Picture a storyteller weaving tales of steamy romance and morally gray men who find love in the most unexpected places—meet Onley James! Writing under a pen name, this American author has taken the contemporary romance world by storm with her captivating M/M novels and LGBT-friendly characters. From her Central Florida roots to her thriving career, James’s stories pulse with wit, kink, and heart, making her a beloved voice in modern romance.
Also known as Martina McAtee, Onley James balances her passion for writing with running 7 Sisters Publishing, a company dedicated to diverse fiction. Her ability to craft emotionally charged narratives has hooked readers worldwide, proving that love stories can be both thrilling and inclusive.
The Making of Onley James
Growing up in Central Florida, Onley James—writing as Martina McAtee—found solace in storytelling. Her early love for ghost stories, true crime documentaries, and anti-heroes shaped her unique voice. Initially, she wrote YA LGBT paranormal romances under her real name, but her shift to adult M/M romance as Onley James marked a turning point. In 2019, she debuted with Intoxicating, the first book in her Elite Protection Services series, launching her into the romance spotlight.
James’s journey wasn’t without challenges. As a mother and publisher, she juggles a hectic life, often fueled by copious amounts of caffeine. Her candid humor about her “ever-slipping sanity” and love for binge-watching TV resonate with fans, making her as relatable as her characters.
Onley James’s Unforgettable Stories
Onley James’s novels are a delicious blend of steamy romance, snarky dialogue, and morally ambiguous characters. Her Elite Protection Services series, starting with Intoxicating (2019), follows bodyguards and their complicated clients, weaving angst, kink, and healing into gripping love stories. The series’ fourth book, Infuriating (2021), is a fan favorite for its intense chemistry and emotional depth.
Collaborating with Neve Wilder, James co-authored the Wages of Sin series, a thrilling mix of romance and suspense. The third book, Head Games (2021), pairs a psychologist with a retired assassin, delivering edge-of-your-seat passion. Her Necessary Evils series, featuring vigilante psychopaths finding love, showcases her knack for dark, cozy romance. Standout titles like Unhinged and Moonstruck highlight her ability to make even the most flawed characters irresistible.
James’s writing stands out for its vivid imagery, witty banter, and inclusive representation. Her LGBT-friendly characters resonate with readers, offering authentic, relatable portrayals of love and identity. Whether it’s a bodyguard romance or a tale of vigilante lovers, her stories pull readers into worlds where love conquers all.
Why Onley James Matters
Onley James has carved a niche in contemporary romance by championing diverse, LGBT-friendly narratives. Her stories challenge stereotypes, blending humor, heat, and heart to create unforgettable love stories. By tackling themes like trauma, redemption, and identity, she offers readers both escapism and emotional connection. Her work with 7 Sisters Publishing further amplifies diverse voices, making her a trailblazer in inclusive fiction.
Fans adore James for her ability to make morally gray characters feel human and lovable. Her growing popularity, with over 130,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.16, speaks to her impact. As she continues to expand series like Necessary Evils and Jericho’s Boys, her influence in M/M romance only grows stronger.
- Pen Name: Martina McAtee
- Key Works: Intoxicating, Unhinged, Head Games
- Genres: M/M Romance, Contemporary Romance
- Fun Fact: James is a true crime documentary junkie!
Ready to fall in love with Onley James’s kinky, snarky romances? Snag Intoxicating or Unhinged and dive into her world of steamy, inclusive love stories!