As an avid romance reader, I see these “Colton” books advertised everywhere, and I know they’re not all written by the same author. What’s the deal? Do the same group of characters show up in each book? Does each work as a standalone?
The Colton books are known as continuities, usually a series of about six to twelve books. Each continuity features a family branch of Coltons and each book is written by a different author. We are given guidelines to write the book. Usually characters from previous books do make appearances in the subsequent books. For example, Colton 911: Chicago, Under Suspicion, is my book. It’s Book 12 in the continuity. Sean from Book 1 is friends with Harry, the hero of my book. Sean and his wife January make a few guest appearances in Under Suspicion. I do know my book can be read as a standalone, but it’s more fulfilling to read the previous 11 books in that particular continuity.
How would you describe your latest book in the series, Colton 911: Under Suspicion? Would you say there is an equal amount of action, mystery, and romance – or does one dominate more than the other?
In Under Suspicion I believe romance is the dominating characteristic, though there is plenty of mystery and action. I do love having twists at the end of my books that keep the reader guessing. Harry and Sara both have issues to work out. Harry lost his wife and young child when they were murdered, and Sara grew up fatherless and longing to know who her father was. Sara finds out her father is wealthy Axel Colton, but before she works up the courage to introduce herself, he’s murdered.
How would you describe the two main characters? Your book’s description says that at some point, the heroine is the main suspect in a murder. Does that translate to a prickly chemistry between the two main characters? Or does the detective mostly keep his suspicions to himself and there is just a sexual tension rather than verbal sparring?
Harry is a hard-nosed and dedicated detective determined to solve the case of Axel Colton’s murder. Sara is Axel’s illegitimate daughter and Harry’s main suspect. There’s definitely chemistry between them and tensions rise later in the book when the real killer starts to threaten Sara. Harry is a very protective hero!
Do you prefer writing a hero who is a cop or lawman rather than an antihero or more conflicted character?
I actually like writing all kinds of heroes. I like the tormented guys who bring tension and conflict to the romantic relationship. I like writing law enforcement or military heroes, but the profession doesn’t matter to me as much as their background and backstory to add romantic conflict. In one of my previous Harlequin romantic suspense books, Rescue from Darkness, Kyle is an FBI agent who distrusts doctors because he blames them for not saving his baby girl. Much as he dislikes doctors, he has to team with the heroine, Dr. Belle North, to track and rescue a kidnapped child. That made for terrific conflict!
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m working on my next Harlequin romantic suspense, which will involve an ex-Navy Seal working with the SOS security agency I first featured in my book Navy Seal Seduction.
I’m also finishing The Sea Dragon, a paranormal romance that will be self-published. It’s part of my Werewolves of Montana series. The Sea Dragon features a dashing pirate cursed to turn into a sea monster, and the woman who can break the curse if she declares her love for him. It’s a Beauty and the Beast theme with dragons.
What will be your next release?
The Sea Dragon will be released soon. I also have an October Harlequin Romantic Suspense book available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble called Reunion at Greystone Manor. That book was fun to write. It has gothic overtones and features a reunion romance between an FBI agent and his childhood sweetheart who are trying to find a multi-million dollar treasure in this spooky mansion and solve the murder of the hero’s beloved great-aunt.
How can fans contact you online or find out more about your books?
My website has an email contact address and on my website they can access a book list. It’s www.bonnievanak.com Thanks for having me on Fresh Fiction!
UNDER SUSPICION by Bonnie Vanak
New York Times Bestselling Author
He’ll uncover the truth
No matter the cost…
Since losing his family, Detective Harry Cartwright lives for the job. So when he’s assigned to investigate the murder of Axel Colton, the hard-boiled cop goes all in…
But one distraction stands in his way. Sara Sandoval is the victim’s secret illegitimate daughter—and Harry’s prime suspect. Can Harry resist his unprofessional feelings for Sara…and protect her from a vengeful killer?
Romance Suspense [Harlequin Romantic Suspense, On Sale: December 28, 2021, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781335759535 / eISBN: 9780369713834]
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About Bonnie Vanak
After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie Vanak began working as a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels. Bonnie’s books have been translated into five languages, including Spanish, Italian and Japanese. She has received numerous accolades for both nonfiction and fiction writing, including three Writer’s Digest awards. She lives in Florida with her husband Frank.
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