College Romance
Young hearts, forced proximity, forbidden crushes, and a whole lot of questionable choices.
College & Academy Romance
🔥🔥
Read-&-Rated Favorites (⭐ 3.5+)
-
Until I Get You by Claire Contreras
⭐ 4.25
HOT, HEA
“Delicious sleeper gem! You meet an over-confident MMC who bangs every girl he finds. He meets his match in the FMC and she doesn't give him the time of day.” - Cardigan B
Hockey, Second Chance, MMC Falls First, Marriage of Convenience, Story Told in Past and Present, Found Family, Sexual Trauma, Stalker/Stalking
-
Avalon Tower (Book 1) by C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers
⭐ 4.25
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“What a random find that turned out to be gold. Or…Avalon Steel…if you’ve read it. The Prologue actually hurt my interest, but I’m glad I pressed on.”
Hidden Powers, Overcoming Past Trauma, Age 30+ MMC, Slow Burn, Portal to Another World, Fae/Fairies, Second Chance
-
Vale of Dreams (Book 2) by C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers
⭐ 4.0
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“Despite the low spice levels, this story is holding my attention. It's riveting and a real surprise. I didn't expect the sequel to be this interesting.” - Cardigan B
Hidden Powers, Overcoming Past Trauma, Age 30+ MMC, Slow Burn, Portal to Another World, Fae/Fairies, Second Chance, FMC & MMC Enter Into A Contract, Mistaken Identity
-
Lady of the Lake (Book 3) by C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers
⭐ 3.5
MILD, HEA
“A nice closer in the series. A few unanswered questions, but we got the HEA we needed.” - Cardigan B
Overcoming Past Trauma, Fake Marriage, Marriage of Convenience, Dragons, Loss of Parent (Death), Fae/Fairies, Academic Setting
-
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
⭐ 4.0
MEDIUM, HEA
“My first Elle Kennedy! A sweet & spicy college romance between two very unlikely people. They work through trauma like adults. I loved the tight friend group, they cracked me up.” - Penelope Black
Hockey, College/University Students, MCs are Fake Dating, Grumpy/Sunshine, Overcoming Past Trauma, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Only One Bed
-
Butterfly by Jo Brenner
⭐ 4.0
HOT, HEA
“What the hell did I read? And why did I like it? I feel weird.” - Cardigan B
Bully Romance, Step-Sibling, College/University Students, Hockey, Stalker/Stalking, Enemies to Lovers, Menage, Morally Grey MMC
-
Dark Fae (Book 1) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 4.0
MEDIUM, TO BE CONTINUED
“Same universe as The Awakening but much less ‘bully romance’ and more about the tribal rivalries, a murder mystery, and a girl who collects boyfriends. Love Leo today, love Leo for all time.” - Cardigan B
College/Uni Students, Magical Binding, Hidden Royalty, Destitute FMC, Fated Mates, Organized Crime, Academic Rivals, Murder Mystery
-
Savage Fae (Book 2) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 4.0
HOT, TO BE CONTINUED
“Pleasantly surprised by how much I like this one given it's a Reverse Harem. I really love the dynamics between Elise and the Boys.” - Penelope Black
College/Uni Students, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Magical Binding, Vampire, Dragons, Harpy, Lions, Dark Academia, Shifters, Magic, Fated Mates, Mating/Bonding, To-Be Continued, Gang Wars, Loss of Sibling (Death), Slow Burn, Forbidden Love Interest
-
Vicious Fae (Book 3) by
⭐4.0
HOT, TO BE CONTINUED
“WHOA. This was the best so far. Too long, but the mystery unfolds at a rapid rate, making the relationships so much stronger and more appealing. This one has a twist I did not expect with Leo - I didn't really know how they'd resolve the aftermath, but it continues to be a wild ride.” - Cardigan B
College/Uni Students, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Magical Binding, Vampire, Dragons, Harpy, Lions, Dark Academia, Shifters, Magic, Fated Mates, Mating/Bonding, To-Be Continued, Gang Wars, Loss of Sibling (Death), Slow Burn, Forbidden Love Interest
-
Broken Fae (Book 4) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 3.5
HOT, TO BE CONTINUED
“This entire book was about how Leo gets the rest of the guys to come back and bang Elise. There wasn't story movement until the last 20% of the book. But that 20% was good!” - Cardigan B
20+ FMC, 20+ MMC, College/Uni Students, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Possessive MMC, Reformed Bad Boy/Girl, Slow Burn, Tortured MMC, Touch Her and Die Vibes, Betrayal & Secrets, Hidden Royalty, Secret/Elite Society, Soulmate Marks, Hidden Powers, Dragons, Vampire, Werewolves
-
Warrior Fae (Book 5) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 3.75
HOT, HEA
