How to Read Rebels at Sterling Prep in Order
If you're looking to dive into the dark, angsty world created by the writing duo Caitlyn Dare, the recommended way to read the series is in publication order. The main Rebels at Sterling Prep series spans six books divided into three distinct duets, each focusing on one of the notorious Jagger brothers—Ace, Cole, and Conner. Reading them in order prevents spoilers, as the overarching plotlines, familial drama, and rivalries progress sequentially from one book to the next. The Jaggers are bad boys from the rough neighborhood of Sterling Heights who find themselves thrust into the ultra-privileged, wealthy world of Sterling Prep, creating a clash of cultures, classes, and hearts.
The Recommended Reading Order
- Book 1: Taunt Her (Published in 2020) – Ace and Remi's story, Part 1. This book introduces readers to the cruel games of Sterling Prep and the Jaggers' quest for vengeance.
- Book 2: Tame Him (Published in 2020) – Ace and Remi's story, Part 2. The dramatic conclusion to Ace's fight against his family's enemies and his consuming relationship with Remi.
- Book 3: Taint Her (Published in 2020) – Cole and Hadley's story, Part 1. The focus shifts to the middle Jagger brother, who is widely considered the most dangerous and volatile of the trio.
- Book 4: Trust Him (Published in 2020) – Cole and Hadley's story, Part 2. The high-stakes finale of Cole's struggle to protect Hadley from the threats lurking in both Sterling Prep and Sterling Heights.
- Book 5: Torment Her (Published in 2020) – Conner and Kennedy's story, Part 1. The youngest Jagger brother gets his spotlight in a deeply emotional, second-chance romance.
- Book 6: Temper Him (Published in 2020) – Conner and Kennedy's story, Part 2. The final book in the main series, wrapping up the brothers' collective story arc and bringing closure to the Jagger family.
The Jagger Brothers Duets: A Deep Dive
The core appeal of the series lies in its structure. Rather than writing standalone novels, Caitlyn Dare chose to give each brother a two-part duet. This allowed the authors to flesh out the dark romance elements and build up the emotional stakes without rushing the character development. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from each duet:
Ace Jagger's Story: Taunt Her & Tame Him
The series kicks off with Ace, the eldest Jagger brother, who is bent on revenge against his uncle. His target becomes Remi, a prep school princess who carries her own deep-seated trauma. The dynamic between them is a classic dark bully romance, filled with tension, high-stakes secrets, and a slow-burn transformation from enemies to lovers. Because this duet establishes the foundational lore of Sterling Prep and the Jagger family's conflict, it is the absolute best starting point for new readers. Ace's protective nature and Remi's resilience set the standard for the rest of the series.
Cole Jagger's Story: Taint Her & Trust Him
Cole is widely considered by fans to be the darkest and most volatile of the Jagger brothers. His romance with Hadley, a resilient heroine who refuses to back down, plunges readers into a much grittier side of their world. This duet focuses heavily on themes of survival, loyalty, and redemption. Cole's dangerous activities outside the prep school halls bring a thrilling element of crime and suspense to the narrative, making his books some of the most action-packed in the series. Hadley's ability to challenge Cole's dark impulses is a highlight for many readers.
Conner Jagger's Story: Torment Her & Temper Him
The final duet focuses on Conner, the youngest Jagger brother, and Kennedy. Unlike the first two duets, which are enemies-to-lovers stories driven by revenge and class conflict, Conner's story is a second-chance romance. Kennedy is a childhood friend haunted by severe trauma, and Conner is determined to help her heal. It provides a highly emotional, character-driven conclusion to the Jagger family saga, tying up loose ends and giving the brothers a sense of closure. Conner's softer, more protective side offers a contrast to his brothers' harsher attitudes.
The Spin-Off: Sterling Heights High
For readers who cannot get enough of Caitlyn Dare's gritty universe, the Sterling Heights High series offers a perfect companion read. Set in the same universe, this series shifts the focus from the elite hallways of Sterling Prep to the rougher, working-class neighborhood of Sterling Heights, where the Jagger brothers originally grew up. It explores the lives of other teens navigating this harsh environment.
Sterling Heights High Reading Order
- Book 0.5: Condemn Us (Published in 2021) – A prequel novella focusing on Levi Miller and Kiera Hughes. It serves as a teaser for the spin-off, showing how a night of reunion on All Hallows' Eve rekindles old fires and brings dark secrets to light.
- Book 1: Control Me (Published in 2021) – The first full-length novel in the spin-off series, diving deeper into Levi and Kiera's intense, complicated connection.
- Book 2: Consume You (Published in 2021) – The continuation and conclusion of the Sterling Heights High storyline, delivering the final resolution for Levi and Kiera.
While the Sterling Heights High books can be read independently, they feature cameos and character crossovers that enrich the overall experience. Reading the prequel novella, Condemn Us, provides interesting context on the local dynamics before or after tackling the main Rebels books.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For purists wondering how to map out the absolute timeline of this universe, the main decision comes down to where to place the prequel novella, Condemn Us. Chronologically, Condemn Us takes place before the events of Control Me, but its characters exist in the background of the Jagger brothers' lives. Most readers recommend reading the main six Rebels at Sterling Prep books first to fully appreciate the world-building, and then diving into the Sterling Heights High books as a spin-off, starting with Condemn Us. This matches the publication order and aligns with how the author designed the narrative arc of the world.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you plunge into Sterling Prep, it is important to understand the specific conventions of the New Adult Dark Bully Romance genre. Caitlyn Dare's books are highly emotional and contain heavy themes, including intense high school bullying, domestic abuse, violence, and criminal elements. The romance is high-heat, possessive, and angsty. If you prefer lighthearted contemporary romance, this series may not be for you. We recommend checking content warnings before starting the books, as the authors do not shy away from heavy emotional topics.
Additionally, Caitlyn Dare is not a single author but a collaborative writing duo of two angsty romance lovers. The two authors work closely to craft the dual perspectives, high-tension plots, and fast-paced cliffhangers that keep readers hooked. Their joint effort ensures that the voices of the Jagger brothers and the heroines feel distinct and engaging throughout all six books.
Practical Reader Advice
Can these books be read as standalones? The short answer is no. Each duet is a single story split into two parts, meaning you cannot read Taunt Her without reading Tame Him, as the first book ends on a major cliffhanger. However, you could theoretically read Ace's duet and skip the others, though we highly advise against it. The overarching plot concerning the Jagers' family secrets develops across all six books, and characters from earlier duets appear frequently as supporting cast members in later installments. For the most satisfying reading experience, stick to the main publication order and read all six books from start to finish. Once you complete the main series, you can seamlessly transition to the Sterling Heights High series to explore the broader universe.