The Recommended Reading Order for New York Girlfriends
Erin McCarthy’s contemporary romance trilogy—often referred to by fans as either the New York Girlfriends series or the Sexy in NYC series (and sometimes the Hot Mess Romance series)—is best read in order of publication. Because each book follows a different couple, you won't ruin major plot points if you jump around, but reading them in order lets you appreciate the evolving style and the shared New York City backdrop.
- The Pregnancy Test (2005) – Also published under the alternate title Boss with Benefits.
- You Don’t Know Jack (2006)
- How to Get Lucky (2015)
The Nine-Year Publishing Gap
One of the most notable details about this series is the substantial nine-year gap between the release of the second and third books. The first two entries, The Pregnancy Test and You Don't Know Jack, were released back-to-back in 2005 and 2006 during the height of the early-2000s chick-lit boom. The final installment, How to Get Lucky, was not published until 2015. While the setting remains New York City, the shift in publication years brings a slightly more modern contemporary romance feel to the final book compared to the mid-2000s aesthetic of the first two.
Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. The Pregnancy Test (2005)
The series begins with Mandy Keeling, a sharp-tongued New Yorker who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and newly single. Desperate for a job with health insurance, she interviews to be the personal assistant to Damien Sharpton, a wealthy, intimidatingly attractive, and highly guarded businessman. Despite a disastrous first impression where morning sickness gets the better of her, Damien hires her. The story takes off when Mandy is forced to accompany Damien on a business trip to the Caribbean, where their professional boundaries dissolve into a steamy romance.
2. You Don't Know Jack (2006)
The second book shifts focus to Jamie Peters, a free-spirited "retro-hippie" who has sworn off love after a long line of terrible relationships. Her outlook changes when a subway mugging incident leads her to be rescued by Jack Davidson. Unknown to Jamie, Jack is actually a wealthy millionaire, her roommate's brother, and—most importantly—is secretly investigating her for fraud regarding a charitable trust application. The plot weaves humor, chemistry, and high-stakes deception as Jack tries to finish his investigation while falling for Jamie.
3. How to Get Lucky (2015)
Rounding out the trilogy, the final book follows Allison Parker, a woman who feels she has never had any luck in life. Her fortunes change in the most literal way possible when she wins the lottery. The sudden influx of wealth leads her to cross paths with world-famous rock star Marco Lucky. This installment blends the thrill of sudden fortune with the challenges of dating a celebrity, focusing on self-discovery and the balance between wealth and true love.
Practical Reader Advice
Can these books be read as standalones? Yes, absolutely. Each book focuses on a completely different pair of protagonists and wraps up their romance with a happy ending. You do not need to read the previous books to understand the plot of the next.
Are there spin-offs or crossovers? There are no official spin-offs or direct crossovers with other series by Erin McCarthy. While she has written other popular romance series like Fast Track and Vegas Vampires, they are set in separate universes with distinct character casts.
What to Know Before You Start
Readers should expect a fun blend of lighthearted humor, emotional depth, and steamy romantic sequences. The series captures the fast-paced, glamorous, and sometimes chaotic energy of dating in New York City, making it a great choice for fans of early-2000s romantic comedies and modern city romance alike.