Picture a storyteller who weaves vampires, rock stars, and steamy romance into unforgettable tales—meet Kristen Strassel! This American author has carved a niche in paranormal romance, blending Hollywood glamour with supernatural thrills. From her Night Songs series to her shapeshifter sagas, Strassel’s stories pulse with passion and intrigue, captivating readers who crave a touch of magic.
By day, Strassel transforms actors as a makeup artist for film and television, but by night, she crafts worlds where love defies the ordinary. Her unique blend of gritty realism and fantastical elements has made her a standout voice, proving that romance can be both spooky and spicy.
The Making of Kristen Strassel
Growing up, Kristen Strassel devoured paranormal and romance novels, thanks to her mom’s clever realization that the spookier and spicier the book, the faster she’d read. This early love for genre fiction shaped her path. Now based outside Boston, Strassel balances her creative life with a passion for adventure, often packing her suitcase for spontaneous road trips. Her work as a makeup artist infuses her writing with a cinematic flair, bringing vivid characters to life.
Strassel’s writing journey began with a desire to create the stories she always wanted to read. Inspired by music, football, and diner culture, she started crafting tales of rock stars and supernatural beings, channeling her love for vibrant, rebellious characters into her debut works.
Kristen Strassel’s Unforgettable Stories
Strassel’s Night Songs series kicked off with Because the Night (2014), a sultry tale of vampires and rock stars that hooked readers with its raw energy. The story follows a band navigating fame and immortality, blending romance with dark secrets. Its sequel, Night Moves, deepens the drama as Melanie and Ryder bond over shared darkness, facing dangers that test their love.
Beyond vampires, Strassel excels in shapeshifter romance. Her Sawtooth Shifters series, starting with Her Captive Wolf, explores love and loyalty among werewolves, earning a 3.84 average rating on Goodreads. The Real Werewives of Alaska, a reality-show-inspired series, brings humor and heart to shifter romance, with football-playing wolves finding their forever mates. Her upcoming release, So I Dared a Dragon (January 2025), promises more fiery passion in the Smoky Mountain Dragons series.
Strassel’s style is cinematic and immersive, blending steamy romance with supernatural stakes. Her characters—whether rebellious wolves or undead rockers—are flawed yet relatable, navigating bad decisions toward happily-ever-afters. Themes of self-discovery and defying expectations resonate, making her stories both escapist and empowering.
Why Kristen Strassel Matters
Kristen Strassel has redefined paranormal romance by infusing it with modern grit and emotional depth. Her ability to craft cozy yet steamy tales has built a loyal fanbase, with over 41,000 Goodreads ratings. By blending her Hollywood experience with her love for music and fantasy, she creates worlds that feel both fantastical and lived-in, inspiring readers to embrace their own bold choices.
Her influence extends to empowering women over 40, as seen in The Real Werewives of Colorado, where mature heroines find love and strength. Strassel’s stories remind us that romance knows no age limit, making her a beacon for inclusive storytelling in a genre often focused on youth.
- Key Works: Night Songs, Sawtooth Shifters, The Real Werewives of Alaska
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance
- Fun Fact: Strassel’s love for diner food and football often sneaks into her stories!
Snag Her Captive Wolf and dive into Kristen Strassel’s sultry, supernatural world today!