Picture a storyteller who spun tales of resilience and romance against the rugged backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains—meet Adriana Anders! This American author has carved a niche in contemporary romance with her gritty, emotional narratives that blend dark realism with hopeful new beginnings. Her debut novel, Under Her Skin, launched the acclaimed Blank Canvas series, captivating readers with its raw intensity and heartwarming redemption.
Now living on the coast of France with her family, Anders crafts stories that resonate with readers craving romance with depth. From small-town Virginia to icy Antarctica, her novels explore survival, healing, and love’s transformative power. Let’s dive into the life and works of this compelling voice in romance!
The Making of Adriana Anders
Born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Adriana Anders grew up surrounded by the landscapes that would later inspire her vivid settings. A lifelong romance reader, she devoured novels by authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whose knack for explosive character arcs shaped Anders’s own storytelling. Before writing, Anders wore many hats—bartender, singer, actor, and copy editor—working for startups, nonprofits, and multinationals. In 2013, she reignited her passion for fiction, signing with Sourcebooks in 2015 to publish her debut novel, Under Her Skin, which won awards for best unpublished contemporary romance from Heartland and New Jersey Romance Writers.
Adriana Anders’s Unforgettable Stories
Anders’s novels are a masterclass in dark, smart, and heartfelt romance, often centered on characters reclaiming their lives after trauma. Her Blank Canvas series, starting with Under Her Skin (2017), follows Uma, a survivor of abuse, as she seeks tattoo removal and finds love with Ivan, a blacksmith with a gentle heart. Praised as a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017, it blends suspense, steamy chemistry, and emotional depth. The series continues with By Her Touch and In His Hands, exploring tattoo removal as a metaphor for healing.
Beyond Blank Canvas, Anders’s Whiteout (Survival Instincts series) takes readers to Antarctica, where glaciologist Ford and researcher Angel face danger and kindle a scorching romance. Known for its thrilling pace and vivid setting, it earned acclaim from Entertainment Weekly. Her Loving the Secret Billionaire (Love at Last series) was a 2019 RITA Award finalist, showcasing her versatility in crafting novellas with big emotional stakes. Anders’s style—gritty yet hopeful, with slow-burn romance and deep character arcs—sets her apart in the genre.
Her inspiration often comes from real-life stories, like a radio piece about pro bono tattoo removal for abuse survivors, which sparked the Blank Canvas series. Anders weaves themes of empowerment and survival into her work, creating protagonists who overcome harrowing pasts with determination and love.
Why Adriana Anders Matters
Adriana Anders has redefined contemporary romance by tackling heavy themes with compassion and authenticity. Her focus on survivors—whether of abuse, PTSD, or isolation—resonates with readers seeking stories of hope amid adversity. Her novels, lauded by authors like Sarina Bowen and Katee Robert, have earned a loyal following for their emotional intensity and empowering narratives. By setting stories in evocative locales like Blackwood, Virginia, or Antarctica, Anders brings a cinematic quality to romance, making her worlds as unforgettable as her characters.
Her awards, including two HOLT Medallions for Under Her Skin, and features in Bustle, Oprah Mag, and Book Riot, underscore her growing influence. Anders’s work reminds us that love can be a powerful force for healing, making her a vital voice in modern romance.
- Born: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
- Key Works: Under Her Skin, Whiteout, Loving the Secret Billionaire
- Awards: Two HOLT Medallions (2018), RITA Award finalist (2019)
- Current Home: Coast of France
Snag Under Her Skin and dive into Adriana Anders’s gritty, heartfelt romance today!