Everything you need to know about Off Campus (in an aromatic way, of course)

If you've been in the reading world for a while—especially on BookTok or Bookstagram—you know exactly what this is about. Sport romance has gone from being a niche subgenre to one of the most powerful publishing phenomena of recent years. And at the center of it all, there's a series that started everything: Off Campus, by Elle Kennedy.

In this article, we'll tell you what sport romance is, why Off Campus has become an absolute benchmark for the genre, and how you can create the perfect reading experience to enjoy it as it deserves.

What is sport romance?

Sport romance is a subgenre of romance novels in which one or both protagonists are linked to the world of sports. It can be hockey, American football, basketball, swimming... but there's something about elite athletes—the discipline, the intensity, that mix of vulnerability and strength—that makes them irresistible protagonists.

It's not just the sport that hooks you. It's the atmosphere: the locker rooms, the crowded stands, college campuses, post-game parties, rivalries that turn into something more. Sport romance builds its own world that draws you in from the first page.

In recent years, the genre has exploded on social media. BookTok has propelled titles that had been on the Anglo-Saxon market for years into the Spanish-speaking mainstream, and Off Campus is the clearest example of them all.

Off Campus: the series that changed everything

Off Campus is a series of college romance novels written by Elle Kennedy, set at the fictional Briar University. The series kicks off with The Deal (Hannah and Garrett's book) and continues with the stories of Logan, Tucker, and Di Laurentis, the hockey teammates who have earned a permanent place in the hearts of thousands of readers.

What does Off Campus have that other series don't? Characters that feel real. Chemistry you can almost touch. Humor, tension, moments that make you put down the book to process what just happened. Elle Kennedy built something that goes far beyond romance: she built a community.

And in 2024, Amazon Prime adapted the series into a show, which further boosted its popularity. If you were already a fan, the show was a gift. If you didn't know about it, it was the perfect gateway.

Why sport romance is so addictive

There's something about the combination of college campus + sports + romance that works almost chemically. The protagonists live in a bubble of intensity: training, pressure, expectations, and in the midst of all that, someone appears and complicates everything.

Sport romance also tends to develop character arcs very well. Male protagonists—often perceived as unattainable or arrogant—have layers that are gradually revealed. And female protagonists are increasingly complex, with their own goals and contradictions.

It's a genre that gives you adrenaline and tenderness in equal measure. And once you try it, it's very hard to let go.

How to create the perfect Off Campus experience at home

Reading Off Campus deserves an atmosphere to match. We're clear about it: a good reading session is built with all five senses. And that's where our candles come in.

Our "Off Campus" Candle was directly inspired by Elle Kennedy's universe and the cocktails at Malone's. Its notes of dragon fruit, kiwi, red apple, peach candy, and vanilla create a fresh, fruity, and addictive fragrance that transports you directly to the halls of Briar University. The two-tone wax in pastel lilac and yellow, and the hand-painted melts in the shape of skates, hockey helmets, and sticks make it truly special.

If you prefer something more minimalist, the Classic "Off Campus" Candle has the exact same fragrance in a white, creamy, undecorated format. Elegant, simple, perfect for those who want the aroma without any fuss.

And to take your favorite boys with you everywhere, the Off Campus Holographic Stickers are the perfect complement. Graham, Di Laurentis, Logan, and Tucker in 5x5 cm format, resistant and removable, ready to decorate your Kindle, your laptop, or wherever you want.

Where to start if you haven't read Off Campus?

If you haven't yet delved into the world of Briar University, the recommended order is:

1. The Deal — Hannah and Garrett (the beginning of everything)
2. The Mistake — Grace and Logan
3. The Score — Allie and Di Laurentis
4. The Goal — Sabrina and Tucker

You can read them in English or Spanish (they are translated). And if you've already watched the Amazon Prime series, the books will give you much more context, depth, and moments that the screen couldn't capture.

Sport romance is not a passing fad

What sport romance—and Off Campus in particular—has achieved is demonstrating that romance can be intelligent, fun, emotionally complex, and absolutely addictive at the same time. It's not a minor genre. It's a genre that connects with millions of readers because it talks about real things: the fear of falling in love, the pressure of expectations, friendship, personal growth.

And if you can read it with a candle that smells exactly like you imagine Malone's smells... even better.

Are you already an Off Campus fan? Or are you about to start? Tell us in the comments.