Well, they often have a strong female lead. For example, in many of these novels like 'The Kiss Quotient', the female character is independent in her own way even though she may be dealing with personal issues. She's not just a damsel in distress but actively participates in solving the mystery and developing the relationship.
Another characteristic is the chemistry between the main characters. It has to be palpable. In contemporary romantic suspense novels, the way the characters interact, their dialogues, and the unspoken emotions all contribute to this chemistry. Whether it's a slow - burn like in some novels or a more immediate attraction, it needs to be there to make the romantic aspect believable while the suspense aspect adds an extra layer of excitement to their relationship.
The suspense element usually involves some sort of mystery or danger that the characters have to face. In 'The Hating Game', there's the mystery of how their relationship will develop despite their initial animosity. And this mystery is intertwined with their romantic journey, creating a lot of tension. These novels also tend to have a good balance between the romance and the suspense. You can't have too much of one without the other or it won't be a proper romantic suspense novel. The pacing is crucial too. A fast - paced plot keeps the reader hooked from start to finish, like in 'Verity' where the revelations keep coming one after another.
One of the great contemporary romantic suspense novels is 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. It features a unique love story between an autistic woman and a male escort.
'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides is also great. It combines a psychiatric mystery with a romantic undertone. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat while the relationship aspect adds an extra layer of depth.
Suspense romantic novels often have a love story at the core. But there's also a sense of mystery or danger. For example, one character might be in danger, and the other is trying to protect them while also falling in love. There are usually secrets or unknowns that keep the reader guessing, like a hidden past of a character.
One great one is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It's about two co - workers who constantly bicker but then start to have feelings for each other. The banter between them is hilarious and the slow - burn romance is really engaging.
One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's a story full of twists and turns. The relationship between the main characters is complex and the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Another great one is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. The unreliable narrators add to the mystery and the romantic elements are intertwined with the suspense in a very engaging way. Also, 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris has elements of both romance and suspense, especially in the relationship between Clarice and Hannibal in a very dark and twisted sense.
One of the best is 'The Protector' by Susan Stoker. It combines military elements with a romantic relationship full of suspense. The hero, a military man, has to protect the heroine from various threats, and their love story unfolds in the midst of danger.
Some of the well - known ones are 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's a thrilling tale of a marriage gone wrong with lots of twists. Another could be 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins, which keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds with elements of mystery and a touch of romance. And 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris also has a strange kind of romantic suspense as Clarice Starling has a complex relationship with Hannibal Lecter while trying to solve the mystery.
I think 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is among the best. The passionate and tortured love between Heathcliff and Catherine is set against the wild moors, and there are elements of suspense as their relationship unfolds in a rather complex and sometimes dark way. Also, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane's relationship with Mr. Rochester is full of mystery and emotional suspense. There are secrets in Rochester's past that keep the reader on edge, and their love story is both romantic and intense.
'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a very popular one. It's a complex story of a marriage filled with mystery and suspense. The plot twists and turns, making you constantly question what you think you know about the characters and their relationship. It's a bestseller that has captured the attention of many readers around the world.
Many best British contemporary novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'White Teeth', the characters come from diverse backgrounds and have their own internal conflicts and desires. They also tend to deal with modern - day issues such as multiculturalism, as seen in Zadie Smith's works. Another characteristic is the exploration of different literary styles. Some may use a non - linear narrative like 'Cloud Atlas' to tell a more engaging and multi - faceted story.