Read Alyssa Cole Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 28, 2026

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Alyssa Cole is a celebrated author whose works span several genres, including historical fiction, contemporary romance, and thrillers. With a distinct voice and a unique approach to storytelling, Cole has earned a dedicated readership for her richly layered characters, diverse narratives, and deep emotional resonances. For readers new to her work, it might be daunting to know where to begin, especially considering the variety of series and standalone books she has written. Understanding how to navigate her book catalog can help ensure that you dive into her world in the most enriching way possible. In this exploration, we’ll discuss the background of Alyssa Cole’s books, explain her various series, and dive into the question of whether her books should be read in order.

List Of Alyssa Cole Books In Order

Let It Shine (2017)	Details
An Extraordinary Union (2017)	Details
A Hope Divided (2018)	Details
The Rake’s Reform (2018)	Details
A Princess in Theory (2018)	Details
A Duke by Default (2018)	Details
A Prince on Paper (2019)	Details
The Wedding Date Disaster (2020)	Details
When No One Is Watching (2020)	Details
How to Find a Princess (2021)	Details
Butler’s Sister (2021)	Details

More On Alyssa Cole Books In Chronological Order

1. Let It Shine (2017)

Alyssa Cole’s debut romance novel! ’Let It Shine’ is a historical romance set during the Civil War. It’s about a freewoman, Charlotte, who’s fiercely protective of her freedom, and a Union soldier, Daniel, who’s tasked with keeping an eye on her. The chemistry between them? Explosive. It’s sweet, suspenseful, and filled with emotional growth as Charlotte and Daniel navigate their differences and develop a deep connection. It’s a passionate love story set in a turbulent time.

2. An Extraordinary Union (2017)

The first book in Alyssa Cole’s *The Loyal League* series, this one takes us to the Civil War era again, but this time, it’s a different kind of explosive chemistry. Elle Burns, a former slave turned spy, meets the dashing secret agent, Malcolm McCall, and the sparks fly. Together, they navigate the dangerous world of espionage while grappling with their own complicated emotions. It’s thrilling, passionate, and so wonderfully intricate!

3. A Hope Divided (2018)

Book two in *The Loyal League* series! This one is centered around a second chance romance between a former Union soldier, Daniel, and the woman he loves, who is also a former slave. After Daniel’s betrayal, they are forced to work together on a mission, and let me tell you, it’s full of tension, passion, and some serious heart. It’s a deeply emotional journey of forgiveness and rekindled love, and Alyssa really knows how to pull at your heartstrings with this one.

4. The Rake’s Reform (2018)

This one is a bit of a departure from the Civil War era, moving into the Regency period. It’s a delightful historical romance about a rake named Henry who has a reputation for being a playboy. Enter Anne, a determined woman who’s looking for a bit of reform in Henry’s character. The two of them clash, of course, but in the best way possible! There’s humor, some steamy romance, and lots of witty banter – perfect if you love a good redemption story.

5. A Princess in Theory (2018)

This is where Alyssa Cole takes us into a more modern, rom-com vibe with a little bit of royal fantasy thrown in. We meet Naledi, a grad student who’s had a rough life, and Jamal, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. The two of them get involved in a whirlwind romance, full of both hilarious and heartfelt moments. It’s a perfect balance of laughter, charm, and swoony romance, and it’s the first book in the *Reluctant Royals* series. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

6. A Duke by Default (2018)

The second book in the *Reluctant Royals* series, this one focuses on Portia, a woman who’s been living her life under other people’s expectations, and Tav, the Duke who is struggling with his title and all that comes with it. Their romance is full of sparks and steamy chemistry, and it dives into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and finding your true identity. Alyssa’s gift for writing witty, fun dialogue shines through again.

7. A Prince on Paper (2019)

Book three in the *Reluctant Royals* series takes us on a fun adventure with a romance between a prince who’s under pressure to marry and a woman who’s trying to move on from her past. There’s a lot of drama, a little bit of royal intrigue, and tons of romantic tension as the two characters work through their issues. It’s fun, engaging, and absolutely perfect for fans of royal romances with a twist.

