When crafting a romance-suspense series, the challenge lies not only in creating captivating love stories and thrilling plotlines but also in sustaining that magic across multiple books. Readers crave consistency yet want something fresh and exciting with each new installment. As an author who thrives on series writing, I’ve come to embrace these challenges. In this post, I’ll share my journey and insights on how to keep romance and suspense alive from book to book, drawing from my own experiences with the Fire Series and P.I.R. novels. Whether you’re a writer or a fan of series fiction, I hope these strategies inspire you to explore new ways to keep readers hooked for the long haul.
What inspired me to create a series rather than a standalone novel?
This is a funny question and has been a topic of jokes in my home. I enjoy reading a series where you follow a group of people who work together and share their lives. Nothing makes me happier than to read a book further in a series and get to see how the other couples are doing. I have a story I started working on in 2023 that I swore is a standalone novel, slowly it appears it might tie into a spinoff of the fire series. The joke in the house is that I can't seem to write a standalone novel.
How do I plan the overarching plot to ensure both romance and suspense are sustained across multiple books?
Often the suspense encountered in the novel will be resolved in the book's timeline. Yet, in two of my novels, the suspense that readers encounter is connected and will have some overarching plot issues for the group. In, The Fire Inside we are introduced to a White Slavery Trafficking Ring and at the end of the novel the guys give the information they compiled to Steve because he is a freelance journalist and there is some Seattle connections. Therefor in the novel If the Seas Catch Fire the suspense encountered has ties to the research and information that Steve finds and reports on. The main thing to do is keep track of the suspense plot and characters connected and leave seeds of information in your writers notebook.
In my urban fantasy noir mysteries, I'm fortunate that Avril's love interest changes in each book, but she does have some exes that I need to remember. Also, each book has its own case she is trying to solve, but there are suspense plots that will cross the book series. Always keep your notes together in a easy to find and read notebook.
What are some techniques I use to keep the romantic tension alive as the series progresses?
These books are all about romantic tension and solutions. The main thing I focus on is communication and how it can solve tension and issues that arise in any relationship. Since my books in the series focus on one couple at a time. I do keep track of what is happening in every characters life in the series timeline. I put all this information in my writers notebook.
How do I balance character development with the need to maintain suspense and romance over multiple books?
When I know that I'm writing a book series the first thing I ask myself is what is the outcome I want for the series.
For the Fire series, the overarching theme is friendship can be closer than family. Therefore, it's important that I follow that theme with each book, it's couple, and the suspense encountered. I know what will happen in the last book to pay off the theme I've chosen.
For the urban fantasy P.I.R. novels, I decided the number of novels 13. I also know who Avril will end up with as her romantic partner for the rest of their lives. She made a promise to Rafe and the universe and that has to be paid off through the series, which affects her character development throughout the series.
Do I have a favorite example of a romance-suspense series, and what did I take away from it when writing my own?
Oh there are a few that I've enjoyed over the years because this is one of my go to genres. Here a few of my favorites.
City Shifters by Layla Nash
Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
Beyond series by Kit Rocha
Kushiel's Legacy by Jacqueline Carey
Love Undercover series by Lori Foster, Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, SBC Fighters series as well
Scandals of the Bad Boy Billionaires series by Ivy Layne and more series by her
Brooklyn Dawn series by Cari Quinn and more of her series
Four Horsemen MC by Sara Rayne, Cynthia Rayne
How do you keep each book fresh while maintaining consistency in themes, especially romance and suspense?
My best advice is to experiment with each book by trying something new, such as using a unique opening, applying a writing tip you learned, or incorporating something you enjoyed from a book or show you watched. The Fire Inside has a cold open similar to a Criminal Minds type of opening. I research and try to use a different writing or plotting device than I have before.
Writing a romance-suspense series is a rewarding journey that requires a balance of planning, creativity, and a deep connection to your characters and themes. By focusing on overarching plotlines, sustaining romantic tension, and embracing new techniques, you can create a series that captivates readers from the first book to the last. Remember, it's the blend of familiarity and surprise that keeps fans coming back for more. So, whether you're just starting out or well into your series, keep experimenting and refining your craft. Who knows? Your next book could be the one that hooks readers for life.
Small Embers for the boxset Burning Desires
Obsidian Vendetta book 1 of the P.I.R. series
Bad Guy My Boss
First Note of Love
Jack & Jocker: U Steal My Heart
Kidnap
The Untamed
Four Ever You
Smells Like Green Spirit
Uncle Unknown
Wonderland of Love
Every You, Every Me
Record of Youth
My Damn Business
Eccentric Romance
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