How to Read Lori Foster's Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series
Lori Foster’s Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor (often known simply as the Edge of Honor series) is a gripping contemporary romantic suspense series focusing on a dedicated, tight-knit group of mercenaries and security operatives. Operating just outside official channels, these tough, protective heroes risk their lives to dismantle human trafficking networks and save the innocent—only to meet their match in strong, independent heroines. Because character arcs overlap and a larger criminal investigation runs through the background of the books, reading them in a specific order helps maximize your enjoyment of the overarching plot.
The Recommended Reading Order
Whether you choose to start with the prequel novella or jump straight into the first full-length novel, the chronological progression of the series matches its publication sequence. Here is the recommended path through the Edge of Honor series:
- Ready, Set, Jett (Novella #0.5): Originally published in 2011 in the anthology The Guy Next Door and later released as a standalone ebook. It introduces Natalie Alexander, a middle school teacher trying to take a break from her neighbor and casual lover, Jett Sutter, only for the gorgeous private investigator to follow her.
- When You Dare (Book 1): Published in 2011, this core entry kicks off the main novels. Professional mercenary and security specialist Dare Macintosh rescues bestselling romance author Molly Alexander from a dangerous human trafficking ring in Mexico, sparking an intense, high-stakes romance.
- Trace of Fever (Book 2): Published in 2011, this book shifts the spotlight to undercover operative Trace Rivers. He has infiltrated the criminal organization of Murray Coburn to destroy it from within. His mission is complicated by Priscilla "Priss" Patterson, who arrives claiming to be Coburn's daughter but is actually seeking personal vengeance.
- Savor the Danger (Book 3): Published in 2011, this novel follows Jackson Savor, a mercenary working closely with Dare's team. He finds himself tasked with protecting Alani Rivers—Trace Rivers' sister—who has deep-seated trust issues but must rely on Jackson amidst mounting danger.
- A Perfect Storm (Book 4): Published in 2012, the focus turns to bounty hunter Spencer Lark and Arizona Storm, a fierce survivor of human trafficking who was introduced earlier in the series. Arizona wants to help bring down the remaining elements of the smuggling ring, forcing a reluctant Spencer to partner with her as a decoy.
- What Chris Wants (Novella #4.5 / Book 5): Published in 2013, this novella delivers a heartfelt, highly anticipated conclusion. It shifts focus to Chris Chapey, the behind-the-scenes organizer and right-hand man for Dare Macintosh’s mercenary group. In a rare male/male (M/M) romance for the series, Chris struggles to keep his dangerous occupation secret from civilian Matt Houser.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Fortunately for readers, there is no major conflict between the publication order and the chronological storyline. Lori Foster released these books in rapid succession between 2011 and 2013, mapping the timeline exactly as the events unfold. The prequel novella Ready, Set, Jett takes place shortly before the events of When You Dare, making it the perfect chronological starting point.
However, some readers prefer to read When You Dare first to get immediately into the main action and mercenary setup, treating Ready, Set, Jett as a fun flashback. Both approaches work perfectly, though starting chronologically with the prequel remains the safest recommendation for maximum character continuity.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, readers should keep a few elements in mind. The series deals heavily with dark themes, particularly human trafficking, abduction, and organized crime. While Lori Foster handles these subjects with sensitivity and focuses on the recovery and empowerment of the survivors (such as Arizona Storm), the gritty criminal underworld backdrop provides a constant sense of danger and high stakes.
Additionally, while each book focuses on a single couple finding their happily-ever-after and can theoretically be read as a standalone romance, the secondary characters appear frequently across the books. Dare, Trace, Spencer, and Chris function as a chosen family, meaning you will encounter spoilers for previous couples if you read the books out of order.
Connections to Other Lori Foster Series
While the Edge of Honor series functions as a self-contained story arc with a definitive conclusion in What Chris Wants, Lori Foster has written several other series that share similar themes. Fans of these alpha-male protectors and high-octane suspense often transition to the Love Undercover series, which follows undercover law enforcement operatives, or her SBC Fighters and Ultimate series. Although there are no direct character crossovers between Edge of Honor and these other series, they share the same signature blend of steamy contemporary romance, intense action, and protective heroes.