Alyssa Cole

Alyssa Cole is an American author known for writing across multiple genres including historical fiction, contemporary romance, and science fiction. Born in 1982 in New York City, she has established herself as a prominent voice in both romance and thriller categories, with particular recognition for including diverse characters and exploring various historical periods. Cole's work spans significant moments in American history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, while also delving into contemporary settings. Her acclaimed Loyal League series, set during the American Civil War, and her contemporary Reluctant Royals series, which draws inspiration from modern royalty, demonstrate her range as an author. Her novel "An Extraordinary Union" (2017) garnered multiple awards, and "A Princess in Theory" received recognition as one of The New York Times notable books of 2018. In recent years, Cole has expanded into the thriller genre with works like "When No One Is Watching," further broadening her literary scope. Beyond her solo works, Cole has contributed to various anthologies, collaborating with notable authors in the romance genre. Her writing explores both straight and LGBTQ+ relationships, featuring characters with diverse backgrounds and professions ranging from Civil War spies to modern-day professionals.

Readers consistently note Cole's skill at blending social issues with engaging plots. Her romance works receive praise for authentic relationship development and complex characters who face realistic conflicts. What readers liked: - Strong research in historical fiction, particularly Civil War era details - Natural diversity in characters without feeling forced - Balance of serious themes with humor and heart - Smart dialogue and chemistry between leads - Genre versatility (romance to thrillers) What readers disliked: - Some find the pacing slow in early chapters - Political themes too overt for readers seeking lighter romance - Higher price point for shorter works/novellas Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Most books average 3.8-4.2/5 - "An Extraordinary Union": 4.0/5 (12,000+ ratings) - "A Princess in Theory": 3.9/5 (14,000+ ratings) - "When No One Is Watching": 3.8/5 (45,000+ ratings) Amazon: Averages 4.3-4.5/5 BookBub: 4.2/5 average across titles One reader noted: "Cole tackles heavy subjects while keeping hope and joy at the forefront."

An Extraordinary Union Historical romance set during the Civil War following Elle Burns, a former slave working as a Union spy, who poses as a mute house servant to gather intelligence while becoming entangled with another undercover agent.

When No One Is Watching Psychological thriller about a Brooklyn woman who discovers disturbing patterns while researching her neighborhood's history as gentrification changes her community.

A Princess in Theory Contemporary romance about a STEM graduate student who discovers the spam emails claiming she's betrothed to an African prince are actually legitimate.

A Duke by Default Contemporary romance following a social media manager who becomes an apprentice to a Scottish swordmaker, only to discover he's secretly a duke.

A Prince on Paper Romance novel about a woman who enters into a fake engagement with a playboy prince from the fictional African country of Thesolo.

An Unconditional Freedom Civil War historical romance about a free-born Black man seeking revenge after being sold into slavery who partners with a Cuban-born spy.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy Contemporary novella about two women getting a second chance at romance after a failed first connection in New York City.

Agnes Moor's Wild Knight Historical romance novella set in the court of King James IV of Scotland, featuring a Black woman courtier and a mysterious knight.

Courtney Milan writes historical and contemporary romance with complex plots and focuses on social justice themes. Her work features diverse characters and tackles historical issues like class inequality and racial discrimination.

Beverly Jenkins specializes in African-American historical romance with extensive research into Black American history. Her books combine romance with detailed historical elements spanning from the Civil War through the Old West.

Talia Hibbert creates contemporary romance featuring diverse characters and includes disability representation. Her work balances serious themes with romance and incorporates family dynamics into central plotlines.

Sonali Dev writes contemporary and contemporary-retelling romance drawing from Indian culture and experiences. Her books merge family drama with romance while exploring cultural expectations and modern relationships.

Helen Hoang focuses on contemporary romance with neurodiverse representation and Asian-American characters. Her books combine cultural elements with romance while examining family relationships and personal growth.