Picture a Chicago storyteller who weaves witty romance with a dash of Star Wars flair—meet Melonie Johnson! A USA Today bestselling author, Johnson crafts contemporary romances that sparkle with humor, heart, and relatable heroines. Known as #thewritinglush, she’s won over readers with her fizzy narratives and knack for blending Shakespearean wit with Yoda-worthy wisdom, creating stories that feel like a cozy cocktail hour with friends.
From her award-winning debut series to standalone rom-coms, Johnson’s work is a celebration of love, laughter, and strong female friendships. Her unique voice has earned praise from Kirkus as a 'writer to watch' and Entertainment Weekly as a 'fizzy, engrossing new voice.' Let’s dive into the world of Melonie Johnson and discover why her romances are impossible to put down.
The Making of Melonie Johnson
Born and raised in the Midwest, Melonie Johnson’s love for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by her passion for Shakespeare and sci-fi epics like Star Wars. After earning a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, she taught high school English and Theatre in the northern Chicago suburbs, honing her knack for engaging audiences. Her romantic spark ignited in a delightfully cliché setting—a mall—where she met her future husband as teenagers working across the hall from each other. This real-life meet-cute inspired her to chase her dream of writing smart, funny romances that capture the magic of unexpected love.
Melonie Johnson’s Unforgettable Stories
Johnson’s debut series, Sometimes in Love, set the stage for her rise in contemporary romance. The series kicks off with Getting Hot with the Scot (2019), a playful tale of a journalist’s steamy fling with a kilted Highlander, praised by Christina Lauren as 'playful, passionate, and positively unputdownable.' Smitten by the Brit (2019) follows with a charming story of love amidst life’s uncertainties, while Once Upon a Bad Boy (2019) delivers a second-chance romance with emotional depth. These books, published by St. Martin’s Press, showcase Johnson’s signature style: witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and heroines who feel like best friends.
Beyond her debut series, Johnson’s standalone novels shine just as brightly. Too Good to Be Real (2021) is a swoony rom-com about a woman finding love where she least expects it, landing on Amazon’s Best Books of the Month. Its follow-up, Too Wrong to Be Right (2023), named one of Booklist’s Top 10 Romances of 2023, follows Kat Kowalski’s hilarious quest for Mr. Right, challenging her rigid checklist with unexpected sparks. Johnson also contributes to anthologies like Jingle Balls and Chasing Holiday Tail, adding short, sweet stories to her vibrant portfolio.
Her writing is a love letter to romance fans, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Whether it’s a kilted prankster or a funeral home meet-cute, Johnson’s stories are grounded in authentic emotions and strong female bonds, making them resonate with readers who crave both laughter and feels.
Why Melonie Johnson Matters
Melonie Johnson’s impact on contemporary romance lies in her ability to craft stories that are both escapist and relatable. Her heroines—ambitious, flawed, and fiercely loyal—mirror the complexities of modern women, while her humor and warmth invite readers to lose themselves in love’s possibilities. Recognized by Cosmopolitan, Woman’s World, and BuzzFeed, her work has elevated the rom-com genre, proving that smart, funny love stories can leave a lasting mark. As a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and audiobook narrator under the pseudonym Evelyn Eibhlin, Johnson’s versatility and dedication continue to inspire aspiring authors and delight fans.
- Pen Name: #thewritinglush
- Key Works: Sometimes in Love series, Too Good to Be Real, Too Wrong to Be Right
- Awards: Best First Book, New Jersey Romance Writers (2019) for Getting Hot with the Scot
- Hobbies: Quoting Star Wars and Shakespeare, sipping m-cocktails (margaritas, mimosas, mules)
Ready to fall in love with Melonie Johnson’s world? Grab Too Good to Be Real and sip on her fizzy, flirty rom-com magic!