Picture an Australian storyteller who brought sweltering summers and swoon-worthy romances to life—meet C.J. Duggan! A proud Yorta Yorta woman, Duggan has captivated readers worldwide with her New Adult Summer Series, a collection of seven independent titles brimming with 90s nostalgia and heartfelt coming-of-age tales. Her stories, set in small-town Australia, pulse with relatable characters and the kind of romance that makes your heart skip a beat.
From her rural home in New South Wales, Duggan crafts narratives that transport readers to sun-soaked lakes and lively pubs, all while weaving in the charm of Australian culture. Her ability to blend humor, heart, and a touch of 90s pop culture has made her a number one internationally bestselling author, and her fans can’t get enough of her addictive storytelling.
The Making of C.J. Duggan
Born and raised in Australia, C.J. Duggan’s love for storytelling took root early. As a child, she scribbled tales in scrapbooks, one of which would later inspire her breakout novel, The Boys of Summer. Living in a rural border town of New South Wales with her husband, Duggan balances writing with renovating her century-old Victorian homestead and planning travel adventures. Her creative spark ignited during National Novel Writing Month in 2011, when a chance connection with a self-published author encouraged her to ‘own’ her writing. That advice changed everything, launching her into the world of indie publishing with a fearless spirit.
C.J. Duggan’s Unforgettable Stories
Duggan’s New Adult Summer Series is her crown jewel, a seven-title saga that captures the essence of Australian youth in the 90s. Her debut, The Boys of Summer (2012), follows Tess, a shy teenager navigating first love and friendship with the charming Onslow Boys at a small-town hotel. Readers fell for its vivid setting and authentic characters, with over 300,000 e-books sold globally. An Endless Summer (2013) dives into Amy’s redemption arc, blending romance with emotional depth, while That One Summer (2013) introduces Tammy’s journey with the lovable Chris, proving Duggan’s knack for slow-burn romance.
Beyond the Summer Series, Duggan ventured into the Paradise Series with Paradise City (2015) and Paradise Road (2015), exploring coastal Australian life through Lexie’s adventures. Her Heart of the City series, including titles like New York Nights, takes readers on global escapades with sassy heroines. Duggan’s style is distinctly Australian—think sun-drenched settings, cheeky banter, and relatable protagonists. Her nostalgic nod to 90s pop culture, from Nirvana to AC/DC, adds a layer of charm that resonates with readers craving authenticity.
Each book stands alone, but together, they create a vibrant world where friendships, first loves, and personal growth take center stage. Duggan’s ability to craft characters who feel like old friends has earned her comparisons to Abbi Glines and Colleen Hoover, but her uniquely Australian voice sets her apart.
Why C.J. Duggan Matters
C.J. Duggan has redefined New Adult romance by grounding it in Australian culture, offering a refreshing alternative to American-dominated narratives. Her stories celebrate the awkward, exhilarating moments of young adulthood, resonating with readers from teens to those young at heart. By self-publishing her early works, she broke barriers in the indie scene, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace their unique voices. Her partnership with Hachette for the Paradise Series marked a milestone, proving her stories could shine on a global stage.
Duggan’s impact extends beyond her books. As a Yorta Yorta woman, she brings a vital perspective to contemporary romance, weaving cultural pride into her storytelling. Her fans adore her for creating worlds that feel both nostalgic and timeless, making her a beloved figure in the genre.
- Key Works: The Boys of Summer, An Endless Summer, Paradise City
- Genre: New Adult Romance
- Hometown: Rural New South Wales, Australia
Snag The Boys of Summer and dive into C.J. Duggan’s sun-soaked world of romance and nostalgia! Whether you’re craving a beach read or a heartfelt escape, her stories will leave you smiling.