Where to Start Reading Amy Lea
If you are new to Amy Lea's delightful contemporary romance world, the best place to start is with her debut novel, Set on You. This book kicks off her popular Influencer series and perfectly establishes her signature writing style: witty banter, relatable heroines, body positivity, and emotionally resonant storylines. Starting here allows you to experience her development as an author and introduces you to a core friendship group that spans the entire trilogy.
Alternatively, if you prefer young adult (YA) stories with a touch of nostalgia and magical realism, you should start with her standalone YA debut, Woke Up Like This. Inspired by classic 2000s rom-coms like 13 Going on 30, it serves as an excellent entry point for readers who enjoy sweet, coming-of-age stories blended with lighthearted romance.
The Influencer Series in Detail
Amy Lea's core work is the Influencer series, a trilogy of companion novels focusing on three close friends who navigate their public online personas and their private search for love. While each book works as a standalone romance focusing on a different couple, reading them in order is highly recommended to appreciate the running jokes, character growth, and cameos without spoiling the endings of the previous books.
1. Set on You (2022)
The book that launched Amy Lea's career follows Crystal Chen, a plus-size fitness influencer who has built a thick skin against online trolls. Her sanctuary is the gym, but her peace is shattered by Scott Ritchie, a smarmy and handsome firefighter who repeatedly steals her favorite squat rack. Their fierce gym rivalry turns into something deeper when they discover their respective grandparents are engaged, forcing them to spend time together outside of workout gear. This book is celebrated for its body-positive themes and enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
2. Exes and O's (2023)
The second installment shifts the spotlight to Crystal's sister, Tara Chen. Tara is a romance-novel-obsessed book influencer (Bookstagrammer) who is tired of being single. Inspired by her favorite literary tropes, she decides to track down her ex-boyfriends to see if any of them might be her second-chance 'one that got away.' To help her on this quest, she enlists the help of her roommate, Trevor Metcalfe, a pragmatic firefighter who does not believe in happily-ever-afters. Naturally, the lines between roommates, friends, and lovers begin to blur.
3. The Catch (2024)
The trilogy wraps up with the story of Melanie Karlsen, a high-maintenance fashion and beauty influencer who is the best friend of Crystal and Tara. After a public humiliation, Melanie escapes to a remote, small-town island in Canada. There, she meets Wyatt, a grumpy, unyielding lobster fisherman who is unimpressed by her digital status. When Melanie needs a fake fiancé to appease her family, she strikes a deal with the reluctant Wyatt. This book delivers a classic grumpy-and-sunshine, fake-dating romance set against a charming coastal backdrop.
Standalone Young Adult Novels
In addition to her adult contemporary romances, Amy Lea has penned sweet and nostalgic young adult contemporary novels that capture the complexity of teenage emotions and friendship.
Woke Up Like This (2023)
This YA novel follows high school seniors Charlotte Wu and J.T. Renner, who are bitter rivals. On the eve of their prom, they mysteriously wake up in the future as thirty-year-olds—and even worse, they are engaged to each other. Together, they must navigate the challenges of adulthood while figuring out how they got there and how to return to their teenage selves, all while realizing their feelings for one another might not be as hostile as they thought.
Something Like Fate (2025)
This heartwarming YA travel romance follows Lo Zhao-Jensen and her best friend, Teller. While backpacking through the picturesque landscapes of Italy, Lo believes she has met her fated soulmate in a handsome stranger. However, as the trip progresses and complications arise, she begins to realize that the true connection she has been searching for might be standing right next to her in the form of her best friend. It is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers story packed with travel nostalgia.
Standalone Contemporary Romances
Amy Lea's adult standalones continue to offer the signature humor and relatable emotional growth found in her series, but with entirely new characters and situations.
The Bodyguard Affair (2025)
This workplace romance centers on Andi Zeigler, a political assistant who secretly writes romance novels under a pen name. When a public scandal threatens her career and reputation, she finds herself entering a fake-dating arrangement with Nolan, the stoic bodyguard to the Prime Minister. As they put on a show for the public, their fake relationship slowly morphs into genuine affection, forcing them both to confront their vulnerabilities.
The Rivalry Reset (2027)
This sports romance features Marnie Miller and Parker Landry, co-hosts of a popular hockey broadcast show who share a bitter, highly entertaining on-air rivalry. When an unexpected accident leaves Parker with amnesia, he forgets their long-standing feud and instead believes he is deeply in love with Marnie. Marnie is forced to play along while he recovers, leading to unexpected feelings and a complete reset of their relationship dynamic.
Official Publication Order
For readers who want to follow Amy Lea's writing journey exactly as it unfolded, here is the order in which her books were released:
- Set on You (2022) - Influencer Series #1
- Exes and O's (2023) - Influencer Series #2
- Woke Up Like This (2023) - Young Adult Standalone
- The Catch (2024) - Influencer Series #3
- Something Like Fate (2025) - Young Adult Standalone
- The Bodyguard Affair (2025) - Contemporary Romance Standalone
- The Rivalry Reset (2027) - Contemporary Romance Standalone
What to Know Before You Start
Amy Lea’s books are known for their blend of humor, modern internet culture, and deeper emotional themes. If you are preparing to read her books, keep these helpful details in mind:
- Body Positivity & Representation: Lea frequently writes diverse Asian-Canadian protagonists and focuses on body acceptance. Her heroines are strong and confident but face relatable insecurities.
- Tropes Galore: If you love specific romance tropes, Amy Lea is the author for you. She masterfully employs enemies-to-lovers, roommates-to-lovers, fake dating, grumpy-meets-sunshine, and second-chance romance.
- Connected Worlds: While the standalones are entirely independent, the Influencer books share characters. To avoid spoiling the relationship progression of Crystal and Scott, or Tara and Trevor, make sure to read the trilogy in order.