Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a renowned American romance novelist, often hailed as the "Queen of Romantic Comedy" and credited as the creator of the sports romance genre. Born on December 11, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she pursued theatre studies at Ohio University. After graduating, she taught drama, literature, and English at a local high school until the birth of her first child, after which she became a homemaker.

In 1976, Susan's family moved from Ohio to New Jersey, where she met her neighbor and soon-to-be co-author, Claire Kiehl. Together, they wrote their first historical romance novel, The Copeland Bride, published under the pseudonym Justine Cole in 1983. After Claire moved away, Susan ventured into solo writing, releasing Risen Glory (later reissued as Just Imagine), marking her debut under her real name.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips gained international recognition with her first contemporary fiction, Glitter Baby, followed by successful novels such as Fancy Pants, Hot Shot, and Honey Moon. Her breakthrough in the American market came with the release of It Had To Be You, Heaven, Texas, and Kiss an Angel within an 18-month span, solidifying her reputation as a leading author in romantic fiction.

Phillips is celebrated for her Chicago Stars football series and the Wynette, Texas book series, along with various stand-alone women's fiction and romance novels. Her works have been translated into over 30 languages, earning her numerous accolades, including being a four-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America's Favorite Book of the Year Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Aside from writing, Susan enjoys vegetarian cooking, gardening, and exploring art museums. She resides in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, with her husband, where she was named the "Most Famous Person in Naperville" by The Naperville Sun in 2007. Her dream trip to Tuscany in September 2000 inspired her novel Breathing Room.

Susan's latest book, Simply the Best, is set to release in February 2024 as part of the acclaimed Chicago Stars series.