The Recommended Reading Order for Makes My Heart Race
The Makes My Heart Race series was created as a multi-author collaborative project in August 2020, delivering a set of short, high-heat contemporary romance novellas. Because each book is a standalone story with completely different characters and settings, there is no strict chronological plotline connecting them. However, for the best reading experience, we recommend following the publication order to enjoy the flow of the collaboration as the authors originally presented it to their readers.
Makes My Heart Race Publication Order
- Furry Face by Frankie Love (2020)
- Bedroom Eyes by Shaw Hart (2020)
- Slow Hands by Hope Ford (2020)
- Tight Buns by Kate Hunt (2020)
- What The… Hello, Kitty-Kat! (also published as Chiseled Chest) by Megan Wade (2020)
- Killer Abs by C.M. Steele (2020)
- Alpha's Arms by Flora Ferrari (2020)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into this rapid-fire romance world, it is helpful to know that these books are designed to be quick reads. Most of the novellas average between 50 and 100 pages, making them the perfect length for a single sitting or a quick afternoon escape. The series is united by common romance tropes: insta-love (instant chemistry), over-the-top possessive alpha heroes, body-positive curvy heroines, and guaranteed happily-ever-after (HEA) endings with no cliffhangers.
Because the series was published almost simultaneously in August 2020 as a joint marketing effort among popular indie romance authors, the order is highly flexible. Readers who prefer certain tropes—such as friends-to-lovers, billionaire romance, or small-town connections—can easily cherry-pick their favorite installments without missing any overarching plot details.
Deep Dive: The Seven Novellas
1. Furry Face by Frankie Love
The series kicks off with Frankie Love's contribution, featuring Paxton, a rugged, bearded sailor who lives on his boat and values his freedom. When he crosses paths with Penny, a poet who is tired of her predictable life, the attraction is instant and overwhelming. Penny is hesitant to change her life for a whirlwind romance, but Paxton is determined to prove they belong together. This book sets the sweet, steamy, and adventurous tone for the rest of the series.
2. Bedroom Eyes by Shaw Hart
Shaw Hart delivers a classic friends-to-lovers and workplace romance in the second book. Axton Wells is a famous Hollywood movie star, and Teagan is his dedicated personal assistant. After working together for years and hiding their mutual attraction, a passionate night together changes the dynamic of their relationship. The story deals with Axton's fear of commitment and the risk of ruin to their professional and personal bond.
3. Slow Hands by Hope Ford
Hope Ford brings a small-town, healing-romance vibe to the series. Michael is a wealthy billionaire rancher who knows exactly what he wants, while Juliette is a cautious divorcee recovering from a broken heart and wary of trusting again. Michael uses his patience and gentle seduction to win her over, offering a slower-burning chemistry compared to the typical insta-love of the series.
4. Tight Buns by Kate Hunt
Kate Hunt's entry shifts the focus to a fitness-themed romance. The story centers on a physical trainer hero and a heroine who enters his gym, leading to instant attraction and a high-heat relationship that highlights Hunt's signature style of sweet yet highly possessive alpha romance.
5. What The… Hello, Kitty-Kat! by Megan Wade
Also known under the title Chiseled Chest in some digital marketplaces, Megan Wade's novella brings her hallmark combination of humor, body positivity, and intense chemistry. The story features a curvy heroine and a protective hero who falls fast and hard, dealing with misunderstandings and sweet resolutions.
6. Killer Abs by C.M. Steele
C.M. Steele's contribution to the collaboration leans heavily into the over-the-top possessive alpha hero trope. The novella features a high-stakes, fast-paced attraction where the hero is immediately obsessed with the heroine and stops at nothing to make her his, delivering the intense heat that Steele's readers expect.
7. Alpha's Arms by Flora Ferrari
The final book in the series, written by Flora Ferrari, features an older alpha male and a younger heroine. True to Ferrari's writing style, the story focuses on a highly protective, obsessive hero who falls in love at first sight and uses all his resources to claim and protect the heroine.
Practical Reader Advice
If you are trying to decide how to approach the series, here are a few practical tips:
- Best Starting Point: Start with Furry Face by Frankie Love or Bedroom Eyes by Shaw Hart. These two represent the core styles of the collaboration well.
- Standalone Nature: You do not need to read these in order. If you only like specific authors (like Hope Ford or Shaw Hart), you can read their entries individually without reading the rest of the series.
- Availability: The series was originally launched on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. Note that some titles, such as Megan Wade's entry, might be listed under alternative titles like Chiseled Chest depending on the platform or republication status.