romantic suspense Archives - Page 2 of 2

Do You Enjoy Murdering People?

Posted on April 4, 2014March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

Cause like, that’s a crazy
question, right?

That’s a
question that comes with two answers: Yes. And no.

Before I
get the police called on me, I’m talking about writing inspirational romantic
suspense.

Does that
even go together? Inspiration and murder? You might ask the question (and yes,
I’ve been asked this before) why do you write about murder and mayhem since
you’re a Christian?

Good
question. One I asked myself. Why do I do this? (I also write contemporary
romance.)

I think
it’s complex but I’m going to try and break it down like this.

Romance:

I can’t
write a single book without including romance. It’s not an after thought. Or a
sub plot. I love romance! We’re built each and
every one of us to love romance. It comes from God. You may disagree. I
think the entire Bible is God’s love for us. He speaks to us as his Bride. He
is the Groom. It’s page after page of him pursuing us. A divine romance. Love that song by Phil Wicka-wicka-Wickham!

I love the
dance of romance. From the first flutters to the first kiss to the
hope-ever-after. Romance. Easy enough.

Suspense:

Here’s few
questions: How can we entertain ourselves with serial killers, abductions,
heinous evil–whether in books, movies or TV? Seems wrong.

Agreed.
When we find the thrill in the evil side of life. When we glorify evil.

I believe
we, humans as a whole, love puzzles. Love to figure things out. By nature we’re curious to seek things out.
Truth. Answers. We want to solve things. That’s why my stories never give up
the killer/villain right off the bat. They’re more of a mystery. Because I like
to solve puzzles. I’m not a box puzzle kind of person, but I do love to answer
riddles, go on scavenger hunts…discover answers. Discover truth.

I love the
Word of God because it can be very much like a treasure hunt. Read, dig,
search…find answers. Truth.

Shows like
Criminal Minds, Law & Order, Insert favorite crime show here __________ are
all about solving a puzzle. Finding truth. We find it entertaining, engaging.

Our minds
are curious. How could someone be that demented? So far gone? Completely
depraved? We cover our eyes then peek through spaces between our fingers. We
gape. We cringe. Sometimes we even turn off the TV or toss books that cover
hard subject matter. We want to pretend evil doesn’t really exist. Innocent
people do not die. Revenge, power, greed do not motivate people to take drastic
and frightening measures. And monsters aren’t really lurking in the darkness or
the broad daylight.

If we can’t see it or hear about it, we can live in our happy bubble.

Yet it
does exist.

Tragedy,
death, despair, pain, torture. Abuse, assault, the list goes on. Every day it
gets worse. We can’t turn blind eyes. Can’t wish it away.

But there is hope. Even amidst the evil. There is good. God is good.

As a
Christian writer, I want to take that evil, create a puzzle to solve and bring
readers along with me. Let’s solve this. And while we’re at it, let’s throw in
some really flawed characters we can relate to, identify with– who are also
searching for answers. For some truth. For some hope.

It’s not
just about good conquering evil. It’s about God saving, rescuing, loving,
holding, guiding, loving, touching, healing, blessing, showing grace, showing
mercy and compassion, loving, strengthening, renewing, restoring, directing,
teaching, comforting, loving…it’s about a God we can’t always understand, but
we can trust.

In green
pastures where the sun shines and still waters beckon us to rest. And in the
valley of the shadow of death.

Do I love
to create a sick, twisted villain–yet crafty and smart? Yes. The grittier the
villain, the more depraved the better.

Why?

Because no matter how big and swallowing the villain is. God is bigger.
God is greater. God is stronger. God is an all-consuming fire.

I’m a Christian writing from a Christian point
of view (not in every character! And not in a Bible-thumping manner). I can’t
write without hope. Sorry. No. Can. Do. Because I’ve experienced it (Him!) in
my life. Every day. Over and over.

So when
you find me hunting down ways, or doing research, to make things bad or
terrifying for a character/s, I’m doing it so I can show God bringing good,
administering peace and hope.

