Connie Mason Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Connie Mason?

Bestselling historical romance author Connie Mason published over fifty novels during a career spanning three decades. Known for her passionate, high-stakes plots and bold characters, she became a hallmark of classic, old-school historical romance. If you are new to her work, deciding where to start can be daunting. There are three recommended entry points depending on your favorite historical subgenre:

• For Highland Romance Fans: The Sin Trilogy. Start with A Taste of Sin (2000). This trilogy is widely regarded as one of Mason's most popular series, full of fierce Scottish clan rivalries, childhood betrothals, and fiery chemistry.
• For Western Romance Fans: The Outlaws Trilogy. Start with Rafe (2000). This trilogy follows the adventures and loves of the rugged Gentry brothers in the American West and showcases Mason's talent for wild frontier stories.
• For Standalone Medieval Lovers: The Dragon Lord (2001). If you prefer to sample a single, self-contained book before committing to a series, The Dragon Lord is highly recommended. It blends humor, medieval pageantry, and intense romantic tension.

What to Know Before You Start

Connie Mason (1930–2020) was a military spouse who traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, experiences that enriched her descriptions of exotic settings. She published her debut novel, Tender Fury, in 1984 and went on to receive prestigious accolades from Romantic Times, including Story Teller of the Year in 1990 and a Career Achievement Award in 1994. Mason's books are written in the style of classic historical romance (often fondly referred to as "bodice rippers"). Her stories feature very high emotional drama, alpha heroes, strong-willed heroines who clash with their matches, and explicit, steamy passion. Readers should expect traditional romance tropes of the 1980s and 1990s, where enemies-to-lovers storylines and high-seas abductions are common.

The Bold Land, Bold Love Trilogy (Australian Series)

This early trilogy transport readers to the harsh, beautiful Australian frontier. The series is best read in publication order as it follows generational families and characters settling the Outback:

1. Bold Land, Bold Love (1989)
2. Wild Land, Wild Love (1992)
3. Brave Land, Brave Love (1992)

Beyond the Horizon Books

This duology delivers sweeping stories of destiny, journey, and love against rugged historical landscapes. Read these in order to follow the continuity:

1. Beyond the Horizon (1990)
2. A Promise of Thunder (1993)

Tears Like Rain Series (Trails West Trilogy)

Set along the wagon trails and untamed regions of the American West, this series highlights the struggles of pioneers, Native Americans, and the passionate bonds formed under pressure:

1. Tears Like Rain (1994)
2. Wind Rider (1994)
3. Sierra (1995)

The Delaney Series

One of Mason's beloved family-focused series, the Delaney books follow the lives and loves of characters trying to tame their wild desires. They should be read in order:

1. To Love a Stranger (1997)
2. To Tame a Renegade (1998)
3. To Tempt a Rogue (1999)

The Flame Series

This two-book collection highlights passionate Native American romances, dealing with themes of cultural clashes, survival, and deep spiritual bonds:

1. Flame (1997)
2. Shadow Walker (1997)

The Outlaws Trilogy

This fan-favorite Western series tells the stories of three outlaw brothers—Rafe, Jess, and Sam—as they find redemption and love. Read them in order to see the brothers' stories resolve:

1. Rafe (2000)
2. Jess (2000)
3. Sam (2001)

The Sin Trilogy (Taste of Sin Books)

Set in Scotland, this trilogy is highly recommended for readers who enjoy medieval highland settings, clan warfare, and intense, steamy romance. Read them in order to appreciate the character growth:

1. A Taste of Sin (2000)
2. A Breath of Scandal (2001)
3. A Touch So Wicked (2002)

The Rogue Trilogy

Set in historical England, this trilogy focuses on dashing rogues and the strong women who manage to capture their hearts. Read them in sequence:

1. The Rogue and the Hellion (2002)
2. Seduced by a Rogue (2003)
3. The Last Rogue (2004)

The Royal Rakes Series (Co-Authored with Mia Marlowe)

Later in her career, Connie Mason collaborated with author Mia Marlowe on this Regency romance series. It features reformed rakes navigating the high society of London. These should be read in order:

1. Waking Up with a Rake (2013)
2. One Night with a Rake (2013)
3. Between a Rake and a Hard Place (2014)

Connie Mason's Standalone Novels

While her series are highly engaging, a significant portion of Connie Mason's work consists of standalone historical novels. These books can be read in any order, allowing you to choose based on your preferred historical setting, from Viking invasions to pirate ships:

• Early standalones: Start with her debut, Tender Fury (1984), followed by Caress and Conquer (1986), My Lady Vixen (1987), For Honor's Sake (1987), Desert Ecstasy (1988), Promised Splendor (1988), Wild is My Heart (1989), Tempt the Devil (1990), Love Me with Fury (1991), Surrender to the Fury (1992), and Ice & Rapture (1992).
• Medieval & High-Seas Adventure: Highlights include the classic pirate romance Taken by You (1996), The Lion's Bride (1995), Viking! (1998), The Black Knight (1999), Pirate (1999), The Dragon Lord (2001), Lionheart (2002), The Pirate Prince (2004), A Knight's Honor (2005), and Viking Warrior (2008).
• Later Standalones: Other popular standalones include Gunslinger (1999), The Laird of Stonehaven (2003), Gypsy Lover (2005), A Taste of Paradise (2006), Highland Warrior (2007), The Price of Pleasure (2007), Lord of Devil Isle (2010), Sins of the Highlander (2010), and her final standalone release, Lord of Fire and Ice (2012).