The Chase (Briar U, #1)

by Elle Kennedy

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.

• ISBN10: 1724821997
• ISBN13: 9781724821997
• Publish Date: 26 August 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 372
• Language: English

Reviews

[The Romantic Comedy Book Club]

When reading a spin-off series (especially one spinning from a well received series), you have higher expectations. You know the ability of the writer, have a solid feel of the strengths and weaknesses, and believe in your heart of hearts that it can only get better. What I am finding, more often than not – is that the spin-off series just can’t live up to the bar set by the original. The Briar U series is an example of that. I suggest the Off Campus Series to anyone who will listen. Kennedy is in exquisite form through every single book. When I started The Chase, I went in thinking I was going to experience the same captivating writing that I had in The Deal (or in The Score which is where we meet Summer for the first time as she is Dean’s little sister). Sadly, it just didn’t come close to it.

 

Summer and Colin’s story had a little bit of a jump start in The Score when Summer first lays eyes on Fitz and knows she wants him. While Fitz feels the same way, for him - Summer is out of the question. They are just too different and he can’t see past the “fluff” that she presents to the world.

 

There were a few things that bugged me about this book, which may be why I don’t intend to continue the series. First, for being presented as a carefree, accepting, lovable guy, Fitz is extremely judgmental. The second thing that irked me was how much Summer played with another character's feelings (sentence changed to remove spoiler). The back and forth between Fitz and Summer also felt a little drawn out.

 

Other than those to things, the rest of the book was ok at best. Once they worked things out, Fitz and Summer were pretty cute together and I loved how protective they were of each other.

 

Would I recommend the Off Campus series? Without a doubt! Would I recommend the Briar U series, as of right now no but I would tell anyone to read at least the first two books before making a final judgement call. I may take my own advice at some point. Only time will tell.

 

[scarr]

I enjoyed the 4-book series that set this series up. I was really looking forward to reading more about Fitz, who seemed like a really interesting character. Although he is still interesting in this book, there is not nearly enough of Fitz's backstory or internal workings. Super disappointed.

[Sam@WLABB]

It was so great to be Off-Campus again!

The Chase brought me back to Briar, and I absolutely loved being back in that world. Though there are cameos from many of the Off-Campus boys, this was a story introducing us to that "next generation", who we got glimpses of perviously.

Fitzy was a great and grumpy hero. I loved the blend of hockey player, artist, and computer nerd that Kennedy created. We finally got to understand him a bit better, and how his past affected him, and I wholeheartedly approve of him for Summer.

When I first met Summer, she was a force, and don't worry, she still was in this book too, but like Fitz, she was complicated. She struggled with her feelings of inadequacy, when it came to academics, and though her family was nothing short of supportive, she thought herself to be the "dumb one" in a family of intellects.

This romance actually took quite a while to get there, but when it did, it was worth it. I also appreciated that the drama, and there was quite a bit, was between Fitz and Summer once they finally got together. I much prefer that sort of drama.

Another stand out was the friendship between Summer and Brenna. These two were different, but the same, and I thought they were a great pairing. I am really eager to find out more about Brenna's romantic entanglements, and cannot wait for her book.

Overall: A great introduction to the Briar U series.

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[liz089]

I really liked this one !! I love Elle Kennedy's writing, mainly in the form of Erin Watt.. but I'm trying to read her own books as well. This one was a lot of fun. Easy to read, funny MC. I really enjoyed the female friendship in this one too. And the romance was very steamy haha. Towards the end I got a bit bored.. tension gone and stuff. But overall it was a very entertaining novel. Curious about the next one !! I think it will be about Brenna and a certain bad boy from the Harvard team ?

[Linda]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookworms
The Chase was so good! My emotions were totally involved from the start, and I have to say that Fitz and Summer were the perfect couple. The introvert with the shining star made me all hot and bothered - plus they made me laugh.

