Where Should You Start Reading Billie Bloom?
For readers diving into Billie Bloom's steamy, sports-themed M/M contemporary romances, the sheer number of options might seem daunting. Fortunately, Bloom's bibliography is structured in a reader-friendly way: most books are written as standalones focusing on different couples, meaning you can jump in almost anywhere without getting lost. However, there are two primary recommendations depending on what tropes you love best:
Option A: Start with the First Times Series (Recommended for Roommate & Fake Dating fans)
The absolute best entry point for most readers is My Roommate Romeo (2022). As the debut book in the First Times series, it features a beloved bi-awakening and fake relationship storyline between two college roommates. It is widely considered Bloom's breakout hit and does an exceptional job of showcasing the author's signature blend of humor, heart, and high steam.
Option B: Start with the Bromance Chronicles (Recommended for Hockey Romance fans)
If you prefer sports-centric romances, start with Trouble on Top (2021). This was Billie Bloom's debut novel and kicks off a series centered around hockey players navigating forbidden love, college life, and sizzling chemistry. Starting here lets you watch the author's style evolve from the very beginning.
The Bromance Chronicles Reading Order
The Bromance Chronicles is Billie Bloom's premier M/M sports romance series. It centers around college jocks, hockey players, and close friends who find themselves falling for each other. While each book follows a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone, reading them in order is recommended to fully appreciate the recurring characters and changing dynamics of the friend group.
- Trouble on Top (2021): The book that started it all. It follows a forbidden, high-stakes romance between a graduating college hockey goalie and his best friend's younger brother. It features intense chemistry and a sweet, protective dynamic.
- Nice Guys Finish First (2021): The second installment pivots to a different couple within the same college athletic circle, building on the signature humor and banter established in the first book.
- Out With a Bang (2021): This fast-paced M/M romance continues to follow the tight-knit athletic friend group, delivering on high-heat scenes and emotional stakes.
- Pucked Up Love (2021): The final book in the main Bromance Chronicles series wraps up the college hockey romance saga with a satisfying, swoon-worthy romance that fans of the genre will adore.
The First Times Series Reading Order
The First Times series explores college-aged M/M romance with a focus on personal discovery, bi-awakening, and forced proximity. These stories are lighter on the sports aspect (though athletics still play a role) and focus heavily on relationship development, banter, and humorous situations.
- My Roommate Romeo (2022): The crown jewel of the series. It features a bi-awakening, fake relationship, and forced proximity when two roommates pretend to date, only to find the lines between fake and real blurring.
- Mister Grumpy Pants (2022): A classic grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamic that provides a fun contrast to the first book while keeping the same level of witty humor.
- Me Against the QB (2022): This book steps onto the football field, delivering a sports-themed romance involving a star quarterback and a rival player that wraps up the main trilogy.
Wild Winter Nights Reading Order
Wild Winter Nights is a festive, cozy, and steamy M/M romance series set against snowy backdrops. It is perfect for holiday reading or whenever you want a warm, fuzzy escape.
- Tempted (2023): Co-authored with bestselling author Kendall Ryan, this collaboration introduces readers to the festive world of the series with a high-heat, holiday-themed romance.
- Adored (2023): Written solely by Billie Bloom, the second book continues the snowy theme with an emotional, character-driven story.
- Craved (2023): The third installment wraps up the trilogy, delivering a heartwarming winter romance that perfectly captures the cozy holiday spirit.
Billie Bloom's Standalone Novels
In addition to their series, Billie Bloom has written several standalone contemporary romances. These books are completely self-contained and can be read in any order at any time.
- Blow Me Away (2022): Although cataloged as a standalone, this book is highly popular among fans of the First Times series. It follows Noah Harper, who hires his best friend's straight-leaning brother, Nick, to be his fake boyfriend for a destination wedding in Hawaii. It is a fantastic destination romance packed with bi-awakening and fake dating tropes.
- Red Flags and One Night Stands (2023): An enemies-to-lovers college hockey romance that features high banter and a satisfying redemption arc for its leads.
- Scandal (2023): A college M/M romance with a hurt/comfort dynamic. The story centers on Xander, a student fighting to keep his scholarship, and Cameron, the college president's son, as they navigate a forbidden and secret relationship.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Since Billie Bloom's books are written as standalone stories featuring distinct couples, there is no complicated timeline or split chronology to worry about. The chronological order of events aligns perfectly with the publication order. The safest and most rewarding way to read Billie Bloom's work is by following the publication order within each individual series, or simply picking up whichever standalone catches your interest first.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Billie Bloom's universe, here are a few things to keep in mind to enhance your reading experience:
- The Tropes: Bloom is a master of popular contemporary romance tropes. Expect to see plenty of fake dating, bi-awakening, forced proximity, roommate-to-lovers, and enemies-to-lovers.
- Steam Level: These books are highly explicit (often rated 4 out of 5 stars on steam scales). If you prefer clean or closed-door romance, these may not be for you. However, the heat is always balanced with genuine emotional depth.
- Humor and Tone: The writing style is lighthearted, direct, and human, with plenty of witty banter and low angst. They are designed to be fast, feel-good reads that you can easily finish in one or two sittings.