





Chicago Stars
9 books
The Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips has 8 books. Start with It Had to Be You (1994), then read the rest in the order below.
Chicago Stars reading order

It Had to Be You
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
When a glamorous New York heiress unexpectedly inherits the Chicago Stars football team, she clashes spectacularly with the team's gruff, no-nonsense head coach in this witty and charming romance. Phoebe Somerville and Dan Celebow are complete opposites—she's a sophisticated city girl who knows nothing about football, and he's a traditional jock who views her as nothing but trouble. Their explosive chemistry and constant bickering mask an undeniable attraction that neither can ignore, as they're forced to work together to save the struggling franchise. Filled with humor, heart, and the kind of banter that makes romance sizzle, this prequel to Susan Elizabeth Phillips' beloved bestseller *This Heart of Mine* is an enchanting story of two stubborn people learning that sometimes the person who drives you crazy is exactly who you need. Perfect for fans of sports romance and contemporary fiction, this novel proves that the best love stories often begin with the fiercest battles.

Heaven, Texas
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
When determined producer Gracie Snow sets out to convince legendary ex-athlete Bobby Tom Denton to star in a film, she gets far more than she bargained for in the small Texas town of Heaven. Despite his charm and good looks, the hell-raising playboy has no intention of cooperating—until he decides to transform the prim Ohio wallflower into a confident wildcat, sparking an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. As Gracie and Bobby Tom clash and connect in a town too small for secrets, their playful battle of wills ignites into something neither expected: genuine passion and unexpected love. Susan Elizabeth Phillips crafts a witty, heartwarming romance that proves sometimes the greatest transformations happen when two people challenge each other to become their best selves. In Heaven, Texas, laughter, desire, and the promise of true love collide in a match made in paradise.

Nobody's Baby but Mine
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
At thirty-four, brilliant physics professor Jane Darlington is determined to become a mother—but with no suitable partner in sight, she devises an unconventional plan to find a sperm donor. Her choice leads her into the complicated orbit of a guarded professional football player, setting the stage for an unexpected battle of wills and hearts. As secrets, assumptions, and clashing desires challenge Jane’s carefully constructed plans, both must confront the wounds that have shaped them. Blending sharp humor, emotional depth, and passionate romance, this novel explores motherhood, identity, trust, and the surprising ways people find family.

Dream a Little Dream
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Rachel Stone, a widow ostracized by a small North Carolina town after her late husband's scandalous downfall, struggles to rebuild her life and protect her child. Taking a job at a local drive-in theater, she finds an unexpected connection with the theater's owner, Gabe Bonner. As their feelings grow, Rachel must confront the prejudices of Gabe's influential family, who view her with suspicion and distrust. This heartwarming story explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the enduring power of love against societal judgment.

Lady Be Good
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A proper English headmistress arrives in Texas with an outrageous plan: ruin her impeccable reputation in just two weeks. Her unlikely partner is a disgraced former athlete and notorious playboy who desperately needs to restore his own good name, but their clash of wills quickly gives way to irresistible attraction. As these two determined misfits navigate scandal, reinvention, and the demands of the heart, they discover that love rarely follows the rules. Funny, sexy, and vividly character-driven, this contemporary romance blends witty banter with themes of redemption, reputation, and second chances.

Match Me If You Can
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Annabelle Granger, a woman whose life has been a series of unfortunate events, inherits her grandmother's matchmaking business with a singular goal: to land the city's most eligible bachelor as her client. Her target is Heath Champion, a powerful and enigmatic sports agent, who, despite his success, finds himself in need of a matchmaker. As Annabelle navigates the cutthroat world of professional matchmaking, she finds herself drawn to her charismatic client, blurring the lines between business and personal desire. With the entire city watching, Annabelle must decide how far she's willing to go to succeed, risking her heart in the process.

This Heart of Mine
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Molly Somerville, a children's book author with a penchant for impulsive decisions, finds her almost perfect life upended when she collides with Kevin Tucker, the charismatic but infuriating quarterback of the Chicago Stars. Despite her long-held crush, Molly struggles with Kevin's arrogance and his apparent disdain for everything she holds dear, especially her beloved poodle. As their paths repeatedly cross, a summer at a picturesque lakeside retreat forces them to confront their undeniable attraction amidst a cast of eccentric characters and personal crises. Amidst paintbox cottages and unexpected challenges, Molly and Kevin must navigate their complex feelings, discovering that love can be as painful as it is healing.

Natural Born Charmer
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
When Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard finds himself unexpectedly stranded, he encounters the captivating and fiercely independent Blue. Despite her initial resistance, Dean finds himself drawn to her spirit, employing all his charm and determination to break down her defenses. As their paths intertwine, they must navigate past heartaches and insecurities to discover if their undeniable connection can blossom into something more. This heartwarming story explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and the unexpected places love can be found.

First Star I See Tonight
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
An ambitious Chicago detective-in-training is hired to watch over a guarded former football star whose new nightclub—and complicated life—may be attracting more danger than he realizes. As Piper Dove investigates suspicious activity, she finds herself drawn into a lively tangle of eccentric clients, vulnerable strangers, and a powerful man determined to stay in control. Their sharp banter and undeniable chemistry fuel a spirited battle of wills, while threats force both of them to confront what they truly value. Blending sports, mystery, humor, and passionate romance, this witty, character-driven story brings the beloved Chicago Stars world to vibrant new life.