If you’re searching for your next fix of romance-focused stories paired with a suspense element, look no further than Harlequin Romantic Suspense! A strong, powerful romance is at the heart of every story, layered with danger and adventure that will cause two complex—and maybe seemingly mismatched—characters to work as a team in order to survive. We look for a variety of heat levels, from stolen kisses and holding hands to a chemistry that pushes things to the edge without going over. Sexy is what we like to see. Erotica is not. And with a word count of 70k, there’s plenty of room for your characters to blow off steam in the bedroom while trying to survive whoever is after them.
Key Romantic Suspense elements include:
- Big romances amid dangerous and suspenseful settings. Harlequin Romantic Suspense novels are fueled by the romance and not the suspense.
- Classic themes, including bodyguards, revenge, K-9s, women in jeopardy, espionage, family, military and law enforcement.
- Vivid conflicts and stories set throughout the world.
- An emotional payoff fitting with the larger-than-life stories.
A few other things we love to see:
- Morally gray heroes, those who might skirt the boundaries of what’s legal but have a very good reason for doing so. They’ve seen the worst of humanity and want to keep others—especially those they care for—safe. And they will do whatever it takes to ensure that.
- Westerns are a classic theme for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, as readers love the sweeping landscapes that are ripe for grand romances. Whether your characters are small-town sheriffs, rugged ranchers, determined security experts, sexy bodyguards or local business owners, there’s sure to be love waiting for them just up the dusty road.
- Other hooks we like include cold cases; new twists on the usual tropes; stories featuring diverse characters; multi-layered, complex family dramas with spin-off potential; reunion romances; and first responders.
So if you have a project you think would be a great fit for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, those that place ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, we’d love to see it.
Want to know more about Harlequin Romantic Suspense? Watch the Editor POV with Senior Editor Allison Lyons below!
Find the full writing guidelines for Romantic Suspense on Harlequin.Submittable.com and find more writing advice right here on WriteForHarlequin.com.
Happy writing!
