Where to Start with Bridgewater County
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to start with the first book in the series, Ride Me Dirty. This book sets up the modern-day small-town setting of Bridgewater, Montana, and introduces the unique relationship traditions of the local cowboys. However, because each book in the series is written as a standalone story featuring a different trio, you can comfortably jump in at any point if a particular trope or character catches your interest.
Bridgewater County Books in Publication Order
Vanessa Vale published the core six contemporary books in the Bridgewater County series in 2017. Following the publication order allows you to see cameos from previous characters as they appear throughout the town:
- Ride Me Dirty (2017) – Features Jack, Sam, and Catherine.
- Claim Me Hard (2017) – Features Cole, Declan, and Hannah.
- Take Me Fast (2017) – Features Rory, Cooper, and Ivy.
- Hold Me Close (2017) – Features Ian, Jameson, and Claire.
- Make Me Yours (2017) – Features Lacey, Beckett, and Hayes.
- Kiss Me Crazy (2017) – Features Avery, Hunter, and Knox.
How It Fits Into the Broader Bridgewater Universe
The contemporary Bridgewater County books are part of a larger literary universe created by Vanessa Vale. Understanding the divisions within this universe can help you decide what to queue up next:
The Historical Connection: Bridgewater Ménage
The concept of Bridgewater's multi-partner relationship structure originated in Vanessa Vale's historical series, Bridgewater Ménage (sometimes known as the Bridgewater Brides series). These books are set in the 1880s Montana Territory and follow historical cowboys who claim their brides. While they share the same town name and overall concept, you do not need to read the historical books to understand the contemporary series.
The Shared Universe: Bridgewater Brides World
Due to the popularity of the series, Vanessa Vale established the Bridgewater Brides World. This is a collaborative, open-world publishing project where other romance authors are invited to write and publish their own standalone stories set within the fictional town of Bridgewater, Montana.