Kenyon, Sherrilyn 1965- [A pseudonym] (Kinley MacGregor)

PERSONAL:

Born 1965; married; children: three sons.

ADDRESSES:

Office—Spring Hill, TN. Agent—Author Mail, St. Martin's Press, 175 5th Ave., New York, NY 10010.

CAREER:

Writer.

WRITINGS:

NONFICTION

The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook, Writer's Digest Books (Cincinnati, OH), 1994, 2nd edition, 2005.

The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the Middle Ages, Writer's Digest Books (Cincinnati, OH), 1995, published as Everyday Life in the Middle Ages: The British Isles, 500 to 1500, 2000.

The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference, Writer's Digest Books (Cincinnati, OH), 1996.

ROMANCE NOVELS

Daemon's Angel, Leisure (New York, NY), 1995.

(With Liz Carlyle and Nicole Camden) Out of Uniform (includes "Bad to the Bone"), Pocket (New York, NY), 2003.

(With Amanda Ashley and Lori Handeland) Stroke of Midnight (includes "Winter Born"), St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2004.

(With Rebecca York and Robin D. Owens) What Dreams May Come (includes "Knightly Dreams"), Berkley Sensation (New York, NY), 2005.

(With Melanie George and Jaid Black) Tie Me up, Tie Me Down (includes "Captivated by You"), Pocket (New York, NY), 2005.

Playing Easy to Get, Pocket (New York, NY), 2006.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2006.

Contributor to anthologies, including Naughty or Nice, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2001; Tapestry, Jove Books (New York, NY), 2000; Seven Seasons of Buffy, BenBella, 2003; Midnight Pleasures, St. Martin's Press, 2003; and Man of My Dreams, Jove Books, 2004.

"LEAGUE" SERIES

Paradise City, Leisure (New York, NY), 1994.

Born of the Night, Pinnacle (New York, NY), 1996.

Born of Fire (e-book), Dreams Unlimited, 1998.

Fire and Ice (e-book; also see below), iPublish.com, 2001.

"DARK-HUNTER" SERIES

Fantasy Lover, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2002.

Night Pleasures, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2002.

Night Embrace, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2003.

Dance with the Devil, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2003.

Kiss of the Night, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2004.

Night Play, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2004.

Seize the Night, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2005.

Sins of the Night, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2005.

Unleash the Night, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2005.

Dark Side of the Moon, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2006.

Devil May Cry, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2007.

The Dark-Hunter Companion, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2007.

Acheron, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2008.

One Silent Night, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2008.

"B.A.D. (BUREAU OF AMERICA DEFENSE)" SERIES

B.A.D. Attitude, Pocket (New York, NY), 2005.

Born to be B.A.D., Pocket (New York, NY), 2005.

Phantom in the Night, Pocket (New York, NY), 2007.

"DREAM-HUNTER" SERIES

The Dream Hunter, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2007.

Upon the Midnight Clear, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2007.

Dream Chaser, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2008.

Dream Warrior, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2008.

ROMANCE; AS KINLEY MACGREGOR

A Pirate of Her Own ("Sea Wolves" series), HarperPaperbacks (New York, NY), 1999.

Master of Seduction ("Sea Wolves" series), HarperPaperbacks (New York, NY), 2000.

"BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD" SERIES

A Dark Champion, Avon (New York, NY), 2004.

Return of the Warrior, Avon (New York, NY), 2005.

The Warrior, Avon (New York, NY), 2007.

"LORDS OF AVALON" SERIES

Sword of Darkness, Avon Books (New York, NY), 2006.

Knight of Darkness, Avon Books (New York, NY), 2006.

Contributor to anthologies, including All I Want for Christmas, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2000.

"MACALLISTER" SERIES; AS KINLEY MACGREGOR

Master of Desire, Avon (New York, NY), 2001.

Claiming the Highlander, Avon (New York, NY), 2002.

(With Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn) Where's My Hero? (contains "Midsummer's Knight"), Avon (New York, NY), 2003.

Born in Sin, Avon (New York, NY), 2003.

Taming the Scotsman, Avon (New York, NY), 2003.

SIDELIGHTS:

The author of dozens of romance novels and several nonfiction titles, the pseudonymous Sherrilyn Kenyon—who also writes as Kinley MacGregor—pens contemporary and historical romances featuring pirates, knights, and sexy men in uniform. Her series include "The Dark-Hunters," "Brotherhood of the Sword," "The Sea Wolves," and the popular "MacAllister" novels.

