Although born and raised near San Francisco, California, Michelle Styles currently lives a mile south of Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, UK, with her husband, three children, two dogs, two cats, assorted ducks, hens and beehives. An avid reader, she has always been interested in history and a historical romance is her idea of a perfect way to relax. Her love of Rome stems from the year of Latin she took in the sixth grade. She is particularly interested in how ordinary people lived during ancient times, and in the course of her research she learned how to cook Roman food as well as how to use a drop spindle.

When she is not writing, reading or doing research, Michelle tends her rather overgrown garden or does needlework, in particular counted cross-stitch. Michelle has her own web site and blog.