Read Penny Reid Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on April 15, 2026
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Penny Reid is a prolific and beloved author, particularly known for her unique blend of humor, heart, and smart, well-developed characters. Her writing often focuses on romantic relationships, but with a twist-she infuses each story with wit, intellectualism, and a deep exploration of personal growth. What makes Reid’s books stand out is her ability to merge romance with real-world issues and dilemmas, making her novels relatable, yet entertaining. Whether it’s the charming banter between characters, the exploration of complex emotional journeys, or the deep connections that grow between lovers, Reid has carved a niche for herself in the contemporary romance genre, especially with her trademark "smart romance."
But the journey into the world of Penny Reid’s books can feel daunting for new readers due to the intricate way her stories are interwoven, particularly with her many interconnected series and characters. Understanding how to read her books in the right order can significantly enhance your reading experience. In this guide, we will explore the various aspects of Penny Reid’s writing, dive into the recommended reading order, discuss what makes her stories so captivating, and help you decide if reading Penny Reid’s books in order is crucial to fully enjoying her work.
Contents
List Of Penny Reid Books In Order
| Neanderthal Seeks Human (2013) | Details |
| Neanderthal Marries Human (2014) | Details |
| Friends Without Benefits (2014) | Details |
| Love Hacked (2015) | Details |
| The Hooker and the Hermit (2015) | Details |
| Happily Ever Ninja (2015) | Details |
| Ninja at First Sight (2015) | Details |
| Marriage of Inconvenience (2018) | Details |
| Beard Science (2017) | Details |
| The Beard Effect (2020) | Details |
| Grin and Beard It (2016) | Details |
| Beard in Mind (2018) | Details |
More On Penny Reid Books In Chronological Order
1. Neanderthal Seeks Human (2013)
This is where it all starts, folks! Meet Janie, the quirky, socially awkward woman who prefers the comfort of her own company over big crowds, and Quinn, the stoic but totally swoon-worthy alpha male. They’re a hilarious pair, and the chemistry? Off the charts! It’s a mix of awkwardness, humor, and genuine feelings that keeps you turning pages, especially as Janie and Quinn navigate their unique, slow-burn romance.
2. Neanderthal Marries Human (2014)
So, after that first book, we’re back with Janie and Quinn as they take the next big step-marriage. This book deepens the love story and dives into how they navigate life together with humor and heart. It’s so refreshing to see their growth as individuals and a couple, and the way Penny blends comedy with real relationship dynamics just works. Plus, Janie’s inner monologues? Hilarious!
3. Friends Without Benefits (2014)
This one’s all about the perfect (or not-so-perfect) friendship between Sam and Joey. Sam’s a hotshot in the business world, and Joey’s a tattoo artist with a ton of baggage. There’s this no-strings-attached deal between them, but surprise, surprise-emotions get involved, and it’s all kinds of awkward and fun. Penny’s ability to balance humor and heat in this one makes it a must-read.
4. Love Hacked (2015)
Get ready for a hot hacker romance! In this one, we meet Scarlett, a woman who’s tired of being a wallflower in the dating scene, and the mysterious and totally hunky tech genius, Alex. They meet in the most unexpected way, and what starts as a little ’let’s fix each other’s love lives’ gig turns into something more. With Penny’s usual witty writing and steamy chemistry, this one is definitely a page-turner.
5. The Hooker and the Hermit (2015)
This is a big departure from the usual, introducing a hot, reclusive Irish rugby player (who’s as brooding as he is sexy) and a spicy, take-no-crap-from-anyone woman named Charlie. The banter is fantastic, and the romance is both sweet and smoldering. Plus, Penny Reid dives deep into the emotional baggage of both characters, making it an emotional rollercoaster that you don’t want to miss.
6. Happily Ever Ninja (2015)
The whole ’Ninja’ series continues with this one, focusing on the hilarious and sometimes awkward relationship between Cletus and Jennifer. It’s a slow burn with a whole lot of delicious tension. What makes this book so special is Penny’s ability to make you laugh out loud one minute, then hit you with some seriously deep, emotional moments the next. It’s that balance of humor and heart that keeps you hooked.
7. Ninja at First Sight (2015)
This is the spin-off that lets us get more of the Ninja universe! In this one, the characters are all as quirky and lovable as ever. You’ll get a mix of tension, humor, and steam in this fun read that still packs that signature Penny Reid punch. Fans of the Ninja series won’t be disappointed!
8. Marriage of Inconvenience (2018)
Okay, so things get even more complicated in this one! The book centers around Kat and Cletus (you know, from the previous Ninja books). Their marriage of convenience turns into so much more, with some seriously hilarious moments of tension and humor. Watching them navigate the unexpected feelings they’re developing for each other is so sweet and funny!
9. Beard Science (2017)
This one follows the story of the most brooding of the Winston brothers, Beau. Beau’s got his hands full trying to figure out his feelings for the seriously smart and independent Shelly. Their relationship unfolds with tons of twists, turns, and, of course, witty dialogue. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, slow-burn romance and laugh-out-loud moments.
10. The Beard Effect (2020)
The Winston brothers are back, and this time, it’s all about the oldest, the serious, and oh-so-handsome, Jackson. His romance with the beautiful, confident, and independent Marabelle is the ultimate slow-burn story, full of challenges, humor, and plenty of steam. Penny Reid really knows how to make you feel the tension between her characters, and this one? No exception.
