Recommended Reading Path: Publication Order
To fully experience the character growth, recurring inside jokes, and evolving band dynamics of Random Acts of Crazy, the recommended reading order is the publication order. The main storyline follows the band members' personal lives, starting with a hilarious chance meeting and spanning across multiple cities and life milestones.
- Random Acts of Crazy (2013) – The book that started it all. Darla Jennings, a small-town Ohio girl, picks up Trevor Connor, a naked Boston musician hitchhiking with only his guitar. When Trevor's bandmate Joe Ross arrives to help, a passionate, unconventional love triangle begins.
- Random Acts of Trust (2013) – This installment shifts focus to the band's drummer, Sam Hinton, who unexpectedly reunites with his high school sweetheart, Amy Smithson, as she moves to Boston for graduate school.
- Random Acts of Fantasy (2014) – We return to the core trio of Darla, Trevor, and Joe as they navigate the complications and deepening emotions of their polyamorous relationship.
- Random Acts of Hope (2014) – A second-chance romance focusing on Liam McCarthy, the band's guitar player, and his former girlfriend Charlotte Greyson, five years after a painful betrayal.
- Randomly Ever After (2015) – (Also published under the title Random Acts of Yes). This novella continues Darla, Trevor, and Joe's story as they take major steps in their commitment to one another.
- Random Acts of Love (2015) – Darla faces her past in rural Ohio alongside Trevor and Joe, dealing with family expectations and the realities of their unique relationship.
- Random Acts of LA (2015) – Originally published as Random on Tour: Los Angeles, this spin-off road trip romance follows Maggie and Tyler in a witty enemies-to-lovers story.
- Random Acts of Christmas (2015) – Originally titled Merry Random Christmas, this festive novella brings the core trio back together for holiday-themed chaos and romance.
- Random Acts of Vegas (2017) – Originally titled Random on Tour: Las Vegas, this book takes Darla, Trevor, and Joe on a wild, high-stakes adventure in Sin City.
- Random Acts of New Year (2019) – A seasonal continuation of Darla, Trevor, and Joe's journey as they ring in the new year with their signature blend of heat and humor.
- Random Acts of Baby (2020) – The emotional culmination of the series, where Darla, Trevor, and Joe prepare for parenthood and navigate the next chapter of their life together.
Understanding the Subseries and Couple Dynamics
While the entire series centers around the rock band Random Acts of Crazy, the books are divided by the couples (or trios) they follow. If you are looking to read only specific characters, here is how the series breaks down:
Darla, Trevor, and Joe (Polyamorous Ménage Romance)
The vast majority of the series focuses on the central triad of Darla (an aspiring writer), Trevor (lead singer), and Joe (bassist). Their relationship is the emotional anchor of the series. If you want to follow their specific romance, focus on Random Acts of Crazy, Random Acts of Fantasy, Randomly Ever After, Random Acts of Love, Random Acts of Christmas, Random Acts of Vegas, Random Acts of New Year, and Random Acts of Baby.
The Standalone Couples
The remaining books branch out to follow individual band members or associates, providing a more traditional contemporary romance structure:
- Sam and Amy: Featured in Random Acts of Trust, this story focuses on the band's drummer finding his way back to his first love.
- Liam and Charlotte: Featured in Random Acts of Hope, tracking the guitarist's second chance at love.
- Maggie and Tyler: Featured in Random Acts of LA, bringing an enemies-to-lovers, road-trip vibe to the series.
The Connected Julia Kent Universe and Crossovers
Julia Kent is famous for her interconnected book universes. While the Random series can be read entirely on its own, fans of her work will spot several crossovers. Most notably, the character Dr. Alex Derjian appears across the Her Billionaires series, the Obedient series, and the Random series. Additionally, Darla makes crossover appearances in the Her Billionaires books. However, her popular Shopping for a Billionaire series is largely set in its own separate world, sharing only minor nods rather than direct plot connections.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Random series, readers should be prepared for Julia Kent's unique blend of outrageous comedy and high-heat romance. The series deals heavily with polyamory and unconventional relationships in a positive, consensual light. Despite the lighthearted humor (including a running gag about a chicken named Mavis running for president), Kent also addresses serious themes such as healing from past abuse, rebuilding trust, and self-acceptance with empathy and care. The audiobooks are highly praised by fans, featuring narration by romance voiceover stars like Sebastian York, Andi Arndt, and Tad Branson.