Where to Start Reading Cathleen Cole
If you are new to the world of Cathleen Cole and Frank Jensen, the best starting point is undeniably the original Vikings MC (Austin Chapter) series. Beginning with Heart of Steel (2021), this series lays the groundwork for the authors' gritty, law-enforcement-inspired motorcycle club universe. Starting here allows you to experience the overarching narrative threads, the establishment of the club's hierarchy, and the introduction of key recurring characters who later cross over into the spin-off series.
For readers who prefer military romance and high-stakes operations over biker subcultures, the Soldiers of Misfortune series serves as a fantastic alternative entry point. While it operates in the same suspenseful domain, it focuses on elite operatives, mercenaries, and rescue missions, offering self-contained action-romance plots.
The Vikings MC (Austin Chapter)
Also known under the series title The Viking's Rampage MC: Austin Chapter, this is the foundational romantic suspense series that established Cole's signature blend of insta-love, deep loyalty, and dangerous criminal underworlds. The books follow the members of the Austin-based club as they protect the women who capture their hearts. It is highly recommended to read these in their exact publication order to avoid spoilers regarding club rivalries and cartel conflicts.
- Heart of Steel (2021) – Features Remi, a college student facing tragedy, and Steel, the intense biker determined to protect her.
- The Viking's Princess (2021) – Follows Gunnar and Bridget as they navigate cartel threats and fierce devotion.
- All's Fair In Love & Juárez (2021) – Focuses on Axel and Ming as they uncover a hospital drug scandal.
- 'Til Encryption Do Us Part (2021) – Explores a high-tech thriller romance within the club's operations.
- Bass & Trouble (2021) – Mixes musical passions with danger and protector dynamics.
- War & Pieces (2022) – Raises the stakes with internal club conflicts and external threats.
- Heavy Is The Crowne (2022) – Concludes the main arc of the Austin Chapter with a dramatic showdown.
The Vikings MC: Tucson Chapter
Spanning out from the Austin Chapter, the Tucson Chapter branch brings a fresh group of rugged bikers and fierce heroines into the spotlight. The tone remains steamy and action-packed, beginning with an age-gap, search-and-rescue romance. Reading the Tucson Chapter after the Austin Chapter is recommended to fully appreciate the references to the parent club, though the series is designed so that readers can jump directly into Tucson if they wish.
- Hush (2022) – Introduces search-and-rescue dog handler Maya and the grizzled biker Hush.
- Priest (2022) – A story of faith, redemption, and forbidden attraction under club protection.
- Riptide (2023) – Set against high-stakes oceanic and coastal dangers.
- Ricochet (2023) – A fast-paced tale of target recovery and second chances.
- Smokehouse (2023) – Features heat, culinary backgrounds, and intense protection.
- Hellfire (2023) – Deals with explosive threats and deep emotional healing.
- Idaho (2024) – Takes the club's business on a wild ride across state lines.
- Static (2024) – A story of communication breakdowns and static-charged tension.
- Butcher (2024) – Explores an assassin hired to kill a club member, only to find herself falling for him.
Soldiers of Misfortune Series
Shifting away from the motorcycle clubs, this series highlights elite military veterans, agents, and mercenaries who operate in the shadows. Each book focuses on a different specialist saving or capturing a strong heroine, delivering intense action sequences alongside steamy romance.
- Captured By The Mercenaries (2022)
- Protected By The Green Berets (2022)
- Saved by the Marines (2022)
- Kept By The Agents (2023)
The Discord Series
The Discord series is a darker, highly suspenseful romantic series featuring intense psychological elements and complex anti-heroes. The books should be read in chronological order to follow the character dynamics and the overarching suspense plot.
- Havoc (2021)
- Ruin (2021) (Note: Released in some digital editions and retailer platforms under the alternative title 'Inferno')
- Deviant (2022)
- Malice (2022)
Anthologies and Crossovers
For fans who want to dive deeper into the shared universe, Cole and Jensen contributed to a special collaborative anthology:
- Dangerous As Sin (2023) – A collection of romantic suspense stories featuring dangerous alpha protectors and thrilling missions.
What to Know Before You Start
The Real-Life Partners Behind the Page
A key factor in the authenticity of Cathleen Cole’s books is her co-authorship with her husband, Frank Jensen. Both authors have extensive real-world backgrounds in law enforcement. This experience allows them to craft realistic police procedures, criminal tactics, and tactical situations. While the books feature larger-than-life alpha heroes and high-stakes romantic suspense tropes, the underlying tension and operational details carry a grounded weight that sets them apart from typical contemporary romance novels.
Reading Standalone vs. Series Continuity
Every book in Cole’s catalog guarantees a Happy Ever After (HEA) for the main couple, meaning you won't be left hanging regarding the central romance. However, because the club politics, cartel threats, and tactical operations span multiple books, reading the series out of order can spoil major plot points of earlier novels. For the best experience, stick to the publication order within each specific series chapter.