Back to School Romance Reads: 20+ BookTok-Faves

Books Set in School, College, or Magical Academies

Whether you’re packing lunches and color-coding backpacks or just secretly craving the scent of freshly sharpened pencils, there’s something about the "back to school" season that brings out our inner romantic. Maybe it’s the crisp fall air, the promise of new beginnings—or just the irresistible drama of lockers, lecture halls, and late-night study sessions.

To celebrate the season, I’ve rounded up 20+ swoony, dramatic, and often spicy romance books set in schools, colleges, and magical academies. From sweet high school first loves to angsty dorm-room drama and even a few forbidden student-teacher stories (you know the ones that make you say “just one more chapter…” at midnight), there’s something here for every reader mood.

Now, full disclosure: I haven’t personally read every single title on this list—though some are personal faves and I’ll sprinkle in a few of my thoughts as we go. But rest assured, this list has been thoughtfully researched, thoroughly vetted, and curated with you in mind. I’ve included a quick summary and spice rating for each book to help you find your perfect back-to-school read—whether you’re in the carpool lane or curled up with a PSL.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. All opinions, thoughts, and experiences shared here are entirely my own.

New Adult Spicy College Romance Books

These college romance books bring all the angst, freedom, and messy hookups that come with campus life. Think hot athletes, brooding professors, and roommates who become something more.

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Trope: Hockey romance, fake dating

Spice rating: 3.5/5

Summary: When brainy music major Hannah Wells agrees to tutor cocky hockey captain Garrett Graham, it’s all part of a plan to catch her crush’s attention. In return, Garrett will fake-date her to make the other guy jealous. But lines blur fast when their staged romance sparks very real feelings—and one unforgettable kiss turns everything upside down. Now Garrett just has to prove he’s not the wrong guy after all.

BookTok talk: Book besties can’t get enough of this new adult spicy college romance book. Hannah tutors star athlete Garrett, but the real lessons start outside the classroom.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Trope: Opposites attract, forced proximity

Spice rating: 3.5/5

Summary: Anastasia Allen is laser-focused on making Team USA in figure skating, thriving on her scholarship and competitive spirit. But when a rink mishap forces her to share ice time with the cocky hockey captain, Nate Hawkins, sparks fly—mostly the heated, antagonistic kind. Yet when Anastasia’s skating partner’s future is thrown into doubt, she might have to team up with Nate to keep her dreams alive. Suddenly, the ice between them isn’t the only thing thawing.

BookTok talk: Figure skater meets hockey captain. TikTok readers are obsessed with the steamy banter and found-family vibes.

My thoughts: This book gives serious The Cutting Edge vibes (you millennials know what I’m talking about). I was a competitive figure skater as a kid and loved that movie. Icebreaker brings back all the nostalgic feels.

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

Trope: Enemies to lovers, sports romance

Spice rating: 4/5

Summary: Gigi Graham is determined to make her mark—on the ice and outside the shadow of her hockey-legend dad. To clinch a spot on the national team, she reluctantly teams up with Luke Ryder, the intimidating new co-captain of Briar’s men's team. He's gruff, gorgeous, and definitely off-limits… especially after tanking his shot at impressing her father. Their deal is simple: he sharpens her skills; she helps repair his rep. But as practice heats up, so does the tension—and falling for the enemy might just cost them everything they’ve worked for.

BookTok talk: A newer release with the same addictive energy as The Deal. Expect swoony moments and sassy banter.

Night Shift by Annie Crown

Trope: Grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, opposites attract
Spice rating: 3.5/5

Summary: Kendall Holiday prefers quiet nights and fictional love stories to frat parties and chaos. Her idea of the perfect Friday? A steamy romance novel and the stillness of the university library’s night shift. But when Vincent Knight—injured, brooding, and way too charming—shows up needing help with his poetry class, Kendall’s fictional daydreams collide with a very real distraction. He’s her total opposite: loud, athletic, infuriatingly confident. But as late-night run-ins turn into something deeper, Kendall realizes that falling for the campus golden boy might be the riskiest story she’s ever lived.