Because he
does. He will. It’s who he is. And my prayer is that readers, who are
experiencing some of the same feelings as my characters, will discover that the
same hope in the pages of the story, is available and real to them and that
they will grab hold of Him, our anchor in this evil temporary place called the
world, our Hope for better things to come.

*I just created a suspense and romance board on Pinterest! It’s in the early stages but I’d love for you to come and follow where it leads…muwahahahaha.

Click here to hang with me on Pinterest!

Do read romantic suspense or watch suspenseful shows/movies? What’s
favorite of yours?

Faith Readers Group Review: Shadows of the Past

Posted on February 28, 2014March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

It’s been a real treat having Pat here with us all week! If you missed out on Would You Rather or her No-Brainer devotion you can read them HERE and HERE!

Over delicious cranberry-orange muffins and coffee, we discussed Shadows of the Past, a romantic suspense by Patricia Bradley and then we had the opportunity to Skype with her. If you don’t know Pat, we’ll tell you she’s a hoot! So much fun to chat with.

Now on to our review. Here are few things that were said.

“She grabbed me on the first page.”

“She knows how to get your attention quick.”

“I thought the dreams Taylor had were very realistic to what dreams are like.”

“Toward the end, I wasn’t sure if who I thought the villain was, really was. That was a fun twist.”

“Where’s Robin?”

“I’ll be reading all her books.”

GROUP RATING: 1-5 STARS

4.5

Here’s a sneak peek at Pat’s debut novel. Grab it up! You won’t be sorry!

Buy the book!

Psychology
professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to
solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the
disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on
his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to
investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is
stalking her.

Nick
Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is
how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could
have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick
sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to
find is trouble.

Join the
chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys
to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and
love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a
promising and already award-winning writer.

No Brainer by Patricia Bradley

Posted on February 26, 2014March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

Buy the book HERE!

Welcome back, everyone! Thanks, Pat, for being here again and for this devotion!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

Like Taylor in Shadows
of the Past, I have not always lived by this verse. I wanted to do things my way. And my way got me into a lot of
trouble. But God never let go of my hand, just as He never let go of Taylor’s.
And a few years ago, I embraced this verse and began living it.

That doesn’t mean that right away everything started
happening the way I thought it should. No, I had another lesson to
learn—everything happens in God’s economy of time, not mine. But if we wait on
Him, what He will do is exceedingly and abundantly more than we can think or
imagine.

An example: I wanted an offer for 1 book published, but when
I waited on God’s plan I received an offer for a three-book deal.

Waiting on God’s plan=A nobrainer.

Sneak peek!

Visit Pat HERE!

What have you been waiting for?

A Suspense-Full Week!

Posted on February 24, 2014March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

Buy HERE!

Hey everyone, I’m not back from my blogging break, officially, but this week is going to be so cool because it’s a week full of suspense!

Today we’re going to play Would You Rather with Patricia Bradley, friend and author of Shadows of the Past and her hero and heroine, Nick and Taylor!

Wednesday, Pat is sharing a devotion that that threads her spiritual arc in her novel.

And Friday, Faith Readers (our local book club) will be giving our group review of Shadows of the Past, so hang with us this week for lots of fun. Le’ts play!

Would You Rather….

…stay in
for a nice dinner and a rented movie or go out?

Pat: Definitely
stay in and watch a movie.

Taylor: Definitely
stay in and watch a movie.

Nick: Let’s go to the Blues Espresso…jam a
little.

…travel
by car or plane?

Pat: Well…if I could fly without having to travel
2 hours to get to the airport, and I’d be guaranteed no 10 hour layovers, I opt
for flying. Otherwise, I’ll drive. 🙂

Taylor: Well…if
I could be guaranteed no 10 hour layovers, I opt for flying. Otherwise, I’ll
drive. 🙂

Nick: Love flying. Airports are great places to people watch.

…sleep
in a scary, abandoned house all night by yourself with a lantern or, have to
walk through acres of woods in the pitch black with a friend?

Pat: Always, share
scary things with a friend. Always.

Taylor: Always,
share scary things with a friend. Always.

Nick: Can you
imagine the ideas a writer can come up with staying all night alone in a creepy
house?

