Where to Start Reading Candice Gilmer
Candice Gilmer is a prolific USA Today and New York Times bestselling author who writes across three major romance subgenres: paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and contemporary romantic comedies. Because her books are spread across multiple series and shared universes, your best starting point depends on what you enjoy reading most:
- If you love paranormal shifters and vampires: Start with Brightest Shadow, the first book in the Mythical Knights series, or the novella Unholy Night, which kicks off the closely related Moonlight and Shadows series.
- If you love sci-fi romance and cyborgs: Begin with Slammer, the entry point for the Most Wanted Alien Brides collection, or The Temptress's Cyborg from the Galactic Storm series.
- If you prefer lighthearted contemporary romance or fairy tales: Dive into The Magic Under His Nose (from the Guys and Godmothers series) or Out of the Tower (from the Charming Fairy Tales series).
The Paranormal Romance Universe
Gilmer's paranormal stories take place in a shared, interconnected world populated by werewolves, vampires, magic-users, and shifters. While each series has its own focal characters, they often feature crossovers and cameos. For the best experience, you should read these series in publication order.
Moonlight and Shadows & Mythical Knights
These two series overlap significantly. The novella Unholy Night introduces the paranormal world, while the novel A Darker Trinity (later republished as Darker Cravings) serves as a bridge, appearing in both series lists.
- Unholy Night (2008) – Moonlight and Shadows Book 1
- Darker Cravings / A Darker Trinity (2008) – Mythical Knights Book 4 / Moonlight and Shadows Book 2
- Broken Shine (2010) – Moonlight and Shadows Book 3
- Brightest Shadow (2015) – Mythical Knights Book 1
- Dark Within (2015) – Mythical Knights Book 2
- Bravest Flame (2016) – Mythical Knights Book 3
- Not A Gentleman's Christmas (2016) – Mythical Knights Novella
- Darkest Judgment (2016) – Mythical Knights Book 5
The Mythicals, Vampire Mythicals, & Elemental Mythicals
These series expand Gilmer's shifter and vampire lore. The Vampire Mythicals focus on modern-day vampires navigating relationships and family duties, while Elemental Mythicals adds elemental magic to the mix.
- The Mythicals: Read Saving Her Destiny (2015) followed by Guarding Her Secret (2016).
- Vampire Mythicals: Read in order: Vampires Don't Babysit (2019), Vampires Don't Protect (2020), Vampires Don't Date the Boss (2020), and Vampires Don't Fall in Love (2020).
- Elemental Mythicals: Start with the standalone novel Can't Remember Dick (2021).
The Science Fiction Romance Series
Gilmer's sci-fi romance series are packed with cyborg protectors, alien cultures, and intergalactic conflicts. They are generally grouped into four separate settings.
Most Wanted Alien Brides (IDA) & Kantenans
This humorous, action-packed collection centers on cyborg prisoners of war who are mistakenly matched with human brides through an intergalactic dating agency. The Kantenans sub-series focuses on a distinct alien species and their unique mating requirements.
- Most Wanted Alien Brides (Main Series): Slammer (2021), Hard Time (2021), Solitary (2021), Core (2022), Shaft (2022), Claim (2023), and Savior (2024).
- Most Wanted Alien Brides: Kantenans: Alien Need (2022) and Alien Want (2022).
Galactic Storm
This series tells a more serious space-opera romance tale, exploring the high-stakes war between the Terran Empire and the genetically modified Rhimodian cyborgs.
- The Temptress's Cyborg (2021)
- The Lady's Cyborg (2021)
- The Mistress's Cyborg (2021)
- The Virgin's Cyborg (2021)
- The Princess's Cyborg (2021)
Claimed in the Colony & Fated Stars
These newer sci-fi series showcase Gilmer's evolving galactic settings. Claimed in the Colony focuses on integration between humans and Novians, while Fated Stars delivers a slow-burn, forbidden romance based on ancient cosmic prophecies.
- Claimed in the Colony: Cyborg Unclaimed (2026), Beast Unbound (2026), and Heart Unlocked (2026).
- Fated Stars: Below the Current (2026), Beneath the Storm (2026), and Beyond the Black (2026).
Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tales, & Humor
If you need a break from paranormal drama and galactic space wars, Gilmer's contemporary and fantasy romance books offer lighthearted, cozy alternatives with a healthy dose of humor.
Barrum, KS Romances
Set in a charming Kansas town, this series blends small-town romance with light mystery and suspense. Readers should note that publication orders and catalog chronological orders on retail sites occasionally conflict, but the reading flow is best approached as follows:
- Fantasy Girl (2008)
- Mission of Christmas (2009)
- The Reluctant Prince (2010)
- His Velvet Touch (2015)
Guys and Godmothers
This humorous urban fantasy series features fairy godmothers and godfathers who intervene in the romantic lives of everyday mortals, often causing hilarious complications before securing a happy ending.
- The Magic Under His Nose (2013)
- Magic Right Before His Eyes (2014) (also published as Before His Eyes)
- Magic That's Just His Taste (2015) (also published as Just His Taste)
Charming Fairy Tales & Celestial Springs Salon
- Charming Fairy Tales: Reimagined adult fairy tales focusing on classic stories with a magical twist. Read in order: Out of the Tower / Rescuing Rapunzel (2016), Slipping Away (2017), and Ending the Curse (2018).
- Celestial Springs Salon: A cozy contemporary romance series centered on a beauty salon. Read in order: Summer Burns (2015), Autumn Falls (2015), and Winter Chills (2020).
What to Know Before You Start: Continuity & Standalones
Most of Candice Gilmer's romance novels focus on a single couple and conclude with a satisfying happily-ever-after, meaning they can technically be read as standalones. However, because of the recurring side characters and shifting power dynamics in her paranormal and sci-fi universes, reading them out of order can spoil previous books' romantic pairings or major plot resolutions. When starting a new series, sticking to the publication order is highly recommended to appreciate the worldbuilding progression.