BookTok talk: A sweet and spicy slow burn with college romance vibes and bookish girl x athlete energy. Fans of Emily Henry and Hannah Grace will eat this up.

Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland

Trope: Enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, professor/student (age gap)
Spice rating: 4.5/5

Summary: When Rachel tears into a smooth-talking stranger at a bar, she thinks she’s giving a cheating jerk the verbal takedown he deserves. The twist? She’s got the wrong guy. The bigger twist? That same guy—Caine West—is her new professor, and she’s just been assigned as his TA. Now forced to work side by side with the sexy, smug man she accidentally humiliated, Rachel quickly learns that there’s more toProfessor West than meets the eye. Banter turns to tension, and tension into heat, but their pasts might be the biggest obstacle of all.

BookTok talk: A sizzling age-gap romance with biting banter, emotional depth, and Vi Keeland’s signature slow-burn chemistry. If you love strong heroines and cocky heroes with hidden scars, this one’s for you.

My thoughts: I read this one a while ago and its one that has stuck with me. Definitely worth the read in my opinion.

High School Romance Novels (YA + Crossover)

These high school romance novels bring back the butterflies of first love, late-night texting, and the drama of senior year. Whether you’re reliving your own teenage angst or introducing your teen to the genre, these books are full of heart.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Trope: Love triangle, childhood friends to lovers, coming-of-age
Spice rating: 2/5

Summary: For Belly, summer is everything. It’s beach bonfires, salty air, and endless days at the house where she’s spent every year with the Fisher boys—Jeremiah and Conrad. They’ve always seen her as the tagalong kid sister… until now. This summer, everything changes. Feelings surface, hearts get tangled, and Belly finds herself caught between the two brothers who’ve always meant the most to her. As first love and heartbreak collide, she learns that growing up means facing the messy truth of who you are—and who you really want.

BookTok talk: A nostalgic, emotional read with sun-soaked romance, family bonds, and all the angst of a first love triangle. If you cried your way through To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this series will hit you right in the feels.

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this one—it was the perfect, sweet summer read. The Summer I Turned Pretty gave me all the nostalgic feels: beach trips, first loves, and that bittersweet drama of growing up. Jenny Han captures the awkward, messy, magical moments of youth so well, and I found myself completely swept up in Belly’s world. If you love love triangles, coming-of-age heartache, and a touch of sun-soaked innocence, this book absolutely delivers.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Trope: First love, opposites attract, misfit romance
Spice rating: 1.5/5

Summary: In 1986 Omaha, Eleanor is the new girl with wild red hair, oversized clothes, and more baggage than she lets on. Park is the quiet, comic book-loving boy who keeps his head down. They couldn’t be more different—but a shared school bus seat and a slow-burning connection spark something neither of them expected. As mixtapes are exchanged and walls slowly fall, Eleanor and Park discover the intensity, beauty, and ache of first love. But in a world that doesn’t always make space for misfits, even the sweetest romances come with heartbreak.

BookTok talk: Bittersweet and deeply emotional, this is the kind of love story that stays with you. If you grew up on 80s nostalgia, scrappy characters, and the agony of teenage longing, Eleanor & Park will hit home.

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Trope: Enemies‑to‑lovers • Friends‑to‑lovers • Wilderness survival romance

Spice rating: 2.5 / 5

Summary: Zorie and Lennon—once inseparable best friends turned bitter high-school enemies—find themselves stranded together in the rugged Northern California wilderness after a disastrous group camping trip. With no one else in sight, they’re forced into reluctant teamwork, wild banter, and survival mode. As they face physical dangers like snakes, bears, and dehydration, the emotional barriers between them crumble. Under starlit skies, snarky exchanges evolve into heartfelt moments, buried feelings resurface, and what started as enemies slowly blooms into something deeper. But will their rekindled connection survive once they return to civilization? Starry Eyes offers a heart-pounding mix of snarky survival, romantic heat, and emotional healing. It’s ideal if you want a YA romance with steamy undertones, outdoor adventure, and a dash of family drama—without crossing into erotica.

