Picture a storyteller who spins fairy tales into modern romps with a wink and a smile—meet Kristine Grayson! Known as the 'Reigning Queen of Paranormal Romance,' Grayson is the pen name of Kristine Kathryn Rusch, a Hugo Award-winning author whose witty, fast-paced novels blend romance, fantasy, and mythology. From charming princes to self-rescuing princesses, her stories captivate readers with their clever twists and heartfelt humor.
Born on June 4, 1960, Grayson has crafted a unique niche, reimagining classic tales for today’s audience. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, her enchanting worlds are impossible to resist!
The Making of Kristine Grayson
Kristine Grayson, the alter ego of Kristine Kathryn Rusch, grew up in a book-loving family in Oneonta, New York, where her father taught math and her siblings pursued literary paths. With a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and training at the prestigious Clarion Writers Workshop, she honed her craft early on. Initially a journalist and radio reporter, Grayson found her true calling in fiction, debuting as a romance writer in 2000 with Utterly Charming. Her love for fairy tales and sharp wit shaped her signature style, blending romance with fantastical flair.
Kristine Grayson’s Unforgettable Stories
Grayson’s novels are a delightful mix of humor, heart, and modern fairy-tale magic. Her Fates series, starting with Utterly Charming, introduces a world where Greek gods and fairy-tale characters navigate love and chaos in contemporary settings. The novel, which won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, follows a lawyer entangled with Sleeping Beauty’s awakening. Wickedly Charming, from the Charming series, reimagines Prince Charming as a divorced bookstore owner finding love anew, earning praise for its fresh take on familiar tropes.
The Santa series, including Up on the Rooftop, brings holiday cheer with elves and romance at the North Pole, showcasing Grayson’s knack for lighthearted fun. Her Interim Fates series, like Tiffany Tumbles, dives into mythology with Zeus’s daughters taking on cosmic roles. Grayson’s prose sparkles with witty banter, fast plots, and strong, relatable heroines who rescue themselves, appealing to readers who crave romance with a modern edge.
As an editor, Grayson shapes the romance volumes of Fiction River, an anthology series, showcasing her keen eye for storytelling. Her ability to blend genres—romance, fantasy, and even mystery—sets her apart, making her books a go-to for fans of fractured fairy tales.
Why Kristine Grayson Matters
Kristine Grayson’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into age-old stories, making them resonate with today’s readers. Her self-reliant heroines and down-to-earth princes challenge traditional fairy-tale norms, offering empowering narratives wrapped in humor and romance. Her work has inspired a loyal following and influenced the paranormal romance genre, proving that love stories can be both magical and grounded.
Beyond her novels, Grayson’s editorial work with Fiction River nurtures new voices, cementing her legacy as a storyteller and mentor. Her Hugo and Sidewise Awards, earned under her real name, highlight her versatility and influence across genres.
- Born: June 4, 1960, Oneonta, New York
- Key Works: Utterly Charming, Wickedly Charming, Up on the Rooftop, Tiffany Tumbles
- Awards: Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, Hugo Award (as Kristine Kathryn Rusch)
- Pen Name For: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Ready to fall under Kristine Grayson’s spell? Snag Utterly Charming and dive into her whimsical world of romance and fairy-tale magic!