Where Should You Start Reading Alexandra Ivy?
If you are new to Alexandra Ivy, your best entry point depends entirely on which genre you want to explore first. Her books generally fall into three categories: paranormal romance, romantic suspense/thrillers, and historical romance. Here is where we recommend starting:
- For Paranormal Romance (PNR): Start with When Darkness Comes, the first book in her iconic Guardians of Eternity series. This is her signature universe, full of vampires, gargoyles, shifters, and demons. It sets the foundation for almost all her other supernatural series.
- For Romantic Suspense & Mystery: Start with Pretend You're Safe, the opening novel of The Agency series, or dive into the chilling mystery of the Pike, Wisconsin series beginning with Don't Look.
- For Historical Romance: If you want to see her roots under her pseudonyms or early works, her Regency Books or Immortal Rogues are delightful entry points.
The Guardians of Eternity Universe Reading Order
The Guardians of Eternity is Ivy's flagship series, running for over two dozen entries including full-length novels, companion novellas, and spin-offs. Reading in publication order is highly recommended because the overarching plot line carries over from book to book, introducing new alliances, villainous threats, and character arcs.
Guardians of Eternity Main Series & Novellas
To experience the full progression of the Chicago vampire clan and their allies, follow this order:
- When Darkness Comes (2006)
- Embrace the Darkness (2007)
- Darkness Everlasting (2008)
- Darkness Revealed (2009)
- Darkness Unleashed (2009)
- Beyond the Darkness (2010)
- Yours for Eternity / Taken by Darkness (2010)
- Devoured by Darkness (2010)
- Darkness Eternal (2011)
- Bound by Darkness (2011)
- Fear the Darkness (2012)
- Levet (2013) — A dedicated novella starring the beloved gargoyle!
- Darkness Avenged (2013)
- Hunt the Darkness (2014)
- Where Darkness Lives (2014)
- A Very Levet Christmas (2014)
- When Darkness Ends (2015)
- Darkness Returns (2019)
- Beware the Darkness (2019)
- Conquer the Darkness (2019)
- All About Levet (2020)
- Sacrifice of Darkness (2020)
- Shades of Darkness (2020)
- Darkness Betrayed (2021)
- Slayed by Darkness (2021)
- Bewitch the Darkness (2021)
- Stalk the Darkness (2022)
- Sate the Darkness (2023)
The Dragons of Eternity Spin-off
If you love the dragon shifters introduced in the main series, you can read their dedicated spin-off series, the Dragons of Eternity. While these can technically be read as standalones, they are best enjoyed after When Darkness Ends (Book 18 in the main series):
- Burned by Darkness (2015)
- Scorched by Darkness (2016)
- Charred by Darkness (2017)
The Bayou Heat Universe (Co-Authored with Laura Wright)
Co-authored with Laura Wright, the Bayou Heat series introduces the Pantera, a wild, secretive race of puma shifters hidden deep within the Louisiana wildlands. These fast-paced, steamy novellas are typically released as double features or paired character stories.
Bayou Heat Reading Order
- Raphael/Parish (2013)
- Bayon/Jean-Baptiste (2013)
- Talon/Xavier (2013)
- Sebastian/Aristide (2013)
- Bayou Noël (2013)
- Lian/Roch (2014)
- Hakan/Severin (2014)
- Angel/Hiss (2015)
- Michel/Striker (2015)
- Rage/Killian (2015)
- Kayden/Simon (2016)
- Ice/Reaux (2016)
- Blade (2017)
- Raphael (Bayou Bites Book 1) (2020)
Bayou Heat: Pantera Security League Spin-Off
This high-octane spin-off focuses on the elite security forces of the Pantera race, bridging romance and military suspense:
- One Down (2016)
- Two To Go (2016)
- Three To Get Ready (2019)
Romantic Suspense & Thriller Series
For readers who prefer serial killers, law enforcement, and gripping mysteries over vampires and shifters, Ivy offers several thrilling contemporary suspense series.
The Pike, Wisconsin Series
Set in a atmospheric small town with dark secrets, this series features standalone mysteries with overlapping characters:
- Don't Look (2020)
- Faceless (2021)
- Unstable (2022)
- Desperate Acts (2023)
- The Murder Club (2024)
The Agency Books
Following private security and covert operatives solving high-stakes crimes:
- Pretend You're Safe (2017)
- What Are You Afraid Of? (2018)
- You Will Suffer (2019)
- The Intended Victim (2019)
- Echoes from the Past (2022)
Blood Ties Series
A series of gripping romantic suspense thrillers, often associated with collaborative anthologies:
- One Last Kiss (2021)
- The Last Goodnight (2021)
- The Last Mile (2022)
- One Last Chance (2022)
- Peril (2023)
ARES Security
- Kill Without Mercy (2015)
- Kill Without Shame (2016)
Other Paranormal and Fantasy Series
Beyond her main universes, Ivy has crafted several shorter paranormal runs that are perfect for quick, satisfying reads.
Magic for Hire
A fun, contemporary paranormal series centering around the "Witch's Brew" bookstore:
- Wild Magic (2024)
- Ancient Magic (2024)
- Eternal Magic (2025)
The Sentinels
- Out of Control (2013)
- Born in Blood (2013)
- Blood Assassin (2014)
- Blood Lust (2016)
Immortal Rogues
- My Lord Vampire (2003)
- My Lord Eternity (2003)
- My Lord Immortality (2003)
Masters of Seduction
- Merciless (2015)
- Shameless (2015)
- Ruthless (2015)
- Priceless (2015)
- Reckless (2015)
- Dauntless (2016)
Historical Romance & Regency Series
Before becoming a staple of paranormal romance, Ivy wrote historical romances (often under the pseudonym Deborah Raleigh). These books feature witty banter, high-society drama, and charming period details.
Vicar Humbley
- A Proper Marriage (2002)
- A Convenient Marriage (2002)
- A Scandalous Marriage (2003)
Cresswell Sisters
- The Christmas Wish (2001)
- The Valentine Wish (2002)
- The Wedding Wish (2002)
Rose for Three Rakes
- A Bride for Lord Challmond (2001)
- A Bride for Lord Wickton (2001)
- A Bride for Lord Brasleigh (2001)
Hellion's Den
- Some Like It Wicked (2005)
- Some Like It Sinful (2006)
- Some Like It Brazen (2007)
Illegitimate Bachelor
- Bedding the Baron (2008)
- Seducing the Viscount (2009)
- Seduce Me by Christmas (2009)