Where to Start with Alissa Johnson's Novels
Alissa Johnson has carved a distinct niche in historical romance by blending sparkling, humorous banter with deep emotional stakes and, occasionally, thrilling mystery. Her works span different historical eras, transitioning from the drawing rooms of the Regency period to the gritty, intriguing streets of Victorian London. If you are new to her books, you have two excellent starting paths depending on your taste in tropes:
- For Classic Regency Romance & Wit: Start with her debut, As Luck Would Have It (2008). It is the first book in the Providence series, launching you right into the setting where Johnson first built her reputation for smart, bantering couples.
- For Victorian Mystery & Romantic Suspense: Start with A Talent for Trickery (2015). This introduces the Thief-Takers series, which follows former Scotland Yard detectives as private investigators and offers a perfect blend of crime-solving and high-stakes romance.
The Providence Series
The Providence series consists of four historical romance novels set in the Regency era. The series is best read in order of publication to follow the development of recurring characters and social circles. The stories are known for their lively dialogue and humorous touch.
- As Luck Would Have It (2008) – Focuses on Sophie Everton and her return to England, where she crosses paths with her brother's protective friend, Grayson Pendelton.
- Tempting Fate (2009) – Follows Mirabelle Browning, whose quiet life is upended by the arrival of the charming yet complicated Lord Hunter.
- McAlistair's Fortune (2009) – Focuses on Evie Cole and McAlistair, dealing with secrets, fortunes, and unexpected alliances.
- Destined to Last (2010) – The final installment, wrapping up the series with a story of redemption, long-held feelings, and resolution.
Providence Series Reading Tips
While each book resolves its main romance, characters frequently drop by in subsequent novels. Reading them out of order won't ruin the plots, but starting from the beginning gives you the best sense of community and the gradual evolution of the social circles in Providence.
The Haverston Family Trilogy
Moving forward, the Haverston Family series is a classic Regency romance trilogy. The connections here are familial, centering on the siblings and extended family of the Haverston household. Johnson dials up the emotional depth in this trilogy while keeping her trademark banter intact.
- Nearly a Lady (2011) – Introduces Gideon Haverston, a former sea captain who returns home to claim his title, and Winnefred Blythe, a woman who has spent years pretending to be someone she is not.
- An Unexpected Gentleman (2011) – The second book, expanding on the family's social sphere and delivering another story of unexpected attraction and hidden identities.
- Practically Wicked (2012) – Centers on Anna Rees and the cynical Lord Maximilian Dane, providing a satisfying conclusion to the family's saga.
Haverston Family Reading Tips
This trilogy is tightly knit. Reading them in order is highly recommended because the fallout of the family scandal and the sibling dynamics carry directly from the first book into the sequels. It is a rewarding experience to watch the characters grow and find peace over the course of the three books.
The Thief-Takers Series
The Thief-Takers series marks a shift in era and tone for Johnson, moving into Victorian-era historical romance with a heavy dose of mystery. The title refers to a trio of former Scotland Yard officers who solved a famous case together and later established themselves as private investigators. While the books feature different couples, the central trio of detectives links the entire narrative.
- A Talent for Trickery (2015) – Stars detective Owen Renderwell and Charlotte "Lottie" Walker, the daughter of a notorious thief. The two must work together to solve a murder, navigating past betrayals and current attraction.
- A Gift for Guile (2016) – Follows investigator Samuel Brass, the second member of the trio, as he investigates a mystery that brings him close to the enigmatic Esther.
- A Dangerous Deceit (2017) – Focuses on Sir Gabriel Arkwright, the final member of the trio, who is tasked with investigating Jane Ballenger, a woman hiding deep secrets that could threaten national security.
Thief-Takers Reading Tips
The Thief-Takers series is the most plot-driven of Johnson's series. Because the investigation agency and the history of the characters' shared past are established in the first book, reading this trilogy in publication order is strongly advised. The overarching mystery elements make more sense when you see how the detectives operate together from day one.
Novellas and Holiday Anthologies
In addition to her main series, Alissa Johnson has written shorter historical romance pieces that make for quick, festive reads. The most notable is her holiday novella:
- A Christmas Dance (originally published as the short story "Traditions" in the 2009 anthology A Christmas Ball; later self-published as a standalone digital novella in 2014). This charming story follows William Renwick, the Earl of Casslebury, who plans to court a lady but finds himself completely distracted by her companion, Miss Patience Byerly.
What to Know Before You Start
Alissa Johnson's books are beloved for their balance of lighthearted humor and genuine character growth. Her heroines are typically smart, independent, and slightly unconventional for their eras, while her heroes are protective but deeply respect the heroines' independence. The dialogue is a major selling point, often described by readers as fast-paced and witty, reminiscent of classic screwball comedies set in historical eras.
None of the series cross over directly with one another, so you can safely choose whether to start with the Regency romance of the Providence series or the Victorian suspense of the Thief-Takers series. There are no major reading order disputes or chronological anomalies; following the publication order within each series is the consensus recommendation among romance readers.