Books On Board

Secret (Jessica Sorensen) Books in Order

  • 7 Books
  • 2012 – 2021 Published

Amazon links here are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reading order
1 of 1 reading orders shown

How to Read the Secret Series

Jessica Sorensen’s Secret series (often called the Ella and Micha series) is a foundational cornerstone of the New Adult (NA) contemporary romance genre. The series follows two main couples—childhood sweethearts Ella and Micha, and their best friends Lila and Ethan—as they navigate college life, emotional trauma, and the healing power of love.

Because the series includes prequels, companion novels, and secondary couples whose timelines overlap, choosing where to start can be tricky. Below, we break down the two main reading paths so you can choose the best way to dive in.

Recommended Reading Path (Chronological Order)

For the most seamless narrative flow, reading the books in chronological order is highly recommended. This allows you to experience the main couples' relationship milestones in the order they occur. However, there is a major caveat regarding the prequel: The Prelude of Ella and Micha spoils the mystery of the childhood tragedy that Ella runs away from in Book 1. For this reason, we recommend saving the prequel for later if you want to experience the suspense naturally, or reading it first if you prefer knowing all the background upfront.

  1. The Prelude of Ella and Micha (Prequel novella covering their childhood and the events leading up to the main story)
  2. The Secret of Ella and Micha (The core book that starts the series, focusing on Ella returning home from college)
  3. The Forever of Ella and Micha (Continues Ella and Micha's relationship as they struggle with long-distance and touring)
  4. The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (Shifts focus to Ella's best friend Lila and Micha's friend Ethan, exploring their slow-burn romance)
  5. The Ever After of Ella and Micha (Brings the focus back to Ella and Micha as they face major decisions about their future together)
  6. Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always (The concluding chapter for Ella and Micha as they plan their wedding and future)
  7. The Everlasting of Lila and Ethan (The follow-up novel focusing on Lila and Ethan's relationship progression and struggles)

Publication Order of The Secret Books

If you prefer to read the series exactly as it was released to the public, follow this publication order. This track allows you to watch Jessica Sorensen's writing style evolve and experience the characters in the order that original fans did during the New Adult romance boom of the early 2010s.

  • The Secret of Ella and Micha (2012)
  • The Forever of Ella and Micha (2013)
  • The Ever After of Ella and Micha (2013)
  • Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always (2014)
  • The Prelude of Ella and Micha (2014)
  • The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (2015)
  • The Everlasting of Lila and Ethan (2021)

Exploring the Couples and Subseries

The Secret series is structurally divided between two central couples, each dealing with unique emotional struggles and relationship dynamics.

Ella and Micha: The Core Romance

Ella and Micha's love story is the heart of the series. Ella is a rule-breaker who fled her home and her tragic past, reinventing herself as a quiet, safe college student. Micha is the confident, music-loving childhood best friend who knows the real Ella and refuses to let her hide. Their books deal heavily with overcoming grief, dealing with family mental illness, and learning to trust again after devastating loss.

Lila and Ethan: The Slow-Burn Companion

Lila Summers seems to have a perfect, polished life, but she hides a dark past and deep emotional scars. Ethan Gregory is a tattooed bad boy who has built high walls to keep people out. When Lila hits rock bottom, Ethan is the only one there to catch her. Their romance is a slow-burn journey focused on healing, vulnerability, and learning that they are worthy of being loved.

The Crossover Universe: The Coincidence Connection

Jessica Sorensen's contemporary romance books exist within a shared universe. Fans of the Secret series will find exciting connections in The Coincidence Series (beginning with The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden). While the main plots are independent, characters like Seth and Luke cross over between the two series, appearing as supporting figures who link the communities together. Reading both series provides a richer, more detailed look at the characters' interconnected lives in college and beyond.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the Secret series, readers should be prepared for its emotional depth. While these books contain plenty of passionate romance, they are not light, breezy reads. Jessica Sorensen tackles heavy themes, including suicide, depression, physical abuse, parental neglect, and self-harm. The books focus heavily on how these traumas affect young adults as they try to build independent lives. We recommend checking individual book content warnings if you are sensitive to these topics.

Frequently Asked

Can I read the Lila and Ethan books without reading the Ella and Micha books?

While you can understand the main romance of Lila and Ethan on its own, it is highly recommended to read the Ella and Micha books first. Lila is Ella's best friend and Ethan is Micha's friend, and their backstories, emotional traumas, and initial interactions are introduced during the Ella and Micha novels.

Should I read The Prelude of Ella and Micha first?

Chronologically, yes, the prequel takes place first. However, many readers prefer to read it after The Secret of Ella and Micha because the prequel spoils the mystery surrounding the tragic event that Ella is running from at the beginning of the first book.

How does the Coincidence series connect to the Secret series?

Both series take place in the same fictional universe. You will see crossover cameos from characters like Seth and Luke, who appear in both the Callie & Kayden storyline and the Ella & Micha storyline, linking their worlds together.

Are there heavy themes in Jessica Sorensen's Secret series?

Yes, the series deals with intense New Adult themes, including family trauma, depression, grief, and mental health struggles. While there is a strong focus on romance and healing, the characters face realistic, heavy challenges.

Is the Secret series completed?

Yes, the main arcs for both couples are resolved. Ella and Micha's story wraps up in Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always, while Lila and Ethan's story concludes with The Everlasting of Lila and Ethan.