Picture a Midwest mom spinning tales of vampires, cyborgs, and fairy-tale romance while juggling kids and a hairdressing gig—meet Candice Gilmer! A USA Today and NY Times bestselling author, Gilmer crafts paranormal and contemporary romances that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, capturing hearts with her spellbinding happily-ever-afters.
Growing up in the Midwest, Gilmer’s knack for storytelling was practically in her DNA. Surrounded by a family of natural storytellers, she memorized tales like Cinderella by age two, setting the stage for a life of weaving magic through words. Today, her stories resonate with readers who crave romance with a supernatural twist, all infused with her signature heart and humor.
The Making of Candice Gilmer
Born and raised in the Midwest, Candice Gilmer’s roots run deep in a family where storytelling was second nature. Aunts, uncles, and her mom spun tales with ease, inspiring her early love for narrative. By two, she was reciting fairy tales, a hint of the creative force she’d become. Life as a wife, mother, and hairdresser for over fifteen years hasn’t slowed her down—instead, it’s fueled her ability to multitask, writing between clients or during kids’ TV marathons. Her husband’s work with the Wichita Paranormal Research Society adds a spooky spark, influencing the eerie edge in her paranormal romances.
Candice Gilmer’s Unforgettable Stories
Gilmer’s bibliography is a treasure trove of romance, spanning paranormal, sci-fi, and contemporary genres. Her Mythical Knights series kicks off with Brightest Shadow, an alpha werewolf romance where David, a reluctant pack leader, meets Kelsey, a dreamer with precognitive visions. Readers rave about its unique shifter lore and emotional depth. Fantasy Girl, part of her Barrum, KS Romances, blends suspense with humor, following Lynn, a fan-fiction writer hunted by a serial killer, in a thrilling romantic chase.
In her Galactic Storm series, The Temptress’s Cyborg dives into sci-fi romance, pairing a scientist heroine with a cyborg in a war-torn galaxy, earning praise for its world-building. Gilmer’s fairy-tale retellings, like Out of the Tower from the Charming Fairy Tales series, reimagine Rapunzel with adult magic and wit. Her style—rich with witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and supernatural flair—makes every story a page-turner, rooted in Midwest charm.
What sets Gilmer apart is her ability to weave everyday struggles into fantastical settings. Her heroines are bold, relatable, and unafraid to chase love, whether with a werewolf or a cyborg. Fans adore her for crafting diverse worlds, from vampire dens to alien planets, all tied by the universal quest for connection.
Why Candabout Candice Gilmer Matters
Candice Gilmer’s impact lies in her ability to make the paranormal feel personal. Her stories resonate with readers who see themselves in her flawed, fierce characters, offering escapism with heart. By balancing motherhood, a day job, and writing, she’s a role model for aspiring authors, proving creativity thrives in chaos. Her contribution to anthologies like Not Well Behaved Women supports causes like reproductive rights, showing her commitment to using storytelling for good.
Gilmer’s Midwest roots and family-inspired narratives bring authenticity to her work, while her paranormal romances push boundaries, blending humor, heat, and heart. She’s carved a niche in a crowded genre, leaving fans eager for more.
- First published in 2008 with three novels.
- Key works: Brightest Shadow, Fantasy Girl, The Temptress’s Cyborg.
- Geek-girl heart: Loves Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, DC, and Captain America.
- Day job: Hairdresser for over 15 years.
About Candice Gilmer
Ready to fall in love with a werewolf or swoon over a cyborg? Snag Brightest Shadow and dive into Candice Gilmer’s magical world of paranormal romance!