London Prep Books in Order

How to Read the London Prep Series

If you are looking for an addictive young adult contemporary romance filled with elite prep school drama, Gossip Girl vibes, and a high-stakes love triangle, Jillian Dodd's London Prep is the series for you. The books follow Mallory James, a sassy high schooler from New York who is thrust into a three-week exchange program at the posh Kensington School in London. In no time, she finds herself caught between two swoon-worthy British boys: the charming, flirtatious Harry and the intense, brooding Noah.

Because the storyline is highly serialized and features a continuous, linear timeline, there is only one correct way to read this series: strictly in order of publication. Reading the books out of order will ruin major cliffhangers, relationship milestones, and character growth. Below, we break down the optimal reading path and explore how this series connects to the wider Jillian Dodd universe.

London Prep Books in Publication Order

To follow Mallory’s journey correctly, read the books in the order they were published. Here is the complete list of the primary installments:

1. The Exchange (2020) – Mallory arrives in London, unhappy about leaving her life in New York. Her three-week exchange gets off to a wild start when she is introduced to Harry and Noah, sparking an immediate love triangle.
2. The Boys' Club (2020) – Week two of the exchange begins. Mallory finds herself navigating the complex social circles of London’s elite, getting closer to both boys while forming crucial friendships.
3. The Kiss (2020) – Mallory’s final week in London is filled with tension as the reality of her departure looms, leading to a dramatic escalation in her relationships.
4. The Key (2021) – The exchange officially ends, and Mallory must say a bittersweet goodbye to Kensington School. However, unexpected twists prove that her connections in London are far from over.
5. The Party (2021) – Back in New York, the drama continues. Mallory tries to settle back into her old routine, but secrets from London refuse to stay behind.
6. The Country House (2022) – The group reunites for a getaway at a breathtaking country estate, setting the stage for intense emotional confrontations and secrets coming to light.
7. The Choice (2022) – The emotional stakes reach an all-time high as Mallory is forced to confront her feelings and make a critical decision about her future.
8. The Club (2024) – Reentering high-society circles, Mallory and her friends face new conflicts and testing trials that threaten their bonds.
9. The Match (2024) – The ultimate culmination of the series, wrapping up the long-running drama and delivering final answers to the questions surrounding Mallory's heart.

Why the Linear Reading Order Matters

Unlike some romance sagas that feature standalone companion novels centering on different couples, London Prep is a single, continuous narrative focused entirely on Mallory's life and choices. The first three books—The Exchange, The Boys' Club, and The Kiss—each cover exactly one week of Mallory's initial three-week exchange program. Reading them out of order would be like skipping chapters in a single novel. Jillian Dodd masterfully utilizes cliffhangers at the end of almost every book, making it essential to read them sequentially to experience the emotional highs and lows as they were intended.

Understanding the Interconnected Jillian Dodd Universe

One of the most exciting aspects of reading Jillian Dodd's novels is discovering how they link together. While you can read London Prep entirely on its own, it exists within a larger, shared literary universe. If you want to dive deeper into the crossovers, keep these connections in mind:

• Eastbrooke Academy: This four-book series—consisting of Best Friends Aren't Forever (2023), Popularity Isn't Easy (2023), Kisses Don't Stay Secret (2024), and First Loves Are Hard To Forget (2024)—takes place at another elite boarding school. Its timeline overlaps directly with London Prep, with the events of the first Eastbrooke book beginning shortly before Mallory arrives in London. The two series feature shared worlds and crossover characters, making Eastbrooke the perfect next stop for London Prep fans.
• The Keatyn Chronicles: Dodd's hit series is a major pillar of her shared universe. London Prep features subtle nods and crossovers with the world of Keatyn, including references to the Arrington club. Reading Keatyn's story is not mandatory to understand Mallory's, but it adds a layer of fun for eagle-eyed fans.
• That Boy Series: Although set in a different environment, this beloved contemporary romance series also shares minor universe connections, illustrating Dodd's dedication to creating a cohesive world for her characters.

What to Know Before You Start

Before jumping into The Exchange, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience. First, prepare to commit to a binge-read. Because of the fast pace and frequent cliffhangers, most readers prefer to have the first few books ready to go. Second, embrace the fandom. The series has inspired a highly active community of readers who align themselves as either "Team Noah" or "Team Harry." Finally, visit the author's official website to access curated book playlists and exclusive bonus scenes—such as extra content for The Country House—which add extra depth to the story.