First, I write mysteries and thrillers, not romances. So, although romance plays a part in my thrillers, they are, in fact, not romantic thrillers. One features three suitors, all a bit shady. Another antagonist is a teen, now a man, sent to war for another teen’s death. And finally, the only man who can save the heroine just happens to have killed her parents. Indeed, a motley crew. As for the heroine of each. One discovers she isn’t who she thought she was. One seeks closure for her teen brother’s death. And one holds a patent that can change the world. Come on! Mix the guys with the gals, and you have a veritable hotbed for romance. How does it all turn out? The best answer I can give without issuing huge spoiler alerts is to read Perfidia, Booth Island, and Saving Calypso.
Favorite first meet lines from each:
Saving Calypso. “Last time I saw those shoulders, the owner stumbled drunk out of the car he used to kill my mother?” she snarled. “Turn and face me, Washburn. Just do it!”
Booth Island. Sturdevant’s eyes roved over my shirt and down my shorts to my sandals. Meanwhile, I studied the jagged scar over his left eye that continued into his hairline. It was new since he was cuffed and taken into custody, as were the glasses he now wore.
What if there is more than one suitor? Here’s a first meet with one of the three scoundrels in Perfidia: Feron grabbed my hand. I was pretty sure I hadn’t accepted, but here I was, walking behind him as though his arm was a leash. The minute we gained the dance floor, he rolled me into his arms, one hand on the small of my back, the other holding my right hand. At the first step, I knew I was in trouble.
The thing is, we all view romance through our own lenses. Oh, there are tropes we’ve come to know or are trained to expect, and even write. The meet cute. The sudden crisis or romantic misunderstanding. The happily ever after despite the odds ending. It’s what goes on between the tropes that matters, and further, isn’t it nice when the trope is just a wee bit off? I think no one truly likes the ongoing theme of a couple who never quite get together despite a heap of sexual tension. The one where something tears them apart, only to find them redefining their relationship endlessly across book after book after book. Move on, already!
I do love it when an ageless romance is sorted out over the course of the series, and the parties begin a life and partnership together. For instance, I’ve always admired how Elizabeth Peters handled Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson. Their admiration and love grow across tales seasoned by the spice of each partner’s oddities. It’s great stuff. And hard to accomplish and to maintain, especially in a series where each book provides a new challenge for the protagonist. A romance may not always fit in the telling. Partners can, in fact, get in the way. And readers’ expectations can be dashed. As in, I wanted him to win her heart, what happened, where is he?
Maintaining and growing relationships in historical novels or mysteries can be especially challenging. The norms were different way back when, when rules of comportment reigned. No wild parties but a few telling waltzes. A gesture. Standing close but not too close. The dance of language. It takes a deft touch to get it perfect, flirtatious enough but in keeping with the times. And, of course, retaining the mores as the relationship heats up. Come to think of it, maybe that’s the fun of it.
In the Wanee Mysteries, Cora Countryman has two suitors, Sebastian Kanady and Dr. Philip Shaw, despite her clearly and oft-stated intent to devote herself to a life of mystery, learning and adventure. Most in town refer to her suitors as her Mr. Kanady or her Doctor Shaw. In all instances, she responds, he is not my Mr. Kanady or he is not my Dr. Shaw. But … something is going on:
Unbecoming a Lady:
“Cora, please, if your inquiries are pursuing either your mother’s disappearance or Michael Thomas’s head-bashing, stop now. It is unbecoming a lady.”
“Is that what you think of me?”
“That you are a lady? Are you not?”
Grabbing her button and package, Cora twirled out the door, confused by the look on Mr. Kanady’s expressive face.
A Confluence of Enemies:
“And you? I do like the way you have your hair this evening. Not quite up, though, is it?”
“Do you spend your days fixing on things you can say to annoy me?”
“Generally,” he grinned, his broad masculine mouth higher on the right, highlighting a thin scar on his upper lip. “Sometimes, I just imagine kissing you.”
One Horse Too Many: Cora touched Kanady’s hat. His blue-blue eyes followed the movement of her hand as she ran her index finger lightly around the band.
Oh, my!
Of Waterworks and Sin, Cora’s newest adventure:
“Easily. Everyone in this town tells you everything. And you have a fierce nose for trouble. It will be like braiding that hair of yours, which you can do with your eyes shut.”
“You have been gawking up at my bedroom window again?’
He grinned. “Like a moonstruck puppy.”
“You would flatter me and say anything to get me to take on your newspaper while you are out endangering your life. Do not lie.”
And so it goes for Cora and Kanady. The most challenging bit of all is maintaining just the right tone. Cora and Kanady are light with each other. But their affection is always apparent and muted by Cora’s desire for a life without the weight of marriage or children. Despite being obstacles to her greatest wish, Kanady and her other suitor, Dr. Shaw, compete for her. Is there a way forward? I hope you’ll enjoy finding out. Ah — to romance amid thrills, mayhem, and murder.
Find out more about me at https://dzchurch.com and sign up for my newsletter.
See me at the NorCal Sisters in Crime Spring Showcase on May 18 at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA. Here is a link if you’d like more information: https://www.bookpassage.com/event/norcal-sisters-crime-spring-showcase-event-2025-corte-madera-store
Ladies of Mystery 
Romance in your books is never chocolates, flowers, and moonlit promises. That’s why I love them!
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Fun post! And I agree with Susan, great bits of dialogue to show each character and their flirting.
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These dialogues are delightful, and you’re quite right about changing the tropes. They do get tiresome of the debonair fellow falling for the quirky chef or athlete or intrepid bookseller.
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