Picture a storyteller who spins love stories with a rock 'n' roll heartbeat—meet Xio Axelrod! A USA Today bestselling author, Xio crafts contemporary romances that pulse with music, passion, and authenticity. From her viral debut to her acclaimed Lillys series, her novels capture the grit and glamour of the music industry, making her a standout voice in modern romance.
Born in New Jersey and raised in Philadelphia, Xio’s life has been a symphony of creativity, blending her roots in the recording industry with her knack for storytelling. With a fanbase that adores her lyrical prose and diverse characters, she’s redefining romance one unforgettable tale at a time.
The Making of Xio Axelrod
Xio Axelrod grew up immersed in the music industry, recording songs by age four and later performing on international stages under a not-so-secret stage name. This vibrant backdrop shaped her storytelling, infusing her work with the raw energy of live performances and the grind of studio life. After years of songwriting, Xio stumbled into novel-writing in 2013, when her Tumblr serial Starstruck caught fire online, sparking her literary career. A self-professed fangirl, she draws inspiration from everything—quirky neighbors, song lyrics, and even her beloved TV series, SKAM.
Xio Axelrod’s Unforgettable Stories
Xio’s novels are a love letter to music and romance, blending steamy chemistry with heartfelt narratives. Her 2014 debut, The Calum, a contemporary Scottish romance, charmed readers with its earthy dialogue and fairytale-like charm. The Falling Stars series (2015–2016) dives into Hollywood’s fishbowl, following actors Val and Sam as they navigate love against a backdrop of fame and fidelity. The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes (2021), the first in the Lillys series, introduces Toni, a gifted guitarist, and her rock band’s rise to fame, earning praise for its authentic music-world grit. Its 2024 sequel, Girls with Bad Reputations, spotlights drummer Kayla, amplifying Black women’s voices in rock.
Xio’s style is lyrical yet grounded, with realistic dialogue that captures how people actually speak. Her diverse casts and music-infused settings—think sweaty studios and electric stage moments—create immersive worlds. Whether exploring love, loss, or self-discovery, her stories linger like a favorite song, earning her critical acclaim and a passionate readership.
Why Xio Axelrod Matters
Xio Axelrod’s impact lies in her ability to weave music and romance into stories that resonate deeply. By spotlighting women, especially Black women, in the male-dominated rock scene, she challenges stereotypes and celebrates resilience. Her Lillys series, complete with merchandise and music, creates a vivid ‘Lillyverse’ that fans adore. As a member of the Authors Guild and Tall Poppy Writers, Xio fosters a supportive reader community, sharing her love for storytelling through social media and exclusive excerpts. Her work proves that love stories can be bold, diverse, and unapologetically real.
- Born: New Jersey, raised in Philadelphia
- Key Works: The Calum, Falling Stars, The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, Girls with Bad Reputations
- Awards: USA Today bestselling author, award-winning novelist
- Fun Fact: Xio’s music knowledge makes her a quiz-night superstar!
Ready to fall in love with Xio Axelrod’s world? Snag The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes and dive into her music-soaked romances!