I remember picking up my very first Alyssa Cole title. It changed my life. It also changed my perspective on romance novels. The storytelling was just the cherry on top of the sundae. From the moment you pick up one of her books, you won’t be able to stop reading. They will excite you and enthrall you so that, before you know it, you will have read all 18 of her novels.
Where To Start With Alyssa Cole Books: The Novellas
Let It Shine
This was the first book I read by Alyssa Cole, and I think it’s a very good one to start with. It’s a historical romance novella, so it’s almost 150 pages of goodness and romantic tension and epic plot. Sofronia wants more in life in Let It Shine, this historical romance novella set in the 1960s. When Sofie meets Ivan again, sparks fly and they start to wonder if they have a future together. Ivan wants to become a boxer, but also wants to help in any way possible and fight injustice in the country.
Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight
The next one on my list is Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight. This one just dazzled my mind and my heart and completely had me. Who is in need of a romance in medieval Scotland starring a Black heroine ready to make this big, softie hero fall to his knees? Me, please. This is definitely shorter than Let It Shine, though! In Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight, Agnes is a young woman at King James IV’s court. The king later makes a kiss from her the prize of a tourney and things gets interesting. A mysterious knight suddenly appears ready to take it all, making Agnes wonder why this feels so familiar.
Pick Up The Historical Spies
An Extraordinary Union
What can I say about this book that isn’t just me babbling about my love and adoration for Elle Burns? An Extraordinary Union is a delightful story set during the Civil War, where two undercover spies meet on a mission. Elle and Malcolm are wonderful together and you will see immediately the chemistry between them. This book is beautifully written and Alyssa Cole will really grab your heart and smash it to pieces.
Then Finish it With a Little Bit of Royalty
A Duke by Default
In this category, I really recommend picking up every single one of the Reluctant Royals books. In whichever order you prefer! But if I had to recommend one—which I’m obviously doing right now—of the five (three full novels, two novellas), I have to go with my heart and give you A Duke by Default. This has a GRUMPY SILVER FOX HERO! chef kiss What more do you want? This book introduces New York City socialite Portia. She’s constantly disappointing her family and friends, and has decided that needs to change. The perfect solution? Get an apprenticeship with a swordmaker in Scotland! Sounds fun, right? Her new boss is a gruff silver fox and they don’t really hit it off from the start. I TOLD YOU IT WAS GOING TO BE AMAZING. Would you agree this is very best way to start reading Alyssa Cole books? Which ones of her books do you think is that one book people need to start with?
