Step into the high-stakes, heart-racing world of Briar University, where elite college hockey players, sharp-witted heroines, and fiery, emotional romances collide. Created by New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy, the Off-Campus series has become a gold standard of modern sports romance and a sensation on BookTok, capturing over three million sales worldwide. With a Prime Video television series adaptation in development (first announced in 2024), there is no better time to dive into the icy arenas and steamy dorm rooms of Briar U.
While each book in the Off-Campus universe can technically be read as a standalone romance focusing on a unique couple, they are deeply interconnected. Characters pop up in each other's stories, major life developments unfold in the background, and the tight-knit team dynamics form a continuous timeline. To avoid spoilers and enjoy the natural progression of this lively world, following the publication order is the ultimate recommendation.
Recommended Reading Order: The Complete Briar Universe
To experience the full narrative arc of the hockey roommates, their direct spin-offs, and the next-generation stories, readers should follow the comprehensive chronological publication path of the Briar Universe:
Phase 1: The Original Off-Campus Series
This is where the phenomenon begins, introducing the core group of Briar University hockey players, their roommates, and the women who steal their hearts.
- The Deal (2015) – The romance that started it all, following music major Hannah Wells and cocky hockey captain Garrett Graham as a fake-dating arrangement turns into real feelings.
- The Mistake (2015) – Focuses on Garrett's roommate John Logan, a charming player facing post-graduation anxieties, as he tries to win back freshman Grace Ivers.
- The Score (2016) – Follows playboy Dean Di Laurentis and Allie Hayes (Hannah's best friend) in a steamy rebound arrangement that quickly gets complicated.
- The Goal (2016) – The story of the quiet, dependable John Tucker and the fiercely ambitious Sabrina James as they navigate college, career dreams, and an unexpected pregnancy.
- The Legacy (2021) – A collection of four extended novellas that check back in on all four couples, offering readers a glimpse into their lives, careers, and weddings after college.
Phase 2: The Briar U Spin-Off Series
Directly following the main series, Briar U shifts the spotlight to a younger class of players and students at the same school, while featuring delightful cameos from the original Off-Campus cast.
- The Chase (2018) – Follows Fitz (Colin Fitzgerald), a nerdy hockey player, and Summer Heyward-Di Laurentis (Dean's fashion-forward younger sister).
- The Risk (2019) – A forbidden, high-stakes romance between Briar's rival coach's daughter, Brenna Jensen, and hockey captain Jake Connelly.
- The Play (2019) – Follows Hunter Davenport, who has sworn off sex for the season, and demi-sexual student Demi Davis as they try to keep their relationship strictly platonic.
- The Dare (2020) – Follows college senior Taylor Marsh and hockey player Conor Edwards as a dare leads to an intense, hidden relationship.
Phase 3: Campus Diaries (The Next Generation) & Standalones
Elle Kennedy continues to expand the Briar universe by focusing on the children of the original couples and other characters linked to the Briar circle.
- The Graham Effect (2023) – The first book in the Campus Diaries spin-off, featuring Gigi Graham (daughter of Garrett and Hannah from The Deal) as she strives for the Olympic hockey team and strikes a deal with rival player Ryder Baden.
- The Dixon Rule (2024) – Campus Diaries Book 2, following Ryder's roommate Diana Dixon and hockey captain Shane Lindley.
- The Charlie Method (2025) – Campus Diaries Book 3, continuing the new generation's collegiate hockey shenanigans and romantic adventures.
- Love Song (2026) – A standalone next-generation novel featuring Wyatt Graham (son of Garrett and Hannah) and Blake Logan (daughter of John Logan and Grace Ivers) reconnecting at their families' shared lake house in Tahoe.
- Bad Idea (2026) – An upcoming addition to the Briar Universe (scheduled for November 2026) focusing on AJ Connelly and Ivy Di Laurentis.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
For the Briar Universe, chronological order aligns directly with the publication order. Because the characters age, graduate, and pass the torch to younger teammates—and eventually to their own children—reading out of order can lead to major spoilers. For instance, reading The Legacy before the first four books will completely ruin the romance arcs of all four couples. Similarly, starting with The Graham Effect reveals exactly which couples from the original series ended up together and how their lives turned out. For the best experience, start with The Deal and read forward chronologically.
What to Know Before You Start
Elle Kennedy’s Briar Universe is celebrated for blending the lighthearted, high-energy environment of college sports with mature, real-world themes. Here are a few key elements to keep in mind before diving in:
- New Adult Themes: The books contain explicit steam, high-heat romance, and mature language. However, they also tackle serious topics such as sexual assault recovery, career pressure, family dysfunction, and unplanned pregnancy with empathy and respect.
- Highly Interconnected: While each book concludes with a happy ending for its main couple, the running subplots, friendships, and team rivalries carry over. You will appreciate the cameos and inside jokes much more if you read the books sequentially.
- Sports Details: Although hockey is the core setting and the characters' passion, you do not need to be a sports expert to enjoy the books. Kennedy focuses heavily on the emotional dynamics, relationships, and humor, making it accessible to general romance readers.
- The Prime Video Adaptation: In 2024, Amazon MGM Studios greenlit a series adaptation of The Deal, with Louisa Levy serving as the showrunner. Reading the books now will prepare you for the upcoming television adaptation!