Picture a Jersey girl spinning tales of passion and intrigue that keep readers up all night—meet Cleo Scornavacca! This award-winning romance author has taken the literary world by storm with her sultry, heartfelt stories, most notably her gripping Miss Taken series. With a knack for blending eroticism and raw emotion, Scornavacca has carved a niche in contemporary romance, captivating fans worldwide.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Cleo Scornavacca’s journey from a pharmacy book-orderer to a celebrated novelist is as compelling as her plots. Her stories, steeped in the vibrant energy of her home state, resonate with readers who crave romance with a side of suspense. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this rising star!
The Making of Cleo Scornavacca
A true 'Jersey Girl,' Cleo Scornavacca grew up in New Jersey, where she still resides with her husband, daughter, and their 90-pound Doberman, Brayden. Her love for storytelling sparked early, fueled by her job at a local pharmacy where she ordered paperbacks—though she cringed at ripping off unsold covers! A self-described romantic, Scornavacca’s influences range from 80s hair bands to classic Hollywood films, shaping her vibrant, emotional writing style. Despite years of journaling, it wasn’t until 2012 that she mustered the courage to publish, overcoming past insecurities from childhood bullying to share her voice with the world.
Cleo Scornavacca’s Unforgettable Stories
Scornavacca’s debut, Miss Taken (2013), launched the Miss Taken Identity series, a thrilling trilogy that hooked readers with its tale of mistaken identity and forbidden love. The story follows Rain Medici, a photographer kidnapped by the dashing Dominick Kane, who mistakes her for her twin sister, Raven. The series continues with Identity (2014) and The Ties That Bind (2016), weaving a complex narrative of love, secrets, and redemption. Fans praise the raw, emotional depth of Rain and Dominick’s journey, despite some noting early editing hiccups.
In 2018, Scornavacca expanded her universe with Within Six Months, the first standalone in the Wild Roses series, focusing on secondary characters like Tommy Conte. This poignant tale of two broken souls finding love earned accolades, including a 2019 Wisconsin Romance Writers award. Known for her salacious yet heartfelt style, Scornavacca crafts stories that balance steamy romance with gritty realism, often drawing from her dreams or drives through Jersey’s landscapes.
Beyond novels, she contributed to the 2015 anthology This Beautiful Escape, supporting Ataxia Awareness in Canada, showcasing her commitment to meaningful causes. Her upcoming works, including a romance with a haunting twist, promise to keep readers on edge.
Why Cleo Scornavacca Matters
Cleo Scornavacca’s impact lies in her ability to make romance feel real—flawed, messy, and deeply human. Her characters, like Rain and Dominick, evolve through pain and passion, resonating with readers who see themselves in their struggles. As a member of Romance Writers of America and New Jersey Romance Writers, she’s a respected voice in the genre, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace their unique stories. Her growing fanbase, both in the U.S. and abroad, eagerly awaits each release, proving her staying power in romantic literature.
- Born: New Jersey, USA
- Key Works: Miss Taken (2013), Identity (2014), The Ties That Bind (2016), Within Six Months (2018)
- Awards: 2019 Wisconsin Romance Writers Award for Within Six Months
- Fun Fact: She’s a Senior Columnist for Literary Lovers Magazine!
Ready to fall in love with Cleo Scornavacca’s world? Grab Miss Taken and dive into her steamy, suspenseful romance today!