Study Buddies

College Roommates #2

by Stephanie Brother

One minute, I’m tutoring the college baseball star. The next, he and the guys in my study group are schooling me in an entirely different way…

Thanks to a creepy roommate, I’ve got no place to stay until my study buddies, Lucas and Jayden, step in and take me back to the house they share, where I finally feel safe.

Then Kyle happens.

Cocky, gorgeous, and annoyingly stubborn, the star athlete needs my help to stay on the team. And if he fails, I fail, too. But I’ve never tutored anyone as maddening as him. He won’t even join our study group unless I agree to go on a date with him.

That causes friction even before he barges into my room one morning. Apparently, it's actually his, and he's moving back in.

Turns out that Kyle and Lucas are stepbrothers who can’t stand each other. Jayden and I try to keep the peace, but tensions are high, especially in a house without enough beds. And between late-night cramming, whispered confessions, and some very hands-on R-rated study breaks, things heat up fast.

Kyle’s panty-melting smirk is as infuriating as it is irresistible. I’m the tutor, but he teaches me that it’s okay to give in to my desires—and he’s pretty damn good at fulfilling them, too.

Jayden’s easy charm makes it impossible to keep my guard up. While the other two argue, we slip away and share some magical moments.

And Lucas—the brooding genius—looks at me like I’m the only thing that’s ever made sense in his world, but he just won’t let his feud with Kyle go.

They want me to choose, but I refuse because what if the best thing for all of us is each other?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, College

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

International bestselling author Stephanie Brother writes high heat love stories with a hint of the forbidden. Since 2015, she’s been bringing to life handsome, flawed heroes who know how to treat their women. If you enjoy stories involving multiple lovers, including twins, triplets, stepbrothers, and their friends, you’re in the right place. When it comes to books and men, Stephanie truly believes it’s the more, the merrier.

She spends most of her day typing, drinking coffee, and interacting with readers.

Her books have been translated into German, French, and Spanish, and she has hit the Amazon bestseller list in seven countries.

Find her at:
WEBSITE - www.stephaniebrotherbooks.com
FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/stephaniebrother
FACEBOOK READER GROUP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/86194...
MAILING LIST - https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
INSTAGRAM - www.instagram/stephaniebrotherbooks
TIKTOK - www.tiktok.com/@stephaniebrotherbooks

Reviews

[Stephanie Brother]

I'm pleased to share Study Buddies with you, a college reverse harem romance. It’s got some of my favorite tropes: why choose, friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, plus:
❤️ A tutor for a hot baseball player
❤️ Protective and devoted men
❤️ A heroine who can hold her own
❤️ Secrets and rivalries
❤️ A house without enough beds
❤️ Study breaks that quickly turn R-rated
❤️ A questionable use of a library study room
❤️ A serious misuse of a pool table

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHHHHHH, why do I love Tori so much???? Her character is so much fun, and she's the perfect FMC for this story! I really empathise with her struggle with someone in a position of power trying to hold her back, and I'm glad that she was able to fight her way around them and get where she wanted to be.

I loved the guys, but I did struggle a little with Lucas. His constant need to push what he wanted on Tori instead of listening to what she wanted and being supportive for her wants and needs irritated me and made it hard for me to fully commit to him in the relationship. I think Kyle was my favourite of the three because he was so real with Tori and gave her what she needed from the start despite not knowing her very well at the time. And Jayden! He was such a comforting, grounded character for the book and a really nice contrast to the others.

I also struggled a little with a couple of the side characters. Roger kind of vanished off the face of the Earth, and Amanda wasn't around much either despite both of them being in the study group. I kind of wanted to see them around a little more and get to know them since they were part of the central study group.

My only actual gripe with this, small as it is, is that I really wanted to see more of them once they actually got into their relationship. I loved reading the build to it, but I wanted all the domestic silliness after they finally quit standing in their own way and officially got together. I really can't complain too much, though, as the lead up to them getting together was so good!

I'm so happy we got to see Hailey again! Now I can't wait to see Mia get her happy ending (and the awkwardness with her hot RA 😂)

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of this author, I eagerly picked up the book, expecting an enjoyable read. It certainly was!

While this RH definitely has a bit of sizzle, it lacks the intense spice level of the author’s other works. This is absolutely not a bad thing, and I really enjoyed the guy’s friendship and interpersonal dynamics.

