Vanessa Riley

Vanessa Riley is a multi-talented author known for her captivating historical fiction, romance fiction, and mystery fiction novels. Raised with a love for literature, Riley's mother introduced her to the works of renowned authors like Jane Austen, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. After earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Riley discovered her passion for romance fiction. Currently residing in Atlanta, she focuses on writing multicultural romance stories, often exploring the Regency romance genre. Riley's print debut novel, 'A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby' (2020), draws inspiration from the film 'The First Wives Club' (1996). Notably, her novel 'Island Queen' (2021), which delves into the life of enslaved-turned-landowner Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, has been optioned for film by Julie Ann Robinson. Additionally, Riley has shared her writing talents with The Washington Post, further showcasing her literary prowess.