Let's meet the authors of the Killer Romances boxed set

The killer authors of the Killer Romances boxed set of "10 Dark, Deadly, & Delicious Novels by 10 of Today's Hottest Romantic Suspense Authors" join HEA to explore romantic suspense and share their favorite books of all time.

Dana Delamar, author of Revenge

Why do you write romantic suspense?

Dana: I love putting characters in extreme do-or-die situations and seeing what happens. Even better: putting two potential lovers in a highly volatile, charged environment is guaranteed to turn up the heat! And what's even better than that? When they don't trust each other and are questioning each other's motives. (Ooh!) That explosive mix of sexual tension and escalating danger is what keeps me flipping pages as a reader and pounding the keyboard late into the night as an author.

What are your three favorite books of all time?

Dana: Wow — this is so hard! I absolutely adore Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It always makes me smile. And swoon. (Thank you, BBC, for casting Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy!) I also love, love, love Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat. Stunning books that made me want to be a writer (yeah, I'm cheating by naming two books and counting them as one). In terms of romantic suspense, Pamela Clare's Breaking Point is darn near perfect. Super-sexy, ultra-competent, protective alpha hero? Check. Kick-ass heroine? Check. Amazing plot, locales, and off-the-charts steam? Check, check, check!

Please tell us about your book in the set.

Dana: My book is Revenge. If you love sexy bad boys, especially Italian ones, then this is the book for you! Here's the setup: Mafia don Enrico Lucchesi struggles to preserve a fragile truce with the Andretti family. But when Kate Andretti flees from her abusive husband, Enrico won't leave her in jeopardy. Can he save her without reigniting the bloody feud between the families?

Tallulah Grace, author of Cliffs of Starsdale

Why romantic suspense? The simple answer is to escape. My primary genre is psychological thrillers, mainly books about serial killer crimes. Believe me, after writing a few of these in a row, I need a break! So, I step into something softer, more fun, not as dark, but still with the elements of danger and intrigue that I love. Also, I write what I like to read, and reading a Romantic Suspense novel is one of my favorite ways to step outside of my hectic life, if only for a few hours.

Three favorite books? It's hard to narrow it down to just three! Little Women by Louisa May Alcott makes the list as I remember the impact that reading it had on me as a child. I love books that bring out a variety of emotions; Little Women still makes me laugh, and cry. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is among my favorites as I am, and will always be, a hopeless romantic. Finally, Along Came a Spider by James Patterson is definitely in my top 10, as it still scares the bleep out of me!

Your book in the set? Seeking a fresh start after her mother's death, Chelsea Bates lands in picturesque Starsdale, California. Nestled amid the peaks of the High Sierras, Starsdale defines the term 'small town' with well-meaning residents who always seem to know everyone's business. What no one knew and couldn't have predicted, was the evil lurking beneath the surface of Chelsea's ex-fiancé. Preston Beecher follows her to Starsdale with the intentions of taking everything she owns, including her life. Will Preston destroy her dreams before they begin, or will bonds forged in a small mountain town be the pathway to her future?

Sandy Loyd, author of Deadly Misconceptions

Why RS? I write what I love to read. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Victoria Holt, then graduated to Sandra Brown and Nora Roberts. I've always loved the element of danger and mystery in love stories, especially if the hero and heroine are at cross purposes. The stories move at a quicker pace and usually there is a lot of action and adventure. I prefer writing lighter stories, what I call edgy cozies with a lot of twists and turns. My characters have fun while they're falling in love and saving the world.

Three favorite books? I fell in love with Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell in eighth grade. Having read it 20 times makes it No. 1 on my list. Second best book is Shauna by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I've read that a half a dozen times and still think Rourke Devereux Beauchamp is one perfect hero. And lastly, I loved Envy by Sandra Brown. I've read that book four times since it was released and now have it on my Kindle. The book was intriguing and had lots of twists that I love.

Your book in the set? Lucy Maddox joins forces with nemesis Jack Finnegan to find her missing friend and mentor despite being at cross purposes. When it becomes apparent they're being followed, and after a couple of harrowing near-misses that are too coincidental to be accidental, they increase their efforts. The chase leads to a ring of high school girls whose behavior could only be characterized as bullying. When they uncover the games those few cruel girls are playing, Jack and Lucy realize they've fallen victim to Deadly Misconceptions and now struggle to stay alive.

