Picture a storyteller who spun tales of steamy romance and thrilling adventure from the beaches of Florida—meet Emily Rath! This American author has taken the fantasy and romance world by storm with her swoony, spicy, and laugh-out-loud novels. Her debut, Beautiful Things, rocketed to Amazon bestseller status, and her unique blend of heart-pounding plots and diverse characters has earned her a devoted global readership.
With chart-topping series like the Jacksonville Rays hockey romances and the Regency-era Second Sons, Emily crafts stories that feel like a warm hug and a wild ride all at once. Let’s dive into her journey, from her academic roots to her reign as a romance queen!
The Making of Emily Rath
Emily Rath was raised in Northern Kentucky, where her love for words bloomed early. As a child, she penned tales of egg burglars and seafaring heroes, but life took her on a detour through academia. Armed with a BA in political science and philosophy, plus a PhD in peace studies and political science, she specialized in African politics, with time in Malawi sparking her creative fire. Eventually, her passion for storytelling won out, and she traded lecture halls for full-time writing in sunny Florida, where she lives with her husband, son, and cat.
Emily Rath’s Unforgettable Stories
Emily’s novels are a delicious mix of romance, fantasy, and drama, often featuring queer-inclusive casts and sex-positive themes. Her Jacksonville Rays series, a why-choose hockey romance, has dominated Amazon charts, with titles like Pucking Around and Pucking Sweet hitting USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. These books deliver steamy, comedic tales of athletes navigating love and rivalries, packed with heart and humor.
The Second Sons series transports readers to Regency England, blending Jane Austen-inspired romance with reverse harem twists. His Grace, the Duke is a fan favorite, weaving witty dialogue and sizzling chemistry. For fantasy lovers, the Tuonela Duet, including North Is the Night, draws on Finnish mythology for a magical, action-packed saga of friendship and bravery. Emily’s style—vivid, emotional, and unapologetically bold—makes every page a joy.
Her ability to tackle heavy themes like dyslexia, workplace sexism, or homophobia with sensitivity adds depth to her work. Whether it’s a hockey rink or a mythical underworld, Emily’s worlds are immersive, her characters relatable, and her plots unpredictable.
Why Emily Rath Matters
Emily Rath’s impact goes beyond bestseller lists. Her inclusive storytelling amplifies underrepresented voices, from queer characters to those with learning differences, resonating with readers who see themselves in her pages. Her books spark joy and foster community, with fans flocking to her vibrant Facebook group, The EMILYVERSE, to celebrate her work. By blending romance with social commentary, she’s redefining the genre, proving it can be both fun and meaningful.
As a former professor, Emily brings intellectual rigor to her craft, drawing on her global experiences to enrich her narratives. Her rise from academic to international bestseller inspires aspiring authors, showing that passion and persistence pay off.
- Born: Raised in Northern Kentucky
- Key Works: Jacksonville Rays series, Second Sons series, Tuonela Duet
- Notable Fact: Holds PhDs in Political Science and Peace Studies
- Fun Tidbit: Hates coffee, loves unsweet iced tea
Ready to fall in love with Emily Rath’s spicy, heartfelt stories? Grab Pucking Around and dive into her irresistible world of romance and adventure!