Love in the Stacks: Authors who self-published their way into readers' hearts

J. Lynn and S.E. Hall. Big shots and publishing shakers. I bet you know these big-name authors, but did you know they were originally indie published? Walking into a local bookstore, I guarantee you will find both authors in multiple locations and on multiple displays. In the world of publishing, many would say that these authors "have made it." Not only are they selling books and making USA TODAY and New York Times bestsellers lists, but they are bringing home some major bacon. The cherry on top is that people enjoy their writing. They tell a good story and people want to read their work. What author could ask for more?

Despite now having traditional publishers, these authors worked some magic on their own beforehand. If you're curious as to some other authors who are doing just that right now, I've got the perfect list of great self-published storytellers for you.

MARIE FORCE

With four series and a list of single titles, Marie is a force (hah) to be reckoned with. She has more than 3 million books sold and more than 30 contemporary romances to her name. She's hit just about every bestsellers list possible and, on top of that, offers services to authors looking to self-publish.

Her Green Mountain series is one of my favorites and my recommendation to you. All You Need Is Love pulls you into small-town Vermont where I immediately connected with out-of-place Cameron Murphy, who travels to Vermont to help a client build a website. She immediately hits the town moose and wrecks her car, butts heads with her client's sexy son Will, and can't help but find herself attracted to him. It's a funny, cute and quick read that I think everybody would enjoy.

LILIANA HART

As of 2011 she has more than 2 million e-books sold worldwide and has crashed to the top of both the USA TODAY and New York Times bestsellers lists. She writes some amazing romantic suspense and is my current suggestion for my mother, who enjoys James Patterson. If you read fast-paced mysteries that involve bloody murders and authentic characters, the J.J. Graves series is right up your alley. Dirty Little Secrets introduces J.J. Graves, coroner for King George County, Virginia, just as residents of small-town Bloody Mary kick the bucket. Facing off against a serial killer, she and her partner, Detective Jack Lawson, discover scandalous secrets with each new victim.

MELODY ANNE

With many books under her belt and an insider's perspective on Corporate America, Melody knows how to write a billionaire romance. This is probably why her Billionaire Bachelors series is such a hit.

The Billionaire Wins the Game tells the story of jaded Amy Harper and her up-tight boss, Lucas Anderson. Both are determined that the other is not their match, but when Amy becomes pregnant (oops), things become more than just complicated. If you're looking for romantic comedy within a family that runs off of love, you will definitely enjoy this series.

COURTNEY MILAN

I just love saying her name. London … Paris … Courtney Milan! Another bestseller who started publishing in 2010, Courtney offers sexy and sweet historical romances. I recommend the Turner series, which follows brothers Ash, Mark and Smite. Unveiled introduces sexy Ash as he seeks out the man who brought misfortune on his family. He certainly wasn't planning on falling for Lady Margaret, a beautiful woman with secrets of her own.

BELLA ANDRE

I mean, who doesn't love football players, right? Bella's Bad Boys of Football series will give you scalding-hot men with a taste for danger and the women who can calm them. Jock straps, romance and sports galore — Bella is going to keep you hooked for hours. Start with Game for Anything.

Last but not least, KIT ROCHA

A personal favorite who writes dystopian romance, Kit offers readers erotica that goes to a whole new level. The Beyond series leads readers into a world where fighting, bootlegging and "public displays of affection" are the norm. For those of you who have enjoyed YA books like The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, Beyond Shame will be the perfect book to help you graduate into an "adult" series.

Happy reading, and if you have some favorites of your own, feel free to leave your list in the comments or tweet them to me: @author_sean.

Sean Gilmartin (@author_sean) has always been in a world of fantasy and superheroes. It was his fascination with good vs. evil that kindled his love of reading. When he is not working as an award-winning librarian, Sean blogs more often than he likes to admit. Follow Sean's blog and his work as paranormal romance author Sean Thomas at www.seanthomasauthor.com.