Books On Board
series Reading Order

Boston Belles Books in Order

4 Books
2020 – 2022 Published
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Reading order
01
The Hunter
The Hunter
2020
Amazon
02
The Villain
The Villain
2020
Amazon
03
The Monster
The Monster
2021
Amazon
04
The Rake
The Rake
2022
Amazon

The Recommended Reading Order

While each book in L.J. Shen's Boston Belles series is a standalone contemporary romance with a guaranteed happily-ever-after, they share an interconnected cast of characters and a chronological timeline. To get the best reading experience and avoid minor spoilers about previous couples, we recommend reading the books in their publication order. Here is the recommended path:

  1. The Hunter (2020) – Hunter Fitzpatrick and Sailor Brennan
  2. The Villain (2020) – Cillian Fitzpatrick and Persephone Penrose
  3. The Monster (2021) – Sam Brennan and Aisling Fitzpatrick
  4. The Rake (2022) – Devon Whitehall and Emmabelle Penrose

The Essential Prequel: Sparrow

If you want the absolute complete picture of this universe, you should consider starting with Sparrow (published in 2016). While not officially branded as a Boston Belles book, this standalone novel introduces Troy Brennan and Sparrow Raynes. They are the parents of Sailor Brennan (from The Hunter) and Sam Brennan (from The Monster), making it the perfect foundation for the family dynamics and the Boston criminal underworld depicted later in the series.

Understanding the LJverse Connections

The Boston Belles series is part of a larger interconnected universe created by L.J. Shen, often referred to by fans as the "LJverse." The stories are loosely linked to the Sinners of Saint and All Saints High series. You do not need to read those series to enjoy the Boston Belles, but eagle-eyed readers will spot cameos and references to characters like Vicious, Knight, and Vaughn throughout these novels.

Frequently Asked

QCan the Boston Belles books be read as standalones?

Yes. Each book features a different couple and concludes with a resolved romance. However, because characters reappear and their relationships evolve in the background, reading them in order is highly recommended to avoid spoilers.

QWhat is the relationship between Sparrow and the Boston Belles?

Sparrow (2016) serves as a prequel. The main characters of Sparrow, Troy Brennan and Sparrow Raynes, are the parents of Sailor Brennan (the heroine of The Hunter) and Sam Brennan (the hero of The Monster).

QWho is the author of the Boston Belles series?

The series is written by L.J. Shen, a bestselling author known for her angsty, contemporary, and dark romance novels.

QWhere should I start reading the Boston Belles?

You should start with The Hunter, the official first book. If you prefer to read in strict chronological order of the families, start with the prequel novel Sparrow.

QAre there any spin-offs or related series?

Yes. The series is part of the broader "LJverse" and features cameos from characters in L.J. Shen's other series, Sinners of Saint and All Saints High.