Kenyon's earliest novels form the "League" series, a futuristic romance series published both in print and in e-books. Kenyon's familiarity with Web publishing was helpful when she published her "Dark-Hunter" series, which began its promotion on the Web. The site that promoted the first book in the series, Night Pleasures, was posted on romance Web sites seventeen months before the book was scheduled to be published, and Kenyon's site drew fans in, making Night Pleasures a popular preorder for online booksellers. The buzz also generated sales for some of her previously published novels, including Fantasy Lover, which introduces some of the ideas in the "Dark-Hunter" series.

The world of the Dark-Hunters—which evolved to become what Nina C. Davis, writing in Booklist, described as an "internationally popular, massively detailed fictional universe and overarching saga"—is filled with gods and goddesses, vampires, were-creatures, and demon hunters. Night Pleasures begins the series on a darker note: Kyrian of Thrace bargains with Artemis—if she will grant him vengeance, he will take a soulless immortality and use it to hunt Daimons, vampires who feed on souls. When a Daimon uses magical manacles to attach Kyrian to Amanda, a human woman, the quest to remove them leads not only to adventure, but to romance. "The characters are unforgettable and the action thrilling," commented Jill M. Smith on the Romantic Times Online.

The "Dark-Hunter" series continues with titles such as Sins of the Night, about which Smith wrote: "Like a fine wine, this series just keeps getting better with age." In a review of Night Embrace, a Publishers Weekly reviewer wrote that Kenyon "is ushering in a whole different class of night dwellers." Another Publishers Weekly reviewer, writing about Dance with the Devil, commented: "Move over, Anne Rice." Reviewing the same novel for Booklist, Nina C. Davis observed that "Kenyon manages to write a tale that's heartwarming yet edgy cool at the same time."

Several of the "Dark-Hunter" novels feature Were-Hunters. One of these is Wulf Tryggvason, who in Kiss of the Night is immediately forgotten by everyone but his own family and other Dark-Hunters. Cassandra Peters also cannot forget the hunter, but she is destined to die in less than a year. "Kenyon is a master at creating spunky characterizations and cinematic action scenes spiced with wry humor," according to a Publishers Weekly contributor. Booklist reviewer Davis wrote that the book includes what fans have come to love: "intensely passionate love, laugh-out-loud humor, and drop-undead gorgeous men." In another Booklist review, Davis found Night Play to be "chock-full of … quirky humor, complex fantasy, and searing passion."

With Unleash the Night, according to Booklist contributor Nina C. Davis, Kenyon brings a new level of "depth and vulnerability of character" to her protagonists. Marguerite, who scorns the socialite life that her senator father has planned for her, decides one night to go with friends to Sanctuary, a bar in New Orleans. She is immediately attracted to a shy busboy, Wren, who returns her interest. But Wren is a were-animal, belonging nowhere and marked for death. As Davis saw it, the novel is an affecting retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story that is filled with thrilling action, magic, and "scintillating passion." Harriet Klausner, writing in Best Reviews, deemed the book "one of the best entries in a strong series."

Writing about Dark Side of the Moon, in which the Dark-Hunters move to Seattle, a reviewer for Publishers Weekly commented on the "delicious balance of suspense and sensuality" that Kenyon achieves in the novel, despite some predictable plotting. The story follows the romance between Ravyn, a Dark-Hunter, and his new love Susan, a journalist whose reputation has been unfairly tarnished. They are brought together when Susan discovers that she is allergic to a new cat she has been persuaded to adopt—which turns out to be none other than the shape-shifting Ravyn. Despite her continued allergy to him when he assumes human form, Susan falls for Ravyn. Together they must try to foil a deadly plot by the uncannily powerful Daimons.

Dark Side of the Moon, wrote Best Reviews contributor Sabrina Marino, is "fraught with emotional turmoil." Also writing in Best Reviews, Kristi Ahlers observed that Ravyn "is a very sexy hero," and that the book provides "more insight into the legend of the Dark-Hunters." Another Best Reviews contributor, Harriet Klausner, hailed the book as a series entry with a "totally fresh" feel and the power to stand on its own. For Booklist writer Nina C. Davis, one of the novel's chief attractions is its "refreshing moral ambiguity" and unusual humor. The book, Kenyon's first genre effort in hardcover, became a New York Times best seller.

The "Dark-Hunter" series continues with Devil May Cry, which introduces the character Sin, a Sumerian god in frustrating conflict with Artemis, the evil goddess who is his nemesis. After Sin captures Katra, thinking she is Artemis, the two work out the mistaken identity, resolve to unite in battling the goddess—and also fall in love. In a Booklist review, Nina C. Davis commented on Kenyon's skill in maintaining freshness and suspense in such a long series.

