Picture a Southern storyteller spinning tales of romance and suspense under the glow of a Kentucky moon—meet Kris Calvert! This Lexington-based author, once a master of public relations and copywriting, traded press releases for pearls and plunged into the world of fiction with her sizzling Moonlight and Magnolias series. Known for her love of alliteration and a knack for weaving Southern charm into steamy, twist-filled plots, Calvert has carved out a unique space in contemporary romance since her debut in 2013.
With a glass of sweet tea in hand and a penchant for baking gluten-free cupcakes, Calvert crafts stories that blend heart-pounding suspense with the allure of Southern living. Her novels, brimming with strong female characters and dashing heroes, have captivated readers who crave romance with a side of mystery. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this pearl-wearing wordsmith!
The Making of Kris Calvert
Born and raised in Kentucky, Kris Calvert’s roots run deep in the Bluegrass State. Before she became a bestselling author, she honed her storytelling skills in the fast-paced world of public relations, crafting compelling narratives for clients. Her transition to fiction wasn’t planned—she once fibbed about writing a novel during a pitch session with publishers, only to turn that white lie into reality. Married to a talented composer and mother to two grown children—a scientist son and a Broadway-performing daughter—Calvert’s life in Lexington is as vibrant as her novels. Her love for pearls, Post-it notes, and alliteration infuses her work with a playful, distinctive voice.
Kris Calvert’s Unforgettable Stories
Calvert’s Moonlight and Magnolias series, also known as the Sex and Lies series, is her crown jewel. Launched in 2013 with Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea, the series follows FBI agent Mac Callahan as he navigates white-collar crime and steamy romance in the sultry South. Readers meet Samantha Peterson, a Southern belle with evidence Mac needs—and a charm he can’t resist. The novel’s blend of mystery, romance, and Southern flair hooked fans, setting the stage for eight more books.
The second installment, Sex, Lies & Lipstick (2014), deepens Mac and Samantha’s love story as a stalker threatens their idyllic life at Lone Oak plantation. Calvert’s knack for suspense shines, with a chilling lipstick-scrawled message upping the stakes. Sex, Lies & Pearls (2014) shifts focus to Polly Benson and FBI profiler Leo Xanthus, weaving dark secrets into a fast-paced romance. The novella Be Mine (2014) explores interconnected love stories, showcasing Calvert’s ability to craft complex, heartwarming narratives. Her style—rich with Southern idioms, witty dialogue, and sensual tension—makes each book a page-turner.
Calvert’s stories stand out for their strong female leads and vivid settings, from Alabama plantations to New Orleans streets. Her use of alliteration and nods to Southern culture, like pearls and sweet tea, create an immersive experience. While some critics note heavy product placement, fans adore her escapist tales of love and danger, praising her ability to balance emotional depth with thrilling plots.
Why Kris Calvert Matters
Kris Calvert’s impact lies in her ability to elevate Southern romance with suspense and strong, relatable characters. Her Moonlight and Magnolias series has garnered a loyal following, with readers on Goodreads and Amazon praising her fast-paced storytelling and swoon-worthy heroes. By centering women who are both vulnerable and fierce, Calvert challenges stereotypes, offering a fresh take on contemporary romance. Her work resonates with those who love a blend of heart, heat, and intrigue, making her a standout in a crowded genre.
Beyond her novels, Calvert’s journey from PR professional to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers. Her willingness to take risks—like writing a novel on a whim—shows the power of chasing creative dreams. In Lexington, she’s a local gem, blending Kentucky’s cultural richness into her fiction.
- Key Works: Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea (2013), Sex, Lies & Lipstick (2014), Sex, Lies & Pearls (2014), Be Mine (2014)
- Hobbies: Baking gluten-free cupcakes, collecting pearls
- Fun Fact: Calvert wrote her first novel after fibbing about it in a publisher pitch!
Ready to fall in love with a Southern tale of romance and suspense? Snag Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea and dive into Kris Calvert’s steamy, suspenseful world!