Picture a California girl who swapped sunny beaches for London’s lively pubs, only to return as a lawyer, mom, and paranormal romance maestro—meet Caroline Hanson! With her Valerie Dearborn series captivating over 100,000 readers, Hanson spins vampire tales that blur the lines between love, danger, and destiny, all with a romantic flair that’s hard to resist.
Her stories aren’t your typical fangs-and-capes vampire fare. Inspired by her teenage obsession with Anne Rice and Jude Deveraux, Hanson crafts intricate worlds where good and evil dance in the gray, and romance sizzles amidst supernatural chaos. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this multifaceted storyteller!
The Making of Caroline Hanson
Born in California, Caroline Hanson’s early years took a transatlantic twist when she moved to the United Kingdom. There, she soaked up Brit pop and the vibrant London scene, dancing in pubs and dreaming up stories. After returning to the U.S. with an Englishman as her husband, she juggled passing the bar exam, raising two kids, and indulging her love for vampire lore. Her teenage fascination with gothic romance authors like Anne Rice sparked a creative fire, leading her to pen her own tales of love and the supernatural.
Hanson’s journey to authorship wasn’t a straight path. Balancing law, motherhood, and writing, she carved out time to craft stories that reflected her romantic heart and sharp wit. Her debut novel in 2011 marked the start of a career that would resonate with paranormal romance fans worldwide.
Caroline Hanson’s Unforgettable Stories
Hanson’s flagship series, the Valerie Dearborn novels, kicks off with Love is Darkness (2011), where Valerie, an Empath, navigates a dangerous deal with the enigmatic Vampire King Lucas. Unlike traditional vampire tales, Hanson’s story thrives in moral ambiguity, weaving romance and action into a thrilling narrative. The series continues with Love is Fear (2011) and Love is Mortal (2012), exploring Valerie’s tangled love life and supernatural duties.
Beyond vampires, Hanson’s versatility shines in works like Bewitching the Werewolf (2011), a witty paranormal romance about a witch and a werewolf, and A Lady Out of Time (2014), a time-travel romance blending Victorian intrigue with modern sass. Her writing style is lush yet accessible, blending steamy romance, sharp humor, and complex characters. Hanson’s ability to merge urban fantasy with emotional depth sets her apart, earning her a loyal fanbase.
Her stories often challenge conventions, with heroes and villains who defy easy labels. This nuanced approach, paired with her knack for sizzling romantic tension, makes her books irresistible to fans of authors like Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris.
Why Caroline Hanson Matters
Caroline Hanson’s impact on paranormal romance lies in her fresh take on vampire lore. By crafting characters like Valerie Dearborn, who grapple with love and power in morally complex worlds, she’s expanded the genre’s boundaries. Her books have sold over 100,000 copies, a testament to her ability to connect with readers craving emotionally rich, action-packed stories.
Hanson’s influence extends to inspiring new authors in the indie publishing space, where she’s thrived since her debut. Her blend of romance, fantasy, and wit continues to captivate, proving that even lesser-known voices can leave a lasting mark. For fans, her stories are a thrilling escape into worlds where love conquers all—even the darkest of nights.
- Born: California, USA
- Key Works: Love is Darkness, Love is Fear, Love is Mortal, Bewitching the Werewolf
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
- Fun Fact: She owns a WWJD (What Would Joss Do?) t-shirt, nodding to her love for Joss Whedon’s storytelling.
Ready for a romantic, supernatural adventure? Snag Love is Darkness and dive into Caroline Hanson’s spellbinding world of vampires and Empaths!