The Recommended Reading Order for the Slammed Series
For the best emotional impact and narrative flow, the Slammed series should be read in its original publication order. The trilogy is a linear story that follows the relationship of Layken Cohen and Will Cooper. Reading them in order ensures you experience the couple's trials, growth, and resolution exactly as the author intended.
Here is the official recommended order to read the books:
- Slammed (January 2012)
- Point of Retreat (February 2012)
- This Girl (April 2013)
A Detailed Breakdown of the Books
1. Slammed (2012)
Colleen Hoover's self-published debut novel introduces us to 18-year-old Layken “Lake” Cohen, who is struggling to cope after the sudden death of her father. She moves with her mother Julia and younger brother Kel from Texas to Ypsilanti, Michigan. Upon arrival, Lake meets their 21-year-old neighbor, Will Cooper, who is raising his younger brother Caulder alone following the tragic deaths of their own parents.
The two bond instantly over their shared family burdens and a deep, raw connection. Will introduces Lake to the local slam poetry scene, where spoken-word poetry becomes a powerful emotional outlet. However, an unexpected plot twist occurs: on the first day of Lake's senior year, she discovers Will is her school's poetry elective teacher. Because Will cannot risk losing his teaching job — which supports his younger brother — they must force their feelings aside, setting up a forbidden romance full of emotional conflict, grief, and resilience.
2. Point of Retreat (2012)
Published only a month after the debut, the second installment continues Lake and Will's journey as they navigate the aftermath of the challenges faced in the first book. Narrated from Will's point of view, this sequel focuses on the hard work of building and maintaining a relationship when the initial honeymoon phase fades. As secrets from the past resurface and new external threats test their bond, the couple must decide if they are truly willing to fight for their future together or if it is time to retreat.
3. This Girl (2013)
The final book in the trilogy, published by Atria Books, acts as a companion novel and conclusion. It alternates between the present day — where Will and Lake are married and enjoying a honeymoon — and flashbacks from Will's perspective. As Lake asks Will to reveal details about his past, readers get a fresh look at the events of the first book through Will's eyes, featuring new scenes, hidden thoughts, and a deeper exploration of his struggles before and during their forbidden romance.
The Poetry and Music Connection
Slam poetry is not just a backdrop in the series; it serves as a crucial narrative device. In Slammed, the characters perform at local poetry slams to communicate their unsaid feelings, pain, grief, and love when direct conversation is too painful or forbidden. The raw emotional honesty of spoken-word poetry allows the characters to heal and connect on a cellular level.
In addition to the poetry, the series is heavily inspired by the music of folk-rock band The Avett Brothers. Colleen Hoover, a dedicated fan of the band, incorporated their lyrics at the beginning of each chapter in the trilogy to set the emotional tone for the events that unfold. The themes of family, resilience, and hope in their music mirror the journey that Lake and Will navigate throughout the books.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Because the third book, This Girl, retells many events of the first book from Will's perspective while framed inside a post-sequel honeymoon setting, some readers wonder if they can skip it or read it earlier. However, reading This Girl first would spoil the emotional weight and progression of both Slammed and Point of Retreat. The safest and most rewarding path is to stick to the publication order, keeping This Girl as a satisfying retrospective look at the couple's history after you have finished their primary chronological journey.
What to Know Before You Start
- Crossovers and Cameos: Unlike some of Colleen Hoover's later standalones (which occasionally feature shared universes or Easter egg characters), the Slammed trilogy is entirely self-contained. You do not need to read any other Hoover books to understand the plot.
- Target Audience: The series is categorized under Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA) contemporary romance. It is suitable for readers aged 14 and older, as it deals with heavy emotional themes such as parent loss, terminal illness, and financial survival.
- Tone: Expect a highly emotional, character-driven story that balances deep heartache with hope, dry humor, and strong family dynamics.