Mad Cave Studios has announced the latest addition to its Maverick imprint for young adult stories, and The Beat has all the details. The College Try, debuting next winter, is a queer, magical rom-com steeped in early aughts nostalgia. The book is written by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs, illustrated by Roberta Ingranata, colored by Warnia Sahadewa, and lettered by Jodie Troutman.
“A desperate 40-something’s hopes of reuniting with her college ex-boyfriend are dashed when he publicly professes his love for a fellow graduate. Through a twist of magical fate, however, she is given the chance to go back in time and fix what went wrong,” per the synopsis.
“The College Try is a super fun, magical, rom com, but the story is also deeply personal. We all have what-ifs in our lives, and the questions that linger from choices we made when we were too young to know better. But what if we got the chance to go back, knowing everything we know now? Would we fix things, or just screw them up all over again?” said Cuartero-Briggs. “The College Try is a wish for myself, and all the awesome graphic novel readers out there, to look past the noise and everyone else’s expectations, and know that it’s never too late to find yourself and that one, great love.”
Ingranata said, “This story really got to me for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a fictionalized version of something we all wish for: the chance to retrace our steps and change our minds about our lives. It shows that nothing is final, and that we can always make changes to our choices—especially when our main priority is to feel better about ourselves and our relationships with others.
“Secondly, and just as importantly, it reminds us that we can always become the best version of ourselves—and that version often emerges when our focus shifts from ourselves to others. I think a quote from Rita Levi-Montalcini fits perfectly here: ‘Allow yourself to be carried away by dedication to others, and you will find serenity.’ It’s one of the many quotes I hold dear, and I believe this story captures its essence beautifully,” she continued.
According to Maverick senior editor Lauren Hitzhusen, “This fun and funny retro rom-com is the perfect addition to our family of queer YA stories. The College Try team has told a truly unique and funny story with real heart and passion and I cannot wait for it to be out there in the world!”
The College Try will be available everywhere books are sold on February 17, 2026. Pre-orders are available now.
English (US) · 