The Recommended Reading Path for Rising Storm
Unlike many contemporary romance series where books can be picked up as standalones, Rising Storm is structured exactly like a serialized television soap opera. Created by bestselling authors Julie Kenner and Dee Davis, the project utilizes a collaborative 'writers' room' format where each author writes a specific 'episode' (book) that directly builds upon the cliffhangers, secrets, and romantic entanglements of the previous installment. Because the overarching mystery and town-wide drama unfold continuously, you must read this series in strict chronological publication order. Skipping a book or reading out of order will result in major spoilers and immediate confusion regarding who is dating, blackmailing, or betraying whom.
The complete journey spans a prequel novella, eight episodes of Season One, two transitional Midseason novellas, and eight episodes of Season Two. To get the full experience of the secrets hiding behind the rolling hills and wildflowers of Storm, Texas, follow the master reading order list below.
Rising Storm Complete Reading Order List
The Season One Era
- Book 0.5: Storm Season: Ginny & Jacob by Dee Davis (2015) — This prequel novella introduces Ginny Moreno and Jacob, setting up the historical baggage and emotional foundation of the town before the main series kicks off.
- Book 1 / Episode 1: Tempest Rising by Julie Kenner (2015) — The official series premiere. Ginny Moreno returns to Storm, Texas, after a long absence, instantly sparking gossip and reopening old wounds.
- Book 2 / Episode 2: White Lightning by Lexi Blake (2015) — This episode elevates the tension as new alliances form and the town's elite scramble to protect their assets.
- Book 3 / Episode 3: Crosswinds by Elisabeth Naughton (2015) — Scandalous affairs and buried truths threaten to ruin lives as the town's power players clash.
- Book 4 / Episode 4: Dance in the Wind by Jennifer Probst (2015) — Focuses on the younger generation of Storm, exploring forbidden desires under the watchful eyes of the community.
- Book 5 / Episode 5: Calm Before the Storm by Larissa Ione (2015) — Secrets begin to leak, and the emotional stakes reach a boiling point for key characters.
- Book 6 / Episode 6: Take the Storm by Rebecca Zanetti (2015) — High-stakes drama and passionate encounters drive the narrative toward its seasonal climax.
- Book 7 / Episode 7: Weather the Storm by Lisa Mondello (2015) — Bryce Daniels faces a profound crisis of faith and family dynamics as he navigrapes his son's autism diagnosis.
- Book 8 / Episode 8: Thunder Rolls by Dee Davis (2015) — The Season One finale, which wraps up several major plotlines while leaving readers with jaw-dropping cliffhangers.
The Midseason Transition
- Book 9 / Midseason Episode 1: After the Storm by Lexi Blake (2016) — A crucial bridge novella that details the immediate aftermath of the Season One finale.
- Book 10 / Midseason Episode 2: Distant Thunder by Larissa Ione (2016) — The second bridge novella, setting the stage and shifting the chess pieces for the arrival of Season Two.
The Season Two Era
- Book 11 / Episode 1: Against the Wind by Rebecca Zanetti (2016) — Season Two kicks off with new scandals, fresh faces, and escalating conflicts.
- Book 12 / Episode 2: Storm Warning by Larissa Ione (2016) — Deep secrets from the town's founding families begin to threaten the local power structure.
- Book 13 / Episode 3: Brave the Storm by Lisa Mondello (2016) — Characters are forced to choose between loyalty to their families and their own personal desires.
- Book 14 / Episode 4: Lightning Strikes by Lexi Blake (2016) — A fast-paced episode filled with romance, betrayal, and unexpected twists.
- Book 15 / Episode 5: Fire and Rain by R.K. Lilley (2016) — Acclaimed author R.K. Lilley joins the roster, bringing intense passion and emotional depth to this turning point.
- Book 16 / Episode 6: Quiet Storm by Julie Kenner (2016) — As the season nears its end, long-buried truths are finally forced into the light.
- Book 17 / Episode 7: Blinding Rain by Elisabeth Naughton (2016) — The penultimate episode ramps up the suspense, heading toward a major confrontation.
- Book 18 / Episode 8: Blue Skies by Dee Davis (2016) — The grand finale of Season Two, tying together the multi-author saga's main arcs.
What to Know Before You Start
The most important detail to grasp before diving into Rising Storm is its collaborative nature. Conceived by romance veterans Julie Kenner and Dee Davis, the project was designed to replicate the addictive, high-drama feel of classic TV soap operas like Dallas or Dynasty, but on the page. The core writing team includes New York Times bestselling authors such as Lexi Blake, Elisabeth Naughton, Jennifer Probst, Larissa Ione, Rebecca Zanetti, and Lisa Mondello, with R.K. Lilley joining for Season Two.
Instead of writing separate, self-contained books set in the same town, these authors mapped out a single, massive, multi-part story arc. They shared detailed character bibles, plot outlines, and timelines to ensure transitions between books were seamless. While the writing styles shift slightly from book to book depending on the author's voice, the overarching plot remains tight and unified. The series successfully blends contemporary romance with mystery, domestic drama, and small-town suspense.
Chronological Caveats and Reader Advice
For the best reading experience, start with the prequel novella, Storm Season. While you could technically start with Julie Kenner's Tempest Rising and read the prequel later as a flashback, starting with the prequel provides valuable context on the historical dynamics between the town's major families and explains why certain returns are so scandalous.
Because the books are relatively short and fast-paced, many readers prefer to binge-read each season as a single unit. Treat Season One (Books 1-8) as a single continuous story, followed immediately by the Midseason novellas, and then Season Two (Books 11-18). Do not attempt to skip the Midseason novellas; they are not optional spin-offs. They contain vital plot developments that explain the starting points of several characters in the second season.
Additionally, note that this series is completely separate from the fantasy series Warriors by Erin Hunter, which also features an entry titled Rising Storm. Ensure you are purchasing the multi-author contemporary romance novels set in Storm, Texas.