Read Elle Kennedy Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 16, 2026

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Elle Kennedy is a name that resonates with fans of contemporary romance, particularly those who enjoy stories full of tension, humor, and complex relationships. Known for her engaging writing style and compelling characters, Kennedy has carved out a niche in the genre with her books, which blend elements of romance, humor, and drama. Whether you’re new to her works or a seasoned reader, her books are a mix of irresistible plots, steamy romance, and deeply personal journeys. The question that often comes up for new readers is: What’s the best way to dive into Elle Kennedy’s world? Should you read her books in order, or can they be enjoyed as standalone tales?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the books of Elle Kennedy, offering insights into her popular series, the order in which they should be read, and what makes her works so memorable. By the end, you’ll be ready to jump into Kennedy’s novels, armed with all the knowledge you need to make your reading experience even more enjoyable.

List Of Elle Kennedy Books In Order

More On Elle Kennedy Books In Chronological Order

1. The Deal (2015)

The first book in the Off-Campus series introduces us to Hannah and Garrett. Hannah is struggling with her grades and Garrett is a popular hockey player. When Hannah desperately needs help with her studies, Garrett strikes a deal with her-he’ll tutor her if she pretends to be his girlfriend to help him impress the girl he has a crush on. Of course, things don’t go as planned and sparks fly between the two. It’s a beautiful mix of humor, romance, and emotional growth!

2. The Mistake (2015)

In this book, we meet Logan, Garrett’s friend, who is known for being the life of the party. He’s everything you’d expect from a guy who’s always up for fun, but after a one-night stand that turns into more than he expected, Logan finds himself falling for Grace, a smart, reserved girl who has her own baggage. What makes this book special is Logan’s growth as he navigates past mistakes and tries to make things right with Grace, with a lot of humor and heart along the way.

3. The Score (2016)

The third book in the series focuses on Dean, the charming, cocky hockey player who seems to always be chasing after something fun. But when he meets Allie, a girl who’s not interested in him at all, Dean begins to see that maybe there’s more to life than just partying. It’s a story of unexpected feelings, deep emotional connections, and a journey of self-discovery. Plus, the chemistry between Dean and Allie is undeniable and makes for some seriously steamy moments!

4. The Goal (2017)

This one follows Tucker, a quiet and serious guy who’s just trying to focus on his future, but when he crosses paths with Sabrina, a determined and independent girl, their worlds collide in the most unexpected way. Sabrina is dealing with some heavy personal stuff, and Tucker, who usually stays out of drama, is pulled into a relationship that forces him to open up. The book beautifully explores the complexity of love, trust, and personal growth.

5. The Legacy (2020)

The fifth book in the Off-Campus series is actually a collection of short stories that bring together the characters from the earlier books and shows what happens after they get their happily ever after. It’s perfect for fans who want to check in with their favorite characters and see where they are now. The storylines include some sweet updates, adorable moments, and maybe a few surprises you weren’t expecting!

6. The Chase (2019)

This is the first book in the Briar U series, a spin-off of Off-Campus. The main focus is on Summer, a girl who’s known for being a bit of a bad girl, and Fitz, the wealthy and charming hockey player who is more interested in his books than relationships. These two clash from the moment they meet, but their journey to understanding each other is funny, heartwarming, and full of chemistry. It’s a great start to a new series set in the same world as Off-Campus!

7. The Risk (2020)

In the second book of the Briar U series, we get to meet Brenna, a girl who’s had a rough time and is trying to move forward, and Jake, a tough hockey player with his own secrets. These two have a lot of emotional baggage to work through, but their connection is undeniable. The book has all the feels, with passion, redemption, and a slow-burn romance that you can’t help but root for.

8. The Play (2021)

The third book in the Briar U series is all about Hunter and Demi, a couple whose chemistry is electric from the start. Hunter has been harboring feelings for Demi for a while, but she’s not someone who falls easily. The story brings in the usual mix of romance, humor, and hockey vibes, but it also dives deep into the struggles of self-worth and vulnerability in relationships. It’s a great continuation of the Briar U world and definitely keeps readers invested in the journey.

9. The Quarantine Road Trip (2021)

In this one, Elle Kennedy takes readers on a road trip, literally and emotionally. The book follows a small group of characters navigating their way through quarantine together. The story dives into their relationships, their pasts, and how they deal with the uncertainty of the world around them. It’s an interesting blend of romance, humor, and a little bit of nostalgia for the strange times we’ve all lived through.

Background On Elle Kennedy Books

Elle Kennedy began her writing career with a focus on contemporary romance, quickly gaining recognition for her captivating storytelling. Her books often feature strong, independent heroines paired with complex, emotionally developed heroes. While she initially made her mark with standalone novels, her breakout success came with the Off-Campus series, a New Adult romance that gained a cult following. Set in a college environment, Off-Campus and its spin-off Briar U series introduced readers to a world where athletes, academics, and romance collide in ways that are both realistic and endearing.

