Where to Start with C.D. Reiss
If you are new to C.D. Reiss, the absolute best place to start is with the Songs of Submission series (also known simply as the Submission series). This is the breakout story that established her as a major force in erotic romance, introducing readers to the complex, billionaire world of Jonathan Drazen and Monica Faulkner. It serves as the foundation for the massive, interconnected 'Drazen Family World' that spans several of her subsequent series.
If you prefer gritty, high-stakes mafia romance, you can also start directly with the DiLustro Arrangement trilogy or the Manhattan Mafia series. For readers looking for contemporary tropes like fake relationships or enemies-to-lovers without heavy BDSM elements, The Crowne Brothers series is an excellent standalone entry point.
The Drazen Family Universe in Order
The Drazen family books share a continuous, overlapping timeline. While each subseries focuses on a different sibling and can technically stand alone, reading them in publication order prevents spoilers and lets you enjoy the evolution of the family dynamics.
1. Songs of Submission (Jonathan & Monica)
This series was originally released as a collection of short novellas before being bundled into full-length novels. For the best experience, read them in their numerical chronological sequence. Note that the bundle titles are listed in parentheses below for readers who prefer compilation editions:
- Beg (2013) (Included in One Night With Him)
- Tease (2013) (Included in One Night With Him)
- Submission (2013) (Included in One Night With Him)
- Submit (2013) (Included in One Life/One Night collections)
- Control (2013) (Included in One Year With Him)
- Burn (2013) (Included in One Year With Him)
- Resist (2013) (Included in One Year With Him)
- Sing (2013) (Included in One Life With Him)
- Domination (2013)
- Dominance (2014)
- Coda (2015) (Included in One Life With Him)
- Connection (2015)
- Sing / Coda (2015)
- Breathe (2015)
2. Songs of Corruption (Theresa Drazen & Antonio Spinelli)
This spin-off shifts focus to Jonathan's sister, Theresa Drazen, and her intense relationship with a mob boss. Reading this after Songs of Submission is highly recommended.
- Spin (2014)
- Ruin (2014)
- Rule (2015)
3. Affluence Books / Songs of Perdition (Fiona Drazen)
Focusing on Fiona Drazen, this trilogy explores a darker, psychological side of romance. These three books were also compiled into the single volume titled Forbidden in 2015.
- Kick (2014)
- Use (2014)
- Break (2015)
4. Sins Duet (Margie Drazen)
This duet follows the story of Margie Drazen and completes the main family storylines.
- Secret Sins (2016)
- Sacred Sins (2018)
The Mafia Romance Worlds
Outside of the Drazens, C.D. Reiss has written highly popular, dark mafia romance series that are independent of the Drazen universe but share her signature high-tension storytelling.
The DiLustro Arrangement
- Mafia Bride (2021)
- Mafia King (2021)
- Mafia Queen (2021)
Manhattan Mafia Series
These books were also released under shortened titles (Capo, Cry, and Break Me Down) during their individual runs, but follow a direct sequential narrative.
- Take Me Capo (2021)
- Make Me Cry (2022)
- Break Me Down (2022)
- Mafia Kingdom (2023)
The Crowne Brothers Series
This series consists of interconnected standalones centering on the wealthy Crowne family. You can read these in any order, but publication order remains the most satisfying way to watch the family relationships unfold.
- Iron Crowne (2019)
- Crowne of Lies (2020)
- Crowne Rules (2020)
- Fake Crowne (2023)
- Crowne Jewel (2023)
Other Contemporary Romance & Suspense Series
King of Code Series
A tech-romance series centered around hackers, corporate power, and intense attraction.
- King of Code (2017)
- Prince Charming (2018)
- White Knight (2018)
The Edge Series
A workplace and contemporary romance series with high-emotional stakes.
- Cutting Edge (2018)
- Rough Edge (2018)
- On the Edge (2018)
- Over the Edge (2018)
- Girl on the Edge (2019)
The Games Duet
A BDSM-themed marital romance duet. The first book, Marriage Games, won the prestigious Audie Award in 2017 for its exceptional audiobook production.
- Marriage Games (2016)
- Separation Games (2017)
Hollywood A-List Duet
- Bombshell (2017)
- Bodyguard (2017)
Cozy Mysteries: Christine DeMaio-Rice Pen Name
Before achieving massive success in erotic romance as C.D. Reiss, the author published cozy mysteries under the name Christine DeMaio-Rice. Known as the Laura Carnegie Mysteries (or Fashion Avenue Mysteries), these offer a fun, lighthearted contrast to her darker romance titles.
- Dead Is the New Black (2011)
- The Case of the Missing Blahnik (2012)
- Death of a Supermodel (2012)
- A Dress to Die For (2013)
Standalone Novels & Anthologies
If you prefer a complete story without committing to a multi-book series, C.D. Reiss has written several standalones that showcase her range:
- Shuttergirl / Star Crossed (2015)
- Forbidden (2015 - Note: This is the compilation of the Affluence trilogy)
- Hardball (2016)
- Prince Roman (2017)
- Pretty Scars (2019)
- Only Ever You (2019)
- Lead Me Back (2020)