiercely supports her husband Dominic’s gubernatorial campaign in North Carolina, despite the lurking shadows in their seemingly perfect life. When Jo’s routine campaign trail is disrupted by ominous sightings and escalating threats, she starts unraveling Dominic’s darkest secrets—connecting his past to a chilling mystery. As the stakes rise, Jo must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect or expose the man she loves in a game where truth and deceit blur dangerously.
K.A. Tucker
Meet K.A. Tucker, a beloved name in romance who has brilliantly expanded a bit into thrillers. Known for creating stories that tug at the heartstrings, Tucker’s thrillers are marked by her signature depth and compelling storytelling. Expect twists and turns, where every secret has a shadow and every character has a mystery. If you love a book that keeps you guessing right up to the last page, K.A. Tucker’s thrillers are sure to entertain.
Check out all our book reviews of K.A. Tucker’s books.
He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker
In He Will Be My Ruin, Maggie Sparkes arrives in New York to handle the aftermath of her best friend Celine’s apparent suicide. But as Maggie digs through Celine’s belongings, discrepancies begin to emerge, pointing to murder. Tucker skillfully pulls us into a fast-paced whodunit in Manhattan’s buzzing art scene, where everyone is a suspect and every clue leads to more danger. Maggie’s quest for justice is full of twists that keep you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of edge-of-your-seat suspense, this novel not only keeps you guessing but also strikingly explores the lengths we go to for the ones we love.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker book review.
Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker
K.A. Tucker’s Keep Her Safe starts with Noah Marshall unraveling after his mother, a decorated police chief, confesses a grave secret and suddenly dies. Driven by her last words, Noah seeks out Gracie Richards, whose life was shattered by the scandal linked to his mother. Together, they delve into a web of corruption entangled with their families’ pasts. This suspense-filled journey through Austin’s dark side marries a gripping mystery with a subtle undercurrent of romance, proving Tucker’s prowess in weaving complex narratives that challenge both the heart and mind. A must-read for anyone who loves their thrillers with depth and emotion.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker book review.
Vi Keeland
Get ready for a thrilling twist from Vi Keeland, your go-to author for addictive contemporary romances filled with humor and steam. Brace yourself as she brings her knack for tight, engaging narratives and deep emotional connections to a darker, more suspenseful stage.
Check out all our book reviews of Vi Keeland’s books.
The Unraveling by Vi Keeland
The Unraveling marks Vi Keeland’s thrilling departure from romance into psychological suspense. The story follows Meredith McCall, a New York City psychiatrist who’s lost her way after a personal tragedy. Her life gets even more complicated when she becomes fixated on Gabriel Wright, a man with a haunting connection to her past. Things take a twisted turn when Gabriel unknowingly becomes her patient, blurring ethical lines Meredith knows she shouldn’t cross. As her professional life crumbles and personal demons resurface, Meredith finds herself caught in a dangerous downward spiral that might just consume everything she values. This isn’t just a story about obsession; it’s about how far one can go before losing themselves completely.
Alessandra Torre / A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre is the mystery/thriller alter ego of romance writer Alessandra Torre. While Alessandra charms you with passionate love stories, A.R. Torre takes you down darker paths where the suspense and intrigue pile up with every page. If you’re a fan of her romance, you’ll find her thrillers carry the same compelling storytelling but with twists that keep you guessing and heart rates high. She knows how to keep her readers hooked and hungry for more.
In the podcast episode I mentioned my favorite contemporary romance by this author. Check out Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre book review.
The Ghostwriter by A.R. Torre
In The Ghostwriter, A.R. Torre introduces us to Helena Ross, a successful author who, facing her last few months, decides to write her most important book yet—her own story. It’s not the romance she’s known for but a raw, unflinching confession of her life’s hidden chapters. Enlisting her biggest rival to help pen it, Helena’s journey becomes a deep dive into the past, revealing secrets with every chapter. This book grips you with its honesty and the compelling challenge of facing one’s truths as the clock ticks down.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Ghostwriter by A. R. Torre book review.
The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre
Meet Deanna Madden, the intriguing protagonist of The Girl in 6E. She’s a webcam girl by choice and a recluse by necessity, locking herself away to keep her murderous impulses at bay. But when a client’s dark requests echo her own fears, Deanna steps out for the first time in years, drawn by the need to prevent a crime. A.R. Torre crafts a thrilling ride that’s as much about fighting inner demons as it is about unleashing them, blending suspense with a touch of the erotic in a story you can’t put down.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre book review.
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre
Every Last Secret takes you into the heart of a suburban nightmare where envy bleeds into obsession. Neena Ryder doesn’t just want a better life; she wants Cat Winthorpe’s life, complete with her stunning home and charming husband. What starts as admiration quickly spirals into a dangerous game of imitation and manipulation. A.R. Torre keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher, showing how the quest for someone else’s perfect life can lead to disastrous consequences. This thriller is a perfect blend of suspense and a stark reminder that things are rarely as perfect as they appear.
J.R. Ward / Jessica Ward
Dive into the young adult thriller world of Jessica Ward, where the acclaimed J.R. Ward explores new territory with her signature flair for drama and suspense. Writing as Jessica Ward, she taps into the intensity of teen life, setting her stories in environments where secrets are both currency and weapon. Perfect for fans of nail-biting mysteries and complex characters, Jessica’s thriller debut promises to pull you into a world where every friendship is a potential alliance and every rivalry could turn deadly.
Overwhelmed with where to start reading this author? You’ll want to read our J.R. Ward Reading Guide here.
