Picture a storyteller who spun tales of fiery romance and fearless heroines, captivating readers with her bold, sensual prose—meet Bertrice Small! Born in 1937 in Manhattan, this New York Times bestselling author redefined historical romance with over fifty novels, blending passion, adventure, and strong female protagonists. A pioneer of the genre, Small’s work continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
The Making of Bertrice Small
Bertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937, to parents in the television broadcasting business. Raised in Manhattan, she attended St. Mary’s, a girls’ school in Peekskill, New York, run by Anglican nuns. After briefly studying at Western College for Women in Ohio, she left to attend Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, later working as a secretary in advertising agencies. Her passion for storytelling emerged early—she wrote her first (unpublished) novel at 13, a tale of a princess defying a man’s advances. In 1963, she married George Small, a photographer and designer, and they shared 49 years together, raising a son, Thomas, on Long Island.
Bertrice Small’s Unforgettable Stories
Small burst onto the romance scene in 1978 with The Kadin, a sweeping tale of a European woman in a Turkish harem, showcasing her knack for blending historical detail with steamy romance. Her most iconic work, the Skye O’Malley series, follows the daring pirate queen Skye through six novels, starting with Skye O’Malley (1980). Known for its lush settings and unapologetic sensuality, the series captivated readers. Small also penned the Friarsgate Inheritance series, beginning with Rosamund (2002), which traces a young heiress’s journey through Tudor England. Her World of Hetar series added fantasy elements, with Lara (2005) exploring a magical realm. Small’s style was bold, her heroines fiercely independent, and her prose rich with historical and erotic detail, earning her the title 'reigning queen of romance.'
Her novels often pushed boundaries, exploring themes of love, power, and sexuality long before erotic romance was mainstream. From the exotic courts of Constantinople to the rugged Scottish highlands, Small’s vivid world-building transported readers. Her ability to craft complex, empowered women—like Skye, who became a pirate to defy Queen Elizabeth—set her apart in a genre often dismissed as formulaic.
Why Bertrice Small Matters
Bertrice Small’s impact on romance is monumental. As one of the 'Avon Ladies,' she helped modernize the genre in the 1970s, paving the way for contemporary romance authors. Her fearless exploration of sensuality and strong female leads inspired writers like Jennifer Blake and Janelle Taylor. Fans adored her, naming children after characters like Skye and treasuring her books as keepsakes. Small’s numerous awards, including a 2004 Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award and a 2008 Pioneer of Romance honor, reflect her influence. Her legacy lives on through re-recorded audiobooks and an upcoming Apple+ TV series based on Skye O’Malley.
- Born: December 9, 1937, Manhattan, New York
- Key Works: The Kadin, Skye O’Malley series, Friarsgate Inheritance series
- Awards: Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement (2004), Pioneer of Romance (2008)
- Died: February 24, 2015
Ready to dive into a world of passion and adventure? Snag Skye O’Malley and discover why Bertrice Small remains a romance legend!