Kristine Mason, author of Shadow of Perception

Why RS? I love to write romantic suspense because it gives me the freedom to go dark and still cultivate a romantic relationship between the hero and heroine. But I have to be careful my villains don't steal the show. I love to get into their heads and see what makes them tick. When I was writing my first suspense, my villain actually visited me in a dream. He knocked on my door and when I saw him, I slammed it in his face. Bad guys aren't allowed to invade my sleep. With four kids, I don't get enough as it is!

Three favorite books? Only three? OK, here are a few that stick out in my mind. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. The range of emotions this book evokes is amazing. The Shining by Stephen King. King has a talented way of tapping into the human psyche, while creating a gripping horror story. The Taking by Dean Koontz. This book was so visual and, in my opinion, brilliantly written. I know the question is what three books, but I have to add to the list: Watership Down by Richard Adams, The Thief of Always by Clive Barker and Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.

Your book in the set? Chicago investigative reporter Eden Risk receives an unmarked envelope containing a postcard ordering her to watch the enclosed DVD…or someone else dies. No police. After watching the gruesome, horrifying surgery on the DVD, she turns to the criminal investigation agency CORE for help. But that help comes with a catch. Her former lover, Hudson Patterson, is assigned to the case. And as more DVDs arrive, they not only find themselves knee-deep in a twisted investigation, but forced to deal with their past and the love they'd tried to deny.

Dale Mayer, author of Haunted by Death

Why RS? I love writing twisted romantic suspense, with and without paranormal elements. Keeping readers on the edge of their seat, turning page after page while they try to figure out the twisted plot is all the thrill I need to keep writing.

Three favorite books? I'm going to list my three favorite series as they are impossible to separate. Nancy Drew, Harry Potter and J.D. Robb's series.

Your book in the set? Death haunts anthropologist Meg Pearce … Seventeen years ago, a camping trip ended in a friend's disappearance … and destroyed her life. She lost everything. Her innocence. Her plans for her future. Her best friend and lover. Now she returns to the same area, hoping to move on. But a gruesome discovery sends her reeling back in time.

Detective Chad Ingram has spent those years trying to solve the mystery of that camping trip so he too can regain his life … and his lost love.

Only death isn't done shaking up their lives … and this time they are in the crossfire.

Nina Pierce, author of Blind Her With Bliss

Why RS? I'm a scientist. Not just by education, but down deep in the core of me. I spend my leisure time doing word puzzles and I love formulas and equations. (Yeah, I was that geek who was good at math.) My muse is happiest when she dissects the puzzle of a crime and reconstructs it in pieces, throwing in unexpected plot twists and red-herrings that keep the reader turning pages to discover how it all comes together. Throw in a kick-ass heroine to bring down the villain and a sexy hero she has to save — and I'm in writer nirvana.

Three favorite books? I picked up my first romance at the age of 12 — Colleen McCullough's The Thorn Birds. Yeah, not quite age-appropriate, but secret babies and the forbidden love of a priest had me completely hooked on the genre. I think because it was my first, it will always be my favorite. It's followed closely by Anne McCaffrey's sci-fi romance Freedom's Landing (geek-girl smiles) and Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear. Both of these authors were masters at world building and creating scenarios that put the very existence of humans in jeopardy.

Your book in the set? She's trying to find herself. He's attempting to hide. Together they'll discover a truth that threatens them both ...

Investigating the death of her best friend, accountant, Julie Tilling discovers a world of adult nightclubs and Internet intrigue. When shock jock Damon Corey rocks her world in a wild night of lust, she wonders if she's found love ... or the key to solving a murder.

Chantel Rhondeau, author of Love & Deception (Agents in Love, book 1)

Why RS? I love love! writing about falling in love, pulse racing, the characters staring into the eyes of their soul mate — it's beautiful and exciting and fun! However, I also love a great mystery or thriller. When I read my very first romantic suspense book and learned I could combine these two things in this manner, the possibilities of the genre fascinated me. It's been a great adventure so far. Most days, I can hardly wait to get to my keyboard to find out what will happen!

Three favorite books? At the very top of my list is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. So haunting and an exciting mystery. I've read it four times and still love it. Next, I really love the romantic suspense Knowing Vera by Rachelle Ayala. Vera's voice is distinct, and she's a character that stuck in my mind over time. Also, I love the book The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick, a great historical romantic suspense. If I had more time, I could list many more titles. There are so many fantastic books out there.