Story:

We got a little glimpse of Summer and Fitz in Kennedy's last Off Campus novel, and I was so excited for The Chase. My excitement was completely warranted, too, and right now, all I want to do is squee with happiness. I loved this first foray into the new series, because the characters were so refreshing. I loved how Summer tried to better herself. After struggling with dyslexia her whole life, coming to a new school was a new beginning for her, but nothing was easy.

Fitz is the ultimate jock-nerd. He really is both - designing video games in his free time, and studying with two majors. Plus, he's a really good hockey player. But he won't let either part define him, and that's why I love him so much. He had some pretty dark stuff in his past, though, and wasn't very open about his feelings.

Of course, the fact that Fitz was friends with Summer's big brother brought some tension to the story as well. The Chase wasn't all about the romance, though. There were some darker themes as well, when it came to the Dean, who thought Summer was all fluff. One of Summer's teachers was a real slime-bag, too. All flirty and smarmy. And pushing things too far more than once.

All in all The Chase was a very satisfying read, I loved the friendship dynamics, and I loved the romance. I also loved how Kennedy tackled the problems Summer and another girl had with a teacher.

Writing style :

The Chase is written in dual points of view, with chapters from both Fitzy's and Summer's perspective. The present tense, plus the awesome dialogues made the story flow really well.



We got this? Got what? Parents trying to sound cool is a whole other level of second-hand embarrassment. My friends' messages are more entertaining.

And despite Brenna's almost comical expression of horror, the party instantly puts a big smile on my face. I don't know what it is about music and merriment and crowds that never fails to lift my spirits.

Five minutes later, we're seated across from each other in one of the retro, red vinyl booths. Brenna orders coffee, black. I order a mint tea with lemon. Somehow that sums up this friendship of ours. 

[Rowena]

I couldn’t start this book fast enough when it hit my kindle. There were plenty of times when I wanted to smack some sense into both Summer and Fitzy but their dory was super satisfying in the end and I am itching for Brenna’s book...and she better end up with Harvard boy.

[thebookdisciple]

The Chase is a fun, light, sexy read! If you were a fan of Kennedy's previous Briar boys, you will gobble this book up! Cameos from the Briar U graduates suck you in to the story, but its these new characters that really keep you reading.

Summer is Dean's sister and a bit of a hot mess at times. She has just been kicked out of Brown and her dad had to pull strings to get her into Briar. Her new sorority sisters won't let her live in the house and now she is homeless. Dean's old roommates are looking for someone to take Dean's room though....Summer ends up moving in with her crush, Fitzy. Its hard to dislike Summer, which I wasn't expecting. She is gorgeous, rich, and spoiled-she seems like an easy girl to hate. However, you realize that she is also struggling with life. She has a learning disability and feels inferior to her uber successful family.

Fitzy is very attracted to Summer but she is Dean's sister and thats a big bro code violation. He also can't understand why a girl like her would be interested in a guy like him. They have nothing in common-he is a self proclaimed nerd.

These two dance around their feelings resulting in some funny, heartfelt, and real events. Like I said, you can't hate Summer, and the longer I read the book, the more I wanted to step in and protect her! Fitzy is perfect for her because he is so laid back. He can understand her in a way the rest of the people in her life don't and its very sweet. Overall, The Chase is the perfect read if you want light and sexy!

 

• POV: dual 1st


• Tears: no


• Trope: opposites attract; brothers best friend


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: stand alone (spin off of previous series but you do not have to have read the previous books)


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: yes

The Game On Series by Kristen Callihan, The Taking Shots series by Cindi Madsen, How to Date a Douchebag series by Sara Ney...then you will probably like The Chase!

