Picture a Boston-born wordsmith who spins tales of raw passion and complex characters—meet Cara McKenna! Since 2008, this award-winning author has crafted nearly forty romances and erotic novels, captivating readers with her smart, modern voice and unapologetic defiance of convention. Whether writing as Cara McKenna, Meg Maguire, or C.M. McKenna, she’s a master of blending vivid eroticism with deep emotional resonance, making her a standout in contemporary romance.
Now settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, McKenna’s stories pulse with the grit and heart of her Boston roots. Her ‘perfect lousy grammar’ style—playful yet precise—has earned her a devoted following and accolades like a 2015 RITA Award nomination and a 2014 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Ready to dive into her world of steamy, soulful storytelling?
The Making of Cara McKenna
Born and raised in Boston, Cara McKenna’s early life was steeped in the city’s vibrant, no-nonsense culture, which later infused her writing with authenticity and edge. Before becoming a full-time writer, she juggled eclectic gigs—barista, designer, even penguin handler—each adding a layer of real-world grit to her perspective. In 2008, she began writing, and by 2010, her debut novella, Brazen, marked her arrival in the romance scene. A 2010 Golden Heart Award finalist, McKenna quickly gained traction for her bold, boundary-pushing narratives.
Cara McKenna’s Unforgettable Stories
McKenna’s bibliography is a treasure trove of nearly forty novels and novellas, published with houses like Harlequin, Penguin, and Signet Eclipse. Her writing style, often described as illustrative and suspenseful, captivates readers by weaving mental imagery with raw emotion. Take Willing Victim, her most popular work, an intense erotic romance that explores complex desires with surprising tenderness. Then there’s Unbound, a poignant tale of Merry, a woman rediscovering herself in the Scottish Highlands, only to find passion with a reclusive stranger.
After Hours, another fan favorite, dives into the gritty romance between a nurse and a security guard, showcasing McKenna’s knack for blue-collar heroes and authentic dialogue. For something unique, Way Down Deep, co-written with Charlotte Stein, unfolds entirely through text messages, proving her versatility. McKenna’s stories often feature strong-willed characters navigating taboo or unconventional desires, earning praise for their depth and defiance of genre norms.
Her pseudonyms add variety: as Meg Maguire, she pens category romances with a lighter touch, while C.M. McKenna tackles darker, experimental works like Badger, a literary debut about addiction and obsession. Across all names, McKenna’s themes—self-discovery, passion, and emotional truth—resonate deeply, making her a must-read for romance fans.
Why Cara McKenna Matters
Cara McKenna’s impact lies in her ability to elevate erotic romance beyond stereotypes, crafting stories that are as emotionally rich as they are steamy. Her fearless exploration of complex desires and flawed characters has inspired readers and writers alike, challenging the genre to embrace authenticity over cliché. Fans on platforms like Goodreads rave about her ability to surprise and move them, cementing her as a cult favorite. Her awards, including a 2014 RT Reviewer’s Choice win, underscore her influence in pushing romance forward.
In a genre often dismissed as formulaic, McKenna’s smart, unconventional voice stands out, offering narratives that linger long after the last page. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of romance authors to take risks and tell stories that matter.
- Born: Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Willing Victim, Unbound, After Hours, Way Down Deep
- Awards: 2015 RITA Award finalist, 2014 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award winner, 2010 Golden Heart finalist
- Pseudonyms: Meg Maguire, C.M. McKenna
- Current Home: Pacific Northwest
About Cara McKenna
Snag Willing Victim or After Hours and dive into Cara McKenna’s steamy, soulful world of romance—you won’t be disappointed!