The Recommended Reading Order
Because the Elsie Hawkins books are contemporary romance standalones rather than a continuous serialized mystery, you have a lot of flexibility in how you approach them. However, the best and most satisfying way to read the series is in its original publication order. This allows you to experience Janet Evanovich’s evolving comedic style and watch the character of Elsie Hawkins develop from a surprise houseguest into a full-fledged, gun-toting bodyguard.
- Back to the Bedroom (1989)
- Smitten (1990)
- Wife for Hire (1990)
- The Rocky Road to Romance (1991)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Fortunately for readers who prefer simple tracking, the publication order and the chronological order of the Elsie Hawkins series are identical. Evanovich wrote and published these four novels between 1989 and 1991 for the Bantam Loveswept imprint. Since there are no prequels or time-skips, following the release order is the most straightforward path.
Detailed Breakdown of the Elsie Hawkins Books
1. Back to the Bedroom (1989)
The series kicks off with a story centered on David Dodd and Katherine Finn. David is a handsome, normal guy who finds his quiet life completely disrupted when Katherine moves in next door. The real chaos begins when Elsie Hawkins arrives as a quirky, unexpected houseguest. Elsie immediately begins meddling in the lives of the young neighbors, using her unique brand of aggressive charm to push them together.
2. Smitten (1990)
In the second book, single mother Lizabeth Kane is determined to build a secure life for her children, leading her to take a demanding construction job. She soon clashes with—and falls for—her tough boss, Matt Hallahan. Operating as a nosy neighbor, Elsie Hawkins steps in to stir the pot, helping dismantle the barriers between the two stubborn leads.
3. Wife for Hire (1990)
The third installment features a marriage-of-convenience trope. Maggie Toone wants to escape her small-town life in New Jersey to write a novel, while Hank Mallone needs a temporary wife to convince his conservative father to grant him a business loan for the family apple orchards. Set in a cozy Vermont town, the fake marriage quickly turns real, aided by the comedic and protective interference of Elsie Hawkins.
4. The Rocky Road to Romance (1991)
The final novel in the lineup centers on Daisy Adams, a multi-talented woman known as the "Dog Lady" of radio station WZZZ. When Daisy gets a promotion to become a roving traffic reporter, she must work closely with Steve Crow, the station's straight-laced operations manager. After Daisy accidentally foils a criminal getaway, Steve steps in to protect her, accompanied by the chaotic presence of Elsie Hawkins serving as a gun-wielding bodyguard.
Who is Elsie Hawkins?
Elsie Hawkins is the connective tissue of this anthology-style romance series. She is a feisty, blunt, and highly independent retiree characterized by her tight grey curls and her indestructible 1957 powder-blue Cadillac. Unlike typical romance matchmakers of the era, Elsie carries a gun in her handbag and isn't afraid to use comedic intimidation to get what she wants. She serves as a prototype for Grandma Mazur, one of the most beloved characters in Evanovich’s blockbuster Stephanie Plum series.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Pure Standalones: Each book features an entirely different hero and heroine in a new setting. You do not need to worry about cliffhangers or carrying plotlines over between books.
- Early Career Context: These books represent Janet Evanovich’s transition from writing category romance under the pseudonym Steffie Hall (which she used for her 1987 debut, Hero at Large) to publishing under her real name.
- Romance First, Mystery Second: While there are comedic capers and light action elements, these are first and foremost contemporary romance novels, differing from the mystery-heavy focus of the Stephanie Plum series.