Where to Start with Brooke Sivendra’s Books
If you are new to Brooke Sivendra's high-stakes romantic suspense, your ideal starting point depends on what kind of adventure you want to embark on first. Sivendra’s works can be divided into her massive, interconnected "Thomas Universe" and several self-contained series.
For the best introduction to her signature "Jason Bourne for women" style, start with Escanta, the first book in the James Thomas Series. It introduces you to the core dynamics of her action-thriller universe, filled with undercover agents, mob connections, and protective alpha leads. Alternatively, if you want a complete, self-contained story of forbidden royal romance and mystery, start with Blood, Love and Lies, the opener of the highly acclaimed Royals Series.
The Thomas Universe Reading Order
The crown jewel of Brooke Sivendra's writing is the Thomas Universe. It spans three distinct series that feature recurring characters, shifting timelines, and crossovers. To get the full emotional impact and understand the complex character backstories, the author recommends reading these series in the following order:
- The James Thomas Series: Follows ex-CIA operative James Thomas as he protects prosecutor Makaela Ashwood from deep-rooted conspiracies.
- The Deacon Thomas Duet: Shifting focus to former Ranger Deacon Thomas as he fights to overcome his dark past.
- The Thomas Security Series: The ultimate crossover event where James, Deacon, and the rest of the team join forces under the Thomas Security banner to take on threats together.
James Thomas Series: Publication vs. Chronological Order
Readers frequently debate whether to tackle the core James Thomas Series in publication order or chronological order due to a key prequel novella, The Favor. While it is set roughly ten years before the events of Escanta, it contains spoilers and character insights that are best appreciated after building a connection with the characters.
Recommended Publication Order:
- Escanta (2016)
- Saratini (2016)
- Sarquis (2016)
- Lucian (2016)
- Sorin (2017)
- The Favor (2017)
- Black Widow (2022)
Chronological Timeline Order:
- The Favor (Prequel novella set 10 years before the main events)
- Escanta (2016)
- Sorin (2017)
- Saratini (2016)
- Lucian (2016)
- Sarquis (2016)
- Black Widow (2022)
Deacon Thomas Duet
A emotional, fast-paced duology that introduces Deacon Thomas. This duet must be read before stepping into the final crossover series.
- The Ranger (2017)
- The Redemption (2018)
Thomas Security Series
This series serves as the continuation of the stories established in both the James Thomas and Deacon Thomas books. Reading this out of order is not recommended, as it relies heavily on established character dynamics and past plot resolutions.
- The Vault (2018)
- The Traitor (2019)
- The Conspirator (2019)
Other Standalone Series & Duets
If you want a break from the Thomas family drama, Sivendra has written several other popular series that can be read completely independently.
The Royals Series
Set in the war-torn fictional kingdom of Santina, this series blends royal duty, forbidden passion, and political secrets. It began as a finalist in the Page Turner Awards and is a fan-favorite romance saga.
- Blood, Love and Lies (2019)
- Serpenti (2019)
- Valiant Reign (2020)
- The Last Strike (2021)
The Soul Series
Brooke Sivendra's debut trilogy is a romantic suspense saga following the deep secrets and past sins that bind its main characters.
- The Secrets of Their Souls (2015)
- The Ghosts of Their Pasts (2015)
- The Blood of Their Sins (2015)
The Firewall Series
A technothriller duet centering around Raya, a South Chicago street-smart hacker who uncovers a web of deadly secrets and seeks help from a mafia heir.
- The Hack (2023)
- The Code (2023)
Standalone Novels
For readers looking for a complete story in one sitting, Brooke Sivendra also writes standalone psychological thrillers.
- The Wife’s Diary (2024): A psychological thriller focusing on Giselle Matthews, who discovers her missing politician husband might have had another wife after a body is removed from their home.
What to Know Before You Start
Sivendra’s writing is heavily inspired by her love for cinematic action and true crime. This shines through in her fast-paced plotting and high emotional stakes. While her standalone series like The Firewall and The Royals do not require any prior reading, the Thomas Universe is highly serialized. Trying to jump straight into the Thomas Security books without reading Escanta or The Ranger will leave you missing crucial references to the characters' complex pasts.