“Not a bad end, but dear lord Leon carried this story. The identity of the Card Master was a surprise. My favorite quote from Leon: "I got us each [a crystal] one and two for Elise because without her there is way too much sausage in this sandwich and as much as I would be down for sucking a dick or two in the right circumstances, I just feel like we need to extra protect our only pussy."" - Cardigan B
Academic Setting, Reverse Harem, Fated Mates, "Smart, Strong, Independent FMC", Obsessive MMC, Loss of Sibling
-
Gothikana by RuNyx
⭐ 4.0
MEDIUM, HEA
“We thought this would have more fantasy elements than it did, but the characters were likable and the FMC lost her virginity in the front seat of the MMC's SUV. You don't see that everyday.” - Cardigan B
Dark Academia, Dark/Brooding MMC, Age Gap, Student (18+)/Teacher, Slow Burn, Virgin FMC, Murder Mystery, Secret Society
-
If We Ever Meet Again by Ana Huang
⭐ 4.0
HOT, HEA
“A coming of age that is seriously relatable. It made me require book 2. Rated HOT because he takes her virginity. Graphically.” - Cardigan B
College/Uni Students, Virgin FMC, First Love, Cliffhanger Ending, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Friends to Lovers
-
The Awakening (Book 1) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 3.75
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“The twins are kind of stupid. I got them mixed up at first and then decided that T for Tory = Tough and D for Darcy = Dumb.” - Penelope Black
“I'll read the next book to see if these girls stay illiterate.” - Cardigan B
Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance, Reverse Harem, Academic Setting, Academic Rivals, Fae/Fairies, Vampire, Werewolves, Magical Binding, Forced Proximity, Social Class Divide
-
Ruthless Fae (Book 2) by
⭐ 3.75
MEDIUM, TO BE CONTINUED
“This one was definitely better than the first one. I felt for Blue when she had a bald spot and would kill for a hair growth potion. The twins are really excusing the abuse they suffered at the hands of the heirs. It’s hard to read.” - Penelope Black
Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance, Reverse Harem, Academic Setting, Magical Binding, Fae/Fairies, Vampire, Werewolves, Forced Proximity, Revenge, Past Coming Back to Haunt Them, Twins, Hidden Royalty, Royal/Commoner, Rags to Riches, Class Differences, Forgiveness Arc, Dark Academia
-
The Reckoning (Book 3) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 3.75
HOT, TO BE CONTINUED
“Freaking yes. We got some major action and some non-Academy story. Darius keeps disappointing me, but he's so broken by his dad that I can kinda get it. But Tory is over it. I can't wait to see what happens with the 5th element in book 4.” - Cardigan B
Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance, Reverse Harem, Academic Setting, Academic Rivals, Fae/Fairies, Vampire, Werewolves, Forced Proximity, Chosen One, Revenge, Dark Academia, Twins, Soulmate Marks
-
Shadow Princess (Book 4) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 4.0
MEDIUM, TO BE CONTINUED
“This was my favorite of the series. TORY IS A BITCH. The whole book was her having these complex thoughts and then taking the shallowest, most selfish action possible.” - Cardigan B
Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance, Reverse Harem, Academic Setting, Academic Rivals, Fae/Fairies, Vampire, Social Class Divide, Resistance, Chosen One, Survival, Revenge, Dark Academia, Twins, Obsessive MMC, Soulmate Marks
-
By the Orchid and the Owl (Book 1) by Mariah Montoya
⭐ 3.75
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“Academic setting, but the intrigue and underlying government conspiracy is enough to carry the story. Loved the main characters.” - Cardigan B
Academic Setting, Age Gap - Older MMC / Younger FMC, Loss of Sibling (Death), Loss of Parent (Death), Hidden Powers, Magic
-
By The Moonbeam and the Mist (Book 2) by Mariah Montoya
⭐ 3.75
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“Really enjoyed this second book in the series. I was dreading this one because of the book 1 cliffhanger. But the puzzle of piecing her memories together was well done.” - Cardigan B
Academic Setting, Age Gap Romance, Magic, Rescue, Hidden Powers, Reformed Bad Boy/Girl, Loss of Sibling (Death), Loss of Parent (Death)
-
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
⭐ 3.75
MEDIUM, HEA
“I honestly dug the initial kink discussions and it’s not usually my thing. This book had all of the charm of an Ali Hazelwood book. The FMC is dramatic without being flighty, brilliant but not arrogant.“ - Cardigan B
College/University Students, Dom/Sub, Student Athletes, Abusive Parent(s), Death of Parent, Best Friend's Ex
-
Merciless Saints by Michelle Heard
⭐ 3.75
MEDIUM, HEA
“I loved the idea that all of the deadliest people in the world are trained at an academy.” - Cardigan B
