How to Read Alison Bliss’s Books: Recommended Reading Paths
Alison Bliss is celebrated for her lighthearted, humorous, and deeply romantic contemporary novels. Whether she is writing high-stakes romantic suspense or heartwarming, body-positive contemporary romances, her books feature strong-willed Southern heroines, swoon-worthy alpha heroes, and plenty of laugh-out-loud banter. Because her books are companion novels focusing on different couples, you can technically read them in any order. However, following the publication order is highly recommended to enjoy recurring characters, small-town settings, and natural timeline progressions.
For the best experience, readers typically divide her catalog into two main paths depending on their preferred subgenre: the high-octane comedy of the Tangled in Texas romantic suspense series, or the body-positive, relatable contemporary romance of the A Perfect Fit series.
The Tangled in Texas Series (Romantic Suspense)
Set in the rugged and charming backwoods of Texas, this series blends steamy romance, dangerous situations, and Janet Evanovich-style comedy. The books follow different couples as they navigate high-stakes threats and undeniable chemistry.
1. Rules of Protection (2014)
The series kicks off with Emily Foster, a sassy city girl with zero filter who accidentally witnesses a mob hit. Placed into witness protection, she is paired with the rigid, by-the-book FBI Special Agent Jake Ward. When their safe house is compromised, Jake drags Emily to a remote Texas cabin. Between eccentric neighbors, a narcoleptic dog, a psychotic rooster, and forced proximity, the sparks fly instantly. This book is the ultimate starting point for fans of the fake-marriage and forced-proximity tropes.
2. Playing with Fire (2015)
The second installment moves the spotlight to Anna Weber, a prim, conservative librarian who has sworn off love after being burned in the past. Her resolve is tested when she crosses paths with a flirtatious, smoldering local firefighter and paramedic known to the town as Cowboy. This enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance balances Anna’s reserved nature with Cowboy’s relentless charm, making it a fan favorite for its heat and humor.
3. Law of Attraction (2018)
The final book in the trilogy focuses on Bobbie Jo Weston, a hardworking single mother determined to transform a historic property into a successful Bed & Breakfast. Her plans are thrown into disarray by the arrival of Seth Landry, a former member of an elite ex-military security team looking to lay low. Bobbie Jo is fiercely protective of her heart and her child, but Seth's protective instincts and the sudden danger following him force them to work together.
The A Perfect Fit Series (Body-Positive Romance)
This beloved contemporary romance series is highly praised for its realistic representation, featuring plus-size heroines who embrace their curves, navigate real-world insecurities, and find partners who adore them exactly as they are. The series combines humor with emotional depth and body-positive themes.
1. Size Matters (2016)
Leah Martin is a talented bakery owner tired of her mother's constant comments about her weight and diet. When contractor Sam Cooper steps in to save her from another lecture by pretending to be her fiancé, the two embark on a fake relationship. As Sam helps Leah renovate her bakery, their faux-engagement begins to feel very real. This is the perfect introduction to Bliss's contemporary romance style.
2. On the Plus Side (2017)
Valerie Carmichael has harbored a crush on her brother's best friend, Logan Mathis, for years. Hoping to finally catch his attention, she takes a job at his new bar. When Logan accidentally discovers Valerie's secret bucket list of steamy fantasies, he decides to help her check them off one by one, leading to a high-heat, friends-to-lovers romance.
3. More to Love (2018)
This enemies-to-lovers story features Jessa Gibson, the proud owner of a new food truck, and Max, a local health inspector. Max is initially sent to investigate her business and shut her down, but he quickly finds himself captivated by Jessa's fiery personality. As they clash over health codes and recipes, they realize their mutual attraction is too hot to ignore.
4. Meant to Be (2019)
A companion short story and novella (often categorized as Book 3.5), this quick read follows the second-chance romance between Sidney Larson and her handsome ex-boyfriend, Brett Carmichael. It is a sweet, emotional bridge that fits perfectly between the third and fourth full-length novels.
5. Out of the Blue (2022)
The fourth full-length novel centers on Preslee Owens, who starts a fitness journey after a health diagnosis. Her first day at the gym goes viral in a hilarious livestream mishap, but it also brings her closer to her crush, Josh, and a supportive personal trainer named Adam. To help her get Josh's attention, Adam agrees to fake-date Preslee, only for Adam to fall for her himself. (Note: The local database lists the publication year for this title as 2020, but official publisher listings confirm it was released in early 2022).
Standalone Novels and Anthologies
Foolish Expectations (2016)
Originally featured in the multi-author anthology The Sutherlands: One Family, this humorous contemporary romance was later released as an individual title. It follows Nash Sutherland, a lawyer from a wealthy Texas oil dynasty, and Bailey Hobbs, a spirited woman who struggles to trust men. After a one-night stand leads to an unplanned pregnancy, Nash proposes a marriage of convenience to protect Bailey and their future child, setting off a heartwarming journey of healing and trust.
What to Know Before You Start
Alison Bliss's books are highly accessible and designed to be read as standalone stories, meaning you do not have to worry about cliffhangers. However, character cameos are common, especially in the A Perfect Fit series, where characters from previous books frequently pop up as supportive friends or family members. If you want to avoid minor spoilers regarding who ends up together, reading both series in their exact publication order is your safest bet.