Step into the enchanting world of Providence Paranormal College, where vampires sip coffee alongside bear shifters, and love sparks amid magical mishaps! D.R. Perry’s beloved series blends paranormal intrigue, romantic comedy, and the chaotic charm of college life in a Rhode Island campus where the supernatural is just another day at school. Perfect for fans of lighthearted urban fantasy, this series invites readers to a world where extraordinary students tackle finals, friendships, and a mysterious villain threatening their diverse haven.
With its witty dialogue, diverse cast, and a setting that feels like Hogwarts meets Animal House, Providence Paranormal College has carved a niche in the hearts of readers who crave romance with a side of snark. Let’s explore how this whimsical series came to be, its standout stories, and why it’s a must-read for fantasy lovers.
How Providence Paranormal College Began
D.R. Perry, a Rhode Island resident with a passion for the paranormal, crafted Providence Paranormal College from her love of geek culture and supernatural lore. Inspired by her adopted home’s wild yet tranquil vibe, Perry imagined an Ivy League campus where magical beings and humans coexist. Launched in 2016 with Bearly Awake, the series grew from Perry’s desire to write diverse, relatable characters facing both everyday struggles and fantastical threats. Her background in writing Star Trek fan fiction and LARPing added a playful, adventurous spirit to the narrative, making the college a vibrant hub of magic and mayhem.
The Heart of Providence Paranormal College
The series spans ten books, each focusing on different students and their romantic journeys, woven into a larger mystery about a villain opposing the college’s inclusive admissions policy. Bearly Awake introduces Bobby, a bear shifter struggling with hibernation, and Lynn, a sharp-witted human tutor who helps him stay awake for finals while sparks fly. Fangs for the Memories follows a vampire and an umbral magic user, blending humor with a deeper exploration of memory and identity. Of Wolf and Peace dives into werewolf dynamics, while Fae or Fae Knot, the finale, tackles faerie law with a thrilling conclusion.
Perry’s Rhode Island setting grounds the supernatural in a cozy, relatable college atmosphere, complete with levitating pizzas and snarky banter. Themes of acceptance, found family, and balancing personal growth with magical chaos resonate throughout, delivered in a fast-paced, comedic style. Each book alternates perspectives, offering dual POVs that deepen the romance and mystery, while short stories included in boxed sets flesh out the world with charming backstories.
The series’ strength lies in its diversity—vampires, werewolves, changelings, and dragons mingle with humans, reflecting varied backgrounds and identities. This inclusivity, paired with Perry’s knack for clever puns (like Djinn and Bear It), makes the series a delightful escape that doesn’t shy away from tackling prejudice through its central conflict.
Why Providence Paranormal College Resonates
Providence Paranormal College has won fans with its blend of humor, heart, and a meta-plot that keeps readers hooked across ten books. Its focus on underrepresented supernatural beings and human-extrahuman friendships offers a fresh take on urban fantasy, appealing to readers seeking inclusive stories. Reviews praise its addictive pacing and complex characters, with Goodreads users calling it a “rollercoaster of feels” and a “snark fest” that surprises with emotional depth. Though not a mainstream juggernaut, the series’ cult following cherishes its niche charm and Perry’s engaging storytelling.
For young adult and new adult readers transitioning from epic fantasy to lighter, romance-driven tales, the series is a perfect bridge. Its Rhode Island roots and geeky references add a unique flavor, making it a hidden gem in the paranormal genre.
- First published: 2016
- Number of books: 10
- Setting: Providence, Rhode Island
- Genre: Paranormal romance, urban fantasy, comedic YA/NA
Ready to fall in love with a bear shifter or cheer for a vampire’s band? Grab Bearly Awake and dive into Providence Paranormal College’s magical, romantic world today!