In addition to the Off-Campus and Briar U series, Kennedy has ventured into other genres, including romantic suspense, with works like The Campus Chronicles and The Wild series. Across all her books, Kennedy maintains a consistent theme: complicated relationships, whether between friends, lovers, or family members. Her books also tend to explore the importance of personal growth, overcoming past traumas, and finding balance in one’s life and relationships.

Kennedy’s writing style is another standout feature. She writes with a natural wit and humor, balancing steamy romance with lighthearted moments that make her characters feel real and relatable. Her knack for creating chemistry between her protagonists-often in the form of intense slow-burn romance-keeps readers coming back for more.

Reading Order Explained

One of the questions readers often ask is whether Elle Kennedy’s books need to be read in order. While many of her books can be enjoyed independently, some of her series follow a connected narrative, with recurring characters and story arcs that span across multiple books. Let’s break down the reading order for Kennedy’s most popular series:

1. Off-Campus Series

   This is the series that most people associate with Elle Kennedy, and for good reason. The Off-Campus series centers on a group of college students and their evolving relationships, with a heavy emphasis on the romance between the leads and the growth of their characters. The books are interconnected, and the series follows a clear chronological order:

   • The Deal (Book 1) – Garrett and Hannah’s story
   • The Mistake (Book 2) – Logan and Grace’s story
   • The Score (Book 3) – Dean and Allie’s story
   • The Goal (Book 4) – Tucker and Sabrina’s story
   • The Legacy (Book 5) – A novella that serves as a conclusion to the series, wrapping up some of the character arcs and introducing the next generation of players.

   The Off-Campus series introduces a tight-knit group of characters whose journeys are followed throughout the books, and many fans recommend reading them in order. While each book can be read as a standalone, reading them in the proper order gives a more complete understanding of the characters’ growth and their relationships with each other.

2. Briar U Series

   The Briar U series is a spin-off of Off-Campus, following the next generation of students at Briar University. While it takes place in the same world and features familiar faces from the previous series, the stories are fresh and focus on new characters. The reading order for this series is:

   • The Chase (Book 1) – Hunter and Demi’s story
   • The Risk (Book 2) – Brenna and Jake’s story
   • The Play (Book 3) – Bella and Bowen’s story
   • The Quota (Book 4) – A novella that ties up some loose ends, focusing on a new couple’s relationship.

   Similar to the Off-Campus series, the Briar U books are connected, and reading them in order allows you to see the gradual evolution of the characters and how their storylines overlap. Though it’s not essential to read Off-Campus first, doing so enriches your understanding of the world and the characters’ backstories.

3. Standalone Novels And Other Series

   Aside from the two major series above, Elle Kennedy also has several standalone novels and books from other series, such as The Wild series. These books can be read independently from one another and often delve into different themes, but they still maintain Kennedy’s signature blend of humor, steam, and emotional depth. If you’re looking for variety or want to step outside the world of Off-Campus and Briar U, these books are a great option.

What I Like About The Series?

There’s a lot to love about Elle Kennedy’s books, but what really sets her apart is her ability to create compelling characters and realistic relationships. She’s a master at crafting strong, flawed protagonists who grow throughout the series. Her characters are multidimensional-far from perfect, yet deeply relatable.

One of the standout features is her portrayal of college life. Kennedy’s books strike a balance between the fun and the struggles of being a young adult in an academic setting. From balancing relationships and studies to navigating friendships and family dynamics, her characters feel like real people going through the ups and downs of their lives.

I also appreciate the humor that runs throughout her books. While they contain plenty of emotional moments, they never feel too heavy. The banter between characters, especially the playful, sometimes sarcastic dialogue, adds a lightness to the narrative that makes the books easy to read and fun to immerse yourself in.

The romance itself is another highlight. Kennedy excels at slow-burn relationships, where the chemistry builds over time and the tension makes the eventual payoff even more satisfying. Whether it’s the enemies-to-lovers trope or the friends-to-lovers dynamic, her romances feel earned, with plenty of emotional stakes to keep readers invested.

Should You Read Elle Kennedy Books In Order?

As with any book series, reading Elle Kennedy’s works in order is generally the best way to fully appreciate the characters and their arcs. In particular, both the Off-Campus and Briar U series are designed to be read sequentially. Each book introduces new characters while developing and expanding on the storylines of characters from previous books, so reading out of order could cause you to miss key moments or spoil certain surprises.

That being said, if you’re not interested in reading them in order, it’s still possible to pick up any book in the Off-Campus or Briar U series and enjoy it on its own. Many readers find that they can dive into any book and understand the plot, though the emotional impact is heightened when reading them in sequence.