BookTok Talk: On TikTok, #StarryEyesJennBennett has amassed 8 million+ posts, with fans praising its cozy enemies‑to‑lovers narrative mixed with outdoor adventure

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Trope: Secret identity • Online romance • Enemies‑to‑lovers • Grumpy/sunshine

Spice rating: 2 / 5

Summary: Bailey Rydell is a classic film lover who’s spent months falling for “Alex,” her witty, movie‑buff online crush. When she moves cross‑country to live with her dad in the same California beach town as Alex, she keeps her identity—and location—a secret. At her new job in a quirky seaside museum, Bailey’s plans to quietly track down Alex get sidetracked by Porter Roth, the infuriatingly cocky, too-charming security guard who seems determined to get under her skin. Sparks fly as Bailey and Porter clash, banter, and connect in ways she didn’t expect. But when the truth about Alex—and Porter—comes out, Bailey has to decide: does she want the fantasy she imagined, or the imperfect, messy, wonderful reality right in front of her?

BookTok Talk: BookTok loves Alex, Approximately for its blend of swoony romance, snappy dialogue, and nostalgic nods to You’ve Got Mail. Readers rave about the banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotional depth as Bailey and Porter navigate trust, grief, and first love. If you’re into beach town vibes, secret identities, and heart-thumping tension, this one’s a BookTok favorite.

Student-Teacher Romance Books (Taboo & Tension)

Looking for something a little riskier? These student-teacher romance books push boundaries with forbidden attraction, steamy tension, and the thrill of the “should we or shouldn’t we?”

Professor’s Pet by Alex Wolf

Trope: Age gap • Forbidden romance • Professor/student • Disciplinary kink

Spice rating: 4 / 5

Summary: Professor Weston takes his role as mentor seriously—no distractions, no blurring of lines. But all that discipline is put to the test when Kristen Monroe steps into his classroom. With her flirty glances, curve-hugging skirts, and innocent act, she’s a walking temptation. Kristen knows exactly how to push his buttons, and Weston’s resolve begins to crumble. What starts as a battle of wills turns into a sizzling game of control and surrender, as the professor’s stern discipline meets the student’s playful defiance. But with careers and reputations on the line, their forbidden connection could cost them everything.

BookTok Talk: Professor’s Pet is pure catnip for readers who love forbidden spice and power-play dynamics. BookTokers rave about the steamy tension, off-the-charts chemistry, and Weston’s deliciously stern side. If age gap heat, professor fantasies, and red-hot discipline scenes are your thing, this book delivers in spades.

My Thoughts (I just finished this one):
While Professor’s Pet definitely brings the spice, I found it leaned more into the kink than character development. The connection between the leads felt more physical than emotional, with less buildup than I usually prefer. If you’re looking for a story with strong plot and character arcs, this might not hit the mark—but if steamy, trope-driven reads are your go-to, this one might be right up your alley.

Veiled Innocence by Ella Frank

Trope: Age gap • Forbidden romance • Professor/student • Obsession

Spice rating: 4 / 5

Summary: When gruff, disciplined Mr. McKendrick first meets Addison Lancaster, he knows she’s dangerous. Beautiful, bold, and intoxicating, Addison isn’t just another student—she’s temptation in its purest form. From their charged glances to stolen moments that blur every line, their connection spirals into an affair fueled by desire and shadowed by guilt. As passion deepens into obsession, both risk everything—careers, reputations, and hearts—for a love they were never meant to have. But some endings are inevitable, and Addison might just be his.

BookTok Talk: Veiled Innocence is the book BookTok readers can’t stop recommending for those craving angst, illicit passion, and slow-burning tension that explodes into heat. With haunting prose and complex characters, this isn’t just a steamy age gap romance—it’s a forbidden love story that lingers long after the final page. If you’re ready for moral gray areas and emotional wreckage, this one will have you hooked.