Related to the "Dark-Hunter" series is the "Dream-Hunter" series, which features beings known as the Oneroi. These beings protect humans and other creatures while they sleep, and battle the dark forces that feed on sleepers' dreams. The Oneroi also act as occasional helpers to the Dark-Hunters and the Were-Hunters.

Kenyon's "B.A.D. (Bureau of American Defense)" series is a trio of contemporary thrillers featuring agents who work for the titular fictional agency. B.A.D. Attitude introduces Josh Steele, released from prison—where he had been serving time for a crime committed in anger after his best friend dies in Iraq due to bad military intelligence—to work on a counterterrorism mission for B.A.D. He is assigned to work with feisty Sydney Westbrook, and sparks soon fly between them. Though Steele no longer wants anything to do with killing and would prefer to decline the job of taking out a would-be political assassin, Sydney convinces him that he is the only person who can do the job. Mary K. Chelton, writing in Booklist, admired Kenyon's creation of "vulnerable but formidable and sexy characters" and exciting action. Likewise, Library Journal contributor Nanette Wargo Donohue enjoyed the book's "snappy dialog, humor, and passion."

Born to be B.A.D., a collection of three novellas, includes international espionage in Berlin, as well as undercover assignments that require agents to pose as sex-club members. In the series's third installment, Phantom in the Night, agent Terri Mitchell is embroiled in a steamy plot involving the New Orleans criminal underworld. A reviewer for Publishers Weekly observed that "Da Vinci Code-derivative components tweaked with a bioterrorism twist add extra punch."

Using the pen name Kinley MacGregor, Kenyon stepped away from contemporary fantasy and launched an adventure of the golden age of piracy. In A Pirate of Her Own, would-be journalist Serenity James wants a real story—such as interviewing the infamous pirate Sea Wolf. Morgan Drake, the Sea Wolf, is less than happy about one of Serenity's articles because he has a few secrets he does not want revealed. When one of his crewmen abducts the reporter, he finds himself stuck with her on his ship. Kathe Robin, writing for Romantic Times, commented that "the delightfully witty repartee between Serenity and Morgan will bring a smile to your lips." A Publishers Weekly critic wrote that Macgregor's "admirable flair for the comic is sure to entertain." Master of Seduction tells the back story of an infamous pirate introduced in A Pirate of Her Own. Black Jack Rhys kidnaps Lorelei Dupree out from under her fiancé's nose. She hates pirates, but is strangely attracted to Jack, and begins to love the pirate and his crew. "MacGregor takes the high seas by storm," praised Kathe Robin of Romantic Times Online.

As MacGregor, Kenyon has also authored the "MacAllister" series, set in medieval Scotland. In Claiming the Highlander Maggie Inglen Blar leads the women of her community in a Lysistrata-like strategy: war will end or none of the men will be sexually satisfied. Braden MacAllister makes every effort to get Maggie to fall for him, and in the process falls in love with her. But with his reputation, Maggie finds love hard to believe in. "MacGregor's talents reach a new height" with this novel, according to Romantic Times Online reviewer Kathe Robin. Braden's brother Ewan is the hero of Taming the Scotsman, in which Nora Alexander intends to use Ewan to escort her to her aunt in England so she can avoid an unwanted marriage. Robin called the novel "a testament to MacGregor's talent for entertaining her readers" in her review for Romantic Times Online.

Other MacGregor series include the "Brotherhood of the Sword" books, which are set in medieval England. Kathe Robin, writing for the Romantic Times Online, considered the series opener A Dark Champion, "an intensely emotional, exciting, suspenseful, brilliantly and intricately plotted romance." The book introduces the warrior Stryder of Blackmoor, a hardened champion of the good and a proud loner. His emotional armor is threatened, however, when he succumbs to the beauty of good Lady Rowena. In a Romantic Times Online review of the second volume of the series, Return of the Warrior, Robin commented that the novel "proves why MacGregor is at the top of her form." The story follows the adventures of Brotherhood member Christian of Acre, who, like Stryder, is a fierce champion with allegiance only to his fellow warriors in the Brotherhood. Queen Adara, desperate to keep control of her realm against the threat of usurpers, turns to him for help. Will he realize that this mysterious lady is the child bride from his long-distant past? Harriet Klausner, writing for MBR Bookwatch, called the novel "an engaging medieval romance starring a strong lead couple." The Warrior presents another feisty romantic partnership when clan leader Lochlan MacAllister, on a quest to find his long-lost brother, encounters the rebellious Catarina. She has escaped the clutches of her royal father, who had imprisoned her to use as a bargaining chip in his political machinations. Sworn enemies at first, the couple must learn to trust one another so that they can protect themselves from the considerable dangers around them.

