Step into the quirky, heart-pounding world of the Broken Heart, Oklahoma / Broken Heart Vampires series, where single parents turned vampires juggle PTA meetings, supernatural threats, and steamy romances under the Oklahoma moonlight! Michele Bardsley’s paranormal romance saga blends humor, heart, and a dash of the undead, creating a cozy yet thrilling haven for fans of vampire fiction with a fresh twist.
In the fictional town of Broken Heart, Oklahoma, the highest divorce rates and single-parent households set the stage for an unexpected transformation. When a rogue vampire’s feeding frenzy turns a group of parents into vampires, the town becomes a paranormal sanctuary, complete with night-time soccer games and blood martinis. This series is a love letter to those balancing the chaos of parenthood with the allure of immortality.
How Broken Heart, Oklahoma / Broken Heart Vampires Began
Michele Bardsley, a Tulsa native and New York Times bestselling author, kicked off the Broken Heart series in 2006 with I’m the Vampire, That’s Why. Inspired by her love for paranormal romance and a knack for humor, Bardsley crafted a world where everyday struggles meet supernatural stakes. Her goal was to reimagine vampire fiction by focusing on relatable characters—single moms and dads—whose lives are upended by fangs and eternal youth, all set in a charmingly flawed small town.
Bardsley’s background in romantic comedy and paranormal fiction shines through, drawing comparisons to MaryJanice Davidson’s Queen Betsy series but with a meatier plot and grassroots charm. The series grew from a single novel into a beloved 14-book saga, fueled by fan enthusiasm and Bardsley’s knack for blending wit with heartfelt storytelling.
The Heart of Broken Heart, Oklahoma / Broken Heart Vampires
The series kicks off with I’m the Vampire, That’s Why, where Jessica Matthews, a divorced mom, wakes up sucking the thigh of hunky vampire Patrick O’Halloran after a werewolf attack. She navigates her new undead life while hunting a rogue lycan and resisting Patrick’s soulmate vibes. Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire follows librarian Eva LeRoy, who falls for Lorcan, the vampire who turned her, despite his guilt and her daughter’s vampire-hunter boyfriend. Because Your Vampire Said So introduces Patsy Donahue, a sassy hairdresser turned vampire queen, entangled with a rogue shape-shifter. Cross Your Heart dives into mystery with Elizabeth Bretton, an undead heiress solving a 150-year-old curse alongside a flirty were-jaguar.
Themes of love, resilience, and community pulse through the series, wrapped in Bardsley’s signature humor. The setting—a small town reborn as a paranormal haven—grounds the fantastical elements, making vampires and shifters feel like neighbors. Parenting remains a core focus, with characters wrestling with teen drama and supernatural dangers, all while finding romance that spans centuries. The blend of steamy encounters, action-packed battles, and laugh-out-loud moments creates a style that’s both escapist and relatable.
Why Broken Heart, Oklahoma / Broken Heart Vampires Resonates
The Broken Heart series carved a niche in paranormal romance by celebrating the messiness of life—undead or otherwise. Fans adore its relatable heroines, who face vampire politics and grocery runs with equal grit, and its inclusive cast of shifters, witches, and ghosts. Bardsley’s humor and heart have earned accolades, including the 2008 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Because Your Vampire Said So. The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to make immortality feel human, offering a cozy escape for readers craving romance with a side of sass.
Though not as mainstream as some vampire sagas, Broken Heart’s cult following thrives on its unique voice and tight-knit world. It’s a testament to Bardsley’s skill in crafting stories that resonate with anyone who’s ever juggled too many plates—fanged or not.
- First Book Published: 2006 (I’m the Vampire, That’s Why)
- Total Books: 14, plus short stories
- Award: 2008 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Because Your Vampire Said So
- Setting: Broken Heart, Oklahoma
Grab I’m the Vampire, That’s Why and dive into the Broken Heart, Oklahoma / Broken Heart Vampires series’ hilarious, heartfelt world of paranormal romance!