Which Deanna Raybourn Book Should I Read First?

“I'm so sorry, Leo,” I rasped, my voice barely a whisper. Tears of guilt and self-blame streamed down my cheeks as I stood before him, eyes cast downward. Despite the fact that I was his prisoner and he was my warden, I couldn't bear the thought of anything bad happening to him. I told him, “It's my fault. I shouldn't have let you go-” “Damn it, Alessandra. I don't want your apology,” Leonardo snapped, lifting my chin with a firm finger, forcing me to meet his gaze. His voice was hard as steel as he continued, “I want you to write a fucking essay about how much you think about me. How you crave my touch. I want to hear you say you love me, because I swear it in this life, mia principessa, there won't be anyone else but me.” ----------------------------------------------------- When Alessandra Scavelli is forced into marrying Leonardo De Castello, her childhood sweetheart turned feared mafia kingpin, her world is thrown into chaos. Leonardo, still madly in love with her, sees this as a chance to reclaim their lost romance. Alessandra, however, is torn by a secret mission handed to her by her family: infiltrate Leonardo's syndicate and bring it down from within. As she delves into Leonardo's dangerous world, Alessandra finds herself conflicted between her family’s demands and the undeniable pull of her own heart. The once clear lines between loyalty and love blur, and she must navigate a treacherous path where betrayal lurks at every corner. Will Alessandra follow through with her family's plan, or will she surrender to the passion that threatens to consume her?

WARNING: THIS SERIES IS STRICTLY FOR ADULTS (18+). Step into a world where every fantasy is explored and no desire is too forbidden. This collection of scorching short stories dives deep into raw passion, taboo cravings, and the kind of encounters that blur the line between temptation and surrender. From intoxicating age-gap romances that burn with forbidden heat, to sultry girl-on-girl (GG) affairs dripping with desire, to explosive man-on-man (MM) connections that set the pages on fire — and many more sinful delights waiting to be discovered. Each story is designed to push boundaries, awaken hidden desires, and leave you breathless for more. If you’re ready to indulge in the wild, the daring, and the downright irresistible… this series is your guilty pleasure.

Some mistakes are never meant to be forgiven. Some marriages are never meant to be chosen. Thalia Ashbourne has spent her life understanding one rule: in powerful families, love is a luxury no one can afford. Raised to protect legacy over happiness, she learns early how to endure quietly—even when it costs her everything. Nikolai Ravenhart is the man she loved in silence. Cold, brilliant, and untouchable, he was never meant to be hers. Their lives were bound by family ties and old promises, but his heart belonged elsewhere. Then one reckless night changes everything. A mistake becomes leverage. A secret becomes obligation. And an arranged marriage is rushed to protect reputations and preserve power. Trapped in a union built on resentment and unspoken truths, Thalia becomes a wife to a man who never chose her—while carrying expectations that demand more than love. As pressure for an heir mounts and the past refuses to stay buried, Thalia must decide how much of herself she is willing to lose to survive a marriage that was never hers to begin with. When an old love returns and secrets begin to surface, the line between duty and desire fractures—forcing Thalia to choose between enduring silently or walking away from everything she was raised to protect. Inevitable Temptation is a slow-burn billionaire romance about power, sacrifice, and a woman who learns that sometimes the bravest love is choosing herself.

Heavy is the head that chose to wear the crown. A story beneath her Crown Behind her Sword... Young Daciana lost her family in one dreadful night, from the black sheep of the family to the future Queen of Whitespire. She had to bury her wild side and be the ideal princess and perfect Queen but then her paths crossed with "HIM" A royal match of fate. Will she continue her path of pretense? Or will she soar like the eagle she was. When true love comes knocking a dangerous choice was to be made. Was destiny just an illusion or you have to make your own? An amazing romance novel that begins with the death of Daci and Birth of Princess Daciana!

For a thousand years, the two most powerful families in the world of witchcraft have been at war. In a bid to end the violence once and for all, they arrange a union between their children, Tessa and Rafik. At a dinner party meant to finalize the marriage negotiations, the ancient feud comes to a bloody end. Young Tessa Mason barely escapes Savannah with her life and is forced into hiding with her twin brother and immortal Viking guardian for ten years until all her enemies are eliminated. At her 23rd birthday celebration, she receives an invitation to study with the best potion maker in the world. When she arrives in England ready to get on with her life, she is confronted by the man who deceived her all those years ago. Sparks fly between these star crossed lovers as Rafik tries his best to make amends to Tessa. Unfortunately, she isn't the only one who wants him to pay for the sins of his past. The most miserable part about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies, but they’re all about to discover what a wicked witch Tessa can be. Queen of Ruin is the first book in the Queen of Ruin Series. In this Dark Paranormal Romance and Fantasy series of stories, you’ll meet a cast of broken, but loveable creatures trying their best to save the world. Get Queen of Ruin today and run away with Tessa on her fiery journey through the depths of darkness.

Having survived the deadly trials of Lyria and uncovered the haunting legacy of her ancestors, Maerwynn now faces a reality far more terrifying—a war brewing beyond the realms. She has transformed into a powerful being, but with her newfound immortality and role as the seventh stone, Maerwynn’s existence holds the key to maintaining Lyria's fragile peace. Alongside Valen, the Elusive High Lord who ignites both fury and passion within her, Maerwynn must wield her powers in ways she never imagined. Yet as they prepare for war against Kyante, the cruel queen of Hadeon, Maerwynn realizes that victory comes with perilous demands. A prophecy looms over her, foretelling betrayal, sacrifice, and a battle that will reshape everything she has come to cherish. As enemies close in and allies grow suspicious of her power, Maerwynn and Valen embark on a treacherous journey to build alliances, reclaim a weapon of immense strength, and face the horrors of Hadeon’s armies. Amidst bloodshed and treachery, In this heart-wrenching climax, Maerwynn makes an impossible choice that will forever alter her, the High Lord she loves, and the fate of both worlds. *** BOOK 2 in the AETHER series. If you haven't read the Book 1- " Court of Fae and ruin", please do so, or nothing in this book would make sense. Xoxo