Nora Roberts is well known for her many romance novels, yet she has also written under the pen name J.D. Robb’s.
Romance is Roberts’ primary genre. Although, she regularly incorporates science fiction, thriller, and fantasy into her stories.
There is a wide range of passionate and steamy relationships, beautiful, sensuous love stories, and all in between in Roberts’ classic romantic novels.
Thus, no matter what kind of romance story you enjoy, you can guarantee that Roberts will have written about it.
Roberts has written a staggering number of novels throughout the years, but she is all about quality.
Almost every book she has authored has claimed a top spot on the New York Times bestsellers list during the course of her long career.
She even became the first author to ever be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame as a result of her popularity.
It is best to read this long list of books in publication order, especially, when you are following one of Robert’s series. In addition to that, unless you are reading a standalone novel, it is best to read one series at a time.
This way, you will have a clearer understanding of the characters and stories you are following.
The world is totally ruled by technology in 2058. A lieutenant in the New York police force named Eve Dallas is looking for a brutal killer.
She has been in the force for more than ten years and has seen it all. Yet she defies every warning to avoid getting entangled with Roarke, an Irish billionaire who is a suspect in Eve’s murder investigation.
Pros
Simple narrative but a great introduction to Eve Dallas.
Cons
Lots of detailed, violent, and graphic scenes that may be uncomfortable for some readers.
Eve’s name appears on a Christmas list, but not for being good or bad. Instead, it is to help imprison a serial killer. Although, now that he has escaped, the insane man is after her.
Eve must stop the villain from taking his murderous vengeance, with the help of her husband, Roarke.
Pros
Fast-paced and interesting plot.
Cons
This book takes place after Holiday In Death, so it is important to read that book before starting this one.
Cassidy St. John’s modeling career has stalled. She is aware that she has a chance to become immortalized when renowned painter Colin Sullivan asks her to serve as the subject of his envisioned masterwork.
However, when Colin tries to depict Cassidy’s attractiveness, they both come to the realization that their developing connection is too strong to be captured only in paint.
Ruth Bannion, a ballet dancer, has always looked up to her strict, charismatic coach Nickolai Davidov.
She had always adored him from afar, never letting her feelings get in the way. Ruth, however, is unable to resist the heat of their attraction when they are teamed together in a seductive new dance.
Pros
Engaging plot and good world-building.
Cons
Certain dialogue feels flat between the main characters.
Serena MacGregor, who was raised in money and luxury, hides her status as an elite member of society while working as a blackjack dealer on a cruise liner.
Justin Blade, a gambler, then shows up and places a large bet on her table. He is mysterious and keeps his cards close to his vest. Yet, he finds himself wanting to show Serena that they have both hit the jackpot.
Caine MacGregor, an attorney, is known for his success in court and with women.
His new sister-in-law, Diana Blade, is committed to keeping him at a distance. Caine quickly realizes that Diana is too collected for his charm to work.
Yet he’s able to detect sparks of tenderness and passion beyond the ice-queen façade. Can he entice Diana to let her defenses down now that fate has brought them together?
Summer Lyndon is known across the world as a creator of exquisite desserts.
She is fascinated when renowned hotel chain owner Blake Cochran asks her to spend the summer revamping the cuisine at his opulent Philadelphia hotel’s restaurant.
While taking a vacation from her travels will be difficult, Summer never imagined that working so intimately with Blake would result in her falling in love with him.
Pros
A simple romance story to enjoy.
Cons
Very little mystery, it is quite easy to guess what will happen next.
Master chef Carlo Franconi is well-known for his culinary inventions all around Italy. Juliet Trent, a celebrity publicist, has planned a global tour to introduce his delectable cuisine to the world.
Carlo is gifted and charming, thus Juliet finds herself growing fond of the chef as he strives to put together the perfect dish to win her heart.
Pros
Slow-burning romance, with lots of humor added in.
Princess Gabriella managed to escape the kidnapping. Yet, now, she suffers from memory loss and is unable to recall who abducted her.
The princess’ family employs American ex-cop Reeve MacGee as a bodyguard, knowing the princess is still in danger. He has the skills necessary to protect her.
However, a blooming relationship between the pair, makes Reeve want to protect Gabriella and what they have even more.
Eve Hamilton once harbored a fleeting high school crush on Prince Alexander de Cordina. Yet her emotions quickly changed since Alexander made it apparent that he didn’t like this energetic young American girl.
