A Vine Mess
Reading Order.
Start A Vine Mess by Tessa Bailey with "Secretly Yours", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The complete reading order for the A Vine Mess series by Tessa Bailey. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.
Short Answer:
Start with "Secretly Yours"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The comments, which are part of a discussion with the author Michael J. Sullivan, confirm that readers should begin with the Riyria Revelations series (often referenced by its initial compiled volume, 'Theft of Swords'). Although 'A Vine Mess' is not mentioned by name, the overall consensus is that Riyria Revelations serves as the essential starting point for the author's universe, before proceeding to other series like Legends of the First Empire."
Start with the Riyria Revelations series (e.g., 'Theft of Swords'). The comments also refer to an existing 'guide' (likely provided by the author in the original post) which dictates the order for subsequent books, including Legends of the First Empire and new Royce and Hadrian novels.
At a Glance
- First Book:Secretly Yours
- Latest Book:Unfortunately Yours
- Timeline:2023 - 2023
?Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for A Vine Mess conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for A Vine Mess. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Secretly Yours" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "A Vine Mess" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the A Vine Mess series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read A Vine Mess?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Secretly Yours" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Tessa Bailey intended.
Can I read A Vine Mess books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the A Vine Mess universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.