Where Should You Start Reading Annette Blair?
Annette Blair is a versatile author who has successfully spanned multiple popular genres, including cozy mysteries, paranormal romances, and Regency-era historical romances. Because her work is divided into distinct series, the best starting point depends entirely on your preferred genre:
- For Cozy Mystery Fans: Begin with A Veiled Deception, the first book in the Vintage Magic Mystery series. It introduces Madeira "Maddie" Cutler and her fashion-themed psychic sleuthing in Mystic, Connecticut.
- For Paranormal Romance & Comedy Lovers: Start with The Kitchen Witch, the first installment of the Accidental Witch Trilogy. It is a lighthearted, funny romance set in Salem, Massachusetts.
- For Historical Romance Devotees: Pick up An Undeniable Rogue, which kicks off the award-winning Rogues Club series.
The Cozy Mysteries: Vintage Magic Mystery Series
The Vintage Magic Mystery series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist. The books follow Madeira "Maddie" Cutler, who returns to her hometown of Mystic, Connecticut, to open a vintage clothing boutique named "Vintage Magic." Maddie possesses a unique psychic gift: when she touches certain vintage garments, she receives visions of their past owners, which inevitably helps her solve local murders. These books should be read in strict publication order, as the overarching mystery surrounding Maddie's family and her romantic life develops across the series.
- A Veiled Deception (2008)
- Larceny and Lace (2009)
- Death by Diamonds (2010)
- Skirting the Grave (2011)
- Cloaked in Malice (2012)
- Tulle Death Do Us Part (2013)
The Witchy Salem Universe: Accidental Witch & Triplet Witch Trilogies
Annette Blair’s paranormal romance comedies are set in the mystical city of Salem, Massachusetts. While they are distinct series, they share a common universe, tone, and magical atmosphere. To experience the progression of Blair's witchy world, it is highly recommended to read the Accidental Witch Trilogy first, followed immediately by the Triplet Witch Trilogy (also known as the Cartwright Sisters series).
1. The Accidental Witch Trilogy
This trilogy follows Melody Seabright, a self-proclaimed Salem witch who cannot cook but somehow ends up hosting a popular cooking show. The trilogy focuses on different characters in each book but is bound together by its hilarious, magical romantic storylines.
- The Kitchen Witch (2004)
- My Favorite Witch (2006)
- The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2006)
2. The Triplet Witch Trilogy
Often considered a thematic successor or companion to the Accidental Witch books, this trilogy follows the Cartwright triplet sisters—Harmony, Destiny, and Storm—as they navigate their unique psychic abilities and search for love.
- Sex and the Psychic Witch (2007)
- Gone with the Witch (2008)
- Never Been Witched (2009)
Regency Romances: Rogues, Scoundrels, and Title Reissues
Blair has written two major Regency historical romance series. When reading these, be aware of a few retitling overlaps that can confuse readers.
1. The Rogues Club Series
This award-winning series follows a group of dashing Regency gentlemen who find themselves caught in unexpected marriages of convenience. The fourth book, A Christmas Baby, is also published or cataloged under the title Untamable Rogue, which follows the story of Ashford Blackburne, the Fifth Earl of Blackburne, trying to find an heir before Christmas.
- An Undeniable Rogue (2002)
- An Unforgettable Rogue (2002)
- An Unmistakable Rogue (2003)
- A Christmas Baby / Untamable Rogue (2004)
2. The Knave of Hearts Series
The Knave of Hearts series focuses on independent titled men navigating romantic entanglements. Note that Proper Scoundrel is a retitled or revised version of the standalone novel Scoundrel in Disguise, which was originally published in 2006 before being integrated into this series sequence.
- Sea Scoundrel (2012)
- Proper Scoundrel (2013) (originally published as Scoundrel in Disguise in 2006)
- Captive Scoundrel (2012)
- Holy Scoundrel (2013)
Paranormal Shifters: Works Like Magick vs. Dragon Tails
Readers looking into Annette Blair's dragon shifter romances might find duplicate stories under different titles. This is because the author revamped and self-published parts of her traditional backlist to circumvent licensing rights held by her former publisher.
1. Works Like Magick Series
This series centers around the "Works Like Magick" employment agency in Salem, which connects humans with paranormal beings (dragons, angels, and vampires) looking for work.
- Naked Dragon (2010)
- Bedeviled Angel (2010) (also published under the title Everlasting)
- Vampire Dragon (2011)
2. Dragon Tails Series
The Dragon Tails series consists of revised, revamped editions of books from the Works Like Magick series, updating character details and removing dependencies on characters owned by traditional publishers.
- Eating Bees in Bed (2016) (revamped version of Naked Dragon)
- Fangs for the Memories (2018) (revamped version of Vampire Dragon)
Standalone Novels and Duplicate Gems
For readers who want to explore Blair’s standalone historical romances, the most important caveat involves her Amish romance novels. Her 1999 Amish historical romance was originally released under the title Thee, I Love, but was later reissued under the title Jacob's Return. They are the exact same story following Jacob Sauder and Rachel Zook. Her other standalones can be read in any order:
- Lady Patience (1999)
- Lady Faith (1999)
- The Butterfly Garden (2005)