Diana Morgan Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start with Diana Morgan

If you are looking to dive into the warm, emotional, and trust-centered romance novels of Diana Morgan—the collaborative pen name of Alex Kamoroff and literary agent Irene Goodman—you have a couple of excellent entry points. Unlike many massive romance sagas of the 1980s, the Diana Morgan bibliography is highly accessible, comprised of standalone novels and very short, self-contained series.

For the absolute best introduction to their signature style, we highly recommend starting with the Dreams Trilogy. Published entirely in 1983, this trilogy perfectly showcases the duo's ability to balance rich character growth, emotional stakes, and sizzling chemistry. The first book, Crystal Dreams, is an ideal starting point that introduces readers to the vivid pacing and heartwarming resolutions that defined the Diana Morgan name under Berkley's popular "Second Chance at Love" imprint.

If you prefer a story with higher dramatic stakes, a touch of angst, and a continuous narrative, start with the Chapel Hill duology (often referred to simply as the Chapel Hill series). Beginning with Chapel Hill (1992) and concluding with The Lost Years (1992), this duology represents the final collaborative work of Kamoroff and Goodman and features their most mature and dramatic plotting.

The Dreams Trilogy

The Dreams Trilogy is a fan-favorite set of three romance novels published in 1983. Each book stands completely on its own, meaning you can read them in any order, though reading them in publication order is the most satisfying path. The stories are loosely linked by theme rather than overlapping character plotlines:

• Crystal Dreams (1983): The trilogy opener, set in Boston, following the romance between a professional hockey player named Bull and a dedicated Ph.D. student named Mariette.
• Emerald Dreams (1983): A passionate second-chance romance where Susanne Lawrence vows to guard her heart against the poet Jay Monahan years after a fleeting encounter, only to find their reunion reigniting an irresistible flame.
• Amber Dreams (1983): The final book in the trilogy, centering on art curator Jenny Moffatt and investor Ryan Powers as they navigate trust and mutual attraction in the high-stakes art world.

The Chapel Hill Duology

Unlike the other series in the Diana Morgan catalog, the Chapel Hill books features a continuous story arc with a major cliffhanger. Because of this, it is mandatory to read these two books in order:

1. Chapel Hill (1992): Introduces the bittersweet love story of law-school graduates Natalie Parnell and Jordan Brenner. Just as they are building a life together, an accident leaves Natalie in a coma, allowing a wealthy Chapel Hill family to manipulate Jordan's future.
2. The Lost Years (1992): The emotional conclusion where Natalie emerges from her coma and fights to reclaim her life, her memories, and the love she lost to Jordan.

The Fires Series

The Fires series consists of two lighthearted and engaging romance novels published in 1984. Both books feature strong, independent women finding love in challenging professional settings. They can be read as standalones in any order:

• Ocean Fires (1984): Follows Veronica Coyne, a recent oceanography graduate, as she spends a summer conducting research at a isolated lighthouse and finds unexpected passion.
• Hidden Fires (1984): Pits gourmet food expert Allegra Russo against Mark Trackman, the editor of Trailblazer magazine, in a delicious clash of professional rivalry and romantic attraction.

Diana Morgan's Standalone Novels (Publication Order)

Between 1981 and 1989, Diana Morgan published fourteen standalone romance novels. Many of these were written for Berkley's "Second Chance at Love" line, recognizable for their focus on emotional healing and realistic relationships. If you want to explore the evolution of their writing style, here is the complete chronological list of their standalone novels:

1. Moments to Share (1981): The debut novel that launched the Diana Morgan pseudonym, establishing their hallmark focus on trust and chemistry.
2. Trade Secrets (1981): A classic contemporary romance detailing the thin line between professional secrets and personal desires.
3. Lady in Flight (1984): An uplifting story featuring a strong heroine navigating a career in aviation alongside unexpected romance.
4. Behind Closed Doors (1984): Released under the Silhouette Romance line, this book explores the private vulnerability behind public personas.
5. Two in a Huddle (1985): A fun, sports-themed romance (Second Chance at Love Vol. 309) that brings together contrasting personalities.
6. Anything Goes (1985): A lively romance focusing on second chances and the unpredictability of love.
7. To Catch a Thief (1986): Borrowing its title from the classic film tone, this story weaves mystery, charm, and romance.
8. Paradise Found (1986): A tropical-tinted romance about starting over and finding love in unexpected places.
9. Bringing Up Baby (1986): A heartwarming story (Second Chance at Love Vol. 329) about the joys and chaotic surprises of family and new love.
10. Pocketful of Miracles (1986): Set on the scenic island of Nantucket, this fan-favorite follows ex-nurse Mallory Taylor as she seeks independence and a fresh start.
11. Wedding Belle (1987): A charming romance (Second Chance at Love Vol. 403) centered on wedding preparations and unexpected attractions.
12. Blondes Prefer Gentlemen (1988): A witty romance playing on classic Hollywood tropes with a modern 1980s twist.
13. Stranger Than Fiction (1988): A meta-romance involving writers, creativity, and the reality of falling in love.
14. Worlds Apart (1989): A poignant story (Second Chance at Love Vol. 476) about two individuals from very different backgrounds finding common ground.

Reading Order Caveats: Chronological vs. Publication Order

For the vast majority of Diana Morgan's books, publication order and chronological order are identical. Because almost all of the books are standalone stories—including the individual novels within the Dreams and Fires series—you have complete freedom. The only major exception is the Chapel Hill duology. You should never read The Lost Years before Chapel Hill, as the sequel relies entirely on the dramatic coma plotline established in the first book.

What to Know Before You Start

When reading Diana Morgan, it helps to keep a few historical contexts in mind. First, the books are products of the 1980s romance boom. They reflect the style of contemporary romances of that decade, focusing on independent women entering the workforce and establishing their autonomy. Second, because "Diana Morgan" was a joint effort between Alex Kamoroff and Irene Goodman (who later became a legendary literary agent), the books possess a unique collaborative energy. Kamoroff's mastery of narrative pacing combined with Goodman's deep understanding of character depth and the publishing market makes these novels stand out among the mass-market paperbacks of their era.