On her home page, Kenyon commented: "One of those questions that I'm asked over and over again is why I decided to be a writer. The only answer is, I didn't. I was born to be a writer. If you look in my kindergarten Brownie manual it has ‘When I Grow up I Want to Be …’ and scribbled in my awful handwriting is a writer and a mother. Ironically, neither one of those ever came easily for me."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, September 15, 2002, John Charles and Shelley Mosley, "Romance around the World," p. 219; September 15, 2003, John Charles, "Passionate Pirates," p. 225; December 1, 2003, Nina C. Davis, review of Dance with the Devil, p. 653; April 1, 2004, Nina C. Davis, review of Kiss of the Night, p. 1355; August, 2004, Nina C. Davis, review of Night Play, p. 1909; January 1, 2005, Nina C. Davis, review of Seize the Night, p. 831; September 15, 2005, Mary K. Chelton, review of B.A.D. Attitude, p. 49; January 1, 2006, Nina C. Davis, review of Unleash the Night, p. 71; April 1, 2006, Nina C. Davis, review of Dark Side of the Moon, p. 6; July 1, 2007, Nina C. Davis, review of Devil May Cry, p. 37; October 1, 2007, Nina C. Davis, review of The Dark-Hunter Companion, p. 38.

Bookseller, August 11, 2006, Andrea Yates, review of Dark Side of the Moon, p. 9.

Library Journal, June 1, 2005, Kristin Ramsdell, review of What Dreams May Come, p. 120; September 15, 2005, Nanette Wargo Donohue, review of B.A.D. Attitude, p. 56; May 1, 2006, Nanette Donohue, review of Dark Side of the Moon, p. 79; June 15, 2007, Nanette Donohue, review of Devil May Cry, p. 61.

MBR Bookwatch, February, 2005, Harriet Klausner, review of Seize the Night; March, 2005, Harriet Klausner, review of Tie Me up, Tie Me Down; May, 2005, Harriet Klausner, review of Return of the Warrior.

New York Times Book Review, June 18, 2006, Dwight Garner, "TBR: Inside the List," p. 22.

Publishers Weekly, March 22, 1999, review of A Pirate of Her Own, p. 89; August 12, 2002, Suzanne Mantell, "Online Romance: A Little-known Author Courts Fans with a Web Site That Propels Her Career to New Heights," p. 146; June 9, 2003, review of Night Embrace, p. 41; June 23, 2003, review of Where's My Hero?, p. 52; November 17, 2003, review of Dance with the Devil, p. 50; February 23, 2004, review of Kiss of the Night, p. 57; July 19, 2004, review of Night Play, p. 150; December 20, 2004, review of Seize the Night, p. 42; April 11, 2005, review of Return of the Warrior, p. 39; March 20, 2006, review of Dark Side of the Moon, p. 37; June 11, 2007, review of Devil May Cry, p. 42; April 28, 2008, review of Phantom in the Night, p. 112.

Swiss News, June 1, 2007, review of The Dream Hunter, p. 60.

ONLINE

Best Reviews,http://thebestreviews.com/ (July 25, 2008), Harriet Klausner, review of Unleash the Night, Dark Side of the Moon, Born to be B.A.D., and B.A.D. Attitude; Kristi Ahlers, review of Dark Side of the Moon; Sabrina Marion, review of Dark Side of the Moon.

Dark-Hunter Web site,http://www.dark-hunter.com/ (July 25, 2008).

Fresh Fiction,http://freshfiction.com/ (July 25, 2008), Sabrina Marino, reviews of Phantom in the Night, Devil May Cry, Unleash the Night, Dark Side of the Moon, and B.A.D. Attitude; Barbara Boehler, review of Dark Side of the Moon.

Kinley MacGregor Home Page,http://www.kinleymacgregor.com (July 25, 2008).

Long and the Short of It Archives,http://longandshortarchives.blogspot.com/ (July 25, 2008), interview with Kenyon.

Romantic Times Onlinehttp://www.romantictimes.com/ (September 28, 2005), Kathy Boswell, review of Born of the Night; Kathe Robin, reviews of A Dark Champion, A Pirate of Her Own, Born in Sin, Claiming the Highlander, Master of Desire, Master of Seduction, Return of the Warrior, and Taming the Scotsman; Jill M. Smith, reviews of Dance with the Devil, Fantasy Lover, Kiss of the Night, Night Embrace, Night Play, Night Pleasures, Seize the Night, and Sins of the Night.

Subterranean Press Web site,http://subterraneanpress.com/ (July 25, 2008), Alethea Kontis, interview with Kenyon.