The Recommended Reading Path for Amanda Weaver's Novels
Amanda Weaver has built a diverse bibliography that spans meticulously detailed Victorian historical romance, contemporary New Adult fiction, and high-octane sports romance. Because her series are distinct in tone, setting, and subgenre, there is no single chronological path connecting all of her works. Instead, the best way to experience her books is by diving into individual series in their recommended orders.
For readers brand new to her work, the absolute best starting point is The Grantham Girls series, beginning with A Duchess in Name. This historical trilogy (which expands to four books) highlights Weaver's background as a Broadway and opera costume designer through vivid descriptions of late Victorian society, fashion, and social dynamics. If you prefer contemporary settings, start with The Romano Sisters series, beginning with the enemies-to-lovers story The One I Love to Hate, set in Brooklyn.
The Grantham Girls Series (Historical Romance)
Set in the late Victorian era, this series follows the lives, trials, and romances of young women who attended Lady Grantham's prestigious finishing school. These books deal with themes of independence, arranged marriages, and defying societal expectations. While the first three books follow former classmates, the fourth book shifts focus to the mysterious founder of the school herself.
- A Duchess in Name (2016): The series starter follows Victoria Carson, an American heiress forced into an arranged marriage of convenience with an English duke. Rather than accepting a cold arrangement, Victoria fights for her own autonomy and respect.
- A Common Scandal (2016): This second installment follows Amelia Wheeler, a headstrong heroine torn between societal expectations, her family's fortune, and her childhood love, Nate Smythe.
- A Reluctant Betrothal (2016): The third book focuses on Grace Godwyn and her struggle to maintain her independence when caught in a high-stakes betrothal that could save her family.
- The Notorious Lady Grantham (2018): This final book serves as a sequel and wraps up the overarching mysteries of the series by focusing on Lady Grantham herself as she navigates her own scandalous past and a second chance at love.
How to Read:
We highly recommend reading this series in publication order. While the main romance plots are self-contained, the characters appear in each other's books, and the mystery surrounding Lady Grantham builds progressively from the first book toward its resolution in the final novel.
The Romano Sisters Series (Contemporary Brooklyn Romance)
For readers who love modern emotional resonance, the Romano Sisters trilogy is a heartfelt contemporary romance series set in Brooklyn, New York. It follows three close-knit sisters as they navigate career ambitions, family loyalty, and romantic entanglements in their rapidly changing neighborhood.
- The One I Love to Hate (2019): Centered on Jessica Romano, an aspiring journalist trying to secure a role at the Brooklyn Daily Post. The story delivers a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic as she competes with her academic nemesis.
- Love and the Laws of Motion (2019): Focuses on Olivia "Livie" Romano, an astrophysicist and PhD candidate. When her research is threatened by sabotage, she teams up with Nicholas DeSantis, a brilliant reformed computer hacker from the neighborhood, leading to a charming forced-proximity romance.
- Love Around the Corner (2020): The final book features Gemma Romano as she fights to save her family's local bar from corporate redevelopment, only to cross paths with her first love.
How to Read:
Read these books in numerical/publication order. The family dynamic is central to the series, and reading them sequentially allows you to watch the Romano sisters support each other through their respective life-changing decisions.
The Racing Hearts Series (Formula One Sports Romance)
Inspired by her husband's career as a Formula One journalist, Weaver pivoted into sports romance with the high-stakes Racing Hearts series. This series offers an insider look at the adrenaline-fueled world of international auto racing, combining intense romance with professional rivalries.
- Fast & Reckless (2024): Introduces Mira Wentworth, an F1 team assistant, and Will Hawley, a talented driver racing for her father's competitive team.
- Kiss & Collide (2025): Follows Violet Harper, a high-stakes PR executive, and Chase, an underdog driver determined to make his mark on the grid.
How to Read:
These books should be read in order starting with Fast & Reckless, as the ongoing team dynamics and F1 season progression carry over into Kiss & Collide.
Standalone Novels and Short Stories
In addition to her main series, Amanda Weaver has published standalone contemporary romances and short fiction. These are ideal for quick reads or sampling her writing style without committing to a full series.
- Always (2014): Weaver's debut novel. A music-centered romance that follows the long, emotional journey of Justine James and Dillon Pierce over several years as they navigate the highs and lows of the music industry.
- This Book Will Change Your Life (2015): A New Adult romance following Hannah Gregory, a college freshman struggling to find her path, and Ben Fisher, a college senior working at a local used bookstore.
- Sky High (2015): A contemporary romance novel tracking the interconnected lives and disrupted plans of travelers stranded on their way to Mexico due to a volcanic eruption.
- Frequent Flyers (2014): A multi-author contemporary romance anthology featuring Amanda Weaver's short story "The Friendly Skies."
Chronological Order & Reading Caveats
When searching online databases, you may encounter a few inconsistencies in Amanda Weaver's catalog. Here is what you need to know to avoid confusion:
First, some online sites incorrectly categorize the standalone novel This Book Will Change Your Life under a series title called "Arlington Books." According to the author's official listings, there is no Arlington series; the book is a complete standalone New Adult contemporary romance.
Second, while The Notorious Lady Grantham was published two years after the initial Grantham Girls trilogy, it functions as Book 4 and serves as the ultimate conclusion to the series. Do not attempt to read it first as a prequel, despite the main character being the founder of the school; the narrative relies heavily on details established in the first three books.
What to Know Before You Start
Amanda Weaver's transition from working as a theatrical costume designer on Broadway to writing romance brings a unique visual flair to her prose. Readers will notice a meticulous eye for historical costume detail in the Grantham Girls series, which adds layers of historical realism without slowing down the emotional pace. Regardless of whether you choose her Victorian romances or her modern F1 racing books, her storytelling is characterized by emotionally realistic dialogue, complex family relationships, and strong-willed heroines who value their professional and personal independence.