The St. Ambrose School for Girls by Jessica Ward
The St. Ambrose School for Girls by Jessica Ward is a gripping thriller, where high school politics are just the tip of the iceberg. Sarah Taylor isn’t just the new girl; she’s a target for the school’s queen bee, Greta Stanhope. Armed with nothing but her wits and the unexpected friendship of her rebellious roommate and the charming RA, Sarah tries to navigate the treacherous waters of boarding school life. But as pranks turn perilous and scandal leads to murder, Sarah finds herself at the heart of a mystery that could shatter lives—including her own. Packed with twists and emotional turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Tarryn Fisher
One thing for sure about Tarryn Fisher is every story she writes packs a punch. Tarryn isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of her characters’ minds or the messy, complicated realities they face. Her books often tackle tough themes like betrayal and redemption through characters that are deeply flawed yet incredibly compelling. If you’re looking for stories that challenge the norms and make you think, Tarryn’s novels do just that, keeping you hooked and reflecting long after you’ve turned the last page.
Check out all our book reviews of Tarryn Fisher’s books.
Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher
In Good Half Gone, Tarryn Fisher plunges us into Iris Walsh’s relentless quest for truth. Years after witnessing her twin sister Piper’s abduction, Iris, still haunted by the memory, decides to take matters into her own hands. She interns at the eerie Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane, hoping to uncover clues about her sister’s fate. But as Iris digs deeper, she discovers that the hospital harbors dark secrets far beyond anything she imagined. This thriller, though not overly terrifying, keeps the tension high and delivers a journey filled with twists and turns, perfect for those who enjoy a mystery that simmers rather than scares.
Grab this book on Amazon or read out Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher book review.
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher is a heart-stopping thriller about a woman named Thursday, whose husband, Seth, has two other wives she’s never met. Thursday’s love for Seth keeps her complacent until she stumbles upon something that shatters everything she thought she knew about him. What follows is a dizzying descent into a chilling narrative filled with deceit and shocking revelations. Fisher masterfully crafts a fast-paced, breathtaking story that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the realities of love and trust in a polygamous relationship.
An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher
In An Honest Lie, Tarryn Fisher tells the story of Lorraine—“Rainy”—a woman seeking refuge from her troubled past in the secluded Tiger Mountain. Her uneasy peace is disrupted when a girls’ weekend in Vegas goes horribly wrong, and her friend Braithe disappears. Receiving a cryptic message that Braithe has been taken and that she’s the real target, Rainy is forced to confront her past if she hopes to save them both. Fisher weaves a tense, gripping narrative that navigates the blurred lines between past trauma and present danger, delivering a thriller that is as shocking as it is compelling.
Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole, an author who’s mastered the art of romance and is now taking a thrilling new turn. Alyssa has captivated readers with her dynamic characters and richly plotted romance novels. Now, she’s channeling that same talent into writing thrillers, where the stakes are higher and the suspense keeps you glued to the page. Get ready to see a familiar favorite in an exciting new light!
Check out all our book reviews of Alyssa Cole’s books.
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
In Alyssa Cole’s thriller When No One Is Watching, Sydney Green starts noticing unsettling changes in her Brooklyn neighborhood. The rapid gentrification is more than just disturbing; it seems downright sinister. Teaming up with Theo, a new neighbor, Sydney dives into the community’s history, only to stumble into a horrifying realization: the disappearing locals might be victims of something far more sinister than real estate development. As paranoia escalates, Sydney and Theo must uncover the truth before they too vanish. This gripping novel combines the suspense of Rear Window with the social commentary of Get Out, offering a chilling look at the dark side of urban transformation.
Just a Girl by Alyssa Cole
In the short story Just a Girl, Tiana Carter is a college freshman using social media to share her life and tips. But when an online dating attempt attracts vicious trolls, her world begins to crumble. Faced with escalating threats, Tiana’s story is a raw exploration of the dangers lurking within social media’s shadows. This disturbing narrative captures the perilous intersection of online cruelty and real-world consequences, making it a compelling read for our digital age.
This is part of the Obsession series, 6 Kindle short stories (available on Kindle Unlimited with audio narration). Click here to check the other books in the series.
One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole
One of Us Knows takes us to a secluded Hudson River island where Kenetria Nash, a woman grappling with dissociative identity disorder, becomes the caretaker of a historic home. When a storm traps her with a group that includes a figure from her troubled past, tension escalates as the man is found dead, and Ken becomes the prime suspect. With the storm raging and danger closing in, Ken and her alters must untangle a web of secrets to clear her name and uncover the truth about her past and the mysterious Kavanaugh Island. This thrilling novel combines elements of psychological suspense with a haunting mystery.
Sarina Bowen
Meet Sarina Bowen, celebrated for her romance novels, who is now taking a leap into the world of domestic thrillers. Known for her ability to weave complex characters and emotional depth into her stories, Sarina applies her talents to explore darker, more suspenseful territories.
Check out all our book reviews of Sarina Bowen’s books.
The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen
In The Five Year Lie, Ariel Cafferty’s life takes a startling turn when she receives a text from Drew, the love of her life who supposedly died years ago. The message leads her to their old rendezvous point, but Drew doesn’t show. This chilling event spirals Ariel into a desperate search for truth, revealing that everything she believed about Drew’s disappearance was a fabrication. As she digs deeper, the stakes rise, threatening not only her own safety but also that of her son. Sarina Bowen masterfully blends romance with suspense, crafting a story that grips you from the first page to the last.
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