Where to Start with Alex Light
If you are new to Alex Light's heart-fluttering YA romances, the absolute best place to start is with her breakout debut novel, The Upside of Falling (2020). Originally a sensation on Wattpad, this charming story perfectly captures Light's signature style: fast-paced dialogue, relatable family dynamics, and a sweet romance anchored in a beloved trope.
Because all of her published books are entirely standalone contemporary romances set in different realities, there is no strict continuity to worry about. You can read them in any order you choose. However, reading them in publication order lets you see her growth as a writer as she transitions from sweet romance to deeper emotional themes.
Alex Light Books in Publication Order
Alex Light has published three standalone young adult novels through HarperTeen. Here is the order in which they were released:
- The Upside of Falling (2020)
- Meet Me in the Middle (2022)
- It's Not Me, It's You (2024)
Understanding the Standalones: Tropes and Themes
Each of Alex Light's novels explores a distinct romantic trope combined with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and family. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from each book to help you decide what to read next.
The Upside of Falling (2020)
This is the book that launched Alex Light from Wattpad stardom into traditional publishing. The story follows Becca Hart, a high schooler who does not believe in love after her father walked out on her family. To avoid teasing from her friends, she pretends to be in a relationship with Brett Wells, the popular football captain who has his own reasons for needing a distraction. What starts as a convenient arrangement slowly blurs into real chemistry. It is a lighthearted, comforting read full of classic fake-dating tropes.
Meet Me in the Middle (2022)
Light's sophomore novel takes a more emotional, bittersweet turn, focusing on grief, healing, and second chances. Eden and Truman shared a secret first kiss right before a tragic accident involving Eden's best friend (and Truman's sister) Katie turned their lives upside down. In the aftermath, Truman fled the city. When he returns years later, Eden is forced to confront the unresolved pain, guilt, and lingering feelings between them. It is a more mature, poignant look at how tragedy affects young lives.
It's Not Me, It's You (2024)
Returning to her lighthearted roots, this novel is a fun enemies-to-lovers story set in a children's arcade. Jackie Myers works at Monte's Magic Castle and secretly runs the viral social media account pleasebreakmyheart, helping people end their relationships. But when she accidentally ruins the relationship of her buttoned-up nemesis and assistant manager, Wilson, she feels guilty enough to help him win his ex back. As they work together, their rivalry slowly turns into something else entirely. It is a fun coming-of-age story about figuring out the future when your plans fall apart.
The Wattpad Roots & Early Stories
Before becoming a traditionally published novelist, Alex Light amassed over 150 million reads under the username alexlightstories on Wattpad and Episode Interactive. Many of her published books began as online drafts—most notably (RIVALS) The Upside of Falling, which won a Watty Award in 2017. While she still interacts with fans online, readers should note that many of her older stories, including the original drafts of her novels, have been removed from Wattpad due to publishing rights.
A Crucial Distinction: Which "Alex Light" Are You Looking For?
When searching for books by Alex Light, readers often run into confusion because there are two different authors with this name. The author of the young adult romances featured in this guide is a Canadian writer based in Toronto. The other Alex Light is a London-based body confidence advocate and lifestyle influencer who writes non-fiction books about body image, such as You Are Not a Before Picture (2022) and The Price of Pretty (2026). They are completely unrelated, so make sure you are looking at the right author page when browsing online retailers!