Fresh Fiction Blog | Hannah Reed | Romancing The Cozy Mystery

It wasn't long ago that American cozy mysteries were as prudish as their 1920s English counterparts. Even strong-willed Miss Marple might have fainted dead away at the prospect of on-stage romantic interludes and this particular heroine's passionate foot fetish. Thankfully, those days are far behind us.

Here are the opening lines from BEELINE TO TROUBLE, book four in the Queen Bee mystery series, published December 4, 2012. After hitting bestselling lists at Barnes & Noble, Bookscan, and Baker & Taylor, it is the first in the series to become a national bestseller! Were the extra juicy romantic moments partially responsible? This author thinks that's a definite possibility.

It took me and Hunter Wallace a long time to nail down the specifics of "living in sin" (as my mother is sure to call it the minute she finds out). We both did a whole lot of foot dragging. I was most surprised by my own heavy, cold feet, since at thirty-four I've also been experiencing that hormonal ticking clock thing, and Hunter is one fine man.

Still, when it came to the obvious next step in our relationship, the part where we made a commitment, the little voice in my head wouldn't shut up with all its insecurities. I suspect Hunter must have been experiencing the same thing, but if so, he kept it to himself.

The first issue was mine. I'd been (unhappily) married before and couldn't bear the thought of another scorching relationship, unless it involved love bites rather than burn scars. Second issue (okay, this one's mine, too): Hunter Wallace had lived a carefree single-guy existence, and I feared the idea of compromise and tolerance might be foreign to him. Based on the previous man in my life, I assumed that Hunter would be majorly set in his ways. But so far, I'm happy to report the toilet seat issue has been the only bump in the road. Still, as the pessimist side of me reminds the more optimistic part, Hunter and I are still in honeymoon mode.

Three blissful days and counting.

Hannah Reed

(Also writing mysteries as Deb Baker)

beeline mug

Praise for the Series:

"Story Fischer is one of the spunkiest heroines of a cozy mystery that I have had the pleasure of reading!" ~ Fresh Fiction

"The characters are as colorful as the rainbow...With the perfect blend of humor and drama and a gutsy heroine." ~ RT Book Reviews

Tell us what you think about "juicy" romantic moments in your mysteries--like or not! Comment to win a Queen Bee coffee mug.

Comments

I now love love love cozies and I don't see a thing wrong with a little
romance - juicy romance - in a cozy!!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 3:13am January 19, 2013)

Even at 84 I certainly enjoy "juicy" romantic moments in mysteries. Keep at it!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:54am January 19, 2013)

Loved cozy mysteries from the first time I read one. This sounds like so much fun. Everyone needs a little romance in their life and juicy is good!
(Karen Gervasi 8:08am January 19, 2013)

I love cozy mysteries and a little romance is fun---as long as it's not too explicit with the sex.
(Sue Farrell 9:43am January 19, 2013)

Juicy romantic moments are a great interlude in the novel.
That is what makes the book memorable and special.
(Sharon Berger 9:58am January 19, 2013)

sure I like juicy romantic moments whether its my life or the mysteries.
(Pratikhya Alexis 10:12am January 19, 2013)

I like some romantic tension in the mystery. There is one series where the main characters are very mature and fluttering around whether to get involved or not. But there is no passion there, so I really couldn't care less. It's all about where they would be most comfortable to live and so on. Another series has two contrasting female characters, again quite mature. No spark whatsoever as they don't have any romances.
So I guess there doesn't have to be a hugely juicy moment in every story, because after all this is a mystery, but I do like to feel there is potential and if there is a romance, I want it to be passionate in some way.
(Clare O'Beara 10:34am January 19, 2013)

Juicy romantic moments are always good!
(Elizabeth Hyatt 11:50am January 19, 2013)

Real-life experiences--happy romance or not-so-happy challenges--always add up to more believable characters. Go for it.
(G S Moch 12:30pm January 19, 2013)

I love reading juicy romantic moments in cozy mysteries!
(Cheryl Lynne 2:07pm January 19, 2013)

