Picture an American storyteller who weaves steamy romance with heart-pounding thrills—meet Ivy Smoak! This Wilmington-born author has taken the literary world by storm, blending psychological thrillers and adult romance into addictive series like The Hunted and Men of Manhattan. With over 4 million books sold worldwide, Smoak’s raw, emotional storytelling keeps readers hooked, proving that love and suspense make a tantalizing pair.
Encouraged by her then-fiancé, Smoak turned her passion for storytelling into a thriving career. Her playful refusal to ‘act like an adult’—think binge-watching TV shows and long walks—infuses her work with authenticity and relatability, making her a standout in contemporary romance.
The Making of Ivy Smoak
Born on May 5, 2000, in Wilmington, USA, Ivy Smoak discovered her love for stories early on. As a child in the lowest reading class, she spent one summer devouring books to climb to the top tier—a tenacity that defines her career. Initially, writing wasn’t her dream; it was her fiancé (now husband), Ryan Hauge, who saw her potential. Inspired by the success of Fifty Shades of Grey, he urged her to try romance, and Smoak found her calling. Her self-publishing journey began after college rejections, fueled by a stubborn refusal to accept ‘no.’
Ivy Smoak’s Unforgettable Stories
Smoak’s novels are emotional rollercoasters, blending steamy romance with psychological depth. Her debut, Temptation (The Hunted Series, 2015), follows Penny’s forbidden affair with the mysterious Professor Hunter, hitting #51 on Amazon’s 2020 Kindle eBooks Best Sellers. The Hunted Series, now eight books strong, is praised for its raw intensity and non-traditional happily-ever-afters. Men of Manhattan, a three-book standalone series, kicks off with City of Sin (2015), where playboy Mason meets sassy Bee in a vibrant New York City romance.
The Empire High Series, blending high school drama with adult stakes, channels Gossip Girl vibes, while Secrets of Suburbia delivers standalone psychological thrillers with Desperate Housewives flair. Smoak’s style—real, riveting, and unafraid of messy emotions—sets her apart. She writes from the heart, laughing and crying with her characters, ensuring readers feel every twist.
Made of Steel, a romantic suspense trilogy, captivates with its masked hero and guaranteed happily-ever-after. Smoak’s ability to intertwine series, like crossovers between The Hunted and Empire High, delights fans seeking a connected universe.
Why Ivy Smoak Matters
Ivy Smoak’s impact lies in her ability to make romance raw and real. Her books resonate with readers craving stories that mirror life’s messy, passionate highs and lows. With over 2 million copies sold by 2022, her self-published success inspires aspiring authors, proving tenacity can break barriers. Her Ivy Smoaksters Facebook group fosters a vibrant, positive community, connecting thousands who adore her characters. Smoak’s dream of seeing Temptation on screen reflects her ambition to redefine romance for a new generation.
By blending genres and defying formulas, Smoak has carved a niche that’s both thrilling and deeply human. Her work reminds us that love stories can be as complex as the hearts they capture.
- Born: May 5, 2000, Wilmington, USA
- Key Works: The Hunted Series, Men of Manhattan, Empire High, Made of Steel
- Awards: Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
- Fun Fact: Smoak’s husband inspired her romance career!
Snag Temptation or City of Sin and dive into Ivy Smoak’s steamy, thrilling world—your heart will thank you!