The Recommended Reading Order for the Full Series
To fully appreciate the quirky dynamics, escalating romance, and small-town evolution of Beaumont, South Carolina, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. Although the central romance shifts between different couples, character growth, relationship updates, and recurring town gossip carry over from book to book.
- Full House (1989 / Re-released 2002): Centers on polo instructor Nicholas Kaharchek and divorced mother Billie Pearce. Nicholas is the cousin of Max Holt, providing the initial anchor for the series' universe.
- Full Tilt (2002 / 2003): Introduces the core series protagonists, newspaper editor Jamie Swift and millionaire Max Holt, as they team up to tackle a political scandal and dodge assassins.
- Full Speed (2003): Jamie and Max investigate a corrupt minister and mobsters, accompanied by Max's high-tech computer and a dog named Fleas.
- Full Blast (2004): Jamie's new personal ads column leads to a string of murders, forcing her and Max to investigate.
- Full Bloom (2005): Shifting focus to B&B owner Annie Fortenberry and private investigator Wes Bridges, set against the backdrop of Max and Jamie's upcoming wedding.
- Full Scoop (2006): Pediatrician Maggie Farnsworth and FBI agent Zack Madden deal with an escaped convict (Maggie's ex-boyfriend) and Mercury in retrograde.
Publication vs. Chronological Order: Are There Differences?
There is no discrepancy between the chronological timeline of the stories and their publication order. However, the publishing history of the first book, Full House, is unique. It was originally published in 1989 as a Loveswept category romance under Janet Evanovich's pseudonym Steffie Hall, and later re-released in 2002 under her real name with Charlotte Hughes joining the project to kick off the Beaumont series.
Where to Start: Full House vs. Full Tilt
For the complete Beaumont experience, start with Full House. However, if you are eager to jump straight into the main storyline of Max Holt and Jamie Swift, starting with Full Tilt is a perfectly viable alternative, as it serves as the true beginning of their romantic arc.
What to Know Before You Start
The series is a collaborative project between Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes, combining Evanovich's signature fast-paced crime comedy with Hughes' romantic comedy expertise. Expect a lighthearted blend of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and laugh-out-loud humor. Fans of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series will find a similar tone, though with a distinct Southern flair.