Picture a Midwestern storyteller who spins heartfelt romance with a political twist—meet Victoria H. Smith! With a laptop perched on her lap and a cornfield as her backdrop, this Swirl Award-winning author crafts interracial love stories that pulse with real-world grit and dreamy ambition. From her breakout Space series to her emotionally charged Found by You, Smith’s novels captivate readers with their depth and relatability.
Victoria’s knack for weaving personal experiences into her narratives makes her work stand out in the contemporary romance scene. Her characters, often as opinionated as she is, tackle love, race, and societal pressures with authenticity, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this Political Science grad became a romance powerhouse.
The Making of Victoria H. Smith
Born and raised in the Midwest, Victoria H. Smith earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, a foundation that infuses her romance novels with sharp insights into power dynamics and social issues. Her love for storytelling blossomed alongside her geeky passions—think Sherlock, DC Comics, and extreme couponing. Inspired by her own life and the vibrant characters in her head, she began writing, channeling her experiences into tales of love and resilience.
Smith’s early career was fueled by a relentless drive to tell stories that resonate. Living with her MacBook and a view of endless cornfields, she found her voice in contemporary interracial romance, a genre where she could explore diverse relationships and real-world challenges. Her debut, The Space Between, marked her as a fresh talent, blending political savvy with musical influences and raw emotion.
Victoria H. Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s bibliography is a treasure trove of steamy, soulful romances. Her Space series, starting with The Space Between (2013), follows Drake and Lacey, whose love defies class and racial divides. The novel’s gripping narrative, rooted in Chicago’s vibrant backdrop, hooked readers with its intense chemistry and social commentary. Its sequel, The Dividing Line, takes the couple to Paris, testing their bond amid fame and ambition.
The Found by You series is another gem, with Found by You (2014) earning Smith the 2015 AMB Ovation Award. This new adult romance follows basketball star Griffin and curvy Roxie, navigating fame, jealousy, and love. Loved by You deepens their story, showcasing Smith’s knack for character growth. Her standalone His Sweetest Song (2018) offers a tender BWWM romance, blending small-town charm with emotional depth.
Smith’s style is a vibrant mix of heart-pounding romance, cultural nuance, and political undertones. Her characters grapple with real issues—racism, classism, personal demons—while finding love that feels earned. Musical influences, from opera to KPOP, often weave into her narratives, reflecting her eclectic tastes and adding lyrical flair to her prose.
Why Victoria H. Smith Matters
Victoria H. Smith’s impact lies in her ability to make romance more than just a love story. By centering interracial and multicultural relationships, she challenges stereotypes and amplifies diverse voices in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. Her 2014 Swirl Award for Best New Adult Romance and bestseller status underscore her influence, but it’s her readers’ emotional connection to her characters that truly defines her legacy.
Smith’s stories resonate globally, offering a lens into the complexities of love across cultural lines. Her Midwestern roots and political insight ground her work in authenticity, making her a beacon for readers seeking inclusive, thought-provoking romance. Whether it’s Drake and Lacey’s saga or Griffin and Roxie’s journey, her novels remind us that love can bridge even the widest divides.
- Key Works: The Space Between, Found by You, His Sweetest Song
- Awards: 2014 Swirl Award, 2015 AMB Ovation Award
- Fun Fact: She honeymooned at Disney World!
Snag The Space Between and dive into Victoria H. Smith’s soulful, steamy world of romance!