Star-Crossed by Luna Lacour

Trope: Forbidden romance • Age gap • Step-sibling rivalry • Seduction bet • Teacher/student

Spice rating: 4.5 / 5

Summary: Kaitlyn Laurent seems to have it all: wealth, beauty, and a place among Manhattan’s elite. But beneath the polished surface lies a girl desperate to escape the emptiness of her fractured family and hollow world. When her arrogant stepbrother Marius dares her to seduce their new, irresistibly handsome Literature teacher, Kaitlyn sees a way out. The prize? His trust fund—and a ticket to freedom. But the game spirals out of control as their flirtation turns into a dangerous, all-consuming obsession. Torn between desire, guilt, and the weight of her own choices, Kaitlyn learns the hard way that some loves are doomed from the start—and some bets cost far more than she ever imagined.

BookTok Talk: Star-Crossed has BookTok readers hooked with its intoxicating blend of scandal, seduction, and emotional chaos. If you crave high-stakes forbidden romance, morally gray characters, and steam that scorches the page, this is the kind of messy, heart-wrenching story BookTok calls “unputdownable.”

My thoughts: If you’re looking for taboo romance turned all the way up, Star-Crossed absolutely delivers. The heat is intense, the stakes are high, and the drama is unapologetically over the top. For me, this one may have been a bit much—but that’s not to say it won’t be exactly what you're looking for. If you enjoy boundary-pushing plots and aren’t afraid to dive into the deep end of forbidden romance, this might be right up your alley.

Misbehaved by Charleigh Rose

Trope: Age gap • Teacher/student • Bad girl/good man dynamic • Found family • Dark romance

Spice rating: 4 / 5

Summary: Remington Stringer is a girl on the edge—scrappy, defiant, and desperate to break free from her bleak Nevada life. With her mother gone, a father who’s checked out, and a stepbrother whose protectiveness veers into obsession, Remi’s used to fighting her own battles. When she lands a scholarship to an elite private school for her senior year, it feels like her shot at something better. But that’s before she meets Mr. James—her guarded, brooding teacher who’s as off-limits as he is magnetic. What starts as harmless fascination quickly spirals into a dangerous game of desire and defiance. As Remi pushes boundaries, she risks not just her future, but her heart—and maybe more.

BookTok Talk: Misbehaved has BookTok obsessed with its steamy, tension-packed age gap romance and its fierce, complicated heroine. Fans rave about the slow-burn heat, forbidden longing, and raw emotion that crackles between Remi and Mr. James. If you’re into darkly addictive forbidden love stories with messy characters and sizzling chemistry, this one’s a BookTok favorite.

My thoughts: This one definitely delivers on the forbidden spice. If you’re in the mood for a steamy, boundary-pushing read with major student-teacher tension, Misbehaved brings the heat. I enjoyed it—it’s bold, angsty, and not afraid to lean into the taboo. It won’t be for everyone, but if forbidden romance is your catnip, this one will absolutely hit the mark.

Fantasy Academy Romance Books

If you love fantasy romance books with magic, court intrigue, and a school setting, these fantasy academy romances deliver. Think dragons, fae, magical roommates—and a lot of steamy tension in between spell classes.

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Trope: Dark academia • Enemies-to-lovers • Fated mates • Bully romance • Twin heroines • Magical royalty

Spice rating: 3.5 / 5 (later books get spicier)

Summary: Tory Vega never asked to be Fae royalty, but when she and her twin sister Darcy are yanked from their ordinary lives and thrown into Zodiac Academy, they’re thrust into a deadly world of power, politics, and magic. To claim their birthright, they must master their elemental abilities, survive brutal trials, and outwit the ruthless heirs—four dangerously hot, dragon-shifter-led alphas who rule the school and want the Vega twins gone. Between twisted alliances, dark secrets, and simmering tension that’s as lethal as the magic around them, Tory and Darcy must fight for their lives—and their crown—in a kingdom where betrayal lurks at every turn.

