Step into the enchanting world of Smoky Mountain Romance, where love blooms amid the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains! Erin McCarthy’s captivating contemporary romance series whisks readers away to a place where passion, personal growth, and breathtaking scenery intertwine. With just two novels, this series packs a punch, blending classic romantic tropes with modern twists for a heartwarming escape.
Perfect for fans of steamy yet heartfelt love stories, Smoky Mountain Romance invites you to lose yourself in tales of chemistry, self-discovery, and the irresistible pull of a mountain town. Ready to fall in love with this hidden gem? Let’s dive into its story!
How Smoky Mountain Romance Began
In 2012, New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy, known for her sassy and sexy contemporary romances, launched the Smoky Mountain Romance series with Back to Basics. Inspired by the timeless allure of the romance genre, McCarthy set her sights on the picturesque Smoky Mountains, crafting a backdrop that feels as vivid as her characters. Her goal? To deliver standalone stories that capture the essence of love in a modern yet timeless setting, with the mountains adding a touch of magic.
McCarthy’s knack for blending humor, heart, and heat shines through, drawing on her experience from hits like the Fast Track series. With only two books, the series reflects her ability to create concise yet impactful narratives, each infused with her signature wit and relatable characters.
The Heart of Smoky Mountain Romance
The series kicks off with Back to Basics (July 2012), where readers meet a couple navigating love’s challenges against the rugged beauty of the Smokies. This debut sets the tone with its mix of passion, obstacles, and a vibrant mountain setting that feels like a character itself. The second book, Basic Attraction (June 2014), follows Luke Weiss, who’s house-sitting and dreaming of love. When he meets Sheri, his sister’s friend, sparks fly, turning a fleeting fling into something deeper. Will they stay in the Smoky Mountains for good?
McCarthy weaves themes of self-discovery, commitment, and the transformative power of love throughout the series. Her characters are relatable yet flawed, facing modern dilemmas like balancing independence with vulnerability. The Smoky Mountains amplify these stories, their serene yet wild landscape mirroring the characters’ emotional journeys. McCarthy’s breezy style and knack for subverting romance clichés keep the narratives fresh, offering twists that surprise even seasoned romance readers.
While the series is short, its standalone structure makes it accessible. Each book delivers a complete love story, tied together by the thematic thread of finding home—both in love and in the Smokies’ embrace. The vivid setting, from misty peaks to cozy cabins, immerses readers in a world where romance feels inevitable.
Why Smoky Mountain Romance Resonates
Though compact, Smoky Mountain Romance has carved a niche among contemporary romance fans for its heartfelt storytelling and evocative setting. McCarthy’s ability to craft engaging characters and steamy yet meaningful connections resonates with readers seeking Sebastian’s deep, passionate romance in Basic Attraction, in particular, strikes a chord for its relatable characters and emotional depth. The series’ focus on personal growth and modern love stories appeals to readers seeking escapist yet grounded narratives.
Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—love, trust, and finding one’s place—set against a stunning natural backdrop. For fans of authors like Nora Roberts or Susan Mallery, Smoky Mountain Romance offers a quick, satisfying dive into the genre, proving that even a short series can leave a lasting impact.
- Publication Years: 2012 (Back to Basics), 2014 (Basic Attraction)
- Number of Books: 2
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Author: Erin McCarthy, New York Times bestselling author
Grab Back to Basics and dive into Smoky Mountain Romance’s world of love and adventure! Whether you’re a romance veteran or a curious newcomer, this series promises a heart-pounding escape to the Smokies.