C. Hallman Books in Order

Where to Start Reading C. Hallman

If you are new to C. Hallman's gritty, high-stakes romance, the best starting point is undoubtedly the Corium University series. Setting the standard for modern dark academic romance, this series plunges readers into a private, remote Alaskan castle designed exclusively for the heirs of the world's most dangerous criminals. It features intense enemies-to-lovers dynamics, moral complexity, and high-stakes mafia intrigue that defines Hallman's signature style.

For readers who prefer a focus on classic mafia syndicates rather than academic settings, The Moretti Crime Family series (co-authored with J.L. Beck) is another excellent starting point. It offers a deeper dive into underworld power struggles, forced marriages, and dark loyalty.

The Corium University Universe

The Corium University saga is divided into two distinct story arcs. It is essential to read the original trilogy first, as it sets up the school's dangerous environment and ongoing power struggles, before moving on to the Year 2 books.

Corium University Trilogy (Aspen & Quinton's Story)

The first three books must be read in order, as they form a continuous, serialized story focusing on the intense, angsty relationship between Aspen and the mafia heir Quinton.

1. King of Corium (2021)
2. Drop Dead Queen (2022)
3. Broken Kingdom (2022)

Corium University Year 2 (Lucas & Delilah's Story)

Following the events of the original trilogy, this duology shifts focus to Lucas and Delilah, delivering a fresh enemies-to-lovers arc while continuing the overarching academy narrative.

1. Ruins of Temptation (2022)
2. Reign of Freedom (2022)

The Moretti Crime Family Series

Written alongside J.L. Beck, this series follows the violent lives and possessive romances of the Moretti family. While the main books can stand alone, reading them in chronological order ensures you grasp the shifting dynamics of the family's criminal empire. Note that some books in this series have been published under alternative titles in different retail editions (such as Violent Delights for Book 2, or Stolen Innocence for Book 5).

1. Stolen Bride (2020) — Prequel novella
2. Savage Beginnings (2020)
3. Savage Christmas (2020)
4. Violent Beginnings (2020)
5. Fragile Wings (2020)
6. Broken Beginnings (2021)

Other Key Collaborative Mafia and Academy Series

Much of C. Hallman's early catalog was written in partnership with J.L. Beck. These series are typically set in shared universes of elite colleges or mafia syndicates.

Blackthorn Elite

A dark college romance series centered on revenge, secrets, and toxic high-society rivalries. Some editions and platforms list these books under alternative titles like Devious Hate, Ruthless Rivals, and Sinister Obsession.

1. Hating You (2019)
2. Breaking You (2019)
3. Hurting You (2020)
4. Regretting You (2020)

North Woods University

A dark contemporary college romance series where each book follows a different couple. While they can technically be read as standalones, publication order is highly recommended to follow the overarching character crossovers.

1. The Bet (2019)
2. The Dare (2019)
3. The Secret (2019)
4. The Vow (2019)
5. The Promise (2020)
6. The Jock (2020)

Bayshore Rivals

A dark New Adult reverse harem trilogy that details a bitter feud between the Lockwood family and the vengeful Bishop brothers.

1. When Rivals Fall (2019)
2. When Rivals Lose (2019)
3. When Rivals Love (2019)

The Rossi Crime Family

An intense, dark mafia romance series that tracks the dangerous encounters and passionate relationships of the Rossi syndicate.

1. Convict Me (2019)
2. Protect Me (2019)
3. Keep Me (2019)
4. Guard Me (2019)
5. Tame Me (2019)
6. Remember Me (2019)

King Crime Family

An early, formative collaboration featuring Enzo King. It explores themes of abduction, debt settlement, and possessive anti-heroes.

1. Indebted (2014)
2. Inevitable (2015)
3. Invincible (2015)
4. Injustice (2015)

The Diavolo Crime Family

A quick, high-tension mafia duet exploring enemies-to-lovers dynamics.

1. Devil You Hate (2021)
2. Devil You Know (2021)

Standalone Novels & Short Story Collections

If you are looking for quick, self-contained stories that do not require committing to a long series, C. Hallman has written several standalone dark romances and short story collections.

Standalone Novels

• Two for One (2020)
• The Hate Vow (2021)
• Her Mafia Bodyguard (2022)
• Lock Me Inside (2022)
• Touch of Hate (2023)
• The Hotel Manager (2023)
• The Decision Maker (2024)
• Touch of Chaos (2024)

Heaven & Hell Series

A collection of dark, interconnected romances sharing themes of redemption, sin, and danger.

1. Heaven (2021)
2. Hell (2021)
3. Hitman (2021)
4. Poisoned Paradise (2021)
5. Possessive (2021)
6. Wrong (2021)
7. Descent (2022)

Instalovers: Publication vs. Chronological Order

For readers diving into the Instalovers series, there is a slight variation between publication and chronological order due to prequel releases. Reading chronologically is suggested for a smoother timeline, but publication order works perfectly fine for standalone enjoyment.

Publication Order:

1. Taking What's His (2017)
2. Runaway Bride (2019)
3. On the Run (2020)
4. His Gift (2020)
5. Two Strangers (2020)

Chronological Order:

1. His Gift (2020)
2. Taking What's His (2017)
3. On the Run (2020)
4. Runaway Bride (2019)
5. Two Strangers (2020)

What to Know Before You Start

C. Hallman's books deal with heavy themes, including dub-con, violence, abduction, and extreme power dynamics. Trigger warnings should always be checked prior to reading. Additionally, due to a professional separation between C. Hallman and J.L. Beck, some books that were originally co-authored may now display only one of the two authors on digital retail platforms. Rest assured, the narrative content and optimal reading orders remain completely unchanged.