Where to Start Reading Carol Kirkwood’s Books
If you are new to Carol Kirkwood’s romance novels, the best place to begin is at the very beginning with her debut novel, Under a Greek Moon (2021). Starting here is highly recommended because it introduces the wealthy Theodosis family, whose stories and characters directly carry over into her second book, The Hotel on the Riviera (2022). While her subsequent novels are entirely standalone stories with fresh characters, beginning with her debut allows you to experience her character development and signature writing style from its inception.
For readers who prefer to dive straight into standalone stories without any recurring character history, Secrets of the Villa Amore (2023) or Once Upon a Time in Venice (2024) serve as fantastic alternative starting points. Each of these books offers a complete, self-contained story set in a breathtaking European location, combining sweeping romance with glamorous drama and a touch of suspense.
The Interconnected Novels: The Theodosis Family Duology
Although Carol Kirkwood’s books are marketed as standalones, her first two releases are closely linked by shared characters. In Under a Greek Moon, readers meet Demetrios Theodosis, an enigmatic Greek tycoon living in a hilltop villa on the fictional island of Ithos, and his temperamental, free-spirited daughter, Ariana. The story primarily focuses on Hollywood actress Shauna Jackson and her past ties to Demetrios.
The narrative continues in The Hotel on the Riviera, where Ariana Theodosis takes center stage as the main protagonist. Having lived a wild party lifestyle in Los Angeles, Ariana inherits the legendary Hotel du Soleil in Cannes from her father's estate. The novel follows her journey to France to manage the hotel, where she clashes with Gabriel du Lac, the hotel's protective long-term manager. Reading these two books in order provides a satisfying character arc for Ariana as she grows from a rebellious daughter into a determined woman finding love and purpose.
Carol Kirkwood Books in Publication Order
Carol Kirkwood has published a new contemporary romance novel every year since her debut. Because the timeline of her books matches their release order, the publication order is the most natural and rewarding way to read her bibliography:
- Under a Greek Moon (2021): Set on the fictional, idyllic Greek island of Ithos, this story follows Hollywood actress Shauna Jackson as she flees a massive scandal in Los Angeles. Returning to the island where her life changed twenty years prior, she is forced to confront old secrets and her unresolved feelings for Greek tycoon Demetrios Theodosis.
- The Hotel on the Riviera (2022): Set in Cannes, France, this companion novel focuses on Ariana Theodosis. Determined to prove herself to her father, Ariana arrives to take control of the Hotel du Soleil. As she battles manager Gabriel du Lac for control of the property, they uncover decades-old family secrets that tie their heritages together.
- Secrets of the Villa Amore (2023): Set on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, this novel centers on a high-society wedding at the luxurious Villa Amore. The bride, Carina, is set to marry her childhood sweetheart, but she quickly realizes he is hiding a deceptive double life. When a guest is found dead at the estate, the sun-drenched wedding turns into a tense mystery filled with betrayal and hidden agendas.
- Once Upon a Time in Venice (2024): Set against the backdrop of the Venice Carnival, this multi-perspective novel follows Gina, the concierge at a luxury Venetian hotel, and Lucia de Santis, a famous opera diva. During the vibrant masked celebrations, their lives intersect with mysterious strangers and Hollywood personalities, exploring themes of second chances and escaping the pressures of fame.
- Meet Me at Sunset (2025): Set on the island of Majorca, Spain, the story follows couture fashion designer Camille Fontaine. Escaping a broken heart and mourning the death of her husband, André, Camille plans to launch a new fashion collection with her business partner and first love, Nicolas. However, the glitz of the fashion house is soon threatened by dangerous secrets from her past.
- The Christmas Invitation (Expected October 2026): Moving away from summer beaches, this festive romance takes place at Clarendon Hall in the Cotswolds. Fliss Courtney flees a career scandal to spend a quiet Christmas with the wealthy Oliver family, only to find her ex-boyfriend, famous actor Kit Forrest, is also on the guest list, forcing her to confront an explosive past secret.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
There are no chronological discrepancies or timeline jumps across Carol Kirkwood's works. The events of each novel take place roughly in the year they were published. While you can read the later standalones (from 2023 onward) in any order you choose, reading the books in publication order remains the safest and most cohesive path. This ensures you do not miss the character transitions between the first two books, and it allows you to enjoy the evolution of Kirkwood's writing as she moves from standard romances to complex, multi-perspective mystery-romances.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Carol Kirkwood's novels, it helps to understand the unique blend of elements she brings to her storytelling. Drawing from her decades-long career as a beloved BBC weather presenter, Kirkwood brings an extraordinary level of atmospheric detail to her writing. She describes the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, the coastal breezes, and the stormy winter nights with the vivid precision of a meteorologist, making the settings feel like characters in their own right.
Additionally, while her books are marketed as glamorous romantic escapes, they frequently delve into heavier themes than typical beach reads. Readers should expect storylines involving intense family betrayals, career-ending public scandals, corporate intrigue, and even murder mysteries. Her style blends the high-society drama of Penny Vincenzi with the fast-paced suspense of classic romance-thrillers, providing a perfect escape for readers who enjoy high stakes alongside their love stories.