College romance is a popular genre of literature that explores the emotional and sexual relationships between young adults (usually students). Focusing on the main characters’ growth as they mature into adulthood, these books are very relatable for readers who are in or have recently graduated from college, although college romance is also suitable for adults interested in taking a journey to the most significant parts of their past. Whether you’re looking for something light to read during finals week, want an escape from the stress of school, or just want to remind yourself about the good old days, college romance novels are a great choice!
Best college romance books
College is one of those places that can bring you together or break you apart – and it usually depends on how lucky you are with the people you meet there! To help you find some good company, we have compiled this list of some of the best college romance books that will keep you turning pages until the story is over. Whether you are looking for a light read or something with more drama and action, we’ve got something for every type of reader – from funny to serious, and from heartbreaking to heartwarming.
Martina Flawd: a Novel on Lucid Dreaming, Sorcery & Love (2020) by D. Rudoy
“Martina Flawd” is a story about an average guy who goes to a boarding school in the UK and accidentally discovers that he can enter other people’s dreams. He becomes obsessed with this new power, until one day it leads him to the girl of his dreams (no pun intended!) who has the ability to control dreams and use them for her personal gain.
“Martina Flawd” is a curious mix of genres. It can be seen as a college romance book with fantasy elements, or as an urban fantasy story with romantic subplots. It is also a novel about the pursuit of one’s destiny and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
First Down: A Fake Dating College Sports Romance (2022) by Grace Reilly
“First Down” is the first in a sports romance series that will leave you cheering for more! It’s also the perfect beach read, with its fast-paced story and heartwarming romance. If you’re looking for a fun book with plenty of football (and some chemistry), this is your next must-read.
The story follows Payton and Will, two college football players who are forced to fake date for their team’s PR campaign. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but both want more than just a fling. Can they find love away from the field? No spoilers here, but this is the kind of story that does make the reader cheer for the protagonists!
Savage Rivals (2022) by Becca Steele
This is a good college romance book to read if you’re in the mood for something light and fun. The story follows two college students, Charlotte and Sam, who both have their eyes on starting a new club at school. As they begin working together on this project, they find themselves falling for each other.
You can easily get through this book in one sitting, or over the course of a couple days if you have time to spare. The only drawback is that the book is a little predictable. If you’re looking for something with more plot twists and turns, this may not be your best bet.
I Hate You More (2019) by Alexandra Moody
The story follows Claire, who just got dumped by her boyfriend on their anniversary. She’s mad, sad, and ready to party—which is exactly what she does when she meets a hot guy in the bar. The two hit it off instantly, but things get complicated when they discover that their exes are dating each other too!
The story is a fun and lighthearted read, perfect for anyone who needs something easy to get through while they’re studying. It’s also a great book if you have a case of the feels, as it deals with some heavy topics like heartbreak and betrayal without the unnecessary drama. All in all, “I Hate You More” is a hilarious college romance book that will have you laughing out loud from beginning to end.
Broken Knight (All Saints High Series, 2019) by L.J. Shen
Sophie’s heart was broken and her parents were struggling to pay the rent. After a ridiculous dare, Sophie found herself at All Saints High. She had no idea what was going on or why she was there, but when she went to the library, she met David. He was mysterious and cute; they had chemistry. Sophie wasn’t sure if it would work out between them but, as the weeks wore on, they fell deeper into love with each other. But fate had other plans for Sophie…
“Broken Knight” is a spin-off from the famous “All Saints High” series by L.J. Shen. It can be read as a standalone but for someone unfamiliar with the series it would probably be better to start at the beginning of it.
Before We Were Strangers: A Love Story (2015) by Renée Carlino
When Grady Cates falls in love with Annie Devlin, he knows he’s found his soul mate. They’re crazy about each other, but their young marriage is tested when tragedy strikes and they are separated by hundreds of miles. Can their love survive, or will they lose everything they’ve fought so hard to keep?
When a mysterious young woman named Eva comes into Grady’s life, he begins to wonder if maybe it’s time for him to let go of the past. Can he move on with his life? Or will his love for Annie keep pulling him back?
Before We Were Strangers is a story of love, loss, and redemption that will make you believe in the power of fate.
Maybe in Another Life (2015) by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In the course of a week, Avery loses her boyfriend, her job, and her apartment. But those are just material things. The real loss is yet to come: She’s also lost herself.
In an attempt to get back on track with her life, Avery retreats to the beach house where she spent some of the happiest times of her childhood—only to find that it’s been sold. With nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to, she moves in with her former high school best friend, Danielle—but their relationship has changed since they were kids. Meanwhile, while trying to support her mother through a difficult time, Avery begins to question the choices she’s made in life—and wonders if it might not be too late for second chances.
“Maybe in Another Life” is a New York Times Bestseller and another powerful and gripping novel from the author of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”.
Just One Night (Blue Beech, 2018) by Charity Ferrell
From the author of the bestselling, award-winning novel “One Night in Cape Town” comes a new contemporary romance novel.
Anna and Sam are the perfect couple. They have a beautiful home, successful careers, and a loving relationship. The only problem is that they don’t want to be together anymore. So when Anna announces that she wants a divorce, Sam doesn’t argue—he just moves out of their house and into a hotel where he has some time to think about what went wrong and how it can be fixed.
The Upside of Falling (2021) by Alex Light
Alex Light’s debut novel, “The Upside of Falling” is a college romance book about two teens who meet when they fall—literally—into each other’s lives. When Grace’s mother dies and she finds herself homeless, she turns to the only person who can help: her best friend Joey. But even though he offers her shelter in his home, he isn’t exactly thrilled with the arrangement.
“The Upside of Falling” is a poignant and powerful story that reminds us that even when life knocks us down with one hand, it can be holding something good in the other.
Conclusion
College romance books may be written for young adults but they often have the same appeal to the older audience. They can help you relive the halcyon days of your youth and remember all the joys and challenges of being a student. College romance novels can also provide an escape from your busy life if you are feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities or stressed out. Reading about teenage and young adult love affairs is like taking a mini vacation to a place of innocence, and we hope that our list helped you find one or two captivating reads.