The Recommended Reading Order for Jessica Sorensen's Nova Series
If you want to experience Nova Reed and Quinton Carter's emotional journey exactly as it unfolds, the chronological order is highly recommended. While the main novels focus on Nova and Quinton's struggles with grief, addiction, and recovery, the two companion novellas focus on supporting characters who play critical roles in the overarching narrative. Placing these novellas in their designated slots provides essential context before you proceed to the next major chapter in Quinton and Nova's lives.
Here is the recommended chronological reading order for the Nova series:
- Breaking Nova (2013) – The first full-length novel. We meet Nova Reed, who is grieving the suicide of her boyfriend, and Quinton Carter, a guilt-ridden artist struggling with addiction after a fatal accident.
- Saving Quinton (2014) – The second novel. Nova travels to Las Vegas to rescue Quinton from a dangerous downward spiral of drug addiction and self-destruction.
- Delilah: The Making of Red (2014) – Novella #2.5. A prequel/companion story that delves into the backstory of Delilah Peirce, exploring her painful home life and the origins of her toxic relationship with Dylan.
- Nova and Quinton: No Regrets (2014) – The third novel. Focuses on the difficult road to recovery as Quinton and Nova try to build a life free from their past demons.
- Tristan: Finding Hope (2014) – Novella #3.5. A companion story centered on Tristan, another key character in the group, as he fights his own battle with grief and finds an unexpected connection with a girl named Avery.
- Wreck Me (2014) – The fourth novel. The stakes rise as Nova and Quinton's commitment to each other and their sobriety is tested by lingering shadows from their pasts.
- Ruin Me (2015) – The fifth novel. A powerful continuation of their journey toward healing, focusing on forgiveness and redemption.
- Nova and Quinton: Everlasting Hope (2021) – The final novel/epilogue. A direct look into Nova and Quinton's future as they navigate adulthood, showing how far they have come since their darkest days.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the Nova series, the publication order and the chronological order are virtually identical. Jessica Sorensen wrote and released the novellas in between the main novels to flesh out the supporting cast. Reading the books in the order they were published matches the chronological path outlined above. This means you do not have to worry about complex timeline jumps or reading prequels out of order; simply follow the sequence from 2013 to 2021.
While some readers choose to skip the novellas (Delilah: The Making of Red and Tristan: Finding Hope) to focus strictly on Nova and Quinton's main novels, doing so is not recommended. These short works provide crucial depth to the supporting cast, making the emotional payoff of the final books much more satisfying.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Nova series, it is important to understand that Jessica Sorensen does not shy away from heavy themes. Classified as contemporary New Adult romance, the series is set against the backdrop of small-town America and gritty cityscapes. It deals extensively with raw, emotional topics including:
- Grief and the aftermath of suicide
- Severe drug addiction, substance abuse, and withdrawal
- Guilt, self-harm, and psychological trauma
- Toxic relationships and domestic struggles
Despite these heavy elements, the core message of the Nova series is one of hope, second chances, and the healing power of connection. Sorensen balances the gritty realism of recovery with a deeply emotional romance, making it a compelling read for fans of Colleen Hoover or Katie McGarry.
Meet the Core Characters
To fully appreciate the emotional weight of the Nova series, it helps to understand the two main characters who drive the story forward:
Nova Reed
Nova starts the series as a young woman whose world has been shattered. After the sudden suicide of her boyfriend Landon, she is left in a state of suspended animation, unable to create her art or imagine a future. Her journey is not just about falling in love again; it is about reclaiming her identity, learning to live with grief without letting it consume her, and discovering that she has the strength to help others heal.
Quinton Carter
Quinton is a deeply talented artist who has completely surrendered to guilt and addiction. Haunted by a tragic car accident that took a loved one's life, he believes he does not deserve happiness or a future. He uses substances to numb his pain, pushing away anyone who tries to get close. His character arc is a raw, painful, and ultimately inspiring look at the realities of addiction, relapse, and the slow, non-linear process of recovery.
Themes of Recovery and Second Chances
Unlike many contemporary romance books that treat addiction as a temporary plot point, Jessica Sorensen places it at the very center of the Nova series. The books depict the recovery process with unflinching realism. Quinton's battle with substance abuse is not solved overnight by the power of love; instead, the novels show the daily struggles, the temptation to relapse, the necessity of professional support, and the boundaries required to maintain a healthy relationship while recovering. This dedication to portraying the messy, difficult parts of healing is what has earned the series widespread praise among romance readers.
Practical Reader Advice
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your reading experience:
- Can they be read as standalones? No. The Nova series is a continuous narrative. Reading the books out of order will result in major spoilers, and the character arcs will not make sense. You should definitely start with Breaking Nova.
- Are there any crossovers? Although Jessica Sorensen is famous for other hit New Adult series like The Coincidence, the Nova series is entirely self-contained. You do not need to read her other books to understand Nova's story.
- How does the series end? The original run concluded in 2015 with Ruin Me, but the 2021 release of Nova and Quinton: Everlasting Hope acts as an extended epilogue, providing a sweet, long-term resolution for the couple.