Picture a storyteller who turned snowy Idaho winters into steamy small-town romances—meet Codi Gary! A Northern California native, Codi has woven her love for heartfelt love stories into a career that’s captured the hearts of romance readers worldwide. With her Rock Canyon, Idaho series and a spot on the RWA Honor Roll, she’s a contemporary romance star whose relatable characters and cozy settings make every page a delight.
From her first novella to bestselling novels, Codi’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a knack for crafting love stories that feel like home. Let’s dive into her world, where small-town charm meets big-time romance.
The Making of Codi Gary
Born in a small Northern California town, Codi Gary grew up devouring romance novels, dreaming of penning her own. Her love for happy endings sparked early, inspired by authors like Rachel Gibson. In 2011, she and her husband relocated to Southern Idaho with their two children, facing a harsh winter that left her snowed in with books and peek-a-boo games. During a quiet moment while her kids napped, Codi set a goal to finish a novel before turning thirty. That spark led to her first completed manuscript, set in the fictional Rock Canyon, Idaho, kicking off her writing career.
A pivotal moment came in 2012 when she answered Avon Books’ call for Valentine’s Day novellas. Her submission, The Trouble With Sexy, landed her a spot in their anthology, marking her professional debut. From there, Codi’s career soared, blending her small-town roots with a flair for romance.
Codi Gary’s Unforgettable Stories
Codi Gary’s novels are a love letter to small-town America, brimming with flawed, relatable characters who stumble through life and love. Her Rock Canyon, Idaho series, inspired by the quaint town of Filer, Idaho, is her hallmark. The series kicks off with The Trouble With Sexy, a novella about photographer Ryan Ashton’s transformation to catch her boss’s eye, setting the tone for Codi’s blend of humor and heart.
Things Good Girls Don’t Do, the first full-length novel, follows Katie Connors as she breaks free from expectations, showcasing Codi’s knack for strong female leads. Good Girls Don’t Date Rock Stars dives into Gemma Carlson’s chaotic Vegas wedding to a country star, blending second-chance romance with emotional depth. Bad for Me tackles heavier themes, with Callie Jacobsen’s journey of healing after trauma, proving Codi can balance steamy romance with poignant storytelling. Her style—witty, emotional, and grounded—makes her characters feel like friends you’d meet at a local diner.
With over thirty titles, including the Loco, Texas and Something Borrowed series, Codi’s work spans contemporary and paranormal romance, often under her pen name Codi Hall for lighter, comedic tales like the Mistletoes series. Her books, selling over 100,000 copies, resonate for their authenticity, drawing from her own life’s imperfections and triumphs.
Why Codi Gary Matters
Codi Gary’s impact lies in her ability to make small-town romance feel universal. Her stories celebrate imperfect people finding love, reflecting real-life struggles like single parenting or past betrayals. As a member of the RWA Honor Roll, she’s earned respect in the romance community, inspiring aspiring authors with her journey from a snowy Idaho living room to bestseller lists.
Her focus on community—both in her fictional towns and her engagement with readers on social media—builds a loyal fanbase. Codi’s work reminds us that love, with all its messiness, is worth fighting for, making her a beloved voice in contemporary romance.
- Born: Northern California
- Key Works: Rock Canyon, Idaho series, Things Good Girls Don’t Do, Good Girls Don’t Date Rock Stars
- Awards: RWA Honor Roll member
- Fun Fact: She’s a Supernatural superfan, often knitting while rewatching episodes!
Ready to fall in love with Rock Canyon? Snag Things Good Girls Don’t Do and dive into Codi Gary’s heartwarming world of small-town romance!