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series Reading Order

Rough Riders Books in Order

23 Books
2007 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start

If you are diving into the steamy, drama-filled world of the McKay family, the best place to start is with the first published novel, Long Hard Ride (2007). While the historical prequel, Silver-Tongued Devil, is chronologically first, it was written and published much later in 2020. Starting with the original release gives you the best introduction to the contemporary McKay family dynamics, the ranching environment, and the signature style that made the series a sensation.

Rough Riders Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the series in order of publication, integrating the novellas and short stories where they naturally fit in the timeline. Here is the recommended reading sequence:

  1. Long Hard Ride (2007) - The book that started it all, featuring Colby McKay and Channing Kinkaid.
  2. Rode Hard, Put Up Wet (2007) - Focuses on Cash Big Crow and Gemma Jansen.
  3. Cowgirl Up and Ride (2008) - Follows AJ Foster and Devin West.
  4. Tied Up, Tied Down (2008) - Features Kade McKay and Skylar Ellison.
  5. Rough, Raw, and Ready (2008) - The story of Chassie West, Trevor Glanzer, and Edgard Glanzer.
  6. Branded as Trouble (2009) - Colt McKay and India Ellison's friends-to-lovers story.
  7. Strong Silent Type (2009) - Book 6.5 novella, detailing the trial separation and reconciliation of Quinn and Libby McKay. (Originally published in the Wild Ride anthology in 2010).
  8. Shoulda Been a Cowboy (2009) - Featuring Cam McKay and Domini L'Amour.
  9. All Jacked Up (2009) - Keely McKay and Jack Donohue's story.
  10. Wild Ride (2010) - The anthology containing the novella Strong Silent Type.
  11. Raising Kane (2010) - Kane McKay and Allison Tyler.
  12. Slow Ride (2010) - Book 9.5 short story/novella featuring Keely and Jack.
  13. Cowgirls Don't Cry (2010) - Focuses on Jessie McKay and Chase Vance.
  14. Chasin' Eight (2011) - Chase McKay and Ava Martinez.
  15. Cowboy Casanova (2011) - Ben McKay and Ainsley Hamilton.
  16. Kissin' Tell (2012) - Carson McKay and Carolyn West.
  17. Gone Country (2012) - Gavin Glanzer and Roni McKay.
  18. Short Rides (2013) - Book 14.5 anthology featuring catch-up novellas like King of Hearts and Rough Road.
  19. Redneck Romeo (2013) - Dalton McKay and Aurora "Rory" Carson.
  20. Cowboy Take Me Away (2014) - Book 16, which acts as the main series conclusion for the primary generation, featuring Decklan McKay and Amanda "Mandy" Erickson.
  21. Long Time Gone (2015) - Book 16.5 novella checking in on the characters years later.
  22. Wound Tight (2018) - Book 16.75/17.5 novella featuring Justin Donohue and Calliope Morgan, serving as a crossover with the Blacktop Cowboys series.
  23. Silver-Tongued Devil (2020) - Historical prequel set in 1897, focusing on the founders Silas and Jonas McKay.

Publication vs. Chronological Order

The main point of deviation in the series is Silver-Tongued Devil. Chronologically, this book is set in 1897 and details the origin of the McKay family's presence in Wyoming, the beginning of their ranching empire, and the roots of their long-standing feud with the West family. While you can read it first as Book 0.5, reading it after you are already familiar with the contemporary characters makes the historical connections and family tree revelations much more rewarding.

The novellas, such as Strong Silent Type (often found within the Wild Ride anthology) and the stories within the Short Rides collection, serve as vital updates rather than standalone romances. Reading them out of order can lead to major spoilers regarding which couples end up together, marriages, and children.

Subseries, Spin-offs, and Crossovers

Lorelei James expanded this universe beyond the original run with several connected works:

  • Rough Riders Legacy: A next-generation spin-off series focusing on the children of the original couples. It currently includes Unbreak My Heart (2016) and Piece of My Heart (2016).
  • Blacktop Cowboys Crossover: The novella Wound Tight (2018) bridges the world of Rough Riders with James's other popular contemporary Western series, Blacktop Cowboys, which is set in a similar rodeo and ranching environment.
  • Cowboy Bites: A supplemental cookbook released by the author that includes recipes alongside "slice of life" short stories featuring the McKay family.

What to Know Before You Start

The Rough Riders series is categorized as erotic contemporary Western romance. The heat level is exceptionally high, featuring explicit intimacy, open communication, and various relationship dynamics (including MFM menage in Rough, Raw, and Ready). Beyond the passion, the series is grounded in the realistic hardships of rural Wyoming ranching life, touching on themes of recovery, sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and finding home. The characters grow, age, and evolve across the timeline, making the family bond the ultimate anchor of the series.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Rough Riders series?

Start with Long Hard Ride, the first book published in 2007. It introduces the contemporary McKay family and sets the stage for the rest of the series.

QDo I need to read the prequel, Silver-Tongued Devil, first?

No, it is best read after you are familiar with the main series. Since it is a historical prequel published in 2020, the nods to the family history are much more meaningful if you already know the modern characters.

QCan the Rough Riders books be read as standalones?

While each book features a distinct romance with a happily-ever-after, they are heavily interconnected. Reading them out of order will spoil previous couples' stories and make the complex family tree difficult to follow.

QWhat is the connection between Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys?

Both are contemporary Western romance series by Lorelei James. They officially cross over in the novella Wound Tight, which features characters and settings from both series.

QWhat is the Rough Riders Legacy series?

It is a spin-off series that follows the next generation of the McKay family (the children of the couples from the original series), beginning with the novel Unbreak My Heart.

QWhat are the anthologies Wild Ride and Short Rides?

Wild Ride is a multi-author anthology containing the novella Strong Silent Type (Book 6.5). Short Rides is a dedicated collection of novellas that catch up with several couples from the main series.