Tate James Books in Order: Madison Kate, Hades, The Guild, and Every Series

Tate James writes the kind of romance that rarely stays simple for long. Her stories bring together morally complicated characters, dangerous secrets, criminal organizations, supernatural abilities, intense relationships, and heroines who are rarely content to let other people control their lives.

Her bibliography includes several connected series set in the fictional world of Shadow Grove, along with fantasy-romance series, academy romances, motorcycle-club stories, and contemporary projects. Some books are co-written with authors such as Jaymin Eve and C.M. Stunich, so it’s worth checking the author credits when building a complete reading list.

This guide organizes Tate James’s books by series, with publication order for each one. It also explains how the Shadow Grove books connect, lists her collaborative projects and standalone titles, and identifies forthcoming releases separately from books already available.

1. Madison Kate Books in Order

The Madison Kate series is one of Tate James’s best-known contemporary dark-romance series. It follows Madison Kate Danvers, a young woman whose life changes dramatically after she is blamed for a series of events and returns determined to discover who betrayed her.

The series combines revenge, mystery, enemies-to-lovers tension, and complicated romantic relationships. Because the central mystery and relationships develop across the books, read the main novels in the author’s recommended order.

Madison Kate reading order

1. Hate (2020)
   Madison Kate returns after a traumatic experience that has upended her life. Determined to uncover the truth and take control of her future, she finds herself dealing with Archer D’Ath and the people connected to her past. This first installment establishes the central mystery, the romantic tension, and the dangerous atmosphere of the series.
2. Liar (2020)
   The second novel continues Madison Kate’s efforts to understand what happened to her and whom she can trust. As the relationships among the central characters become more complicated, the difference between truth and manipulation becomes increasingly important.
3. Fake (2020)
   Madison Kate’s story continues as romantic complications and unanswered questions create fresh pressure. The relationships that have developed in the first two books are tested as the larger storyline moves toward its conclusion.
4. Kate (2021)
   The fourth main novel brings the central Madison Kate storyline toward its resolution. Readers should reach this book after the first three installments to understand the character relationships and the consequences of earlier revelations.
5. Vault (2021, novella)
   Vault is a bonus novella associated with the Madison Kate series. It is generally treated as book 4.5 and is best read after Kate. It offers additional material for readers who want more time with the characters.

Recommended order: Hate → Liar → Fake → Kate → Vault.

2. Hades Books in Order

Hades is a contemporary new-adult reverse-harem romance series set in Shadow Grove. It follows Hades, a powerful woman connected to the criminal underworld, whose past and position make it difficult to distinguish personal desire from dangerous distraction.

Although Hades shares a setting with Madison Kate, Tate James says readers do not have to finish Madison Kate first. The Hades books form their own story, but reading the Shadow Grove series in the author’s recommended sequence helps with crossover characters.

Hades reading order

1. 7th Circle (2021)
   Hades has built a reputation around a massacre that supposedly destroyed the Tri-State Timberwolves. When her personal life begins to interfere with her judgment, she decides to eliminate the distractions. The novel introduces the heroine, her criminal world, and the conflict that drives the series.
2. Anarchy (2021)
   The second book continues Hades’s story as the consequences of her decisions grow more difficult to control. The balance between power, loyalty, and personal relationships becomes increasingly precarious.
3. Club 22 (2021)
   The third installment continues the central romantic and criminal storyline. Characters’ loyalties and personal motivations remain important as the larger conflict develops.
4. Timber (2021)
   The final main installment brings the Hades storyline to its next major resolution. Read it after 7th Circle, Anarchy, and Club 22 for the full character arc.

Recommended order: 7th Circle → Anarchy → Club 22 → Timber.

3. The Guild Books in Order

The Guild is another series set in the Shadow Grove world. Its story involves assassins, secretive organizations, dangerous missions, and romantic relationships shaped by mistrust and competing loyalties.

Some characters have appeared in Madison Kate and Hades, but the author notes that these cameos are not essential to understanding The Guild. You can read the series independently if its premise appeals to you.