BookTok Talk: Zodiac Academy is a BookTok addiction—beloved for its savage world, morally gray characters, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers angst, and steam that intensifies with each book. Fans gush over the brutal magic battles, the heartbreak, and the deliciously messy relationships. If you love dark fantasy romance with high stakes, swoon-worthy villains, and the ultimate ride-or-die sibling bond, this is your next obsession.

My thoughts: This series is dangerously addictive—I found myself tearing through the books and constantly needing to know what happened next. If you love your fantasy with a side of college chaos, Zodiac Academy hits so many fan-favorite tropes: forbidden professor-student romance, intense love triangles, magical trials, and found family tension galore. It definitely delivers on drama and spice.

That said, one thing that pulled me out of the story at times was the dialogue—both spoken and internal. It felt like the authors were trying a bit too hard to sound like today’s youth, and for me, it came off a little forced or unnatural. Maybe it’s just a personal pet peeve (or maybe my friends and I just never spoke like that?), but it’s something I’ve run into often with YA and New Adult lit.

Still, if you're into morally gray characters, slow-burning tension, and high-stakes magical drama, there's no denying this series knows how to hook a reader.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Trope: Enemies-to-lovers • Forced proximity • Dragon rider academy • Underdog heroine • Found family • Dark secrets

Spice rating: 3.5 / 5

Summary: Violet Sorrengail was destined for a life of books and ink, safely tucked away in the Scribe Quadrant. But thanks to her iron-willed mother—the commanding general—Violet is thrust into Basgiath War College, where survival means earning the trust of a dragon… or dying trying. Small, underestimated, and physically fragile, Violet is easy prey in a brutal world where ambition is deadly and dragons don’t bond with the weak. With danger at every turn, including from Xaden Riorson—the brooding, lethal wingleader who has every reason to hate her—Violet must outwit rivals, navigate betrayals, and defy the odds. But as war looms and dark secrets rise, Violet learns that courage isn’t just about surviving—it’s about daring to claim power that was never meant for you.

BookTok Talk: Fourth Wing has taken BookTok by storm, praised for its heart-stopping action, scorching slow-burn romance, and dragons that steal the show. Readers can’t get enough of Violet’s fierce resilience, Xaden’s broody charm, and the emotionally charged ride that leaves you gasping for more. If you’re craving a fantasy romance with sky-high stakes, tension that simmers until it explodes, and twists that will wreck you, this is the read.

My thoughts: Okay, I might be the last person on the planet who hasn’t read Fourth Wing yet—but hear me out! I just know this series is going to put me in a chokehold in the best way, so I’ve been (painfully) holding off until the series is complete. I can already tell it’s going to be one of those stories I want to binge back-to-back without coming up for air.

That said… it’s getting harder and harder to wait. The dragons, the spice, the enemies-to-lovers tension, the magical military academy? It checks every box for me. If you’ve read it, I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts—was it worth the hype? Should I cave now, or keep holding strong?

Shadowspell Academy by K.F. Breene

Trope: Secret academy • Girl disguised as boy • Found family • Deadly trials • Sibling loyalty • Hidden magic

Spice rating: 1.5 / 5

Summary: Wild, headstrong, and fiercely protective, Wild knows one thing for sure: she’ll do anything to save her little brother—even if it means stepping straight into the jaws of death. When her family receives a brutal ultimatum wrapped in an invitation to the deadly Shadowspell Academy, Wild disguises herself as her brother and takes his place. But this is no ordinary school. Behind its gates lurk monsters, magic, and competitors who will stop at nothing to win. As Wild battles to survive deadly trials, outwit assassins, and uncover what really happened to her older brother, she’ll discover that the biggest threat may not come from the academy—but from secrets buried deep within herself.

