Where to Start with Ashlyn Chase
If you are new to Ashlyn Chase's humorous paranormal romances, the absolute best starting point is her signature Strange Neighbors series (originally published in 2010). It plays out like a supernatural version of the TV sitcom Friends, featuring vampires, witches, and shifters sharing a Boston apartment building. If you prefer dragons with a dash of Irish charm, you can also start directly with the Boston Dragons series.
Most of Chase's books can be read as standalones since each focuses on a different romantic pairing. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to fully appreciate the recurring characters, overlapping neighborhood drama, and overarching world-building.
The Boston Uncommon Universe (Strange Neighbors & Flirting with Fangs)
The original Strange Neighbors trilogy and the follow-up Flirting with Fangs trilogy are closely connected. In fact, they were later rebranded together under the collective series title Boston Uncommon. To get the complete picture of this supernatural brownstone community, you should read them in this order:
- Strange Neighbors (2010) – Introduces Merry, a human nurse, and Jason, a bird shifter baseball pitcher, as they move into the eccentric apartment building.
- The Werewolf Upstairs (2011) – Centers on werewolf romance and building politics.
- The Vampire Next Door (2011) – Also published under the title The Vampire Downstairs.
- Flirting Under a Full Moon (2013) – The start of the Flirting with Fangs arc, introducing werewolf and vampire lore with trademark witty banter.
- How to Date a Dragon (2013) – Expands the building's lore to include dragon shifters.
- Kissing with Fangs (2014) – Wraps up the original Boston Uncommon storylines.
Boston Dragons Series
Stepping away from the main brownstone but staying in Boston, this series focuses on Irish dragon shifters finding their fated mates. These books feature high heat, hilarious dialogue, and plenty of magical tension.
- I Dream of Dragons (2016) – Follows dragon shifter Rory Arish as he battles a stubborn flight attendant for a coveted apartment.
- My Wild Irish Dragon (2016) – The story of another hot-headed dragon finding his match.
- Never Dare a Dragon (2017) – Concludes the core dragon family arc in Boston.
- Hooked on a Phoenix (2018)
- More Than a Phoenix (2018)
- A Phoenix Is Forever (2019)
- The Cupcake Coven (2014)
- Tug of Attraction (2014)
- Out of the Broom Closet (2016)
- Vampire Vintage (2007)
- Tiger's Night Out (2019)
- Where the Howl Are You? (2019)
Phoenix Brothers Series
If you love hot shifters who literally rise from the ashes, the Phoenix Brothers trilogy is a must-read. The books should be read in order of release to track the family dynamic:
Love Spells Gone Wrong Series
For readers who prefer a focus on witches and magical mishaps rather than just shifters, this series offers lighthearted, cozy-yet-spicy romantic comedies:
Be Careful What You Summon Series
This series features a mix of vampires, shifters, and summoners. There is a significant publication gap between the first book and the sequels, but they belong to the same universe:
The Naughty Nooners (Quick Erotic Reads)
Originally published primarily through Ellora's Cave, the Naughty Nooners are a vast collection of very short, spicy, and erotic romance novellas. They do not have a strict continuous plot, meaning you can jump in anywhere. Most were published rapidly between 2009 and 2011. Notable titles include Lap Dance, Show And Tell, and Skin Magic.
What to Know Before You Start
Ashlyn Chase’s background as a psychiatric registered nurse and her degree in behavioral sciences heavily influence her writing. You will find that her characters—despite being vampires or dragons—have highly realistic psychological profiles, relatable flaws, and undergo genuine personal reinvention. If you are looking for dark, angsty urban fantasy, this is not it. Chase specializes in 'Almond Joy' stories: nutty, sweet, and ultimately feel-good romances with a happy ending guaranteed.