Dragon Guards Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Dragon Guards

With more than fifty books, novellas, and holiday specials in the universe, jumping into Julia Mills' Dragon Guards series can feel like stepping directly into a volcanic lair. Fortunately, the entry point to this paranormal romance saga is clear. The best place for new readers to start is with the first book published, Her Dragon to Slay (2013). This book introduces Kyndel, a sassy Southern woman, and Rayne, a fierce Dragon Guard commander. Together, they establish the rules of fated mates, the threat of dark magic, and the epic battle against demonic forces that underpins the entire universe.

For readers who want to experience the very beginning of the lore before the main story kicks off, the prequel novella Her Love, Her Dragon (subtitled The Saga Begins) is an alternative starting point. While published sixth, it details the history of the dragon shifters and their sworn duty, offering rich context that makes the main novels even more rewarding. However, starting with the high-stakes romance of Her Dragon to Slay remains the most popular path to getting hooked on the series' signature blend of action, heat, and humor.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order: The Crucial Shifts

For the first eighteen books, the chronological order of the story matches the publication order exactly. However, as the series expanded, Julia Mills began releasing stories that take place earlier in the timeline. These retrospective novels flesh out earlier events and characters but were published years later. Reading chronologically is ideal for fans who want a seamless timeline, while publication order is the best way to experience how the author's world-building evolved.

Here are the key chronological shifts you need to know:

• Sassing Her Dragon: Published in 2021 as Book 42, this story actually takes place much earlier in the timeline, fitting perfectly as Chronological Book 19 (right after 2016's Guarding Her Dragon).
• Claws, Class, and A Whole Lotta Sass: Published in 2021 as Book 44, this fits chronologically as Book 21.
• Dragon with the Girl Tattoo: Published in 2021 as Book 43, this fits chronologically as Book 22 (immediately preceding 2017's Dragon Down).
• Twinkle, Twinkle Sassy Little Star: Published in 2022 as Book 45, this fits chronologically as Book 24.
• Dragon Got Your Tongue: Published in 2022 as Book 46, this fits chronologically as Book 28.
• Aww Snap, Dragon: Published in 2021 as Book 41, this fits chronologically as Book 32.

If you choose to read in publication order, you will experience these stories as nostalgic flashbacks. If you read chronologically, you will see the full timeline unfold in order, which helps keep track of the growing cast of characters and their interconnected relationships.

The Complete Reading Order (Chronological Path)

For the most seamless narrative flow, follow the chronological path detailed below. This list integrates the prequels, sequels, and holiday novellas into their proper place in the timeline:

1. Her Dragon To Slay (2013)
2. Her Dragon's Fire (2014)
3. Haunted By Her Dragon (2014)
4. For The Love Of Her Dragon (2014)
5. Saved By Her Dragon (2014)
6. Her Love, Her Dragon (2014)
7. Only For Her Dragon (2015)
8. Fighting For Her Dragon (2015)
9. Her Dragon's Heart (2015)
10. Her Dragon's Soul (2015)
11. The Fate of Her Dragon (2015)
12. Her Dragon's No Angel (2015)
13. Her Dragon, His Demon (2016)
14. Resurrecting Her Dragon (2016)
15. The Scars of Her Dragon (2016)
16. Her Mad Dragon (2016)
17. Tears for Her Dragon (2016)
18. Guarding Her Dragon (2016)
19. Sassing Her Dragon (2021)
20. Kiss of Her Dragon (2017)
21. Claws, Class, and A Whole Lotta Sass (2021)
22. Dragon with the Girl Tattoo (2021)
23. Dragon Down (2017)
24. Twinkle, Twinkle Sassy Little Star (2022)
25. Dragon Got Run Over by a Reindeer (2017)
26. Fury (2017)
27. Dragon in the Mist (2017)
28. Dragon Got Your Tongue (2022)
29. Tangled in Tinsel (2018)
30. Her Dragon's Treasure (2018)
31. Cupcake Kisses & Dragon Dreams (2018)
32. Aww Snap, Dragon (2021)
33. Imagine Dragon (2018)
34. Save a Horse, Ride a Dragon (2018)
35. Burn Dragon Burn: Lick of Fire (2018)
36. She Thinks My Dragon's Sexy (2018)
37. Dreamin' of a White Dragon (2019)
38. Stone Cold Protector (2019)
39. Dragon's Lore (2019)
40. King Outta Water (2019)
41. Dragon It’s Cold Outside (2019)
42. Dragon, Be Mine (2020)
43. Rockin' Around the Dragon Tree (2020)
44. Savage Protector (2020)
45. Dragon, Take The Wheel (2021)
46. Dragon Out the Tinsel (2021)
47. Marked by Her Dragon (2022)
48. Dragon's Assassin (2022)
49. Her Stone Cold Protector (2023)
50. Tempting Her Dragon (2023)
51. Who's Her Dragon (2023)

Spin-Offs and the Broader Dragon Guard Universe

Julia Mills has expanded her shifter universe with several spin-off series that feature cross-character appearances and shared lore. If you want to dive deeper into the world, look out for these connected series:

• Dragon Intelligence Agency (D.I.A.): Focuses on the high-tech, covert operations side of the dragon world. While these books feature distinct missions, they share the same universe rules and fated-mate themes.
• Dragon Guard Berserkers: A spin-off focusing on the fiercest, most untamed warriors of the dragon clans. These books can be read alongside the main series to add extra depth to the global conflict.
• Lick of Fire: A subseries that features standalone heat and action, expanding on the elemental powers of the guards.

What to Know Before You Start

Before jumping in, it is helpful to keep a few things in mind. Julia Mills writes with a distinct voice that she calls "Sassy Southern Storytelling." This means you can expect plenty of playful banter, strong-willed heroines who do not hesitate to speak their minds, and protective, alpha dragon shifters who are instantly devoted to their mates. The romance in the books is steamy, featuring high levels of heat and instant-connection "fated mates" tropes. While each book wraps up its primary romantic couple with a happy ending, the background conflict against demons, dark witches, and ancient threats continues across books, meaning you will get the best experience by reading them in order rather than skipping around.