Picture a Dublin-born dreamer spinning tales of passion and scandal against sun-soaked Italian palazzos—meet Amanda Cinelli! With her Irish-Italian roots and a knack for crafting steamy, heartfelt romance, Cinelli has enchanted readers worldwide. Her novels, published by Harlequin Presents, blend contemporary drama with timeless love stories, making her a standout in the romance genre.
From childhood sketches of glamorous heroines to bestselling books, Cinelli’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion. Let’s dive into her world of exotic locales, forbidden love, and unforgettable characters!
The Making of Amanda Cinelli
Born into a large Irish-Italian family in the leafy suburbs of County Dublin, Ireland, Amanda Cinelli grew up with a vivid imagination. As a child, she filled notebooks with drawings of characters in dazzling gowns, each with exotic names and stories scribbled in the margins. Her love for art led her to pursue a degree in fashion design, dreaming of becoming the next Vera Wang. But after a few career detours, including a stint in childcare, Cinelli found her true calling through writing. Her breakthrough came in 2011 during NaNoWriMo, a challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. Though her first manuscript never saw the light of day, it sparked a passion that led to her winning an online writing competition and launching her career as a romance novelist.
Amanda Cinelli’s Unforgettable Stories
Cinelli’s novels are a delicious blend of sensuality, drama, and exotic settings, often featuring strong heroines and brooding billionaires. Her debut, Resisting the Sicilian Playboy (2015), follows wedding planner Dara Devlin as she navigates a fake relationship with a charming Sicilian playboy—complete with a castle backdrop! The Avelar Family Scandals series, including The Vows He Must Keep (2020) and Returning to Claim His Heir (2021), dives into amnesia, secret heirs, and reignited passions, set against glamorous locales like Monte Carlo and St. Lucia. Pregnant in the Italian’s Palazzo (2023), part of the Greeks’ Race to the Altar series, captivates with a mile-high romance and an unexpected pregnancy, showcasing Cinelli’s knack for emotional depth. Her writing style is smart and sensual, weaving modern themes like neurodivergent love and plus-size representation into classic romance tropes.
With 12 published novels, Cinelli excels at short-form storytelling, a skill honed through Harlequin’s fast-paced format. Her stories transport readers to luxurious settings, from Italian palazzos to Caribbean paradises, while exploring themes of redemption, duty, and desire. Each book is a bite-sized escape, perfect for readers craving intense, emotional romance.
Why Amanda Cinelli Matters
Amanda Cinelli’s impact lies in her ability to modernize the romance genre while keeping its heart-pounding essence intact. Her diverse heroines, from plus-size lingerie designers to runaway princesses, resonate with readers seeking representation in romance. By tackling themes like forbidden love and personal transformation, she crafts stories that are both escapist and relatable. Her success with Harlequin Presents has solidified her as a beloved voice in contemporary romance, inspiring aspiring writers through her NaNoWriMo journey and community involvement. With three daughters and a busy life in Dublin, Cinelli’s dedication to her craft proves that passion can turn dreams into reality.
- Birthplace: County Dublin, Ireland
- Key Works: Resisting the Sicilian Playboy, The Vows He Must Keep, Pregnant in the Italian’s Palazzo
- Fun Fact: Cinelli’s ideas often strike during mundane tasks like loading the dishwasher!
Ready for a romantic escape? Snag Pregnant in the Italian’s Palazzo and dive into Amanda Cinelli’s world of passion and drama!