The Recommended Reading Order for the First Series
When it comes to reading E.L. Todd’s First series, the path forward is straightforward. Because the series functions as a continuous trilogy following a single couple, you must read the books in order of publication. Skipping a book or reading them out of sequence will disrupt the narrative arc and spoil major emotional turning points.
Here is the recommended reading order for the trilogy:
- 400 First Kisses (2017) – The story begins as Bree wakes up with amnesia, remembering her husband Cypress only as her arrogant ex-boyfriend.
- 325 First Fights (2017) – The saga continues as Bree tries to rebuild trust and salvage her marriage while grappling with the return of past complications.
- 218 First Hugs (2017) – The emotional conclusion where Bree and Cypress must finally resolve lingering doubts and decide if their love can survive the ultimate test of forgiveness.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For some romance series, chronological order and publication order differ. However, for the First series, they are identical. E.L. Todd wrote and released these books in rapid succession in late 2017, meaning there are no prequels or companion novellas to worry about. The chronological events match the order in which the books were published, making this a highly accessible series to dive into.
The Core Premise: Memory Loss and Second Chances
Unlike many contemporary romance series that cycle through different couples in each installment, the First series focuses entirely on the relationship between Bree and Cypress. Written in the first-person perspective from Bree's point of view, the books explore the unique challenges of loving someone you no longer remember.
400 First Kisses
The trilogy opens with 400 First Kisses. Bree has suffered a major accident resulting in severe amnesia. She forgets her recent years, including the fact that she had married Cypress and, crucially, that she had already forgiven him for past mistakes. To Bree, Cypress is simply the heartbreaker who lived next door—an arrogant ex she wants nothing to do with. Cypress, however, is determined to win back his wife, refusing to give up on their marriage despite her complete lack of memory.
325 First Fights
In 325 First Fights, the emotional stakes intensify. As Bree begins to accept Cypress back into her life, they must navigate the daily reality of rebuilding their relationship. While Cypress is patient and devoted, Bree struggles with deep-seated trust issues. The plot thickens when elements of their past surface, forcing Bree to decide if she is willing to fully commit to saving their marriage before she loses Cypress for good.
218 First Hugs
The final book, 218 First Hugs, wraps up the trilogy. Cypress remains fiercely protective and possessive, which adds tension as Bree tries to navigate her feelings in a world where she still lacks her complete memory. The novel centers on the theme of true reconciliation, examining whether a relationship can be built anew when the foundations of the past have been washed away.
How the First Trilogy Fits into E.L. Todd’s Catalog
E.L. Todd is an incredibly prolific author, known for massive, interconnected romance universes like the Forever and Ever and Forever and Always series. Because she has written over a hundred novels, new readers often worry about missing crossover connections.
Fortunately, the First series is a completely standalone trilogy. It does not connect to her other large-scale series, meaning you do not need to read any of her other books to fully understand and enjoy Bree and Cypress’s journey. It serves as an excellent entry point for readers who want to experience Todd’s signature emotional intensity and character-driven writing style without committing to a multi-decade series legacy.
What to Know Before You Start
Before jumping into 400 First Kisses, readers should be prepared for a high-emotion, angst-filled journey. Because the story deals with amnesia and marital infidelity recovery, it features heavy themes of trust, jealousy, and vulnerability. The narrative style is highly intimate, written exclusively from Bree's perspective, which allows readers to feel her confusion and hesitation firsthand. If you enjoy slow-burn reconciliation, second-chance romance tropes, and deeply personal relationship dramas, this trilogy is tailor-made for you.