This was
fun, Jessica!

Sneak peek!

Visit Pat!

Join in! Answer all or one of the questions! Would You Rather…

In Justice For All

Posted on April 25, 2013March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

I know, I don’t normally post on Thursdays but I finished a novel and you need to know about it. Like today.

I’m a fan of Robin Caroll. I am. She stood two feet from me at registration for the ACFW, looked right in my face and I choked. I said nothing. I might have given her a goofy grin. Not sure.

I enjoy her books. I love her characters and I especially loved her hero and heroine in Injustice For All the first book in her Justice Seekers series. I’ve read the first two backwards, but it didn’t really effect anything. I prefer to read a series in order, personal choice, but you don’t have to. I’m itching to get my hands on her newest, Strand of Deception!

A heroine running for her life to stay alive, an FBI agent trying to prove himself by solving a cold case that involves her. That makes for lots of high impact action, swooning romantic scenes and lots of witty and fun dialogue!

Her characters aren’t just well-crafted, they’re real. I could relate to several of them in different areas of my own life.

The spiritual threads are relatable (is that a word?)–even if you aren’t running from bad guys who can crush you like a cigarette.

I know what to expect when I pick up a novel written by Caroll. Southern heat and phrases, twists and turns, and a lovely romance with plenty of tension all laced with a journey of faith or to find faith.

*Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are mine and honest!

Visit Robin Caroll at her
website!
facebook page!

Here’s a sneak peek:

A federal judge lies bleeding
on his office floor, betrayed by a most unlikely source—people who helped him
bring criminals to justice. Now, why would someone working for the FBI need to
disappear after witnessing this crime?

When Remington Wyatt sees her godfather’s murder, she
recognizes the killers and knows it’s only a matter of time before they come to
silence her. She must do the only thing possible to stay alive . . . run.

FBI agent Rafe Baxter is serious about his career, and
solving a cold case involving a federal judge’s death puts him in line for the
promotion he so desires. But the case leads him to the small town of Hopewell,
Louisiana, where some secrets seem inextricably hidden deep within the bayou.

Injustice for All explores what
happens when everything a person believes in is utterly destroyed. Who can you
trust?

If you had to run for your life and settle down in a new town, what you change your name to and where would you settle?

Some Good Reads

Posted on November 14, 2011April 6, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

For the past two weeks I’ve been downing books like shots, trying to read everything I can think of in the inspy romantic suspense/mystery market. I may have missed a few so if you know of anyone else, please leave me a comment!

I’ve enjoyed all of them. Each author has a unique writing style. Some books a little darker than others, which I personally prefer as a reader. I went into reading them with a writer’s eye, but some of the books swept me up, I stopped looking for pacing, scene set ups, etc…I simply became immersed in the stories. Which is good!

Below are the books I’ve read and I’m starting with my favorite(the rest are in random order), even though I enjoyed all of them. All great authors. Something about this particular story grabbed me and held on. Probably because of the darkness of the story line and the abundance of romantic tension. Here is the 2nd book in Lynette Eason’s Women of Justice series.

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping, torture, and rape. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself–though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself get close to a man, FBI agent Dakota Richards, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact–her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those year ago. Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?

The next book I thought was good, very dark story line, but no romance–which is probably why I liked Lynette’s book better is The BoneMan’s Daughters by Ted Dekker. What I love about Dekker is his subtle symbolism. I caught onto quickly, as most Christians would, and I thought the ending was perfect, but I read some reviews–mostly by non-Christians and they didn’t like the way it ended. BUT I think it’s because they didn’t catch the symbolism. How could they?

I wasn’t terrified like when reading a Gerritsen novel (Rizzoli & Isles) but it was creepy at times and I like creepy. Mostly I loved the symbolism. And of course, Dekker’s reason for writing the book. I encourage readers to read the “letter to readers” at the end of the book. It made me cry.

They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who’s abducted six young women. He’s the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan’s estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.

