Where to Start Reading Celia Aaron
Celia Aaron is a USA Today bestselling author who writes across contemporary romance, dark erotica, and romantic suspense. Because she frequently jumps between distinct series and standalones, you do not have to read her entire bibliography in a single sequence. Instead, your ideal starting point depends on the flavor of romance you prefer.
For readers who want a deep, character-driven saga with dark themes, power plays, and BDSM elements, the best entry point is Counsellor, the opening novel of the Acquisition Series. This is Aaron's signature work and establishes the wealthy, corrupt Vinemont universe. If you prefer a standalone introduction to her writing style without a multi-book commitment, the romantic suspense mystery Blackwood is highly recommended. For readers who enjoy intense, dark mafia romance, the Dark Protector series is the perfect place to begin. Finally, if you want a dark contemporary romance with a unique antihero, the standalone novel The Bad Guy is a massive fan favorite.
The Acquisition Series (Vinemont Universe)
The Acquisition series is a dark, gripping tale of power, leverage, and forbidden desire, set against a backdrop of elite societies and questionable morality. The main trilogy follows Stella Rousseau, a woman caught in a contract she cannot escape, and Sinclair Vinemont, the man who acquires her. The books in this main storyline must be read in order. The series also contains a prequel and a companion novel:
- Sinclair (Book 0.5): Published in 2016, this book is a prequel written entirely from Sinclair's point of view. It depicts his first encounter with Stella. While it was published after Counsellor, many readers enjoy reading it first to understand Sinclair's motives, while others prefer to read it after the main trilogy to preserve the mystery.
- Counsellor (Book 1): The official start of the series, introducing Stella's plight and her introduction to the Vinemont family's dark games.
- Magnate (Book 2): Continues the intense, high-stakes relationship and the power struggle between the main couple.
- Sovereign (Book 3): The conclusion to Stella and Sinclair's main story arc, resolving the political and romantic tensions.
- Lucius (Book 4): Released in 2021, this is a companion novel focusing on Sinclair's brother, Lucius Vinemont, and his own dark path to love. It is best read after finishing the main trilogy.
The Cloister Trilogy
The Cloister Trilogy is a dark, cult-based romantic suspense series. Unlike her standalone collections, this trilogy tells one continuous story focused on a dark religious sect and must be read in chronological and publication order. The trilogy consists of:
- The Maiden (2018)
- The Prophet (2018)
- The Church (2018)
This series features heavy themes of indoctrination, escape, and intense, protective romance. Due to the tight plot continuity, starting anywhere other than The Maiden will result in major spoilers.
Dark Protector Series
For fans of mafia romance, the Dark Protector series delivers dangerous heroes and high-octane suspense. While each book features a different couple and can technically stand alone, they share a common setting and overlapping characters. To get the best experience and avoid spoilers for previous couples, read them in their publication order:
- Dark Protector (2017)
- Nate (2017)
- David: A Mafia Romance (2019) (sometimes referred to by fans or early promotions as The Butcher)
The Blackwood Duet
The Blackwood series blends gothic romance, estate mystery, and romantic suspense. The books should be read in order:
- Blackwood (2017): A full-length gothic mystery centering on the Blackwood Estate and the dark secrets hidden within its walls.
- Christmas in Blackwood (2019): A holiday novella that catches up with the characters and offers a festive, albeit still suspenseful, epilogue to their story.
The Cleat Chaser Duet
Showcasing her versatility, Aaron also writes sports romance. The Cleat Chaser Duet is a lighthearted yet steamy contemporary romance that must be read in order:
- Cleat Chaser (2016)
- Cleat Catcher 2 (2016)
The Forced Series
The Forced series consists of quick, high-intensity erotica and taboo romances. These books are standalone novellas and do not share plot continuity, meaning you can read them in any order you choose:
- Forced by the Kingpin (2015)
- Forced by the Professor (2015)
- Forced by the Hitmen (2015)
- Forced by the Stepbrother (2016)
- Forced by the Quarterback (2016)
The Hard and Dirty Holidays
Similar to the Forced series, this is a collection of short, spicy holiday-themed novellas. They are standalone stories, with the exception of the Valentine books, which should be read in sequence:
- A Stepbrother for Christmas (2015)
- Bad Boy Valentine (2015)
- Bad Boy Valentine Wedding (2016) (Read after Bad Boy Valentine)
- F*ck of the Irish (2016)
- Christmas Candy (2016)
Standalone Novels and Other Releases
Celia Aaron has written several standalone books that require no prior reading. However, keep an eye out for minor universe connections. For instance, the beloved standalone The Bad Guy (2017) includes a prologue featuring Sinclair and Stella from the Acquisition series, rewarding loyal readers with a fun easter egg without impacting the standalone plot. Other standalones include:
- A Cowboy for Christmas (2012)
- Kicked (2016)
- Tempting Eden (2016)
- Incubus (2017) (Paranormal romance)
- You've Got Fail (2017)
- Blood Prince (2018) (Paranormal romance)
- The Elder / Mississippi King (2018) (Part of the Mississippi Kings series)
- Christmas Cake (2018)
- Accidental Santa (2019)
- Devil's Captive (2023) (A dark mafia, forced-marriage standalone romance)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Celia Aaron's catalog, readers should be prepared for dark themes. Many of her books—particularly the Acquisition series, The Cloister Trilogy, and the Forced novellas—contain elements of consensual non-consent (CNC), BDSM, captivity, and intense physical and emotional stakes. If you prefer light and sweet contemporary romance, you may want to stick to the Cleat Chaser duet or her lighter holiday stories. If you love possessive, morally grey alpha heroes who will do anything to protect the women they claim, you will find exactly what you are looking for in her thriller and mafia series.