Where Should You Start Reading Annie Nicholas?
With a bibliography spanning multiple paranormal subgenres—ranging from dragon shifters and vampire fugitives to cozy sci-fi alien dating agencies—finding the perfect entry point to Annie Nicholas's books can seem daunting. Fortunately, her work is divided into distinct series, each offering a unique flavor of supernatural romance. Depending on your favorite tropes, we recommend one of three primary starting paths:
Path A: The Comedy and Shifter Route (Recommended)
If you love laughing as much as you love romance, start with Not His Dragon, the first book in the fan-favorite Not This series. This series represents Nicholas at her absolute best, combining witty banter, lighthearted comedy, and fiery dragon shifters. The series is highly episodic and focuses on different couples, making it incredibly accessible for newcomers who want a fun, fast-paced introduction to her writing style.
Path B: The Gritty, High-Stakes Shifter Route
For readers who prefer their shifter romances with a bit more action, pack dynamics, and grit, start with either the original Vanguards series (beginning with Omegas) or its spin-off series, Vanguard Elite (starting with Bootcamp of Misfit Wolves). These series feature darker undertones, complex pack politics, and plenty of tension as underdog shifters fight for their place in a harsh world.
Path C: The Dark Urban Fantasy and Suspense Route
If you prefer classic urban fantasy vibes with vampires, danger, and slow-burn suspense, start with Bait, the first installment of the Angler series. Following a human protagonist swept up in a dangerous underground vampire society, this series offers a darker, more high-stakes narrative than her newer romantic comedies.
Major Series Breakdown and Reading Orders
The Not This Universe
By far her most popular series, the Not This books follow various shifters and supernatural beings who find themselves in hilarious, unexpected romantic situations. Although each book focuses on a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone, reading them in order is highly recommended to appreciate the running jokes and returning side characters.
- Not His Dragon (2016) - Introduces dragon shifters and a very reluctant heroine.
- Not His Werewolf (2017)
- Not His Vampire (2017)
- Not His Christmas (2017) - A festive holiday novella featuring characters from the series.
- Not Her Gargoyle (2018)
- Not Her Alpha (2019)
- Their Baby Dragon (2019)
- Somebunny to Love (2021) - The start of a fun rabbit-shifter spin-off subseries (Not This: Rabbits).
- Not Her Dragon (2022) - Bella's story, featuring an auction and a powerful dragon known as the "Killer of Men."
The Angler Series
The Angler series is Annie Nicholas's classic vampire romance saga. It follows Connie, a human caught in the crosshairs of a ruthless vampire underworld. Unlike her more comedic shifter books, this series relies heavily on mystery, suspense, and overarching plot continuity, so reading them in order is essential.
- Bait (2010)
- Catch (2010)
- Hunting Colby (2012) - Often designated as Book 2.5, this novella bridges the gaps between main novels.
- Release (2013)
- Vampire Fugitive (2018)
- Vampire Hook (2018)
The Vanguards and Vanguard Elite
Set in a shared world focused on pack politics, genetic manipulation, and outcast wolves, these two series should ideally be read in sequence. Start with the original Vanguards series before transitioning into the Vanguard Elite books, which follow misfit wolf and vampire underdogs finding love in the chaos of military-style boot camps.
Vanguards Series:
- Omegas (2009)
- Alpha (2010)
- The Beta (2011)
- Omegas in Love (2012)
- Sigma (2012)
- Prima (2013)
Vanguard Elite Series:
- Bootcamp of Misfit Wolves (2015)
- A Taste of Shifter Geekdom (2016)
- Blind Wolf Bluff (2016)
- Penny of the Paranormal (2017)
- Pallas (2017)
Lake City Stories
The Lake City Stories delve into steamy reverse harem dynamics and "hot succubus mischief." While the series is small, there is a minor chronological difference to note. The novella Ravenous acts as a prequel (often numbered Book 0.5) to the main novels. You can choose to read it first to get the backstory, or start with the first full-length novel, Starved for Love, and read the prequel afterward.
- Starved for Love (2012)
- Ravenous (2014) - Prequel novella.
- Sinful Cravings (2014)
Chronicles of Eorthe
A darker, alternate-universe shifter and vampire series, the Chronicles of Eorthe is a trilogy that must be read in order due to its tight narrative continuity.
- Scent of Salvation (2013)
- Scent of Valor (2014)
- Scent of a Scandal (2015)
Collaborative Projects
Annie Nicholas has contributed to several multi-author shared universes. These books can be read completely independently from her other series:
- GateKeepers (Koishi): Published in 2013, Koishi is the first book in this collaborative paranormal romance series about dragon gatekeepers, with subsequent books written by other authors.
- Intergalactic Dating Agency / Cosmos Resort: A lighthearted sci-fi romance series where alien bachelors seek human mates. Annie's contributions should be read in order: Trace (2019), Hack (2019), and Crypto (2019).
What to Know Before You Start
Annie Nicholas's writing style is defined by her ability to balance heat, humor, and emotional depth. While her earlier books (like the Vanguards and Chronicles of Eorthe) lean into darker, more traditional paranormal romance elements, her newer releases (like the Not This series and Cosmos Resort) lean heavily into romantic comedy and cozy sci-fi. Because of these distinct shifts in tone, readers who enjoy lighthearted banter may want to stick to the Not This series, while those looking for gritty action will find themselves right at home in the Vanguard Elite boot camps.