COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
From Storms to Storylines:
How a Weather Nerd Turned Lockdown into a Thrilling Literary Career Romantic suspense author Allison Bettes debuts her fast-paced series with small-town charm, second chances—and plenty of adrenaline.
with more danger and a bit more grit.”
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Up next for Bettes? A brand-new series spotlighting strong female leads in STEM. “It’s a nod to my roots as a scientist,” she says. “Still romantic suspense, but this time the heroines are smart, bold women in lab coats, tackling more than just love.”
What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something bigger.
Whether you’re here for the slow-burn chemistry, the adrenaline-pumping scenes, or the security firm full of protective (and occasionally grumpy) heroes, Bettes’ books offer something for everyone—especially readers who want both heart and heat.
ike many of us, Allison found herself with extra free time during the early days of the pandemic. But instead of learning to make sourdough or binge-watching every true crime docuseries on Netflix, this Cobb County resident and Atlanta-based meteorologist-turned-author decided to write her first novel.
“I used writing as a form of catharsis during Covid,” Bettes says. “It became this unexpected joy—and five years and four books later, I’m finally ready to share my stories with readers.” Earlier this year, Bettes officially launched her debut romantic suspense series, Ranger Shield Security, described in her own words as “Cupid meets crime scene.” Each book features a pulse-pounding plot wrapped around a slow-burning love story—and yes, despite the danger, you’re always guaranteed a happy ending. Oh and they are based in North Georgia—though for fiction purposes, some of the town names have been changed. “There’s always a sense of danger—whether it’s a stalker, a crime, or a hidden identity—but the romance is the heart of it all,” she says. “And maybe that’s leftover pandemic energy too. We all just wanted some hope. A little light at the end of the tunnel.” Her first book, Betrayal & New Beginnings, introduces us to Ellie Hutchinson, a woman desperate to escape a dangerous ex. With the help of her brother and his fellow Army veterans—now running a private security firm in Georgia— she finds refuge, and unexpectedly, romance with former soldier Wade Watson. But just as she begins to settle into her new life, her past comes back with a vengeance. Between the relentless pursuit of her unhinged ex and betrayal from someone she once trusted, Ellie must choose between hiding or fighting back—with Wade at her side. The second installment, Instinct & New Identity (releasing May 6), brings readers the story of Catalina Rivera, a woman in Witness Protection whose quiet life is disrupted when her former military pen pal, Vince, shows up at her doorstep. What follows is a reunion wrapped in danger, unresolved grief, and a rekindled connection that could cost them both everything.
Ranger Shield Security Series Betrayal & New Beginnings — Out now Instinct & New Identity — Out on May 6 Deception & New Direction — Coming in July Restart & New Revenge — Coming in September For more on Allison Bettes and her books, visit [allisonbettes.com] or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @allisonbettesauthor.
And here’s the good news for those who hate the wait between books: Bettes is releasing all four books in the series by September. “Reader feedback made it clear that no one has patience anymore,” she laughs. “We got used to binge-watching, binge-reading—no one wants to wait two years for the next story to come out. And since all four books were already written, I decided to just go for it.” The series is fueled by Bettes’ love for storytelling and her signature mix of suspense, emotional depth, and just enough sass. She’s quick to describe herself as a romantic suspense writer fueled by caffeine and chocolate, and proudly wears many hats: part-time chef, full-time weather nerd, and mom to both 2-legged and 4-legged kids. Her love of romance novels began with hand-me-downs from her grandma— dog-eared copies of Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel that opened a whole new world. “I was hooked,” she says. “And now I get to write stories like that, only
Our Town
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