Picture a storyteller who spun tales of vampire moms juggling PTA meetings and supernatural drama in a quirky Oklahoma town—meet Michele Bardsley! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Bardsley has charmed readers with her witty paranormal romances, blending humor, heart, and a touch of the otherworldly. From her Broken Heart Vampires series to werewolf mysteries, her stories captivate with their relatable characters and supernatural twists.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bardsley’s unique voice shines through in her genre-spanning works, making her a beloved figure in contemporary fiction. With over 40 novels and countless short stories, she’s a master of blending the everyday with the extraordinary, all while keeping readers laughing and swooning.
The Making of Michele Bardsley
Michele Bardsley, born Michele Renee Vail on January 21, 1970, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, grew up with a love for storytelling. Her early influences included a passion for romance and the supernatural, which later shaped her signature style. Bardsley’s writing career kicked off in 1998 when she landed her first publishing contract with Hard Shell Word Factory for her romantic comedy Daddy In Training. This debut marked the start of a prolific journey, fueled by her knack for crafting engaging, heartfelt narratives.
Now based in Texas with her husband, four dogs, and two cats, Bardsley’s life reflects the warmth and humor of her stories. Her ability to weave personal experiences, like the challenges of parenthood, into her fiction has resonated with readers worldwide, establishing her as a standout voice in paranormal romance.
Michele Bardsley’s Unforgettable Stories
Bardsley’s breakout series, Broken Heart Vampires, launched in 2006 with I’m the Vampire, That’s Why. Set in the fictional Broken Heart, Oklahoma—a town with the state’s highest divorce and single-parent rates—the series follows single moms turned vampires navigating love, parenthood, and supernatural chaos. The story of Jessica Matthews, a divorced mom turned vampire by the dashing Patrick O’Halloran, blends steamy romance with laugh-out-loud humor, earning praise for its fresh take on vampire lore.
Beyond vampires, Bardsley’s versatility shines in series like The Pack Rules, a werewolf romance saga, and Wizards of Nevermore, a fantasy duology blending magic and mystery. Her Violetta Graves Mystery series, starting with In Good Spirits, offers cozy paranormal mysteries with a sassy heroine. Bardsley’s style—witty, heartfelt, and packed with quirky characters—makes her stories accessible and addictive, appealing to fans of authors like MaryJanice Davidson.
Her novel Because Your Vampire Said So won the 2008 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance, cementing her reputation for crafting engaging, genre-blending tales. Whether it’s vampires, werewolves, or witches, Bardsley’s worlds are grounded in relatable struggles, making her a master of paranormal escapism.
Why Michele Bardsley Matters
Michele Bardsley’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the supernatural, giving voice to single parents and working women in fantastical settings. Her Broken Heart series redefined paranormal romance by focusing on real-world issues like divorce and parenting, wrapped in a supernatural package. Fans adore her for her humor and heart, with many praising her Substack, Pretty Evil Fiction, for keeping the Broken Heart universe alive.
Bardsley’s influence extends to inspiring new authors in the paranormal romance genre, proving that humor and heart can coexist with fangs and fur. Her stories offer a delightful escape, reminding readers that even in a world of vampires and werewolves, love and laughter prevail.
- Born: January 21, 1970, in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Key Works: I’m the Vampire, That’s Why, Because Your Vampire Said So, In Good Spirits
- Awards: 2008 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance
- Fun Fact: She loves zombie movies, chocolate, and crocheting hats!
About Michele Bardsley
Ready to dive into a world of vampire moms and werewolf romance? Snag I’m the Vampire, That’s Why and let Michele Bardsley’s witty paranormal tales sweep you away!