Slammed Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Slammed books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Slammed Series

The Slammed series by Colleen Hoover is a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and the kind of growth that only comes from surviving deep emotional pain. This powerful contemporary romance trilogy is much more than just a love story — it’s a reflection on family, responsibility, healing, and hope. Fans of young adult and new adult fiction will find themselves swept into the emotional lives of two unforgettable characters: Layken and Will.

At the heart of the story is Layken Cohen, an 18-year-old girl who’s just lost her father. Struggling to keep her small family afloat, she moves to a new town with her grieving mother and younger brother. Outwardly, Layken is strong, grounded, and seems like she has everything under control. But inside, she’s breaking. Behind her quiet strength is a girl carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders — doing everything she can to keep her family from falling apart, even as she silently falls apart herself.

Enter Will Cooper — the 21-year-old neighbor who changes everything. Will is charming, kind, and unexpectedly deep. He’s raising his younger brother on his own after a tragedy of his own. When Layken meets Will, their connection is instant. Their chemistry is undeniable, but life quickly reminds them that nothing is simple. Because Will is not just her neighbor — he’s also her teacher. And suddenly, what felt like destiny becomes a forbidden relationship filled with impossible choices.

Slammed, the first book in the series, is told from Layken’s perspective. Through her eyes, we see the push and pull of grief, first love, and the complicated feelings that come with discovering someone who sees and understands your pain. While some readers find her reactions raw and imperfect, that’s what makes her feel real. Layken is learning how to live again — and so much of that journey is tangled in her growing feelings for Will.

In Point of Retreat, the second novel, the story shifts into Will’s point of view. This change in perspective offers a refreshing look at their relationship — especially as new challenges arise. Just when they think they’ve overcome the worst, fresh obstacles test the strength of their love. Will is devoted, patient, and emotionally layered. He struggles with self-doubt, with trying to be strong for everyone around him, and with proving again and again that his love for Layken is real. Their bond is deep, but trust doesn’t come easily — and both Layken and Will must learn how to truly open their hearts without fear.

The final book, This Girl, is a beautiful retelling of the events from the first book, this time from Will’s perspective. It fills in emotional gaps and lets readers see moments of their relationship in a whole new light. It’s a reflective and touching end to their story — not just about falling in love, but about staying in love, even when life gets messy and unpredictable.

One of the most unique aspects of the Slammed series is its use of slam poetry. Will’s passion for spoken word adds a poetic, artistic layer to the books. The poetry doesn’t just decorate the pages — it speaks to the characters’ inner struggles and often says what words can’t. Many fans fell in love with slam poetry through these books, while others found it to be a surprising but powerful storytelling tool.

Colleen Hoover, the author of this emotional trilogy, has a gift for writing characters who feel raw and real. She taps into universal emotions — heartbreak, longing, joy, and uncertainty — and turns them into stories that linger long after the last page. With Slammed, she proves that sometimes, love is not just about finding the right person. It’s about being the right person. It’s about healing, forgiving, and holding on — even when it feels like everything is slipping through your fingers.

The Slammed series isn’t perfect — and neither are the characters. But that’s exactly what makes it so memorable. Whether you’re new to Colleen Hoover’s work or a longtime fan, this trilogy is a must-read for anyone who believes that love is messy, beautiful, painful, and absolutely worth fighting for.