Where to Start with Ella Frank
For readers diving into the expansive world of USA Today bestselling author Ella Frank, the best and most popular entry point is Try (2013), the first book in the iconic Temptation Series. Centered on the sizzling chemistry between Logan Mitchell and Tate Morrison, this six-book series serves as the anchor for the "Chicagoverse," a massive interconnected contemporary romance universe where characters cross over, spin off, and play key roles in subsequent series. Starting here allows you to experience the emotional depth and character introductions that lay the groundwork for her other fan-favorite books.
If you prefer a classic male/female (M/F) romance setup, you can begin with her debut trilogy, the Exquisite Series, starting with Exquisite (2012). While it occupies the same universe and features characters who cross over into the M/M series, it stands on its own as a complete contemporary romance trilogy.
The Core Chicagoverse: Chronological Reading Order
While many of Ella Frank's series can be read as standalones, following the chronological and publishing timeline of the Chicagoverse ensures you will not miss key character cameos, background relationships, or chronological transitions. The recommended reading path for the Chicagoverse is outlined below:
1. The Exquisite Series
The foundation of the shared universe, written as an emotional, high-heat M/F contemporary romance.
- Exquisite (2012)
- Entice (2013)
- Edible (2013)
2. The Temptation Series
The flagship M/M romance series focusing entirely on Logan and Tate. This series introduces several characters who later receive their own dedicated spin-offs, including Robbie Bianchi, Julien Thornton, and Joel "Priest" Priestley.
- Try (2013)
- Take (2014)
- Trust (2015)
- Tease (2017)
- Tate (2017)
- True (2017)
3. The Sunset Cove Series
Set in a coastal Florida town, this series connects back to the Chicago crowd and introduces Dylan Prescott.
- Finley (2016)
- Devil's Kiss (2016)
4. The PresLocke Series (with Brooke Blaine)
A highly celebrated celebrity M/M romance co-authored with Brooke Blaine. It crosses over Dylan Prescott (from Sunset Cove) with Ace Locke (from Brooke Blaine's L.A. Liaisons series).
- Aced (2016)
- Locked (2016)
- Wedlocked (2017)
5. The Confessions Series
Beginning as a trilogy focusing on the complex MMF triad relationship between Robbie Bianchi, Julien Thornton, and Joel "Priest" Priestley, the series expands to cover other couples before leaping forward to the next generation.
- Robbie (2018)
- Julien (2018)
- Priest (2018)
- The Princess, the Prick & the Priest (2018)
- Henri (2019)
- Bailey (2019)
- Ethan (2023)
- Zayne (2023)
- Chloé (2023)
6. The Prime Time Series
This series moves the action to the world of broadcast journalism, following news anchor Alexander Thorne and detective Sean Bailey.
- Inside Affair (2020)
- Breaking News (2020)
- Headlines (2020)
7. The Intentions Duet
An age-gap romance featuring media executive Marcus St. James and Gabriel Romero, set in the same Chicago media landscape.
- Bad Intentions (2021)
- Good Intentions (2021)
8. The Dare to Try Series (with Brooke Blaine)
An explosive crossover trilogy that unites Kieran Bailey (from Ella Frank's Prime Time series) and Sebastian "Bash" Vogel (from Brooke Blaine's South Haven series).
- Dare You (2021)
- Dare Me (2021)
- Truth or Dare (2021)
9. The Chicago Heat Duet
A contemporary M/M duet pairing Ryan Carrigan (Xander's assistant from Prime Time) with grumpy firefighter Jameson Clarke.
- Wicked Heat (2022)
- Wicked Flame (2022)
Co-Authored Universes with Brooke Blaine
In addition to their Chicagoverse crossovers, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine have co-written several distinct, standalone series that do not require reading the Chicagoverse books. They are highly recommended for fans of high-energy M/M romance:
The Elite Series
A high-octane, military-aviation M/M romance following elite fighter pilots in training, heavily inspired by classic fighter pilot dynamics.
- Danger Zone (2020)
- Need for Speed (2020)
- Classified (2020)
The Fallen Angel Series
A multi-book rockstar M/M romance following the tumultuous lives, music, and relationships of the members of the rock band Fallen Angel.
- Halo (2019)
- Viper (2019)
- Angel (2019)
- An Affair In Paris (2019)
- Lust Hate Love (2019)
The Malvagio Duet
A darker M/M mafia romance following Domenico Rossetti and Luca Davis as they navigate a dangerous power struggle between rival crime families.
- Forbidden Mafia Prince (2022)
- Sinful Mafia Prince (2022)
Park Avenue Princes Series
An elite, luxury contemporary M/M romance series set at the prestigious Astor University in Manhattan, following wealthy legacies.
- Infamous Park Avenue Prince (2023)
- Insatiable Park Avenue Prince (2023)
- Scandalous Park Avenue Prince (2024)
- Possessive Park Avenue Prince (2024)
- Salacious Park Avenue Prince (2024)
- Notorious Park Avenue Prince (2024)
Other Standalones and Subseries
Ella Frank has also written within paranormal romance and traditional small-town romance genres. These projects stand outside of her contemporary Chicagoverse:
- Masters Among Monsters: A dark paranormal M/M romance trilogy consisting of Alasdair (2015), Isadora (2016), and Thanos (2017).
- Chamberlin Brothers: A second-chance, small-town romance starting with Pure Seduction (2021).
- The Arcanian Chronicles: A fantasy romance series initiated with Temperance (2015).