Picture a Brooklyn-born storyteller who swapped screenplays for steamy novels, earning the title 'Shakespeare of Smut'—meet C.D. Reiss! A New York Times bestselling author, Reiss captivates readers with her sensual, character-driven erotic romance novels. Her series like Songs of Submission and Corruption blend raw passion with intricate storytelling, making her a standout in the romance genre.
With a master’s degree in screenwriting from USC, Reiss crafts narratives that feel cinematic, pulling readers into worlds of love, power, and desire. Her witty, evocative prose and bold exploration of complex relationships have won her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this romance powerhouse!
The Making of C.D. Reiss
Born in Brooklyn, New York, with an accent to prove it, Christine Reiss—known as C.D. Reiss—grew up with a flair for storytelling. She headed west to Hollywood, earning a master’s in cinematic writing from USC, hoping to pen blockbuster scripts. Though her screenwriting dreams didn’t pan out, the experience sharpened her knack for structure and dialogue, laying the groundwork for her novel-writing career. After facing rejections in traditional publishing, Reiss took a leap into indie publishing in 2010, transforming a screenplay into a novel and uploading it to Amazon. This bold move marked the start of her rise as a romance novelist.
C.D. Reiss’s Unforgettable Stories
Reiss’s novels are a masterclass in erotic romance, blending steamy encounters with deep emotional resonance. Her breakout series, Songs of Submission, follows Monica, an aspiring singer, and Jonathan, a billionaire with a kinky side, in a sizzling Los Angeles love story. Critics praise its 'poetic' and 'hauntingly atmospheric' prose, with titles like Beg and Submit hooking readers with their intense chemistry.
The Corruption series, a mafia romance spin-off, dives into the gritty world of Theresa Drazen and mobster Antonio Spinelli. Its fast-paced action and raw passion showcase Reiss’s ability to balance suspense and sensuality. Other notable works include the DiLustro Arrangement, a dark mafia trilogy, and Marriage Games, which earned an Audie Award for its audiobook. Reiss’s style—lush, character-focused, and unapologetically bold—explores themes of power, consent, and self-discovery, making her stories both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Whether she’s writing about billionaires, mobsters, or Hollywood stars, Reiss creates multidimensional characters who leap off the page. Her background in screenwriting shines through in tightly plotted narratives that feel like binge-worthy TV, earning her comparisons to literary giants, albeit with a delightfully naughty twist.
Why C.D. Reiss Matters
C.D. Reiss has redefined erotic romance, proving it can be both steamy and sophisticated. Her fearless exploration of BDSM, power dynamics, and emotional vulnerability resonates with readers seeking more than just spice. By self-publishing over two dozen titles, including New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, she’s shown indie authors can thrive without traditional gatekeepers. Her audiobooks, lauded with Audie and Earphones Awards, bring her vivid worlds to life, expanding her reach.
Reiss’s impact extends beyond books. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise her for crafting strong, witty heroines and respectful, complex relationships, setting a high bar for the genre. Her work challenges stereotypes about romance, blending literary finesse with unapologetic sensuality, and inspires readers to embrace their desires.
- Pen Name: C.D. Reiss (real name: Christine Reiss)
- Key Works: Songs of Submission, Corruption, DiLustro Arrangement, Marriage Games
- Awards: Audie Award for Marriage Games (2017), Audie nominations (2016)
- Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Ready to get lost in a world of passion and intrigue? Snag Songs of Submission and dive into C.D. Reiss’s irresistible erotic romance!