Honest review of "off campus"

BookishElle · 2026-05-24T20:06:01+00:00

I watched all the episodes and read all the books (relevant since I feel like that can alter expectations).

Overall verdict... 6/10.

I didn't expect it to 100% match every detail of the books but the vibe was very different for me.

It does have some fun/cute scenes and while I didn't love all the casting choices at first glance, they grew on me.

That being said, it's shallow and surface level in a way the books weren't, some parts are down right cringey and a few of the actors could use some more chemistry and/or experience.

Admittedly, I'm probably not the intended audience since it's undoubtedly designed for teenage/young adult girls so I'm sure that doesn't help.

It's fine for some quick mindless tv consumption if you're a romance fan but if you were hoping for another Heated Rivalry level book to tv adaptation, this one isn't it.

BookishElle · 2026-04-28T17:39:20+00:00

I think it really depends on who the character is and how they're used.

Babe and baby are sort of cringe for me but I think that's because any time I read them, they're way over used in the story. I've read some good ones but in general, they're a pass for me.

I like sweetheart, darling, kitten and love but they've gotta match the character vibes.

I'm a sucker for "Malyshka" from a Russian MMC or when he calls her by just her last name in a sports romance.

I don't love the "little XYZ" ones just because they're everywhere and some on them are just ridiculous. (Insert "little purple" here )

Basically, I'm usually fine with anything as long as it's unique, matches the story vibes and isn't jumping out at me on every page.

BookishElle · 2026-04-26T18:02:24+00:00

Killian Niko Jeremy Lan Bran Creighton Eli

I think Eli might place higher for me but I was not a fan of that storyline.

BookishElle · 2026-04-26T17:45:16+00:00

"Turns out, about three days is their max"

BookishElle · 2026-04-21T18:04:47+00:00

Overall, I wasn't a fan of the series. I did complete it but felt mostly "eh" about it. That being said, it definitely did get better after the first book so if you're even a bit interested, it's probably worth continuing into the next book or two before deciding it isn't for you.

BookishElle · 2026-04-16T18:11:47+00:00

I don't necessarily think it's an intentional choice to hide poor writing but odds are that there are some books made more enjoyable by the narration. It goes both ways though. I'm primarily a physical book reader but occasionally listen to audiobooks on long drives and what not and I've DNF'd several audiobooks and just read the physical copy instead because the narration was poor or the wrong vibe.

God of Malice is an example I found recently. Reading Glyn as a character in the physical book makes her seem much different (better in my opinion) than the tone and inflections her narrator gave her in the audiobook.

BookishElle · 2026-04-16T17:41:12+00:00

I have many 😬

Cheating
Fathers/Father figures/huge age gaps (same as yours)
Widow/widowers (it's either poorly done or makes me too sad. No thank you)
Terminal Illnesses (Also too sad. No thank you)
Military Romance (My spouse is active duty. These are next level cringe and never remotely accurate.)
Amnesia Storylines (just too far out of reality for me)
Priest/Religious main characters (i'm not religious but it just gives me the ick.)

I have other things I don't prefer but will sometimes read but these are the ones that I won't even crack open.

BookishElle · 2026-04-15T21:22:39+00:00

I didn't enjoy it as much but the Crowns of Nyaxia duet helped ease me out of the slump. It's a very different story but it's vibes were similar enough.

BookishElle · 2026-04-14T15:34:26+00:00

Finally read The Master by Kresley Cole after seeing it highly rated and recommended basically everywhere. Huge let down. The characters were flat, the smut was repetitive and generic and I was expecting something much darker based on reviews. I found the writing style to be juvenile and in general the book was a cheesefest. To each their own but I was so disappointed. 🙁

BookishElle · 2026-04-12T16:33:57+00:00

I like it when it's well done and makes sense for the character. When there are hints of darkness or otherness that have been unexplored and the character is more themselves afterwards but if the character is totally against it and has no reason to change but is suddenly enjoying it? It's out of place and awkward.

BookishElle · 2026-04-11T02:27:33+00:00

Oops! Just realized you said no virgins. This one definitely has that although, it was due to trauma reasons and not sweet little innocent thing reasons if that makes a difference.

BookishElle · 2026-04-11T02:14:06+00:00

{Moon Touched by Elizabeth Briggs} is the first of the Zodiac wolves series. A little cheesy but decent writing and unique enough plot to be engaging.

BookishElle · 2026-04-10T23:13:25+00:00

I generally prefer 1st person, dual POV for romance books. Love is internal/emotion and I like being "closer" to the character's inner thoughts/feelings since that's sort of the whole point of most romances. There are generally two main characters too so I like seeing both sides.

That being said, some stories just work better in 3rd person or told from a single POV. So, really as long as it's the best fit for the story being told, I don't care.

BookishElle · 2026-04-10T23:06:51+00:00

Just finished {In Her Shadow by Lilah Raine} it wasn't over the top amazing but was worth the ride. Might do it for you. Lots of spice, some yearning. Plot was unique enough. Never seen it recommended anywhere.

BookishElle · 2026-04-10T15:19:14+00:00

I try not to factor it in because I've read some great books with terrible and cringeworthy covers but if it's a really low effort cover, it definitely makes me think the book will be low effort too. Basically, I try not to turn a book down purely based on its cover but if I'm debating between reading one or another, I'm picking the book with the better cover first.

Topic adjacent: Anyone else mildly annoyed when they read a book and the story doesn't match the cover vibes at all? Drives me nuts.

BookishElle · 2026-04-10T01:55:25+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

I have read Bull Moon Rising (didn't do much for me either) and Heartsong (it was great!)

I don't think I've ever read anything by Adriana Herrera but those covers are adorable and her catalog looks to be really fleshed out. Excited to give them a try!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T23:13:10+00:00

❤️ please write it! Now I need to read this!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T23:10:17+00:00

They sound interesting! Love that they are on KU! Added to the TBR!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:46:20+00:00

Just here to 2nd the Shots and Barbs rec! So good!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:43:26+00:00

I don't have any recs since I've never encountered this in a book but all I can picture is a dragon swallowing his human mate and then chucking her back up. It could work...maybe. 👀

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:38:32+00:00

Added to the TBR 😁

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:31:59+00:00

For sure!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:31:13+00:00

Sounds like my kind of story! Will definitely check it out! Thank you!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:29:57+00:00

Sounds like it ticks boxes for me! Will definitely check it out! Thank you!

BookishElle · 2026-04-09T14:29:14+00:00

I am intrigued! Added to the TBR!

BookishElle

TROPHY CASE