Picture an American storyteller who spins magic from the mundane, where monsters bake muffins and muses work desk jobs—meet R.L. Naquin! Known for her enchanting science fiction and fantasy series like Monster Haven and Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Muse, Naquin crafts worlds where humor, heart, and supernatural quirks collide. With a knack for making the impossible feel real, she’s captured a devoted following among readers craving whimsical adventures.
Born with a love for pixie dust and good cheese, Naquin’s stories reflect her belief in magic and the power of love. Her vibrant imagination, shaped by a life of travel across the U.S. and a six-year stint in England, brings a unique flavor to urban fantasy. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this Kansas-based author who dreams of living in Disneyland.
The Making of R.L. Naquin
Originally from Northern California, R.L. Naquin’s life has been a tapestry of movement, with residencies in seven U.S. states and a six-year adventure in the UK. This nomadic lifestyle enriched her storytelling, infusing her work with diverse cultural threads. A self-professed procrastinator who thrives under pressure, Naquin’s love for Disney trivia and magical narratives hints at her playful spirit. Her writing career took flight with a passion for blending everyday life with fantastical elements, leading to her debut in urban fantasy with the Monster Haven series. Inspired by her belief in the extraordinary, she began crafting stories that resonate with readers seeking humor and heart.
R.L. Naquin’s Unforgettable Stories
Naquin’s Monster Haven series, starting with Monster in My Closet, introduces Zoey Donovan, a wedding planner who discovers monsters are real—and one’s baking in her kitchen. This six-book saga blends humor, friendship, and magical creatures like djinn and goblins, earning praise for its engaging characters and emotional depth. Pooka in My Pantry and Fairies in My Fireplace continue Zoey’s adventures, tackling bad luck and mythical migrations with wit and warmth.
The Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Muse series shifts to Wynter Greene, a reluctant muse navigating a quirky job at a mythological agency. Titles like Unfinished Muse and Uninspired Muse showcase Naquin’s knack for reimagining Greek mythology with modern flair, featuring a talking houseplant named Phyllis and Hades as a CEO. Her Djinn Haven series, beginning with To Catch a Stolen Soul, follows Kam, a soul-chasing djinn, adding another layer to Naquin’s vibrant universe. Naquin’s style—quirky, heartfelt, and richly detailed—makes her stories fast-paced and hard to put down, appealing to fans of light, magical fantasy.
Why R.L. Naquin Matters
R.L. Naquin’s impact lies in her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering readers an escape into worlds where magic feels just a step away. Her blend of humor and heart resonates with those who love urban fantasy with a cozy twist, earning her a 4.12 average rating on Goodreads for Monster Haven. By placing relatable characters in fantastical settings, she bridges the mundane and the magical, inspiring readers to find wonder in their own lives. Her stories, filled with loyal friends and quirky creatures, remind us that even in chaos, there’s room for laughter and love.
- Key Works: Monster Haven series, Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Muse series, Djinn Haven series
- Fun Fact: Naquin recites the Disneyland dedication speech during thunderstorms to stay calm!
- Hometown: Kansas, but her heart belongs to Disneyland
Ready to meet monsters in your kitchen or muses in the Underworld? Snag Monster in My Closet and dive into R.L. Naquin’s whimsical urban fantasy!