Picture a storyteller who spins steamy, inclusive romance novels that break all the rules—meet Rebekah Weatherspoon! This award-winning American author has captivated readers with her unapologetic blend of eroticism, humor, and heart. Known for heroines who are Black, plus-size, queer, or disabled, Weatherspoon redefines romance with stories that feel real and resonate deeply.
From her Southern California home, she’s penned over 20 books, including the beloved Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny and the Cowboys of California series. Her work isn’t just about love—it’s about representation, empowerment, and challenging the status quo in a genre that’s often been too narrow.
The Making of Rebekah Weatherspoon
Born and raised in Southern New Hampshire, Rebekah Weatherspoon’s path to romance wasn’t a straight line. After studying English with a focus on Shakespeare, she held eclectic jobs—library assistant, meter maid, even lube specialist at an erotic boutique in West Hollywood. Her love for storytelling sparked at Disney, where an executive handed her Twilight. She dove into fan fiction, writing her own and earning praise in digital communities. This creative outlet led to her debut novel, Better Off Red, in 2011, marking her as a bold new voice.
Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Unforgettable Stories
Weatherspoon’s novels are a vibrant mix of steamy romance, sharp wit, and diverse characters. Her Cowboys of California series, starting with A Cowboy to Remember (2020), reimagines fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty with Black heroines and modern flair. The story of Evie, a chef with amnesia, earned starred reviews for its fresh take on Western romance, free from toxic masculinity.
Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny (2018) is a fan favorite, blending fluffy romance with a tatted, motorcycle-riding hero who’s a wizard with kids. Haven (2017), from her Beards & Bondage series, dives into darker, suspenseful themes with a BDSM twist, showcasing her range. Her FIT trilogy, starting with Fit (2014), won awards for its erotic novella style, proving she can balance heat and heart.
Her writing stands out for its inclusivity—characters reflect real-world diversity, from body type to sexual orientation. Weatherspoon’s queer and pansexual identity informs her authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ love, earning her a 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Soul to Keep.
Why Rebekah Weatherspoon Matters
Weatherspoon’s impact goes beyond her books. In 2015, inspired by the #WeNeedDiverseRomance movement, she founded WOC in Romance, a platform to amplify women of color and non-binary authors in the genre. This initiative has reshaped the industry, spotlighting voices often overlooked. Her novels challenge stereotypes, offering heroines who are unapologetically themselves—bold, flawed, and worthy of love.
Her work has earned critical acclaim, from starred reviews in Publishers Weekly to features in The New York Times. By blending eroticism with emotional depth, she’s expanded what romance can be, inviting readers to see themselves in her stories. Her Cowboys of California trilogy is even being adapted for TV, a testament to her growing influence.
- Born: Southern New Hampshire
- Key Works: Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny, A Cowboy to Remember, Haven, Soul to Keep
- Awards: 2017 Lambda Literary Award, 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award
- Fun Fact: She’s a Wonder Woman collectibles enthusiast!
Snag Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny or A Cowboy to Remember and dive into Rebekah Weatherspoon’s steamy, inclusive world of romance!