Books like the Off Campus Series
If you stayed up late into the night binging Amazon Prime’s hit new book adaptation, Off Campus, you are probably suffering from a TV hangover, and you’re wondering, “What should I read now?” While the obvious choice is Elle Kennedy’s beloved series, you might have already read it. That’s why I created this list of books like the Off Campus series.
I’ve been an OG fan of Elle Kennedy’s series since I read The Deal back in 2015. It’s the book that got me hooked on steamy college romances, in fact! So when I tell you I know which books you should read next, I mean it!
From hockey romances to books that have been adapted (so you can read and then watch!) this is the list you need to get you through until Season 2!
The Best Books like the Off Campus Series
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Book by Elle Kennedy
The Deal by Elle Kennedy – Jump to Section
The Best Hockey Romance
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace – Jump to section
The Best Steamy College Romance like the Off Campus Series
How to Date a Douchebag by Sara Ney – Jump to Section
The Best Fake Dating Novel
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas – Jump to Section
The Best Summer Adaptation like the Off Campus Series
The Summer We Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Books in the Off Campus Universe or by Elle Kennedy
The Deal
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2015
Genre: Romance
More info: Off-Campus #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The first in a series of books set in college about hockey players is also the series that got me hooked on the college romance books sub-genre! This one features a bunch of bachelor hockey players who are the campus hotshots.
To get the attention of the man she really wants, Hannah convinces the cocky captain to go on a pretend date with her in exchange for her tutoring services. Garrett is desperate to get his GPA up so that he can stay on the hockey team and play professionally when he graduates.
But when one kiss leads to a STEAMY hook-up, Hannah needs to reevaluate which man she wants.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s very similar to the How to Date a Douchebag series, but it has a bit more heart and a little less humor. This is one of the steamy fake dating books EVER but I loved it.
Adaptation Information
The Off-Campus series is now going to be adapted for TV on Amazon Prime Video in a Bridgerton style, with each season focusing on a different love story. Louise Levy, Wick Godfrey, and Marty Bowen will be producing it. Each book in the series will be one season. Ila Bright and Belmont Cameli will star as Hannah and Garrett in Season 1. Other cast members include Josh Heuston, Antonio Cipriano (Season 2’s lead), Stephen Kalyn (Season 3’s lead), Jalen Thomas Brooks (Season 4’s lead).
Find this book in: College Romances / Sports Romances / Fake Dating Romances / Books Set in College / Books About Sports / Books Becoming Tv Shows / Books like the Off Campus Series
The Chase
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: Briar U #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Are you looking for a swoon-worthy new adult romance that is laugh-out-loud funny? I got you. I downloaded The Chase and it suck me in right away, kept me turning the pages, and made the time fly by.
Elle Kennedy kills me every single time. This series features more of the hockey players at Briar U and the girls that they fall in love with. It’s a spin-off of Kennedy’s Off Campus series.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault
Why Kirsten loves it
The books in this series are so hilarious but also swoon-worthy. There are also some serious sex scenes in here – so fair warning if that’s not your jam. This grumpy sunshine book is a great choice for a new adult romance.
Find this book in: Sports Romances / Grumpy Sunshine Books / College Romances / Books like the Off Campus Series
The Graham Effect
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Campus Diaries #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Welcome to the world of the Campus Diaries series, where Gigi Graham is determined to shine in hockey while stepping out of her famous father’s shadow. But to improve her game, she needs the help of the grumpy yet undeniably sexy Luke Ryder, her enemy-turned-ally. As they navigate a world of rivalries, angry teammates, and intense chemistry, they’ll discover that sometimes taking risks on and off the ice might lead to the ultimate win.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that this is Elle Kennedy’s third series set at Briar University – particularly because Gigi is the daughter of Graham from The Deal. I loved getting to see him as a dad! It felt so full-circle! I also enjoyed the badass that is Gigi for her merit. Girl is working hard to make that Olympic team! #gifted by Bloom
Find this book in: Steamy Sports Romances / Books like the Off Campus Series
Good Girl Complex
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Avalon Bay #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the first in a new series set in the beachside town of Avalon Bay. In this story, Cooper decided to go after the girlfriend of a man who got him fired. What starts as revenge, quickly turns into a real relationship with college student, Mac.
Why Kirsten loves it
I have long been a fan of Elle Kennedy. Her books appear on our list of college romance books and they are AMAZING. This love story was sweet and satisfying, and I can’t wait to read Cooper’s twin’s story next month.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Books like the Off Campus Series
Hockey Romances
Icebreaker
Author: Hannah Grace
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Maple Hills #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This STEAMY romance is a friends-to-lovers story of figure skater, Anastasia and hockey player, Nate.
