Where to Start Reading C.J. Duggan
For the ultimate introduction to C.J. Duggan’s signature style, the best starting point is The Boys of Summer (2012). This novel launched her career and introduces readers to the fictional small town of Onslow, New South Wales. It perfectly establishes her blend of sweltering summer vibes, adolescent angst, local hotel drama, and 90s Australian nostalgia. If you prefer contemporary travel romance over small-town settings, you can alternatively start with Paris Lights (2016), the opening novel of her globe-trotting Heart of the City series.
The Summer Series: Small-Town Australia & 90s Nostalgia
C.J. Duggan's crown jewel is the Summer Series, which transports readers to rural New South Wales during the hot summer months of the 1990s. The series focuses on a tight-knit group of local young men known as the "Onslow Boys" and the young women who capture their hearts. While each book focuses on a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone, reading them in order prevents spoilers regarding recurring relationships and character growth.
Publication Order of the Summer Books
This is the order in which the books were written and released. It is the most common way readers experience the series, allowing you to watch the author's world-building expand naturally.
- The Boys of Summer (2012) – Follows Tess, a shy seventeen-year-old working her summer holiday at the local hotel, and the enigmatic Toby.
- An Endless Summer (2013) – Focuses on Amy, a local girl trying to rebuild her reputation, and the charming Sean Murphy.
- That One Summer (2013) – Tells the story of Tammy and the lovable, quiet Chris.
- Ringer (2014) – Follows the eternal bachelor Ringo "Ringer" James and Miranda Henry, who has returned from Paris.
- Stan (2014) – A companion novella focusing on the beloved character Stan.
- Max (2015) – A companion novella focusing on the broody Max.
- Forever Summer (2015) – The grand finale of the main series, focusing on the long-term friends-to-lovers story of Adam and Ellie.
Chronological Reading Order of the Summer Books
If you want to read the events in the exact order they occur in the timeline, you should insert the companion novellas (Stan and Max) where they fit chronologically. This order helps readers understand Stan and Max's perspectives directly alongside the events of the main novels.
- The Boys of Summer (2012)
- Stan (2014) – Book 1.5, focusing on Stan's perspective and background during the timeline of the first book.
- An Endless Summer (2013)
- Max (2015) – Book 2.5, detailing Max’s side of the timeline before the group shifts.
- That One Summer (2013)
- Ringer (2014) – Book 3.5, bridging the gap to the final book.
- Forever Summer (2015)
The Paradise Series: Coastal Escapes
Set away from the dry rural interior, the Paradise Series shifts the setting to the sun-soaked, coastal beachside environment of "Paradise City." It is a two-part coming-of-age story that tracks the emotional maturity of a country girl adapting to beach life and navigating complicated romances.
- Paradise City (2015) – Follows country girl Lexie Atkinson as she moves to the coast for school and falls for the local bad-boy surfer, Luke Ballantine.
- Paradise Road (2015) – The sequel and conclusion, showing Lexie returning to face her past and choosing between Luke and the broody bar owner, Dean Saville.
The Heart of the City Series: Global Wanderlust
If you are looking for a change of pace from the Australian landscape, the Heart of the City series follows young Australian women as they travel abroad to some of the world's most romantic cities. These books are true standalones, connected only by the theme of self-discovery and finding love in unfamiliar territory.
- Paris Lights (2016) – Follows Claire as she travels to Paris and finds romance under the Eiffel Tower.
- New York Nights (2017) – A fast-paced romance set against the backdrop of Manhattan.
- London Bound (2017) – Explores the moody, historic streets of London through the eyes of an Aussie expat.
- When in Rome (2017) – A Roman holiday romance filled with ancient streets and high stakes.
- Hollywood Heartbreak (2018) – Takes the reader to the glitz, glamour, and drama of Los Angeles.
The Kincaid Brothers Duology
In addition to her primary series, Duggan has written a companion duology focusing on the Kincaid brothers. These books offer a slightly different dynamic but maintain her signature romantic tension and emotional depth.
- Kiss the Girls – Focuses on the first Kincaid brother's journey.
- Kiss the Boys – A companion novel expanding on the family dynamic.
What to Know Before You Start
C.J. Duggan is a proud Yorta Yorta woman, and her writing reflects a deep connection to the Australian landscape. Her New Adult romances are heavily praised for their authenticity and relatable coming-of-age themes. When diving into her books, expect a lot of local Australian slang (like "pub," "ute," and "swag"), nostalgic references to 90s rock and grunge music (such as Nirvana and AC/DC), and slow-burn romances that focus heavily on character growth and small-town dynamics.