8. The Wedding Date Disaster (2020)

A novella that’s part of the *Reluctant Royals* series, this one is a fun, steamy romance about a wedding planner and a man who’s been given one last chance to get his love life on track. It’s fast-paced, lighthearted, and has all the charm you want in a quick read. Definitely a great pick if you want a story that’ll leave you with a smile on your face!

9. When No One Is Watching (2020)

This one is a bit of a shift from Alyssa Cole’s usual romance fare, as it leans more into psychological thriller territory, with a dash of romance. It takes place in Brooklyn, and it’s about a woman, Sydney, who starts to notice strange things happening around her, all connected to the gentrification of her neighborhood. It’s suspenseful, chilling, and definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. And, of course, Alyssa’s knack for complex, layered characters is on full display.

10. How to Find a Princess (2021)

This book is part of the *Runaway Royals* series, and it’s a heartwarming, rom-com gem! Zora, a woman who’s been living a quiet life, finds out she’s a princess and is thrust into a world of high society and royal drama. Enter the charming but secretive royal bodyguard, Xander, who’s tasked with protecting her. The chemistry between them is sizzling, and it’s just so much fun watching Zora discover what she wants from life and love.

11. Butler’s Sister (2021)

In this one, the romance is full of sweetness and complexity, focusing on two people from very different backgrounds but brought together by circumstance. It’s a historical romance full of heart and passion, and Alyssa Cole’s writing does not disappoint. This book definitely leaves you swooning!

Background On Alyssa Cole Books

Alyssa Cole’s writing career is distinguished by its blend of historical accuracy, bold romance, complex characters, and insightful commentary on societal issues. One of her standout qualities as an author is her ability to blend diverse genres, taking readers from the high-stakes drama of historical romance to the thrilling intensity of contemporary mysteries and suspense.

Her historical romance novels are particularly popular, often showcasing stories of Black protagonists navigating love, identity, and societal constraints. Some of her most well-known works in this genre include An Extraordinary Union (2017), set during the Civil War, and The Escape Plan (2018), set in post-Reconstruction America. These books don’t merely focus on romance, but also dive deep into the cultural, political, and social struggles faced by the characters, providing a richer and more nuanced experience.

Alyssa Cole is also known for her contemporary romance novels, such as The Relationship Pact (2021) and Take a Hint, Dani Brown (2020), which offer witty banter, charming protagonists, and heartwarming moments. These books blend humor and depth, exploring themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and trust.

In addition to romance, Cole has ventured into thrillers and suspense, such as When No One Is Watching (2020), a psychological thriller that delves into gentrification and its terrifying impact on a Brooklyn neighborhood. This book demonstrates Cole’s versatility as a writer, as she shifts seamlessly from creating heartwarming love stories to tackling heavier, more complex social issues.

Writing Style And Themes

Across genres, Alyssa Cole’s writing is characterized by its emphasis on empathy and human connection. Her characters are complex, multi-dimensional, and deeply relatable, which makes them stand out in an often formulaic landscape of genre fiction. She explores issues of race, identity, gender, and class with an insightful eye, ensuring her readers encounter not only a story of love and romance, but one that challenges them to think critically about the world.

Reading Order Explained

Alyssa Cole’s books are not tied to a single linear narrative across her body of work. However, many of her books are part of series, and within these series, there is an optimal reading order that enhances the overall experience of the narrative. Here’s a breakdown of her most notable series and how to approach reading them:

The Loyal League Series

This series is one of Alyssa Cole’s most acclaimed works, particularly for fans of historical romance. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the books follow members of the Loyal League, a group of Black spies and abolitionists working behind enemy lines to gather intelligence for the Union.

The series consists of three books:

1. An Extraordinary Union (2017) – This is the first book, and it introduces the main characters, Elle and Malcolm. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of espionage, danger, and cultural conflict.
2. A Hope Divided (2018) – The second book follows another pair of characters, Keira and Marlow, as they navigate their own romantic entanglement amidst the same perilous war-torn setting.
3. The Duke Who Didn’t (2021) – The final book of the series diverges slightly from the earlier themes but remains rooted in historical context, following a love story between a duke and a revolutionary woman.

