The Recommended Reading Order for the MacCarrick Brothers Series
To fully experience the overarching curse storyline and character growth, you should read the MacCarrick Brothers trilogy in its original publication order. The story begins with the youngest brother, Courtland, moves to the middle brother, Hugh, and concludes with the eldest brother, Ethan. Reading them in this sequence allows the mystery of the family curse to unfold naturally.
- If You Dare (2005) – Courtland's story, set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees and the Scottish highlands.
- If You Desire (2007) – Hugh's story, focusing on his long-standing obsession and a protective marriage of convenience.
- If You Deceive (2007) – Ethan's story, the dramatic conclusion featuring the eldest, heavily scarred brother seeking vengeance.
Understanding the MacCarrick Curse
At the center of the trilogy is a dark, 500-year-old Celtic prophecy found within the family's ancestral "Book of Fates." The prophecy dictates that the MacCarrick men are doomed to "walk with death or walk alone." The brothers believe that any woman they marry or open their hearts to is destined for a tragic, early death. This curse shapes their professions and lives: Courtland becomes a ruthless mercenary, Hugh a deadly assassin, and Ethan a scarred, vengeful spy. A crucial detail is that the final lines of the prophecy are obscured by blood, leaving the brothers—and readers—uncertain of whether the curse can ever be broken or if it is a self-fulfilling prophecy of isolation.
Detailed Breakdown of the Trilogy
1. If You Dare (2005)
The series kicks off with Courtland MacCarrick, the youngest brother and a fierce mercenary. Seeking revenge against a brutal Spanish general, Court kidnaps the general’s beautiful fiancée, Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente. As they flee through the dangerous Pyrenees, Court fights a losing battle against his intense attraction to Annalía. He is convinced the family curse will destroy her if he gives in to his feelings, while she is determined to break through his rugged exterior.
2. If You Desire (2007)
The second book shifts focus to Hugh MacCarrick, the middle brother who works as an assassin. Hugh has spent a decade secretly desiring Jane Weyland, his childhood friend. When Jane is targeted by dangerous enemies, Hugh steps in as her protector, taking her to his remote highland castle. To shield her reputation and keep her close, they enter a marriage of convenience. Hugh intends to keep the marriage unconsummated to prevent the curse from claiming Jane's life, creating intense romantic tension as Jane attempts to seduce her own husband.
3. If You Deceive (2007)
The final installment features the oldest brother, Ethan MacCarrick. Once a handsome gentleman, Ethan was betrayed, framed, and brutally scarred by a ruthless nobleman. Years later, he schemes to destroy his enemy by seducing the man's innocent daughter, Madeleine "Maddy" van Rowen. However, Ethan’s plans for cold-blooded revenge disintegrate as he falls deeply in love with Maddy. He must choose between his obsession with vengeance and the chance at a future he never thought he could have.
Connections to Other Kresley Cole Books
Many readers wonder if the MacCarrick Brothers series connects to Kresley Cole's other famous works. Here is what you need to know:
- Sutherland Brothers Series: This is Kresley Cole's other historical romance duology consisting of The Captain of All Pleasures and The Price of Pleasure. While both series share Cole's signature high-stakes historical romance style, there are no narrative crossovers or character overlaps between the Sutherlands and the MacCarricks.
- Immortals After Dark (IAD): This is Cole's massive, bestselling paranormal romance series. The MacCarrick Brothers trilogy is strictly historical romance and does not feature any of the supernatural creatures, portals, or lore found in the IAD universe. They are completely separate.
Practical Reading Advice
While each book in the trilogy focuses on a different brother and can technically function as a standalone romance with a resolved happy ending, we strongly advise against reading them out of order. The progression of the family curse and the resolution of the prophecy build directly from the first book through the final pages of the third. Starting with If You Dare is the best entry point for new readers, as it introduces the legend of the Book of Fates and sets up the stakes for the entire family.