What's the best reading order for the Grace Callaway books?

I love this question! The Callawayverse has grown over the years, and while there is no single required reading order, I do have a few suggestions depending on how you like to read.

Before I address reading order, I do want to emphasize that my books are written as standalone novels. This means that each book has its own unique couple and romantic arc, and you will have a complete story, regardless of whether you’ve read other books in the series.

That said, for those of you who love recurring characters (like me!), you will find that my characters move throughout a series—and even between series. Secondary characters (even villainous ones, because who doesn’t love a good redemption story) may show up later as main characters in their own books. Some later series even feature second-generation characters.

So, to answer the question: you can read the Grace Callaway books in any order you like. But to get the fullest reading experience, I would recommend starting with Book 1 of any series. Many readers choose to begin with The Duke Who Knew Too Much, the first book in the Heart of Enquiry series, which is a popular entry point into the Callawayverse. Below are the series descriptions so you can see which intrigues you most!

Mayhem in Mayfair
This series brings to life a Regency London of refinement and depravity. From bawdy houses to Vauxhall, rakish heroes and plucky heroines discover that the path to true love can take some exciting—and decidedly naughty—turns.

Heart of Enquiry
This series stars the brilliant Kent siblings who unravel society’s most dangerous mysteries and risk everything for justice…and love.

Game of Dukes
This series features dangerous men of London’s shadowy underworld who meet the women bold enough to challenge them—and change their lives forever.

Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels
This series features spirited debutantes who join a secret lady’s detective agency. They unravel mysteries—and find love in the most unexpected places.

Blackwood Legacy
This series stars the adult children of the Marquess and Marchioness of Blackwood (from The Lady Who Came in from the Cold), who journey to a charming but mysterious village where legend, adversity, and passionate love change their lives—and the lives of everyone around them—forever.

If you prefer to read the books in internal story chronology, here is the order of the Callawayverse series:

1. Mayhem in Mayfair 

2. Heart of Enquiry (the Kents)

3. Game of Dukes

4. Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels

5. Blackwood Legacy

I hope this helps! For a complete printable list of all Grace Callaway books in order, please see: Grace’s booklist

What formats are Grace Callaway books available in?

My full-length novels are all available as ebook, paperback, and audiobook. Some novels are also available in hardcover.

My books are also translated into German and French. 

Are Grace Callaway books sweet or steamy?

My books are definitely on the steamy side. I write emotionally rich historical romances with strong character development, layered relationships, and explicit love scenes that are an integral part of the romantic journey.

Romance Library once dubbed me the “Queen of Steam in Historical Romance,” and readers who enjoy passionate, high-heat stories with deep emotional stakes will feel right at home in my books.

At the same time, readers often tell me they love my “adorable characters,” because the sensuality is always grounded in emotional connection, humor, and heart. My stories blend warmth, mystery and suspense elements, and powerful romance—always with a guaranteed happily-ever-after for the central couple.

If you prefer closed-door or sweet romances, my books may not be the best fit—but if you enjoy immersive historical settings, compelling intrigue, and passionate love stories with emotional depth, you’re in the right place.

Are Grace Callaway books bestselling or award-winning?

Yes! I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and my books have reached #1 in Regency Romance and Victorian Romance on Amazon and #1 in Romance on Apple Books. My historical romances have also received multiple awards and honors. I’m a multiple-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery & Suspense, the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, the Maggie Award for Excellence, and the Passionate Plume. I’m deeply grateful that readers, booksellers, and romance professionals have connected with my stories over the years.

What is your background and why did you start writing historical romance?

“Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” — Gloria Steinem

I’ve always loved creating stories and imagining worlds beyond everyday life, and I write historical romance because it’s what I most enjoy reading myself. Lush settings inspired by the past allow for high drama, big emotions, and witty repartee not commonly found in the modern world.

My professional background also shapes the kinds of stories I tell. I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan and am a licensed clinical psychologist, and my training strongly influences the emotional depth and complexity of my characters and their relationships. I’m especially interested in how people grow through adversity and connection—and that spirit of resilience lies at the heart of the romances I write. In my therapeutic work, I learned the importance of instilling hope and a belief in a brighter future, and I try to offer that same sense of comfort and possibility to my readers.

Why don’t you write faster?

Ok, so this one is a FAQ to myself lol. I don’t consider myself a slow writer, but I know many authors write faster. To be honest, I enjoy the time when I am immersed in my story world and like to linger awhile. I also tend to write longer books with mystery as well as romance and other relational plot lines, so that adds to the time each book requires. My goal is to release a book every 6-8 months, which feels sustainable to me. I believe in living a balanced life, and I am very fortunate to have patient and understanding readers. 

Any advice you’d give an aspiring writer?

I find this a tricky question, mostly because I don’t feel qualified to give anyone advice. If you’re a writer, there’s a reason for it. I say follow that instinct. My husband—who happens to be a writing professor—tells his students, “Write with your heart and guts.” This is good advice, I think. Listen to your own voice, and don’t be too distracted by the noise around you.

Other things that I’ve found useful are reading a lot and having good critique partners and editors. Joining a local writing group can be a good way to connect with like-minded others. Plus writer besties are the best!  

What’s going on with the Abigail Jones series?

Oh dear. I was afraid of this question because I don’t have an answer. Abby and Hux’s second book is on hiatus at the moment, but I plan to return to it in the future.