 

The Chase

 

See full review on The Book Disciple

[whisperingchapters]

Elle hasn't disappointed at all with this new series. I've been laughing my butt off since I started the book. I've loved every single character, especially Brenna. I wish that girl was my best friend. And Summer! I love how real she is and all the struggles she goes through to figure out what she wants. Then there's Fitzy and my heart melts every time because of him. He's so charming and so... Him. There's something about him that lures you in and makes you want to keep knowing more and more. Then there's the rest of the AH-MAZING characters. Seriously, I wish they were all real 😍 Elle has another winner and possibly my second favorite book of hers 💕

FULL REVIEW TO COME!

[Cocktails and Books]

Not my favorite of the books from the Briar U football and hockey teams. I wanted to love Fitzy, but he said the wrong thing to Summer a few too many times for my liking.

Full review to come.

[stacey_is_sassy]

I was captivated by The Chase…

I judged Summer and I’m not proud of myself. To be honest, I don’t think I will be the first or the last reader to do so. It’s hard to look at an extremely beautiful, rich and vivacious woman, with a family who loves and protects her, and not think that she has everything. What could she possibly have to complain about? I became judge and jury finding her guilty of being a bit of fluff, a princess and a spoilt brat. Maybe I was a little jealous and resented her good fortune and thought she was undeserving of the opportunities given to her. I may have even thought she was taking advantage of her “issues” to gain an easy way out of hard work.

I should have looked beneath the surface and taken the time to get to know Summer first. I judged her…and I’m not proud of myself.

There were stages while reading that I found it hard to understand Summer. At times she could be reckless, self-absorbed and a little loopy. Her anger and frustrations controlled her actions and sometimes left her in a dangerous or vulnerable position. I know I would have handled things differently, but, I’m not Summer.

Once I got to know Summer better, I couldn’t help but pause in my reading and reflect back on my initial judgment and reconsider my feelings. I found myself understanding her reactions and giving her leeway, feeling bad for her and hating how people only saw the outside packaging and not her big heart.

I wanted to be the friend by Summer’s side, helping her process situations and deal with the drama. It was hard to witness her inner-turmoil and self-doubts, while also still questioning and contemplating HOW she could have those doubts. I mean, she has money and good looks. Doesn't money and good looks equal happiness?

Fitzy was a character that took a while to warm up to. He was such a conflicting character and again, I found myself quick to judge and put him on a shelf that he didn’t belong on. A talented sportsman CAN be artistic and a computer nerd. A college hockey player CAN be an introvert and shy away from the spotlight. A sexy college hockey player CAN also think a woman is out of his league…not often…but it CAN happen.

Once I got to know Fitzy, I understood his previous actions and knucklehead decisions. Sure, I still wanted to kick him in the ding-ding and tell him to stop being a scaredy-cat, but I got him. His character growth was impressive from the start to the finish.

This story made me laugh, cry, squirm and sigh, everything I want and love in my romance stories. The Chase was fantastic and I’m in awe of Elle Kennedy’s ability to make me love New Adult Romance. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the college environment. These characters are not idiots, they’re hard-working, ambitious and determined young men and women. Studying, training and playing their chosen sport/instrument/thing keeps them extremely busy. Sure, it’s not all seriousness. There are hijinks and shenanigan aplenty, but it’s definitely balanced out with the serious stuff.

Talking about serious stuff…The Chase tackles some very serious issues that a lot of women and girls face every day. Elle Kennedy handles them in a way that was realistic and doesn’t produce unicorns to make things all work out perfectly in the end. I think she does show there is strength in numbers and talking to the right people can help. Hopefully, readers will gain strength, find courage and knowledge in identifying a risk and taking steps to fix it, if they're ever in this situation. I'm sure there are men who have also faced this situation, and I hope if they read The Chase, they too find the courage to stand up and speak out.

I’m sorry this review is a wee bit rambly. It’s been a BIG weekend for me and I’m bloody exhausted. I had to write this review tonight…but I’m sure I will rewrite it (or some of it) tomorrow. To finish off, I thoroughly enjoyed The Chase and I can’t wait to come back to take The Risk with Brenna.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.