Where to Start with Addie Woolridge
Addie Woolridge writes vibrant, character-driven contemporary romance and women's fiction filled with situational humor, diverse casts, and relatable personal growth. Because her catalog spans both adult and young adult (YA) stories, the best place to start depends on what you enjoy reading most:
- For Family Dynamics and Rom-Com Fun: Start with her debut novel, The Checklist. It introduces you to the Delacroix family and kicks off a loosely connected duology set in Seattle.
- For Medical Romance Fans: Pick up Anatomy of a Meet Cute, a standalone contemporary romance about two hospital colleagues navigating a chaotic workplace and a rocky start.
- For Young Adult Readers: Go with The Homecoming War, a lighthearted YA rom-com featuring class presidents from rival high schools forced to merge.
The Delacroix Sisters Series
Though they are often listed as standalone contemporary romances, Addie Woolridge's first two novels are connected by the eccentric, creative, and supportive Delacroix family. While each book can be read independently, reading them in order of publication enhances the experience as you get to see the sisters interact and grow.
1. The Checklist (2021)
The debut novel introduces Dylan Delacroix, a hyper-organized, Type-A corporate consultant who thrives on structure and lists. When a professional setback forces her back to her hometown of Seattle, she takes on the monumental task of organizing an eccentric tech CEO. Along the way, Dylan must navigate her bohemian family, a crumbling long-distance relationship, and a budding attraction to her neighbors' charming son. It is a heartfelt blend of women's fiction and romance that sets the tone for Woolridge's style.
2. The Bounce Back (2021)
Focusing on Dylan's sister, Neale Delacroix, this novel shifts the spotlight to an aspiring performance artist who is forced to rebuild her life. After her art career and relationship implode in a single night, Neale decides to abandon her artistic dreams for a steady 9-to-5 office job. As she tries to fit into the corporate mold, she finds support from her tight-knit family and unexpected chemistry with a coworker named Anthony. It is a story about resilience, finding yourself, and the courage to start over.
Standalone Romance Novels
For readers who prefer isolated stories with no recurring character connections, Woolridge has written standalone novels that dive into different settings and age categories.
Anatomy of a Meet Cute (2023)
This adult contemporary medical romance follows Dr. Samantha Holbrook, a busy OB-GYN starting a new position at a Seattle hospital. On her first day, she realizes she has already made a terrible impression by mistaking her new colleague, Grant Gao, for a patient. The book delivers a slow-burn romance set against the high-stakes backdrop of modern healthcare, balancing sharp dialogue with authentic emotional growth.
The Homecoming War (2023)
Marking a shift into young adult fiction, this novel centers on the intense rivalry between two local high schools that are suddenly forced to merge. The class presidents from both schools find themselves locked in an escalating prank war as they fight to preserve their respective school identities. However, their academic hostility takes a turn as they begin to develop a mutual crush amidst the high school chaos.
Anthologies and Short Stories
Resolve: A New Year's Anthology for Choice (2023)
In early 2023, Addie Woolridge joined ten other contemporary romance authors to contribute to Resolve: A New Year's Anthology for Choice, a charity collection raising funds for reproductive rights. Woolridge's contribution is a short story titled "Fool Me Once". It is a great quick read for fans wanting to sample her short-form storytelling.
Addie Woolridge Books in Publication Order
If you want to read Addie Woolridge's bibliography in the order she wrote them, follow this chronological list of her releases:
- The Checklist (2021)
- The Bounce Back (2021)
- Resolve: A New Year's Anthology for Choice (2023) — featuring the short story "Fool Me Once"
- Anatomy of a Meet Cute (2023)
- The Homecoming War (2023)
Reader's Guide: What to Know Before You Start
Addie Woolridge's background as a classically trained opera singer and public administration graduate shines through in her characters, who are often highly driven, artistic, and intellectually curious. Here are a few tips before you dive in:
- A Focus on Growth: Woolridge's stories lean heavily into women's fiction territory, meaning the protagonist's career, family ties, and personal development get just as much page time as the romantic plotline.
- Diverse Settings: From the rainy streets of Seattle to medical environments and high school halls, the settings are rich and reflect a multicultural perspective.
- Absurd Situational Comedy: Instead of relying on physical slapstick, the humor in her books comes from witty bantering, high-pressure professional mistakes, and quirky family interactions.