The Recommended Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Five Points' Mob series (often referred to simply as the Filthy series) in its publication order. Although Serena Akeroyd has written these books so that each couple's romance reaches a satisfying conclusion and can theoretically be enjoyed as a standalone, the overarching plot, political maneuvering of the New York underworld, and character development flow sequentially from one book to the next. Reading them out of order will expose you to significant spoilers regarding earlier couples and family alliances.
Five Points' Mob Publication Order
Here is the chronological publication list for the core books in the series:
- Filthy / The Air He Breathes (2020) – The series kicks off with Finn O’Grady, the financial brain of the Five Points' Mob, and Aoife Keegan, a sweet baker determined to protect her shop from mob encroachment.
- Filthy Rich (2020) – Focuses on Eoghan O’Donnelly, the youngest brother, who enters into a high-stakes arranged marriage with the Russian heiress Inessa to secure a crucial alliance.
- Filthy Dark (2020) – A second-chance romance featuring Declan O’Donnelly and Aela, exploring redemption, past scars, and family legacies.
- Filthy Sex (2021) – Follows Brennan O'Donnelly and Camille as they navigate a relationship built on protective instincts, secrets, and immense personal sacrifice.
- Filthy Hot (2021) – Centers on Conor O'Donnelly and Star in a high-tension, passionate struggle that challenges the boundaries of mob loyalty.
- Filthy Secret (2021) – The story of Sean O'Donnelly and Sharon, where hidden truths threat to destroy the fragile peace within the family.
- Filthy King (2022) – Follows Liam O'Donnelly and Cass (Cassiopeia) as they face the ultimate struggle for leadership and survival.
- Filthy Feck (2023) – Expands the universe further with the gritty romance of Cillian and Brenda.
- Filthy Sinner (2023) – A critical title that serves as a direct bridge and crossover event.
- The Forgotten Boys (2023) – Serves as the start of a spin-off subseries, beginning with the book Silenced, focusing on the Bratva and the wider criminal elements associated with the Five Points universe.
Chronological Caveats and the Crossover Universe
One of the most exciting aspects of Serena Akeroyd's writing is her interconnected "Serenaverse." The Five Points' Mob series exists in the exact same sandbox as her popular motorcycle club series, the Dark & Dirty Sinners' MC, as well as the Valentini Family series. Because of this, characters from the Irish mob frequently show up in the MC books and vice versa.
The Filthy Sinner Placement
There is some minor disagreement online regarding where to place Filthy Sinner. While published later in the run (2023), some platforms and readers list it as a prequel or "Book 0.5" because it provides backstory. However, most fans agree that reading it in its publication spot (between Filthy King and Filthy Lies / Filthy Feck) is best, as it prevents timeline confusion and honors the reveals of the main series.
The Forgotten Boys Spin-Off
Starting with Silenced (released under the subseries name The Forgotten Boys), Akeroyd shifts the focus slightly to a dark, contemporary Bratva romance. While it functions as its own narrative, it shares characters and settings with the Five Points' Mob, making it a perfect next step for readers who have finished the core O'Donnelly stories and want to remain in the same universe.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the dark streets of Hell's Kitchen, readers should be prepared for the specific conventions of dark mafia romance. The series deals with mature themes including violence, organized crime politics, forced alliances, and explicit physical intimacy. The O'Donnelly family members are unapologetic antiheroes—morally gray men who will do whatever it takes to protect the women they love and maintain their grip on their territory.
If you prefer a softer romance, this series may not be for you. However, if you enjoy intense character chemistry, highly protective alphas, strong heroines who hold their own against mob bosses, and an expansive family dynamic where loyalty is everything, the Filthy series delivers an incredibly addictive experience.