Where to Begin: The Recommended Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Neighbor from Hell series in publication order. While each book centers on a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone romance, the family dynamics, recurring jokes, and minor plotlines develop sequentially. Reading them in order allows you to fully enjoy how the interconnected Bradford family grows, how their legendary food obsessions (especially their battles over chocolate chip cookies or the last slice of pizza) are passed down, and how previous couples return as meddling family members in subsequent books.
If you prefer a strictly linear experience, you can start with the modern prequel Pretend (set before the events of the first book). However, starting with the original release, Playing for Keeps, remains the fan-favorite entry point because it perfectly introduces the quirky, laugh-out-loud world of the Bradfords.
Neighbor from Hell Books in Publication Order
The main series has grown to include 16 books, tracking the love lives of various Bradfords and their immediate circle. Here is the publication order of the main novels:
- Playing for Keeps (2011) – Jason Bradford and Haley Blaine
- Perfection (2011) – Trevor Bradford and Zoe
- Checkmate (2012) – Connor Bradford and Rory
- Truce: The Historic Neighbor from Hell (2013) – Robert Bradford and Elizabeth (Historical Prequel)
- The Game Plan (2014) – Danny Bradford and Kylie (Higgins)
- Double Dare (2015) – Darrin Bradford and Marybeth
- Christmas from Hell (2015) – Duncan Bradford and Chelsea
- Fire & Brimstone (2016) – Christopher "Lucifer" Bradford and Rebecca
- Delectable (2017) – Reese Bradford and Kasey Lawson
- The Promise (2019) – Reed Bradford and Kelsey "Joey" Lawson
- Irresistible (2020) – Aidan Bradford and Melanie
- Finally (2020) – Devin Bradford and Charlie
- Another Christmas from Hell (2022) – Bryce James and Cayley
- Pretend (2023) – Eric Bradford and Morgan (Modern Prequel)
- The Deal (2025) – Quinn Bradford and Dylan
- Playtime's Over (2025) – Garrett Bradford and his match
Chronological Order and Timeline Caveats
If you want to read the series chronologically rather than by publication date, you will have to make a few jumps in time. The series contains two notable prequels that break the standard modern timeline:
- Truce (The Historic Neighbor from Hell): Though published fourth, this is a historical romance set in New England during the early 19th century (1800s). It tells the story of the ancestor, Robert Bradford, and Elizabeth. While it provides the origin story of the Bradford family's legendary stubbornness, reading it first is not necessary. Most readers enjoy it more after getting to know the modern-day descendants.
- Pretend: Published in 2023, this book acts as a direct modern prequel to the events of Playing for Keeps, focusing on Eric Bradford and Morgan. Starting here is a valid choice for chronological purists.
The Companion Novellas: Honeymoon from Hell
To get the complete experience, you should insert R.L. Mathewson's Honeymoon from Hell companion novelettes. These short, funny stories check back in on the couples after their wedding days. The author recommends reading these immediately after their corresponding main books:
- Honeymoon from Hell I (Jason and Haley) – Read after Playing for Keeps
- Honeymoon from Hell II (Trevor and Zoe) – Read after Perfection
- Honeymoon from Hell III (Connor and Rory) – Read after Checkmate
- Honeymoon from Hell IV (Robert and Elizabeth) – Read after Truce
- Honeymoon from Hell V (Danny and Kylie) – Read after The Game Plan
- Honeymoon from Hell VI (Christopher and Rebecca) – Read after Fire & Brimstone
The Next Generation: The Neighbor from Hell Chronicles
For readers who want to stay in the Bradford universe but are looking for a slightly different flavor, R.L. Mathewson has written The Neighbor from Hell Chronicles (also known as the YA Series). This is a Young Adult spin-off series focusing on the younger generation of Bradfords as they navigate school, family expectations, and their own comedic feuds. The series includes books like Difficult and features the same lighthearted humor and character quirks as the adult books but tailored for younger readers.
What to Know Before You Start
The Neighbor from Hell books are famous for their lighthearted, low-angst, and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy style. The signature traits of a Bradford hero include being incredibly stubborn, slightly obsessive, fiercely protective, and, above all, completely ruled by their stomach. Food is practically a central character in these books, with family members constantly stealing each other's snacks, hiding cookies, and holding epic grudges over missing meals. Expect plenty of enemies-to-lovers tropes, hilarious neighborhood pranks, and sizzling chemistry. While there are emotional elements, the primary focus is on fun, family chaos, and happy endings.