Do I need to read Happily Ever Afters before One True Loves?

No, you do not have to read them in order. One True Loves is a companion novel focusing on Lenore, who is the best friend of Tessa (the protagonist of Happily Ever Afters ). While reading Happily Ever Afters first provides background on their friendship, both books function perfectly as standalones.

What is Elise Bryant's first adult novel?

Elise Bryant's adult debut is It's Elementary , published in 2024. It is a cozy mystery centering on Mavis Miller, a single mother investigating a disappearance at her daughter's school.

Is Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling connected to her other YA books?

No. Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling is a completely standalone young adult contemporary romance with its own set of characters and has no tie-ins to the Happily Ever Afters duology.

What order should I read the Mavis Miller mysteries in?

You should read the Mavis Miller books in chronological order, starting with It's Elementary (2024) and followed by The Game Is Afoot (2025), as they follow Mavis's ongoing adventures and character growth.

When does Jubilee Foster Is Totally Fine come out?

Elise Bryant's upcoming young adult novel, Jubilee Foster Is Totally Fine , is scheduled to be published in January 2027 .

Elise Bryant Books in Order

How to Read Elise Bryant's Books

Elise Bryant is celebrated for bringing joyful, diverse representation to contemporary young adult romance and adult cozy mysteries. Because her novels span different genres and age groups, the best way to read her books depends on what you are looking for. However, if you want to experience her evolution as a writer, reading in publication order is highly recommended.

Recommended Starting Points

For YA Romance Fans: Start with Happily Ever Afters (2021). This is Elise Bryant's award-nominated debut novel and the beginning of her companion duology. It perfectly establishes her signature blend of humor, heart, and relatable teen struggles.
For Cozy Mystery Fans: Start with It's Elementary (2024). This is her adult fiction debut and the first book in the Mavis Miller mystery series, combining amateur sleuthing with school PTA drama and a touch of romance.

The Happily Ever Afters Series (YA Companion Novels)

While often categorized together as a series, these two young adult books are companion novels. They share the same universe and characters but focus on different protagonists, meaning they can easily be read as standalones.

Happily Ever Afters (2021) – Follows Tessa Johnson, a creative writing student at a specialized arts high school in Long Beach, who is trying to overcome writer's block by orchestrating her own real-life teen romance.
One True Loves (2022) – Shines the spotlight on Tessa's stylish best friend, Lenore Bennett, who is navigating post-graduation anxiety and family expectations during a Mediterranean cruise.

The Mavis Miller Cozy Mystery Series (Adult Fiction)

Bryant made her transition into adult contemporary fiction with this charming cozy mystery series. Unlike her YA companions, these books should be read in chronological order to follow the character development and ongoing life of the protagonist, Mavis Miller.

It's Elementary (2024) – Introduces Mavis Miller, a single mother who gets reluctantly pulled into investigating the mysterious disappearance of her daughter's elementary school principal.
The Game Is Afoot (2025) – Mavis returns to solve a new case when a coach in her daughter's youth soccer league is found dead.

Standalone Young Adult Novels

For readers looking for self-contained contemporary YA romances, Bryant has written standalone books that do not connect to the Happily Ever Afters universe.

Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling (2023) – A sweet, holiday-themed dual-POV romance about a D&D enthusiast and a punk band singer who repeatedly cross paths over the course of a year.
Jubilee Foster Is Totally Fine (Expected January 2027) – An upcoming YA contemporary novel following a type-A teenager whose meticulously organized plans begin to fall apart.

Anthology Contributions

In addition to her full-length novels, Elise Bryant has contributed short stories to prominent young adult collections:

Serendipity: Ten Romantic Tropes, Transformed (2022) – Bryant contributed the story "Zora in the Spotlight," which offers a fresh, modern spin on the classic grand romantic gesture trope.
Cool. Awkward. Black. (2023) – Bryant contributed a short story to this multi-genre anthology celebrating Black geek culture.

Complete Elise Bryant Books in Publication Order

If you prefer to read everything chronologically as it was released, follow this list:

Happily Ever Afters (YA Novel, 2021)
Serendipity: Ten Romantic Tropes, Transformed (Anthology Contributor, 2022)
One True Loves (YA Novel, 2022)
Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling (YA Novel, 2023)
Cool. Awkward. Black. (Anthology Contributor, 2023)
It's Elementary (Adult Novel, 2024)
The Game Is Afoot (Adult Novel, 2025)
Jubilee Foster Is Totally Fine (YA Novel, Expected January 2027)

What to Know Before You Start

Elise Bryant's stories are known for centering Black and biracial characters in joyful, romantic narratives. Her books frequently tackle themes of neurodiversity, anxiety, impostor syndrome, and racial identity, balancing serious personal growth with lighthearted, swoony romance. Most of her contemporary stories are set in and around Southern California, particularly in Long Beach, featuring rich local details that ground the settings in real-world charm.