BookTok Talk: Shadowspell Academy has BookTok hooked with its fierce heroine, breakneck pacing, and “Hunger Games meets magical school” vibe. Fans love the sibling bond, life-or-death challenges, and Wild’s gritty determination to outsmart the academy. If you’re craving magic, monsters, and high-stakes survival, this series is an addictive ride.

Bonus: Adult Romance That Starts in High School (Emotional Second Chances)

Some of the most powerful stories start when characters are young and reconnect as adults. These books blend young adult nostalgia with deeply emotional adult romance.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Trope: Second-chance romance • Childhood friends-to-lovers • Dual timeline • First love • Bookish bond

Spice rating: 3 / 5

Summary: If you’re a sucker for stories that start with quiet summer afternoons, shared bookshelves, and a friendship that turns into first love, Love and Other Words will hit you right in the nostalgic feels. Macy and Elliot’s story unfolds in two timelines—Then and Now—starting when they’re teenagers spending weekends in a cozy Northern California lake house, where books and late-night conversations are the glue of their connection. But a single heartbreaking night fractures their bond, and they go a full decade without speaking.

Now adults with very different lives, Macy is a pediatrics resident engaged to someone safe and predictable, while Elliot is the man she never truly got over. A chance encounter pulls them back into each other’s orbit, forcing them to unpack the past and confront the pain of unspoken words. It's a second-chance romance steeped in emotional intimacy, literary nostalgia, and a slow unraveling of secrets.

BookTok Talk: Love and Other Words has become a BookTok favorite for good reason. Fans adore the soft boy hero, the dual timeline heartbreak, and the way Christina Lauren captures that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. If you're craving a romance that blends young love flashbacks with adult emotional reckoning, this one’s a must-read. It's perfect for readers who loved Every Summer After or Before We Were Strangers and want a poignant, beautifully written love story with just the right amount of steam.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Trope: Second-chance romance • Childhood friends-to-lovers • Small town summer love • Dual timeline • Found family

Spice rating: 2.5 / 5

Summary: Told across six unforgettable summers and one life-changing weekend, Every Summer After is a sweeping, second-chance romance drenched in summer nostalgia. Persephone Fraser—once a small-town girl with big dreams and a secret love—has spent the last decade avoiding her hometown and the boy who knew her best. But when a tragic loss calls her back to Barry’s Bay, she’s forced to face Sam Florek, the boy who was her first everything.

As teens, Percy and Sam spent long lake days reading, swimming, and quietly falling in love. But one pivotal mistake shattered it all. Now, back in the place that holds every memory, Percy must confront her guilt, the choices that changed everything, and whether love like theirs can ever truly be lost.

Perfect for readers who love emotional depth, rich character development, and romance that hurts so good, this debut delivers all the feels of first love and the ache of growing up.

BookTok Talk: This book is the BookTok darling of nostalgic romance. If Love and Other Words is already on your shelf, Every Summer After is its emotional cousin—packed with longing, lakeside kisses, and the kind of heartbreak that keeps you up at night. Readers rave about the dual timeline, the tender writing, and the palpable chemistry between Percy and Sam. It’s the perfect back-to-school(ish) read for anyone who believes love deserves a second chance—even after a decade apart.

Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

Trope: Second-chance romance • College friends-to-lovers • Missed connection • Dual timeline • Artistic soulmates

Spice rating: 3 / 5

Summary: Before We Were Strangers is a poignant love story for anyone who’s ever wondered what if? Set against the creative pulse of early-2000s New York City, it follows Grace and Matt, college friends turned soulmates who lost each other after graduation—and then reconnect fifteen years later through a missed connection post on Craigslist.

Back in their NYU days, Grace was a cellist and Matt a photographer. Their relationship bloomed in the cramped dorms of Senior House, through midnight strolls in Washington Square Park and shared dreams of artistic greatness. But after one fateful summer apart, everything changed. Now adults with lives that didn’t go as planned, a chance subway sighting reignites everything they once had—and everything they lost.

Told through dual timelines that seamlessly bridge the past and present, this novel explores the ache of missed timing, the power of memory, and the hope that love—when it’s real—can find its way back.