Your book in the set? Nick Kendall is a secret agent sent to infiltrate a suspected terrorist organization. Despite his best intentions, he falls hopelessly in love with Carlie Hollis, an alleged key player of the group. Though he knows it's wrong, Nick struggles with his feelings versus what is right. Everything changes when he receives new orders-kill the target. Will he follow those orders … or become hunted himself?

K.T. Roberts, author of The Last Witness

Why RS? I write suspense because I love putting the puzzle together, and enjoy it even more when fans will tell me who they think is the villain and it turns out not to be. Plus, I've been around law since I was a teenager when my sister enrolled in the Police Academy. As my source, she keeps me on my toes to make sure I'm telling the law enforcement part correctly. She also worked undercover, so future book, here I come.

Three favorite books? It's hard to say these are my all-time favorites because the list is forever changing. At the moment though, these are the books that stand out in my mind, the first two being classics that would help any writer. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and The Long Fall by Walter Mosley.

Your book in the set? NYPD detectives Tate Kensington and Zachary Gerard are convinced one killer is at work, but proving it seems an impossible feat until a pre-teen prank blows the case wide open. Both detectives have their own pasts to haunt them - Tate's ex-flame is now her boss, and Zach's estranged father is counsel for the defense. Complicating things even more are death threats, witnesses going AWOL, and an increasing attraction neither of them can continue to deny. Can the pair put away a killer on a paper-thin case? Or will their disappearing Jane Doe prove to be ... The Last Witness ...

H.D. Thomson, author of Shrouded in Darkness

Why RS? To me nothing compares to a good suspense in any media. I love Alfred Hitchcock when it comes to cinematic thrillers, while for books, to me nothing beats Dean Koontz's or Mary Higgins Clark's earlier work. When I first red Koontz and Clark I was thoroughly hooked and I knew I wanted to write like them but with a sexier edge. The emotional depth of the characters they created and how they crafted such incredible plot twists were inspiring.... I love how Dean Koontz thrusts ordinary people into extraordinary circumstances, and I've been finding myself writing characters in that same vein.

Three favorite books? I love Dean Koontz's earlier work, particularly the dark thriller Dark Rivers of the Heart. My second all-time-favorite book is Quietus by Vivian Schilling. The dark, Gothic mood of the book swept me into the story. You can tell the author did some incredible research on angels and the Catholic Church and how they were viewed over the centuries. My third favorite is Passage by Connie Willis, a 750-page tome that I couldn't put down. There is this amazing twist right in the middle of the book that thoroughly shocked me and I'll always remember.

Your book in the set? Shrouded in Darkness is about Jake Preston, who is on borrowed time. If he doesn't stumble upon a miracle and soon, he'll end up dead. And even if he does, he still might end up dead with a clever killer hounding his heels. He believes the one miracle and antidote that will save his life is in Margot Davenport's house, across the country and miles away from Boston. Somewhere locked in her home is the key to reversing an experiment that is killing him.

Susan Vaughan, author of Primal Obsession

Why RS? I grew up reading mysteries, first Nancy Drew, then authors my mother read, Agatha Christie and Erle Stanley Gardner, for example. I've always loved the tension and the puzzle. Then I discovered Gothics like Jane Eyre and books by Mary Stewart and Phyllis Whitney and fell in love, so to speak, with the romance aspect as well. I love writing romantic suspense because it throws the hero and heroine together under extraordinary circumstances and pits them against a clever villain.

Three favorite books? There are so many it's difficult to choose, but here goes. A childhood fave was The Secret Garden, a mystery of sorts and a lovely story. I've read and reread all Edgar Allan Poe's novels and stories, but my favorite is The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Then I have to say my forever fave of all is Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, a masterful and compelling story that has influenced my writing.

Your book in the set? Maine Guide Sam Kincaid needs to prove he can overcome the loss of his baseball career and succeed at something. Investigative reporter Annie Wylde intends to use the wilderness canoe expedition to study her notes on her friend's killer. She banters with Sam but rebuffs his advances, considering him just another egotistical jock. But when Annie realizes the killer has followed her into the woods, she learns there's more to Sam than testosterone and dimples. And Sam faces the challenge of his life to keep Annie safe and defeat the Hunter.

Find out more about the boxed set on the Killer Romances Facebook page.