Who is Ally James?
Ally James is the pen name of USA Today and New York Times bestselling contemporary romance author Sydney Landon. Writing under her primary name, Landon has crafted several highly popular, interconnected romance series set in corporate offices and luxury resorts, filled with humor, heat, and beloved recurring characters. In 2020, she introduced the pen name Ally James for her standalone military romance, From Alaska With Love. To fully experience her bibliography, readers should explore both her works as Ally James and her extensive catalog as Sydney Landon.
Recommended Starting Points
Where you begin depends on what kind of romance you are in the mood for:
- For a Heartfelt, Standalone Military Romance: Start with From Alaska With Love (written as Ally James). It is a complete standalone novel featuring a sweet pen-pal romance and a modern Cinderella twist.
- For Classic, Steamy Office Romance: Start with Weekends Required, the first book in the Danvers series. This is Sydney Landon's most famous series and serves as the gateway to her broader interconnected universe.
- For Darker, More Intense Romance: Start with Pierced, the opening novel of the Lucian & Lia series (also known as the Pierced series). It is significantly more emotional and angsty than her typical romantic comedies.
The Danvers Series Reading Order
The Danvers series is Sydney Landon's flagship contemporary romance series. It revolves around the employees and executives of the corporate giant Danvers International. While each book focuses on a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone, reading them in order is highly recommended to follow the overlapping timelines and recurring character cameos.
- Weekends Required (2012) - Focuses on Claire Walters and her billionaire boss, Anders Kincaid.
- Not Planning on You (2012) - Focuses on Anders' business partner, Tristan Stone, and his struggle to win over the independent Suzy Vance.
- Fall for Me (2013) - The story of Anders' protective bodyguard, Mark Connelly, and Suzy's best friend, Allison.
- Fighting for You (2013) - Follows the executive assistant, Ella Varner, and the charming corporate attorney, Dane Cambara.
- Betting on You (Novella 4.5, 2014) - A fun companion novella focusing on the relationship between Beth and the playboy businessman, Gray.
- No Denying You (2014) - Follows Danvers executive Emma Morrison and the brooding, protective security expert, Jack Cole.
- Always Loving You (2015) - Centers on corporate attorney Cooper Vance and the fiercely independent designer, Ava Monroe.
- Watch Over Me (2015) - A protective romance featuring Danvers security head, Dan Vance, and the sweet, vulnerable Heather.
- The One for Me (2016) - Follows marketing executive Grayson Taylor and the free-spirited artist, Harlow.
- Wishing for Us (2016) - Features Lydia Cross and Jacob Hay, who find themselves unexpectedly married after a wild night in Las Vegas.
Lucian & Lia (Pierced) Series Reading Order
The Lucian & Lia series is a darker, highly emotional spin-off of the Danvers series. It begins with the trilogy of Lucian and Lia's intense relationship before branching out into spin-offs featuring key members of the security team and family members. This series should be read in chronological order due to its heavy continuity.
- Pierced (2014) - Lucian and Lia's story begins as two damaged souls find comfort in each other.
- Fractured (2014) - Continues Lucian and Lia's emotional struggle to overcome past trauma.
- Mended (2015) - The conclusion to Lucian and Lia's primary trilogy.
- Rose (2015) - Focuses on Lucian's sister, Rose, and her journey toward healing and love.
- Aidan (2016) - Centers on the protective security guard, Aidan, and the fiercely independent Megan.
- Lee (2018) - Follows Lucian's loyal security partner, Lee, and his romance with the sweet Clara.
- Anthony (2018) - The story of the brooding security specialist, Anthony, and the vibrant Chloe.
- Marco (2019) - Follows the enigmatic Marco and his protective instincts toward the spirited Anna.
- Nicoli (2020) - The final installment, focusing on the mysterious Nicoli and the woman who breaks through his walls.
Breakfast in Bed Series Reading Order
Set at an upscale Florida resort, the Breakfast in Bed series delivers a lighter, fun, and tropical romantic comedy atmosphere. These books feature close-knit friends and hot hotel moguls.
- Keeping It Hot (2017) - Zoe Hart, a coffee shop owner, and Dylan Jackson, the hotel manager, navigate the thin line between best friends and lovers.
- Room for Two (2018) - Dylan's playboy brother and co-owner of the resort, Asher Jackson, finds his match in the smart and resistant Paige.
Remember Me Series Reading Order
This series marks Landon's venture into contemporary romantic suspense, featuring obsessive connections and mysterious pasts.
- Friend Me (2023) - Follows a protagonist whose casual social media friend request spirals into a deeply emotional obsession.
Ally James Standalone Novels
Under the Ally James moniker, the author has released standalone contemporary romance that steps away from corporate offices and into sweet, emotional, and grounded settings.
- From Alaska With Love (2020) - Follows Major Gabe Randall and Sara Ryan, who connect through letters during his deployment in Iraq, leading to a life-changing meeting in the remote wilderness of Alaska.