Kristen Ashley is one of the most beloved romance authors of our time. With complex characters, highly emotional storytelling, and her refusal to have her writing put into one box,
Ashley’s boundary-pushing novels are as vivid as vivid can get!
If you’re a fan of her lucid writing, compelling characters, and twist-filled stories, keep reading to find twenty authors whose writing styles and novels are similar to hers–and just as evocative!
About Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over eighty romance novels and is currently a hybrid author who publishes her books both traditionally and independently.
Kristen Ashley’s unforgettable novels have garnered the attention of fans worldwide. From paranormal and fantasy to mystery and suspense, her contemporary romances usually contain elements from other genres, making them all the more interesting to read!
Although she writes romance, strong themes of community, friendship, and family are also heavily present throughout most of her novels.
So, whether you’re on the hunt for steamy romance, fascinating new worlds you can get lost in, close-knit communities in small-town settings, or possessive alpha male heroes that will make you swoon, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in this article. Keep reading to find your next faves!
20 Best Authors Like Kristen Ashley
J.R Ward
J.R Ward–Also known by her real name, Jessica Bird–is a contemporary romance and paranormal romance author. She is the author of over thirty novels, a three-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, and has published her books in over 25 countries thus far.
If you’re a fan of Kristen Ashley’s Chaos series, you’ll love J.R Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which is just as steamy and intense!
Book #1, Dark Lover, is an erotic and absolutely thrilling story that will keep your eyes glued to the page from start to finish! If you’re interested in reading about a group of ancient, warrior vampires then you’ll love every second of it.
It follows the romance between Wrath, the only pure-blooded vampire left in the world, and Beth, a half-blood who is about to make the transition from human to vampire. The problem is…She doesn’t know it yet!
From Scottish historical romance to erotic romance, Maya Banks’ writing style matches Kristen Ashley’s with its intensity and eminent focus on complex characters. The bestselling author’s Kelly Group International series is a great read for those who love Kristen Ashley’s Dream Man series!
Sexy, action-packed, and full of fiercely loyal alpha males, book #1 of the series, The Darkest Hour, introduces readers to the super-elite, top-secret, family-run business–KGI–as they try to find a very important missing lady.
Ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly is hunting for his wife, who was last seen alive one year ago. If he’s going to save her, he’s going to have to avoid falling captive to a drug cartel and cross a dangerous jungle, but he’ll do whatever it takes if it means finding his wife again.
Known for her engaging and steamy paranormal romance, the author of over sixteen novels’ most popular series, the Phoenix Pack series, is a great choice for fans of Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick series.
If it’s friends that turn into family and werewolf shifters that you love, you’ll enjoy Feral Sins. Wolf shifter and healer, Taryn, is determined to avoid the seemingly troublesome pack alpha, Trey.
However, the need for political allies and the threat of an unwanted arranged marriage bring the two closer together as they concoct a plan so they can both get what they want–but they each get a little more than they bargained for as they begin to fall for each other.
If it’s the damaged and abundantly flawed yet lovable characters–and emotionally charged romances that provide a space for said characters to heal in–that you love from Ashley’s writing, you’ll enjoy Aly Martinez’s novels!
Book #1 of Martinez’s Wrecked and Ruined series, Changing Course, follows Brett, who is head-over-heels in love with Sarah and has planned to spend the rest of his life with her. A tragic accident changes those plans when she becomes hateful to everyone around her–especially him.
After years of caring for his still-wife despite their relationship having truly ended long ago, he meets Jesse and decides to move forward with his life for the first time since the accident.
Having published more than forty titles and hit the bestselling list over a dozen times, Cassia Leo is known for writing characters who are healing from trauma and finding love in unexpected places too.
Much like Kristen Ashley’s Colorado Mountain series, Leo’s Shattered Hearts series is a great read for anyone who loves second-chance romance. Book #1, Forever Ours, follows best friends–and foster siblings–Chris and Claire’s tumultuous love story.
The two fall in love but are soon ripped apart by a record deal that forces Claire to live without Chris as he pursues his dream of becoming a star. When they’re reunited, their second chance at love is threatened by a huge secret that Claire has been keeping.
Audie Award-winning author and named Favorite Australian Romance Author twice in a row, Kylie Scott is known for her steamy yet humorous contemporary romances.
