Where to Start Reading Anna J. Stewart
Anna J. Stewart's extensive catalog splits cleanly into two primary romance subgenres: sweet, small-town contemporary romance (mostly published under the Harlequin Heartwarming line) and fast-paced romantic suspense (published under Harlequin Romantic Suspense or independent publishers). Depending on your preference, there are two ideal entry points:
- For Cozy, Sweet Romance: Start with The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor (2015). This is the book that launched her beloved 12-volume Butterfly Harbor series, set in a charming, fictional California coastal town.
- For Intrigue and Suspense: Start with Asking for Trouble (also published as Nemesis in the Night). This launches the Tremayne Family Romance (also known as The Nemesis Files), blending family secrets with a modern-day Robin Hood mystery.
The Butterfly Harbor Series
Set in a picturesque California community, the Butterfly Harbor series features wholesome, emotional stories centered on second chances, family ties, and small-town support systems. While each book functions as a standalone romance focusing on a different couple, reading them in publication order allows you to watch the town's community grow and see recurring characters evolve.
Notably, the second book, Recipe for Redemption, was adapted into the television movie A Christmas Recipe for Romance. The ninth book, Bride on the Run, won the prestigious Holt Medallion.
Butterfly Harbor Reading Order (Publication Order):
- The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor (2015)
- Recipe for Redemption (2016)
- A Dad for Charlie (2017)
- Always the Hero (2018)
- Holiday Kisses (2019)
- Safe in His Arms (2019)
- The Firefighter's Thanksgiving Wish (2019)
- A Match Made Perfect (2020)
- Bride on the Run (2021)
- Building a Surprise Family (2021)
- Worth the Risk (2021)
- The Mayor's Baby Surprise (2022)
The Tremayne Family Romance (The Nemesis Files) & Lantano Valley Novellas
This series centers on the Tremayne family in the fictional town of Lantano Valley, California. The core narrative revolves around the children of Jackson Tremayne, who operate as "Nemesis"—a group of Robin Hood-style cat burglars targeting corrupt elites. In each book, a sibling clashes with an investigator or an outsider, leading to high-stakes romance.
Note on Dual Titles: These novels were published with different titles depending on the print run or market, so do not buy them twice. Asking for Trouble is the same book as Nemesis in the Night; Here Comes Trouble is Nemesis on the Prowl; and The Trouble with Nathan is Nemesis in Disguise.
The Core Trilogy Order:
- Asking for Trouble / Nemesis in the Night (2015)
- Here Comes Trouble / Nemesis on the Prowl (2015)
- The Trouble with Nathan / Nemesis in Disguise (2016)
Lantano Valley Companion Novellas:
Stewart also self-published a series of companion novellas set in the same fictional location. These can be read at any point, but are best enjoyed alongside or after the main trilogy:
- Reading Between the Lines (2015)
- Through His Eyes (2015)
- Marked For Love (2015)
Honor Bound Series
For readers who enjoy classic romantic suspense featuring law enforcement officers, investigators, and high stakes, the Honor Bound series is Stewart's signature work in this space. Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense, these books feature protective heroes and resilient heroines navigating criminal conspiracies and personal danger.
Honor Bound Reading Order:
- More Than a Lawman (2016)
- Reunited with the P.I. (2017)
- Gone in the Night (2017)
- Guarding His Midnight Witness (2020)
- Prison Break Hostage (2022)
- The PI's Deadly Charade (2023)
- Deadly Vegas Escapade (2023)
- A Detective's Deadly Secrets (2023)
Circle of the Red Lily
The Circle of the Red Lily series is a darker romantic suspense project tracking a group of childhood friends connected to Temple House. Together, they work to unravel a decades-old mystery involving a secretive society and missing women.
Relaunch Caveat: The series, which initially featured the books Exposed (2022) and Vanished (2023), has transitioned to Tule Publishing. The existing titles are scheduled to be re-released with new covers and revised titles alongside a new installment, Betrayed. Readers should look out for these updated versions to maintain continuity.
Hawaiian Reunions
A briefer, sweet contemporary romance series set against the backdrop of Hawaii, focusing on family reconciliation and second chances at love.
- Her Island Homecoming (2023)
- Their Surprise Island Wedding (2023)
Multi-Author Collaborative Series
As a prolific contributor to Harlequin lines, Stewart has written key entries in collaborative, multi-author series. In these projects, a group of writers shares a single universe or family tree, meaning you will need to read books by other authors to get the full story.
The Blackwell Family Sagas (Harlequin Heartwarming)
This massive, multi-author family saga follows the descendants of Elias "Big E" Blackwell. Stewart has contributed to all three generations of the series:
- Return of the Blackwell Brothers: Stewart wrote the fifth and final book, The Rancher's Homecoming (2018).
- The Blackwell Sisters: In this follow-up series about Big E's granddaughters, Stewart wrote Book 3, Montana Dreams (2020). (Other books in the local collection, such as Montana Welcome and Montana Match, are written by her frequent collaborators Melinda Curtis, Carol Ross, Amy Vastine, and Cari Lynn Webb).
- The Blackwells of Eagle Springs: Extending the family line to Eagle Springs, Wyoming, Stewart wrote the opening volume, Wyoming Promise (2022).
The Colton Family Sagas (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)
Stewart is also a recurring writer for the action-packed Colton family universe:
- Coltons of Roaring Springs: Stewart wrote Colton on the Run (2019).
- Colton 911: Chicago: Stewart contributed to this fast-paced investigative spin-off set in Chicago (2021).
- The Coltons of Owl Creek: Stewart contributed books to this wilderness-based suspense line, starting with Colton Threat Unleashed (2023).