The next book was a new author for me: Irene Hannon. Many of you may have read her Heroes of Quantico series, but I had never heard of her. Sad on my part, I’m sure. Irene has really researched her stuff and is very detailed. Her romance is fun and I enjoy the banter between friends on the HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) For sake of space only, (I’ve read 2 book in the series so far) I’ll put my favorite one to date.

After he accidentally shoots a teenager at a tense standoff, FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Mark Sanders is sent to St. Louis to work as a field agent and get his bearings while the bad press starts to settle. Just weeks away from returning to Quantico to resume his work on the HRT, Mark has a chance encounter with an old flame, Emily Lawson. But their reunion is cut short by a sniper. Now Mark must find the shooter before he tries to strike again. But what is his motive–and who was his intended target? Can Mark put the pieces together, keep Emily safe, and rekindle a long-dead relationship at the same time? A fast-paced tale of romance, suspense, and intrigue, An Eye for an Eye is the exciting second installment in the Heroes of Quantico series.

And of course it wouldn’t be right not to read Dee Henderson. I’ve read her O’Malley series and enjoyed all of them, but I haven’t read all of her Uncommon Heroes series. Dee Henderson has a nice blend of romance and suspense. Her stories aren’t creepy or dark, but I love the way she constructs deep characters. I haven’t met one of them I don’t like (unless I’m not supposed to like them). Here’s the book I read in the past couple weeks:

Dee Henderson wraps up her Christy Award-winning Uncommon Heroes series with a riveting story from the home front. When someone snatches his cousin’s wife and son, FBI agent Luke Falcon hunts the kidnapper. He has never worked a case involving family, and it’s tempting to let his hardened exterior weaken, given the circumstances. But he has to be strong if he’s going to bring them home. When the ransom delivery doesn’t go down as planned and the bodies start piling up, so does Luke’s frustration. He fears that innocent people may not survive this crisis, and neither will his relationship with Caroline Lane . But her rock-solid faith proves to be a far better shelter in the storm than all his law enforcement training and experience.

I’ve read DiAnn Mills, and am reading Breach of Trust at the moment. I’ve already read, Attracted to Fire and did a review here. I’ve read a couple of Robin Carroll’s books. I did a review on Deliver Us from Evil here. I have the other in her evil series in my TBR pile. I like both of these authors as well.

So tell me…who am I missing? Have I tapped the inspy romantic suspense and mystery market? Is there someone out there writing about FBI/evil killers with a heap of romance that I simply haven’t found yet? And of course, have you read any books by these authors?

Must Read Monday: Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

Posted on September 26, 2011March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

DiAnn Mills

First, I want to let you know I’m so doing a dance right now for my friend Jodie Bailey, who just signed a contract with Steeple Hill! Yay for debut novels! I’m so excited! Go by and congratulate her!

Now, on with the show this is it!

“Do you believe in demons?”

“What did she mean? ‘I believe in a power stronger than demons.”

“Then you’d better be calling on it.”

I loved this small piece of dialogue in Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. It leaves you with a sense of doom approaching and the possibility of not being strong enough to fight off the evil.

Agent Meghan Connors and Agent Ash Zinders are tossed together to protect the Vice President’s alcoholic and drug addicted daughter when threats are made on her life, but Ash doesn’t like female agents and Meghan resents it almost as much as she’s determined to prove her worth.

To add more conflict, they both want the same promotion. Eeek!

I enjoyed this romantic suspense. Her characters were believable, real, and courageous, but not invincible. When it came to personal relationships, they were vulnerable, timid, and frightened.

I happen to love reading books about flawed characters. I love watching and journeying with them as they grow and mature. And I love books filled with danger!

If you do too, you’ll want to pick this one up!

DiAnn subtly weaved renewed faith, healing, and trust in God into an action packed book without being preachy or obvious.
*Thanks to Tyndale for letting me review this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I gave Attracted to Fire 3 out of 5 stars!

Here’s a sneak peek at the book:

“Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.”

Fall is here! What is your favorite thing about the season?

Must Meet Monday: Sheri Salatin

Posted on May 2, 2011March 31, 2017 by Jessica R. Patch

Sheri Salatin writes inspirational romantic suspense with a farming flair! She’s the real deal, folks. A true cowgirl. I met Sheri through My Book Therapy on a discussion board for critique partners. Since we both write romantic suspense, x-nay farming flair with me, we decided to swap stories and give it a go.

