Can A.J. Pine's books be read out of order?

Yes. All of her books are written to be read as standalones, meaning the main couples resolve their conflicts within the single book. However, reading them in publication order is recommended to avoid minor spoilers about returning characters.

Where is the best place to start reading A.J. Pine's cowboy books?

The best starting point is My One and Only Cowboy , which is the first full-length novel in the Meadow Valley series. If you prefer to start chronologically, you can begin with the prequel novella Cowboy to the Rescue .

Are the Meadow Valley and Murphys of Meadow Valley series connected?

Yes. The Murphys of Meadow Valley is a direct spin-off series of Meadow Valley . They share the same small-town ranching community, but the spin-off focuses specifically on the brothers of the Murphy family.

Is Heart of Summertown the same series as Heart of Summerville?

Yes. Some third-party databases and retailers list the series as Heart of Summerville , but the author's official website and text refer to it as the Summertown series, set in the fictional town of Summertown, Illinois.

Does A.J. Pine write under any other names?

Yes, A.J. Pine has also published books under her name Amy Pine , such as the women's fiction/romance duology starting with The Bloom Girls .

What is the order of the Crossroads Ranch series?

The series should be read in this order: Second Chance Cowboy (Book 1), Saved by the Cowboy (Book 1.5 novella), Tough Luck Cowboy (Book 2), and Hard Loving Cowboy (Book 3).

A.J. Pine Books in Order - Books on Board

Where to Start with A.J. Pine

With dozens of contemporary romance novels, A.J. Pine has built a beloved collection of small-town and city-based love stories. If you are new to her work, you have two ideal starting points depending on your favorite tropes:

For Cowboy Romance Fans: Start with My One and Only Cowboy, the first full-length novel in the Meadow Valley series. It introduces you to the heartwarming ranch settings, close-knit family dynamics, and emotional second chances that she is best known for.
For City and Bar Romance Fans: Start with The One That Got Away, the first book in the Kingston Ale House series. This urban contemporary series features witty banter, close friend groups, and a classic "second chance" romance premise.

Does Reading Order Matter?

According to A.J. Pine's official reading guidance, all of her books can be read as standalones. Each novel focuses on a specific couple, and their romantic arc is fully resolved by the final page. However, because characters from earlier books frequently pop up as secondary characters, friends, or family members in later installments, reading the series in publication order is highly recommended to avoid minor spoilers regarding who ends up with whom.

The Meadow Valley Universe

Meadow Valley is A.J. Pine's signature setting. It spans two closely related series that share the same small-town ranch charm and recurring family members.

1. Meadow Valley Series

This series introduces readers to the rugged ranch life and romance of Meadow Valley. While My One and Only Cowboy is the first full-length novel, the author released a prequel novella, Cowboy to the Rescue, which is best read first.

Cowboy to the Rescue (Book 0.5) (2019)
My One and Only Cowboy (Book 1) (2019)
Make Mine a Cowboy (Book 2) (2020)
Only a Cowboy Will Do (Book 3) (2021)

2. The Murphys of Meadow Valley Series (Spin-Off)

Focusing specifically on the Murphy family, this spin-off series continues the small-town romance tradition in Meadow Valley. It features the Murphy brothers navigating life, family expectations, and unexpected love.

Holding Out for a Cowboy (Book 1) (2022)
Finally Found My Cowboy (Book 2) (2024)
The Cowboy of My Dreams (Book 3) (2025)

Crossroads Ranch Series

Set in Oak Bluff, California, the Crossroads Ranch series follows lawyer-turned-rancher Jack and other rugged men finding redemption. The series features a popular mid-series novella, Saved by the Cowboy, which is officially numbered as Book 1.5.

Second Chance Cowboy (Book 1) (2018)
Saved by the Cowboy (Book 1.5) (2018)
Tough Luck Cowboy (Book 2) (2018)
Hard Loving Cowboy (Book 3) (2019)

Kingston Ale House Series

For readers who prefer city settings, Kingston Ale House shifts the focus from ranches to an urban contemporary setting in Chicago. It centers on a group of friends connected to a local ale house, delivering sharp banter and emotional payoffs.

The One That Got Away (Book 1) (2016)
Six Month Rule (Book 2) (2016)
Three Simple Words (Book 3) (2016)
Worth the Wait (Book 4) (2017)

Heart of Summertown Series

Set in the fictional small town of Summertown, Illinois, this series is also frequently listed as the Heart of Summerville in some online retail databases. It focuses on characters rebuilding their lives and finding love after major personal and community changes.

The Second Chance Garden (Book 1) (2023)
The Night That Didn't Happen (Book 2) (2025)

The Bloom Girls Duology

This duology (originally written under the name Amy Pine) explores women's fiction themes alongside contemporary romance, focusing on family bonds, divorce, healing, and new beginnings on the lakeside.

The Bloom Girls (Book 1) (2021)
The Cottage on Glass Lake (Book 2) (2022)

Early Series: If Only & Only You

These early contemporary romance series laid the foundation for Pine's career, showcasing her signature style of high-emotion, second-chance relationships.

If Only Series

If Only (Book 1) (2014)
What If (Book 2) (2014)
I Do (Book 3) (2015)

Only You Series

One Night (Book 1) (2015)
One Life (Book 2) (2015)

Standalone Novels & Anthologies

If you want a quick, low-commitment taste of Pine's style, these standalone stories are excellent entry points:

'80s Mix Tape (2016) — An anthology contribution featuring retro-inspired romance.
How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas (2023) — A festive, enemies-to-lovers holiday rom-com originally released as an Audible Original.

A.J. Pine Books in Order