Rachel van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken is an acclaimed #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author known for her compelling storytelling in several romance genres, including Regency, Contemporary, New Adult, and Romantic Suspense.

Among her most famous works is the Eagle Elite series, which explores themes of power, love, and loyalty in a world of mafia intrigue. Beginning with Elite in 2013, the series combines dark suspense and intense romance, drawing inspiration from real-life stories of organised crime.

The Ruin series, beginning with Ruin in 2013, also features emotional depth, exploring themes of love and redemption in the face of personal struggle, while the Bet series, starting with The Bet in 2013, delivers light-hearted humour and heartfelt romance as childhood friends navigate love and rivalry.

Van Dyken has also earned acclaim for her Regency romances, such as the Renwick House series (2011–2012) and the London Fairy Tales series (2012–2014). These works transport readers to the elegance of the Regency era, blending historical charm with tales of transformation and love.

In contemporary romance, her Seaside series (2012–2015) and Seaside Pictures series (2015–2020) explore the highs and lows of fame, offering a mix of small-town charm and rock-star allure. The Wingmen Inc. series, which began in 2016, showcases her knack for humour, following the hilarious and heartfelt escapades of modern dating.

One of her most distinctive works, My Summer in Seoul, published in 2021, marked a departure from her usual themes, immersing herself in the high-pressure world of K-pop idols. This story of cultural contrast and emotional healing is a deeply personal project for Van Dyken, inspired by her interest in K-dramas and music. The novel is characterised by its authenticity, based on years of research and collaboration with sensitive readers, and was even optioned for television before its publication.

Van Dyken's writing process often involves creating music playlists that reflect the tone of her stories. For darker works such as Elite, she turned to emotionally charged tracks by Imagine Dragons, while upbeat pop tunes set the mood for lighter stories such as The Bet. This musical connection allows her to delve deep into the emotional lives of her characters, enriching the narrative experience.

Themes of transformation, family ties and resilience are central to her work. Readers will resonate deeply with Rachel Van Dyken's stories, whether they explore the struggles of Mafia families or the pressures of fame.

Rachel Van Dyken lives in Idaho with her husband and adorable sons.

Photo credits: FB @romancebyrachel