Books That Changed My Life... The Off Campus Series, By Elle Kennedy

Some books entertain. Some educate. And some hit you so hard, they completely wreck your worldview—in the best way possible.

This blog series is about the books that messed with my head (in the best way). The heavily under-rated gems, the under-the-radar reads, and the books I never saw coming but can’t stop thinking about.  They’ve shifted my mindset, shaped my decisions, and, in some cases, sent me spiralling into a full-blown existential crisis (fun!).

Will they change your life too? No guarantees—but hey, at least you'll get some good book recs. Let’s dive in!

Ice hockey? College romance? A great group of friends? What's not to love?!

I read this series for the first time at a time in my life when I was desperate for inspiration and hope. I wasn't smiling all that much, but every time I picked up a book from this series... I couldn't help the beaming smile these books and the incredible characters brought to my face.

I had an idea for a novel for a while, I had notes, I had scenes prepared, but for a long time I didn't have the time or brain capacity to sit down and write it. When my life changed and some time filtered back into my life, this series gave me the spark of inspiration to sit down right there and then, and write my little heart out.

Series Summary

Elle Kennedy delivers the ultimate mix of humour, steam, and heart with the Off-Campus series. Following four swoon-worthy hockey players and their equally incredible partners, this series perfectly balances flirty fun with emotional depth. Whether you're here for the sizzling romance, the bromance, or just a love for all things ice hockey, Off-Campus has something for everyone.

Hockey Boys

Garrett Graham is the ultimate team captain, both on and off the rink. He’s confident, charismatic, and fiercely dedicated to his team. His love for hockey is rivalled only by his growing love for Hannah, and once he sets his sights on something (or someone), he doesn’t back down. Despite his easy charm, Garrett has his own struggles, particularly when it comes to his relationship with his father. His journey throughout the series is one of self-discovery and proving that love doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger.

John Logan might be a ladies’ man, but beneath his flirtatious exterior lies a deeply loyal and selfless heart. He wrestles with a heavy sense of responsibility toward his family, often putting their needs above his own. This inner turmoil makes his romance with Grace all the more compelling—he has to learn that he deserves happiness too. Logan’s easy-going nature and ability to lighten any situation make him a top book boyfriend, but it’s his depth and devotion that truly set him apart.

Dean Di Laurentis is the definition of a playboy—charming, rich, and always the life of the party. But behind his devil-may-care attitude, Dean has a surprising amount of emotional depth. He faces real tragedy and comes out the other side with a newfound sense of purpose. His relationship with Allie forces him to grow up in ways he never expected, proving that sometimes the person who seems the most carefree is the one who feels the most deeply.

John Tucker is the quiet, dependable one of the group. While his friends thrive on the chaos of college life, Tucker is the rock who holds everything together. He’s patient, wise beyond his years, and always thinking about the future. His unexpected romance with Sabrina challenges him in ways he never imagined, but his unwavering belief in their love is what makes their story so powerful. Tucker may not be as loud as his teammates, but when he loves, he loves with his whole heart.

The Gals

Hannah Wells is fiercely independent and determined to make a name for herself in the music industry. Hannah is witty, strong-willed, and refuses to be defined by past trauma. Her ability to push Garrett to be his best self—while also allowing herself to be vulnerable with him—makes her one of the best FMCs in the series.

Grace Ivers is sweet, quirky in the best ways, intelligent, and way more resilient than she initially realises. While she starts off as the quiet girl in Logan’s orbit, she soon proves she has a backbone of steel. Her character arc is all about growth—learning to stand up for herself, demand what she deserves, and never settle for anything less than true love.

Allie Hayes is a firecracker with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She’s confident in some ways but uncertain in others, especially when it comes to her future. She’s fun, fearless, and exactly the kind of woman who refuses to let a man coast through life without pushing him to be better.

Sabrina James is ambitious, no-nonsense, and determined to escape her difficult upbringing. Sabrina is one of the most complex FMCs in the series, and her journey is as much about accepting love as it is about achieving her dreams. She’s proof that strength doesn’t mean shutting people out—it means letting the right ones in.

Deals, Mistakes, Scores, and Goals...

Each book, each trope, and each couple shows readers different sides to love, and all leave your heart beating for more.

Garrett & Hannah (The Deal)

Their relationship starts with a simple exchange: she tutors him, and he helps her make someone jealous. But what begins as a fake arrangement quickly turns into something real. Garrett and Hannah’s chemistry is undeniable, but it’s their emotional support for each other that truly makes them shine. Garrett helps Hannah heal from past trauma, while Hannah shows Garrett that love isn’t a weakness, but a strength. Their story is sweet, funny, and full of swoon-worthy moments.

Logan & Grace (The Mistake)

Logan makes a huge mistake when he pushes Grace away, thinking he’s doing what’s best for her. But Grace isn’t one to wait around for someone who doesn’t know what they want. Their second-chance romance is filled with growth, longing, and plenty of tension. Logan has to prove he’s worthy of Grace’s heart, and watching him work to win her back is both heartwarming and satisfying. Their relationship is all about learning self-worth and fighting for love when it truly matters.

Dean & Allie (The Score)

Dean never expected to fall for someone like Allie; or anyone at all. She’s fierce, independent, and refuses to be just another notch on his bedpost. Their relationship is explosive, filled with witty banter, undeniable attraction, and a deeper emotional connection that takes them both by surprise. When tragedy strikes, Dean is forced to confront his fears and grow up in ways he never expected. Allie is his rock, proving that love isn’t just about passion—it’s about standing by someone even in their darkest moments.

Tucker & Sabrina (The Goal)

Their relationship certainly has an interesting start...an unexpected pregnancy. But what follows is one of the most heartfelt love stories in the series. Tucker is patient, devoted, and completely in love with Sabrina, even when she tries to push him away. Sabrina, who has spent her whole life fighting to succeed, struggles to accept that she can have both love and ambition. Tucker’s unwavering faith in their future together is what makes their romance so special. It’s about trust, sacrifice, and believing that love can be both grounding and freeing.

I Think John Logan is Better Than Garrett Graham... Sorry Not Sorry

Look, I know Garrett is the poster boy for the Off-Campus series, but hear me out—John Logan is superior. He’s got the charm, the humour, and the loyalty, but he also carries a weight on his shoulders that makes him incredibly compelling. His struggle with feeling second-best, his devotion to his family, and his journey to finding true happiness? Chef’s kiss. Plus, let’s not forget the way he worships Grace. I mean, the chaise lounge? The (terrible) poem? Logan might not have been the first choice for some, but for me? He’s number one.

Ice Hockey

Of course, I had to stop to mention my all-time favourite sport. What I love about this hockey romance series is that hockey isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a fully integrated part of the characters’ lives. Elle Kennedy does a fantastic job making the sport feel real, from the locker room banter to the adrenaline-pumping games. Even if you don’t know a thing about hockey, you’ll find yourself invested in Briar’s success and the passion these guys have for the game.

One last thing...

One of the things I love most about this series is the final book, The Legacy. I LOVE getting to see characters’ lives after the happily ever after. It’s one thing to fall in love with their stories in college, but seeing where they end up is such a satisfying full-circle moment. Elle Kennedy gave us the closure we didn’t even know we needed!

To Sum Up...

This series is everything you want in a romance: excellent writing, characters full of life, and stories that will have you laughing, swooning, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. Off-Campus is funny, flirty, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

If you haven’t read Off-Campus yet, what are you waiting for?!