Looking for more rockstar romance after reading Leo’s Forever Ours? Scott’s Lick, the first book in the Stage Dive series, is an excellent choice!
Like most of Scott’s other novels, Lick contains quirky and lovable characters, a musician as the main character, and a close bond between band members as they navigate fame.
The erotic story follows Evelyn, who wakes up in lead guitarist David’s hotel room after a wild night with a ring on her finger and no recollection of the wedding that took place.
USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, Aurora Rose Reynolds, is known for her independent, sassy, and headstrong heroines, her possessive alpha male heroes, and all their family drama.
In Until November, Asher Mayson meets November, who wants nothing to do with him. That’s a big change of pace from what he’s used to, but he’s determined to win over the cold woman’s heart.
November can’t resist him forever–especially not when he shows her that he can love her so intensely–but she has enough on her plate as she tries to adjust to a big move and mend a relationship with her father, whom she’s just met for the first time in twenty-five years.
If you’re in need of suspenseful romance with plenty of action and characters that find redemption through the safe haven of their relationships, Carey Decevito’s Night Shift will have you hooked!
The gripping novel follows Shane, who has a lot on his plate. He’s trying to be a good father to his daughter, working as a detective as he continues on his quest to find peace after the love of his life was murdered eight years ago, and now…
Now he’s falling in love with Emberlyn, who happens to be the main lead that he’s gotten on the murderer he’s been hunting for so long.
Originally published under seven different pen names–and now just three–Jayne Krentz’s novels are a great choice for those looking to read more strong heroines, protective heroes, and fast-paced romantic suspense.
Second Sight, the first book in the Arcane Society series, follows Venetia Milton and Gabriel Jones. Both have psychic abilities which stir up trouble for each of them. Venetia is sure that Gabriel is dead and is totally unaware of the fact that he’s about to walk right back into her life, very much alive.
Gabriel is being tracked and soon to be murdered if he can’t manage to outsmart his tracker, but what’s worse is the fact that the tracker is now convinced that Gabriel’s “Wife” Venetia is the key to getting ahold of Gabriel.
In the mood for a slow-burn romance? Or maybe forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and fake marriage? Five-time Goodreads Choice Awards nominee, Mariana Zapata’s The Wall of Winnipeg and Me will give you everything you need and more!
The sports romance follows Vanessa Mazur, who quits her job as personal assistant of the top defensive end in the National Football Organization, Aiden Graves, only to have the previously unappreciative and seemingly emotionless legend begging for her to come back.
But now he’s asking her to do more than just his cleaning and scheduling. Acting as his personal assistant is about to get a lot more personal.
Looking to read about a group of friends’ hilarious adventures? Or maybe you’re in search of a rom-com with the beloved opposites attract trope. Either way, R. L Mathewson’s Playing For Keeps is the perfect choice for you!
Haley Blaine–fed up with her neighbor from hell, Jason, treating her like the biggest pushover in the world–loses her mind and attacks Jason with a hose.
Jason falls in love immediately. But even he knows that she can do better than him, and he’s determined to show her that before it’s too late.
Darling’s novels are filled with dark romance, danger, suspense, and plenty of angst, along with plenty of taboos. Readers who loved the motorcycle club aspect of Kristen Ashley’s Chaos series will love Darling’s Fallen Men series!
Book #1, Lessons in Corruption, follows King and Cress. The book’s summary tells you everything you need to know!
Looking for an emotionally engaging romance that will give you all the feels? Like Kristen Ashley’s Colorado Mountain series, Perry’s The Coppersmith Farmhouse is a heartwarming read set in a small town.
The book features a slow-burn romance between widowed Gigi and the town’s sheriff, Jess. When Gigi and her daughter move from the big city into a little farmhouse in Montana, Gigi has to deal with the bitter yet handsome sheriff who doesn’t realize how big of a jerk he is until it’s too late.
Determined to earn her trust and win her heart, Jess tries to fix things between him and the witty woman as the two slowly fall in love.
Known for her steamy, passionate, and intense paranormal romances, Dohner’s most popular series, New Species, is sure to keep those who are interested in hybrids and looking for more danger and suspense enamored!