With a prosperous career and little tolerance for the stubborn, serious-minded prince, Eve has now returned to Cordina. However, it is possible that Alexander is not who he seems to be.
Hunter Brown is a renowned horror author that delights readers with his terrifying tales.
Reporter Lenore Radcliffe of Celebrity magazine is tasked with shedding light on well-known individuals, and she will do anything to get an interview with Hunter.
Hunter agrees to an interview, but only if Lee goes camping with him. Together, they will learn how nature unexpectedly awakens their basic needs and wants.
In Washington, a serial killer is on the loose. The top psychiatrist, DR. Tess Court initially wanted no involvement until the police convinced her to work with renowned ladies’ man Detective Ben Paris.
Both will require each other’s skills if they will survive a murderer who believes that by killing, he may atone for crimes.
Pros
Unexpected ending and antagonist.
Cons
The writing is a bit dated due to being written in the late 80s.
Superstar mystery writer Grace McCabe chooses to see her sister Kathleen, who is caught up in a contentious custody dispute following a difficult divorce.
Grace is convinced to assist in a murder investigation, and her life begins to resemble a scene from one of her novels. Yet, she could become the next victim.
Pros
Well-rounded characters and interesting dialogue.
Cons
The chemistry between the two leads is inconsistent.
Abigail O’Hurley is heartbroken that her legendary racing car husband passed away.
She now just wants to raise her two sons in peace. However, journalist Dylan Crosby is writing a book about the life of her iconic husband in an effort to reveal the man’s secret background.
Abigail tries to keep Dylan at a distance, as their desires for each other intensifies.
Impulsive, big-hearted Maddy O’Hurley has become one of Broadway’s brightest performers.
Although, Maddy isn’t interested in the perks of fame. She only truly cares about dancing and music, up until she meets attractive, cunning record tycoon Reed Valentine.
These days, Reed’s only interests are money and power. He is therefore immediately skeptical when Maddy waltzes into his life.
Reed experiences an unexpected impact from her passion for dance and her thirst for life. Can he really change after all this time?
The Arizona Territory was an uncharted, wild frontier in the late 1800s that people like Jacob Redman traveled through.
The gunslinger had little patience for Sarah Conway’s politeness because she used prejudice against him due to his partly Apache ancestry.
She brought more to Lone Bluff than just the polite manners of her east coast city society. She was as dangerous to Jake as anything he had ever faced with a six-gun.
Pros
Great world-building, as you feel as if you are part of that world.
Cons
Some readers found this book quite short, which meant certain chapters felt rushed.
Author Jackie “Jack” MacNamara admits to being a touch smitten with her own creation of a gun-obsessed Old West cowboy.
She finds it difficult to comprehend her attraction to the prim and proper real-life architect Nathan Powell.
When they are forced to live together, they promise to protect each other’s privacy, but destiny is writing the story and adding a lot of unexpected twists and turns for this pair.
Pros
Likable and relatable characters.
Cons
This book has a more modern setting, which is very different from the historical western of the first book.
Cody Johnson, an architect, has never seen anything more attractive in a hard hat than structural engineer Abra Wilson. As a result of working together, Abra struggles to withstand Cody’s charms.
Yet as soon as they team up, both personally and professionally, the two find themselves entangled in a terrifying web of lies that has the power to ruin the whole enterprise. While also endangering their lives.
Pros
Plenty of unexpected twists to make the ending a real shock.
Liberty Stone discovers a jet crashed in the mountains. She finds the pilot, alive and unharmed.
Caleb Hornblower appreciates Liberty’s assistance, but he must go back to the twenty-third century. His future becomes hazier the longer he stays in the past.
However, as Caleb spends more time with Liberty, he comes to the conclusion that he has no future if he must leave the lady he is falling for behind.
Pros
Engaging plot that draws you in.
Cons
There isn’t much reference to time travel, which some readers assumed there would be.
Spencer Kimball, a composer, and his young daughter are recent arrivals to a small town. He is astounded by the strength of his desire when he first sees Natasha Stanislaski.
Spencer is drawn to the fiery former ballet dancer who now owns a toy store. Spencer is unsure of Natasha’s interest in a single father and whether she can open her heart to love.
Pros
Fully developed characters with interesting backstories.
Cons
Slower pace compared to previous books written by Roberts.
Sydney Hayward’s wealthy and privileged upbringing had not equipped her in any way for taking over the management of her grandfather’s company.
