Read Susan Elizabeth Phillips Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 3, 2026

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Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a prolific author whose captivating stories have earned her a loyal following and established her as a cornerstone in contemporary women’s fiction and romantic comedy. Known for her unique blend of romance, humor, and relatable character development, Phillips’ books have a way of pulling readers into their emotional and often hilarious worlds. The warmth and complexity of her characters have helped her become a favorite among fans of romance and those who appreciate well-crafted narratives that delve into human relationships, self-discovery, and love.

With a blend of heartwarming moments and emotionally charged storytelling, Phillips’ novels stand out in the romance genre. However, for someone new to her work, the array of titles can seem daunting. The question arises: where should you start, and is there a particular order to follow when reading her books? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the background of her writing, offer a reading order guide, explore what makes her books so appealing, and answer the big question-should you read Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books in order?

List Of Susan Elizabeth Phillips Books In Order

More On Susan Elizabeth Phillips Books In Chronological Order

1. It Had to Be You (1994)

This is the first book in Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars series, and oh boy, does it set the stage for the romantic comedy goodness to come! The story follows Phoebe, a tough and independent woman who’s struggling to keep her late father’s football team afloat. She recruits the brooding, grumpy football star, Dan, to be her quarterback, but things don’t exactly go as planned. There’s drama, humor, and sizzling chemistry as they try to navigate their personal and professional lives. Classic SEP with a touch of heart!

2. Heaven, Texas (1995)

The second book in the Chicago Stars series brings us to the story of Bobby Tom Denton, a former football star who’s now a pampered, spoiled ex-athlete. Enter the smart, determined, and a bit jaded Gracie, who has the job of getting Bobby Tom back on track. What begins as a simple mission turns into a whirlwind romance filled with the kind of witty banter and emotional moments SEP is known for. It’s like a perfect blend of sports, drama, and heart!

3. Natural Born Charmer (2007)

This book is pure magic! We meet the irresistibly charming Dean Robillard, who’s a football player and a self-proclaimed ladies’ man. He’s stranded in a small town and comes across the quirky and lovely Blue Bailey, who has her own set of problems. The sparks fly between them, and despite both trying to resist the attraction, there’s no way to ignore the chemistry. It’s got humor, a bit of heartbreak, and a lot of swoon-worthy moments!

4. The Great Escape (2008)

If you’ve ever loved a good escape story, this one’s for you! The story centers around a quirky, free-spirited woman named Lucy, who is tired of her predictable life and decides to shake things up. She ends up on an adventure with a handsome but grumpy man named Sam, and the tension between them is palpable. It’s one of those books that combines adventure, romance, and tons of personality. You’ll definitely root for the characters to find their happy ending!

5. This Heart of Mine (2001)

Here, we meet the lovable and self-deprecating Molly Somerville, who just so happens to have a crush on the ever-serious and stoic football player, Kevin Tucker. But when she needs to get back into the game and reconnect with her ex, things get complicated. There’s tons of drama, chemistry, and of course, heart in this story. This one’s really for fans who love a good second-chance romance with all the feels!

6. Match Me If You Can (2004)

I absolutely love this one! The protagonist is the ambitious and tough Kate, who works in the matchmaking business. Enter the incredibly handsome and confident Heath, who’s basically impossible to match with anyone because he thinks he’s too good for the game. Of course, they clash (you can guess the tension!) but ultimately, it’s all about watching these two fiery personalities slowly melt into one another. SEP’s witty writing shines here!

7. Nobody’s Baby But Mine (2000)

This book is hilarious! It features the genius and somewhat eccentric physics professor, Jane, who desperately wants a baby but hasn’t had the best luck with relationships. So, she turns to the perfect solution-getting a man with the perfect genes for the job. Enter the cocky, talented football player Cal, and let the hilarity begin. There’s witty humor, sizzling romance, and plenty of heartwarming moments. SEP nails the quirky characters, as usual!

8. Dream a Little Dream (2016)

This one’s a bit more of a classic SEP romance with all the charm and magic we expect from her. The main character, Alex, is a headstrong, smart woman who’s built her life around her career, but everything changes when she meets the mysterious and brooding husband of her deceased friend. It’s a slow-burn romance with plenty of emotional depth and tender moments, making you root for these two to find their happily ever after.

9. First Star I See Tonight (2016)

The Chicago Stars series continues with this gem! The story follows Piper, who works as a private investigator, and she crosses paths with the legendary football star, Cooper Graham. Cooper’s retired and a bit grumpy, but there’s something undeniable about the chemistry between him and Piper. This is one of those books that’s a perfect mix of humor, tension, and romance, with lots of laughs and plenty of steamy moments!

Background On Susan Elizabeth Phillips Books

Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ novels have a distinct charm that makes them beloved by fans of contemporary romance. First published in the late 1980s, Phillips quickly gained attention with her ability to craft stories that are both funny and emotional, with realistic characters who experience personal growth and genuine love. Many of her books fall into the category of “romantic comedy”, but they often transcend the genre by incorporating elements of women’s fiction and drama.

