Picture a Texas storyteller who spun vampire tales with sass, heart, and a celebration of curves—meet Gerry Bartlett! A native Texan with a flair for paranormal romance, Bartlett captivated readers with her Glory St. Claire series, starting with Real Vampires Have Curves in 2007. Her witty, relatable heroines and vibrant supernatural world have carved a unique niche in urban fantasy, blending humor, romance, and a bold take on body positivity.
From her antiques shop in Galveston’s historic Strand district, Bartlett crafts stories that feel like a chat with a witty friend. Her work challenges vampire stereotypes, proving that immortality doesn’t mean brooding or stick-thin. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this charming author whose vampires are as real as they come!
The Making of Gerry Bartlett
Born and raised in Texas, Gerry Bartlett grew up with a love for storytelling and a knack for finding treasures, which led to her antiques business. Before vampires took over her imagination, she taught school and wrote historical and romantic suspense novels under the pseudonym Lynn McKay. Her shift to paranormal romance came after she left teaching, embracing her real name and a genre that let her playful voice shine. Inspired by Texas’s vibrant culture and her own experiences, Bartlett found her calling in crafting supernatural tales with a Southern twist.
Gerry Bartlett’s Unforgettable Stories
Bartlett’s signature work, the Glory St. Claire series, kicked off with Real Vampires Have Curves, introducing Gloriana St. Claire, a plus-sized vampire turned in 1604 while bloating. Glory’s journey in Austin, running Vintage Vamp’s Emporium and dodging vampire hunters, blends humor, steamy romance, and action. The series, spanning over 20 books, includes hits like Real Vampires Live Large, where Glory battles paranormal drug dealers, and Real Vampires: The Vampire Who Loved Me (2024), featuring her brother Miguel Cisneros.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of chick-lit sass and urban fantasy grit, with vivid Texas settings—think Austin’s Sixth Street buzzing with vampires and shifters. Bartlett’s themes of self-acceptance resonate deeply, as Glory embraces her curves despite society’s obsession with slimness. Other works, like the Texas Heat contemporary romance series, showcase her versatility, but her vampire saga remains her crown jewel, earning praise for its fresh take on the genre.
Bartlett’s characters, from shapeshifting dog Valdez to hunky Scotsman Jeremy Blade, leap off the page with personality. Her ability to weave humor, heart, and supernatural thrills makes each book a page-turner, perfect for readers craving escapism with a side of empowerment.
Why Gerry Bartlett Matters
Gerry Bartlett’s impact lies in her bold challenge to vampire tropes. By creating a curvaceous, relatable heroine like Glory, she’s championed body positivity in a genre often fixated on idealized beauty. Her stories resonate with readers who see themselves in Glory’s struggles and triumphs, fostering a loyal fanbase. Bartlett’s Texas-infused settings and lighthearted tone have also brought a fresh regional flavor to urban fantasy, inspiring authors to ground the supernatural in real-world charm.
With over 30 published novels, Bartlett’s dedication to her craft and her readers shines through. Her ongoing engagement via newsletters and social media keeps her community thriving, proving that even niche authors can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Texas, USA
- Key Works: Real Vampires Have Curves (2007), Real Vampires Live Large (2008), Real Vampires: The Vampire Who Loved Me (2024)
- Fun Fact: Bartlett’s antiques business inspires Glory’s vintage clothing shop!
Ready to sink your teeth into a vampire tale with heart and humor? Snag Real Vampires Have Curves and dive into Gerry Bartlett’s sassy, supernatural world!