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My favorite thing about college romance books is that they capture a time in life that’s full of big changes, first loves, and figuring out who you are.
Add in swoon-worthy characters, campus drama, and those late-night moments that make your heart race, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a cozy, can’t-put-it-down read.
So grab your favorite reading spot and get ready to fall in love with these new adult college romances—you’re going to love them!
1. The Dugout by Meghan Quinn
Carson, a once-promising baseball star, is grappling with a sidelining injury and the pressure to reclaim his career.
Enter Milly, a quirky yet enigmatic baseball prodigy whose sharp wit and hidden identity shake things up.
Despite a rocky start, their shared passion for the game draws them together in unexpected ways.
This is such a fun, sports-centric romance with sharp banter and undeniable chemistry.
Milly’s no-nonsense attitude is refreshing, and Carson’s persistence adds to the charm.
A definite hit for those who love a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
2. Spring Tide by Ki Stephens
Harper, a dreamer with a crush on a baseball player, weaves an elaborate web of lies that spirals out of control.
Enter Luca, a brooding football player with an injury and no sense of belonging.
Their unlikely partnership—filled with secrets and fake excuses—unravels into something deeper.
This one balances angst and humor beautifully.
Harper’s chaotic charm paired with Luca’s guarded heart creates a dynamic duo you’ll root for, even as they stumble through their tangled mess.
3. Falling Into Place by Sheryn Munir
Tara has sworn off love after heartbreak and the challenges of being queer in urban India.
But Sameen, a bubbly stranger, challenges Tara’s resolve with her light and warmth, making her question if love might be worth the risk.
A tender, culturally rich story about love, identity, and hope, this is a slow-burn romance that digs deep into emotional struggles, which makes the payoff even more satisfying.
4. Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Kiki, a relationship-skeptical radio host, gets caught in a fake relationship with Malakai, the charismatic guy she warned others about.
What starts as a ruse blossoms into something real, challenging her heart and her preconceived notions.
Bold, witty, and brimming with cultural flair, this story is perfect for anyone who loves smart heroines and swoony fake-dating tropes.
Plus, the sizzling chemistry is chef’s kiss.
5. Snowed In For Christmas by Jaqueline Snowe
Becca, a quirky sorority mom, and her grumpy neighbor Harrison are snowed in together during a blizzard.
Sparks fly as they navigate cozy nights and unresolved tension from a steamy, awkward past encounter.
Harrison’s grumpiness versus Becca’s sunshine energy makes for an entertaining dynamic, and the snowstorm just heightens the tension.
6. The Perfect First by Maya Hughes
Math whiz Persephone wants to lose her virginity and tackles life’s milestones with the help of Reece, a football player with a “no sex” rule.
What starts as a guide for her “firsts” evolves into an emotional journey neither of them expected.
The Perfect First is a sweet and spicy take on the mentor-to-lover trope.
Persephone’s awkward charm and Reece’s hidden vulnerability make this a heartfelt romance with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
7. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Anastasia, a focused figure skater, and Nate, a charming hockey captain, are forced to share a rink.
When circumstances throw them together, sparks fly despite their initial animosity.
Enemies-to-lovers with sports as the backdrop? Yes, please.
The banter and gradual emotional connection make this a refreshing take on college romances.
8. Bad Influence by Charleigh Rose
Jesse is a troubled bad boy who can’t seem to escape his past.
Allison is the sarcastic, guarded girl who unexpectedly breaks through his walls. Their romance is messy, raw, and full of secrets.
Angsty and intense, this book dives into darker themes with a romance that feels both destructive and redemptive.
Perfect for readers who like their love stories with a bit of grit.
9. Not Fooling Anyone by Allie Winters
Lexie agrees to fake-date Ethan for a study, but things spiral when the act becomes all too real.
Between the fake PDA and personal boundaries, she discovers there’s more to him than she ever imagined.
Lexie’s sharp wit and Ethan’s surprising charm make this a standout fake-dating romance with a slow-burn twist.
10. Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid
Anna is horrified when her hot blind date turns out to be her equally hot Russian Lit professor, Luca.
Awkwardness ensues as they navigate their undeniable chemistry in an unconventional student-professor romance.
A smart, flirty novella with plenty of laughs and literary references, I devoured every bit of this book.
If you’re into slow-burn and forbidden romance, this one’s a quick, satisfying treat.
11. Elements of Chemistry by Penny Reid
Kaitlyn Parker is a total wallflower—she’d rather hide in closets than deal with people. But her lab partner, Martin Sandeke, is impossible to ignore.
He’s hot, rich, and, let’s be real, kind of a jerk. When Kaitlyn saves him from a shady scheme, she’s roped into a spring break getaway that’s way outside her comfort zone.
Sun, sand, and way too much Martin—what could go wrong?
This book is nerdy, flirty, and completely addictive.
Kaitlyn’s awkwardness is so relatable, and Martin is that maddening mix of frustrating and swoon-worthy.
Their chemistry is chef’s kiss—prepare to binge this one in one sitting.
12. Boyfriend Bargain by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Sugar Ryan is broke and desperate, so she makes a wild deal with cocky hockey player Zack Morgan: fake date her, no strings attached. Easy, right?
Except Zack’s all kinds of irresistible, and things heat up fast. The only problem? Sugar doesn’t trust players, and Zack’s not great at proving her wrong…or is he?
Zack is the perfect mix of charming and sweet, and Sugar’s sass makes their banter so much fun.
It’s steamy, angsty, and full of moments that’ll make you smile like an idiot.
13. Heartland by Sarina Bowen
Chastity has been in love with her best friend Dylan forever. But now they’re in college, and Dylan’s got a whole new vibe—partying, hookups, and none of it with her.
When Chastity asks him for some…hands-on tutoring, things get really complicated. One night changes everything, but can their friendship survive?
Friends-to-lovers perfection! Chastity’s crush is so heartfelt, and Dylan is that clueless-but-lovable guy you can’t help rooting for.
This story is sweet, emotional, and will totally pull at your heartstrings.
14. Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin
Jax Avery is a soccer star with a playboy rep. Dani Hart is smart enough to steer clear…except for one unforgettable night.
When Jax doesn’t remember her the next day, Dani thinks it’s a sign to move on. But surprise! He’s her new roommate’s brother.
Awkward much? Now they’re tangled in lies, secrets, and a connection neither can ignore.
This book is messy in the best way—flirty, dramatic, and full of tension.
Dani and Jax are electric together, and their love story is the perfect mix of fun and feels. You’ll be hooked!
15. The Hardest Fall by Ella Maise
Zoe is the queen of awkward first impressions (like accidentally staring at the wrong “parts” of a guy).
Dylan is the campus football star, confident and out of her league…or so she thinks.
Their friendship turns into something more, and soon Zoe’s falling—hard. But with Dylan’s NFL dreams on the horizon, can they make it work?
This story is hilarious and oh-so-sweet.
Zoe’s awkwardness is painfully relatable, and Dylan’s charm is off the charts.
Their slow-burn romance is full of laugh-out-loud moments and swoony feels—it’s impossible not to love them.
Now it’s your turn! Which new adult college romance is your go-to?
Let me know your favorites in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow romance lovers.
