The Recommended Reading Order for Forbidden Desires
Kendall Ryan's Forbidden Desires series follows the lives, secrets, and intense romances of the Kingsley brothers—Gavin, Cooper, and Quinn. They run an ultra-exclusive, high-end escort agency in New York City. The series balances heavy emotional stakes, past traumas, intense chemistry, and forbidden attraction. To get the best experience, you should read the books in their official publication order, which also matches the chronological sequence of events.
While some of the books can technically be read as standalones, the first two full-length novels form a continuous duology. Skipping around will spoil major plot points and character arcs, especially concerning the family business and the brothers' relationships. Here is the recommended path to take:
- Dirty Little Tease (Book 0.5) – A prequel novella that sets up the escort agency concept and introduces the Kingsley brothers.
- Dirty Little Secret (Book 1) – The first full-length novel, initiating the duology of Gavin Kingsley and Emma Bell.
- Dirty Little Promise (Book 2) – The conclusion of Gavin and Emma's story, resolving Gavin's dark secrets.
- Torrid Little Affair (Book 3) – Focuses on Cooper Kingsley and his assistant, Corinne, as they navigate professional boundaries and personal healing.
- Tempting Little Tease (Book 4) – Focuses on the eldest brother, Quinn Kingsley, and his forbidden romance with his Italian tutor, Alessandra.
Detailed Breakdown of the Books
1. Dirty Little Tease (Book 0.5)
Published in 2017, this prequel novella acts as the ultimate introduction to the series. It establishes the high-stakes world of the Kingsley escort agency. The story introduces the three brothers and follows a lonely librarian who dreams of finding a passionate love similar to those in classic literature. Her life changes forever after a chance encounter with a handsome, brooding stranger who carries a tragic past. This quick read serves as a preview for the first full-length novel, setting the tone for the romance and family dynamics that follow.
2. Dirty Little Secret (Book 1)
This is where the main storyline officially starts. The book introduces Emma Bell, a librarian who finds herself in a desperate financial situation. In search of a quick solution, she crosses paths with Gavin Kingsley and enters his high-end escort agency as an exclusive escort. Emma's first assignment is with Gavin himself, sparking a dangerous and intensely passionate connection. The novel explores themes of power, trust, and vulnerability as Emma tries to separate business from her growing feelings for Gavin, leading up to a dramatic cliffhanger.
3. Dirty Little Promise (Book 2)
Picking up immediately after the cliffhanger of the first book, this novel continues and concludes Gavin and Emma's tumultuous romance. As Emma tries to navigate the emotional fallout of Gavin's secret life, Gavin must confront his dark past and learn to trust someone else. This installment wraps up their primary narrative arc, moving them from guarded individuals to a committed couple, while also preparing readers for the stories of the remaining Kingsley brothers.
4. Torrid Little Affair (Book 3)
The third book shifts the spotlight to Cooper Kingsley. Known as a playboy with deep emotional scars, Cooper enters a professional relationship with Corinne, who is hired as his new assistant. Seeking a distraction from their respective past traumas, they agree to a no-strings-attached arrangement. However, the boundaries between their professional lives and personal desires quickly blur. This story focuses heavily on healing, vulnerability, and learning to let go of control to find true intimacy.
5. Tempting Little Tease (Book 4)
The final book in the series centers on the eldest brother, Quinn Kingsley. Usually portrayed as the stoic, serious, and mysterious brother, Quinn decides to learn Italian and hires Alessandra as his tutor. Despite the age gap and his reservations, Quinn falls hard for the vibrant, life-loving Alessandra. The catch? Alessandra is scheduled to move to Italy in a matter of weeks to teach English. Their romance becomes a race against time, exploring whether a deep connection can survive distance and life-altering changes.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Fortunately for readers, the publication order of the Forbidden Desires series matches the chronological timeline perfectly. Because the series relies heavily on character growth and the evolution of the Kingsley brothers' agency, reading the books out of order can be confusing. For instance, Gavin's secrets are revealed in the first two books, which directly impacts how the agency is run and how Cooper and Quinn view their roles in the family business. It is highly recommended that you start with either the prequel novella or Book 1 and proceed sequentially to get the full impact of the overarching storyline.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Kingsley brothers' world, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the series features explicit content, adult themes, and emotional conflicts, making it suitable primarily for mature contemporary romance fans. Second, the first two books (Dirty Little Secret and Dirty Little Promise) are not standalones. They form a single story divided into two volumes, meaning you must read them together. In contrast, Torrid Little Affair and Tempting Little Tease function as standalone romances that focus on different couples, although the family connection remains strong.
Readers should also note that while Kendall Ryan has written other popular romance series featuring similar tropes—such as the Escorts, Inc. series—these are set in different universes with separate characters and do not cross over with the Forbidden Desires books.
Practical Reader Advice and Starting Points
If you are looking for the absolute best starting point, we recommend beginning with the prequel novella, Dirty Little Tease. It is short, gives you a quick taste of Kendall Ryan's writing style, and sets up the premise of the escort agency. However, if you prefer to dive straight into a full-length novel, starting with Dirty Little Secret is also perfectly acceptable, as it recaps the necessary setup. Just make sure you have a copy of Dirty Little Promise ready, as the cliffhanger at the end of Book 1 will make you want to jump immediately into the sequel!