When the weather gets cooler and leaves start to change colors, we can't help but reminisce about autumn days spent wandering around a college campus. Whether you're in the mood for academic rivals, a parent x teacher story, or a good ol' college sports romance there's something on this list for everyone.
Someone cue the 10 Things I Hate About You soundtrack.
Teen/Young Adult Romances:
My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth
Staff favorite author, Alexene Farol Follmuth (Olivie Blake), tackles gender bias in STEM fields through this academic-rivals high-school romance. Witty and empowering, My Mechanical Romance is about Bel, a reluctant STEM student, and Teo, her charming rival. as they clash and ultimately connect through their school's robotics program.
You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh
Calling all fake-dating fans! You Started It follows high-school senior, Jamie, determined to win back her boyfriend after she finds him kissing another girl. To do this, she enlists the help of TikTok dancer, Axel, as her fake senior year fling. This opposites-attract romance is a joyful story that doesn't shy away from the hardships of adolescence.
And They Were Roommates by Page Powars
If you've been in the shop at all this summer, you've likely heard us squealing about this second-chance, boarding school romance. And They Were Roommates is about transmasc student Charlie, who is determined to make it through his first year at Valentine Academy for Boys. That is until he gets his roommate assignment and discovers he's going to be bunking with Jasper, the boy who broke his heart.
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick
Flirting lessons backfire in this sapphic romance co-written by real-life married couple, Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick. Cool girl Alex agrees to help socially awkward, but absolutely smitten Molly win the heart to her long-time rush, Cora. They have nothing in common, so there's no way Molly would ever fall for Alex instead... right?
College Campus Romances:
Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese
For those of us who might not be as academically minded, but still love the appeal and flair of college life, there is always sports to fill our time. More dangerous than sports, though, is the power of a quiet, brooding mountain-man named Ryder. *Swoons*. For all the girlies out there who pine over the strong quiet type that loves flannel, practical jokes, and a good game of hard to get.
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Honey and Spice romantizes radio shows in a way Fraiser could only dream of. When the FMC makes a big show of calling out the players and casual nature of relationships on campus finds herself in a fake relationship with the most notorious man on campus, the two of them find that maybe true love was the enemies we made along the way.
Not in My Book by Katie Holt
First you have the girlie-pop vibes and Taylor Swift adoring Rosie on one end of the spectrum, while Aiden looooooves a book of "literary merit" and give some real “I listen to The National and dream about Cormac McCarthy” vibes. But these two find themselves coming together to write a book of steamy proportions as they each battle to finish first and on their own terms.
Teacher Romances:
How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin
Jessica Day may have made falling in love with a dorky and fun Kindergarten teacher a mainstream fantasy, but Emerson Pierce sold us with the execution. How to Sell a Romance has pyramid schemes, single fathers, investigative reporting, and, of course, a love story that will keep those pages turning.
Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell
Teacher of the Year is yet another tale of a Kindergarten teacher falling for a single father; a tale as old as time, really. This teacher/parent romance is a wholesome feel good romance that starts with friendship and ends with… well, you know *wink*. The book also dives deep into the very real emotions of being a teacher and the anxiety that can threaten to overwhelm, while also examining the stakes of falling for the parent of a student.
Given Our History by Kristyn J Miller
Given our History is THE romance to read when the leaves start to change and you feel that pang in your chest for the bygone days of traipsing lazily across campus, arm in arm with your special friend. We love a second chance romance, but we love it even more when it is set against the backdrop of autumnal college life of two professors.
