Eloisa James, born Mary Bly in 1962, is an American author of historical romance novels and a Shakespeare scholar. The daughter of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert Bly and short story writer Carol Bly, she grew up in a household steeped in literature. Bly earned her B.A. from Harvard University, an M.Phil. from Oxford University, and a Ph.D. from Yale University. She is a tenured professor of English at Fordham University, specializing in Renaissance literature, and has published scholarly works under her real name. Under the pseudonym Eloisa James, she has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, celebrated for her witty and intelligent historical romances.
«The first rule of romance is to tell the truth. Your truth.»
«Love isn't neat, clean, or logical. It's an inconvenient mess, and we wouldn't have it any other way.»
«A gentleman doesn't ask for a kiss. He steals one, then makes amends with his lips.»
James's writing style is characterized by its sharp wit, intelligent dialogue, and emotional depth. She crafts strong, often unconventional heroines and charming, complex heroes, navigating the societal expectations of the Regency era with a modern sensibility. Her novels blend humor, sensuality, and heartwarming romance, often featuring intricate plots and well-researched historical details.