Where to Start with Emily Rath
Emily Rath has quickly established herself as a powerhouse in the romance and fantasy genres, known for her sex-positive storylines, why-choose (polyamorous) relationships, and high-heat content. Because her books span different worlds—from contemporary sports romance to historical fiction and folklore fantasy—the best place to start depends entirely on your favorite subgenre.
For most readers, the ultimate gateway is the Jacksonville Rays series. This contemporary sports romance phenomenon, particularly the smash-hit Pucking Around, is what launched Rath into the spotlight. However, if you prefer historical romance with a twist, the Second Sons series offers a Regency-era reverse harem experience. Fantasy readers will want to head straight for The Tuonela Duet, a series rooted in Finnish mythology.
Jacksonville Rays Series Reading Order
The Jacksonville Rays series is a contemporary sports romance series that focuses on the players, staff, and loved ones of a fictional professional hockey team. Many of these books feature polyamorous ("why choose") relationships, though some follow monogamous and male-male (MM) couples.
While some novels feature different main couples, the characters are heavily interconnected, and reading them out of order will spoil major plot points, relationship developments, and family changes. To get the best experience, readers should follow the combination of main novels and companion novella volumes in the recommended sequence below:
- 1. That One Night (Book 0.5) (2023)
Note: This prequel novella introduces the main characters of Pucking Around—Rachel, Jake, and Caleb—during a steam-filled night in Miami before they realize their professional lives are about to collide. It is essential reading before Book 1. - 2. Pucking Around (Book 1) (2023)
Note: The core novel that started the phenomenon. It follows Rachel, a new physical therapist for the Jacksonville Rays, and her evolving why-choose relationship with players Jake, Caleb, and Ilmari. - 3. Pucking Ever After: Volume 1 (Book 1.5) (2023)
Note: A collection of extended epilogues, holiday scenes, and bonus material that directly continues the story of the Pucking Around polycule. - 4. Pucking Wild (Book 2) (2023)
Note: A monogamous, high-heat contemporary romance focusing on Rachel's best friend Tess and the Rays' goalie, Ryan. - 5. Pucking Ever After: Volume 2 (Book 2.5) (2024)
Note: The second slice-of-life anthology volume detailing further adventures, domestic milestones, and bonus chapters for both the Book 1 and Book 2 couples. - 6. Pucking Sweet (Book 3) (2024)
Note: A why-choose romance featuring the team's head of Public Relations, Poppy St. James, and defensemen Lukas Novikov and Colton Morrow, complete with a surprise pregnancy storyline. - 7. Pucking Strong (Book 4) (2025)
Note: A workplace MM romance tracking the developing relationship between team players Teddy O'Connor and Henrik Karlsson. - 8. Pucking Free (Book 5) (Expected 2027)
Note: The upcoming continuation of the Jacksonville Rays universe.
Second Sons Regency Series Reading Order
For readers who love historical romance but want a modern, sex-positive, and queer-inclusive twist, the Second Sons series is a Regency-era reverse harem saga. Set in England, these books follow wealthy, noble, and unconventional characters finding love outside traditional boundaries. Unlike many historical romances, this series features central polyamorous dynamics.
The storyline flows chronologically across the books, meaning you should read them in order of publication to track the character arcs and shifting social scandals:
- Beautiful Things (Book 1) (2022)
- His Grace, The Duke (Book 2) (2022)
- Alcott Hall (Book 3) (2022)
The Tuonela Duet
Taking a departure from contemporary sports and historical royalty, Emily Rath explores dark romantic fantasy in the Tuonela Duet. The series draws rich inspiration from Finnish mythology and folklore, dealing with underworld themes, magic, and epic struggles of bravery and companionship.
- North Is the Night (Book 1) (2024)
Note: The debut novel of the duology. As of mid-2026, the second volume is still highly anticipated, with no official title announced.
Standalones and New Projects
Beyond her main series, Rath has written standalone works and is launching new worlds for her readers to explore:
- Whiskey & Sin (2022)
Note: A standalone romance novel set in a detailed Omegaverse universe, showcasing Rath's early work with high-heat, alternative relationship dynamics. - Devour Me (Devour Me Series, Book 1) (Expected August 2026)
Note: The start of a highly anticipated paranormal MMF romance series set on a mysterious New England island, blending dark fantasy and romantic tension.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
Emily Rath's books are highly celebrated for their representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, positive depictions of neurodiversity (such as dyslexia), and sex-positive themes. However, new readers should keep a few details in mind:
First, the term "why choose" refers to reverse harem or polyamorous relationships where the main character does not have to select a single love interest by the end of the book; instead, the partners form a committed, multi-person relationship. This is the central relationship style in both Pucking Around and the Second Sons series.
Second, the Jacksonville Rays novellas (the Pucking Ever After volumes) are not optional if you love character depth. While you could technically skip them to read only the main novels, you would miss crucial relationship development, domestic scenes, and character growth that explain where the characters stand in later books. Treating the series as a single, chronological timeline is the most satisfying way to read.