Where Should You Start Reading C. M. Stunich?
With an extensive catalog of over 40 novels crossing subgenres like dark academy romance, rock star angst, and urban fantasy, diving into C. M. Stunich's bibliography can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, most of her series function as self-contained story arcs, allowing you to select your entry point based on your favorite romance tropes. However, there are a few key crossovers and reading paths you should know to maximize your enjoyment.
If you want the absolute quintessential C. M. Stunich experience, start with one of these three entry points:
- For Dark Academy & Bully Romance: Start with Filthy Rich Boys, the first book in the Rich Boys of Burberry Prep series. This is her most famous high school academy series and the perfect introduction to her signature high-tension reverse harem style.
- For Enemies-to-Lovers Gang Romance: Start with Havoc at Prescott High, the opening volume of The Havoc Boys series. This series offers a grittier, action-oriented, and highly emotional ride centered around a gang of troubled boys and a fierce heroine.
- For Gritty Rockstar Romance: Start with Real Ugly, the first book in the Hard Rock Roots series. This is a traditional male/female (M/F) romance that is deeply emotional, dark, and set in the raw world of touring musicians.
What to Know Before You Start
Before reading C. M. Stunich, it helps to understand her unique writing format. She is a pioneer in the modern indie romance space, particularly known for popularizing the Reverse Harem (RH) format (also referred to as 'Why Choose' romance), where the heroine does not have to choose between multiple male love interests. Many of her series follow this structure, including Rich Boys of Burberry Prep, Adamson All-Boys Academy, The Havoc Boys, and her fantasy series The Seven Mates of Zara Wolf.
However, she also writes highly emotional traditional M/F contemporary romances, such as the Tasting Never series and Hard Rock Roots. Be sure to check the format of the series before diving in so that it matches your reading preferences. Additionally, her dark romances deal with heavy themes, trauma, and intense bullying, so checking trigger warnings is recommended for sensitive readers.
The Essential Bornstead University Crossover Order
While most of C. M. Stunich's series are completely independent, there is one major crossover event that links two of her most popular academy series: Rich Boys of Burberry Prep and Adamson All-Boys Academy. Both series follow their main characters through high school and culminate in a shared university crossover book titled Orientation.
To get the complete story and understand all character cameos, you should read these two series in parallel or one after the other before reading the crossover. Here is the recommended reading path:
Step 1: The Rich Boys of Burberry Prep Series
- Filthy Rich Boys (2019)
- Bad, Bad Bluebloods (2019)
- The Envy of Idols (2019)
- In the Arms of the Elite (2019)
Step 2: The Adamson All-Boys Academy Series
- The Secret Girl (2019)
- The Ruthless Boys (2019)
- The Forever Crew (2020)
Step 3: The Crossover Finale
- Orientation (2022) — This book is cataloged as Book 5 of the Burberry Prep series and Book 4 of the Adamson Academy series. It brings both casts together at Bornstead University. While some fans note you can read it having only finished one of the series, reading both beforehand ensures you appreciate every single interaction.
The Rockstar Romances: Hard Rock Roots vs. Rock-Hard Beautiful
If you love the drama, passion, and angst of the music industry, Stunich has two distinct rockstar romance series. While they do not feature direct crossovers, they cover similar themes with very different relationship dynamics:
- Hard Rock Roots Series (M/F Relationship): This is a highly serialized, ten-book contemporary romance tracking the tumultuous relationship of Naomi Knox and Turner Campbell. Because the story continues directly from book to book, you must read them in strict publication order, starting with Real Ugly (2013) and ending with Screw Up (2017).
- Rock-Hard Beautiful Series (Reverse Harem): This trilogy follows Lilith Goode and her relationship with five rockstars. It consists of Groupie (2017), Roadie (2017), and Moxie (2017). It is completely separate from Hard Rock Roots, so you can read this trilogy first if you prefer the 'why choose' dynamic.
Exploring the Fantasy & Paranormal Worlds
If you prefer supernatural romance over contemporary drama, C. M. Stunich has built several paranormal universes. Here are the orders for her key fantasy series:
The Seven Mates of Zara Wolf Series
This urban fantasy series features werewolves and a reverse harem setup. Read it in chronological publication order:
- Pack Ebon Red (2017)
- Pack Violet Shadow (2017)
- Pack Obsidian Gold (2017)
- Pack Ivory Emerald (2019)
Harem of Hearts & Kings of Underland
This is a dark, gritty reverse harem reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. You must read the main trilogy before reading the spin-off sequel series:
- Allison's Adventures in Underland (2017)
- Allison and the Torrid Tea Party (2018)
- Allison Shatters the Looking-Glass (2018)
- Allison's Harem of Hearts (2022) — This serves as the first book in the spin-off Kings of Underland series, continuing the adventures in the Underland universe.
C. M. Stunich Series & Publication Directory
For readers who prefer to tackle her catalog by publication order or want a checklist of her smaller series, here is the chronological breakdown of her major works:
The Tasting Never Series
This contemporary series channels raw emotion, following the healing and tumultuous connection of Never Ross and Ty McCabe. It should be read in order:
- Tasting Never (2012)
- Finding Never (2013)
- Keeping Never (2013)
- Never Can Tell (2013)
- Never Let Go (2014)
- Never Did Say (2015)
- Never Could Stop (2017)
The Havoc Boys Series
A gritty, dark enemies-to-lovers high school series set at Prescott High. Read in order:
- Havoc at Prescott High (2019)
- Chaos at Prescott High (2020)
- Mayhem At Prescott High (2020)
- Anarchy at Prescott High (2020)
- Victory at Prescott High (2020)
Lost Daughter of a Serial Killer Series
A dark thriller and romance series following a heroine with a dangerous lineage. Read in order:
- Stolen Crush (2021)
- Payback Princess (2021)
- Endgame Romance (2021)
- Game Over Boys (2023)
Scarlett Force Series
A dark, gritty romance series following a strong heroine and dangerous men. Read in order:
- F*ckboy Psychos (2021)
- Unholy Terrors (2022)
- Vile Bastards (2022)
For the Love of Aliens Series
A sci-fi reverse harem romance series featuring extraterrestrial love interests. Read in order:
- Pheromone (2023)
- Seminal (2023)
- Venery (2023)
The Family Spells Series
A paranormal romance series following magical family secrets. Read in order:
- The Family Spells (2018)
- What The Hex (2022)
- The Heart Cantrip (2022)
Death by Daybreak MC Series
A gritty motorcycle club romance series. Read in order:
- I Was Born Ruined (2019)
- I am Dressed in Sin (2021)
- I Will Revel in Glory (2021)