Karen Anders is an award-winning and bestselling American author, well-known for her romance novels. She also writes under the pen name Zoe Dawson. Karen's interest in romance began through her grandmother, who introduced her to the world of romance novels. After trying her hand at reading every subgenre of romance, Karen found a particular affinity towards contemporary romance. However, she couldn't find a contemporary romance that she really liked, which led her to start writing them herself. Karen was born in Vermont but currently resides in North Carolina. She is a single mother of two daughters.
Karen's love for reading began at a young age, and she was often found dragging around books instead of playing with teddy bears. She started writing and creating stories with her sister during their childhood. Karen's fascination with romantic novels began in high school when she first read The Princess Bride by William Goldman. She was so captivated by the book that she wrote a letter to the author, expressing her desire to read a particular scene that was cut out by the publisher. Karen's passion for reading continued to grow, and she was particularly drawn to historical, western, fantasy, time travel, and science fiction novels.
Karen's writing career took off in 1997 when her first book, Jennifer's Outlaw, was published in April. Since then, she has become a three-time National Readers' Choice Award finalist and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist. Karen's work has also won the prestigious HOLT Medallion, and two of her novels made the Waldenbooks Bestseller list in 2003. Karen is proud of her two daughters, whom she raised as a divorced mom for 15 years. She is currently writing for the Harlequin Romantic Suspense line and has published a total of 12 books. Karen's love for painting is another creative outlet for her, and she enjoys painting in both watercolors and Chinese Brush painting.
Under the pen name Zoe Dawson, Karen writes romantic comedy, new adult contemporary romance, urban fantasy, syfy, and erotic romance. She currently lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry grey cat. Karen's novels often feature sexy NCIS agents, tough JAG lawyers, rogue Navy SEALs, and courageous Marines, investigating murder, espionage, and crime across a global landscape. Her To Protect and Serve Series for Romantic Suspense is particularly popular. Karen's books are available in bookstores, and readers can sign up for her newsletter on her website for updates on new releases.