Where to Start Reading B.J. Harvey
B.J. Harvey has built a reputation for writing hilarious, high-heat contemporary romances with strong-willed heroines and charming, persistent heroes. Most of her books are set within a single massive, interconnected universe centered in Chicago, though she also writes standalone series set in her home country of New Zealand and elsewhere. Because her main series feature recurring characters, family members, and close friends who spin off into their own books, reading them in the right order makes the experience much more rewarding.
If you want the ultimate experience, the best starting point is Temporary Bliss, the first book in her flagship Bliss series. Starting here allows you to follow the core group of friends and family from the very beginning. However, if you prefer house-flipping family comedies, you can comfortably start with Work in Progress (the first book of the Cook Brothers series). For readers who love firefighter and police romance, Show Stopper (the opening book of the Chicago First Responders series) is another excellent entry point.
The Bliss and Game Universe (The Rebranded Reading Order)
The Bliss series and the Game series were originally published as distinct but highly interconnected series. The Game books acted as a direct spin-off, focusing on the secondary characters from the Bliss series who had not yet found their matches. To simplify the reading experience, Harvey later rebranded and retitled the Game books to integrate them fully under the Bliss series umbrella, numbering them #6 through #11.
When reading this combined series, you will follow the transition of the characters seamlessly. Additionally, the book originally titled Game Breaker was also published as a novella named The Loop in the Love in Transit anthology, before being expanded and rebranded as Promising Bliss. Here is the recommended reading order for the complete Bliss series:
- Temporary Bliss (Bliss #1) - 2013
- True Bliss (Bliss #2) - 2013
- Reclaiming Bliss (Bliss #3, originally published as Blissful Surrender) - 2014
- Permanent Bliss (Bliss #4, a novella focusing on Mac & Daniel's wedding) - 2014
- Finding Bliss (Bliss #5) - 2015
- Building Bliss (Bliss #6, originally published as Game Player) - 2016
- Secret Bliss (Bliss #7, originally published as Game Maker) - 2016
- Faking Bliss (Bliss #8, originally published as Game Saver) - 2016
- Seeking Bliss (Bliss #9, originally published as Game Ender) - 2017
- Promising Bliss (Bliss #10, originally published as Game Breaker / The Loop) - 2017
- Beautiful Bliss (Bliss #11, originally published as Game Planner) - 2019
The Cook Brothers Series
If you love large, chaotic family dynamics and house-flipping projects, the Cook Brothers series is the perfect next step. A direct spin-off from the Bliss/Game universe, this series follows five brothers who run a construction and renovation business, each finding love in unexpected ways. While they are written as interconnected standalones, they should ideally be read in order to avoid spoilers regarding which brother ends up with whom:
- Work in Progress (Cook Brothers #1) - 2019
- Work Violation (Cook Brothers #2) - 2019
- Working Back (Cook Brothers #3) - 2019
- Hard Work (Cook Brothers #4) - 2020
- Working For It (Cook Brothers #5) - 2020
Chicago First Responders Series
Expanding the same Chicago universe further, the Chicago First Responders series shifts the spotlight to the brave firefighters and police officers who keep the city safe. They share the same lighthearted tone, witty banter, and sizzling chemistry as the Cook Brothers and Bliss series, with characters from the older series making occasional cameo appearances. The recommended order is:
- Show Stopper (Chicago First Responders #1) - 2020
- Life Changer (Chicago First Responders #2) - 2021
- Miracle Worker (Chicago First Responders #3) - 2022
- Rule Bender (Chicago First Responders #4) - 2022
The Lost Series
Before B.J. Harvey became famous for her romantic comedies, she debuted with the Lost series. Unlike her later lighthearted work, this series leans heavily into romantic suspense, combining emotional drama and physical danger with a steamy romance. The series is self-contained and should be read in chronological order to follow the overarching plot:
- Lost in Distraction (Lost #1) - 2013
- Lost for You (Lost #2) - 2013
- Lost Without You (Lost #3, a companion novella) - 2014
The Chances Series
The Chances series is another group of interconnected standalones that focus on characters finding second chances at love and handling life's unexpected curveballs. It is set in its own distinct world and can be enjoyed independently of the Bliss universe. The order is:
- One Shot (Chances #1) - 2017
- Second Chance (Chances #2) - 2018
- Third Strike (Chances #3) - 2019
The Sovereign and Truth & Love Series
For readers who enjoy a darker, high-drama romance, B.J. Harvey wrote the Sovereign series, which was originally published as a three-part serial. It follows a continuous, intense storyline and must be read in order. The books are also available as a single collection titled Touch, Taste, Feel. Years later, Harvey introduced the Truth & Love series, which features Aiden Lawrence, a character first introduced in the Sovereign series, serving as an emotional continuation of that world.
Sovereign Series:
- Touch (Sovereign #1) - 2016
- Taste (Sovereign #2) - 2016
- Feel (Sovereign #3) - 2016
Truth & Love Series:
- Truth & Lies (Truth & Love #1) - 2022
- Love & Consequences (Truth & Love #2) - 2023
- Revenge & Redemption (Truth & Love #3) - 2024
What to Know Before You Start
B.J. Harvey's writing is highly conversational, making readers feel like they are catching up with old friends. She frequently references music, and her Kiwi roots sometimes shine through in the slang and humor of her characters, even when her books are set in American cities like Chicago. Almost all of her novels function as standalones in terms of individual romance arcs, meaning each book finishes with a satisfying Happily Ever After (HEA) for the main couple. However, the background plotlines, friendships, and family dynamics build from book to book, which is why following the publication order within each universe is highly recommended.