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series Reading Order

In the Heart of a Valentine Books in Order

16 Books
2018 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

While the books in the In the Heart of a Valentine series are designed to be enjoyed as standalone novels, they are deeply interconnected through family ties, recurring characters, and overarching subplots. Reading them in order allows you to experience the growth of the Valentine family and appreciate the cameos from previous couples. The recommended path is to follow the publication order, as detailed below, while keeping an eye on the chronological follow-up novellas.

  1. No Holds Barred (2018): Introduces Hunter Valentine, a powerful Chicago bachelor, and Camilla Augustina, a woman rebuilding her life after a broken engagement. Their fiery connection sets the stage for the entire series.
  2. A Risqué Engagement (2018): Follows suave sports agent Xavier Valentine and flight attendant Corinne Thomas. A blind date sparks immediate chemistry, but secrets and an external threat test their bond.
  3. Give Me a Reason (2018): Features film director Lance Valentine and private investigator Allison Sullivan. An impromptu dinner leads to a passionate romance focused on trust and healing.
  4. A Game-Changing Christmas (2018): A holiday novel centering on the fierce business rivalry between the Valentine and Rose families, while introducing the initial spark between Raphael and Bri.
  5. With Your Permission (2019): Focuses on world-renowned photographer Raphael Valentine and wedding planner Bri St. James. Raphael, grieving a past tragedy, finds a second chance at love.
  6. In Pursuit of You (2019): Follows aerospace engineer DeAndre Valentine and TV station owner Avery Michele as they navigate past heartbreaks and build a future together.
  7. And This I Swear (2020): Centers on the family patriarch and matriarch, Leslie and Bridgette Valentine, exploring their enduring love story and wedding anniversary.
  8. Impromptu Seduction (2020): Introduces software engineer Kyle Valentine and former debutante London Jones in a story of unexpected attraction and vulnerability.
  9. Before We Say I Do (2020): A novella follow-up that details Kyle Valentine and London Jones’s journey as they face relationship trials on the way to the altar.
  10. Weekend on the Isle (2021): A romantic getaway novella following Hunter Valentine and Camilla Augustina as they travel to St. Lucia.
  11. Table for Three (2021): A holiday update focusing on Raphael Valentine and Bri St. James adjusting to married life and family planning.
  12. Reindeer Games (2021): A festive follow-up featuring Kyle Valentine and London Jones navigating holiday drama and love.
  13. A Love So Sweet (2022): An update novella focusing on Lance Valentine and Allison Sullivan as they prepare for a new chapter in their lives.
  14. Harder (2022): A crossover novella featuring Xavier Valentine and Corinne, bringing in characters from the author's Heavy on the D series.
  15. Wild Thoughts (2022): A novella follow-up that catches up with DeAndre Valentine and Avery Michele.
  16. The Masquerade Ball (2022): A grand celebration novella centered around Leslie and Bridgette Valentine’s anniversary.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

The main narrative of the series was written and published between 2018 and 2020, focusing on introducing each brother and finding their primary love match. From late 2020 through 2022, Stephanie Nicole Norris released several companion novellas, holiday specials, and short updates. For readers who prefer to complete a single couple's story arc chronologically before moving on to the next brother, the series can be reorganized into couple-focused reading paths.

Couple-Focused Reading Paths

  • Hunter & Camilla: Read No Holds Barred (Book 1) followed directly by Weekend on the Isle (Book 10 in publication order).
  • Xavier & Corinne: Read A Risqué Engagement (Book 2) followed by Harder (Book 14 in publication order).
  • Lance & Allison: Read Give Me a Reason (Book 3) followed by A Love So Sweet (Book 13 in publication order).
  • Raphael & Bri: Begin with their introduction in A Game-Changing Christmas (Book 4), read their main book With Your Permission (Book 5), and conclude with Table for Three (Book 11 in publication order).
  • DeAndre & Avery: Read In Pursuit of You (Book 6) followed by Wild Thoughts (Book 15 in publication order).
  • Kyle & London: Read Impromptu Seduction (Book 8), followed by the novellas Before We Say I Do (Book 9) and Reindeer Games (Book 12).
  • Leslie & Bridgette (The Parents): Read And This I Swear (Book 7) followed by The Masquerade Ball (Book 16).

What to Know Before You Start

Set against the backdrop of Chicago's elite high society, the In the Heart of a Valentine series is known for its celebration of Black love, strong family bonds, and high-flying luxury. While the books are steamy and filled with romance, they also touch upon emotional struggles such as grief, trauma, career pressure, and personal healing.

Readers should also note that the series features crossovers. A Game-Changing Christmas features a crossover rivalry with the Rose family, which connects directly to the author’s Falling for a Rose series. Additionally, the novella Harder features a crossover with the characters of the Heavy on the D series, another popular contemporary romance line by Norris. While it is not mandatory to read these other series to understand the Valentines, doing so enriches the experience of the shared universe.

Frequently Asked

QCan the In the Heart of a Valentine books be read as standalones?

Yes, each primary novel in the series focuses on a different couple and resolves their romance, meaning they can be read as standalones. However, reading them in publication order is recommended to avoid minor spoilers regarding the other brothers.

QWho is the author of the In the Heart of a Valentine series?

The series is written by Stephanie Nicole Norris, a USA Today bestselling author known for her extensive catalog of contemporary Black romance novels.

QWhere does the Valentine series take place?

The series is primarily set in Chicago, Illinois, showcasing the glamorous lifestyles, business empires, and high society circles of the billionaire Valentine family.

QWhich book is the best starting point for the series?

The best starting point is No Holds Barred, which is the first book in the series and introduces the Valentine family dynamics and the eldest brother, Hunter.

QHow do the holiday novellas fit into the reading order?

Holiday novellas like Weekend on the Isle, Table for Three, and Reindeer Games serve as epilogue-style updates for specific couples. They should be read after their respective couples' main novels.

QAre there crossovers with other series by the author?

Yes, the series features crossovers with Stephanie Nicole Norris's Falling for a Rose series (via A Game-Changing Christmas) and the Heavy on the D series (via Harder).