I like some romance in my mysteries, they are more exciting.
(Maureen Emmons 2:07pm January 19, 2013)

I enjoy cozies both with and without some romance in them
(Sandy Giden 3:00pm January 19, 2013)

These are American Cozies and we have come a long way in our reading. Life is good, full of spice and vinegar. Throw in a bit of murder and mayhem, it makes for an enjoyable read. Keep writing what you feel comfortable with Hannah and we will read it!
(Rosemary Simm 3:20pm January 19, 2013)

I love, love, love juicy romantic moments in mysteries or any book!!
(Shirley Younger 3:28pm January 19, 2013)

I havent' really read many American cozies. I will have to check them out.
(Pam Howell 3:35pm January 19, 2013)

I love a very juicy romantic moments in romance, mystery, suspense, historical, and even in fantasy.
(Kai Wong 3:49pm January 19, 2013)

I think that Juicy romantic moments are great in any book be
it romance, suspense or myster.
(Jeannie Platt 4:00pm January 19, 2013)

I don't usually read mysteries, but I do love juicy romantic moments in any book.
(Carol Woodruff 5:16pm January 19, 2013)

your book sounds real fun! thanks for the chance!
(Debbi Shaw 5:28pm January 19, 2013)

I don't think a mystery book has to have heat but if it does, fine by me!
(Susan Coster 6:00pm January 19, 2013)

Romance in a mystery is fine by me, as long as the author doesn't go into details. Enjoyed reading your blog, book sounds like a lot of fun.
(Sheila True 6:17pm January 19, 2013)

Juicy parts keep the mystery from being too over-dramatic and dry. Plus, don't you know that all the best mystery action scenes always seem to happen just before or just after the romantic scenes. LOL
(Donna Holmberg 8:35pm January 19, 2013)

I don't mind a little "juice" in my mysteries. It tends to keep the story from getting to dull at times, and can actually add a bit of humor to the story. On that point, I
refuse to elaborate!! I have to say that this is one book that I need to get my hands on to warm up my cold and boring Winter days here, up North!! Your book sounds wonderful, and something that would really warm up my heart, along with a cup of hot chocolate!! The cover is so colorful, and caught my eye immediately when it got done downloading on dial-up, which is so slow!! This is a TBR list special, if I've ever seen one!! Congratulations on your book, and have a wonderful New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:49pm January 19, 2013)

Juicy romance in a mystery sounds delightful to me!
(G. Bisbjerg 9:02pm January 19, 2013)

Story Fischer and Hunter's juicy romance only adds realism to your cozy mystery.
(Joanne Hicks 9:29pm January 19, 2013)

Love a little romance with my mysteries! Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 10:19pm January 19, 2013)

I do like juicy romance mystery.... JD Robb has some juicy moments... although it's not what I would call cozy.
(May Pau 12:12pm January 20, 2013)

While there is certainly an audience for hotter mysteries, a spiced up "cozy" (usually, but not always, defined as an amateur detective, often female and often in a small town, rural, or suburban setting) may be a challenge. It looks like you are initiating an interesting new subgenre, and the sales figures support this as a good move. But a very large percentage of the cozy fans are women over 40 who gravitate to cozies because they don't want books with violence, gore, strong language, or sex--although a bit of discrete romance is always welcome. Just saying--I'm a librarian, and repeating what I hear at the circulation desk. Good luck! The book sounds like fun.
(Janet Martin 5:20pm January 20, 2013)

Oh sure, a little juicy romance is always good!!!
(Martha Lawson 5:35pm January 20, 2013)

Sometimes romance is a mystery, but love both of them.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 1:44pm January 21, 2013)

I do enjoy juicy romantic moments in my cozy mystery...it adds a bit of flavor or spice into the story! Love the cover of this book!
(Linda Luinstra 6:27pm January 21, 2013)

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

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Hannah Reed | Romancing The Cozy Mystery

Praise for the Series:

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April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Hannah Reed | Romancing The Cozy Mystery

Praise for the Series:

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors