Where to Start with Emily Hayes
With a bibliography spanning over a hundred books, London-based author Emily Hayes has established herself as a powerhouse in the LGBTQIA+ romance genre. Her stories are known for combining intense sapphic connection, age-gap dynamics, workplace tension, and light BDSM or consensual kink. Because almost all of her novels function as standalones, you can technically start anywhere. However, if you want to experience her recurring character cameos and setting continuity, there are two primary entry points.
For fans of medical drama, the absolute best place to start is Surgeon (2020), which kicks off the sprawling Forest Vale Hospital universe. If you prefer corporate settings, office politics, and 'ice queen' dynamics, start with The CEO (2022) to begin her corporate series. Both novels introduce you to her signature blend of high-heat romance and emotional depth.
Forest Vale Hospital Series (Publication Order)
The Forest Vale Hospital series is Hayes's flagship contemporary medical romance saga. The books follow various doctors, nurses, and surgeons navigating high-pressure careers and passionate romances. While each book can be read independently, reading them in order allows you to follow the lives of the hospital staff as they cross paths in the corridors:
- Surgeon (2020) - Introduces heart surgeon Dr. Katherine Ross and her romance with Sophia.
- The Doctor's Rival (2020) - Features the rivalry and spark between Dr. Hollis Roman and Ava Rodriguez.
- Christmas Eve (2020) - A holiday romance centering on nurse Eve Foster.
- She's My Patient (2021) - Focuses on Dr. Lillian Foster, the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Playing the Role of a Surgeon (2021) - Follows actress Ruby Riley shadowing a surgeon.
- All I Want for Christmas (2021) - A festive romance set around the hospital staff.
- The Doctor's Temptation (2021) - Another high-stakes medical workplace affair.
- Love Trauma (2022) - Explores emotional healing and professional boundaries.
- Her Boss (2023) - Features clinic director Diane Margot.
- The Fire in her Heart (2023) - Blends elements of medical care and intense romance.
- Pulse (2023) - A fast-paced romance following high-tension medical scenarios.
- The Doctor and her Veterinarian (2023) - A crossover romance between a physician and an animal doctor.
- Saving Lives (2023) - Wraps up the major medical arcs at Forest Vale.
The CEO Corporate Series
For readers who love office dynamics, corporate power struggles, and dominant women, the CEO series offers a long run of steamy standalones. These focus on professional rivals, assistant-executive pairings, and corporate leaders melting under pressure:
- The CEO (2022)
- Working for the CEO (2022)
- Serving the CEO (2022)
- The Ice Queen CEO (2022)
- Rival To The CEO (2023)
- Melting the Heart of the CEO (2024)
- Secret Enemy of the CEO (2024)
- Tempted by the CEO (2024)
- Thawing the CEO (2024)
- One Night with the CEO (2024)
The Forever Series
The Forever series features diverse settings—from school classrooms to corporate offices. It contains some of Hayes's most popular age-gap and ice-queen stories, including the fan-favorites Headmistress (Megan and Deborah's story) and Seducing Mrs Johnson (Julia and Isla's arrangement):
- Headmistress (2020)
- She'll Be Home for Christmas (2020)
- Coming Home to Holly (2020)
- Elizabeth's Artist (2020)
- V for Valentine (2021)
- Assistant to the CEO (2021)
- Be My Teacher (2021)
- Healing Her Heart (2021)
- Winning Her Heart (2021)
- Mistress (2021)
- Seducing Mrs Johnson (2021)
- Let It Snow (2022)
- Christmas With You (2022)
- Her Royal Affair (2024)
Lix Club Series
Moving from London to Los Angeles, the Lix Club series centers on an exclusive, women-only nightclub. These books feature a heavier focus on seduction, self-discovery, and light BDSM dynamics:
- Her Seduction (2020)
- Her Desire (2020)
- Her Forever (2020)
- Her Christmas Love (2020)
- Her Future (2021)
- Her Fantasy (2022)
- Surrender to Her (2023)
Phoenix Ridge Fire Department Series
Introduced in 2024, the Phoenix Ridge series shifts the focus to first responders. This collection tracks the intense, high-stakes romances of sapphic firefighters battling both literal and emotional flames:
- Sparks Fly (2024)
- Scorched Hearts (2024)
- Flame Kissed (2024)
- Embers of Love (2024)
- Passions Ignite (2024)
Other Notable Series & Standalones
Emily Hayes has also published several shorter series and standalone titles that fit neatly into any reading rotation:
The Bodyguard Series
Focused on high-security details, romance, and protective instincts, this series is best read in publication order: Her Bodyguard (2023), Falling For Her Bodyguard (2023), Saved by her Bodyguard (2023), The Princess's Bodyguard (2023), and Protected by her Bodyguard (2023).
Hearts Medical Romance Series
A separate medical line from 2024, containing Rules of the Heart, A Heart of Hope, Hearts on Fire, Hearts Clash, and Healing of the Heart.
Her Rival Series
Competitors finding love in unexpected places: The Senator's Rival (2024), The Artist's Rival (2024), and The TV Show Rival (2024).
Standalones & Collections
For a quick taste of Hayes's style, her standalone novel Escort (2020) is a great single-sitting read, while the collection Snowflakes and Sweethearts (2023) brings together her festive stories.
What to Know Before You Start
Emily Hayes's books are highly episodic and designed to satisfy specific romantic tropes. While there are overarching locales (like Forest Vale Hospital or the Lix Club), the continuity is loose enough that skipping books won't leave you lost. If you want the most seamless experience, follow the publication order within each themed block to watch the background characters progress in their lives and careers.