A hallmark of Phillips’ writing is her unique ability to create ’real’ characters, particularly strong-willed women and complex men. She has a remarkable talent for making readers invest in her characters’ lives, which ensures that her novels resonate long after they are read. Her stories are often set against the backdrop of sports, family dynamics, or the entertainment industry, and she deftly uses these settings to explore themes like redemption, forgiveness, and personal growth.

Phillips is probably best known for her ’Chicago Stars’ series, which centers on the Chicago Stars football team, a group of athletes and their romances. However, she has also written stand-alone books that showcase her range as an author. Her writing style is fluid and engaging, with witty dialogue and plenty of warmth, but also layers of complexity beneath the surface. Over the years, she has built a body of work that mixes humor with poignant emotional moments, ensuring a well-rounded reading experience that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Reading Order Explained

One of the most important aspects of diving into Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books is understanding the reading order. Many of her novels are interconnected, particularly within the "Chicago Stars" series. While each book can often be enjoyed as a standalone, reading them in order allows readers to fully appreciate recurring characters, plotlines, and emotional arcs that develop throughout the series. It also provides a greater sense of continuity for the long-term fans who follow the character journeys across several novels.

Here’s an explanation of the reading order:

Chicago Stars Series

1. It Had to Be You (1994) – This is the first book in the Chicago Stars series and introduces readers to the world of the football team. It centers on Phoebe Somerville, a woman who must work with the team’s star quarterback, and introduces many of the series’ recurring characters.
2. Nobody’s Baby But Mine (1997) – The second book in the series focuses on a different character, but it also deepens the connections to the Chicago Stars universe. The story revolves around a brilliant scientist, a sports star, and their unconventional romance.
3. Dream a Little Dream (2002) – This novel follows a former football player who returns to Chicago to take on a new role, all while wrestling with his past and his emotions. It’s a bit more introspective compared to the previous novels, yet still rich with charm.
4. This Heart of Mine (2004) – Focusing on the emotions of a woman who must confront her past and her own self-doubts, this book delves into themes of healing and redemption. It also continues to build on the universe of the Chicago Stars.
5. Match Me If You Can (2006) – A story about a woman who runs a matchmaking service and the high-profile Chicago Stars player who becomes a client. This book is full of humor and witty banter, while also exploring deeper themes of love and self-worth.
6. Natural Born Charmer (2007) – This novel shifts the focus to a Chicago Stars football player, as he navigates his career and life. It’s one of the fan favorites due to its humor, warmth, and emotional depth.
7. Home Rules (2010) – Another installment in the Chicago Stars universe, this one’s focused on the dynamics within a family and their complicated relationships.
8. The Perfect Poison (2018) – While this book is more of a romantic suspense and works as a standalone, it still includes many of the themes Phillips is known for: passion, intrigue, and deep emotional connections.

What I Like About The Series?

Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books are beloved for a variety of reasons, and for me, there are a few standout qualities that make her works truly special.

1. Complex Characters – One of the main reasons I enjoy Phillips’ books is her ability to create multi-dimensional characters who feel like real people. The women in her novels are not just romantic interests-they are fully realized characters with strengths, flaws, and complicated histories. Likewise, the male leads in her books are rarely stereotypical "romantic heroes." Instead, they are flawed, vulnerable, and often full of surprising depth.

2. Humor and Wit – There’s an effortless charm to Phillips’ writing style that blends humor with emotion. Her dialogue is witty and fast-paced, and she has a knack for injecting humor into even the most serious situations. This allows her books to feel lighthearted without sacrificing emotional depth.

3. Emotional Resonance – Beneath the humor and romance, Phillips’ novels tackle real human emotions. Whether it’s dealing with family trauma, recovering from heartbreak, or learning to trust again, her books feel emotionally grounded and relatable. There’s a certain authenticity to her portrayal of love that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.

4. Settings and Context – The Chicago Stars series is particularly beloved for its setting around football, but it’s not just about the game-it’s about the emotions that come with being part of a team, the family-like bonds, and the journey of personal growth. Phillips skillfully uses her settings to highlight the characters’ internal struggles and triumphs, making every novel not just a romance, but a story of transformation.

Should You Read Susan Elizabeth Phillips Books In Order?

While each of Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books can typically be enjoyed on its own, there are compelling reasons to read her books in order, especially the Chicago Stars series. The interwoven character arcs and references to past relationships make following the chronological order a more enriching experience. By reading in sequence, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ growth, relationships, and the emotional stakes of each novel.

That being said, if you’re just dipping your toes into Phillips’ work, starting with any of the earlier books will still offer a fulfilling experience, though you might miss some of the nuances tied to recurring characters and overarching plots. For the full experience, starting with It Had to Be You and progressing through the series in order is the best approach.