The Guild reading order

1. Honey Trap (2021)
   The first book introduces the Guild’s world of secrets, dangerous work, and complicated alliances. It establishes the characters and the circumstances that set the series in motion.
2. Dead Drop (2022)
   The second installment builds on the relationships and conflicts introduced in Honey Trap. The stakes rise as the characters face the consequences of their choices.
3. Kill Order (2022)
   The third book continues the series’ combination of romantic tension, dangerous assignments, and shifting loyalties.

Recommended order: Honey Trap → Dead Drop → Kill Order.

4. Kit Davenport Books in Order

Kit Davenport is a paranormal reverse-harem romance series that follows a heroine whose unusual abilities and hidden past draw her into a dangerous world. The books combine supernatural mysteries, action, romance, and a group of male love interests who become central to Kit’s story.

This is a completed six-book main series, with a bonus story included in the author’s collected edition.

Kit Davenport reading order

1. The Vixen’s Lead (2017)
2. The Dragon’s Wing (2017)
3. The Tiger’s Ambush (2018)
4. The Viper’s Nest (2018)
5. The Crow’s Murder (2018)
6. The Alpha’s Pack (2018)

Bonus story: The Fox’s Hole is included as bonus material in the complete-series edition.

The books build on Kit’s personal development and the mysteries surrounding her abilities, so read them in sequence rather than jumping to an individual installment.

5. The Royal Trials Books in Order

The Royal Trials is a fantasy-romance series built around royal identity, political intrigue, competition, and the danger of living in a world where appearances can be deceptive.

The main trilogy follows a continuing storyline. Start with Imposter, then continue through the remaining books in publication order.

Reading order

1. Imposter (2018)
2. Seeker (2019)
3. Heir (2019)

The series explores questions of identity, power, and belonging as the protagonist becomes entangled in a world where the stakes are much higher than they first appear.

6. Royals of Arbon Academy Books in Order

Royals of Arbon Academy is a collaborative series written by Tate James and Jaymin Eve. It combines academy romance, royal politics, social hierarchies, and complicated relationships.

Because the books are co-written, credit both authors when referring to the series.

Reading order

1. Princess Ballot (2019)
2. Playboy Princes (2020)
3. Poison Throne (2020)

Read the books in order to follow the continuing story and the shifting relationships among the characters.

7. Dark Legacy Books in Order

Dark Legacy is another series co-written by Tate James and Jaymin Eve. It blends dark romance with mystery, dangerous secrets, and characters whose relationships are complicated by their pasts.

Reading order

1. Broken Wings (2019)
2. Broken Trust (2019)
3. Broken Legacy (2019)
4. Dylan (2020)

The first three books form the main sequence, while Dylan expands the story through an additional character-focused installment. Read all four in order for the fullest experience.

8. Hijinks Harem Books in Order

Hijinks Harem is a paranormal romance collaboration between Tate James and C.M. Stunich. The books feature supernatural elements, unusual romantic situations, and a deliberately playful approach to the reverse-harem genre.

Reading order

1. Elements of Mischief (2017)
2. Elements of Ruin (2017)
3. Elements of Desire (2018)

The trilogy shares a continuing world and character relationships, so publication order is recommended.

9. Forgotten Gods Books in Order

Forgotten Gods is a paranormal fantasy-romance project by Tate James. The series introduces a world in which magic, supernatural beings, and romantic relationships collide.

Reading order

1. Feral Magic (2019)

This is the title listed in the series catalog. Readers interested in this part of James’s paranormal fiction can begin here, but should check the author’s current catalog for any additional installments before treating it as a complete series.

10. Foxfire Burning Books in Order

Foxfire Burning is a collaborative series by Tate James and C.M. Stunich. It sits within the authors’ broader paranormal and romance catalog.

Reading order

1. The Nine (2018)

The title is the series’ listed installment. As this is a collaborative work, it should be credited to both Tate James and C.M. Stunich.

11. Undercover Sinners Books in Order

Undercover Sinners is a romantic suspense series co-written by Tate James and C.M. Stunich. Its premise combines undercover work, criminal danger, and relationships complicated by secrets and deception.

