Read Sarina Bowen Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 19, 2026

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Sarina Bowen has carved out a distinctive and beloved space in contemporary romance, particularly for readers who enjoy emotionally rich stories grounded in realistic relationships, strong character development, and interconnected worlds. Whether she is writing small-town romance, sports romance, or New Adult college stories, Bowen’s books consistently deliver heart, humor, and authenticity. One of the most common questions new readers ask is whether her books should be read in order-and if so, how to approach that order given her multiple interconnected series.

This guide explores Sarina Bowen’s work in depth, offering background on her books, a clear explanation of reading order, and insight into what makes her storytelling so compelling. If you are new to her writing or wondering how best to experience her stories, this article will help you decide where to begin.

List Of Sarina Bowen Books In Order

More On Sarina Bowen Books In Chronological Order

1. The Year We Fell Down (2014)

Oh, this one is a bit of a heart-wrenching yet lovely beginning to Sarina Bowen’s ’The Ivy Years’ series. The story follows Corey, a hockey player who’s recovering from an injury that leaves her in a wheelchair, and the super cute and equally determined Adam. They meet in a college dorm, and their journey of healing and unexpected romance is so real and messy, yet totally heartwarming. If you love a slow-burn romance with a lot of emotional depth, this one’s perfect.

2. The Year We Hid Away (2015)

This book is full of so much emotion, and the characters will make you ache in the best way! It’s about two students, Scarlet and Bridger, who are both trying to escape their pasts-Bridger because he’s dealing with family drama, and Scarlet with her own dark secret. It’s a bit angsty, but their connection and how they slowly open up to each other is really beautiful. The chemistry is sizzling, but it’s the emotional vulnerability that will stick with you.

3. The Understatement of the Year (2015)

This one gives us a fantastic look at hockey player John and his complex relationship with his ex-best friend, the brooding and mysterious Graham. If you’re into second chances, this one is an emotional rollercoaster. They were once the best of friends, but when an unspeakable betrayal tears them apart, they have to navigate their old feelings and unresolved tension. The chemistry is so palpable, you could cut it with a knife.

4. The Shameless Hour (2016)

Oh, this one is a pure rom-com dream with some depth! This book is centered around Bella, the kind of woman who speaks her mind and doesn’t take anything lying down, and her relationship with the brooding, utterly adorable Rafe. They both have baggage, but their chemistry is off the charts, and the story has tons of humor along with some seriously swoon-worthy moments. This one is all about personal growth, acceptance, and the magic of finding someone who really gets you.

5. Sarina Bowen: The Ivy Years Boxed Set (2016)

If you’re looking to binge the whole series in one go, this boxed set has all four books in ’The Ivy Years’ series, and trust me, it’s a marathon you’ll want to take. You’ll fall in love with each character and their journey toward healing, romance, and finding their true selves.

6. Rookie Move (2016)

This is the first book in the ’Brooklyn Bruisers’ series, and if you love sports romance, this one’s totally your jam! It follows Leo, a hotshot hockey player who’s traded to a new team, and his unexpected romance with his best friend’s sister, Georgia. This book has the right mix of steamy, heartfelt moments, and it’s filled with hilarious banter and a lot of delicious tension. Plus, there’s a lot of hockey talk that makes the sports lover in you do a happy dance.

7. The Roughest Draft (2022)

Okay, this one takes a slightly different turn-it’s a romance between two writers, Kara and Nathan, who used to be partners and had a huge falling out. They’re forced to write together again, and the chemistry and tension are *everything*. This one gives off major slow-burn vibes, and it’s full of second chances, creative collaboration, and a lot of emotional baggage that’s just waiting to be unpacked. I mean, who doesn’t love a writing romance?

8. The True North Series (Box Set) (2016)

This box set compiles all of the books in the ’True North’ series. If you haven’t yet gotten into these books, prepare for a wild ride of charm, quirky characters, and a whole lot of romance. These books revolve around a Vermont farm, and each couple’s journey is beautifully crafted, set against the backdrop of small-town life, working on the farm, and overcoming all kinds of personal hurdles. So, if you’re into small-town charm with a hearty dose of heat, you’re going to love it!

Background On Sarina Bowen Books

Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her contemporary romance novels. Her stories often focus on relationships shaped by personal growth, emotional vulnerability, and everyday challenges, making her characters feel grounded and relatable. She excels at blending romance with themes such as family dynamics, mental health, recovery, ambition, and identity.

One of Bowen’s defining strengths is her ability to build interconnected series that share a common setting or cast of secondary characters. Some of her most popular series include:

• The Ivy Years – A New Adult series set at an elite college, exploring young love, personal struggle, and self-discovery.
• Brooklyn Bruisers – A sports romance series centered around a professional hockey team, focusing on athletes, management, and the people in their orbit.
• True North – A small-town romance series set in rural Vermont, highlighting family ties, farming life, and deep-rooted community connections.

While each book typically focuses on a different couple, recurring characters frequently appear across novels, creating a sense of continuity and familiarity that longtime readers appreciate. This interconnectedness is one of the reasons reading order becomes an important consideration.

Reading Order Explained

Sarina Bowen’s books are generally written so they can be read as standalones, but many are more rewarding when read in order-particularly within a series. Reading in sequence allows readers to witness character arcs unfold naturally and understand references to past events and relationships.

Within Individual Series

Each series has its own internal order, and following it is strongly recommended:

• The Ivy Years benefits greatly from chronological reading, as character growth, emotional struggles, and friendships develop across multiple books.
• Brooklyn Bruisers introduces key characters and team dynamics early on, which are referenced in later novels. Reading in order helps contextualize relationships and enhances emotional impact.
• True North builds a vivid small-town world where families, friendships, and shared history play a major role. Reading sequentially allows the setting to feel fully alive.

Between Series

Some of Bowen’s series overlap or exist in the same universe. Characters from one series may make cameo appearances in another, particularly between the Brooklyn Bruisers and related hockey romances. While not strictly necessary, reading these connected series in publication order provides the most cohesive experience.

In short, while you can jump into almost any Sarina Bowen book, reading in order-either by series or publication date-adds depth, continuity, and emotional resonance.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most appealing aspects of Sarina Bowen’s writing is her character work. Her protagonists feel like real people, complete with flaws, fears, and emotional baggage. Their journeys are not just about falling in love but about healing, growing, and learning how to be vulnerable.

Another standout quality is her settings. Whether it is a snowy Vermont farm, a bustling city hockey arena, or a college campus full of possibility and pressure, Bowen creates immersive environments that enhance the story rather than simply serve as a backdrop.

Her romances strike a careful balance between emotional depth and warmth. The chemistry feels earned, conflicts are grounded in believable circumstances, and resolutions are satisfying without feeling rushed or unrealistic. Additionally, Bowen is known for handling sensitive topics-such as injury, anxiety, addiction, and self-doubt-with care and empathy.

Finally, the interconnected nature of her books creates a sense of community. Returning characters feel like old friends, and watching them evolve across multiple stories is deeply rewarding for readers who enjoy long-term character development.

Should You Read Sarina Bowen Books In Order?

If you enjoy rich world-building and character continuity, then yes-reading Sarina Bowen’s books in order is highly recommended. Doing so allows you to fully appreciate subtle character references, evolving relationships, and long-running emotional arcs.

That said, Bowen is also very accessible to new readers. If a particular book’s premise appeals to you, it is perfectly fine to start there. Many readers discover her work through a single novel and later go back to read earlier books once they are invested in the world.

The ideal approach depends on your reading preferences. Readers who value immersion and continuity should follow series order, while more casual readers can enjoy individual titles without feeling lost.