Getting to The End

I'm nearing the end of the novel that I've been writing on for several months. It's just the first draft and I know it needs at least one if not two more drafts before I can submit it. As I've approached the end, I've worked out all the plotline questions that I had when I started. I've figured out a way to up the ante when I sit down and do my rewrites.

The only thing I haven't figured out is The End.

Yes I know the hero and heroine end up together. Yes I know they stop the immediate danger. But do I let my villain get away to wreck havoc in another book? That's my dilemma.

Unlike my previous novels, this one is intended to be a Harlequin Intrigue category romance. I have several secondary characters that can move into the spotlight for the next book, but do I chance it?
Will readers feel disappointed if the bad guy gets away, even if the immediate threat is eliminated?  Will they be intrigued enough to come back?

What do you think, should I settle all the plot threads in this novel or leave some issues dangling for possible future stories?

New to Me Authors

I have to admit I've had books by both J.T. Ellison and Michelle Gagnon on my TBR for quite some time. Yet I never got around to reading either of them, until now. I just finished two of Ellison's books -- All the Pretty Girls and The Cold Room, and completely enjoyed my foray into Taylor Jackson's world. One caveat for those who want to try Ellison's police detective series, don't skip around (though the mystery part of the story is self-contained) because I found that I missed significant chunks of Taylor's journey ... and yes, I will be going back to read what I missed.

As for Gagnon, I'm in the middle of her recent Kelly Jones adventure -- Kidnap and Ransom. So far I'm enjoying everything about the book, even though it's clear there's a lot of backstory between the characters that I don't know. In this book (and for those familiar with the series, this isn't a spoiler), Kelly is dealing with the loss of her lower leg and her prothesis, and her need to get back to work as an FBI agent. Will her trip to Mexico to help Riley find his brother and her side, off-the-radar investigation endanger that dream? I can't wait to finish reading to find out.

I've also discovered a fantastic debut young adult author, Beth Revis, whose book I got an early read on. Her sci-fi trilogy will kick off in January with Across the Universe. This is one series not to miss if you love YA or sci-fi.