How to Read Pacific Prep in Order
The Pacific Prep series by R.A. Smyth is a fast-paced, high-drama new adult dark romance set in an elite academy where wealth, power, and secrets collide. To follow the story of Hadley Parker and the four dangerous Princes of the school (Hawk, West, Mason, and Cam), you should read the main books in their chronological and publication order, followed by the transitional novella.
The Recommended Reading Order
- Broken Trust (2021) – The story begins here. Hadley Parker enters Pacific Prep on a scholarship, immediately drawing the ire and attention of the school's powerful Princes.
- Brutal Lies (2021) – The drama and mystery deepen as Hadley's past threats start to catch up with her, and the Princes begin showing their vulnerabilities.
- Beyond Vengeance (2021) – Secrets are exposed, alliances shift, and the stakes rise to a life-or-death scale.
- Break Free (2021) – The dramatic conclusion to Hadley’s main storyline, delivering emotional resolutions and final showdowns.
- Blurred Lines (2022) – A companion novella set during and immediately after the events of Break Free, told from the perspective of Emilia Harrison. This serves as the bridge to the spin-off series.
Understanding the Spin-offs and Shared Universe
R.A. Smyth has expanded the Pacific Prep universe through closely connected spin-offs and shared-world series. If you want the complete reading experience, you should continue into the following books after finishing the main Pacific Prep series.
The Ruthless Boys of Ridgeway
This direct spin-off series shifts the spotlight to Emilia Harrison (Hadley's close friend from Pacific Prep) and features Hawk Davenport (one of the Pacific Prep Princes) along with Wilder and Kai. The series is set during their college years and is a reverse harem romantic suspense trilogy. You should read them in this order:
- Pretty Spiteful (2022)
- Pretty Vile (2023)
- Pretty Lethal (2023)
The Black Creek Connection
For readers who want even more of the shared world, R.A. Smyth's Black Creek series (beginning with Rebels & Rejects) is set in the same universe and features overlapping elements, though it can be read as a standalone. Additionally, there are loose ties to her Crescentwood series, offering a rewarding experience for fans of interconnected contemporary dark romances.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Pacific Prep, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience:
- Reverse Harem Dynamics: The series features a reverse harem relationship (also known as 'Why Choose?'), meaning the heroine does not have to choose between her love interests and ends up in a relationship with multiple partners.
- Dark Themes and Trigger Warnings: As a dark academy romance, the series deals with heavy themes, including foster care trauma, bullying, violence, and non-consensual elements in the early stages. Readers are advised to check the author's official content warnings before starting.
- The Novella is Essential: While you can enjoy Hadley's story as a complete four-book arc, skipping Blurred Lines will leave you confused if you transition into The Ruthless Boys of Ridgeway. It bridges the gap between the academy setting and the college spin-off.