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.