How to Read the Manwhore Series in Order
Katy Evans’s bestselling Manwhore series is a staple of contemporary billionaire romance. Set against the glossy backdrop of Chicago’s high society, the series mixes media intrigue, intense emotional conflict, and sizzling chemistry. To get the absolute best experience out of the overarching storyline, character crossovers, and cameos, we recommend reading the books in their publication order:
- Manwhore (2015) – The story begins here with the high-stakes romance between billionaire Malcolm Saint and journalist Rachel Livingston.
- Manwhore +1 (2015) – The direct sequel that resolves the massive cliffhanger and emotional fallout from the first book.
- Ms. Manwhore (2015) – A sweet and steamy novella that wraps up Rachel and Malcolm's main romance arc.
- Ladies Man (2016) – Shifting focus to Malcolm’s best friend, Tahoe Roth, and Rachel's close friend, Gina Wylde.
- Womanizer (2016) – Follows Callan Carmichael (a high-flying business rival) and Olivia "Livvy" Roth (Tahoe’s younger sister).
- Playboy (2018) – Focuses on Cullen Carmichael (Callan’s younger brother) and Wynn Watson.
The Core Trilogy: Malcolm and Rachel
The first three entries in the series function as a single, continuous story arc. It is absolutely crucial to read these three in order. In Manwhore, we meet Rachel Livingston, a determined young journalist tasked with exposing the secrets of Chicago's most elusive, charismatic playboy, Malcolm Saint. What starts as a professional assignment quickly blurs into a passionate affair. Because the first book ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, you will want to have Manwhore +1 ready immediately to see how Rachel attempts to regain Malcolm's trust. The novella Ms. Manwhore provides a satisfying epilogue to their intense journey, showing how the couple navigates commitment and public attention.
The Standalone Companions
After finishing Malcolm and Rachel’s main trilogy, the series transitions into companion novels. While they are marketed as standalones, they feature recurring characters and spoil the events of the earlier books. Here is what to expect from each spin-off:
Ladies Man
This book focuses on the slow-burn, friends-to-lovers dynamic between Tahoe Roth and Gina Wylde. Tahoe, introduced in the core trilogy as Malcolm Saint’s magnetic and notoriously non-committal best friend, meets his match in Gina, Rachel’s vibrant best friend who has secretly harbored a crush on him for years. Reading this after the core trilogy adds extra depth, as Malcolm and Rachel make frequent guest appearances.
Womanizer
This entry expands the universe further by introducing Callan Carmichael, a brilliant but ruthless CEO. He finds himself falling for his new intern, Olivia "Livvy" Roth, who happens to be Tahoe's fiercely independent younger sister. The sibling connection keeps the book firmly tied to the core cast while introducing a fresh workplace romance dynamic.
Playboy
The final book in the series centers on Cullen Carmichael, the professional poker player and younger brother of Callan. Cullen's life changes when he meets Wynn Watson, who becomes his good luck charm at the tables. Because Cullen and Callan are brothers, and Livvy is Tahoe's sister, reading Womanizer before Playboy ensures you understand the family dynamics and overlapping timelines perfectly.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Katy Evans's Chicago, here are a few practical tips to maximize your enjoyment:
- High Angst and Cliffhangers: The transition between the first book and the second is filled with emotional tension. Be prepared to jump straight into the sequel.
- World Interconnectivity: Even though the latter three books follow different couples, the characters constantly interact, share dinners, and discuss their lives. Reading them out of order will spoil who ends up with whom.
- Tone: The series balances steamy romance with deep emotional growth, focusing heavily on trust, redemption, and moving past protective barriers.