How to Start Reading the Men of Inked Series
If you are ready to enter the high-heat, tattoo-parlor world of the Gallo family, the best place to start is the very beginning: the first full-length novel, Throttle Me. This book introduces you to Joe "City" Gallo and Suzy, setting the emotional and spicy tone for the rest of the series. While some books can technically function as standalone romances, Chelle Bliss has crafted a closely interconnected family saga, meaning you will get the absolute best experience by reading them in order and witnessing the siblings' stories unfold chronologically.
The Publication Order of Men of Inked Books
Based on the release timeline, here is how the books and novellas were published. Reading in this order allows you to experience the series exactly as original fans did:
- Throttle Me (2014) - The first full-length novel introducing Suzy and Joe "City" Gallo.
- Hook Me (2014) - The second novel, featuring Michael Gallo and Dr. Mia Greco.
- Throttled (2014) - A companion novella (Book 2.5) that continues the story of Suzy and Joe.
- Resist Me (2014) - The third novel, focusing on Izzy Gallo and DEA agent James Caldo.
- Resisting (2014) - A novella (Book 3.5) focusing on the relationship dynamics of Izzy and James.
- The Gallos (2014) - A prequel novella that outlines the history and bond of the Gallo siblings.
- Uncover Me (2015) - The fourth main novel, centering on Thomas Gallo and Tammy.
- Dust Jacket (2015) - A collection volume bundling the early novellas (The Gallos, Throttled, and Resisting) into a single print release.
- Rebound (2015) - A key crossover novella featuring Roman Gallo that bridges the original series with the ALFA Investigations spin-off series.
- Without Me (2015) - The fifth main novel, detailing the romance of Anthony Gallo and Vanessa.
- Honor Me (2016) - The sixth novel, which revisits the primary relationship of Joe and Suzy.
- Men of Inked Christmas (2017) - A festive holiday novella focusing on the family during the holiday season.
- Worship Me (2017) - The seventh main novel, returning to Michael and Mia's story.
- Inked Holiday (2023) - A holiday novella that crosses over the original cast with the Heatwave generation.
Chronological Order and Caveats
While the publication list is straightforward, Chelle Bliss recommends integrating the novellas chronologically. Reading the novellas in their specific chronological slots preserves the family's timeline and avoids spoilers. For the ultimate timeline experience, follow this path:
- Start with the prequel novella The Gallos to meet the family.
- Read Throttle Me (Book 1) and Hook Me (Book 2).
- Read Throttled (Book 2.5), which picks up Suzy and Joe's journey.
- Read Resist Me (Book 3) followed by its companion novella, Resisting.
- Read Rebound before jumping into Uncover Me (Book 4) to understand the crossover elements.
- Read Without Me (Book 5), Honor Me (Book 6), Men of Inked Christmas, and Worship Me (Book 7) in order.
Exploring the Extended Universe and Spin-offs
Once you finish the main Gallo family saga, the Men of Inked universe continues across several spin-offs and subseries that follow new generations, different locations, and close family friends:
- Men of Inked: Southside - A five-book subseries set in Chicago (featuring Maneuver, Flow, Hook, Hustle, and Love).
- Men of Inked: Heatwave - A massive second-generation series focusing on the Gallos' children as they grow up and find love of their own, starting with Flame and running through Dare.
- Men of Inked: Sinners - A newer spin-off series including titles like Crave, Want, Need, Wish, and Promise.
- ALFA Investigations - A romantic suspense spin-off series featuring Roman Gallo and the ALFA agency (including Sinful Intent and Unlawful Desire).
- Open Road Series - A spin-off following a group of bikers, starting with Broken Sparrow.
What to Know Before You Start
The Men of Inked series is known for its intense heat, loyal alpha heroes, and independent, strong heroines. The setting transitions between the sunny coasts of Florida and the tattoo shop environment, which serves as the physical and emotional anchor for the Gallo family. While the romance is spicy and central, the underlying theme of family dynamics, Italian heritage, and unconditional loyalty is what makes the books stand out. There is little disagreement on the reading order, as the author's official site provides a clear roadmap and family tree to keep track of the sprawling characters.