In the first book of the series, Fury, Ellie is working for a pharmaceutical company and soon discovers that the company’s scientists are conducting illegal experiments. They’ve spliced human and animal DNA together, creating an exotic new species as a result.
One of those “experiments” captures her heart, and she soon becomes determined to do whatever it takes to save his life before it’s too late–even if he hates her for it.
Judith McNaught is a bestselling author of over a dozen historical and contemporary romance novels and is best known for her emotional yet steamy historical romances. Her Westmoreland series follows a powerful English family, the Westmorelands, in the 19th century.
The first book published by McNaught yet the second of the series, Whitney, My Love follows headstrong heiress, Whitney Stone, after the death of her mother.
Her father sends her off to France to live with her aunt and uncle, and there she meets a wealthy duke, Clayton Westmoreland. The two are at odds, to begin with, but soon enter a courtship and start a passion-filled yet tumultuous relationship while trying to overcome their pasts.
Joanna Wylde’s Reapers MC series is filled with all the elements that Kristen Ashley’s readers love the most! Steam, protective alphas, tons of suspense–And best of all, a group of dreamy outlaws in the Reapers Motorcycle Club.
In Reaper’s Property, Marie Jensen wants nothing to do with the big, badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house. She’s just left her abusive ex-husband and the last thing she needs is another man, especially one that seems to be a criminal in a biker gang.
But when her brother steals from the Reapers Club, only Marie can save him. By giving the persistent gang member exactly what he wants from her.
If you like reading about men in uniform, Lani Lynn Vale’s books are the perfect pick! Vale’s novels often contain military men and first responders–and in her Freebirds series, said men also happen to be in a motorcycle club.
In the first book of the series, Boomtown, a 25-year-old nursing student named Cheyanne Allen meets former army ranger, Sam Mackenzie. He knows she’s the one for him the second they meet, but his past threatens to ruin any chance of a future with her.
In need of a series similar to Kristen Ashley’s Fantasyland? Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark is just what you’re looking for!
In book #1, A Hunger Like No Other, a tortured werewolf–King of the Lykae clan, Lachlain–finds that the mate he’s been searching for all this time is a delicate Vampire named Emmaline.
He soon kidnaps the overprotected half vampire half valkyrie after escaping his own captors of 150 years. Will his love for her overpower his hatred for what she is?
Ending the list with an author for those who loved Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick series, Jodi Ellen Malpas’ This Man contains plenty of complex characters and emotional storytelling that will leave your head spinning and your heart pounding out of your chest!
Jesse Ward, a pleasure-seeking playboy, sets his sights on interior designer Ava O’Shea the second she arrives at the manor. Her mind wants nothing to do with him but her body needs him.
Whether she wants to admit it or not, the devastatingly handsome man has already stolen her heart even if she knows he’ll destroy it sooner than later.
Kristen Ashley has an incredibly unique voice and a knack for writing romance that blends genres and transcends tropes while making readers experience a wide range of emotions. If you’re a mega fan of hers I hope that with the help of this article, you were able to find an author whose writing could encapture your heart in the same way as hers!
FAQs
What genre is Kristen Ashley?
Kristen Ashley writes popular romance novels.
What is next for Kristen Ashley?
Her story, The Girl in the Woods, is coming out on March 21, 2023. Her story, Perfect Together, is coming out on June 13, 2023.
How many books has Kristen Ashley written?
She has written an astonishing 92 books so far.
Have Kristen Ashley’s books been made into movies?
Two of Kristen Ashley’s novels –The Will and Three Wishes–have been adapted into films.
Tia has been writing since she first learned how to spell. A shy kid turned introverted adult, she’s been using books as a way to express herself for as long as she can remember. Whether building her own intricate worlds and crafting kooky characters of her own or diving into the captivating universes created by other authors, Tia’s passion for books always manifests itself in some way. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found studying Korean, watching anime, maladaptive daydreaming, or losing her mind over BTS with her best friends.
![[The Darkest Hour] (By: Maya Banks) [published: September, 2010]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxIDEiIHdpZHRoPSIxIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEiIGRhdGEtdT0iaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZtLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20lMkZpbWFnZXMlMkZJJTJGNDFqNTh5YXdVYkwuanBnIiBkYXRhLXc9IjEiIGRhdGEtaD0iMSIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+)
