B.A.D. Agency Books in Order

How to Read the B.A.D. Agency Series

If you're ready for high-stakes espionage, tactical action, and steamy romance, Sherrilyn Kenyon's B.A.D. (Bureau of American Defense) Agency series is a thrilling ride. While the books feature self-contained missions and romance stories, they follow a clear chronological progression. Here is the recommended path to dive into the action.

Recommended Reading Order

1. Born to Be B.A.D. (2005) — This collection of three novellas is the perfect starting point to introduce you to the agency's covert operations. It features:
   • "B.A.D. to the Bone" (originally published in the 2003 anthology Big Guns Out of Uniform) featuring Kyle Foster and Marianne Webernec.
   • "“Captivated” by You" (originally published in the 2005 anthology Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down) featuring Rhea Stevenson and Ace Krux.
   • "One B.A.D. Night" featuring Samantha Winslow and Jason Banks.
2. Bad Attitude (2005) — The first full-length novel in the series, following Special Agent Sydney Westbrook and the lethal sniper J.D. Steele (Azrael).
3. "Turn Up the Heat" (2006) — A standalone novella published in the multi-author anthology Playing Easy to Get, following former mob enforcer Vince Cappelleti and Allison George.
4. Phantom in the Night (2008) — The second full-length novel, co-authored with Dianna Love, which introduces a darker, high-octane tone. It follows agent Terri Mitchell and vigilante Nathan Drake in New Orleans.
5. Whispered Lies (2009) — The third novel, also co-authored with Dianna Love, focusing on agent Carlos Delgado and informant Gabrielle Saxe as they take on a global terrorist organization.
6. Silent Truth (2010) — The fourth core novel, co-authored with Dianna Love, wrapping up major series threads as agent Hunter Thornton-Payne protects investigative reporter Abbie Blanton.
7. "Just Bad Enough" (2010) — A co-authored novella in the Deadly Promises anthology, detailing the story of injured agent Jeremy Sunn and his neighbor CeCe Caprice.

Chronological Caveats & Reading Tips

Because several entries were originally published as short stories or novellas in multi-author anthologies, finding physical copies can sometimes be a challenge. You can easily opt to read the four main novels (Bad Attitude, Phantom in the Night, Whispered Lies, and Silent Truth) in order without missing the core narrative arcs. However, starting with the Born to Be B.A.D. collection provides valuable world-building on the origins of the Bureau of American Defense, which was established on September 13, 2001, to combat global terrorism.

The Collaboration Tone Shift

Sherrilyn Kenyon started the series as a solo project, blending her trademark humor with romantic suspense. Starting with Phantom in the Night, co-author Dianna Love joined the series. Love’s contribution shifted the series into a darker, more tactical, and intense romantic suspense landscape, which fans of military romance and complex conspiracies will appreciate.