Where to Start Reading A.L. Jackson
With dozens of books spanning interconnected families, rock bands, and small towns, diving into A.L. Jackson’s universe can feel a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, because most of her books are written as interconnected standalones focusing on different couples, you have several excellent entry points depending on your favorite romance tropes:
- For Rockstar Romance Lovers: Start with A Stone in the Sea (the first book in the Bleeding Stars series). This book kicks off the story of the band Sunder and features an intense, emotional duet that serves as a cornerstone for her broader character universe.
- For Classic Second-Chance Romance: Start with Take This Regret (the first novel of the Regret Series). It is a deeply emotional, tear-jerking story of lost love, forgiveness, and healing that established Jackson as a powerhouse of romantic angst.
- For Small-Town Romantic Suspense & MC Vibes: Start with Give Me a Reason (the opener of the Redemption Hills series). Featuring a morally grey hero, a protective motorcycle club backdrop, and a dash of danger, it is perfect for readers who like their romance with a side of suspense.
The Rockstar Universe: Bleeding Stars & Falling Stars
One of A.L. Jackson's most beloved and expansive universes centers on the rock star members of the band Sunder. This world is split into two major series that are directly linked through family ties and character crossovers.
Bleeding Stars Series
The Bleeding Stars series introduces us to the members of Sunder, starting with lead singer Sebastian "Baz" Stone and lead guitarist Lyrik West. The first two books in this series form a continuous duet and must be read in order, while the remaining books follow other characters in the band's orbit.
- A Stone in the Sea (2015) - Sebastian & Shea (Part 1)
- Drowning to Breathe (2015) - Sebastian & Shea (Part 2)
- Where Lightning Strikes (2016) - Lyrik & Tamar
- Wait (2016) - Eddi & Goldie
- Stay (2017) - Ash & Jyn
- Stand (2017) - Zealand & Cat
Falling Stars Series
The Falling Stars series is a direct spin-off of the Bleeding Stars books. The connection is established immediately in the first book, Kiss the Stars, which features Mia West—the younger sister of Sunder’s guitarist Lyrik West. While you do not need to read the Bleeding Stars series to understand this spin-off, doing so provides rich background context on the returning characters.
- Catch Me When I Fall (2020)
- Kiss the Stars (2020)
- Falling into You (2020)
- Beneath the Stars (2021)
Small-Town Romance: Fight for Me & Confessions of the Heart
If you prefer charming, close-knit communities where everyone knows your business and the stakes are deeply personal, these two series offer excellent character-driven romance.
Fight for Me Series
Set in the small town of Gingham Lakes, this series features brooding men and resilient women working through past traumas. While the books are standalone romances, they share a tight-knit community feel. Note that the novella Hunt Me Down (originally published as Red Hot Pursuit) is set in this world and is best enjoyed early in your reading.
- Show Me the Way (2017) - Rex & Rynna
- Hunt Me Down (2017) - Broderick & Lillith (Novella)
- Follow Me Back (2018)
- Lead Me Home (2018)
- Fight for Me (2019)
Confessions of the Heart Series
This series takes readers to Broadshire Rim and focuses on emotional, stand-alone stories that are lightly interconnected. For example, Jace (the hero of the first book, More of You) is the brother of Ian (the hero of the second book, All of Me).
- More of You (2018) - Jace & Faith
- All of Me (2018) - Ian & Shea
- Pieces of Us (2019) - Max & Pippa
Romantic Suspense: Redemption Hills & Moonlit Ridge
For readers who prefer a heavier dose of suspense, mystery, and danger alongside emotional healing, the Redemption Hills MC world and its spin-off are the perfect match.
Redemption Hills Series
This series blends small-town secrets, protective motorcycle club members, and heavy emotional stakes. It begins with Trent, a brooding club owner, and Eden, a schoolteacher, before expanding to other couples in the club's sphere.
- Give Me a Reason (2021) - Trent & Eden
- Say It's Forever (2022) - Judah & Rian
- Never Look Back (2022) - Logan & Lara
- Promise Me Always (2023) - Milo & Harlow
Moonlit Ridge Series
The Moonlit Ridge series is the official spin-off of the Redemption Hills series, set in the same rugged, suspenseful world. Expect loose connections, familiar cameos, and the same trademark emotional intensity.
- From Here to Eternity (2024)
- Under an Endless Moon (2024)
- At the Edge of Surrender (2025)
- Beyond the Blue Horizon (2025)
- On the Brink of Bliss (2026)
Emotional Foundations: The Regret Series & Closer to You
These early series showcase the foundational writing style that defined Jackson’s career: raw vulnerability, deep heartbreak, and slow-burn redemption.
The Regret Series
This emotional trilogy centers on Christian and Elizabeth. The reading order of this series is unique because of the prequel novella, Lost to You. While chronological order suggests reading the prequel first, many fans recommend starting with Take This Regret to experience the full emotional impact of the couples' separation before flashing back to their origins.
- Lost to You (2013) - Prequel Novella (Book 0.5)
- Take This Regret (2011) - Book 1
- If Forever Comes (2013) - Book 2
Closer to You Series
This series features the redemption of Jared Holt through his relationship with Aly Moore. The first two books are a direct duet following Jared and Aly, while the third book shifts focus to Aly's brother, Christopher, and his first love, Samantha.
- Come to Me Quietly (2014) - Jared & Aly (Part 1)
- Come to Me Softly (2014) - Jared & Aly (Part 2)
- Come to Me Recklessly (2015) - Christopher & Samantha
Time River Series and Standalones
Rounding out her bibliography are newer small-town romances and standalone works that can be read completely independently of her other series.
Time River Series
Set in the charming small town of Time River, Iowa, this series delivers highly emotional, interconnected standalones following a close group of friends.
- Love Me Today (2023)
- Don't Forget Me Tomorrow (2023)
- Claim Me Forever (2024)
- Hold Me Until Morning (2024)
Standalone Novels & Novellas
If you want a quick introduction to A.L. Jackson's writing without committing to a larger series framework, these individual releases are perfect options:
- Pulled (2011) - Her debut novel, following the epic second-chance love story of Daniel and Melanie.
- When We Collide (2012) - A standalone contemporary romance dealing with survival, secrets, and healing.
- Hold on to Hope (2019) - A standalone romance set in the broader Gingham Lakes universe.
- Something About a Hot Guy (2019) - A fun, quick-read contemporary romance novella.