BookTok Talk: Readers love the emotional punch of Before We Were Strangers, especially those who adore Love and Other Words and Every Summer After. The college-to-adulthood timeline gives major back-to-school nostalgia, while the Craigslist love letter at the heart of it all feels incredibly raw and romantic. Expect heartbreak, longing, and a reunion that feels as satisfying as it is tear-jerking. If you're into second chances, artistic angst, and subway serendipity, this one’s a must-add to your fall TBR.

You Might Also Like...

If you’re loving the school-setting romance vibes, don’t stop here—there’s more where that came from! Check out these related blog posts for even more swoony reads, spicy tropes, and curated book lists:

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• Unforgettable Contemporary Romance Books
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• Surprise Pregnancy Romance Books
  If you're in the mood for unexpected twists and emotional second chances, these romances deliver all the heart and heat.

• Enemies to Lovers Romances With Serious Spice
  School settings + enemies to lovers = chef’s kiss. This post highlights steamy reads where love starts with loathing—and ends with fire.

Final Thoughts:

Why Back to School Romance Books Are So Addictive

There's something about school setting romance books that taps into nostalgia, vulnerability, and transformation. Whether it’s first love in a high school hallway, secret hookups in the library, or bonding over shared trauma in a magical academy—these stories remind us of all the ways love can challenge and change us.

If you're building your fall TBR, make space for these BookTok-approved romance books that hit you right in the academic feels. You'll laugh, cry, swoon—and maybe even buy a fresh notebook just because.

Authors to Watch: The Queens of YA & New Adult Romance

If you’re looking to fully stock your TBR with school-set swoons and coming-of-age chaos, these popular authors are absolute musts. Whether they’re diving into small-town high school drama, elite prep school secrets, or college dorm room angst, these writers get the emotional rollercoaster of being young, messy, and in love.

Here are some of the most beloved voices in the YA and New Adult romance space—perfect for fans of back-to-school romances:

Abbi Glines
Known for her Rosemary Beach and Sea Breeze series, Abbi Glines brings Southern charm, dramatic twists, and steamy teen-to-new adult transitions. Think: bad boys, beach towns, and big feels.

Tijan
Tijan's books are the definition of addictive. Her high school and college-set romances are full of angst, strong female leads, and irresistible bad boys (Fallen Crest High, anyone?). If you're into emotional chaos with heart, she delivers.

Simone Elkeles
Author of the iconic Perfect Chemistry series, Elkeles blends emotional depth with swoony romance—and her stories often explore themes like class divide, family dynamics, and self-identity, all while serving major butterflies.

Colleen Hoover
While not exclusively YA, many of Colleen Hoover’s early books (Hopeless, Maybe Someday) tap into that “first big love” intensity. Her writing is emotional, raw, and layered—and chances are, she’s already broken your heart at least once.

Elle Kennedy
A queen of the college romance game, Elle Kennedy is best known for her Off-Campus and Briar U series. Hockey players, roommates, enemies-to-lovers—she’s got it all. These books are fun, flirty, and just spicy enough to keep you turning pages way past bedtime.

Erin Watt
The writing duo (Elle Kennedy & Jen Frederick) behind the Royal series (starting with Paper Princess), Erin Watt specializes in rich kid drama, forbidden love, and binge-worthy cliffhangers. If you like your romance messy and your characters morally gray, you’ll be hooked.

Monica Murphy
Monica Murphy is a go-to for drama-filled high school and college romances (One Week Girlfriend, Things I Wanted to Say). She nails the tension, the slow burns, and the emotional gut-punches that make you feel like you’re right there with the characters—texting your crush and crying in the bathroom between classes.

Need help choosing where to start?
Drop a comment with your favorite trope, and I’ll help you find your perfect YA or New Adult read! Or scroll back up and browse the full list of recs—each one includes a summary and spice rating to make your next bookish decision easy.

About the Author

I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.

-Frances

Mom Needs A Chapter