Jayden’s easygoing attitude, Lucas’s nerdy intensity, and Kyle’s bad-boy swagger were all easy to fall for. It’s a complex situation: Jayden and Lucas are high school friends, but Lucas’s strained relationship with his stepbrother Kyle adds another layer. It’s difficult, but sharing a house between three of them is working out. Introduce Tori, and suddenly emotions run rampant, attractions ignite, and long-buried issues come to a head, creating a volatile mix. The book was so captivating; I was completely drawn into the changing friendships of the three guys and I practically read it in one sitting.

I easily empathized with Tori; her struggles are evident, yet she perseveres admirably. I loved the sizzling chemistry and emotional connection between her and all the guys; I was thrilled with their happy ending and how each person got what they wanted from the relationship.

For those wanting to explore reverse harem stories, but prefer a gentler introduction, this book is a great, less intense option. There are plenty of other less-spicy books by this author to choose from once you finish this. If you like this one, I urge you to explore the spicier series from her catalog – they are guaranteed to keep you entertained!

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this one (thank you) and happily leave my review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hook:
Who needs just one college boyfriend when you can have three (or more) study buddies who are all A+ in more ways than one?

Summary:
Study Buddies is the second book in the College Roommates series and it brings the heat, heart, and late-night cramming sessions—both academic and otherwise. Our heroine navigates school stress, complicated feelings, and a reverse harem dynamic that gets sweeter (and hotter) by the page.

What I Loved:

The guys each had distinct personalities—no generic love interests here.
The banter was 🔥 and the emotional moments hit hard.
Lots of character growth and friendship vibes, not just romance.
Honestly? The steamy scenes did not disappoint.

What Could’ve Been Better:

A couple plot points felt a bit rushed or too convenient.
Some scenes could’ve used a deeper dive emotionally (but I was too busy swooning to care too much).

Final Thoughts:
If you’re into college romance, roommates-to-lovers chaos, and the idea of having more than one cinnamon roll/alpha hybrid boyfriend, this book is for you. Perfect for fans of steamy found-family dynamics and cozy chaos.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Study Buddies
By Stephanie Brother
Main Characters: Tori, Lucas, Jayden, and Kyle
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 stars out of 5 stars
Loved this book. This author really fleshed out each of the 4 mc. It is a slow burn novel while getting to know all 4 characters, but wow, when it steams up, you might just burn! I think she made Kyle the most fun character. He is a baseball jock and as a sophomore he is failing one of his classes and was told if he didn't pass he would be off the team. His attitude certainly is not helping. Tori is recruited to be a tutor for him, and he would rather flirt and party with his frat buddies. There are some surprises, and I do not want to ruin them for other readers. Now Tori requires a place to stay for the semester, and 2 kindly men offer her a room or, at the very least, a couch to stay on. Turns out she likes these two. Now let the hijinks begin. I have read and reviewed 6 of Stephanie's other books, and I loved them all.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story was really enjoyable to read. I loved Victoria or “Tori” as she likes to be called. Tori meets with a study group she was paired with as a freshman, but now, they choose to study together as friends. Tori is a quiet achiever who wants to become a high school teacher, and when she is asked by her English professor to tutor one of the baseball players, she learns that her grades will be reflected by his results. Jayden and Lucas are her study buddies and when they learn that Tori is homeless, they take her in and share their house with her. Tori‘s student she’s tutoring just happens to be Lucas’ stepbrother and they have a Love hate relationship. This was a slow burn romance between all four characters, and I loved how they all worked together in a way to please Tori so that she could have what she wants. There is a happy ending for all involved. I loved how the next story is that at the end of this book. I can’t wait to read Mia‘s story.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori's had some bad luck in the roommate department lately. Finding herself homeless, she ends up trying to sleep in her car when her study partners Jayden and Lucas find her and convince her to move in with them, at least until she find something else. She protests, but eventually agrees. Soon after she finds herself assigned to tutor baseball player Kyle. When he finds out where she is living, he shows up one day and declares that he is moving in. Turns out he is Lucas' stepbrother and they do not get along. Through a wild ride of building chemistry all living and studying together, this story doesn't have the same steam as others by this author, but it was a fun read to see how these four would make their new living arrangement work with the building chemistry as well as the step brother's having issues with each other.

