The Recommended Reading Path for Jade Calhoun
If you are planning to dive into the magical, supernatural world of Deanna Chase's Bourbon Street, the best place to start is at the very beginning with Haunted on Bourbon Street. Because the series features a continuous narrative arc, character progression, and evolving relationships, reading the books out of order will lead to major spoilers regarding Jade's magical powers, her coven, and her love life.
As Jade Calhoun grows from a reluctant, magic-shy empath into a powerful white witch and coven leader, the stakes increase from simple apartment hauntings to full-blown battles with demons, angels, and shadow-world entities. The series is best experienced by following the main storyline while inserting the chronological novellas where they fit naturally between the numbered novels.
Jade Calhoun Chronological and Publication Order
While the primary books were published in quick succession, Deanna Chase also released several short stories and novellas that bridge the gaps between major releases. Reading them in their chronological order ensures you do not miss any character milestones, such as engagements, holiday events, or side adventures. Here is the complete list of the main series in recommended reading order:
- Haunted on Bourbon Street (Book 1, 2011) – Introduces Jade Calhoun, her latent empathic abilities, and her handsome landlord Kane as they investigate a haunted apartment.
- Witches of Bourbon Street (Book 2, 2012) – Jade begins to embrace her magical heritage to rescue her mother and Kane from a rogue angel.
- Demons of Bourbon Street (Book 3, 2012) – Jade travels to the underworld to save her ex-boyfriend, facing demonic forces and testing her magical limits.
- Engaged off Bourbon Street (Book 3.5 Novella, 2014) – A transitional story focusing on Jade and Kane's engagement and the magic surrounding it.
- Angels of Bourbon Street (Book 4, 2013) – Jade deals with angelic drama, high-stakes magical politics, and the responsibilities of her growing powers.
- Shadows of Bourbon Street (Book 5, 2014) – Dark magic threats escalate as Jade fights to protect her friends and her home from shadow forces.
- Incubus of Bourbon Street (Book 6, 2014) – Newlywed Jade and Kane face a shadow-world crisis involving a soul-draining energy outbreak.
- Spirits of Bourbon Street (Book 6.5 Novella, 2015) – A short side adventure addressing ghostly unrest and magical complications.
- A Miracle on Bourbon Street (Book 6.75 Novella, 2016) – A heartwarming, holiday-themed story that brings festive magic to the coven.
- Bewitched on Bourbon Street (Book 7, 2015) – Witches, curses, and romance collide as Jade's leadership is put to the test.
- A Bourbon Street Valentine (Book 7.5 Novella, 2016) – A romantic side story focused on the coven celebrating Valentine's Day.
- Hexed on Bourbon Street (Book 8, 2017) – The magical threats double as Jade navigates old curses and new enemies.
- Dragons of Bourbon Street (Book 9, 2019) – Jade faces off against powerful, dragon-themed supernatural forces in a climactic showdown.
- Bourbon Street Shorts (Book 10, 2020) – A collection compiling various short stories and novellas from the series into one convenient volume.
Understanding the Novellas and Companion Stories
Readers often ask if the novellas (the ".5" books) are mandatory. While you can skip them and still follow the main plot of the novels, they are highly recommended for fans who want the full experience. They provide crucial context for relationship developments—specifically the romantic progression between Jade and Kane—and offer lighthearted, cozy moments that contrast with the high-stakes dangers of the main books.
For convenience, the 2020 release Bourbon Street Shorts gathers these shorter pieces, making it an excellent companion for readers who prefer to read them in a single collection rather than tracking down individual e-book releases.
Exploring the Bourbon Street Spin-offs
Deanna Chase's paranormal world extends beyond Jade's direct perspective. Several spin-off series share the same New Orleans setting and rules, allowing you to spend more time in this magical universe.
The Pyper Rayne Series
Pyper Rayne is Jade's close friend, a medium, and the owner of a local coffee shop. She plays a prominent role in the early Jade Calhoun books before starring in her own paranormal mystery series. The Pyper Rayne series features a lighter, mystery-focused tone and includes:
- Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier (Book 1)
- Spirits, Hurricanes, and the Krewe of Ghoul (Book 2)
- Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar (Book 3)
- Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang (Book 4)
- Spirits, Diamonds, and a Drive-thru Daiquiri Stand (Book 5)
While the Pyper Rayne books can be read independently, starting them after Incubus of Bourbon Street (Book 6) allows you to transition into Pyper's solo adventures with a complete understanding of her background and friendships.
The Coven Pointe Series
Another spin-off, the Coven Pointe series, centers on Mati Ballintine and Vaughn Paxton. It is set in the same Bourbon Street universe and introduces a different coven of witches. The first book, Marked by Temptation, is often numbered as Book 4.5 in the broader Jade Calhoun reading sequence, bridging the events between Angels of Bourbon Street and Shadows of Bourbon Street. The series consists of:
- Marked by Temptation (2014)
- Kissed by Temptation (2014)
What to Know Before You Start
Before stepping into Deanna Chase's New Orleans, readers should prepare for a blend of fast-paced urban fantasy, cozy mystery, and steamy paranormal romance. The series relies heavily on its setting, using the jazz, voodoo, and historic architecture of the Big Easy as a character of its own. It is also helpful to know that while Deanna Chase has other popular series—such as Premonition Pointe—these are separate stories focused on different witch covens and do not directly cross over with Jade Calhoun's New Orleans adventures.