Picture a New England storyteller who turned her love for romance novels into a New York Times bestselling career—meet R.L. Mathewson! Known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies and steamy paranormal tales, Mathewson has captured hearts with her relatable characters and witty humor. From a shy bookworm to a prolific author, her journey is a testament to perseverance and passion.
The Making of R.L. Mathewson
Born in Massachusetts, R.L. Mathewson grew up as a painfully shy bookworm, finding solace in the pages of romance novels. After high school, she dabbled in various jobs—bellhop, fast food cook, museum worker—before taking an EMT course that helped her shed her shyness. A life-changing injury in 2008 left her bedridden for nearly a year with a slipped disc. Frustrated by lackluster novels, she decided to write her own, sparking a creative fire that would define her career.
R.L. Mathewson’s Unforgettable Stories
Mathewson’s debut, Tall, Dark & Lonely (2010), kicked off her Pyte/Sentinel series, blending paranormal romance with humor and featuring vampires and shifters in steamy, suspenseful tales. Her most famous work, the Neighbor from Hell series, starting with Playing for Keeps (2011), is a fan favorite for its hilarious romantic comedies about quirky neighbors falling in love. For example, in Playing for Keeps, shy Haley takes on her infuriating neighbor Jason, leading to chaotic, heartwarming romance. The Anger Management series, like Devastated, offers a more traditional contemporary romance with Mathewson’s signature wit. Her stories stand out for their down-to-earth characters, unpredictable plots, and a knack for building romantic tension that keeps readers hooked.
Mathewson’s writing style is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and heat. She avoids formulaic romance, crafting flawed, relatable characters who feel like real people. Her Chronicles—weekly chapters continuing beloved characters’ stories—are a reader favorite, released every Sunday via her newsletter and social media. With over 50 books across multiple series, including Hollywood Hearts and Neighbor from Hell YA, she’s a versatile force in romance.
Why R.L. Mathewson Matters
R.L. Mathewson’s impact lies in her ability to make readers laugh, swoon, and feel seen. Her self-publishing success, starting with Amazon and Barnes & Noble, inspires aspiring authors, proving that determination can turn dreams into reality. As a single mother of two, she balances family life with a prolific career, connecting with fans through drama-free online communities. Her humor and heartfelt storytelling have earned her a loyal following, with books like Playing for Keeps topping reader polls on Goodreads.
About R.L. Mathewson
- Born: Massachusetts, USA
- Key Works: Playing for Keeps, Tall, Dark & Lonely, Devastated
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult Romance
- Fun Fact: She has a major hot chocolate addiction!
Ready for a dose of humor and heart? Snag Playing for Keeps and dive into R.L. Mathewson’s addictive world of romantic comedy!