Step into the vibrant world of The Ivy Years, where hockey, heart, and college drama collide in Sarina Bowen’s award-winning series! This New Adult romance saga, set at the elite Harkness College, blends steamy love stories with raw emotion, tackling real-life challenges like disability, identity, and resilience. With its authentic characters and heartfelt storytelling, it’s no wonder fans can’t get enough of this USA Today bestselling series.
Whether you’re a romance junkie or a sports fiction fan, The Ivy Years offers a perfect mix of swoon-worthy moments and poignant themes, making it a must-read for anyone craving a story that’s as gripping as it is tender.
How The Ivy Years Began
Sarina Bowen, a former Wall Street derivatives trader turned romance novelist, launched The Ivy Years in 2014, inspired by her love for hockey and the emotional complexities of college life. Drawing from her Yale economics background, Bowen crafted Harkness College as a fictional Ivy League haven, rich with tradition and rivalries. Her goal? To weave romance with real-world issues, creating stories that resonate deeply while keeping readers hooked on the next kiss or plot twist.
The series kicked off with critical acclaim, earning praise for its sensitive handling of tough topics and its ability to balance steamy romance with heartfelt drama. Bowen’s passion for authentic storytelling set the stage for a series that’s both addictive and thought-provoking.
The Heart of The Ivy Years
The Ivy Years spans six books, each a standalone tale centered around Harkness’s hockey team. The Year We Fell Down introduces Corey Callahan, a former hockey player now in a wheelchair after an accident, and Adam Hartley, a charming teammate on crutches. Their friends-to-lovers arc is a masterclass in slow-burn romance, exploring disability and self-acceptance. The Year We Hid Away follows Scarlet Crowley, escaping her family’s dark past, and Bridger McCaulley, a hockey star protecting his sister. Their story dives into trust and sacrifice.
The Understatement of the Year tackles identity with a poignant M/M romance between hockey players Graham and Rikker, whose past love is tested by fear and acceptance. The Shameless Hour shifts gears to Bella, the team’s bold manager, and Rafe, a devout student, confronting slut-shaming and cultural expectations. Themes of resilience, love’s transformative power, and navigating personal struggles shine through, all set against the vivid backdrop of college hockey games and dorm life.
Bowen’s style is conversational yet profound, with witty dialogue and emotional depth. The series doesn’t shy away from heavy topics—trauma, homophobia, or societal judgment—but handles them with care, making each book a compelling blend of heart, heat, and hope.
Why The Ivy Years Resonates
The Ivy Years has left a lasting mark on New Adult romance, praised by authors like Elle Kennedy for its stellar hockey romances. Its diverse characters and bold exploration of issues like disability representation and LGBTQ+ love have won over readers, earning Bowen multiple USA Today bestseller nods. Fans rave about the series’ ability to make them laugh, cry, and root for every couple, cementing its status as a fan-favorite.
Its legacy lies in its authenticity—Bowen’s characters feel like real college students facing real stakes, from heartbreak to triumph. The series continues to inspire readers to embrace their own resilience and find love in unexpected places.
- Publication Years: 2014–2015
- Number of Books: 6 main novels, plus novellas
- Awards: Part of Bowen’s award-winning portfolio, including RITA Award recognition
- Setting: Fictional Harkness College, inspired by Ivy League schools
Ready to fall in love with hockey hotties and heartfelt drama? Grab The Year We Fell Down and dive into The Ivy Years’ irresistible world of romance!