Picture a coastal Alabama storyteller who spins Regency romance with a dash of mystery—meet Manda Collins! This award-winning author blends the charm of Jane Austen with the sleuthing spirit of Nancy Drew, crafting novels that whisk readers to the English countryside. With her sharp wit and knack for creating fierce heroines, Collins has carved a unique niche in historical romance.
Born and raised in the Gulf Coast’s salty breeze, Collins grew up devouring books, a passion that fuels her writing today. As an academic librarian by day, she balances dusty tomes with tales of dukes and daring ladies, proving that love and intrigue are timeless.
The Making of Manda Collins
Manda Collins hails from coastal Alabama, where her love for stories took root in childhood. Surrounded by books, she dreamed of living in the English countryside—a fantasy that later shaped her Regency romances. With master’s degrees in English Literature and Librarianship, Collins honed her storytelling craft while working as an academic librarian. Her early fascination with Austen and mystery novels sparked a desire to blend romance with suspense, leading to her debut novel in 2012.
Collins’s transition from reader to writer wasn’t just a leap; it was a love letter to the genres that shaped her. Her work as a librarian, teaching students to navigate research, mirrors the meticulous plotting in her novels, where every clue and kiss counts.
Manda Collins’s Unforgettable Stories
Collins’s novels are a delightful mix of heart-fluttering romance and edge-of-your-seat mystery. Her debut, How to Dance with a Duke (2012), follows wallflower Cecily Hurston as she navigates love and scandal to join an exclusive Egyptian Club. Nominated for an RT Book Reviews Award, it set the stage for her Ugly Ducklings series, known for transforming shy heroines into bold leading ladies.
The Lords of Anarchy series, starting with A Good Rake Is Hard to Find (2015), dives into a notorious driving club with heroines like Leonora Craven, who seeks justice for her brother’s murder. This series blends high-stakes intrigue with sizzling chemistry. Meanwhile, her Wicked Widows trilogy, including Why Lords Lose Their Hearts (2014), explores second chances for women escaping unhappy marriages. Her Studies in Scandal series, with standouts like Duke with Benefits (2017), a Kirkus Best Romance, showcases brainy heroines tackling puzzles and passion.
Collins’s style is a vibrant tapestry of witty dialogue, gothic undertones, and empowering female leads. Her Regency settings feel alive, with coastal echoes of her Alabama roots, and her mysteries keep readers guessing until the final page.
Why Manda Collins Matters
Manda Collins has redefined Regency romance by infusing it with modern sensibilities and suspense. Her heroines—often underestimated wallflowers or resilient widows—resonate with readers seeking stories of empowerment and love. By championing diverse characters, including those with disabilities, she brings fresh voices to a beloved genre. Her work, praised by outlets like Publishers Weekly and USA Today, bridges romance and mystery, appealing to fans of both.
Collins’s impact extends beyond her books. As an advocate for disability rights, she weaves authenticity into her characters, making her stories inclusive and heartfelt. Her novels are a testament to the power of second chances, both in love and life, inspiring readers to embrace their own strength.
- Born: Coastal Alabama
- Key Works: How to Dance with a Duke, A Good Rake Is Hard to Find, Duke with Benefits
- Awards: 2014 Gayle Wilson Award for The Perks of Being a Beauty, Kirkus Best Romance 2017 for Duke with Benefits
Ready to fall in love with a daring duke or unravel a Regency mystery? Grab How to Dance with a Duke and dive into Manda Collins’s world of romance and intrigue!