Picture a South Carolina storyteller who weaves love, redemption, and second chances into every page—meet Cheris Hodges! A romance novelist with a knack for crafting emotionally rich tales, Hodges has captivated readers with her authentic characters and heartfelt narratives. From her roots in Bennettsville to her vibrant career in Charlotte, North Carolina, she’s a literary force who brings the heat to contemporary romance.
Known for novels like Recipe for Desire and Blissful Summer, Hodges infuses her stories with relatable struggles, steamy connections, and the power of personal growth. Her work resonates with fans of African-American romance, offering a fresh voice that celebrates love in all its messy, beautiful glory. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this award-winning author!
The Making of Cheris Hodges
Born in 1977 in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Cheris Hodges was bitten by the writing bug early. As a child, she dreamed of storytelling, a passion that led her to Johnson C. Smith University, where she earned a journalism degree in 1999. Her time at this historically Black college shaped her perspective, infusing her work with cultural depth and authenticity. After graduating, Hodges became a freelance journalist in Charlotte, honing her craft while chasing love stories in unexpected places.
A vivid dream sparked her first romance novel, Revelations, which she began writing at 2 a.m. This bold start set the tone for her career: fearless, inspired, and deeply personal. Her journalism background, paired with a North Carolina Press Association community journalism award, gave her the tools to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers far beyond the page.
Cheris Hodges’s Unforgettable Stories
Hodges’s novels are a delicious blend of romance, drama, and personal transformation. Her 2012 hit Recipe for Desire follows Marie Charles, Charlotte’s party girl, whose DWI arrest lands her in community service at a women’s shelter. There, she meets celebrity chef Devon Harris, and their opposites-attract chemistry sizzles. The novel’s feel-good redemption arc and vivid characters make it a fan favorite for poolside reading.
In Blissful Summer (2015), Hodges contributes Make You Mine Again, a novella about supermodel Jansen Douglas reuniting with her high school sweetheart in Paris. The story’s exotic setting and rekindled passion showcase Hodges’s knack for crafting escapist romance. Other notable works include Tempted at Midnight, a steamy tale of a life-changing New Year’s Eve kiss, and the Richardson Sisters series, starting with Owner of a Broken Heart, which explores family legacy and unexpected love in Charleston.
Hodges’s style is warm, sensual, and grounded in real-life experiences. Her characters—often strong, flawed women and the men who love them—navigate heartbreak, ambition, and second chances. Themes of forgiveness and self-discovery run deep, making her stories both thrilling and relatable. Whether set in North Carolina or Paris, her novels feel like a conversation with a wise friend who knows love’s highs and lows.
Why Cheris Hodges Matters
Cheris Hodges has carved a unique space in contemporary romance, particularly within African-American storytelling. Her novels celebrate Black love, culture, and resilience, offering representation that resonates with diverse readers. By tackling themes like redemption and family ties, she creates stories that are as empowering as they are entertaining. Her work in series like Southern Loving and Rumor Has It shows her versatility, blending suspense, humor, and heart.
Beyond her books, Hodges’s engagement with readers—through social media and personal emails—builds a loyal community. Her journalism roots keep her stories grounded, while her vivid imagination elevates them to must-read status. For fans of Brenda Jackson or Kathy Douglass, Hodges is a refreshing voice who proves love stories can be both universal and deeply personal.
- Born: 1977, Bennettsville, South Carolina
- Key Works: Recipe for Desire, Blissful Summer, Tempted at Midnight, Owner of a Broken Heart
- Awards: North Carolina Press Association Community Journalism Award
- Fun Fact: She wrote her first novel after a dream woke her at 2 a.m.!
Snag Recipe for Desire or dive into the Richardson Sisters series to experience Cheris Hodges’s steamy, soulful romance! Her stories are perfect for anyone craving love, laughter, and a happily-ever-after that feels oh-so-real.