How to Start Reading the Wicked Lovers Series
For the best reading experience, starting with the very first book, Wicked Ties, is highly recommended. While each story features a different couple and resolves its main romantic plot by the final page, the characters frequently reappear in subsequent books. The core setting—centering around a tight-knit circle of protective security specialists, Dallas clubs, and deep emotional bonds—develops sequentially. Reading the books out of order may spoil minor plot points or relationship developments from previous entries.
If you prefer to focus solely on the main novels, you can read them in publication order. However, integrating the novellas chronologically will give you the deepest understanding of the characters' lives, minor subplots, and the evolution of their tight-knit community.
The Integrated Chronological Reading Order
The list below incorporates both the main novels and the companion novellas in their optimal chronological order. This ensures you do not miss any holiday celebrations, side adventures, or transitional moments between the main couples.
- Wicked Ties (2007) – The series debut. Follows Morgan O'Malley and her dominant bodyguard, Jack Cole, as they navigate intense chemistry and an obsessive stalker.
- Decadent (2007) – Bodyguard Deke Trenton helps Kimber Edgington explore her submissive desires, leading to a passionate ménage dynamic.
- Delicious (2010) – Focuses on Luc Traverson, a talented chef who falls for a pop star's assistant under dangerous circumstances.
- Surrender to Me (2011) – Brings together security expert Hunter and the resilient girl-next-door, Chelsea.
- Belong to Me (2011) – A high-stakes romance starring Smith and the fiercely independent Tara.
- Wicked to Love (2011) – A companion novella (often numbered 5.5) that bridges the events surrounding Smith and Tara's story.
- Mine to Hold (2012) – Focuses on Tyler and the lovely, protected Paige.
- Wicked All the Way (2012) – A holiday-themed novella (often numbered 6.5) following Hunter and Chelsea during a winter getaway.
- Ours to Love (2013) – A deep exploration of trust and healing between Mac, Ian, and their shared love, Francesca.
- Wicked All Night (2015) – A novella (placed chronologically around book 7.5) focusing on Deck and his unexpected path to love.
- Wicked and Dangerous (2013) – A novella that adds key background context to the operational side of the security agency.
- Forever Wicked (2014) – An emotional novella (often numbered 7.75) focusing on the beloved couple Jack and Morgan as they face new hurdles.
- Theirs to Cherish (2014) – The story of fugitive Callie Ward and the two dominant men she meets at a BDSM club.
- His to Take (2015) – Centered on security operative Knox and his intense protective instincts for the vulnerable McKinley.
- Pure Wicked (2015) – A novella (often numbered 9.5) featuring the romance between Jesse and his desire, Audrey.
- Wicked for You (2015) – Operative Niall and the gorgeous, elusive actress, Chloe.
- Falling in Deeper (2016) – Follows the complex dynamic between security specialist Liam and the rebellious, beautiful Pink.
- Dirty Wicked (2016) – A novella (often numbered 11.5) centering on the sizzling connection between Nick and his love.
- Holding on Tighter (2017) – Bodyguard Heath Powell protects successful entrepreneur Jolie Quinn from a rising threat.
- A Very Wicked Christmas (2017) – A holiday novella (often numbered 11.75 or 12.5) that checks back in with the first couple, Jack and Morgan, during the holidays.
Expanding the Universe: Spin-Offs and Bridge Series
Once you finish the main Wicked Lovers books, you don't have to leave the universe. Shayla Black has created multiple connected series that feature similar high-stakes romantic suspense, dominant heroes, and familiar character cameos.
Devoted Lovers
This series serves as a direct bridge between the original Wicked Lovers series and the next generation of security operatives. It keeps the same erotic, emotional romance tone while introducing fresh faces and dangerous assignments.
Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire
Soldiers for Hire focuses on former military and elite security operatives. Unlike the original series, these books are structured as duets, meaning each couple gets two consecutive books to tell their complete story. This allows for deeper suspense subplots and slower-burning romantic tension. The recommended reading order for this subseries is:
- One-Mile & Brea: Wicked as Sin and Wicked Ever After
- Zyron & Tessa: Wicked as Lies and Wicked and True
- Trees & Laila: Wicked as Seduction and Wicked and Forever
- Matt & Madison: Wicked as Secrets and Wicked and Bare
- Nash & Haisley: Wicked and Ruthless and Wicked and Bound
Wicked Lovers: Vendetta Kings
This subseries features five adopted brothers raised in secrecy by a billionaire to become ruthless titans of industry. The tone is darker and features highly protective, morally gray characters facing corporate and personal threats while finding love. Although it features a different setup, it shares the intense romance style of the broader Wicked Lovers brand.
What to Know Before You Start
The Wicked Lovers series is a hallmark of erotic romantic suspense. It prominently features themes of BDSM (Dominance and submission), power dynamics, and consensual non-monogamy (such as ménage relationships). Shayla Black emphasizes consent, open communication, and deep emotional healing through trust throughout the books.
While the romantic pairings are established and resolved in each installment, the background suspense plots involving stalkers, corporate espionage, and kidnap rescues flow continuously from book to book. For this reason, following the publication order will give you the most satisfying narrative payoff.