Picture an Australian storyteller who swapped lab coats for love stories, crafting tales of passion from the wilds of Malaysia to the Montana plains—meet Kelly Hunter! A USA Today bestselling author, Hunter has charmed romance readers with her witty dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and knack for weaving heart-tugging narratives. Her journey from scientist to romance novelist is as captivating as her books.
The Making of Kelly Hunter
Born in Newcastle, Australia, Kelly Hunter grew up surrounded by rugged beaches, V8 muscle cars, and the gritty charm of a blue-collar port city. With an honors degree in Rural Science, she dove into a career as a biochemist, working as a research fellow, agronomist, and even on a biological control program in Malaysia, where she raised flesh-eating maggots. It was in this remote outstation, far from city lights, that Hunter began penning romance novels, trading sterile labs for stories of love and desire.
Her scientific precision translated into a disciplined writing style, and by 2007, she published her first book with Harlequin Mills & Boon. The isolation of Malaysia fueled her creativity, giving her the space to craft vivid characters and emotionally rich plots that would define her career.
Kelly Hunter’s Unforgettable Stories
Hunter’s romance novels span three distinct lanes: high-stakes, glamorous love stories set in cities like Paris and Singapore; small-town cowboy tales rooted in Montana; and rural romances blooming in the Australian outback. Her short category romances, known for their tight focus and emotional depth, have earned her three Romance Writers of America RITA nominations and multiple Australian Romance Readers Awards.
Key works include Must Love Christmas (2021), a heartwarming holiday romance that won Favorite Contemporary Romance, blending festive cheer with undeniable chemistry. Maggie’s Run (2018) follows Maggie Walker as she inherits an outback station and spars with cowboy Max O’Connor, sparking both tension and romance. Pregnant in the King’s Palace (2021) dives into royal scandal, with King Valentine’s forbidden attraction to horse trainer Angelique threatening his crown. Wife for a Week (2006), part of the Bennett Family series, kicks off with a fake marriage that turns deliciously real, showcasing Hunter’s playful banter and steamy stakes.
Her style is fresh, funny, and dialogue-driven, often exploring themes of forbidden desire, second chances, and the clash between duty and passion. Whether it’s a billionaire’s fake engagement or a cowgirl’s heartbreak, Hunter’s stories deliver emotional highs and satisfying happy endings.
Why Kelly Hunter Matters
Kelly Hunter’s impact lies in her ability to make readers laugh, cry, and swoon, all within the concise canvas of short romance. Her work with Tule Publishing’s Holiday imprint as executive editor has shaped contemporary romance, mentoring authors and curating stories that resonate globally. Her novels, translated into multiple languages, offer escapism and emotional connection, particularly for readers drawn to strong heroines and rugged heroes.
Hunter’s Australian roots infuse her rural romances with authenticity, while her global settings appeal to an international audience. Her awards, including Favorite Short Category Romance for Casey (2017) and Maggie’s Run (2018), reflect her skill in crafting stories that linger long after the final page.
- Born: Newcastle, Australia
- Key Works: Must Love Christmas, Maggie’s Run, Pregnant in the King’s Palace, Wife for a Week
- Awards: Three-time RITA finalist, multiple Australian Romance Readers Awards
- Fun Fact: She’s an avid collector of curbside treasures and online auction finds.
Ready to fall in love with Kelly Hunter’s world? Grab Must Love Christmas and dive into her sparkling, heart-melting romance!