Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun tales of vampires, demons, and epic fantasy with a dash of humor—meet Michelle Rowen! A bestselling author of paranormal romance and young adult fantasy, Rowen has captivated readers with her witty, romantic, and supernatural stories. Writing under her own name and as Morgan Rhodes, she’s a literary chameleon whose books have landed on the New York Times bestseller list.
From her debut novel in 2006 to her presidency of Toronto Romance Writers, Rowen’s journey is one of creativity and passion. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this enchanting author!
The Making of Michelle Rowen
Born in 1971 in Toronto, Ontario, Michelle Rowen grew up dreaming of becoming a writer, jewel thief, or flight attendant—writing won out, thankfully! A self-confessed bibliophile, she was inspired by authors like Laurell K. Hamilton and fueled by her love for stories with satisfying resolutions. After over a decade as a graphic designer, Rowen took a leap of faith in 2004, landing an agent through old-school query letters. Her persistence paid off with her debut novel, Bitten & Smitten, kicking off a prolific career.
Michelle Rowen’s Unforgettable Stories
Rowen’s bibliography is a treasure trove of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Her Immortality Bites series, starting with Bitten & Smitten (2006), follows Sarah Dearly, a fledgling vampire navigating love and danger with snarky charm. Publishers Weekly praised its balance of suspense and wit, while the series’ humor and sexy undertones earned Rowen a Holt Medallion for Best First Book.
Under the pseudonym Morgan Rhodes, Rowen crafts epic young adult fantasy in the Falling Kingdoms series, a New York Times bestseller. This saga of magic, royalty, and betrayal has drawn comparisons to Game of Thrones for its intricate plots and vibrant characters. Other gems include The Demon in Me (2010), a quirky urban fantasy about a psychic possessed by a demon, and Dark Kiss (2012), a thrilling tale of angels and demons. Rowen’s style blends humor, romance, and supernatural thrills, making her books irresistible page-turners.
Whether writing as Michelle Maddox for futuristic suspense or Rachel Connor for supernatural thrillers, Rowen’s versatility shines. Her stories often feature strong, relatable heroines and explore themes of identity, love, and resilience, all wrapped in a playful, accessible tone.
Why Michelle Rowen Matters
Michelle Rowen’s impact on paranormal romance and young adult fantasy is undeniable. Her ability to weave humor into supernatural narratives has carved a niche for readers seeking light yet gripping stories. As Morgan Rhodes, she’s introduced countless teens to high fantasy, inspiring a new generation of readers. Her leadership as President of Toronto Romance Writers in 2010 further solidified her influence, mentoring aspiring authors in the romance community.
Rowen’s books have landed on bestseller lists like Waldenbooks and earned accolades like the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, proving her stories resonate widely. Her blend of wit, heart, and supernatural intrigue continues to enchant readers, making her a beloved figure in genre fiction.
- Born: 1971, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Key Works: Bitten & Smitten, Falling Kingdoms, The Demon in Me
- Awards: Holt Medallion (2007), Romantic Times Reviewers Choice
- Fun Fact: Her cats are named after TV supernatural characters!
Snag Bitten & Smitten or Falling Kingdoms and dive into Michelle Rowen’s spellbinding world of humor and heart!