Books On Board

Wicked Play Books in Order

  • 7 Books
  • 2012 – 2014 Published

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Reading order
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How to Read the Wicked Play Series in Order

Written by USA Today bestselling author Lynda Aicher, the Wicked Play series is a staple for fans of contemporary erotic romance, BDSM, and deeply emotional character growth. The series revolves around The Den, a high-end, exclusive sex club in Minneapolis where members explore their deepest desires and vulnerabilities in a safe, consensual space. While each novel focuses on a different couple, the characters are closely interconnected, and reading the books in their proper order ensures you do not miss the ongoing relationships, character development, and the overarching evolution of the club itself.

The Recommended Reading Order

To experience the character arcs and club dynamics as they were intended, we recommend reading the series in publication order. The chronological prequel can be read first, but starting with the debut novel provides the best introduction to the world. Here is the recommended sequence:

  1. Bonds of Trust (Book 1) - Published in 2012. This book introduces Cali Reynolds, a single mother recovering from a passionless marriage, and Jake McCallister, a co-owner of The Den. It sets the foundation for the club's environment and rules.
  2. Bonds of Need (Book 2) - Published in 2013. This installment follows Kendra Morgan as she explores her submissive side with dominant Deklan Winters to heal from her past. Note: Some retailer databases mistakenly swap the numbering of Book 2 and Book 3, but Bonds of Need is officially the second book.
  3. Bonds of Desire (Book 3) - Published in 2013. This book takes a turn into polyamory, featuring the intense M/F/M dynamic between Allison English, Seth Matthews, and Tyler Wysong as they negotiate trust and shared love.
  4. Bonds of Hope (Book 4) - Published in 2013. Focuses on Hollywood actress Quinn Andrews, who visits The Den to research an upcoming role, and Marcus Reese, a co-owner of the club who guides her erotic education.
  5. Bonds of Denial (Book 5) - Published in 2014. A highly praised M/M entry centering on Rockford "Rock" Fielding, the closeted head of security at The Den, and Carter Montgomery, a high-priced male escort who challenges Rock to accept his true self.
  6. Bonds of Courage (Book 6) - Published in 2014. This book follows Holden Hauke, a professional hockey player discovering his dominant side, and Vanessa Delcour (known as Mistress V), a co-owner of the club.
  7. Shattered Bonds (Book 7) - Published in 2014. The final novel focuses on club investor Noah Bakker and Vanessa's naive sister, Liv Delcour, as they work together to protect The Den from a public media crisis.

Prequels and Serials: What to Know Before You Start

In addition to the seven primary novels, there are two auxiliary works in the Wicked Play universe that readers should be aware of:

The Prequel: Champagne Kisses (Book 0.5)

Released in 2015, Champagne Kisses is an LGBTQ+ holiday novella centering on event planner Evan Cleary and Richard Patterson. While marketed as a prequel to the series, it features a distinct set of characters and is not strictly required to understand the events at The Den. However, it offers a wonderful taste of Aicher's writing style and emotional depth.

The 10-Part Serial Version

During the initial launch, the series was also distributed in a digital serialized format consisting of ten shorter parts. These parts are condensed, episodic releases of the core story. To avoid confusion and enjoy the full depth of the plot, character backstories, and world-building, we strongly recommend sticking to the seven full-length novels listed above rather than seeking out the individual serial episodes.

Themes and Reader Advice

Unlike standard erotica that focuses solely on physical chemistry, the Wicked Play series is celebrated for prioritizing communication, explicit consent, and the psychological aspects of BDSM. The Den is treated as a sanctuary for healing trauma rather than just a place for taboo fantasies. Readers should be prepared for heavy emotional themes, including healing from past abusive relationships, self-acceptance, and overcoming societal stigma.

Because the owners and staff of The Den (like Jake, Marcus, Rock, and Vanessa) appear as supporting characters in each other's stories, reading the books out of order will spoil major relationship developments and structural shifts within the club. Start with Bonds of Trust to get the full, rewarding experience of this tightly-knit community.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading the Wicked Play series?

You should start with Bonds of Trust, which is Book 1 of the series. It provides the essential introduction to The Den and the recurring staff members who appear throughout the sequels.

Is the prequel Champagne Kisses necessary to read first?

No, Champagne Kisses is a standalone M/M holiday novella. While it is chronologically Book 0.5, it features different characters and does not impact the main storyline at The Den.

Can the Wicked Play books be read as standalones?

While each book features a complete romance for a new couple, they are highly interconnected. Reading them out of order will spoil the relationship progress and personal lives of the recurring characters who run The Den.

Are there any LGBTQ+ romances in the Wicked Play series?

Yes. Bonds of Denial (Book 5) is a gay contemporary romance featuring the club's head of security, and the prequel novella Champagne Kisses is also an M/M romance.

What is the difference between the novels and the Wicked Play serials?

The Wicked Play Serial was a 10-part episodic digital release of the debut story. For the complete, unedited experience, you should read the full-length novel Bonds of Trust instead.