Where to Start Reading Alexa Riley
If you are new to the ultra-steamy, fast-paced world of Alexa Riley (the writing duo of Lea and Mel), the best place to start is with their most popular series: For Her or the Fairytale Shifter series. Unlike long, slow-burn contemporary romances, Alexa Riley books are designed to be quick, high-heat, and filled with over-the-top "insta-love." Most books are under 100 pages, meaning you can easily read them as standalones, though reading them in publication order lets you enjoy recurring characters and shared universes.
For a contemporary billionaire romance introduction, start with Everything for Her (2016). If you prefer paranormal romance with a classic twist, start with Riding Red (2015), which kicks off the Fairytale Shifter series.
The "A.R. Taboo" Pen Name: What Readers Need to Know
Alexa Riley also writes under the alternate moniker A.R. Taboo. Under this pen name, the duo publishes stories with significantly more provocative, intense, and controversial themes (such as age gap, forbidden relationships, and extreme tropes). Because of the nature of these stories, they are typically sold directly through the authors' official website rather than mainstream digital retailers. Titles like Ours to Share and Milkmaid for My Uncle belong to this sub-category and should be approached with an understanding of their taboo nature.
Alexa Riley Book Series in Reading Order
For Her Series
This series features wealthy, obsessive alpha heroes who will do absolutely anything to claim the women they love. It's one of their most popular contemporary series.
- Everything for Her (2016)
- His Alone (2017)
- Claimed (2018)
Breeding Series
Known for its high-heat alpha heroes, this series follows blue-collar and powerful men finding their perfect matches.
- Coach (2015)
- Mechanic (2015)
- Law of Love (2015)
- Thief (2016)
- Kingpin (2018)
- Judge (2018)
Cowboys & Virgins Series
A fun, tropes-heavy Western series focusing on rugged cowboys and sweet heroines.
- Lassoing the Virgin Mail-Order Bride (2016)
- Branding the Virgin (2016)
- Roping the Virgin (2016)
- The Wanted Virgin (2016)
- The Virgin Cowboy (2016)
For Forced Submission Series
This early series helped define the duo's signature style of fast, protective romance, starting with Snatching What Is Mine.
- Snatching What Is Mine (2015)
- Acquiring What Is Ours (2015)
- Taking What's Hers (2015)
- Taking What's His (2015)
- Taking What’s Wicked (2015)
- Taking What's Naughty (2015)
- Taking What's Owed (2015)
- Taking What's Envied (2015)
- Taking What’s Necessary (2015)
Fairytale Shifter Series
Steamy shifter retellings of classic fairytales.
- Riding Red (2015)
- Beauty Sleeps (2015)
For You Series
A contemporary trilogy following protective heroes who refuse to let go.
- Stay Close (2017)
- Hold Tight (2017)
- Don't Go (2018)
Groom Series
Short, sweet, and possessive stories following intense grooms.
- The Loyal Groom (2021)
- The Possessive Groom (2021)
- The Jealous Groom (2021)
Hollow Oak Series
A newer dark romance duology set in the mysterious town of Hollow Oak.
- The Winter Bride (2023)
- The Winter Groom (2023)
Stolen Series
Suspenseful stories about memory loss and reclamation.
- Stolen to Remember (2020)
- Stolen to Keep (2020)
- Stolen to Love (2020)
Other Minor Series & Standalones
Alexa Riley has written a vast catalog of standalones, holiday books, and micro-series. Standout mini-series include the Virgin Blood paranormal duet (Twice Bitten and Mated to the Reaper), the Camp Hardwood series (Summertime Sneak Out and Secret Baby at Camp), and their Andora Royalty romance duology (Arranging My Bride and Secrets and the Bride).