How to Read the Sons of Broad Series
Step into the historic, elite world of Charleston, South Carolina, where wealth masks dark secrets and passion is closely followed by danger. Originally written under the pen name Tara Thomas, bestselling author Tara Sue Me launched the Sons of Broad series in 2018. The series blends high-stakes romantic suspense with steamy relationships, following the powerful Benedict brothers as they fight for their lives, their family legacy, and the women they love against a mysterious, vengeful mastermind known as The Gentleman.
In 2023, the author reclaimed the rights to the series and re-released the main trilogy under her primary name, Tara Sue Me, retitling it The Benedict Brothers. While the core plots and sibling dynamics remain intact, these updated versions feature revised, polished text and a few character and structural adjustments. Below, we outline both the original and updated titles to help you navigate this thrilling Southern saga.
The Recommended Reading Order
To fully appreciate the overarching mystery of The Gentleman and the unfolding secrets of the Benedict family empire, it is highly recommended to read the books in chronological/publication order. The main novels build upon one another, and reading them out of sequence will spoil the suspense and romantic progression.
Phase 1: The Prequel Novellas (The Janie & Brent Arc)
Published in 2018 under the Tara Thomas name, these three novellas follow undercover detective Janie Roberts as she investigates a serial killer targeting Charleston's elite. Her path crosses with wealthy suspect Brent Taylor, sparking a dangerous and passionate affair. While these novellas are not strictly required to understand the Benedict brothers' individual stories, they establish the dark tone of the series and the shadow of The Gentleman.
- Shattered Fear (2018) – Novella 0.5: Janie goes undercover at a gentleman's club and identifies Brent as her prime suspect.
- Hidden Fate (2018) – Novella 0.6: The investigation deepens as Janie and Brent's mutual attraction becomes impossible to deny.
- Twisted End (2018) – Novella 0.7: The thrilling conclusion to Janie and Brent's story arc, setting the stage for the main trilogy.
Phase 2: The Benedict Brothers Trilogy
The core trilogy centers on the three Benedict brothers—Keaton, Knox, and Kipling. Here is the order for the main novels, mapped with their original 2018 titles and their 2023 relaunched counterparts:
- Darkest Night (2018) / Perilous Kiss (2023) – Focuses on Keaton Benedict, the youngest brother. He is reunited with his childhood love, Tilly Brock, who becomes the target of a serial killer. Keaton must protect her while confronting his family's past.
- Deadly Secret (2018) / Seductive Lies (2023) – Focuses on Knox Benedict. Knox has kept his marriage to Bea a secret to protect her, but when threats close in on the Benedict family, their hidden relationship is pushed into the light.
- Broken Promise (2018) / Exposed Desire (2023) – Focuses on Kipling Benedict. He teams up with police officer Alyssa Adams, who is searching for her missing sister. Their investigation leads them directly into a kidnapping plot targeting the Benedict family.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because the prequel novellas and the main novels were all released in close succession, chronological order matches the original publication timeline. The main choice readers face is whether to start with the prequels or jump straight to the full-length novels. Starting with Darkest Night (or Perilous Kiss) is perfectly fine for readers who want to dive straight into the Benedict brothers' stories, as the novellas focus on a different couple. However, starting with Shattered Fear provides a richer introduction to the atmospheric Charleston setting.
What to Know Before You Start
Tara Sue Me is widely known for her dominant-submissive romance series, such as The Submissive. The Sons of Broad series represents her transition into traditional romantic suspense. While the books still carry her signature heat and high emotional intensity, the focus shifts significantly toward thriller elements, crime investigations, and family loyalty. If you are purchasing physical or digital copies, look for the 2023 editions (Perilous Kiss, Seductive Lies, and Exposed Desire) for the most polished, up-to-date reading experience.