Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a highly accomplished American author, best known for her contemporary romance novels, as well as some historical romance and women's fiction. She was born on December 11, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up with a love for reading and writing. After receiving her B.F.A from the Ohio University in theater arts, she went on to teach English, drama, and speech at a local high school. However, it wasn't until she moved to New Jersey and began discussing books with her neighbor, Claire Lefkowitz, that she started writing in earnest. Together, they collaborated on a historical romance novel, The Copeland Bride, published in 1983 under the pseudonym Justine Cole.
Phillips eventually began writing on her own and became a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, with her books published in over 30 languages. She has received the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Favorite Book of the Year Award four times and is a recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of several popular series, including the Chicago Stars and American's Lady series, as well as standalone novels. Her newest book, Simply the Best, is set to be released in February 2024 as part of the highly acclaimed Chicago Stars football series.
In addition to her writing career, Phillips is a hiker, lazy gardener, horrible singer, passable cook, and passionate reader. She is also a wife, mother of two grown sons, and grandmother. While she is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, her online presence is focused on promoting her books and connecting with her readers. She offers a monthly sweepstakes on her website and provides information on her newest book, upcoming events, and frequently asked questions.