After Anastasia’s partner breaks his arm, she’s desperately in need of a doubles partner to qualify for the Olympics. Nate is head over heels for her, so he willingly gives up his time. Will she accept his advances and take him out of the friend zone? You’ll have to read it to see! 😜
Trigger Warnings
Eating Disorder
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is not for the faint of heart. It made me blush numerous times while reading. But I loved every minute of it! There is one scene in an Uber that had my jaw on the floor.
Find this book in: Books about Women in Sports / Romance Sports Books / College Romances / Books like the Off Campus Series
Offside
Author: Avery Keelan
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
More info: Rules of the Game #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
After being dumped by the star of her college’s hockey team – and all of their friends – Bailey does the only thing she can think of. She gets drunk and hits on their biggest rival, Chase Carter. A known womanizer, Chase was not expecting to catch feelings for Bailey, and he doesn’t want to take advantage of a woman in distress, so instead, he proposes a fake-dating scheme designed to piss off her ex and help his hockey team in the process.
Why Kirsten likes it
I think we all know where this delicious romance is going, and it goes there well. The chemistry between the characters is yummy, their friends-to-lovers journey feels authentic, I loved watching Bailey find herself and new friends. But the book is a touch too long… not a touch – it’s over 500 pages, and I just don’t think that’s necessary in a romance. I couldn’t lug my physical copy around, so I mostly consumed this on audio, and the narrators are great! #gifted by Bramble
Find this book in: Steamy Romance Sports Books / Books like the Off Campus Series
Steamy College Romances
The Study Hours
Author: Sara Ney
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: How to Date a Douchebag #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When champion college wrestler, Oz, is dared to kiss a girl in the library, he has no idea that Jameson is not as much of a good girl as her diligent studying makes her look.
He loves how she treats him like a guy on campus instead of the star athlete he is. He can’t get enough and will try anything to capture her heart for good.
Why Kirsten loves it
This series is laugh-out-loud funny. Each book is a stand-alone featuring a dedicated bachelor from a University’s Wrestling team. They are each tamed by a woman in a totally predictable way, but these books set in college are hysterical.
For starters, the author has funny pick-up lines between chapters that I found utterly hilarious, but the dialogue between the characters is witty too.
Find this book in: Sports Books / Rom-Com Books / Books Set in College / College Romances / Fluff Reads / Books About Sports / Books like the Off Campus Series
Fair Game
Author: Monica Murphy
Year: 2015
Genre: Romance
More info: The Rules #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is new adult romance at its finest! Jade’s boyfriend bets her in a poker game… and loses. Now she “belongs” to Shep Prescott. Jade isn’t interested, but Shep won’t back down. Soon, Jade is willing to bet her heart on love.
Why Kirsten loves it
Steamy and adorable, this is the first in a sexy series set during college. The concept was silly, but Jade and Shep’s chemistry is delicious!
Find this book in: Steamy College Romance Books / Books like the Off Campus Series
Beautiful Disaster: A Novel
Author: Jamie McGuire
Year: 2011
Genre: Romance
More info: Beautiful #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Abby is trying her hardest to be a good girl. She has a new life at college, has cut ties with her past, and is determined not to fall for her typical bad-boy tastes. However, when Abby meets Travis, she has met her match.
Travis wants Abby at first glance. Unbeknownst to Abby, Travis is a street fighter who tricks her into making a bet. If she loses, she must move into his apartment. If he loses, he must stay abstinent. A totally ridiculous scenario that somehow works.
Trigger Warnings
Toxic relationship, violence
Why Kirsten likes it
Travis is the ultimate bad boy. Self-destructive, Tattoo-covered, but man, when he fell, my heart exploded! If you like standoffish boys like Edward Cullen, Christian Grey, or Reid Royal as much as I do, this is a great series for you.
Find this book in: Books set in College / Sports Romance / Books Like Fifty Shades of Grey / Books like the Off Campus Series
So, That Got Weird
Author: Amelia Kingston
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: So Far, So Good #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The premise of this college romance story was ridiculous but unputdownable. A rich, virgin, gaming girl pays the hot college football star to be her sex tutor.
Why Kirsten loves it
INSANE but charming as hell. This opposites-attract love story was a fast read that had me gasping out loud quite a few times. It’s escapist reading that hits the spot.
Find this book in: College Romance Books / Books like the Off Campus Series
Fake Dating Novels
The Spanish Love Deception
Author: Elena Armas
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Catalina is a fiercely independent woman who ran away from her past, but now she has to face it at her sister’s wedding, where her former fiancé is the best man.
She needs a fake boyfriend – and fast! Enter Aaron, her annoying and grumpy co-worker, who offers to help her with her ruse. As they put their differences aside to help each other out, their love begins to grow. This is the fake dating trope at its best.
Why Kirsten loves it
While I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance in this book, at over 500 pages this office romance novel was just a bit too long
Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine / Enemies-to-Lovers / Office Romance / Forced Proximity Trope Romance / Books like the Off Campus Series
Boyfriend Material
Author: Alexis Hall
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: Book 1 of 3
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the second fake dating book I read this month, but this one hit all the right notes. This was such an adorable LGBTQ romance.
