The Recommended Reading Order for the Off Series
Sawyer Bennett’s Off series is a collection of emotional and steamy New Adult contemporary romance novels. While the five main novels are designed to be enjoyed as standalones, they feature heavily interconnected characters—most notably the Caldwell family. To get the best reading experience and avoid spoilers regarding character relationships, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order.
Here is the recommended reading path for the Off series:
- Off Sides (2013) - Features Ryan Burnham and Danny Cross.
- Off Limits (2013) - Features Nixon "Nix" Caldwell and Emily Burnham.
- Off the Record (2013) - Features Lincoln Caldwell and Ever Montgomery.
- Off Course (2013) - Features Cillian O'Braidagh and Renner Caldwell.
- Off Chance (2013) - Features Flynn Caldwell and Rowan Paige.
- Off Season (2014) - A follow-up novella featuring Ryan and Danny.
- Off Duty (2015) - A follow-up novella featuring Nix and Emily.
Who Are the Caldwells? Understanding the Family Connections
A major draw of the series is the tight-knit bond between the primary characters. If you read the books out of order, you might miss the subtle growth of the family dynamic or spoil the outcomes of previous romances. Here is how the family tree connects the books:
- Nixon "Nix" Caldwell (hero of Off Limits) is a former Marine adjusting to civilian life. His love interest, Emily Burnham, is the sister of Ryan Burnham (hero of Off Sides).
- Lincoln "Linc" Caldwell (hero of Off the Record) is Nixon's brother and a professional hockey goalie.
- Renner Caldwell (heroine of Off Course) is the cousin of Nixon, Lincoln, and Flynn.
- Flynn Caldwell (hero of Off Chance) is the brother of Nixon and Lincoln, working as a dedicated firefighter.
Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. Off Sides (2013)
The series begins with Off Sides, introducing Ryan Burnham, a college hockey star and the son of a prominent U.S. congressman, and Danny Cross, a hard-working waitress trying to build a life despite a troubled past. Their story is a classic opposites-attract romance that explores the heavy burden of family expectations and the courage required to pursue your own dreams.
2. Off Limits (2013)
In Off Limits, the spotlight shifts to Ryan's sister, Emily Burnham. After realizing how hollow her upper-class life has become, Emily decides to break away from her controlling mother. When a car accident brings her into the path of Nixon "Nix" Caldwell, a former Marine suffering from severe PTSD, they spark a deep connection. Emily works tirelessly to scale the emotional walls Nix has erected to keep his heart safe.
3. Off the Record (2013)
Off the Record delivers an engaging enemies-to-lovers story. Lincoln Caldwell is a star goalie for the New York Rangers who values his privacy. Ever Montgomery is a persistent journalist who publishes a story containing details shared "off the record," causing friction. When Ever is assigned to shadow Lincoln for six weeks, they must find a way to work together, leading to intense chemistry and mutual understanding.
4. Off Course (2013)
Taking readers across the Atlantic, Off Course centers on Nix and Linc's cousin, Renner Caldwell. Coping with a difficult betrayal at home, Renner takes a trip to Ireland. There, she crosses paths with Cillian O'Braidagh, the charming lead singer of the rock band Over The Edge. This second-chance contemporary romance blends the scenic beauty of the Irish countryside with the complications of fame and healing.
5. Off Chance (2013)
The final full-length novel in the main lineup is Off Chance. It follows Flynn Caldwell, a firefighter with a heart of gold who carries emotional baggage from past losses. When he saves Rowan Paige from a dangerous situation, Flynn finds himself risking both his life and his heart. This installment is highly praised for its emotional depth and high stakes.
6. Off Season (2014)
This companion novella is a sweet follow-up to the events of Off Sides. It catches up with Ryan Burnham and Danny Cross as they navigate their long-distance relationship, offering fans a satisfying update on where the couple ended up after the first book.
7. Off Duty (2015)
Serving as a conclusion to the series, this novella returns to Nixon Caldwell and Emily Burnham. It gives readers a closer look at their life together after the emotional hurdles they overcame in Off Limits, delivering a final happily-ever-after for two of the series' most beloved characters.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: Where Do the Novellas Fit?
For readers who prefer a strict chronological reading experience, you can insert the novellas immediately after the books they follow instead of waiting until the end. Reading Off Season (Book 5.5) right after Off Sides and reading Off Duty (Book 6.5) right after Off Limits works well because the character arcs flow directly. However, the publication order remains the simplest and most common path, as it allows you to enjoy the main Caldwell family progression uninterrupted before returning for the short updates.