Alyssa Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling American author celebrated for her diverse, socially conscious romance novels, thrillers, and graphic novels. Before pivoting to writing fiction full-time, she worked as a science journal production editor, an experience that honed her sharp attention to detail. She first gained widespread literary acclaim for her historical fiction, particularly The Loyal League series, which follows Black espionage agents working to dismantle the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Cole further expanded her reach with her Reluctant Royals series, a contemporary romantic comedy collection that kicked off with A Princess in Theory and earned a spot on The New York Times' 100 Notable Books list. Shifting genres in 2020, she released her debut psychological thriller, When No One Is Watching, a gripping exploration of Brooklyn gentrification that won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award. Throughout her career, Cole has been a vocal advocate for increasing multicultural representation and the visibility of Black authors in publishing. Her storytelling frequently balances high-stakes romance or suspense with sharp political themes and diverse casts. Born in the Bronx and raised across New York and New Jersey, she now resides in France with her husband, where she divides her time between writing, learning French, and caring for her pets.
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with Leigh Bardugo, Val McDermid and Natalie Haynes