When Luc, the son of two rock stars, needs a boyfriend who is respectable in order to keep his job, he is willing to fake a relationship. Oliver Blackwood is a barrister who needs a boyfriend to bring home to his family. The two could not be any more different.
It is a perfect situation until the fake starts to feel real. Even though the two men could not be more different, they just might be the perfect Ying and Yang.
Why Jackie loves it
This LGBTQ book is one of the enemies-to-lovers books that helped to take my mind off reality, and it made me smile throughout the whole book. This is also a great fake dating book. I am always shocked by how many books are enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating…who knew?
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books/ British Romance Novels / Books like the Off Campus Series
The Love Hypothesis
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller and TikTok Sensation
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Olive Smith is a Ph.D. student who does not believe in her ability to be in love. When her best friend develops a crush on someone she dated briefly, she decides to kiss the first man she sees to prove she is over him.
That one kiss happens to be with THE Adam Carlsen, an academic genius, who is also very standoffish. The two decide to fake-date and what starts as pretend, becomes something more- for Olive.
Trigger Warnings
Strong sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this fake dating book/office romance novel that is also a perfect example of the grumpy sunshine trope. I love reading about a strong and smart female protagonist rather than a damsel in distress.
Adaptation
A movie is being made of the book for Amazon starring Lili Reinhart (Olive Smith) and Tom Bateman (Adam Carlsen). Filming is currently underway but the release timeline is not yet known.
Find this book in: The Complete List of Romance Tropes / Fake Dating Books / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Hot Office Romance Books / Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Books Becoming Movies/ Books About Women in STEM / Beach Reads 2022 / Books like the Off Campus Series
The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information is ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series, but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series, and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance, and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels / Books like the Off Campus Series
Summer Blockbuster Romance Adaptations
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Romance
More info: The Summer I Turned Pretty #1,
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
The series starts when Belly turns 15, at the beach house she visits every summer with her mom, her brother, and her mother’s best friend’s family. This coming-of-age is geared towards 15-year-olds. Throughout the summer, she learns about her dear friend’s illness and finds herself in a love triangle with the Fisher boys.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
Ok, so I adored To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, but this YA romance felt like it was geared toward a younger crowd. This is a perfect friends-to-lovers romance for teens. It is filled with love-triangle teenage antics. I read it for the reading challenge, and while I didn’t love it as I read, I really loved the Amazon adaptation!
Adaptation Information
Amazon Prime Video has adapted this book series for TV. It stars Lola Tung as Belly, Christopher Briney as Conrad, and Gavin Caslegno as Jeremiah. While the three-book series has been fully adapted to the screen, a movie was recently announced, set to come out in 2027.
Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Friends-to-Lovers Romance Books / Book Adaptations on Amazon Prime / Best YA Romance Books / Books with Summer in the Title / Books like the Off Campus Series
Beach Read
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
January is a romance writer who no longer believes in love. Until she was 28, she led an idyllic life filled with the ideas of perfect love.
Augustus Everett is a literary fiction writer who has never believed in love. They could not be more different. When they find themselves living next door to each other they decide to help each other overcome their writer’s block by challenging each other to a writer’s duel.
Trigger Warning
Death of a parent, sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best romance books I have read in a long time. What could be better than a romance about writers? I love Emily Henry’s writing and loved this book.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Emily Henry Books / Books About Books / Best Beach Reads / Romance Books About Books / Books like the Off Campus Series
Plot
A group of four friends spends every summer together on a private island. Money, family, love, and an accident lead to secrets and lies. Featuring complex dynamics between friends and family, this story is both a coming-of-age tale and a mystery all in one.
Trigger Warnings
Fire/Fire injury, Child death
Why Jackie loves it
This book was the perfect suspense, which I did not expect. Even though I knew that the narrator was unreliable, I still had no idea where this story was going, and I didn’t know it was a Shakespeare retelling of King Lear until years after I read it.
Find this book in: Books with Unreliable Narrators / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 13-year-old / Fun Books for Teens / Amnesia Books / Books like the Off Campus Series
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake—or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books / Books like the Off Campus Series
Off Campus Merch
Expert Tip
- If you are having trouble picking which book to read on this list, choose one under the category you liked most about Graham and Hannah’s love story.
- Check the kisses for the steam factor on these books. Most are NSFW!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read if I liked the Off Campus series?
You’ve got lots of options. Stay in the Off Campus universe with some of Elle Kennedy’s other books in the series, or try some hockey romances like Offsides or Icebreaker.
Are there other romance novels that have been adapted like Off Campus?
Yes! The series most like this one that has been adapted are The Summer I Turned Pretty and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Related Content
Epilogue
Did you find any books like the Off Campus series to add to your to-read list? Am I missing anything that you would recommend? If so…TELL ME!!! I’m always on the lookout for a guilty pleasure read!
