Picture a Pittsburgh professor spinning tales of selkies and jinn with a wicked sense of humor—meet Nicole Peeler! This urban fantasy author has charmed readers with her quirky characters and supernatural worlds, blending raunchy wit with heartfelt explorations of identity. From her award-winning Jane True series to the magical Jinn and Juice, Peeler’s stories are as vibrant as the city she calls home.
The Making of Nicole Peeler
Born on August 24, 1978, Nicole Peeler grew up with a love for stories that led her to earn a B.A. in English Literature from Boston University, magna cum laude, and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. Her academic journey took her from Louisiana State University in Shreveport to Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where she now directs the MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. Peeler’s passion for mythology and humor shaped her writing, inspired by everything from selkie legends to the gritty charm of Pittsburgh’s magical underbelly.
Nicole Peeler’s Unforgettable Stories
Peeler’s Jane True series, starting with Tempest Rising (2009), follows Jane, a half-selkie misfit in Rockabill, Maine, navigating love, murder, and supernatural chaos. With six books, the series mixes humor, romance, and mystery, earning praise for its witty dialogue and unique world-building. Jinn and Juice (2014) introduces Lyla, a thousand-year-old jinni in Pittsburgh, facing curses and magical battles. This standalone novel showcases Peeler’s knack for crafting strong, sassy heroines and diverse casts. Her style—often described as snarky, sexy, and boundary-pushing—blends urban fantasy with paranormal romance, exploring themes of belonging and self-discovery. Peeler’s worlds are populated with vampires, trolls, and bugbears, all grounded by relatable emotional stakes.
Peeler’s writing stands out for its playful tone and sharp character development. Jane True’s journey from outcast to confident heroine resonates with readers seeking stories about embracing one’s true self. Similarly, Lyla’s fight for freedom in Jinn and Juice tackles identity through a fantastical lens, making Peeler a standout in urban fantasy.
Why Nicole Peeler Matters
Nicole Peeler’s impact extends beyond her books. As a professor, she mentors aspiring authors, shaping the future of popular fiction with her expertise and infectious enthusiasm. Her stories, praised by authors like Kat Richardson and Molly Harper, offer a fresh take on urban fantasy, blending humor with deeper themes of acceptance. Peeler’s Pittsburgh, a gritty yet glamorous backdrop, redefines the genre’s urban settings, inspiring readers to see magic in unexpected places. Her work with the League of Reluctant Adults connects her to a community of genre innovators, cementing her influence.
- Birth Date: August 24, 1978
- Key Works: Jane True series, Jinn and Juice
- Notable Role: Director, MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University
- Fun Fact: Peeler shares pictures of her sandwiches on Instagram!
Snag Tempest Rising or Jinn and Juice and dive into Nicole Peeler’s snarky, magical urban fantasy world!