In an article in ''The New York Times'', romance author Sarah MacLean stated Thomas is known for her "lush style," and in ''USA Today'' romance author Madeline Hunter said she is "critically acclaimed as one of historical romance's best writers."
A native of China, Thomas emigrated to the United States at thirteen and learned English reading romance novels. She published her first novel in 2008, English-set Victorian romances, and in 2013, she branched into young adult fantasy. In 2014, she diverged from her traditional historical settings to publish a series set in Imperial China. Common themes in her work include unrequited love, love betrayal, and fate.