Reading order

1. Altered by Fire (2018)
2. Altered by Lead (2020)

Read Altered by Fire first, followed by Altered by Lead, to keep the series in publication order.

12. Wild Hunt Motorcycle Club Books in Order

Wild Hunt Motorcycle Club is a collaboration between Tate James and C.M. Stunich. It brings together motorcycle-club romance, danger, and high-intensity relationships.

Reading order

1. Dark Glitter (2018)

This is the title listed for the series in the bibliographic catalogs. Because it is a collaborative project, readers should confirm the author credit and edition details when looking for copies.

13. Valenshek Legacy Books in Order

Valenshek Legacy is part of the Shadow Grove world. Characters from Madison Kate, Hades, and The Guild may appear, but the author says those cameos are not required reading for the Valenshek Legacy storyline.

The series follows a new set of characters and conflicts, making it a useful next step for readers who want to remain in Shadow Grove without beginning another earlier series.

Reading order

1. Heist (2022)
2. Forgery (2023)
3. Restoration (2023)

The books are best read in sequence, as the characters and the consequences of their decisions develop across the trilogy.

14. Boys of Bellerose Books in Order

Boys of Bellerose is a dark contemporary romance series co-written by Tate James and Jaymin Eve. It focuses on relationships, power dynamics, secrets, and the complicated world surrounding its central characters.

Reading order

1. Poison Roses (2023)
2. Dirty Truths (2023)
3. Shattered Dreams (2023)
4. Beautiful Thorns (2023)

Read the four books in publication order. Since this is a collaboration, credit both Tate James and Jaymin Eve.

15. Bluebell House Books in Order

Bluebell House is a contemporary romance duet co-written by Tate James and Jaymin Eve. Its titles suggest a relationship-focused story with forced proximity and emotional entanglements.

Reading order

1. Forced Proximity (2025)
2. Trauma Bonded (2026)

The duet is best read in order. Trauma Bonded follows Forced Proximity and continues the story.

16. Devil’s Backbone Books in Order

Devil’s Backbone is a Tate James thriller series featuring a dark, suspenseful setup. The titles point toward a story built around secrets, danger, and the consequences of trusting the wrong people.

Reading order

1. Dear Reader (2025)
2. Watch Your Back (2025)
3. You’re Next (2025)

Read the three titles in publication order. For a continuing suspense story, avoid starting with the final installment.

17. ClikByte Books in Order

ClikByte is a newer series in Tate James’s catalog. The first titles began appearing in 2025 and 2026, with more releases scheduled. Because the series is still developing, check the release status of each title before planning a complete reading marathon.

Reading order

1. Oblivion (2025)
2. NoFear (2026)
3. Bubbles (2026)
4. Peaches (November 2026, forthcoming)
5. Sparkle (February 2027, forthcoming)

As of October 14, 2026, Peaches and Sparkle are listed as forthcoming. Their dates may change, so check the author’s latest release announcements before publication.

18. Hijinks Harem, The Guild, and Shadow Grove: Where Should You Start?

Several Tate James series share the Shadow Grove setting. That can make reading order confusing, especially when characters cross over.

The author’s recommended order for the principal connected Shadow Grove series is:

1. Madison Kate: Hate, Liar, Fake, Kate
2. Hades: 7th Circle, Anarchy, Club 22, Timber
3. Madison Kate bonus novella: Vault
4. The Guild: Honey Trap, Dead Drop, Kill Order
5. Valenshek Legacy: Heist, Forgery, Restoration

You do not have to read every series before starting another. The order above is a useful path if you want to recognize recurring characters and enjoy the wider setting. If you are interested in just one premise, beginning with that series is perfectly reasonable.

19. Tate James Standalone Books and Other Projects

Tate James’s bibliography includes standalone novels and projects that do not fit neatly into her best-known series.

I’ll Be Home… (2023)

I’ll Be Home… is a collaborative title written with Heather Long. It is listed as a standalone project, rather than an installment in Madison Kate or another major Tate James series.

