Where to Begin with Dana Marton
Dana Marton is a highly versatile author who writes across romantic suspense, epic fantasy, and historical fiction. Because her catalog spans different genres, the best starting point depends entirely on what type of story you enjoy:
- For Romantic Suspense & Mystery: Start with Deathscape, the first book in the acclaimed Broslin Creek series. It delivers a perfect mix of small-town danger, humor, and romance.
- For Epic Romantic Fantasy: Begin with Reluctant Concubine (also published as The Third Scroll), the opening volume of the Hardstorm Saga.
- For Dual-Timeline Historical Fiction: Check out The Secret Life of Sunflowers, which Marton published under her pen name, Marta Molnar.
The Broslin Creek Series Reading Order
Set in a charming yet danger-prone small town in Pennsylvania, the Broslin Creek series is Marton's signature romantic suspense collection. While each book features a self-contained romance and mystery, characters recur, and reading them in order helps you appreciate the background relationships and the community's evolution. The recommended reading order is:
- Deathscape (2012)
- Deathtrap (2013)
- Deathwatch (2013)
- Deathblow (2013)
- Broslin Bride (2014)
- Deathwish (2014)
- When You Return to Me (2015) — Note: This is a holiday-themed novella (often numbered 6.5) that can be read as a standalone but fits beautifully here.
- Deathmarch (2021)
- Deathtoll (2021)
The Hardstorm Saga Reading Order
If you prefer sweeping epic fantasy with romantic elements, the Hardstorm Saga is a trilogy that must be read in chronological order. The narrative follows Tera, a young healer with latent powers, as she navigates a harsh world of high-stakes politics, warlords, and magic. Read the trilogy in this order:
- The Third Scroll / Reluctant Concubine (2012)
- Accidental Sorceress (2015)
- Guardian Queen (2019)
Harlequin Intrigue & Romantic Suspense Series
Over her career, Marton has penned several fast-paced romantic suspense series. These books feature high-octane action, military or intelligence operations, and strong romantic threads. While they can generally be read as standalones, following the publication order preserves the progression of the team dynamics:
Mission: Redemption Series
- Secret Contract (2007)
- Ironclad Cover (2007)
- My Bodyguard (2007)
- Intimate Details (2007)
Defending the Crown Series
- Saved by the Monarch (2009)
- Royal Protocol (2009)
- Stranded With The Prince (2010)
- Royal Captive (2010)
HQ: Texas Series
- Most Eligible Spy (2013)
- My Spy (2013)
- Spy in the Saddle (2013)
Civilian Personnel Recovery Unit (CPRU) / Forced Disappearance Series
- Forced Disappearance (2014)
- Flash Fire (2015)
- Girl in the Water (2016)
Mission Recovery Series
- Silent Threat (2018)
- Threat of Danger (2018)
Collaborative Multi-Author Series Contributions
Marton has also contributed individual books to larger, multi-author romance series. If you are looking strictly for her work within these collaborative sets, you do not need to read the entire multi-author series. Instead, you can pick up her specific contributions:
- Diamonds & Daddies Series: Marton wrote the second installment, Desert Ice Daddy (2009). The other entries in this series were written by Rita Herron, Elle James, and Ann Voss Peterson.
- Cowboys Royale Series: Marton contributed By Order of the Prince (2011) and the final book, The Black Sheep Sheik (2011).
- Cowboy For Every Mood Series: Marton contributed The Spy Wore Spurs (2012) and By Order of the Prince (2011).
Historical Women's Fiction (as Marta Molnar)
In 2022, Marton adopted the pen name Marta Molnar to write historical fiction and women's fiction. These dual-timeline novels focus on inspiring real-life historical figures and contemporary women. They are published under the Light & Life banner:
- The Secret Life of Sunflowers (2022) — Focuses on Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law, who fought to establish his legacy.
- Girl Braiding Her Hair (2023)