Picture a storyteller who weaves heart-pounding suspense with steamy romance, crafting worlds where werewolves roam and bounty hunters chase more than just leads—meet Lorie O’Clare! An award-winning American author, O’Clare has penned over 80 novels, blending erotic romance, paranormal thrills, and romantic suspense. From her gripping FBI series to her sultry Lunewulf saga, her stories captivate readers with their bold characters and sizzling chemistry.
Born in 1965 in San Diego, California, O’Clare’s journey to literary stardom is as dynamic as her plots. Now based in Kansas with her three sons and two dogs, she continues to push the boundaries of genre fiction, earning accolades like the EPPIE and Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Ready to dive into her thrilling universe? Let’s explore her story!
The Making of Lorie O’Clare
Lorie O’Clare’s early life was a whirlwind of movement, traveling across Midwestern states like Iowa, Missouri, and Indiana before settling in Kansas. The eldest of three, she was a bright spark, graduating high school as a junior in 1983 and earning a double major in English and Political Science from the University of Kansas by 1991. Initially set on law school, O’Clare’s path shifted when a friend nudged her toward writing. Her first novel, a romance, marked the start of a prolific career, with her breakthrough coming through erotic romance publisher Ellora’s Cave in 2003 with Pack Law.
Motherhood shaped her journey too. After marrying in 1991, she welcomed three sons between 1992 and 1996, balancing family life with her growing passion for storytelling. A hysterectomy in 1996 ended her hopes for a daughter, but it didn’t dim her creative fire. O’Clare’s resilience and love for crafting vivid worlds fueled her rise in the romance world.
Lorie O’Clare’s Unforgettable Stories
O’Clare’s bibliography is a treasure trove of passion and suspense, spanning over 80 works across multiple series. Her FBI series kicks off with Tall, Dark and Deadly, where homicide detective Grace Jordan teams up with Justin Reece to solve brutal murders in small-town South Dakota. The novel blends crime-thriller tension with undeniable romantic sparks, a hallmark of O’Clare’s style. Similarly, Play Dirty, the first in her Bounty Hunters series, follows bounty hunter Greg King as he navigates love and danger, praised for its action-romance balance.
Her paranormal romance shines in the Lunewulf series, a 12-book saga exploring werewolf clans with intricate pack dynamics and steamy relationships. Titles like In Her Blood showcase her ability to craft fantastical worlds grounded in raw emotion. O’Clare’s writing is bold and sensual, often weaving themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. Her contribution to the Men of Danger anthology, featuring the New York Times bestselling story “Love Me ’til Death,” cemented her mainstream success.
Whether writing as Lorie O’Clare or under her pen name Laurie Fitzgerald, her stories pulse with strong heroines, alpha males, and high-stakes drama. Her versatility across erotic, paranormal, and suspense genres keeps fans hooked, with reviews lauding her “page-turning” narratives and “sensual suspense.”
Why Lorie O’Clare Matters
Lorie O’Clare’s impact on romance fiction lies in her fearless blending of genres. By merging the adrenaline of thrillers with the heat of erotic romance and the mystique of paranormal worlds, she carved a niche that resonates with diverse readers. Her heroines—smart, resilient women like Grace Jordan and Tara from the Lunewulf series—challenge stereotypes, offering empowering narratives in male-dominated settings like law enforcement or supernatural clans.
Her prolific output, with over 60 books published by 2013, reflects her dedication to storytelling. Collaborations with publishers like St. Martin’s Press and Kensington elevated her to mass-market fame, while her loyal fanbase cherishes her ability to make every kiss and plot twist unforgettable. O’Clare’s work continues to inspire aspiring authors, proving that passion and perseverance can turn a small-town writer into a genre icon.
- Born: 1965 in San Diego, California
- Key Works: Tall, Dark and Deadly, Play Dirty, Lunewulf series
- Awards: EPPIE Award (2006), Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award
- Pen Name: Laurie Fitzgerald
Snag Tall, Dark and Deadly or dive into the Lunewulf series to experience Lorie O’Clare’s thrilling blend of romance and suspense. Trust us, her stories will keep you up all night!