Can I read them out of order or do I start at the first one?
2025/7/21 Edited to
... Read moreOkay, so I totally get the struggle! When I first stumbled upon Holly Roberds' Lost Girls series, my mind instantly went to the same place: 'Do I really have to start with Book 1, or can I just dive into the one that sounds most fun?' It's a common question with interconnected series, especially when they're marketed as standalone retellings. Here's my take and the lowdown on how to best enjoy these spicy reads!
Can You Read The Lost Girls Series Out of Order? My Honest Opinion
Technically, yes, each book in The Lost Girls series is a standalone spicy fairytale retelling. This means each story has its own set of main characters, plot, and a satisfying conclusion. For example, you could pick up Blackmailing Belle: A Spicy Beauty & The Beast Retelling and understand the core story without having read the previous books.
However, and this is a big 'however' for me, I personally recommend reading them in order if you want the fullest experience. Holly Roberds does a fantastic job of weaving in cameos, subtle world-building details, and character development that builds across the series. You might miss some inside jokes, character arcs, or the full impact of certain events if you jump around. Think of it like watching a Marvel movie – you can enjoy individual films, but the overall universe makes more sense if you follow the timeline. If you're a reader who loves spotting those intricate connections, then starting with Tasting Red: A Spicy Red Riding Hood Retelling is definitely the way to go!
The Official Lost Girls Series Reading Order & What to Expect
To help you out, here’s the official lineup and a little peek at what each spicy retelling offers:
Tasting Red: A Spicy Red Riding Hood Retelling (The Lost Girls Book 1)
This is where it all begins! A fantastic introduction to Roberds' style. It's got a 4.4-star rating from over 7,000 reviews and is perfect for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Chasing Goldie: A Spicy Goldilocks Retelling (The Lost Girls Book 2)
Following up, this Goldilocks retelling is just as captivating, boasting a 4.4-star rating from over 4,000 readers.
Igniting Cinder: A Spicy Cinderella Retelling (The Lost Girls Book 3)
Get ready for a fresh take on Cinderella! This one has a strong 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,700 reviews.
Blackmailing Belle: A Spicy Beauty & The Beast Retelling (The Lost Girls Book 4)
One of my favorites! This Beauty & The Beast reimagining is truly unique and has garnered a 4.6-star rating from nearly 1,500 reviews.
Feeding Beauty: A Spicy Sleeping Beauty Retelling (The Lost Girls Book 5)
Exciting news for fans! This Sleeping Beauty retelling is currently available for pre-order, with a release date of September 25, 2025. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
Why I Adore These Spicy Fairytale Books
What really hooks me about Holly Roberds' Lost Girls series is how she takes these classic tales and infuses them with so much modern spice, wit, and genuinely compelling characters. They're not just simple retellings; they're intricate, often dark, and always entertaining. Plus, the fact that many are available through Kindle Unlimited makes them super accessible for binge-reading.
So, while you can technically jump around, my personal advice is to enjoy the journey from Tasting Red onwards. You won't regret experiencing the subtle build-up and the delightful nods to characters you've grown to love throughout the series!
every where I've looked says to read them in order