The Chicago Stars Series in Order

About the Chicago Stars series

Series Premise

The series kicks off with the premise that kicks off the franchise: Phoebe Somerville, a bubbly but clueless socialite, inherits the Chicago Stars professional football team after her uncle's death. With zero sports knowledge and facing a team in turmoil, she must navigate ownership chaos, locker-room egos, and a stubborn coach to turn the franchise around. This sets the tone for the series: ordinary (or extraordinary) women thrust into the high-stakes, male-dominated world of pro football, clashing with arrogant, talented athletes who learn humility, love, and vulnerability through these unlikely pairings.

Subsequent books expand the universe: quarterbacks on the decline, retired players starting new chapters, agents brokering deals, and women (singers, detectives, chocolate makers, opera stars) who challenge these men's assumptions. Romances often feature opposites-attract dynamics—brainy vs. brawny, guarded vs. open-hearted—with external conflicts like career pressures, scandals, family secrets, or past traumas. The Chicago Stars team provides continuity: games, training camps, media scrutiny, and team camaraderie create a vibrant backdrop. Overarching themes include redemption (bad-boy athletes finding purpose), equality in relationships, and the idea that love can heal even the most guarded hearts. Each book delivers a complete HEA while building a rich, interconnected world where past couples cameo, reinforcing found family and lasting bonds.

Main Characters

The Chicago Stars team and its extended circle form a large, evolving ensemble:



- Phoebe Somerville (It Had to Be You): Bubbly, unconventional heiress who inherits the team—smart, resilient, and the catalyst for the series.



- Dan Calebow (It Had to Be You): Arrogant, driven coach who clashes with Phoebe before falling hard.



- Bobby Tom Denton (Heaven, Texas): Charismatic, ladies-man wide receiver turned actor—cocky but vulnerable.



- Gracie Snow (Heaven, Texas): Sweet, determined church lady who tames Bobby Tom.



- Jane Darlington (Nobody's Baby But Mine): Brilliant physicist who tricks a quarterback into fatherhood.



- Cal Bonner (Nobody's Baby But Mine): Legendary quarterback—arrogant, charming, and deeply affected by Jane.



- Rachel Stone (Dream a Little Dream): Widowed single mom facing scandal.



- Gabe Bonner (Dream a Little Dream): Grieving, closed-off Bonner brother who finds healing with Rachel.



- Molly Calhoun (This Heart of Mine): Spirited children's author.



- Kevin Tucker (This Heart of Mine): Hotshot quarterback with a guarded heart.



Later books feature:



- Annabelle Granger and Heath Champion (Match Me If You Can): Matchmaker vs. sports agent.

- Blue Bailey and Dean Robillard (Natural Born Charmer): Artist and superstar quarterback.

- Piper Dove and Cooper Graham (First Star I See Tonight): Detective and retired QB.

- Thad Walker and Liv (When Stars Collide): Opera singer and football player.

- And more recent pairings in Simply the Best and And the Crowd Went Wild.

Setting

The series is anchored in Chicago, Illinois, home of the fictional Chicago Stars NFL team. The city provides a dynamic urban backdrop: bustling downtown, Soldier Field-inspired stadiums, luxury penthouses, sports bars, and media frenzy. Football culture permeates—locker rooms, press conferences, training facilities, Super Bowl runs—adding authenticity and excitement.



Stories often venture beyond Chicago: small-town Texas (for retired players returning home), Hollywood sets, European tours (for crossover characters), or quiet retreats where couples reconnect. The contrast between high-profile sports glamour and intimate, everyday moments enhances romance—think post-game tension melting into private vulnerability. The setting feels lived-in: humid Chicago summers, snowy winters, tailgates, and the relentless pace of pro football season mirror characters' emotional journeys.

Tone & Themes

The tone is witty, sexy, and uplifting—classic Susan Elizabeth Phillips: sharp banter, laugh-out-loud humor, and steamy passion balanced with genuine emotional stakes. Expect snappy dialogue, self-deprecating heroines, arrogant-yet-charming heroes who get taken down a peg, and plenty of playful sparring that turns tender. Romance is explicit and enthusiastic, celebrating mutual desire and equality, while humor softens heavier moments (grief, career slumps, family drama).

The series feels empowering and optimistic: women hold their own (often outsmarting or outlasting the men), heroes grow without losing their edge, and conflicts resolve with communication, respect, and love. It's escapist fun—never too dark or angsty—but grounded in relatable issues like self-doubt, ambition, and vulnerability. Fans describe it as "comfort food romance": addictive, re-readable, and mood-lifting, with just enough edge to keep things exciting.

The Chicago Stars series remains a gold standard in contemporary romance—Susan Elizabeth Phillips delivers witty, sexy, emotionally satisfying stories that celebrate strong women, redeemable alphas, and the transformative power of love in the high-pressure world of pro football. From the iconic team-inheritance hook to evolving tales of fame, vulnerability, and second chances, the books offer consistent thrills, humor, and heart. With standalone appeal yet rewarding interconnected cameos, it's perfect for binge-reading or dipping in anywhere. As the series continues, it proves timeless: football may be the backdrop, but Phillips' real game is crafting unforgettable characters and romances that linger long after the final whistle.