‘Off Campus’ star Antonio Cipriano reveals his favourite romance trope

‘Off Campus’ star Antonio Cipriano reveals his favourite romance trope and dream role while promoting Fireball vanilla

Antonio Cipriano, who plays John Logan in Off Campus, has revealed why he loves slow-burn romances and friends-to-lovers stories.

The actor shared his reading preferences while partnering with Fireball to promote its limited-edition Torch’d Vanilla flavour and romantasy-inspired collectible.

The collaboration introduces Fireball Vanilla Smut Smash, a BookTok-inspired collectible containing two shooters of Torch’d Vanilla. The flavour combines notes of vanilla, marshmallow, smoky oak and warm baking spices with the brand’s signature cinnamon. The collectible also features the phrase “A Quart of Fire and Vanilla”, a playful reference to Sarah J. Maas’ popular fantasy romance series A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Cipriano revealed that friends-to-lovers is his favourite romance trope. He explained that he enjoys stories in which two people develop a genuine bond before discovering their romantic feelings for each other.

“Finding two people who really genuinely care about each other without the romance first and then for them to find that in each other, I think is really, really beautiful,” the actor said.

Cipriano also explained why he prefers slow-burn romances, particularly when the relationship develops gradually before reaching an emotional conclusion.

He said books should “be a slow burn for a long time until the last 40 pages”, adding that the eventual romantic payoff makes the wait worthwhile.

Discussing his Off Campus character, John Logan, Cipriano praised his work ethic, loyalty and ability to love deeply. He also expressed empathy for Logan because of the pressure he puts on himself.

The actor joked that Logan would be a Fireball drinker and would choose the brand to sponsor his NHL ambitions.

Meanwhile, Cipriano revealed that playing a character like Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean remains a dream role. He also expressed interest in exploring pirate-themed romantasy stories.

Fireball Vanilla Smut Smash is scheduled to be available to consumers aged 21 and older through the brand’s website at 9am CST on October 21 and October 28.