Picture an American storyteller who transformed car thieves into elite black-ops heroes, weaving romance and high-octane adventure—meet Tara Janzen! Writing under her pen name, Glenna McReynolds, this New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with her thrilling Steele Street series and lush fantasy sagas. Her knack for heart-pounding plots and vivid settings makes every book a wild ride.
Born in Idaho, Tara Janzen, also known as Glenna McReynolds, crafted stories that blend meticulous research with irresistible romance. From the jungles of the Amazon to medieval Wales, her worlds pulse with life, earning her a loyal fanbase and prestigious awards. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this romantic adventure maestro!
The Making of Tara Janzen
Glenna McReynolds, born March 25, 1953, in Lewiston, Idaho, grew up with a passion for storytelling. Studying graphic arts and photography at Colorado Mountain College, she met her husband, Stan, who later became an English teacher. Her love for anthropology and natural sciences shaped her writing, infusing her novels with authentic, vibrant settings. Starting in the 1980s, she wrote thirteen Loveswept romances as Glenna McReynolds, honing her craft before adopting the Tara Janzen pseudonym for her action-packed romantic suspense.
Tara Janzen’s Unforgettable Stories
Tara Janzen’s Steele Street series, launched in 2005 with Crazy Hot, redefined romantic suspense. This eleven-book saga follows a crew of former juvenile delinquents turned elite operatives in Denver, Colorado. In Crazy Hot, paleontologist Regan McKinney teams up with bad-boy Quinn Younger to find her missing grandfather, sparking romance amid a smuggling ring. Its sequel, Crazy Cool, pairs icy operative Christian Hawkins with a senator’s daughter, blending danger and desire. Reviewers praise the series for its “edgy, sexy, and fast” pace, with muscle cars like Charlotte and Roxanne practically stealing the show.
As Glenna McReynolds, she penned the Celtic Saga trilogy, starting with The Chalice and the Blade (1997). Set in twelfth-century Wales, this epic fantasy follows Ceridwen, a Druid priestess, in a battle against ancient evil. Dream Stone and Prince of Time complete the trilogy, earning comparisons to Game of Thrones for their rich world-building. Her standalone River of Eden transports readers to the Amazon, where ethnobotanist Will Travers and Annie Parrish navigate danger and passion. Janzen’s style—vivid, sensual, and meticulously researched—makes her stories unforgettable.
Why Tara Janzen Matters
Tara Janzen’s impact lies in her ability to blend genres seamlessly, crafting tales that thrill and romance in equal measure. Her Steele Street series elevated romantic suspense, inspiring authors and delighting readers with its mix of military heroes, humor, and steamy chemistry. Her fantasy works, written as Glenna McReynolds, brought historical and mythical depth to the genre, earning her a RITA award and multiple Romantic Times honors. Fans cherish her for creating worlds where love conquers all, even amid chaos.
- Born: March 25, 1953, in Lewiston, Idaho
- Key Works: Steele Street series, The Chalice and the Blade trilogy, River of Eden
- Awards: RITA from Romance Writers of America, multiple Romantic Times awards
- Pen Name: Glenna McReynolds for romance and fantasy
Snag Crazy Hot or The Chalice and the Blade and dive into Tara Janzen’s thrilling world of romance and adventure!