CHECK IT OUT:

Want a thrilling plot, nonstop action and romantic tensions all contributing to a heart-pumping conclusion? Viva la romantic suspense category!

The increased popularity of this genre has encouraged traditional, bestselling romance authors to expand into the mysterious, the criminal and occasionally the paranormal worlds of psychic abilities. Some add comedy to spice up narratives.

All of these authors have websites that brim with information about their recent books and their thoughts for new titles. Input their names into your favorite search engine to subscribe to their newsletters, read their latest musings and win prizes. Enjoy this list of new titles with contemporary and historical settings that tease your brain and your detective skills while enabling relationships to blossom amid the turmoil.

“The Third Circle: An Arcane Society Novel,” by Amanda Quick and “Sizzle and Burn,” by Jayne Ann Krentz: Whether she is writing as Amanda or Jayne Ann, this author delivers the goods in any century. If you prefer the English Regency era, Amanda Quick novels provide period accuracy and mysterious flavor. Or relish contemporary 21st century sensibilities with Jayne Ann Krentz and her characters’ extra-sensory perceptions heightening their experiences.

“Innocent As Sin,” by Elizabeth Lowell: Fabulous art, twins, rich socialites, murder and money laundering; discover the intrigue chronicled by former Los Angeles Times writer Ann Maxwell. Writing as Elizabeth, she has a backlist of exciting titles that will provide an entire summer of reading fun.

“A Stranger’s Game: A Bitter Creek Novel,” by Joan Johnston: FBI Agent Breed Grayhawk didn’t heed warnings about picking up pretty women in bars. What begins as a lark darkens to investigation and murder. Win prizes on her website too.

“Shadow Dance: A Novel,” by Julie Garwood: Experience a glamorous cosmopolitan Boston and the contrast of small-town Texas in this micro-series. The next title, “Shadow Music,” continues the relationship between Jordan Buchanan and Noah Clayborne. The author’s website is interactive and fun to access.

“Twisted,” by Andrea Kane: FBI Agent Sloane Burbank is determined to investigate the disappearance of her childhood friend. Why is she being warned off the case? This stimulating narrative takes off at a fast pace and never lets up.

“Scream for Me,” by Karen Rose: Following the successful, “Die for Me,” where Philadelphia’s Det. Vito Ciccotelli found brotherly love in short supply, continue the hunt to find a serial killer in Atlanta.

“Getting Rid of Bradley,” by Jennifer Crusie: Does ex-husband Bradley really want to kill Lucy? Det. Zack thinks so. Or does he? In one of many laugh-out-loud novels, suspense is more humorous than scary in this light-hearted tale.

“Touchstone,” by Laurie R. King: Like the historical touch? Travel vicariously to 1926 England where Bureau of Investigation Agent Harris Stuyvesant is hot on the trail of an international terrorist.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach staff member Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.