Em Petrova Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Em Petrova?

With a catalog spanning more than a hundred books, deciding where to begin with Em Petrova can feel daunting. Fortunately, her work is divided into distinct, themed series that allow readers to find their preferred subgenre right away. There are two primary entry points depending on what you enjoy reading most:

• If you love military romance and high-stakes action: Start with Hitting Xtremes, the first book in the Xtreme Ops series. It introduces you to her signature blend of pulse-pounding danger and intense, steamy romance.
• If you prefer rugged cowboys and small-town charm: Start with Pushin' Buttons, the first book in the Boot Knockers Ranch series, or dive into her blockbuster bodyguard series starting with Rescued by the Cowboy, the first book in the WEST Protection series.

It is important to note that almost all of Em Petrova's novels are written to be read as standalones. Each book focuses on a single couple and resolves their romantic journey by the final page. However, because characters frequently cross over and make cameo appearances in other books within the same series, reading them in order provides the most rewarding experience and prevents minor spoilers regarding who ends up with whom.

The Cowboy & Ranch Romance Series

Em Petrova is famous for her cowboys. These series are packed with protective ranch hands, stubborn lawmen, and rugged alphas. Here is the publication order for her most popular western series based on the official reading list.

WEST Protection Series

This is one of Petrova's most popular series, following a group of elite, protective cowboy bodyguards who go to extreme lengths to protect the women they love.

1. Rescued by the Cowboy (2021)
2. Guarded by the Cowboy (2021)
3. High-Stakes Cowboy (2021)
4. Cowboy Conspiracy Theory (2021)
5. Cowboy in the Crosshairs (2021)
6. Protected by the Cowboy (2022)
7. Bravo Tango Cowboy (2022)
8. Breaking in the Cowboy (2022)
9. Shielded by the Cowboy (2022)
10. Close Range Cowboy (2022)
11. Zero Dark Cowboy (2023)
12. Top Secret Cowboy (2023)
13. Cowboy Under Siege (2023)
14. Fake Christmas Date Cowboy (2023)

WEST Protection Sentry Series

This direct spin-off expands on the WEST Protection universe, focusing on the security agency's sentry division. It is best read after finishing or alongside the main WEST Protection run.

1. Long Arm of the Cowboy (2023)
2. Cowboy Breaking Point (2023)
3. Shotgun Wedding Cowboy (2023)
4. Justice for the Cowboy (2024)

Boot Knockers Ranch Series

If you prefer contemporary ranch romance with plenty of humor and sizzling chemistry, this long-running series is a fan favorite.

1. Pushin' Buttons (2014)
2. Body Language (2014)
3. Reining Men (2014)
4. Ropin' Hearts (2015)
5. Rope Burn (2015)
6. Cowboy Not Included (2015)
7. Cowboy by Candlelight (2017)
8. The Boot Knocker's Baby (2017)
9. Ropin' a Romeo (2017)
10. Cupid Cowboys (2019)
11. Winning Wyoming (2021)
12. Bedroom Rodeo (2024)
13. Stud Ranch (2024)

The Dalton Boys Series

A sweeping family saga following the romantic trials and triumphs of the rugged Dalton brothers.

1. Cowboy Crazy (2014)
2. Cowboy Bargain (2014)
3. Cowboy Crushin' (2015)
4. Cowboy Secret (2015)
5. Cowboy Rush (2015)
6. Cowboy Mistletoe (2017)
7. Cowboy Flirtation (2018)
8. Cowboy Temptation (2018)
9. Cowboy Surprise (2019)
10. Cowgirl Dreamer (2019)
11. Cowgirl Miracle (2019)
12. Cowgirl Heart (2020)

The Military & Special Ops Romance Series

For readers who want high-stakes suspense, dangerous missions, and military heroes who will do whatever it takes to protect their partners, Petrova has several action-packed series.

Xtreme Ops Series

This series centers around elite special operatives undertaking dangerous missions while finding unexpected love.

1. Hitting Xtremes (2020)
2. To the Xtreme (2021)
3. Xtreme Behavior (2021)
4. Xtreme Affairs (2021)
5. Xtreme Measures (2021)
6. Xtreme Pressure (2021)
7. North of Love (2021)
8. Xtreme Limits (2022)
9. Xtreme Rules (2022)

SEAL Team Blackout Series

Focused on the stealthy, dangerous lives of navy SEALs and the intense romances that spark in the line of duty.

1. Shattered Ties (2022)
2. Sparrow (2022)
3. Merciless Survival (2022)
4. Savage Pawn (2022)
5. Rebel Mission (2022)
6. Wicked Instinct (2022)
7. Final Target (2023)
8. Dirty Justice (2023)
9. Sweet Refuge (2023)

Knight Ops Series

A fast-paced military romance series full of protective heroes and dangerous assignments.

1. All Knighter (2018)
2. Heat of the Knight (2018)
3. Hot Louisiana Knight (2018)
4. After MidKnight (2018)
5. Knight Shift (2018)
6. O Christmas Knight (2018)
7. Angel of the Knight (2018)

What to Know Before You Start

Em Petrova's writing is characterized by its high steam levels, fast pacing, and protective alpha dynamics. If you are new to her work, keep the following reading tips in mind:

First, pay attention to the subgenres. While she is best known for contemporary cowboy and military romantic suspense, she has also written paranormal romance, firefighter romance (such as the Firehouse 5 and Where There's Smoke series), and classic contemporary romances. Check the series theme beforehand to ensure it aligns with what you want to read.

Second, don't worry about complete chronological continuity across different series. While books within a specific series like WEST Protection should ideally be read in order to fully appreciate the overarching character arcs and backgrounds, you can jump between her major series (like moving from Boot Knockers Ranch to Xtreme Ops) in any order you choose without getting confused.