Shirlee Elaine was born August 9, 1941 in San Jose, California. She was the first daughter of a career naval officer, later she had two sisters and three brothers. She went to the institute in Kentri, Morocco, after which she returned to California and she went to Burbank Bussines College of Santa Rosa. For years, she worked like designer in Solano Country. Shirlee married with Howard Busbee in June 22, 1963. Now, they live in hills of California, where they have two standard schnauzers, and the Standardbred horses the couple raise for pleasure and other many animals.

Published since 1977, Shirlee Busbee is the proud author of over 18 novels, including seven New York Times bestsellers. With over nine million copies of her books in print, she is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in writing, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and Affaire de Coeur's Silver and Bronze Pen Awards.