Overexposed (2025)

Overexposed is another collaborative standalone written with Heather Long. It belongs outside the main series reading orders.

Anthologies and collections

Tate James has also contributed to or appeared in collaborative collections. These include:

• Snow and Seduction (2017)
• Billionaires and Babes (2023)
• BABE 2025: Bitemarks and Bewitching Edition (2025)

Anthologies often contain stories by several authors or repackage previously published material. They are optional for readers who want to follow the main Tate James series.

20. Tate James Books in Publication Order: Selected Chronology

Because Tate James has multiple ongoing and completed series, a single publication-order list is less convenient than reading each series in sequence. The following timeline highlights major early and recent releases.

This is a selected chronology, not an exhaustive list of every title, bonus story, anthology contribution, or edition. For series continuity, use the dedicated reading orders above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tate James Books

What is the first Tate James book?

The Vixen’s Lead, the first Kit Davenport novel, is one of Tate James’s earliest major series releases, published in 2017. Her early catalog also includes the collaborative anthology Snow and Seduction from the same year.

What is Tate James’s most popular series?

Madison Kate and Hades are among her best-known series, and The Guild is another popular entry in the interconnected Shadow Grove world. The best series to start with depends on whether you prefer contemporary dark romance, criminal-underworld romance, or assassin-centered romantic suspense.

Do I need to read Madison Kate before Hades?

No. Tate James says Hades is set in the same world as Madison Kate, but you do not need to read Madison Kate first. Some characters cross over, so reading both series in the author’s recommended order can add context.

What order should I read Madison Kate?

Read Hate, Liar, Fake, and Kate in that order. After the four main novels, read Vault, the bonus novella, for additional material.

Is The Guild connected to Madison Kate and Hades?

Yes. The Guild belongs to the Shadow Grove world and includes some crossover characters. However, the author says those cameos are not essential to understanding The Guild’s main storyline.

Are Tate James’s books reverse harem?

Several of her romance series use the reverse-harem or why-choose format, where the heroine has multiple love interests rather than choosing just one. Not every title in her catalog should automatically be assumed to follow that format, so check the individual series description if this matters to you.

Does Tate James write with other authors?

Yes. Her collaborations include Jaymin Eve, C.M. Stunich, and Heather Long. Major collaborative series include Dark Legacy, Royals of Arbon Academy, Boys of Bellerose, Hijinks Harem, Undercover Sinners, and Bluebell House.

What are Tate James’s newest books?

Recent titles include Trauma Bonded (2026), NoFear (2026), and Bubbles (2026). Peaches is scheduled for November 2026, while Sparkle is listed for February 2027. Release dates can change, so check the author’s current catalog before treating a forthcoming title as available.

Are Tate James’s books suitable for all readers?

Many of her romance books are marketed to adult readers and may contain explicit sexual content, violence, criminal themes, or other dark subject matter. Readers should check the individual book’s content notes and publisher description before choosing a title.

About Tate James

Tate James is a romance and fantasy author known for dark romance, paranormal romance, reverse-harem stories, and romantic suspense. Her work includes the Madison Kate, Hades, Kit Davenport, and The Guild series, as well as collaborative projects with Jaymin Eve, C.M. Stunich, and other authors.

Her books often feature assertive heroines, morally complicated love interests, dangerous secrets, and high-stakes relationships. Some of her series are set in interconnected fictional worlds, while others offer independent storylines.

Because her bibliography spans multiple genres and collaborations, the easiest way to explore it is to choose a series and follow the books in publication order. Readers who enjoy recurring characters and shared settings can then branch into the connected series.

Final Note

If you are new to Tate James, choose your first series based on the story you want to read. Start with Hate for Madison Kate, 7th Circle for Hades, Honey Trap for The Guild, or The Vixen’s Lead for Kit Davenport.

For the wider Shadow Grove experience, follow the author’s recommended order for Madison Kate, Hades, Vault, The Guild, and Valenshek Legacy. For everything else, the individual series reading lists in this guide will help you avoid mixing up titles or skipping important installments.

Written by

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon. I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.