Picture an American storyteller who spins sizzling contemporary romance with heart and humor—meet Diane Alberts! Writing under her pen name, Jen McLaughlin, this New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author has captivated readers with steamy tales of love and longing. Mentioned in Forbes alongside E.L. James as a breakout indie star, Alberts balances her prolific writing career with teaching Creative Writing as a college professor while pursuing a Doctorate of Education. Her stories, packed with witty banter and emotional depth, have made her a beloved name in romance.
The Making of Diane Alberts
Jen McLaughlin, the woman behind Diane Alberts, hails from Northeast Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband, four kids, a schnauzer mutt, and a few cats. A dreamer with a vivid imagination, she didn’t start writing until 2011, when her first contract launched a whirlwind career. Inspired by her belief in chasing dreams, she returned to school for an MFA when her daughter began college, later becoming a professor. Her academic life informs her writing, blending discipline with creative flair.
Diane Alberts’s Unforgettable Stories
As Diane Alberts, she’s a powerhouse in contemporary romance, publishing with Entangled Publishing, Penguin/Berkley, and Random House. Her Shillings Agency series, starting with Temporarily Yours, follows a security firm’s rugged heroes, like Cooper, who sparks with actuary Kayla amid steamy encounters. The Wedding Dare series, including Falling for the Groomsman, delivers sultry tales of forbidden attraction at weddings. Alberts’s Out of Line series, written as Jen McLaughlin, explores new adult military romance, with its first book selling over 150,000 copies. Her style blends snarky humor, intense chemistry, and relatable characters, often tackling themes of trust and redemption.
Books like The Prince’s Bride, a Cinderella-inspired modern fairytale, showcase her knack for reimagining classic tropes with fresh twists. Whether it’s a billionaire boss or a tattooed bad boy, Alberts crafts heroes who are flawed yet irresistible, paired with strong, independent heroines. Her fast-paced, emotionally rich narratives keep readers hooked, earning praise for their authenticity and heat.
Why Diane Alberts Matters
Diane Alberts has left a mark on contemporary romance by blending accessibility with depth. Her hybrid publishing approach—traditional and indie—has inspired aspiring authors, proving versatility pays off. Fans adore her for delivering escapism with heart, while her teaching role shapes the next generation of writers. By exploring diverse subgenres, from military to fairytale retellings, she’s expanded romance’s appeal, making it a vibrant space for modern readers.
- Pen Name: Jen McLaughlin
- Key Works: Temporarily Yours, The Prince’s Bride, Out of Line, Falling for the Groomsman
- Notable Mention: Forbes alongside E.L. James
Ready to fall in love? Snag Temporarily Yours and dive into Diane Alberts’s steamy, heartfelt world of romance!