[J E N N A · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ This was definitely not my favorite book of Stephanie’s. The writing was good, but the story was meh. This is a why choose slow burn book where p-in-v starts at 93%. 432 pages and most of it is not sexy times. I hated Kyle and he was an asshole for 95% of this book and I disliked Lucas’ self righteous attitude. The only guy I liked was Jayden and he got the very last date and the end of the book. There was so much focus on Lucas and Kyle hating each other that the romance was lost. The climax of the book was OK, but then all the sudden it was solved with a one paragraph flashback.

This book definitely could have been shorter with less tension and more spice. I wish I could say there was a lot of character development, but that was also lacking. There was a lot of stuff that was slightly introduced as problems and then quickly pushed aside or solved quick.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tori is down on her luck and has no place to live, her study group friends Jayden and Lucas step in to help and offer her a room. She begins tutoring Kyle, the star baseball player, and come to find out him and Lucas are step-brothers that hate each other. Kyle moves back into the house and takes his room back, the one given to Tori, and everyone in the house gets cozy. There is some tension between everyone as they try to figure things out, Tori gets to know each of the guys individually and the relationships with each of the guys happens organically. This is a steamy (very little group dynamic) romance that is more about Tori getting to know the guys and them defending her .

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Tori, Lucas, Jayden, & Kyle. When this book opens we find that all of these friends including Mia are studying in the library. When they are all packing up they starting talking about goals and the guys realize there is something wrong. Tori knows she can't tell them the truth but really wants their help. Lucas, Jayden, & Kyle would do anything for Tori. When the learn what is going on in her life they know they must step in and help. Can they all find a HEA or will outside forces make sure that never happens?

Another amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Ann Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing 2/2.5.
DNFed at 14%.

“He was my friend, and I told me about my roommate situation.”

“Which wouldn’t have been a big if I’d actually found an apartment like I told Hailey, but that was a lie.”

“The calm of the park versus the absurdity of spending over two hundred dollars a night on a hotel had made the decision had been easy.”

“I slowly eased her over until, inch by inch, until the back of her head rested against the arm of the couch.”

You get the idea. Can has editor?

Tons of mistakes littered the 14% I'd read. The writing style itself was also really rough imo. The characters felt incredibly flat and 2D. I legit don't know why this has such a high rating.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn! Even though I know that this book is RH and HEA, I found myself on tenterhooks waiting for Tori to get to that point where she acknowledges her attraction to Lucas, Jayden, and Kyle and decides to be with all of them at the same time. 30 plus chapters in, and the sexual tensions are high with all three individually.

This story has heat, for sure, but it's not just about sex. The trust needed to build a relationship is established and makes the story more real, more like something that could very likely happen, so it is more relatable.

I just wish I was as hot as Tori. :D Thanks for a great story, Stephanie!

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Tori's story!
It had all the things I love in a book!
The plot was entertaining and held my interest and I liked each of the main characters.
There was drama, humor throughout, some emotional moments, and spice.
My favorite parts were seeing the relationships change and grow between Tori and each guy. Jayden, Lucas, and Kyle, were unique and fit her perfectly.
The banter, chemistry, laughs, and even the disagreements. It made things seem genuine and natural. I was so happy when things fell into place and they got a happy ending!

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Brother writes the BEST stories! Reading Tori’s story had my imagination going wild. The college life theme with a twist will have you looking back on memories of college parties, study sessions and the totally new life that you’ve been thrown into (well for this foursome it’s definitely not their norm!) Lucas, Jayden and Kyle are all so different and yet there is a common denominator, Tori, that they will all work together to make her happy. Heartache, growing pains learning to trust!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the more very well written Stephanie Brother books. I really really enjoyed the build up in this. Also each guy brought something different to the table and it’s not just a basic copy and paste situation. My only complaint is there was a big to do about Kyle’s first date with her, and it was completely skipped in the books. I really really wished we got to read it! Also the shower scene with Jayden didn’t exactly make sense because power was out, yet they were able to shower WITH hot water?