Sydney has discovered the hard way that she couldn’t ever rely on anyone, but Mikhail is an intriguing tenant.
He is a simple man who is from a completely different world than hers. She doesn’t have time for romance, but Mikhail seems to know just how to woo her.
Cilla O’Roarke hosts her own radio show, and she is used to admiring callers. Yet, when one caller keeps threatening to kill her, Detective Boyd Fletcher is assigned to protect her.
Now that Cilla and Boyd are confined to a small space, their rising mutual desire is impossible to deny—even as a predator draws nearer
Pros
Great character development, and lots of suspense.
While investigating witchcraft for his newest script, Nash Kirkland becomes fascinated by Morgana Donovan, who professes to come from a line of magical practitioners.
Nash is cautious of trusting his impulses, yet he considers his developing passion for Morgana to be nothing short of miraculous.
The oldest Concannon sister, Margaret Mary, is a glass artist. One man, Rogan Sweeney, the owner of a gallery in Dublin, has seen the spirit in Maggie’s work and has vowed to support her career.
As he visits Maggie’s studio, their intense connection inflames her heart, and love begins to gradually heal her scarred past.
Pros
Great introduction to all three sisters, with bold personalities.
Rafe MacKade, who is successful, well-groomed, and attractive, intends to launch a bed and breakfast with the aid of Regan Bishop, who owns an antique store.
Regan finds it difficult to resist Rafe’s charms while working in such close quarters.
Jared MacKade consistently stands up for what is right. He had a competitive attitude when he was younger, and it has carried over into his work as an attorney.
Savannah Morningstar, a strong single mother, presents a challenge, but Jared won’t be intimidated.
Although Savannah is ready to maintain her guard, Jared is intrigued by the powerful lady and knows what he wants.
Pros
Two very different characters, which surprisingly work well together.
Bailey James has no memory of anything. She doesn’t even know who she is, much less why she has money, a rifle, and a sizable blue diamond in her luggage.
In need of assistance, she rushes to the first police station she can find in the hopes that PI Cade Parris is a reliable person.
When Bailey shuffles in, Cade is certain that the woman of his dreams has just entered the room.
However, he must first persuade Bailey that she is not a criminal before he can contemplate his love for her.
Pros
Plenty of action to keep you engaged.
Cons
Some readers felt like this book was written by someone else, as the characters didn’t have the same level of detail as they usually do.
Cameron Quinn, a champion boat racer, life abruptly changes when his dying father asks him to take care of Seth, a troubled young kid much like Cameron once was.
Cameron now has to re-learn how to live with his siblings while juggling his responsibilities as a caregiver.
Seth’s fate will ultimately be decided by a tough yet beautiful social worker.
Pros
Good relationship development.
Cons
There isn’t much romance in this book, as it sets up the following installments.
Nell Channing feels as though she has at last found safety from her abusive husband when she sets foot on the picturesque Three Sisters Island.
She finds work as a cook at the neighborhood bookstore café, taking care to hide her true identity. She starts to think about her feelings for the island’s sheriff, Zack Todd.
Nell discovers that the island is under a horrible curse that can only be lifted by the lineages of the Three Sisters, the witches who first settled the island in 1692.
Just as she begins to question whether she will ever be able to overcome her fears.
A problem has arisen in Malory Price’s life plan, as her position as manager of an art gallery in Pleasant Valley, Pennsylvania, may be lost.
An invitation to a cocktail reception at Warrior’s Peak offers a welcome diversion. However, there are only two other guests: single mother Zoe McCourt and librarian Dana Steele.
The women first appear to have nothing in common, until their eccentric hosts tell them a tale and present them with a challenge.
According to legend, a casket with three keys contains the souls of three demi goddesses. Malory and the others must now locate the keys to win a million dollars each.
Pros
Witty dialogue and full of Celtic myths.
Cons
At times, the plot is a bit confusing for some readers.
Young widow Stella Rothchild has returned to her origins in southern Tennessee with her two young boys in an effort to get away from the ghosts of the past.
Roz Harper, who has a reputation for being tough, has been incredibly kind to Stella.
Roz has given her a lovely home to live in and a demanding new position as manager of the thriving In the Garden nursery.
Stella eases into her new life. She also develops a strong interest in Logan Kitridge, a ruggedly attractive landscaper.
Pros
In-depth characters to follow.
Cons
The information about plants often takes more importance over the actual story at times.
