Alyssa Day

Alyssa Cole is an American author recognized for her work across various genres, including historical fiction, science fiction, mystery, thriller, and contemporary romance. Her narratives frequently feature diverse characters and explore a wide range of professions and relationships, encompassing both heterosexual and homosexual partnerships. Cole's writing career began with short stories and novellas, often set against significant periods in American history like the Civil Rights Movement, the Revolutionary War, and the Harlem Renaissance. She has authored popular series such as the Loyal League trilogy, set during the Civil War, and the contemporary Reluctant Royals series. Cole has also contributed to collaborative anthologies and participated in NaNoWriMo to foster her writing process. Her novel "An Extraordinary Union" received multiple accolades, and "A Princess in Theory" was recognized by The New York Times. Her thriller "When No One Is Watching" also garnered critical praise. Cole is a vocal advocate for increased representation of Black authors within the romance genre, using platforms like convention panels and social media to promote diversity. She has also been involved in public discussions regarding ethical issues within the writing community.

Cole's thematic interests often include political and activist elements, with her historical fiction frequently connecting themes of love and freedom. Her contemporary works also engage with sociopolitical issues, such as a fictional African monarchy dealing with challenges mirroring real-world concerns. Born in the Bronx, Cole spent her childhood in New York and New Jersey, and now primarily resides in Martinique, with a secondary residence in New York City. She also discovered she has ADHD while developing a character with the same diagnosis.

Alyssa Cole's literary output spans historical fiction, science fiction, mystery, thriller, and contemporary romance, consistently featuring diverse characters and exploring various relationship dynamics. Her historical novels are often situated during pivotal moments in American history, such as the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Harlem Renaissance, frequently intertwining themes of love and freedom. Cole's contemporary romance series, like the Reluctant Royals, draw inspiration from modern royalty and explore modern relationships. Her writing is noted for its political and activist undertones, with characters engaging in significant historical events and societal issues. For instance, her contemporary novel "A Princess in Theory" features a protagonist from a fictional African nation grappling with issues reflective of real-world geopolitical challenges. Cole's commitment to representation is evident in her advocacy for Black authors in the romance publishing industry, a cause she champions through public discussions and social media engagement.

Beginning her career with short stories and novellas, Alyssa Cole has since achieved significant recognition for her novels and series. Her Loyal League trilogy and Reluctant Royals series have been published by major houses, and she has collaborated with numerous authors on anthologies. Cole has actively participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) to refine her writing habits. Her novel "An Extraordinary Union" (2017) garnered multiple awards, including recognition from the American Library Association, Vulture, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly. "A Princess in Theory" was named a notable book by The New York Times in 2018, and her 2020 thriller, "When No One Is Watching," earned an Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original. Cole has been a prominent voice in discussions surrounding diversity and representation within the romance genre and has addressed ethical disputes within the writing community, notably making documents public regarding a dispute involving author Courtney Milan.