January | 2016 | valloryv

I wasn’t a writer in 2015, but I remained a reader.

I revisited many of those genres that I haven’t read in a while including horror, true crime, and the cozy mystery.

For the cozies, I prefer the couples solving crimes together (don’t forget I’m a lover of romance) But the romantic cozy mystery didn’t hold the magic that it once did for me and I only read a few.

They were fun and well-written, but I kept thinking there was something missing. Like – is she going to kiss this guy? Is she ever going to do anything more than kiss this guy?

Calm yourself down, chick! That’s all that happens in a cozy! (Words from one of best friends who didn’t share my desire for something spicier)

And she wasn’t alone. As I trolled the forums on Goodreads, I found that many cozy readers want the unique setting and a host of quirky minor characters without excessive violence, profanity and graphic sex.

So I have a genre question what combines the elements of a cozy with a steamy romance?

A Romantic Suspense?

Romantic Suspense: Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot. (From Romance Writers of America https://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=579)

This makes me think of the In Death series by J.D. Robb which I love! But it doesn’t have the lightness of the Death on Demand series by Carolyn Hart. Can I have the passion of Eve Dallas and Roark paired with the sweetness of Ann and Max Darling?

I’m a reader and I want to see it done.

But does such a thing exist?

Wait a minute, peeps. I was a writer in 2014.

And in 2016, I’m introducing (insert drum roll)… Portia Andrade – amateur sleuth of color, fierce lover of one man who battles lifelong demons of her own while she solves a mystery or two.

Check back in a few days and I’ll give you Portia’s short story and let you know when her first novella will be ready!

***And cheers to the year of the writer!***