REVIEW: The Chase by Elle Kennedy

The Chase by Elle Kennedy is the first new adult romance in her Briar U series. It’s a spinoff from her highly popular Off Campus series (which I loved!) and it’s a treat to be back in this world of college classes, new friendships, complicated relationships and sweet and sexy romance.

Summer Di Laurentis is stunned to find out her expected living arrangements for her new semester at Briar have been canceled because her reputation isn’t good enough for the Kappa Beta Nu sorority chapter. Yes, she was kicked out of her previous school for a fire that she started accidentally but this is yet another notch in her belt of misfortunes and mistakes. Needing a place to live, she enlists her brother Dean and as it turns out, some of his friends who share a house just off campus have an empty bedroom. That’s how Summer finds herself rooming with Hollis, Hunter and Colin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald.

Fitz has always liked Summer but she’s one of his best friend’s younger sisters so off limits. Now that they are living together though, it’s harder to deny that attraction. The fact that his roommate Hunter is interested in Summer makes things tricky. Having learned to keep his emotions hidden, Fitz doesn’t know how to react to Summer who is, as always, her lively, flirtatious self. She seems interested in him, but not reciprocating will push her towards Hunter who has no qualms in expressing his own attraction. This is his last year at Briar and then he’ll be moving on to a job, hopefully to do with his interests in video game design and animation. By the end of the school year will they have found their way to a happy for now ending or missed their chance to be together?

It’s a delight to be back in this world again! Told in dual first person point of view, the reader gets to see how both characters react to each other and the situations that unfold around them. Summer has a learning disability (ADHD) and knowing and understanding this helps her deal with her classes and assignments. The school also takes it seriously, having her see an adviser on a regular basis and finding accommodations with her teachers to help her succeed. Those who don’t know about it see her lack of focus and attention as a lack of intelligence (the ‘dumb blonde’ effect) but she is smart and funny. Her unfiltered responses (both verbal and mental) make for laugh out loud moments as she navigates this year at school and her feelings for Fitz.

Fitz is ashamed to realize that Summer overheard him speaking to another friend about her being superficial, not something he really believes but a way to try to mask his interest in her. It starts them off on an awkward footing as roommates until the truth comes out. They also discover new things about each other that are surprising, talents and interests that make them see each other in a new light and increase their attraction. Eventually they end up declaring their interest and share some sexy scenes. Summer’s wealthy background makes it all the more important for her to prove that she can make it on her own, in school and in life. But having Fitz’s support means something to her too. When one of her professors gets too handsy, she isn’t afraid to stick up for herself and her fellow female classmates. Summer comes across as kind, and friendly, the type of young woman you’d want as a friend. Fitz is more reserved but equally likable.

There’s a lot to love in this story. The characters have to deal with all sorts of challenges whether it be school, friendships, or life in general. Because Fitz is also a hockey player for Briar, there are several scenes involving the hockey team and its rivals, as well as other sports teams on campus. It’s a really well drawn look at college life today. Summer and Fitz get their happy ending after a bumpy ride, and there are several secondary characters whom I hope to see more of in the future. If you’re a fan of new adult romances, you definitely need to have this on your shelf!

Book Info:

Publication: Aug 6, 2018 | Self Published | Briar U #1

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.