Author Spotlight: Cara Carnes, Gritty romance with heart and edge-of-your-seat action
If you’ve been following me at all, you know I am a serious romantic suspense junkie. And my goal is to read as many romantic suspense authors and books as possible. Fortunately, there are several of them attending upcoming events I’m going to, which encourages me to read those new authors before I meet them. Unfortunately, the Universe has not granted my wish of 36 hour days. Yet. So, with that in mind, I reached out to fellow romantic suspense junkie, and StalkerSister (if you listen to my podcast, you know) Susy. Because she is a serious Cara Carnes fan.
Susy found Cara much the way several of us have found so many amazing romantic suspense authors: The Protector Romance Reader Group on Facebook. This group has been a wealth of amazing recommendations, and Cara’s name comes up very often when people ask for new authors to read.
Susy loves that Cara’s books incorporate engaging and suspenseful storylines with drama and non-stop action. Her characters are likable, even if they often come from difficult or questionable pasts, and pull you into their stories, making for lots of late night reading and series binging.
And the heroes in Cara’s stories- yeah, these swoony guys fall hard for the people they’re tasked with protecting. Susy loves that the heroes treat the “victims” as if they’re part of their family, not simply a job to complete and move on. Those elements of found family drew Susy in, because who doesn’t love a great found family story. It’s kinda like our book besties- we’re all found family.
Susy also pointed out that Cara writes on her own, within her own series, but also writes within Susan Stoker's Special Forces: Operation Alpha World, where she incorporates some of Susan's characters in her books. That crossover element is a great way to get hooked on another author and series, so get ready for that binge as well.
Since Cara is high on my radar for TBR authors, I went and did a little looking around on her website, and found an entire set of books outside the romantic suspense subgenre. She writes erotic romance!! And yes, I am very excited about that.
I know erotica is not for every reader, but personally, I feel it’s an undervalued and often dismissed element of romance that more people would likely enjoy if they could get past their preconceived notions of it being “mommy porn.” Her Mysk Warriors series seems to be based on fantasy, which is another genre of fiction I love, so combining those 2 in one book— yes please! Not into fantasy, but want to dive into an erotica series, you might want to check out her Weekend Games series. Oooh, buddy read anyone?
So, what started as a Q&A with Susy about romantic suspense led me down a rabbit hole of backlist gold! And I freaking love when that happens!
Just the facts by Susy:
First book Susy read by Cara:
Protecting Mari (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) Counterstrike book 1
Susy’s Fave Book by Cara:
Avenging Victoria- (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) Counterstrike book 3
Susy’s Fave Cara Character:
Milo Davenport and Victoria Blevins from Avenging Victoria
Susy’s Fave Cara Cover: Protecting Mari
Where to connect with Cara Carnes
Get all the info about Cara on her website: www.caracarnes.com
You can get her books on Amazon
You can find PJ on social media here: Facebook Instagram
Facebook reader group: Cara Carnes Cohorts