Bodyguard, Academic Setting, Academic Rivals, Russian MMC, Irish FMC, Loss of Parent, Loss of Sibling, Arranged Marriage
-
Never Keep by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
⭐ 3.75
MEDIUM, TO BE CONTINUED
“Zodiac Academy universe - I rated this one slightly lower because it took FOREVER for the plot to advance for our other FMC Everest. The last 150 pages are a ruckus. Will read the next one. They're 700 pages so strap in.” - Cardigan B
Dystopian, Enemies to Lovers, MMC/FMC Involved in a Rebellion, Power Struggle, Loss of Parent (Death), Survival, Found Family, MC has Bullying Siblings, Abusive Parent(s), Childhood Trauma
-
Nocticadia by Keri Lake
⭐ 3.75
MILD, HEA
“It’s a dark academia and a twin mystery. It’s 700 pages but hang in there.” - Cardigan B
Dark Academia, Slow Burn, Teacher/Student (Both Adults), Grumpy/Sunshine
-
Plier (Book 1) by Jane Washington
⭐ 3.75
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“So much world building and you don't really get to see the relationships build. It's mostly about Isobel and how she came into contact with each of the guys. Enjoyable enough to read book 2, though” - Cardigan B
Omegaverse, Bully Romance, Academic Setting, Slow Burn, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Fated Mates, Ballerina, Dance Competition
-
Tourner (Book 2) by Jane Washington
⭐ 3.5
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
“The first 60% of this book was set up. The last 40% was great and ties them all together. I got a little ick here with Mikkie and Kalen.” - Cardigan B
Omegaverse, Age 20+ MMC, Age Gap Romance, Fated Mates, MC is trapped, Competition Romance, Power Struggle, Revenge, Reverse Harem, MCs are in an Artistic Competition, Blackmail, Why Choose
-
Sauter (Book 3) by Jane Washington
⭐ 3.75
MEDIUM, TO BE CONTINUED
“Okay things got better. The Mate Match, the search, the magic, it all ramps up. You see even more of WHY Isobel is who she is and how far she comes in development.” - Cardigan B
Omegaverse, Age 20+ MMC, Age Gap Romance, Fated Mates, Competition Romance, Power Struggle, Revenge, Reverse Harem, MCs are in an Artistic Competition, Blackmail, MC has Witnessed a Crime, What the hell did I just read and why can't I stop
-
Relever (Book 4) by Jane Washington
⭐ 3.5
MEDIUM, TO B E CONTINUED
“This is where the series took a sharp turn toward crazytown. I can't share more without spoiling it. Just...go with it. Push through this and then books 5 and 6 tie things up nicely.” - Cardigan B
Omegaverse, Age 20+ MMC, Age Gap Romance, Fated Mates, Competition Romance, Power Struggle, Revenge, Reverse Harem, MCs are in an Artistic Competition, Blackmail, What the hell did I just read and why can't I stop
-
Glisser (Book 5) by Jane Washington
⭐ 4.0
HOT, TO BE CONTINUED
“The best book of the series. Murder, fires, kidnapping, SO MUCH INVENTIVE SEX, and you actually like all of these characters.” - Cardigan B
Omegaverse, Murder Mystery, MCs are in an Artistic Competition, MC is trapped, College/University Students, MC is Popular/Rules the School, Kidnapping, Found Family, Rescue, Revenge, Reverse Harem, Age 20+ MMC, Age Gap Romance
-
Elancer (Book 6) by Jane Washington
⭐ 3.75
“This crazy story wrapped with an HEA. It's hard to describe when this plot did a 180 in book 4 and, honestly, we just couldn't stop. We were all in and we'd already learned the names of all 10 MMCs.” - Cardigan B
Omegaverse, Age Gap Romance, Fated Mates, Revenge, Reverse Harem, MCs are in an Artistic Competition, Blackmail, What the hell did I just read and why can't I stop
-
Savage Hope (Book 1) by KC Kean
⭐ 3.5
MILD, TO BE CONTINUED
Polaris's life sucks. You're drawn in early to see her fight and battle her way through the shitty hand she's been dealt. But things move so slowly it's hard to be enraptured.” - Cardigan B
Age 20+ FMC, Age 20+ MMC, Reverse Harem, Cursed Love, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Dark Academia, Witch, Vampire, Werewolves, MMC/FMC has Amnesia
-
Savage Torment (Book 3) by KC Kean
⭐ 3.75
HOT, TO BE CONTINUED
“Best one in the series - Polaris is finally past her whiny stage, the spice really spices, and the plot is revealed--it's cool. And way more intricate than you think.” - Cardigan B
Age 20+ FMC, Age 20+ MMC, Reverse Harem, Cursed Love, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Fated Mates, Dark Academia, MMC/FMC Involved in a Rebellion, Witch/Warlock/Wizard, Vampire, Werewolf Mate, Werewolves, MMC/FMC has Amnesia, Past Coming Back to Haunt Them
@35CARDIGANS @BLACKCAT100
Find us on The StoryGraph
Join The StoryGraph, our romance book tracking app of choice. Scope out our TBRs, see which titles we’ve read, and watch us rate in real time. Just more proof that we’re humans.
