Welcome back, book lovers! On this special episode of Novel Nights Live, we dive into the world of college life, Greek life, secret societies, and taboo relationships. Whether you’re curious about sororities and fraternities or have always been intrigued by the mysteries surrounding secret societies, this episode has something for everyone.

In this recap, I’ll share some of the top book recommendations discussed during the live show, covering everything from thrilling campus murder mysteries to insightful nonfiction about the world of sororities. Let’s get started!

Women’s Fiction & Romance– Sorority Rush and Southern Charm

Rush by Lisa Patton

Rush by Lisa Patton is a captivating story set on the Ole Miss campus in Oxford, Mississippi, where women from different social backgrounds discover their voices and empowerment. Cali Watkins, an intelligent and ambitious freshman, faces challenges in securing a sorority bid due to her lack of pedigree and hidden family secrets. Meanwhile, Wilda, a recent empty-nester, joins the Rush Advisory Board, unaware of Lilith Whitmore’s manipulative plans to secure a bid for her own daughter. When Miss Pearl, the beloved housekeeper, is denied a well-deserved promotion, Wilda and the girls unite to challenge the sorority system, sparking change and hope for the future.

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Palm South U by Kandi Steiner

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have KU? Check your Best KU Subscription Offer.

Rush by Kandi Steiner is an irresistible college romance set at Palm South University, where drama, lies, and passion rule the day. Freshman Cassie McBee, focused on her pre-med studies, is initially uninterested in Greek life. But when she tags along with her best friend during rush week, she’s pulled into the thrilling, chaotic world of sororities and fraternities. Cassie’s life gets complicated when she falls for Adam Brooks, the charismatic Alpha Sigma president—who’s already dating Skyler, Cassie’s new Big in Kappa Kappa Beta. The tangled web of relationships and campus drama will keep you hooked.

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The Reality Behind the Fiction – Nonfiction Picks

Pledged by Alexandra Robbins

Pledged by Alexandra Robbins is a revealing exploration of the hidden world of sororities, where reality surpasses the worst stereotypes. Robbins spent a year embedded with a group of sorority girls, uncovering shocking behaviors like drug use, psychological abuse, promiscuity, racism, and eating disorders. What’s even more surprising is that these toxic behaviors are both inflicted and endured by intelligent, successful women, all in the name of sisterhood. Robbins delves into why the desire to belong to a sorority is so powerful, questioning the true meaning of sisterhood within these organizations.

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The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities by Lawrence C. Ross

The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities by Lawrence C. Ross is a comprehensive celebration of Black Excellence within higher education. This book chronicles the pivotal role of African American fraternities and sororities in shaping the lives of influential leaders like Kamala Harris, Colin Kaepernick, and Thurgood Marshall. These organizations, deeply rooted in 20th-century African American history, provided young Black achievers with a powerful support network and a platform for community service. From the suffragette movement to the Civil Rights era, the Divine Nine have upheld a proud tradition of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service, with millions of members across prestigious institutions today.

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Greek Life in Fiction – Thrilling Campus Mysteries

The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan

The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan is a gripping thriller centered around Lucas Vega, a college student obsessed with the unsolved murder of sorority girl Candace Swain. Three years after her death, Lucas uncovers new evidence while interning at the medical examiner’s office, but the police dismiss his findings. Determined to crack the case, Lucas starts a podcast to piece together Candace’s last hours, enlisting the help of former US marshal Regan Merritt. As new tips emerge and a podcast caller is murdered, Lucas and Regan realize they are close to the truth—but Lucas has a secret that could jeopardize everything, including his life.

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Zetas Till We Die by Amber and Danielle Brown

Zetas Till We Die by Amber and Danielle Brown is a suspense-filled thriller that blends elements of The Sorority Murder. In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife—ten years after their sorority sister Lupe’s tragic death, Priscilla and her Zeta Phi Zeta sisters reunite, determined to honor her memory despite the killer’s recent release from prison. But their wild reunion turns dark when one of them disappears, and Priscilla realizes that someone is seeking revenge. As the Zetas are hunted one by one, they must confront the secrets they’ve kept for a decade and the truth about Lupe’s murder before it’s too late.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re into thrillers, women’s fiction, or nonfiction, this episode has something for every reader. From sorority murder mysteries to real-life accounts of college life, these books offer a wide range of perspectives on Greek life and the college experience.

Have you read any books about Greek life or campus novels?