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series Reading Order

Black Ops Inc. Books in Order

10 Books
2008 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start

The best way to read the Black Ops Inc. series is in publication order. Because the characters are members of a tight-knit covert military team, their personal relationships and the team's administrative changes develop sequentially across the books. Reading out of order will expose you to major spoilers regarding previous couples and operations.

While you can start directly with the first official book in the series, Show No Mercy, die-hard fans recommend starting with Into the Dark, the sixth and final book in Cindy Gerard's predecessor series, The Bodyguards. This novel introduces Gabriel "Archangel" Jones and Jenna McMillan, serving as a direct narrative bridge to the events of Black Ops Inc.

Black Ops Inc. Publication and Chronological Reading Order

This list includes all seven full-length novels and the three supplemental novellas in their correct chronological placement:

  1. Show No Mercy (2008) – Features Gabriel Jones and Jenna McMillan.
  2. Take No Prisoners (2008) – Features Sam Lang and Abbie Hughes.
  3. Whisper No Lies (2008) – Features Johnny Reed and Crystal Debrowski.
  4. Feel the Heat (2009) – Features B.J. Chase and Jessica "J.J." Chase.
  5. Risk No Secrets (2010) – Features Wyatt Savage and Maco MacKenzie.
  6. Leave No Trace (2010) – Novella (Book 5.5). Features J.T. and Cindy. Originally published in the Deadly Promises anthology.
  7. With No Remorse (2011) – Features Luke Colter and Valentina.
  8. Last Man Standing (2012) – Features Joe Kincaid and Serena Chase.
  9. Dying to Score (2012) – Novella (Book 7.3). Revisits Johnny Reed and Crystal Debrowski on a mission in Guatemala. Originally published in the Love Is Murder anthology.
  10. SEALed With a Kiss (2014) – Novella (Book 7.5). Revisits Luke Colter and Valentina.

The Connected Universe: Predecessors and Spin-offs

The Bodyguards (Predecessor Series)

Before launching Black Ops Inc., Cindy Gerard wrote The Bodyguards, a six-book security team romance series. It is set in the same universe, and reading it first provides deep backstory for several recurring characters, particularly Gabriel Jones before he joins the Black Ops Inc. team.

One-Eyed Jacks (Spin-off Series)

After finishing Black Ops Inc., Gerard created the One-Eyed Jacks spin-off series, which follows another elite security team. The two series feature active crossovers. For instance, the second book in the spin-off, The Way Home (2013), features prominent appearances and assistance from members of the Black Ops Inc. crew.

Frequently Asked

QCan I read the Black Ops Inc. books as standalones?

Yes. Each book features a self-contained romance and a distinct mission that wraps up by the final page. However, because characters appear as supporting cast members in later books, reading them in order is highly recommended to avoid spoilers.

QWhere does the novella Leave No Trace fit in the reading order?

Leave No Trace is officially designated as Book 5.5. It should be read after Risk No Secrets (Book 5) and before With No Remorse (Book 6).

QHow are the Black Ops Inc. and One-Eyed Jacks series connected?

The One-Eyed Jacks series is a direct spin-off set in the same universe. Characters from both teams interact, and the Black Ops Inc. operatives play a key role in helping the One-Eyed Jacks team in the novel The Way Home.

QWhat is the recommended starting book for a new reader?

You should start with Show No Mercy (Book 1). If you want the complete backstory of the lead characters, start with Into the Dark, which is Book 6 of Gerard's preceding series, The Bodyguards.

QWho are the protagonists in the novellas Dying to Score and SEALed With a Kiss?

These novellas revisit couples from the main novels. Dying to Score features Reed and Crystal from Whisper No Lies, while SEALed With a Kiss features Luke and Valentina from With No Remorse.