Reading the books in order provides a deeper understanding of the historical context and the overarching narrative of the Loyal League, although each book can be enjoyed as a standalone.

The Reluctant Royals Series

This is a contemporary romance series, featuring strong, independent heroines and the men who love them. Each book centers around a different royal figure and a romance that crosses cultural and class boundaries.

The series includes:

1. A Princess in Theory (2018) – This is the first book in the series and introduces Naledi, a woman unaware that she is the heir to an African throne, and Thabiso, a prince trying to bring her back to the royal fold.
2. A Duke by Default (2018) – The second book features Portia, an American woman working as an apprentice swordmaker, and Tavish, a Scottish duke.
3. Once Ghosted, Twice Shy (2019) – A novella that tells the story of Fabiola and her former lover, a brief but passionate romance rekindled under unexpected circumstances.
4. If the Duke Doesn’t Dare (2020) – The final book in the series that follows the romance between a Duke and a woman who has a reputation for never being impressed by men of status.

Again, each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order offers a more complete picture of the series’ evolving dynamics and character growth.

The Brown Sisters Series

A recent favorite among romance readers, this series features contemporary romance stories revolving around three sisters, each with their own distinct journey toward love.

The series includes:

1. Take a Hint, Dani Brown (2020) – This book introduces Dani, a no-nonsense woman who has a casual fling with Zafir, a gruff but charming man with a hidden heart of gold.
2. Get a Life, Chloe Brown (2019) – The second book in the series follows Chloe, a chronically ill woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love.
3. Act Your Age, Eve Brown (2021) – The third book centers on Eve, the youngest of the sisters, as she navigates her relationship with a grumpy B&B owner named Jacob.

Reading this series in order helps understand the overarching family dynamics and individual growth of each sister.

What I Like About The Series?

What makes Alyssa Cole’s work stand out is her dedication to creating nuanced and multi-layered characters. Each protagonist feels like a real person with desires, flaws, and strengths. Her ability to make readers care deeply about the characters is a testament to her skill as a writer.

Cole’s work also excels in its depiction of relationships-whether it’s the slow-burn romance of the Reluctant Royals series or the passionate connections in her historical novels, Cole’s love stories are deep and meaningful. The chemistry between her characters feels authentic and grounded in mutual respect, vulnerability, and growth.

Another notable aspect of Cole’s books is the sense of cultural relevance that permeates her work. Whether she’s writing about the Civil War era or a modern-day romance, she explores issues of race, identity, and belonging in ways that feel fresh and thought-provoking. She crafts stories that are not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating.

The historical detail in Cole’s works is also exceptional. Particularly in the Loyal League series, her deep research into the Civil War era gives the narratives an authenticity that is rarely found in historical romance novels. The same is true in her contemporary works, where she brings an elevated understanding of societal issues, making her books feel current and relatable.

Should You Read Alyssa Cole Books In Order?

While many of Alyssa Cole’s books are standalone stories or can be enjoyed independently, there are definite advantages to reading her books in order, especially when it comes to series. Reading in order allows you to fully appreciate the character arcs, the gradual development of themes, and the broader narrative threads that connect the books within a series. It can also give you a deeper understanding of the author’s evolving writing style and thematic explorations.

For example, in the Reluctant Royals series, each book introduces a new protagonist and new love story, but reading them in order helps illuminate how the characters’ lives intertwine and how their growth is reflected in the subsequent novels. Similarly, in the Loyal League series, the characters’ involvement in the underground network of abolitionists is more impactful when you see it through the progression of the series.

That being said, each book in Cole’s catalog can be enjoyed individually. If you’re new to her work and don’t want to commit to a series right away, you can easily pick up a standalone novel like When No One Is Watching or Take a Hint, Dani Brown and still enjoy a fulfilling reading experience.