Jessica Rowley Pell Bird Blakemore, known by her pseudonym J.R. Ward, is a renowned American novelist, born on April 19, 1969. She is highly acclaimed for her paranormal romance novels, most notably the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Under her maiden name, Jessica Bird, she writes contemporary romance novels.

J.R. Ward is a three-time winner of the Romance Writers of America RITA Award. She won once as Jessica Bird for Best Short Contemporary Romance for From the First and twice as J.R. Ward for Best Paranormal Romance for Lover Revealed and Dearest Ivie.

Her books have frequently appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, attesting to her popularity and skill as a writer. She currently resides in the South with her family.