Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
If you are new to E.L. Todd's writing, the absolute best place to start is the Forever and Always series, beginning with the debut novel Only for You (2013). This book introduces you to the core group of characters—primarily Sean and Scarlet—whose relationships, struggles, and growth lay the foundation for Todd's most famous shared universe. Starting here allows you to understand the character dynamics before they evolve and ripple out into subsequent spin-offs and sequel series.
For readers who prefer a complete change of pace, such as paranormal fantasy or sci-fi romance, you can start independently with either the Soul Saga series (starting with Soul Catcher) or the time-loop contemporary romance series Timeless (starting with Monday). However, if you are here for her signature contemporary romance, sticking to the publication and chronological progression of the main universe is highly recommended.
The Core Universe: From Parents to the Next Generation
E.L. Todd’s contemporary romance universe is split into two massive, chronological eras. Because the characters in these series grow, marry, and have children, reading them out of order will expose you to major spoilers regarding who ends up with whom.
Phase 1: The Forever and Always Series (22 Books)
This is where the journey begins. Spanning 22 books published between 2013 and 2014, the series focuses on the passionate, sometimes turbulent romance between Sean and Scarlet, alongside a tight-knit circle of friends including Conrad, Roland, Mike, and others. The books must be read in order, as they function as a continuous soap-opera-style narrative where the plot of one book carries directly into the next.
- Only for You (2013)
- Forever and Always (2013)
- Edge of Love (2013)
- Force of Love (2013)
- Fight for Love (2013)
- Touch of Love (2014)
- Lover's Roulette (2014)
- Happily Ever After (2014)
- The Wandering Caravan (2014)
- Come What May (2014)
- Again and Again (2014)
- Lover's Road (2014)
- Meant to Be (2014)
- Here and Now (2014)
- Until Forever (2014)
- New Beginnings (2014)
- Love Conquers All (2014)
- Love Hurts (2014)
- The Last Time (2014)
- Sweet Sins (2014)
- Lost in Time (2014)
- Closing Time (2014)
Phase 2: The Forever and Ever Series (51 Books)
Once you finish Closing Time, you can step directly into the next generation. The Forever and Ever series is a massive 51-book epic that follows the adult lives of the children from the original series. The primary focus begins with Skye Preston (the daughter of Sean and Scarlet) and Cayson Nelson (the son of their close friends), who have been best friends since infancy because of their parents' tight bonds. Over the course of 51 novels, this group of friends navigates their own complicated web of romance, heartbreak, and career paths. While the series is technically standalone, reading the parents' stories first adds tremendous depth to your understanding of the family dynamics and legacies.
- All I Want is You (2014)
- If Loving You Is Wrong (2014)
- You Are All I'll Ever Need (2014)
- Having You Is Never Enough (2014)
- We Belong Together (2015)
- You Have My Heart (2015)
- You Will Be Mine (2015)
- Everything and More (2015)
- Against All Odds (2015)
- My Heart Skips a Beat (2015)
- Nothing is Left (2015)
- Because of You (2015)
- You Make Me Weak (2015)
- Forever With You (2015)
- A Hole in My Heart (2015)
- My Soul is Yours (2015)
- I Will Follow You (2015)
- You Will Be Alright (2015)
- Ready for Love (2015)
- You Are My Life (2015)
- When You Are With Me (2015)
- Believe in Me (2015)
- I Will Love You (2015)
- Love Lives On (2015)
- When Two Becomes One (2015)
- Love Will Survive (2015)
- I Want Your Love (2015)
- To Be With You (2015)
- Just For You (2015)
- Forever Is Not Enough (2015)
- Hold Me Close (2015)
- In Too Deep (2015)
- Somewhere Far Away (2015)
- Stop At Nothing (2015)
- You Stole My Heart (2015)
- A Girl Like You (2015)
- Love Me Still (2015)
- When We Fall (2015)
- When We Break (2015)
- I'll Be There (2015)
- Pieces Of Me (2015)
- Hearts Will Beat (2015)
- To Love Again (2015)
- All Hope Is Lost (2015)
- This Love (2016)
- All That Matters (2016)
- In My Heart (2016)
- There You Are (2016)
- Lost In You (2016)
- Kiss Me There (2016)
- Time Stands Still (2016)
Standalone Series and Romances
Outside of the massive Sean/Scarlet family saga, E.L. Todd has penned several smaller contemporary romance series. These can be read in any order, though you should read the books within each subseries chronologically to follow the specific couples' storylines.
The Alpha Books
A character-driven romance series focusing on individual women navigating complex relationships.
- Sadie (2013)
- Elisa (2013)
- Layla (2014)
- Janet (2014)
- Cassie (2014)
Southern Love Series
Set in a Southern landscape, this series focuses on emotional journeys and second-chance themes.
- Then Came Alexandra (2014)
- Then Came Absolution (2014)
- Then Came Indecision (2014)
- Then Came Abby (2014)
- Abby's Plight (2014)
Hawaiian Crush Series
Perfect for fans of beachside romance, tropical settings, and emotional waves.
- Connected by the Sea (2014)
- Breaking Through the Waves (2014)
- Connected by the Tide (2014)
- Taking the Plunge (2014)
- Riding the Surf (2014)
- Caught in the Undertow (2014)
- Lying in the Sand (2014)
Beautiful Entourage Series
- Beautiful Entourage (2015)
- Gorgeous Consort (2015)
- Dark Escort (2015)
- Dangerous Stranger (2015)
- Seductive Guest (2015)
Electric Series
- Charge (2016)
- Spark (2016)
- Burn (2016)
- Combust (2016)
Ray Series
This series centers around Rae and Ryker, focusing on their tension-filled, emotional romance.
- Ray of Light / Don't Worry, It's Just A Fling (2017)
- Ray of Hope / Don't Worry, I Don't Love You (2017)
- Ray of Love / Don't Worry, This Is Over (2017)
- Ray of Time /Don't Worry, I Still Hate You (2017)
- Ray of Heart / Don't Worry, I'll Be Just Fine (2017)
- Ray of New / Don't Worry, I've Done This Before (2017)
- Ray of Life / Don't Worry, I'm Still Not Over You (2017)
First Series
Focusing on couples navigating heavy relationship struggles, memory loss, and reconstruction of love.
- 400 First Kisses (2017)
- 325 First Fights (2017)
- 218 First Hugs (2017)
Gladiators Series
- Gladiator (2017)
- Rogue (2017)
Doctor Series
A steamy quartet following professional tension and romantic sparks.
- The Doctor (2019)
- The Man (2019)
- The Lover (2019)
- The Fighter (2019)
Stars Series
- Stars on Fire (2019)
- Love on Fire (2019)
- Fate on Fire (2020)
Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Paranormal Series
For readers who want a departure from pure contemporary romance, Todd has also written fantasy and dystopian series featuring magical elements, dangerous settings, and epic stakes.
Soul Saga Series
A paranormal/fantasy romance trilogy exploring fate, magical contracts, and soul dynamics.
- Soul Catcher (2013)
- Soul Binder (2013)
- Soul Relenter (2014)
Essence Series
- Flight of Life (2014)
- Tale of Life (2014)
Fuse Series
A dystopian sci-fi romance series about survival, rebellion, and passion.
- Fuse (2020)
- Ashe (2021)
- Fury (2022)
- Slay (2022)
Timeless Series
A playful time-loop romance series exploring fate and soulmates day by day.
- Monday (2016)
- Tuesday (2016)
- Wednesday (2016)
- Thursday (2016)
- Friday (2016)
- Saturday (2016)
- Sunday (2016)