Picture a small-town Ohio mom, curled up with a stack of romance novels, dreaming up stories that would one day captivate millions—meet Lori Foster! A New York Times bestselling author, Foster has penned over 70 romance novels, blending steamy passion, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who feel like your best friends. From her humble beginnings to topping bestseller lists, her journey is a testament to chasing dreams with heart.
With a knack for crafting alpha males and fierce, independent women, Foster’s work, including hits like When You Dare and Too Much Temptation, has earned her a devoted following. But it’s not just her books that shine—her generosity, from charity novellas to reader events, makes her a beloved figure in the romance world.
The Making of Lori Foster
Born on November 14, Lori Foster grew up in Ohio, marrying her high school sweetheart and raising three sons. Without a college degree, she juggled jobs like grocery clerk and saleslady before becoming a stay-at-home mom. A bout of pneumonia in the 1980s changed everything—bedridden, she devoured romance novels brought by her sister. Inspired, Foster began writing, penning ten manuscripts in five years before her first book hit shelves with Harlequin in 1996.
Her early love for storytelling, sparked by daydreams and influenced by authors like Kresley Cole and Linda Howard, fueled her drive. Foster’s grit—writing longhand with a #2 pencil pre-computers—shows her determination to turn her passion into a career, all while prioritizing her family.
Lori Foster’s Unforgettable Stories
Foster’s novels are a delicious mix of romance, suspense, and humor, often featuring strong heroes and heroines who take charge. Her Buckhorn Brothers series, starting with Sawyer (2000), follows a family of rugged, honorable men finding love in small-town Kentucky, blending heart and heat. When You Dare (2011), part of the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series, introduces mercenary Dare Macintosh, whose mission to save a kidnapped woman sparks intense romance.
Too Much Temptation (2002), a fan favorite and Amazon’s top-selling romance that year, showcases Foster’s playful side with a sexy, forbidden love story. Under the pseudonym L.L. Foster, she’s also explored urban fantasy with the Servant series, proving her versatility. Her characters, whether cops, fighters, or everyday folks, embody justice and resilience, reflecting her belief in human strength.
Foster’s prolific output—six to ten books a year—spans publishers like Harlequin, Kensington, and Berkley. Her series format, focusing on interconnected families or teams, keeps readers hooked, with vivid settings and dialogue often inspired by her witty husband and sons.
Why Lori Foster Matters
Lori Foster’s impact goes beyond her page-turners. Her novels, topping USA Today and Publishers Weekly lists, have redefined contemporary romance by pairing steamy chemistry with empowering themes. She’s won Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for both Contemporary Romance and Series Romantic Fantasy, and her clue in a New York Times crossword puzzle cements her cultural footprint.
Her generosity shines through annual benefit novellas, with proceeds supporting causes like the Animal Adoption Foundation, and her Reader & Author Get Together event, which fosters community while raising funds for charities. By mentoring aspiring writers and launching contests, Foster has helped over fifteen authors get published, leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.
- Born: November 14, Ohio
- First Book: Impetuous (1996, Harlequin)
- Notable Awards: Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards (Contemporary Romance, Series Romantic Fantasy)
- Key Series: Buckhorn Brothers, Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, Love Undercover
Ready to fall in love with Lori Foster’s world? Grab When You Dare for a thrilling, heart-melting ride!