11. Grin and Beard It (2016)
Get ready for more Winston brother fun in this one! Duane is definitely the most fiery of the bunch, and his romance with Jessica is full of ups, downs, and emotional moments. The banter is witty, the chemistry undeniable, and as usual, Penny Reid knocks it out of the park with a deep, emotional journey for both characters.
12. Beard in Mind (2018)
This one follows the gruff and incredibly interesting Cletus Winston, who’s one of the most complex characters in the Winston family. Watching him go through his journey with his romantic interest, Jenn, is everything. It’s sweet, funny, and filled with tender moments. It’s a fun, feel-good read that leaves you swooning by the end.
Background On Penny Reid Books
Penny Reid first captured the attention of romance readers with her debut novel, Neanderthal Seeks Human, the first book in her Knitting in the City series, which blends romance with a sharp wit and quirky characters. Since then, her writing has expanded to several other popular series, including the Winston Brothers series, the Happily Ever After series, and more.
What sets Reid apart from many other romance writers is her skill in crafting characters that are not only endearing and relatable but also distinctly intellectual. Many of her protagonists are highly educated, socially awkward, or quirky in ways that make them feel like real people rather than archetypes. She often explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, and personal growth, making her novels more than just a traditional love story. Instead, they provide insight into the human experience, with the romance serving as the backdrop for personal transformation.
Her books frequently blend humor with romance and a touch of mystery, often tackling important issues with grace. The sharp dialogue and heartfelt moments between the characters in her books ensure that readers are not only entertained but also emotionally invested in the outcomes of each relationship.
Reading Order Explained
Penny Reid’s books are interconnected, with many of her characters appearing in multiple series. While many of her books can be enjoyed as standalone novels, reading them in the right order will provide a deeper understanding of the characters, their development, and the way the different series tie together. Below, we’ll break down the reading order for some of her most popular series.
Knitting In The City Series
This series, which kicks off with Neanderthal Seeks Human, introduces us to the group of quirky, intelligent women who form a knitting club in the city. Each book in this series focuses on a different woman, her journey, and her romantic entanglements. The suggested reading order is:
- Neanderthal Seeks Human
- Friends with Benefits
- Love Hacked
- Ninja at First Sight
- Beauty and the Mustache
- Turbulent Intentions (A novella, part of the Knitting in the City world)
Winston Brothers Series
The Winston Brothers series is one of Penny Reid’s most beloved works. This series focuses on the Winston family, a group of rough-and-tumble brothers, each with their own quirks and romantic interests. The first book, Truth or Beard, introduces us to the charming yet complicated Winston brothers. This series should be read in the following order:
- Truth or Beard
- Grin and Beard It
- Beard Science
- Beard in Mind
- Beard Necessities
- Beard with Me
- A Beard in Cold Water (A short story)
Happily Ever After Series
This series is somewhat separate but still interconnected with Penny Reid’s other works. It revolves around characters who are supporting players in her other series. The reading order for Happily Ever After is as follows:
- The 12 Days of Dash & Lily
- The One That Got Away
The Laws Of Love Series
This is a newer addition to Reid’s catalog, where she merges elements of romantic comedy with legal drama. The suggested order for this series is:
- Hot Cop
- Dr. Strange Beard
What I Like About The Series?
There is much to love about Penny Reid’s novels, and as a devoted fan, there are several aspects of her writing that stand out as particularly impressive.
Real, Complex Characters
Penny Reid writes characters who are anything but one-dimensional. Her protagonists are multi-faceted and struggle with real-world problems like anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt. These characters are intellectuals, introverts, and quirky individuals who stand out for their individuality. When reading her books, you’re not just following a standard romance plot, but rather witnessing characters who grow and evolve, making the story feel fresh and personal.
Intellectual And Witty Dialogue
Reid’s books are known for their sharp, witty dialogue. The banter between characters is not just entertaining but is also an insightful reflection of their personalities. Each conversation feels genuine, and the humor is often layered with intelligence, creating a unique voice that’s hard to find elsewhere in romance literature.
Slow-Burn Romance
One of the highlights of Penny Reid’s writing is her mastery of the slow-burn romance. The relationships in her books evolve gradually, and this pacing makes the eventual romantic payoff feel more satisfying. Readers become deeply invested in the characters and their love stories because they’ve witnessed the emotional buildup and growth along the way.
Emotional Depth
Penny Reid doesn’t shy away from emotional complexity. Her characters face personal struggles and challenges that are often more than just romantic dilemmas. She delves into mental health issues, childhood trauma, and personal insecurities, making her books resonate on a deeper emotional level than a typical romance novel might.
Should You Read Penny Reid Books In Order?
While many of Penny Reid’s books can be read as standalones, there are several reasons why reading her books in order is a good idea.
Character Development
Reading Penny Reid’s books in order ensures that you follow the characters’ development across series. Often, the protagonists in her later books are introduced as secondary characters in earlier books, and understanding their backstories and growth adds layers of depth to the story.
Easter Eggs And Connections
Reid’s books are filled with subtle references and Easter eggs that connect her different series. If you’re reading out of order, you might miss out on some of these moments of connection, which can make the experience less rewarding. When you read in the recommended order, you get to enjoy these moments as intended, which enhances the reading experience.
Avoid Spoilers
Some plot points in Penny Reid’s books are revealed gradually, and reading out of order might spoil key details about other characters or events. For instance, if you start with a book from a later series, you might unintentionally spoil aspects of a character’s story arc that are meant to be revealed later.