Lilith has been around for more than a thousand years, luring many men with her soul-stealing kiss to an eternal death. This siren is willing to do whatever she can to conquer the world.
Hoyt Mac Cionaoith wants to put an end to Lilith, thanks to his powers given to him by the goddess Morrigan.
He must assemble five other people at Morrigan’s command in order to create a power ring powerful enough to defeat Lilith.
Caleb Hawkins, a descendant of the town’s founders, has witnessed and experienced the evil’s rumblings.
The warning signs have never been this clear before. Cal will need the assistance of his closest pals, Fox and Gage, and Quinn Black, a reporter, who traveled to Hawkins Hollow in an effort to write a new book on its paranormal activities.
Quinn shares some sort of bond with Cal, as she is able to perceive the evil that the locals are unable to.
Pros
You can view this story from multiple points of view.
Cons
Romance is almost non-existent and the ending is a little anticlimactic.
Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot feels most at home behind the camera, but before a crucial rehearsal, she accidentally knocks into the bride-to-be’s brother. Carter Maguire, a reliable English teacher, is not Mac’s type.
Nonetheless, she might benefit from a casual relationship to help her forget about bridezillas. Of course, casual relationships have a way of evolving into something more unexpected.
Emma Grant, a wedding florist, enjoys working with her three closest friends. She appears to have a successful love life, but she hasn’t yet met Mr. Right. Jack Cook could be the one for her.
Emma may see Jack as a friend, but could there be more to this friendship than they first released?
Pros
Fast paced, with lots of action/conflict.
Cons
Some readers found the last couple of chapters rushed.
The old hotel in Boonsboro, Maryland, has seen war and peace, ownership changes, and even some ghostly rumors.
Currently, the Montgomery brothers and their quirky mother are giving it a significant facelift.
Beckett doesn’t have much time for a social life because he is the family’s architect.
The girl, he has been yearning to kiss since he was sixteen, has recently just moved back home. Thus, she has become the focus of another project he has in mind.
Pros
Exciting plot with loveable characters.
Cons
Slow beginning due to Roberts being overly descriptive.
Iona Sheehan grew up yearning for love and approval. In Ireland, where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations, she discovered where to find both.
Branna and Connor O’Dwyer, her cousins, are waiting for Iona when she gets to Ireland.
Iona meets Boyle McGrath, who is everything she’s ever wanted. Yet, Iona’s family tree has been encircled by an old evil that needs to be vanquished.
Pros
Friendships and family are well thought through.
Cons
This book has similarities to Robert’s other trilogy, The Three Sisters Island.
On New Year’s Eve, it started. The illness came out of nowhere and spread swiftly. Fear spread more quickly, and over half the population of the entire globe was wiped out.
This is a world of survivors where every stranger they meet may either be a savage or a hero.
Pros
Fantastic word building with a modern day world mixed with magic.
Breen Kelly makes the startling discovery that her mother has been hiding an account in her name. It contains around $4 million and was funded by her long-lost father.
Breen has no idea that when she travels to Ireland with some of the money, it will reveal mysteries to her life that she never could have anticipated.
Bret Bardoff, the owner of a magazine, catches the attention of Hilary Baxter, a fashion model from a tiny town. Yet, he had no idea how her pure heart would draw him in.
Pros
Easy read, as the whole book is just 224 pages long.
Cynthia “Foxy” Fox moved past her heartbreak from racing driver Lance Matthews, and established herself as a successful photographer.
Nevertheless, when she is given the opportunity to cover the racing season. Lance seizes the chance to persuade the one lady he can’t forget that he deserves a second shot.
Pros
Great mix of love and racing.
Cons
Readers wished there were more family interactions.
Nora Roberts is a well known author when it comes to her romance books. Yet, since Roberts has written over 200 books, her work covers various themes and genres.
However, at the heart of all her books is relationships. Her later works delve into magic and myths alongside love.
Since there are 271 books, it is best to read her books in publication order. This way, you will gain a better understanding of the character’s development and how all the stories tie in with one another.
I hope this article has made it clear on the order to read Nora Roberts 271 books in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Read Nora Roberts Books In Order?
As there are so many books, it does make it easier to read her books in order.
Why Does Nora Roberts Have A Pseudonym?
Certain books of Roberts are under the name R.D. Robb, such as the In Death book series. This is because Roberts didn’t want too many books published under one name.
What Is Nora Roberts Best Trilogy?
The Three Sisters Island is considered Robert’s most successful trilogy.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
