Book Summary: 

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.

My Review:

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. He had Summer pegged before he even took a chance to get to know her. Having played next to Dean, he should have known there were more layers to her but instead he went the “judge a book by its cover route” but was offended when Summer did the same thing to Nora. The second thing that irked me was how much Summer played with Hunter Davenport’s feelings. He was upfront with her and made it absolutely clear that he was interested. She treated him as if he was just an appetizer to pass the time until the meal she really wanted came along. She claims she didn’t want to hurt him but not once did she back off when things with Fitz began to heat up. The moment Fitz told her he was conflicted and wanted her (but wish he didn’t) was the moment she should have sent Davenport packing. Her selfishness caused a friendship to be tainted and a heart to be broken.

The back and forth between Fitz and Summer did feel a little drawn out. I get it, Fitz wasn’t able to express his feeling and fear drove most of his actions. Summer made unrealistic demands and until she was in the same boat, didn’t realize just how hard it is say what is in your heart without your head getting in the way. I just didn’t like how other people kept getting drawn into their little lovers quarrel. 

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. I agree with Fitz, Summer was a handful but she also wanted to put him first so when she thought she cost him his opportunity, she was willing to walk away. That was a complete 180 for Fitz because we watched him run away for most of the book and then suddenly he fought like a Lion in the wild to keep her. I did appreciate the “bro-down” when Dean found out!

The subplot of the teacher did take me for a spin. It is an abomination that a female student expresses her concerns when a male teacher oversteps and is told to reconsider and judged for overreacting! I am happy Kennedy included this because we saw what happens when Universities don’t take these situations seriously. Anything could have happened to Nora, all because Summer was ignored.

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.