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series Reading Order

Mountain Masters & Dark Havens Books in Order

20 Books
2 Reading orders
2009 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Mountain Masters & Dark Havens Series

Cherise Sinclair’s bestselling Mountain Masters & Dark Havens series combines high-heat contemporary BDSM romance with emotional depth, suspense, and a deep emphasis on trust and consent. Set between the rustic wilderness of the Sierra mountains and the exclusive, sophisticated rooms of San Francisco's Dark Haven club, the books feature dominant heroes and resilient, relatable heroines. While the books are designed to be enjoyed as standalone novels, the recurring cast and overlapping timelines mean that reading them in order provides the most rewarding experience. Below, you will find the recommended reading paths, key differences between publication and chronological order, and detailed descriptions of each entry in the series.

Recommended Reading Path: Chronological Order

For the most seamless narrative flow and to watch the relationships between the characters evolve naturally, the chronological order is highly recommended. In this order, the novella Master of the Dark Side is moved earlier in the timeline compared to its original publication date, fitting naturally between the events of Master of the Abyss and My Liege of Dark Haven.

  1. Master of the Mountain (2009) - The book that started it all. Rebecca, stranded at a remote mountain lodge after escaping an uncomfortable situation, meets Logan Hunt, a rugged lodge owner and experienced Dom who introduces her to a world of trust and submission.
  2. Simon Says: Mine (2010) - A comforting and sensual novella. Rona, a newly divorced empty-nester exploring her desires for the first time, finds guidance and passion with the patient Simon.
  3. Master of the Abyss (2010) - Logan’s brother Jake Hunt, a guarded and protective Dom, connects with Kallie, a spirited mountain guide. The two must navigate intense physical attraction and an external threat from a serial killer stalking the Sierra wilderness.
  4. Master of the Dark Side (2015) - Set during a special theme night at the Dark Haven club, this novella follows Virgil, a police officer who is hesitant about his dominant nature, and Summer, a submissive who typically plays it safe.
  5. My Liege of Dark Haven (2012) - Sociology professor Abigail "Abby" Bern takes a receptionist job at San Francisco's premier BDSM club, Dark Haven, for research purposes. She quickly catches the eye of the club's wealthy, commanding owner, Xavier Leduc.
  6. Edge of the Enforcer (2014) - Lindsey, a fugitive hiding under a forged identity, encounters deVries, Dark Haven's strict and formidable enforcer. Their relationship is a high-stakes balance of safety, submission, and secrets.
  7. Master of Freedom (2015) - Virginia Cunningham, a social worker recovering from a past controlling relationship, finds healing and passion with Detective Atticus Ware in a story about reclamation and trust.
  8. Master of Solitude (2017) - Centers on Mallory McCabe and Sawyer Ware (brother to Atticus). Sawyer, who has isolated himself due to past trauma, finds peace and a profound bond with the resilient Mallory.
  9. I Will Not Beg (2019) - Piper Delaney escaped a cruel master five years ago with the help of Sir Ethan. When their paths cross again, she must find the courage to claim the healthy, consensual relationship she deserves.
  10. Master of the Wilderness (2023) - Set back in the Sierra mountains, this novel follows mechanic Erin Lockwood and rugged wilderness guide Wyatt Masterson, who must break his strict "no dating locals" rule when sparks fly.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The difference between the two reading orders is minimal but important for readers who want to follow the precise timeline of events. The primary discrepancy lies in the placement of the novella Master of the Dark Side. Published in 2015, the events of this book actually occur much earlier in the timeline, right after the events of Master of the Abyss. Reading it in publication order means jumping backward in the timeline, whereas reading it chronologically maintains a smooth progression of the overall universe.

Publication Order of the Series

  • Master of the Mountain (2009)
  • Simon Says: Mine (2010)
  • Master of the Abyss (2010)
  • My Liege of Dark Haven (2012)
  • Edge of the Enforcer (2014)
  • Master of Freedom (2015)
  • Master of the Dark Side (2015)
  • Master of Solitude (2017)
  • I Will Not Beg (2019)
  • Master of the Wilderness (2023)

What to Know Before You Start

Cherise Sinclair is widely celebrated in the erotic romance community for her authentic and educational portrayal of BDSM. The series stands out for its deep focus on safety, consent, and communication. Sinclair’s heroines are notably diverse—often curvy, scarred, or dealing with emotional baggage—and her Doms are protective, supportive, and respectful. For her realistic and respectful depiction of the lifestyle, Sinclair has received accolades, including the National Leather Award and multiple nominations for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award. Readers can jump into any book as a standalone, but starting with Master of the Mountain provides the best foundation for understanding the Hunt family and the community surrounding the Dark Haven club.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Mountain Masters & Dark Havens series?

The best starting point is Master of the Mountain. It introduces the core themes, the Sierra mountain setting, and characters who reappear throughout the series.

QAre the Mountain Masters and Dark Havens books separate series?

No, they are a single combined series. The story begins in a Sierra mountain lodge and expands to include the Dark Haven club in San Francisco, with characters frequently crossing over.

QCan the books in this series be read as standalones?

Yes. Each book features a complete romance with a satisfying conclusion, but reading them in chronological order helps you follow the recurring cast and background subplots.

QWhy is the chronological reading order different from the publication order?

The main difference is the novella Master of the Dark Side. Published in 2015, its events chronologically take place earlier, between Master of the Abyss and My Liege of Dark Haven.

QHas Cherise Sinclair won any awards for this series?

Yes, Cherise Sinclair has won the National Leather Award and has received nominations for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award for her accurate, consensual representation of the BDSM lifestyle.