If you haven’t already, check out part 1 and part 2 of my series on North Carolina authors. I promise I’ll still be here when you come back.

Back? Good. Here are some more great North Carolina authors!

Cindy Holby- Perhaps the author on my list with the widest spread of genre available. As Cindy Holby, she writes historicals. As Colby Hodge, she writes sci-fi. And, as Kassy Tayler, she writes young adult. My personal favorite book by Cindy is her young adult novel, Obsessing Orlando. Here’s my review:

Kassy Tayler really has a great voice for the YA market! I liked the believable 14-year-old-ness of her characters. It was fun without being too didactic, but still had good pieces of morals running throughout. Enjoyable, even though I’m an old coot!

Sabrina Jeffries- I do know Sabrina Jeffries, but I have to say that I was a fan even before I knew her, and I was a little star-struck when I first met her. I may have gushed. A little. Or a lot. Sabrina writes really sexy Regencies with lots of plot twists and hot heroes. She just wrapped up her School for Heiresses series. Here’s my review of the first in the School for Heiresses series, Never Seduce a Scoundrel:

If it’s one of Sabrina Jeffries’s scoundrels, I’d seduce him any day! I loved every page of seductresses and big, strapping soldiers. Amelia and Lucas were a well-matched pair of adventurers. As always in Sabrina’s novels, the plot was riveting, and I really felt attached to the characters by the end. Great, fun read and I can’t wait for the Scottish Scourge!

Samantha Kane- Samantha writes sexy historicals. They’re pretty hot, I hear, so buckle your seatbelt! Samantha and Mari Freeman also run a naughty blog together that’s a lot of fun!

Virginia Kantra- I have learned so much about the craft of writing from Virginia. She is not only a great writer, but also a willing teacher and mentor, and a fantastic advocate for the entire romance genre. Her current series is the Children of the Sea series, about a family of selkies– human/seal shifters. It sounds weird, but it’s actually pretty sexy. The first in the series is Sea Witch. Here’s my review:

Love this one, and can’t wait to read the rest of the series! Margred was a great character, and I really enjoyed her transformation from selkie to human. Kantra delves into a lot of great themes in this book, not the least of which is what it means to have a soul. Highly enjoyable read!

Deb Marlowe- Deb writes Regencies, and teaches an awesome workshop on researching for historicals. She almost makes me want to write one… almost. Her books are still in my To Be Read pile, but I’ve heard wonderful things about them!

Emilie Rose- Emilie writes for Silhouette Desire, which is the line I was attempting to sell my manuscript to earlier this year. I love Silhouette Desires. They’re full of big, alpha heroes, and smart heroines. No one does them better than Emilie. I’ve enjoyed every book of hers I’ve ever read. Lots of these ladies are also great teachers, and really willing to give of their time to aspiring authors like me, and Emilie is definitely no exception. I’ve learned A LOT from her. Her current release is More Than a Millionaire, which I haven’t read yet. Here’s my review of the first one in her Payback Affairs series, Shattered by the CEO:

Loved this first in the Payback Affairs series. The characters are so deeply touching because they’ve had a hard time of it, and I love that they complete each other so well, and can take both of their pain and turn it into a relationship that works. Rand was sexy, as all Desire heroes are, but I loved Tara. Her story was so touching and I love that it’s a reunion story, but a reunion story where they’ve both changed enough since their failed try to make it work this time. Well done.

Lisa Shearin- She’s another author whose books are still in To Be Read limbo at my house, but I’m sure they’re great! I’m a regular reader of her blog. Check it out of you want a good Day In The Life experience of a writer.

Alexandra Sokoloff- Alex writes horror/suspense, so if you’re looking for something that’s not romance, she’s about the only one I’m going to list! She does a fantastic workshop on screenwriting that has helped me immensely (and changed the way I watch movies forever).

Sarah Winn- Sarah writes erotic romances. She’s a really smart lady, and I don’t know anyone else who so thoroughly knows the mechanics of writing. Try her out!

And here’s a BONUS for you guys. These are authors whose books aren’t out yet, but they’re going to be awesome, so watch out for them!

Katherine Ashe- The Masters of Masquerade historical Regency series is coming soon. Don’t miss it, it’s going to be fantastic! Katie is a lot of fun, really dedicated, super smart, and a great writer!

Lydia Dare- This authoring duo will have a paranormal series out in 2010, so keep an eye out. The first in the series is called A Certain Wolfish Charm.

Alright, lay it on me, people. Who are your favorite North Carolina authors? Leave ‘em in the comments!