Sheri has the coolest style of writing and it turns out we love the same books, authors, and think very much alike. Please still like her! Online, we’ll lol because we’re saying almost verbatim the same thing. She’s great and super savvy–the girl next door you want to know!

Sheri tell everyone a little about yourself.

I’m married to my best friend, Daniel and we have 3 kids – Travis 7, Andrew 5 and Lauryn 3. We are full time alternative farmers in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia on our multi-generational family farm – Polyface. I’m passionate about farming as well as writing. We use creation as our template for raising clean healthy animals.

I’m active in our church, serving as nursery director and AWANA Sparks Director. When I’m not reading or writing, you can find me baking, sewing, gardening, canning, quilting, knitting and homeschooling.

Sheri, I love baking and covering up with quilts. My birthday is in October. hint hint! I also enjoy eating baked goods. 😉 Tell us when the writer bug bit yah.

I have been writing stories since I was old enough to spell. I remember as a child, I used to create stories to send to my Great Uncle John every week. He always wrote back and I miss him still.

Another funny thing. I wrote a story about a young girl named Katie Salaton when I was 14. If you notice my current last name (spelled just slightly different) – this was before I met my husband. I had forgotten all about that story until after we started dating and I was looking through my old story notebook. I still get goosebumps with this one.

Oooh…I got goosebumps too. The writer bug and the love bug in one! Who else can say that? 🙂 When you’re writing do you snack?

Nope, I’m not a snacker. Actually, I’m just the opposite. When I get enthralled in something, I tend to forget to eat or drink. I can go all day before remembering that I have eaten anything yet. I know – I’m weird.

Nah, you’re not weird. I can’t snack and write either. I need two hands! How do you come up with story ideas?

Lately, it’s been from my dreams. lol. I usually dream a story, then start asking questions. i.e. Why was she running? Why, why, why. It all seems to flow from there and by the time I’m done it doesn’t resemble the dream at all anymore.

If you could be one hero/heroine from a book who would you choose and why?

Hmm. I would have to say Belle from Beauty and the Beast. (maybe I’ve been watching Disney too long with my kids) It would be awesome to be in an enchanted castle and the beast only stays that way for so long. Ha!

So true, then you get a lifetime with a hunky prince! And Belle likes to read at the speed of lightning…just like you! So, if you had to choose a villain, who would you want to be?

Phew, this is a hard question. I’ve never wanted to be a villain before. Okay, I’m going to go movie/book again. I think it would be fun to be Shere Kahn, the tiger from Jungle Book. How cool would it be to roam the jungles and have no fear of anything other than fire?

Really? You’ve never wanted to be a villain? Wow, I have a top five! ha! What do you love most about writing?

I love the creating part of it. Pulling ideas and stories from mid-air and putting them to words. I love the fact that no one else has my story – it’s mine until I share it.

What are you currently working on? Tell us a little about it.

Laura Taylor is desperate for answers to her past but her sister’s life hangs in the balance if she tries to find them. Determined to save her sister and uncover what really happened to her parents, she will have to trust Matt Knight, a convicted felon and a cowboy who wants to lasso her heart. But he’s not as dangerous as the Servant who will go to any length to keep the truth a secret. Can Laura save her sister and discover the meaning of unconditional love before it’s too late?

Sounds like a page turner. I’m enjoying the opportunity to watch it all unfold. What would you like to ask everyone reading this post?

What do you think makes for an interesting blog? That is – what is the first thing that you notice when you visit a blog and what makes you stay to read the articles posted there?

Excellent question. Sheri has just started a new blog and I encourage you to pop over and follow. She always writes interesting things. Here’s how you can connect with Sheri:

Sheri’s blog

@SheriSalatin on twitter

The Hen house (her polyface farm blog)

Thanks for joining me today, Sheri. I’ve had a blast. Thanks everyone for coming back and listening to my drivel 3 days a week. I appreciate it and LOVE to read your comments. 🙂