Where to Start with Ann B. Harrison
Ann B. Harrison has built a massive library of small-town and rural contemporary romance novels. Because her books are divided into distinct locations and family series, you do not need to read her entire bibliography in a single, massive chronological order. Instead, the best way to enjoy her work is to select one of her primary series and read its volumes in publication order.
For the ultimate introduction to her writing style, start with one of her two signature series:
- The Australian Outback Series: Start with Taming the Outback. This series showcases Harrison's ability to blend her New Zealand heritage and Australian home with passionate, rural romance. It is the perfect starting point for readers who enjoy rugged settings, independent heroines, and strong-willed heroes.
- The Watson Brothers Series: Start with Chance for Love. If you prefer classic Western romance set in Montana, featuring family ties, mail-order brides, and cowboys seeking redemption, this charming series is the ideal gateway.
Understanding Her Universes: Outback vs. American West
Harrison's books generally fall into two distinct geographic settings, reflecting her own life path of moving from New Zealand to Australia and dreaming of the vast American West. Many of her series share similar themes of second chances, family dynamics, and close-knit communities, but they are kept in separate geographic continuities.
While her novels are written as standalones where each couple gets their own happy ending, reading them in sequence is highly recommended. Characters frequently reappear in subsequent books as friends, family members, or neighbors. Reading out of order will spoil who ends up with whom and may make the local community dynamics harder to follow.
Publication Order of the Australian Outback Books
This was Harrison's breakout series and remains one of her most beloved. Set in the beautiful but harsh Australian wilderness, these books follow different characters finding love against the elements. Note that several books in this series have been published under alternative titles in different markets, which can cause confusion for collectors.
- Taming the Outback (2012) - Also published as "Cowboy Next Door"
- Outback Gold (2013)
- From the Outback (2013) - Also published as "Cowboys and Wine"
- Prescription For Trouble (2013) - Also published as "Cowboy's Baby"
- Mistress For Magnus (2013) - Also published as "Cowboy's Mistress"
- Outback In Stilettos (2013)
- Outback Cafe (2013)
- Case Close to Home (2013)
- Coming Home (2013)
- Outback Thunder (2013)
Publication Order of The Watson Brothers Books
Set in Montana, this series shifts the focus to classic American Western romance. The books center on the close-knit Watson family, dealing with themes of modern mail-order brides, small-town secrets, and rugged cowboys settling down.
- Chance for Love (2016)
- The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (2017)
- The Doctor's Husband (2017)
- Her Favorite Cowboy (2017)
Publication Order of the Australian Brides Books
Focusing on the lives of modern Australian farmers and their paths to finding love, this series is filled with humor, agricultural charm, and sweet family themes.
- Farmer Needs a Wife (2021)
- The Farmer's Baby (2021)
- The Farmer's Husband (2021)
- The Farmer's Ballerina (2023)
- The Farmer's Inspiration (2023)
- The Farmer's Christmas Bride (2023)
Publication Order of Cooper's Crossing - Colorado Books
This series, which was previously published under the series name Outback Heritage, shifts the setting to the atmospheric peaks and ranches of Colorado. It follows the romantic trials and triumphs of the locals in Cooper's Crossing.
- Grady (2014)
- Riley (2015)
- Mitch (2019)
- Audrey (2019)
Publication Order of Wishbone, Texas Books
This Western romance series focuses on the small town of Wishbone, Texas, introducing a cast of lawmen, healers, cowboys, and crooners who find unexpected love.
- Texas Cowboy (2020)
- Texas Healer (2020)
- Texas Lawman (2022)
- Texas Crooner (2022)
Publication Order of Hope Harbor Books
Set in a coastal small town, these books depart slightly from the ranch setting to offer readers cozy, contemporary seaside romance filled with emotional second chances.
- Forever This Time (2017)
- Hold Me Now (2019)
- Don't Let Go (2019)
- Worth Fighting For (2022)
Publication Order of Moore Sisters of Montana Books
Focusing on the lives and loves of the Moore sisters, this series is set in Montana and features a mix of holiday-themed romances, medical drama, and heartwarming family dynamics.
- Christmas Glitter (2017)
- Valentine Kisses (2018)
- Doctor's Orders (2018)
- Wedding Surprise (2018)
Publication Order of The Hansen Brothers Books
This short, sweet contemporary Western series focuses on three brothers navigating the challenges of ranching and romance under the wide skies.
- Cowboy to the Rescue (2019)
- The Convenient Cowboy (2019)
- Dating the Cowboy (2019)
Curse of Kin & Standalone Works
For readers looking for something slightly different from Harrison's typical small-town romance, she has also written a short fantasy-romance trilogy called the Curse of Kin series. Additionally, she has written standalones and occasionally writes mysteries under the pen name AJ Swann (specifically the Addison Hunter series).
Curse of Kin Series
- Witchling (2014)
- Changling (2015)
- Treason (2015)
Standalone Novels
- Foxborough Hall (2017)