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series Reading Order

Never Too Late Books in Order

7 Books
2011 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Never Too Late series in its publication order. While most of the books function beautifully as standalone contemporary romances, the characters are part of a tight-knit social circle. Reading them in order allows you to watch their friendships grow, enjoy recurring cameos, and avoid spoilers for previous couples' happily-ever-afters.

The ideal entry point is the book that started it all, Dating a Cougar, which introduces the core group of friends and establishes the series' signature blend of humor, steam, and mature life transitions.

Never Too Late Books in Publication Order

  1. Dating a Cougar (2011) – The series kicks off with 50-year-old retired model and lingerie designer Alexa Ranger, who unexpectedly sparks a romance with Casey Carter, a handsome man in his 30s. This book tackles societal double standards and midlife dating with plenty of humor.
  2. Dating Dr. Notorious (2011) – Focuses on Dr. Regina Logan, a famous and blunt sex therapist who is highly skilled at solving other people's love lives but struggles with her own. Her life changes when she matches wits with Ben Kaiser, a charming widower who isn't intimidated by her professional reputation.
  3. Dating a Saint (2011) – Follows Lauren McCarthy, a close friend of Alexa and Regina, as she navigates her deep attraction to the enigmatic and helpful Jim Gallagher, proving that starting over doesn't mean settling.
  4. Dating a Metro Man (2011) – Shifts focus to the next generation, following Alexa's daughter, Jenna Ranger, as she navigates the confusing world of modern dating and searches for a partner who is both supportive and sophisticated.
  5. Dating a Silver Fox (2012) – Proves that romance has no age limit by focusing on Lydia McCarthy (Lauren's widowed mother), a woman in her sixties who is perfectly content with her independent life until the persistent, dashing Morrison "Morrie" Fox decides to woo her.
  6. Dating a Cougar II (2013) – A direct sequel that catches up with Alexa Ranger and Casey Carter as they navigate the realities of their ongoing relationship, family dynamics, and engagement challenges.
  7. Dating a Pro (2016) – The final entry in the series, centering on Harrison Graham and the talented golfer Doris Isette Pearson, who must overcome local social expectations and the legendary "Graham family curse" of finding one true love.

Timeline Caveats and Narrative Continuity

While the first six books follow a linear, modern contemporary timeline, Dating a Pro (Book 7) is a unique entry. It takes a nostalgic leap back in time to 1965 in the town of Falls Church. It serves as a historical prequel/spin-off of sorts under the series umbrella, exploring the origins of the "Graham curse" and focusing on golf, country club expectations, and mid-century social conventions. Readers can enjoy this book at any point, but reading it last respects the official series numbering.

Additionally, note that Dating a Cougar II is not a standalone; it requires prior knowledge of the events and relationships established in Dating a Cougar. You should definitely read Book 1 before diving into Book 6.

What to Know Before You Start

Author Donna McDonald, a USA Today bestselling writer, launched the series to fill a gap in the romance market: stories about mature adults. Inspired by her own journey of reinvention and resilience after personal tragedy, McDonald crafts characters who deal with real-world issues like divorce, career changes, aging, and loss, without losing their sense of humor or sexuality. She even appeared on The Today Show to discuss midlife reinvention, a theme that beats at the heart of every book in this collection.

Readers should also be careful not to confuse the Never Too Late series with McDonald's other contemporary romance series, The Perfect Date. While The Perfect Date books often use "Never" in their titles (such as Never Is a Very Long Time and Never Say Never), they belong to a completely separate fictional universe.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Never Too Late series?

You should start with Dating a Cougar (Book 1). It introduces the main characters, sets the tone for the series, and establishes the relationships that carry through the subsequent books.

QCan the Never Too Late books be read as standalones?

Yes, most of the books feature self-contained romances and can be read individually. However, Dating a Cougar II is a direct sequel to the first book and should not be read out of order.

QWhy is Dating a Pro (Book 7) set in 1965?

Dating a Pro functions as a historical spin-off/prequel within the series. Set in 1965 Falls Church, it explores the backstory of the "Graham curse" and the romance between Harrison Graham and Doris Pearson, departing from the contemporary setting of the other books.

QWho are the main characters of Dating a Silver Fox?

This book centers on Lydia McCarthy, a widow in her sixties, and Morrison "Morrie" Fox, a charismatic older gentleman determined to show her that it is never too late for love.

QIs the Perfect Date series connected to Never Too Late?

No. Although Donna McDonald's Perfect Date series features titles starting with "Never," it is an entirely separate series with different characters and settings.