The McCarthys of Gansett Island Series in Order

About The McCarthys of Gansett Island series

Series Premise

The series centers on the large, loving McCarthy family—led by patriarch Big Mac McCarthy and matriarch Linda McCarthy—who own and operate the McCarthy's Gansett Island Marina and Gansett Island Inn on the fictional island of Gansett (inspired by Block Island, Rhode Island). The McCarthys have five adult children (Mac Jr., Grant, Evan, Adam, and Janey), and the books follow each sibling (and later extended family members, friends, and cousins) as they find love, face personal challenges, and build their futures on the island. Each novel is a standalone romance featuring a different couple—often a McCarthy sibling or close friend—with the family providing support, meddling, and comic relief through gatherings, holidays, weddings, and island events. Stories explore themes of second chances, healing from heartbreak or loss, overcoming obstacles (grief, career pressures, past mistakes), and the power of family and community. Heroines are often strong, independent women (single moms, career-focused professionals, or returnees to the island), while heroes are protective, charming men (often McCarthy men or their friends). The island setting amplifies romance—beach walks, ferry rides, marina life, seasonal festivals—and the tight-knit community means everyone knows everyone's business, leading to both support and gentle gossip. Later books expand to the next generation (children of the original couples) in the "Generations" spin-off, continuing the legacy of love and family.

Main Characters

The series revolves around the McCarthy family and their extended circle:
> Big Mac McCarthy and Linda McCarthy: Patriarch and matriarch—warm, loving parents who run the marina and inn. Big Mac is boisterous and generous; Linda is nurturing and wise. They host family gatherings and provide emotional anchors.
> Mac McCarthy Jr. (Maid for Love): Oldest son, co-owner of the marina and McCarthy Construction. Strong, protective, falls for single mom Maddie Chester.
> Maddie Chester McCarthy: First heroine—single mom, housekeeper at the inn; resilient, independent; finds love and family with Mac.
> Janey McCarthy (Fool for Love): Only daughter—sweet, determined; falls for Joe Cantrell (ferry company owner, longtime friend).
> Joe Cantrell: Janey's love interest—steady, loyal, runs the Gansett Ferry Company.
> Grant McCarthy (Falling for Love): Screenwriter—returns to the island after heartbreak; pairs with Stephanie.
> Evan McCarthy (Hoping for Love): Musician—playboy turned devoted partner to Grace.
> Adam McCarthy (Season for Love): Quiet, thoughtful; finds love with Abby.
> Other key figures: Luke Harris (ferry captain, Ready for Love), Sydney Donovan, and later generations (children like Thomas, Hailey, etc.) in spin-offs.

Setting

The fictional island of Gansett Island, Rhode Island—a small, picturesque coastal community inspired by Block Island. Gansett is a summer paradise and year-round home: sandy beaches, a bustling marina, historic inns, cozy cottages, a ferry dock, local shops, restaurants, and seasonal events (summer festivals, winter holidays, weddings). The McCarthy family owns the island's marina and inn, making them central to community life. The setting evokes classic New England coastal charm—ocean views, salty breezes, foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, lobster rolls, and the rhythm of island living (tourist season bustle vs. quiet off-season). The island is isolated enough to feel intimate and safe, yet connected to the mainland via ferry, allowing characters to come and go while the community remains tight-knit.

Tone & Themes

Warm, emotional, passionate, and uplifting—classic contemporary romance with heart, heat, and humor. Marie Force's tone is optimistic and comforting: love scenes are steamy and sensual (explicit but consensual), conflicts are real (grief, divorce, self-doubt, family drama) but resolved positively, and every story ends with a deeply satisfying HEA. Humor is light and family-driven—sibling teasing, awkward setups, quirky island antics—while emotional moments (loss of loved ones, healing from past hurts) add depth without overwhelming the joy. The series is empowering and feel-good: characters grow, relationships strengthen, and the McCarthy family's unwavering support creates a sense of belonging and hope. It's addictive "comfort reading"—sexy without being crude, emotional without being overly angsty, and full of the joy of love, family, and island life.

The McCarthys of Gansett Island series is a heartwarming, addictive celebration of family, love, and island life—full of passionate romances, emotional depth, and the joy of belonging. Marie Force masterfully creates a large, loving family whose interconnected stories feel like coming home, with each book delivering steamy chemistry, relatable struggles, and uplifting happy endings. With over 28 books of sunny, feel-good romance set on a beautiful fictional island, it's perfect binge-reading for fans of contemporary family sagas (like Debbie Macomber or Susan Mallery)—a timeless, comforting series that reminds readers that love, family, and second chances can thrive in the most charming places. A true favorite for romance lovers seeking warmth, laughter, and happily-ever-afters.