It’s week three of the Romantic Novelists’ Association‘s February celebrations for their 60th year and today I have Patricia Dixon talking about her writing …

Romantic suspense comes in many forms, how would you describe the sort you write?

I would describe it as more gritty subjects that either interest or mean something to me. Situations and subjects that are perhaps at the route of troubled relationships or have a sinister and secret side. 

Is it as straightforward as calling it romance?

I don’t think so, probably for the reasons above. Maybe love is a more apt word because it comes in many forms, it’s not all hearts and flowers which romance suggests. 

What is it about romantic suspense that draws you to write it or include it in your books?

Most people have been in love or I hope they have and it’s something that a reader can connect with, plus a sprinkling of suspense for added interest to the story. 

What sort of balance between the romance element and the suspense element do you have?

I try to focus on the relationship more and have suspense as a by-product. 

Do you come up against any regular misconceptions about the genre and how do you dispel these?

Just that word romance, I think it’s an instant turn-off for anyone who considers themselves a hardened crime, mystery, thriller suspense reader. Maybe they don’t want to admit to enjoying the genre or even give it a go. It’s a shame because some of my best reviews have come from readers of my books in the psychological genre who I coerced into giving my women’s fiction a try. Now I know they’d take a chance on romantic suspense because they enjoyed a bit of a change. 

Blurb

When Freya falls for the manipulative Kane, her life changes beyond her wildest imagination. When the luxurious life she craves gradually becomes intolerable she realises escape is out of reach. Her life has changed and so has she.

She knows that when she least expects it, he will return and make good his promise to exact revenge and ensure she pays the price he felt he is owed.

Can Freya ever be free?

Whoever knew love could be so dangerous?

Following Freya from her carefree twenties up to the present day, Over My Shoulder is an intricate tale of blinkered love and obsession.