How to Read E.L. Todd's Electric Series in Order
If you are looking to dive into the steamy, emotionally charged world of E.L. Todd's contemporary romance series, Electric, you are in for an addictive ride. Set against the fast-paced backdrop of New York City, this series follows the turbulent, slow-burn love story of Taylor, a dedicated schoolteacher, and Volt, a guarded playboy with a complicated past. Over the course of four main novels and one prequel novella, readers witness a classic friends-to-lovers dynamic packed with undeniable chemistry, heart-wrenching misunderstandings, and ultimate healing.
Because the series relies heavily on character development and continuous storylines, reading the books in the correct order is absolutely essential. Below, we outline the recommended reading pathways to help you get the most out of Taylor and Volt’s journey.
The Recommended Reading Order
There are two primary ways to approach the Electric series: chronological order (starting with the prequel novella) and publication order (starting with the first full-length novel). Here is the complete list of books in their chronological order:
- Electric (Book 0.5) – A prequel novella that sets the stage and introduces the initial spark between the main characters (Published in 2016).
- Charge (Book 1) – The official debut novel where Taylor and Volt establish their complex "friends-first" agreement (Published in 2016).
- Spark (Book 2) – The second installment, where emotional stakes rise as Taylor dates another man, testing Volt's resolve (Published in 2016).
- Burn (Book 3) – The third book, focusing on family secrets, trust issues, and the breaking point of their relationship (Published in 2016).
- Combust (Book 4) – The epic conclusion where Taylor and Volt must overcome their final hurdles to find lasting love (Published in 2016).
Prequel vs. Debut: Where Should You Start?
Deciding whether to start with the prequel novella, Electric, or the first full-length novel, Charge, is the main choice readers face when embarking on this series. Here is how both paths compare:
The Chronological Path (Starting with Electric)
Starting with the novella Electric gives you immediate insight into the initial attraction and the precise moment Taylor and Volt's paths cross. This path is perfect for readers who dislike missing any backhistory and want to see the relationship develop from the absolute ground floor. However, because it is a shorter novella, it serves more as an appetizer than a full meal.
The Narrative/Publication Path (Starting with Charge)
Many romance enthusiasts recommend starting directly with Charge. By jumping straight into the first full-length novel, you experience the tension and mystery surrounding Volt's guarded nature just as Taylor does. You can always circle back to read the prequel novella as a flashback after finishing the first or second book to fill in the gaps of their initial encounter. This order preserves the slow-burn mystery and makes Volt's character development feel more dramatic.
Detailed Book Breakdown
Electric (Book 0.5)
As a prequel novella, Electric acts as the catalyst for the entire series. It introduces Taylor, an optimistic schoolteacher who values genuine emotional connection, and Volt, a striking but emotionally walled-off man who avoids commitment at all costs. Their brief, high-voltage interaction sets a precedent for the intense chemistry that defines the rest of the series, showing readers why these two opposites are so hopelessly drawn to one another.
Charge (Book 1)
In Charge, the story begins in earnest. Taylor is determined to find a meaningful relationship and realizes that Volt, despite his magnetism, is bad news for her heart. To protect herself while keeping him in her life, she insists that they remain strictly friends. Volt, accustomed to getting whatever he wants, is forced to play by her rules. This sets up a classic friends-to-lovers dynamic filled with witty banter, intense sexual tension, and a growing emotional intimacy that neither character is fully prepared to handle.
Spark (Book 2)
The emotional stakes intensify in Spark. As Taylor tries to move on and build a stable life, she begins dating another man named Sage. Volt is forced to watch from the sidelines, grappling with unfamiliar feelings of jealousy and regret. Taylor remains oblivious to the depth of Volt's silent longing, creating a delicious layer of angst. This book tests the boundaries of their friendship and forces Volt to confront his deep-seated fear of vulnerability.
Burn (Book 3)
In Burn, the slow-burn relationship reaches a boiling point. External conflicts, including a dramatic revelation involving Volt's father, threaten to tear the duo apart. Misunderstandings and trust issues plague Taylor and Volt, forcing both characters to address their personal insecurities. This installment features the most emotional volatility in the series, leading up to key realizations about what they truly mean to one another.
Combust (Book 4)
The final chapter, Combust, delivers the emotional payoff fans wait for. Taylor and Volt must navigate the final obstacles keeping them apart and decide if they are ready to fully commit to a lifetime together. The book wraps up the overarching storylines and character arcs, leaving readers with a satisfying resolution to Taylor and Volt's dramatic romance.
E.L. Todd's Shared Universe
One of the delights of reading E.L. Todd's extensive catalog is realizing that many of her contemporary romance series share a loosely connected universe. While you do not need to read her other series to understand Taylor and Volt's journey, eagle-eyed readers will spot fun easter eggs. For example, local NYC hangouts like "Mega Shake"—which features prominently in E.L. Todd's massive Forever and Always series—make brief cameo appearances in the Electric books. If you finish this series and want more of the author's signature emotional depth and humor, transitioning to the Forever and Always or Timeless series is highly recommended.
What to Know Before You Start
- Expect Cliffhangers: Because this series was released rapidly in 2016, the books function more like episodes in a serial. The first three books end on emotional cliffhangers, so it is highly recommended to have the next book ready to go.
- A True Slow Burn: Despite the title and the high-voltage physical attraction, Taylor and Volt's progression into a committed couple takes time, prioritizing emotional growth and trust-building.
- Vibrant NYC Setting: The busy streets of New York City act as a character itself, providing a lively backdrop for the main characters and their close-knit circle of friends, including beloved secondary characters like Natalie and Clay.