Many young adults discover love during their first years of independence at school, and these college romance books lead readers through that exciting time. Self-discovery, heart-pounding emotions, and unique challenges grab attention and don’t let it go. Some focus on lighter rom-com feels, while others tell more profound tales of healing.

No matter your preference, you can find it between the pages of one of these top college romance novel picks.

14 Best College Romance Books:

Easy

by Tammara Webber

Newly single Jacqueline already struggles with choosing the wrong school, the loss of what she thought was her forever love, and then a horrific assault that leaves her reeling. A stranger steps into her life at just the right time, rescues her, and helps her find safety, trust, and love again over time.

This novel by Tammara Webber puts readers through a huge array of powerful emotions, which keeps them turning pages.

The Graham Effect

by Elle Kennedy

The popular hockey trope gets a twist as the female main character, Gigi, goes for her goals of professional and Olympic achievement. Her game’s on-point, but she still needs some help from the sexy but rude Ryder, co-captain of the men’s team.

Elle Kennedy’s college romance book is a classic enemies-to-lovers story filled with bad first impressions, plenty of tension, and steamy sparks hot enough to melt the ice between them.

The Deal

by Elle Kennedy

Another book by Elle Kennedy starts up her series Off-Campus. Hannah has a crush but has no clue how to seduce the object of her desire. What could work better than a simple exchange with the hot yet infuriating Garrett, school hockey star? She tutors him to keep his grades up.

He helps her learn how to land her man. Things twist, and sparks fly after a sudden kiss that changes Hannah’s mind about who to pursue.

Icebreaker

by Hannah Grace

Competitive ice skater Anastasia gets a scholarship to her university of choice, but it’s not all a smooth glide to the Olympics. Hockey team captain Nate keeps getting in her way. Soon, he’s stuck in her mind. They start out as enemies competing for the rink. They end up in a love that will stand the test of time.

This book earned its spot among the best BookTok books of 2023, with Hannah Grace being hailed as one of the bestselling authors of 2023.

The Love Hypothesis

by Ali Hazelwood

This fake relationship romance book by Ali Hazelwood pairs two scientists who understand chemistry even better after spending time together. A young professor, Adam, and a Ph.D. candidate, Olive, start out on purely practical grounds. Things heat up quickly, sparks fly, and they discover the outcome of their experiment: love.

Named one of the best spicy #BookTok books, this story also stands out as an enemies-to-lovers romance, earning its place on must-read college romance book lists.

Beautiful Disaster

by Jamie McGuire

This book by Jamie McGuire was made into a movie. The classic good-girl meets bad-boy tropes get explored in a unique and attention-grabbing way. Abby has a dark past, but her future at college looks bright.

Travis is dangerous and far too distracting. Their relationship starts with a bet and ends with a love that will stand the test of time.

Fourth Wing

by Rebecca Yarros

Unique in this list of college romances, this New York Times bestseller and future TV show by Rebecca Yarros takes a fantasy twist. Violet is destined to study until her mother changes her path toward becoming a dragon rider. At the Basgiath War College, she learns much about the unique world, standing up for herself, and romance.

If you love Rebecca Yarros’ work, don’t miss our article on the best Rebecca Yarros books and the buzz about Fourth Wing’s sprayed edges!

The Hook Up

by Kristen Callihan

Sports romances fill the list of college stories, and this first book in the Game On Series by Kristen Callihan is no different. Sassy Anna isn’t impressed by national champion quarterback Drew, or at least she’s good at pretending. What starts as a surprising and super steamy hookup transforms into a forever love.

Waking Olivia

by Elizabeth O’Roark

This forbidden love story matches a troubled track star, Olivia, who transfers to the school and finds herself coached by a cocky coach who is more than he seems.

Tensions stay high throughout this book, but readers get the rewarding happy ever after they crave from college romances.

Let’s Talk About Love

by Claire Kann

This romance features two library employees who find love between the stacks. Claire Kann’s book matches asexual Alice with Takumi, a sweet knight who starts out as a friend and grows into something so much more.

Readers love the diverse cast and unique situations in this college love story.

God of Malice

by Rina Kent

This dark romance novel by Rina Kent sets a college girl in the sights of Killian, a manipulative and savage predator with heaps of danger and charm in equal measure.

Others may not realize it, but the main character gets trapped by his sexy and dangerous wiles.

The Revenge Pact

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Bad-boy football player River tries to pretend that quiet-girl Anastasia doesn’t exist. She wishes he wouldn’t… at first. Her boyfriend’s frat brother is a thorn in her side. When her apparently simple life comes crashing down around her, River steps up, offering comfort and a great opportunity for revenge. Love takes over, and this college sports romance ends with an undeniable happy ever after.

Bending the Rules

by Mariah Dietz

She has a crush on her brother’s best friend, a football star at the university. There are rules about this type of thing. She can’t possibly date him, but his looks, kindness, and humor make it impossible.

This book by Mariah Dietz will keep readers turning pages all night long.

Blindsided

by Victoria Denault

This second book in the Moo U Hockey series reimagines the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet on a farm in Vermont. Maggie, the farmer’s daughter, and Adler, a hockey player, can’t possibly fall in love. She has blackmail-worthy secrets about him, and he’s terrified of it coming out. Two rival farming families want them apart, but how can they resist when things heat up, and the flirting works so well?

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something new to fill your reading time, these college romance books offer intrigue, engaging conflicts, deep characters, plenty of swoony flirting, and varying levels of spice. Pick your first and then try some more. You’ll get hooked on romance stories at universities as surely as the two main characters get hooked on each other.

For more great reads, check out our articles on Best Military Romance Books, Lucy Score Books in Order, The Bridgerton Books in Order, The Twisted Book Series, Beach Read Book, and The 10 Best Old Romance Books of All Time.