Where to Start: The Blackwood Security Core Path
If you are new to the fast-paced, humor-laced romantic suspense of Elise Noble, the absolute best place to start is the Black Trilogy, which kicks off her flagship Blackwood Security series. This trio of books follows Emmy Black, a fierce operative navigating danger, secrets, and romance. You should read these three in order first:
- Pitch Black (2015)
- Into the Black (2016)
- Forever Black (2016)
While many of Elise Noble’s books are written so they can be enjoyed as standalones, Emmy’s story and Alaric’s story are the two major exceptions that must be read in their specific order to avoid major spoilers.
Publication vs. Chronological Order
The core Blackwood Security series can be approached in two ways: publication order or chronological order. Although the prequel novella, Black is My Heart (2018), takes place chronologically before the events of Pitch Black, it is highly recommended to read it later (specifically after White Hot) as it contains backstory details that are much more satisfying when you already know the characters.
Mapping the Interconnected Blackwood Universe
Once you finish the initial Black Trilogy, the wider Blackwood universe opens up. Elise Noble has woven several spin-offs and companion series together, featuring recurring characters, crossover events, and shared timelines. Here is how to navigate the spin-offs:
The Blackwood Elements Series
This series focuses on different agents and characters, such as Akari and Sofia, and provides a quick fix between the main Blackwood releases. The author recommends slotting them in as follows:
- Read Oxygen, Lithium, and Carbon after finishing the core Black Trilogy (Forever Black).
- Read Rhodium, Platinum, and Lead after reading White Hot (Book 10 of the main series).
The Blackwood UK Series
If you prefer a British setting with a lighter, romcom-mystery tone, the Blackwood UK series is a fantastic spin-off. It features titles like Joker in the Pack (2017) and Roses are Dead (2017). These can also be read after the main Black Trilogy.
Baldwin's Shore and Crossovers
The small-town romantic suspense series Baldwin's Shore (beginning with Dirty Little Secrets) eventually collides directly with the Blackwood world. The crossover book Secret Weapon (2022) is listed under both series. For the best experience, read the first three Baldwin's Shore books after When the Shadows Fall, then dive into the crossovers like Secret Weapon and Secrets from the Past.
Blackstone House Series
Centering on ten roommates bound together by a past tragedy, the Blackstone House series (beginning with Hard Lines) offers high-stakes intrigue. While it features a new cast of characters, it maintains the same signature blend of suspensful action and romance.
The Planes World: Stepping into the Supernatural
For readers who enjoy a touch of magical realism and paranormal romance, Elise Noble created a separate universe known as the Planes World. This includes:
- The Electi Series: A five-book paranormal suspense series featuring Cursed, Spooked, Possessed, Demented, and Judged.
- The Planes Series: Companion stories including A Vampire in Vegas and Coco du Ciel.
Because these books feature supernatural elements, they do not cross over into the main, real-world Blackwood Security timeline, allowing you to read them completely independently whenever you need a paranormal break.
What to Know Before You Start
Elise Noble’s writing is famous for strong, resilient heroines, protective heroes, and a healthy dose of dark humor. If you prefer your romance without explicit language, Noble also offers a "Cleaned Up" version of the first few Blackwood books (e.g., Pitch Black - Clean Version). Otherwise, expect mid-heat romance with plenty of action-movie energy. Most spin-offs and side stories can be read as standalones, but keeping to the recommended flow prevents minor character updates from being spoiled early.