Loretta Lynda Chekani, who is known by her pen name Loretta Chase, is a highly acclaimed American author of romance novels. She was born in 1949 to a family of Albanian origin and spent her childhood in New England. Chase's love for writing began in the first grade, and she has been creating her own stories ever since. As a teenager, she kept a journal, wrote poetry, and even attempted to write the Great American Novel, which remains unfinished to this day.
Chase attended New England public schools and later earned an English degree from Clark University. After graduation, she worked in various roles at Clark University, including administrative, clerical, and part-time teaching positions. During this time, she also gained experience working with clothing and jewelry retailers and spent six months as a meter maid. It was during her time at Clark that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and eventually became her husband.
Under her married name, Loretta Chase, she has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award. Chase's writing is highly regarded in the romance genre, and her novels are celebrated for their wit, humor, and engaging characters. Her work has captivated readers for decades, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the romance writing community.