Picture a storyteller who swapped globetrotting adventures for crafting heartfelt love stories—meet Rachel Lacey! This bestselling author of contemporary and sapphic romance has penned over two dozen novels, weaving tales of love, resilience, and furry friends. Based in the mountains of Vermont, Lacey’s passion for animal rescue and her knack for capturing the spark of romance have made her a beloved voice in the genre.
From scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef to being climbed by a monkey in Japan, Lacey’s adventurous spirit infuses her stories with vibrant energy. Her novels, often set in cozy small towns or bustling cities, resonate with readers who crave emotional depth and happy endings.
The Making of Rachel Lacey
Rachel Lacey’s journey to romance stardom began with a love for adventure and storytelling. A self-described 'semi-reformed travel junkie,' she once camped overnight in New York City for a movie extra role and explored the world’s wonders. These experiences shaped her vivid imagination, which she channeled into writing. In 2014, she debuted with Unleashed, kicking off her 'Love to the Rescue' series. Lacey’s early career focused on male/female romances, but her shift to sapphic romance under her own name (and m/f under R.S. Lacey) showcased her versatility and courage to embrace her authentic voice.
Now settled in Vermont with her husband, son, and rescue pets, Lacey draws inspiration from her surroundings and her commitment to animal welfare. Her involvement with Carolina Boxer Rescue and her advocacy for rescue animals often spill into her novels, where dogs and cats play starring roles.
Rachel Lacey’s Unforgettable Stories
Lacey’s bibliography is a treasure trove of romance, spanning series like 'Love to the Rescue,' 'Midnight in Manhattan,' and 'Ms. Right.' Her debut, Unleashed (2014), follows Cara Medlen’s romance with an ex-Marine amidst a dog rescue backdrop, blending heartwarming animal antics with steamy chemistry. Read Between the Lines (2021), a sapphic nod to You’ve Got Mail, features a Manhattan bookstore owner and a reclusive author whose online banter sparks real-world passion. For Keeps (2015) pairs a pediatric nurse with a rugged cowboy, weaving autism representation and animal therapy into a sizzling love story.
Known for her crisp dialogue and relatable characters, Lacey excels at crafting opposites-attract romances with emotional stakes. Her settings—often North Carolina’s small towns or vibrant urban hubs—feel like characters themselves. Themes of second chances, personal growth, and the healing power of love (and pets!) run through her work, earning praise from authors like Lori Wilde and Jill Shalvis.
Lacey’s transition to sapphic romance expanded her reach, with books like Stars Collide (2023) exploring pop-star romances with a playful, spicy edge. Her ability to balance humor, heart, and heat keeps readers hooked, while her rescue pet cameos add charm.
Why Rachel Lacey Matters
Rachel Lacey’s impact lies in her ability to make romance inclusive and uplifting. Her sapphic novels offer representation for queer readers, while her animal rescue advocacy raises awareness through storytelling. By portraying characters with real-world struggles—like sensory processing disorders or past traumas—she fosters empathy and connection. Her active engagement with fans on social media and her membership in Romance Writers of America strengthen her community ties.
Lacey’s stories remind us that love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating. Her blend of adventure, compassion, and romance inspires readers to embrace their own journeys, whether they’re falling in love or adopting a furry friend.
- Key Works: Unleashed, For Keeps, Read Between the Lines, Stars Collide
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Sapphic Romance, Romantic Suspense
- Fun Fact: Lacey’s rescue cats, Luke and Obi, inspired feline characters in her books.
Snag Read Between the Lines and dive into Rachel Lacey’s heartwarming world of romance and rescue pups!