Picture a whirlwind romance unfolding under the Maltese sun, sparking a career that’s captivated millions—meet Susan Stephens! This USA Today bestselling romance author traded a microphone for a pen, crafting over 100 steamy, heartfelt novels that whisk readers to exotic locales. From her serendipitous love story to her prolific pen, Stephens’s journey is as enchanting as her books.
Born in the UK, Stephens’s life reads like a novel itself. A former professional singer, she performed everywhere from the QE2 cruise ship to Blackpool’s cabaret scene with Cilla Black. But it was a chance meeting on Malta’s shores that changed everything, inspiring a legacy of passionate tales that blend humor, heat, and heart.
The Making of Susan Stephens
Susan Stephens’s early years were steeped in music and adventure. Trained at the Royal College of Music in voice and piano, she dazzled audiences as a member of the D’Oyly Carte opera company and the BBC Singers. Her daring spirit led her to cabaret, where she embraced the thrill of performance. In 1978, while singing in Malta, she met her husband, Steve, in a romance worthy of her novels: they met on Monday, were engaged by Friday, and married three months later. This whirlwind love story became the heartbeat of her creative life.
Stephens initially wrote non-fiction, but fate intervened at a charity auction. Her husband bid on a day with Mills & Boon author Penny Jordan, who became a mentor and friend. Jordan’s encouragement ignited Stephens’s passion for romance writing, launching a career that would see her sell over 10 million books across 109 countries.
Susan Stephens’s Unforgettable Stories
Stephens’s novels are a passport to passion, filled with rugged heroes, fierce heroines, and sun-drenched settings. Her Acostas series, a fan favorite, follows the fiery Acosta brothers—polo-playing Argentinians whose untamed spirits meet their matches in bold women. The Untamed Argentinian (2011) sets the tone with its sizzling chemistry and lush South American backdrop. Bound to the Tuscan Billionaire (2016) transports readers to Italy, where a gardener’s dreams clash with a tycoon’s desires in a tale of forbidden love.
Her Blood and Thunder series dives into the high-stakes world of polo and espionage, with titles like Alexei and Dante delivering pulse-pounding romance. Stephens’s latest, the Acostas Raw series, explores rodeo cowboys, with Beau (2024) showcasing her knack for rugged charm and emotional depth. Her style—punchy, vivid, and unapologetically romantic—blends humor and heat, making every page a guilty pleasure.
Known for her discipline, Stephens writes daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., crafting stories that resonate with a global audience. Translated into 26 languages, her work reflects universal themes of love, resilience, and adventure, all infused with the optimism of her own fairy-tale romance.
Why Susan Stephens Matters
Susan Stephens has redefined modern romance, proving that love stories can be bold, diverse, and empowering. Her heroines—photographers, blacksmiths, conservationists—break stereotypes, while her heroes embody passion and complexity. With over 100 books, she’s a titan of the genre, inspiring readers to embrace their own adventures in love and life.
Her influence extends beyond the page. Stephens engages fans at conventions like Romance Readers of America, adapting her craft to their evolving tastes. Her story—from singer to storyteller—reminds us that it’s never too late to chase a new dream, making her a beacon for aspiring writers and romantics alike.
- Birthplace: United Kingdom
- Key Works: The Untamed Argentinian, Bound to the Tuscan Billionaire, Beau
- Fun Fact: She once sang on the QE2 cruise ship!
Snag The Untamed Argentinian and dive into Susan Stephens’s sizzling world of romance—your heart will thank you!