Below is the complete list of Kennedy Ryan books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of The Bennetts Books
Publication Order of Grip Books
Publication Order of Hoops Books
- Fast Break (2019)
Fast Break was first published in 2019; within the Hoops series, it is listed as book #5. 
Publication Order of Hollywood Renaissance Books
- The Close-Up (2021)
Published in 2021, The Close-Up is listed as book #2 in the Hollywood Renaissance series. 
Publication Order of Skyland Books
Publication Order of Soul Books
Publication Order of All the King’s Men Books
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas Books
- Swipe (2018)
Swipe was published in 2018 and is listed as book #1 in the Short Stories/Novellas series. - Free To Love (2022)
Published in 2022, Free To Love is listed as book #2 in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Publication Order of Top Shelf Romance Books
- Promise Me Forever (2020)
(With A. Zavarelli, B.B. Reid, Kate Stewart)
Published in 2020, Promise Me Forever is listed as book #2 in the Top Shelf Romance series. - Make Me Yours (2020)
(By Chelle Bliss, Devney Perry, K. Bromberg, Amo Jones)
Make Me Yours is a 2020 release and appears as book #3 in the Top Shelf Romance series. - Don’t Break This Kiss (2020)
(By Kylie Scott, Carrie Ann Ryan, Jessica Hawkins, Marni Mann)
In the Top Shelf Romance series, Don't Break This Kiss is book #4 and was published in 2020.
About Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is an American bestselling author known for writing emotionally powerful contemporary romance novels that combine deeply personal relationships with meaningful social themes. Her books often explore love, resilience, identity, and healing, while also addressing real-world issues such as systemic injustice, disability, mental health, and trauma. Through her thoughtful storytelling, Ryan has earned recognition for expanding the emotional and thematic depth of modern romance fiction.
Kennedy Ryan grew up in the United States and developed a strong interest in storytelling early in life. Her love of books and writing was shaped by a desire to tell stories that reflected real human experiences and diverse perspectives. Over time, this passion evolved into a professional writing career that blends romance with thought-provoking social commentary.
Before becoming a full-time author, Ryan worked in communications and public relations. Her professional background helped strengthen her ability to craft clear, emotionally engaging narratives while also exploring broader social topics within her stories. These experiences contributed to the distinctive voice that would later define her novels.
Ryan began publishing romance novels in the mid-2010s, quickly gaining attention within the romance community for the depth and seriousness of her storytelling. Unlike many traditional romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship, Ryan’s books frequently place the love story within a wider emotional and societal context.
Reading Kennedy Ryan’s books in publication order reveals how her storytelling gradually expanded while maintaining a strong focus on emotional authenticity. One of her most acclaimed works is Long Shot (2018), the first novel in the Hoops series. The story follows Iris DuPree, a woman navigating an abusive relationship while forming a connection with a professional basketball player. The novel received significant praise for its sensitive portrayal of trauma and survival.
The Hoops series became a defining moment in Ryan’s career. Through these novels, she explored themes such as domestic violence, racial inequality, and the pressures faced by professional athletes. The emotional intensity of the series resonated strongly with readers and critics alike.
Another notable collection of her work is the Skyland series, which continues her approach of combining romance with complex character development and social awareness. These stories emphasize family relationships, community, and personal transformation alongside the central love story.
One of the defining qualities of Kennedy Ryan’s writing is her focus on strong, resilient protagonists. Her characters often face difficult circumstances but remain determined to build meaningful lives and relationships. This emphasis on growth and perseverance gives her novels a powerful emotional foundation.
Ryan is also widely recognized for advocating diversity and inclusion within the publishing industry. She has been a vocal supporter of greater representation for marginalized voices and has worked to highlight stories that reflect a broader range of experiences. Her commitment to accessibility is also notable—several of her books include features designed to make reading more accessible for individuals with visual impairments.
Throughout her career, Kennedy Ryan has received numerous awards and critical recognition within the romance genre. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists and have been praised for blending heartfelt romance with thoughtful exploration of serious issues.
Kennedy Ryan’s books continue to attract readers who appreciate romance stories that go beyond traditional tropes. By combining emotional storytelling with meaningful themes, she has helped shape a new direction for contemporary romance literature, one that emphasizes both love and the complex realities of life.