Where to Begin Your Ellie Cahill Journey
Ellie Cahill—the adult contemporary romance pen name of Young Adult author Liz Czukas—is celebrated for her upbeat, humorous, and relatable romantic comedies. Because almost all of her books function as companion novels rather than rigid chronological serials, you have a lot of freedom in how you approach her catalog. However, if you want the most rewarding experience with recurring character cameos and overlapping timelines, we recommend starting with one of two pathways.
The first path is to start with her debut standalone novel, When Joss Met Matt (2015), which established her signature modern, 80s-inspired rom-com tone. The second, and highly popular, option is to dive directly into the Cordially Invited series, beginning with the fan-favorite fake-marriage story I Temporarily Do (2017). Both options introduce you to her trademark combination of sweet chemistry, sharp banter, and satisfying emotional growth.
The Cordially Invited Series
The Cordially Invited books are connected companion novels that follow a close-knit group of friends as they navigate the chaotic, high-pressure world of weddings, career changes, and unexpected romantic situations. While each book can be read as a standalone, reading them in order allows you to see how the friends support one another across the different timelines.
- I Temporarily Do (2017): The series kicks off with Emmy and Beckett. Desperate to secure cheap, married-student housing on campus, they decide to enter into a fake marriage of convenience after a wild night. What starts as a practical arrangement quickly becomes complicated as genuine feelings enter the equation.
- The Designated +1 (2017): The second installment focuses on Hadley, a young woman facing the daunting task of attending six weddings in a single season. To avoid the pity of the singles' table and show up her childhood crush, she makes a deal with her old friend Will to be her designated plus-one. As they fake-date their way through the wedding circuit, their mock relationship turns all too real.
- Save the Secret Date (2019): The third book centers on Mary, a nurse known for keeping everyone's secrets, and her college friend Jake. While attending a destination wedding in Mexico with their friend group, Mary must confront her long-standing feelings for Jake amidst tropical setting vibes, personal anxieties, and the truth-revealing environment of a wedding trip.
Don't Ruin Katie's Wedding Series
This series centers around the wedding preparations and events of a character named Katie. Each of the three novels highlights a different couple facing disasters, road trips, and unexpected pairings in the lead-up to or during the wedding. Like her other works, these function beautifully as standalones but are best enjoyed in order.
- Falling to Centerpieces (2020): Best friends Clio and Nicole plan a road trip across Michigan to deliver homemade centerpieces for Katie's wedding. They agree to bring along August, the groom's incredibly attractive cousin. When Nicole has an emergency appendectomy, Clio is left to drive the fragile cargo alone with August, sparking intense proximity and romantic tension.
- The Ex-Girlfriend Experience (2021): Bridget is determined to show up to her cousin Katie's wedding with a spectacular date to prove she is over her ex-boyfriend (who happens to be the groom). When her original date falls through, she recruits her neighbor, Adam, to pretend to be her boyfriend. In exchange, she drives him on a work trip, leading to a cozy road-trip romance filled with hidden truths.
- Matchmake Up Your Mind (2022): Joy is excited to be a bridesmaid for her college best friend Katie. Katie tries to play matchmaker between Joy and a handsome groomsman named Tom. However, Tom is completely unresponsive, and during the pre-wedding chaos, Joy finds herself falling into a friends-with-benefits relationship with her close friend Charlie instead.
The Call Me, Maybe Duology
This is the only set of books by Ellie Cahill that features a direct, sequential continuation of the same couple's story, making it essential to read them in order.
- Call Me, Maybe (2016): Clementine Daly accidentally swaps phones with a journalist named Justin Mueller at an airport. They begin communicating via texts and phone calls, falling for each other's voices and personalities before ever meeting in person. However, Clementine's omission of key facts about her life threatens their connection when they finally meet.
- Call Me Forever (2016): A direct sequel and extended epilogue. This book follows Clementine and Justin as they navigate their official relationship, bringing Justin face-to-face with Clementine's eccentric and overwhelming family.
Ellie Cahill's Standalone Novels
If you prefer self-contained stories with no series ties, these two novels showcase Cahill's strengths in character-driven contemporary romance.
- When Joss Met Matt (2015): A friends-with-benefits romance about college friends Joss and Matt. To help each other get over bad breakups, they establish a temporary arrangement they call "sorbet sex" (a palate cleanser between relationships). Naturally, the boundaries blur as they realize they might be perfect for each other.
- Just a Girl (2016): This novel explores the life of a rock star named Prescott, who is hiding from the spotlight due to extreme stage fright. She meets a down-to-earth guy who has no idea who she is, giving her a second chance at a normal life and true romance.
What to Know Before You Start
When searching for Ellie Cahill's books, keep in mind that she is the pen name of author Liz Czukas. If you enjoy her writing style but want something geared toward a younger audience, look up Liz Czukas' Young Adult novels, such as Ask Again Later or Top Ten Clues You're Clueless. The adult contemporary romance written under Ellie Cahill features higher steam levels, older protagonists facing post-college struggles, and mature relationships, while retaining the same signature humor and heart found in her YA works.