Books On Board

The Dogfather Books in Order

  • 9 Books
  • 2017 – 2019 Published

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Reading order
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Where to Start Your Bitter Bark Journey

For the best reading experience, you should start with the first book in the main series, Sit...Stay...Beg. While author Roxanne St. Claire writes each book as a standalone romance with a resolved happily-ever-after, the overarching family dynamics, the growth of the Kilcannon canine rescue center, and the ongoing matchmaking schemes of Daniel Kilcannon are best enjoyed in order. Reading the books sequentially allows you to watch the tight-knit Kilcannon family evolve and witness how previous couples reappear as supporting characters in subsequent books.

The Dogfather Series in Publication Order

Launched in 2017, the original series follows Daniel "The Dogfather" Kilcannon, a widowed veterinarian, as he uses his wisdom, family bonds, and the rescue dogs at his shelter to nudge his six adult children toward love. The series consists of nine primary books, including two holiday-themed novellas that fit directly into the main narrative timeline:

  1. Sit...Stay...Beg (2017) - The story that started it all. Former tech mogul Garrett Kilcannon reluctantly returns to Bitter Bark and finds himself crossing paths with journalist Jessie Curtis, all under the watchful eye of a lovable rescue dog named Lola.
  2. New Leash on Life (2017) - Shane Kilcannon, the family's resident "dog whisperer," must confront his own past trauma when he matches tourism expert Chloe Somerset with a sweet Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Daisy. This book was recognized as a RITA Award finalist in 2018.
  3. Leader of the Pack (2017) - Former Marine and K-9 handler Liam Kilcannon is determined to keep his guard up, but local physical therapist Andi Rivers and a protective German Shepherd break down his defenses.
  4. Santa Paws is Coming to Town (2017) - A festive holiday novella (often referred to as Book 3.5). The Kilcannon family unites during a snowy winter to track down a missing puppy named Jack Frost, bringing holiday romance to the forefront.
  5. Bad to the Bone (2018) - Focuses on veterinarian Molly Kilcannon. When her former flame Trace Bancroft returns to town with a sick dog and a secret, Molly is forced to decide if she can trust him with her heart again.
  6. Ruff Around the Edges (2018) - Aidan Kilcannon, a local contractor, and Rebecca Spencer find their lives intertwined when they share custody of a spirited, scruffy dog appropriately named Ruff.
  7. Double Dog Dare (2018) - The youngest Kilcannon sibling, Darcy, takes center stage when she enters a playful battle of wits with her handsome landlord, Josh Ranier, aided by a mischievous canine matchmaker.
  8. Bark! The Herald Angels Sing (2018) - A cozy holiday novella (Book 7.5). The story follows Gramma Finnie and teenager Pru Kilcannon as they set off on a snowy adventure to prepare for an upcoming family wedding, highlighting the warmth of the Bitter Bark community.
  9. Old Dog New Tricks (2019) - The emotional finale of the original series. The patriarch himself, Daniel Kilcannon, finally gets a second chance at love, proving that even "The Dogfather" isn't immune to the matchmaking magic of Bitter Bark.

The Spinoff: Enter The Dogmothers

After wrapping up Daniel Kilcannon's love story, Roxanne St. Claire expanded the Bitter Bark universe with a spinoff series titled The Dogmothers. In this series, the matchmaking duties are taken over by two dachshund-loving grandmothers: Gramma Finnie (from the Kilcannon clan) and Athena "Yiayia" Mahoney. Together, they conspire to find matches for the extended family, including Daniel's nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and close friends.

Just like the original series, the spinoff mixes lighthearted family humor, small-town warmth, and a strong focus on rescue dogs. The Dogmothers series consists of nine books:

  1. Hot Under the Collar (2019) - Introduces firefighter Braden Mahoney and event planner Cassie Santorini as they organize a town-wide fundraiser to train Braden's Weimaraner, Jelly Bean.
  2. Three Dog Night (2019) - Follows the grandmothers as they orchestrate a romance for the next Mahoney family member, utilizing the charm of a trio of helpful pups.
  3. Dachshund Through the Snow (2019) - A festive holiday installment that blends winter romance with the meddlesome antics of the grandmothers and their signature dachshunds.
  4. Chasing Tail (2020) - The grandmothers target another eligible Bitter Bark bachelor, using a local rescue dog to spark a connection.
  5. Hush, Puppy (2020) - Secrets and second chances collide in this emotional installment featuring a quiet dog and a loud romance.
  6. Man's Best Friend (2020) - Explores how a canine companion helps two guarded souls let down their walls and trust each other.
  7. Feliz Naughty Dog (2020) - A holiday romance where the grandmothers stir up trouble and love during the festive season.
  8. Faux Paws (2021) - Features a fake-dating trope turned real, under the influence of the town's ultimate matchmaking grandmothers.
  9. Peppermint Bark (2021) - The sweet holiday conclusion to the spinoff series, wrapping up the grandmothers' matchmaking escapades in Bitter Bark.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

Fortunately, the publication order for both The Dogfather and The Dogmothers aligns perfectly with their internal chronological timelines. Because the holiday novellas (like Santa Paws is Coming to Town and Dachshund Through the Snow) are written to reflect the seasons in which they were published, you do not need to rearrange your TBR list. Simply read each series in numerical order (1 through 9) to experience the timeline exactly as the author intended.

What to Know Before You Start

The Bitter Bark universe is celebrated for its cozy, low-angst, and heartwarming tone. Roxanne St. Claire was inspired by her real-life passion for animal welfare, and she partnered with the Alaqua Animal Refuge (a no-kill facility in Florida) during the launch of the series, donating a portion of the books' proceeds to support rescue dogs. This real-world connection shines through in the books, where rescue animals are treated not just as pets, but as central characters who help the human protagonists heal from past grief, trauma, and trust issues.

Frequently Asked

What is the best reading order for Roxanne St. Claire's Dogfather series?

The best order is the publication order, starting with Sit...Stay...Beg and ending with Old Dog New Tricks. This allows you to follow the Kilcannon family timeline and the growth of their dog rescue center chronologically.

Can the Dogfather and Dogmothers books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book features a self-contained romance with a guaranteed happy ending. However, because recurring characters, family relationships, and overarching plots build over time, reading them in order is highly recommended.

How do The Dogfather and The Dogmothers series connect?

Both series are set in the fictional town of Bitter Bark, North Carolina. While The Dogfather focuses on Daniel Kilcannon's children, the spinoff The Dogmothers follows Gramma Finnie and Yiayia Mahoney matchmaking for the extended family, including nieces, nephews, and stepkids.

Are there holiday novellas in the series, and when should I read them?

Yes, there are holiday stories like Santa Paws is Coming to Town (Book 3.5) and Bark! The Herald Angels Sing (Book 7.5). They fit directly into the release order and should be read in that sequence to maintain chronological continuity.

Does reading these books support real-world rescue dogs?

Yes, author Roxanne St. Claire launched the series to support animal welfare, directing a portion of the book proceeds to the Alaqua Animal Refuge, a prominent no-kill shelter in Florida.