The Recommended Reading Pathway
Ava Rose has crafted two distinct historical romance worlds that transport readers to the elegant ballrooms, quiet country estates, and mystery-filled streets of the 19th century. Because her two primary series are set in different eras and do not share overlapping characters, you have complete freedom in deciding which series to pick up first. However, to get the absolute best experience out of her storytelling, we recommend the following reading paths:
- Path A: The Boston Heiresses (Victorian Era) – Start here if you enjoy strong mystery elements, high-stakes investigations, and a transition from standalone romances to a continuous trilogy arc. Start with Not Quite a Duchess.
- Path B: The Harcourt Sisters (Regency Era) – Start here if you prefer classic Regency romance tropes, including best-friends-to-lovers, secret double lives, and tight-knit family dynamics. Start with An Earl for Charlotte.
The Boston Heiresses Series
Set in Victorian Boston during the 1890s, this series blends wholesome, sweet romance with intriguing mysteries, featuring independent heroines who challenge societal expectations. The reading order of this series is divided into two halves: the first three books work as standalone romances, while the final three books form a continuous trilogy that must be read in order.
1. Not Quite a Duchess (2020)
The series opens with the story of Lady Anna Trevallyn, a confident duchess who defies high society's expectations. When her best friend Libby vanishes from a Victorian soiree, Anna takes the investigation into her own hands. She joins forces with Libby's brooding brother, Prince Penforth Armstrong-Leeds, a former Navy man struggling with physical and emotional war injuries. As they search for Libby, their forced proximity sparks a deep romantic connection.
2. Not Quite a Baroness (2020)
Following the events of the debut novel, this second book focuses on Libby, the friend who went missing in the first installment. Now safe but facing the societal fallout of her disappearance, Libby must navigate her own path to love and security. She finds her match in Henry, a man whose steadfast presence helps her heal from past trauma, offering a sweet romance filled with mutual trust and emotional recovery.
3. Not Quite a Lady (2021)
The third book follows Sarah, a spirited heroine who operates on the fringes of acceptable high-society behavior. When she meets Tamworth, a nobleman with secrets of his own, the two are drawn into a web of social intrigue and mystery. Their journey highlights Ava Rose's signature style: smart dialogue, clean romance, and independent-minded protagonists who refuse to conform to rigid Victorian standards.
4. Not Quite a Princess (2021)
This book marks the beginning of the Mary and Bennet trilogy, a continuous storyline spanning three books that must be read in order. We meet Princess Mary Armstrong-Leeds and Lord Cannington (Bennet Brown). Mary, despite her royal status, is determined to solve a complex mystery, and Bennet is the only partner she can trust. Part one establishes their partnership and the initial spark of their romance.
5. Not Quite a Detective (2021)
The second part of the Mary and Bennet trilogy raises the stakes. Mary and Bennet dive deeper into their investigation, acting as amateur detectives within Victorian high society. As they uncover secrets, they must also navigate the growing romantic tension between them, balancing their sense of duty with their personal desires.
6. Not Quite a Bride (2021)
The final book in the Boston Heiresses series resolves the overarching mystery of the Mary and Bennet trilogy. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Mary and Bennet must overcome the final hurdles to their happiness, culminating in a satisfying, clean romantic resolution that ties up all the series' remaining threads.
The Harcourt Sisters Series
Moving back in time to the Regency era, this trilogy follows three spirited sisters navigating love, family responsibility, and secrets in England. While each book centers on a different sister, they are best read in order to appreciate the progression of the family's social and financial recovery.
1. An Earl for Charlotte (2023)
The eldest sister, Charlotte Harcourt, bears the heavy responsibility of securing a wealthy marriage to support her mother and sisters. However, her heart belongs to her childhood friend, Hugh Dempsey, the Earl of Milcheston. Having returned from war physically and emotionally scarred, Hugh pushes Charlotte away out of a sense of unworthiness. This sweet, low-drama romance explores how their childhood bond heals the wounds of war.
2. A Viscount for Lucy (2023)
The second sister, Lucy Harcourt, debuts in society with the expectation of marrying well. Instead, she crosses paths with Sinclair Brackley, Lord Brackley, a viscount who secretly moonlights as a private investigator for the elite. When a string of thefts sweeps the ton, Lucy and Sinclair team up to catch the culprit, leading to a delightful mix of light suspense and sweet romance.
3. A Baron for Georgiana (2023)
The trilogy concludes with the story of the youngest sister, Georgiana Harcourt. While detailed plot summaries are scarce in public databases, the novel follows the established style of the series, detailing Georgiana's romantic journey as the family's saga comes to a satisfying close.
Standalone Novellas and Short Stories
In addition to her two primary historical series, Ava Rose began her publishing career with a standalone piece:
- Ava and The Farm Hands (2017) – This short story/novella was the author's debut release. It stands completely separate from the Regency and Victorian series and is not required reading to understand the main collections.
What to Know Before You Start
Ava Rose's historical fiction is published by Flourish Books and is highly regarded by fans of sweet and clean romance. There are no explicit scenes, and the focus remains entirely on emotional intimacy, character growth, and witty banter. If you enjoy authors who blend light historical mystery, adventure, and wholesome romance, you will find her novels to be a delightful addition to your reading list.