Would You Rather: A College Romance That Asks All the Right (and Risky) Questions

What if the game you played to keep things light uncovered feelings you were never ready to face?

Stephanie Alves returns with Would You Rather, another addictive, emotionally layered entry in her Campus Games series. This college romance is playful on the surface, but just beneath its flirty banter and risky dares lies a deep, heartfelt story about vulnerability, choice, and the fine line between friendship and something more.

With her signature voice—smart, tender, and laced with emotional tension—Alves once again proves that college love stories can be both fun and deeply affecting, especially when the heart is caught between what’s safe and what’s terrifyingly real.

A game that starts with laughter—but ends with everything on the line.

It all begins with a group of friends, a few too many drinks, and a round of Would You Rather—the kind of game designed to push boundaries, test comfort zones, and spark more than a few flirty challenges. But when the questions start to get personal, two longtime friends find themselves in deeper water than either expected.

For her, the game is a way to hide behind humor, to keep things light even when she feels anything but. For him, it’s a chance to say the things he’s been keeping to himself finally—but only if she’s brave enough to hear them. And when one question hits a little too close to the truth, the walls between them begin to crack.

But are they ready to deal with what comes next?

A love story that’s built on tension, trust, and tough choices

A heroine who hides her heart behind a quick wit

She’s the life of the party, the girl who always knows what to say. But inside, she’s guarded—terrified of being the one who falls first, or worse, falls alone. Her emotional growth isn’t loud or dramatic—it’s subtle and deeply relatable as she learns to trust her instincts, her heart, and the one person who’s always been just a little too close.

A hero who wants more than friendship—but doesn’t want to lose what they already have.

He’s patient, observant, and maybe a little in denial. He’s been content to play the friend card for a long time… until now. Watching him navigate the space between longing and loyalty is what gives Would You Rather its emotional weight—and its swoon-worthy payoff.

Banter, buildup, and the beauty of the unspoken

Stephanie Alves shines when it comes to emotional slow burns, and this book is no exception. Every game, every conversation, every almost-confession feels like a mini explosion of tension. The intimacy comes not just from touch—but from talk, from truth, and from the bravery it takes to stop hiding behind jokes and finally say what you want.

Tropes and themes that make this book irresistible

• College romance that feels real, messy, and completely addictive
• Friends to lovers: The slow burn you’ll root for from the first chapter
• Emotional slow burn with moments that simmer, then erupt
• Game night turned vulnerable: A classic party game used for honest emotional stakes
• Fear of losing the friendship: The push-pull between risk and reward
• Modern, relatable voice: Dialogue that crackles with authenticity

Who will fall hard for Would You Rather?

• Fans of college romance who want heart and heat in equal measure
• Readers who crave emotional angst and playful tension
• Anyone who’s been in love with their best friend and didn’t know how to say it
• Lovers of books by Elle Kennedy, Emily Henry, or Christina Lauren—with a younger, rawer twist
• Anyone who believes that the biggest risk in love is saying how you really feel

Final Thoughts

Would You Rather is one of those rare romances that’s as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining? It’s flirty, funny, and sharply written—but beneath the playful premise is a story about choosing vulnerability over comfort, truth over silence, and love over fear.

Stephanie Alves captures all the confusion, craving, and quiet heartbreak of falling for someone who already knows you—and the joy that comes when you realize they’ve been waiting for you, too.

So… would you rather keep pretending or finally leap? This book dares you to choose the latter.