(Yea, we also use goodreads…but so do our families. Who we’re connected to).
Sizzle Scale
HOT
(Blazing & Explicit): This is the full five-alarm fire. Bedroom doors are flung wide open, and the scenes are DETAILED, EXPLICIT, and SCORCHING HOT.
MEDIUM
(Simmering & Steamy): Expect passionate kisses that don't always fade to black. Could be graphic, but probably one scene that goes full throttle.
MILD
(Sweet & Tender): Expect sweet sighs, maybe a stolen, chaste kiss or two, and plenty of heartwarming moments that make you go "awww." If things get more intimate, the bedroom door gently clicks shut (fade-to-black).
FLOUR
(Platonic, if anything): Rare to find around here. This is a book that has…no romance at all. We probably read this by accident.
FAQs
-
A guide to romance novels of all heats and sizes. We’re recommending books we’ve read (we’ve read 1,000s) and telling you what to expect. We’ll help you do your research - your time and money will be happy.
-
‘Happily Ever After’ - nearly every book you find on The Velvet Pages has an ‘HEA’. It means that the story reached a satisfying conclusion. It might say “To Be Continued” which means there’s probably an HEA in the series, but that particular title didn’t resolve the relationship.
-
This is how sexual or sexy a book is. There’s a range: Hot, Medium, Mild, and Flour.
Hot is ‘“holy Hell I’m sweating.”
Medium is steamy.
Mild is tender and sweet.
Flour means there’s nothing romantic here.
We label each book so you know what to expect and you can choose what you’re comfortable reading.
-
We rate each book out of 5. Cardigan B and Penelope Black can rate a book the same score on occasion, but usually the rating you see is an average of their scores.
The ratings are pretty subjective, but include things like:
Did the story make sense?
How did the characters measure up?
Was the writing literate?
Was the premise or were the plot points memorable?
Were the mysteries solved? Did the questions get answered? Did you leave me on ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER, ONYX STORM?
Did the book make us feel something?
Was there a cute cat?
-
We recommend starting with Historical Romance, Fantasy Romance, or Sports Romance. They’re the most popular and you’ll find recognizable tropes.
Start with Mild to Medium heat and definitely choose an HEA.
If you’re still stuck, email us and we can give you some recs!
Heyyyvelvetpages@gmail.com
-
We’ll read pretty much anything. Each month, Penelope and Cardigan select a list of about 20 books to read together. There’s at least one book from each genre and some popular titles that have been recently released.
-
We sure do! It’s called ‘The Velvet Edit’. You can sign up at the top or on the ‘Contact Us’ page. We send out a themed list of recommendations each month and a ‘Quickie’ (a single title spotlight) two weeks later. We won’t spam you.
-
That’s the section of the site where we share what we’re reading this month for our book club. You can check out our other reading lists from the past few months of 2025, too.
-
Nope, not even close. The books on the site are generally the ones we enjoyed the most. Or hit on different trends we see coming up.
-
They are! If you buy from a button click on the site, we might earn a commission. You’re not paying more for the product, though. We’re all about ‘pay less for smut’ around here.
-
We use Storygraph. It has a friendly app interface and has every book we’ve read. It also shows your reading stats, which is unique.
We have separate Goodreads accounts, but they’re connected to our friends and family and…I don’t want them to see that I read the first and second book in a series about a merman with two dicks.
-
MMC is Male Main Character. FMC is female main character.
There are typically one of each, but there can be multiple in genres like Omegaverse or Reverse Harem.
Or, like in the case of Court of Thorns and Roses, the MMC could be one person in one book and another person in another book.
Don’t come at me about ‘spoilers’ - these books were published in 2015.
Email us
Looking for a book recommendation? Want to give us a recommendation you’ve read? Need to yell into the void?