❤️ college
❤️ rh
❤️ step brothers in harem
❤️ roommates

[Gina_M_N · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Couldn't go on after she gets the run down on the guy that basically kicked her out of her room just to try and get in her pants, and quite possibly ruining her education, and she is still thursting after him, and the way he talks to her it's just so disrespectful, it just seems disloyal to Lucas one of the guys that made sure she felt safe, and not sexually harassed at every turn, Kyle is arrogant, rude and unrepentant, not at all likeable, I didn't feel that this would be a very believable relationship.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Talk about a slow walk to love. I love it when not is all what it seems. I also like a good redemption arc.

Tori had a run of bad luck. Thankfully, two friends discovered her problem and stepped in to help. Then, A third man shows up like a fly in the ointment. What's a girl to do?

Three hot men, white hot lust running rampant, and a small scandal unites them all. Talk about hot. Lust grows, games played, and finally surrender.

A must read for those who love RH, college scandals, and becoming a united front.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I absolutely loved Tori! Her and the guys were so awesome. I loved watching their trust grow and their relationship evolve. The chemistry and dynamics between them all was incredible! This story kept me engaged from page one and I absolutely loved it! This author did an outstanding job with this book! Very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Collette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Study Buddies by Stephanie Brothers is a College RH, Forced Proximity book. When Lucas & Jayden realize Tori, the hot girl from their study group, is living in her car they insist she comes to stay with them. Tori then finds out that Kyle, the guy she's tutoring, lives there too & is Lucas's stepbrother. Eventually they go from living together to navigating a relationship with Tori being the center of everything.

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have definitely loved study buddies like Jayden, Lucas and Kyle. Tori has been through the roommate ringer and is now living in her car. When her study buddies find out, they offer a place to stay. Kyle needs a tutor and Tori is willing to help since she wants to teach older kids. This book has family drama, friendly drama, sweet men and sexy time. This story is more slow burn, but you still feel the heat.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Study Buddies, book 2 of the College Roommates series by Stephanie Brother @stephaniebrotherbooks. I love Stephanie’s books & this one was excellent!

This was a great book about Tori, Lucas, Jayden & Kyle! Tropes: Contemporary, Reverse Harem, Friends to Roommates to Lovers (2 of the guys), Inexperienced FMC, Step Brothers Are Part of the Harem, Tutor/Student, Slow Burn, Found Family & HFN!

[Lindsy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori had 3 hot study buddies, but it got even better because they were her roommates too! Kyle, Jayden. And Lucas were perfect with her. Even though 2 of them didn't get along for most of the book. I love how there was a few familiar characters as well! I loved their story and can't wait to read more!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another well written and entertaining romance by this author and I loved following Tori and her guys to a fab HEA. I really liked seeing the relationship grow and change the more time she spent with Jayden, Lucas and Kyle. Expect to get caught up in the banter, chemistry, humour, drama, emotions and spice as they work their way to a wonderful happy ending. Good fun!

[Secret Romance Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Now Tori really figured out how to master university life. Jayden, Lucas and Kyle are each individually exceptional but together they are a perfect score. I loved the banter between them and how they are all uniquely different. Started as a slow burn that ignited, resulting in their chemistry exploding off the charts. This good is not to be missed.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning new lessons

Study Buddies is the second book in the College Roommates series. This is a RH romance between Tori and Kyle, Jayden and Lucas. Tori may be smart but the three roommates are able to teach her more than a few lessons of their own. Due to circumstances Tori moves in with the guys and the why choose is off with a passionate start.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roommates to Study

When Tori is offered a chance to room with Jayden, Lucas, and Kyle, she is hesitant but grateful. Not only are they roommates but studying partners as well, adding a whole other dynamic to their tense atmosphere. This story was full of banter, fun, and spice. I just wanted more.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Tori and the guys. It was a very well written book with a ton of brilliant character development not only between the FMC and the MMCs....but also between Lucas and Kyle as well. The spice was good I just found myself wishing there was abit more there about after they'd actually gotten into a relationship....but this, in no way, took anything from the experience and I would recommend the read.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori gets the gold star…

First for tutoring her tech classmates, Lucas and Jayden, her study buddies. Add in Kyle, the athlete. There’s room sharing, tutoring and drama. Why choose?
Tori is definitely getting an adult education.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found this story really cute it the lives of collage students as their friendships grows and all the drama

[Barbara G. Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! The plot is not like any reverse harem story I've read. Interesting characters who don't just break out the condoms and have at it. Then second guess their decisions over & over.