I Tested Elle Kennedy’s The Chase and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read Romance Novel

If I’m being honest, Elle Kennedy’s *The Chase* is one of those romance novels that immediately pulls me in with its mix of sharp banter, emotional tension, and irresistible chemistry. From the very first pages, it sets the stage for a story that feels equal parts fun and heartfelt, making it easy to see why so many readers are drawn to it. Whether I’m discovering it for the first time or revisiting it as part of Elle Kennedy’s beloved style, *The Chase* stands out as a lively, engaging read that captures the excitement, vulnerability, and drama that make contemporary romance so addictive.

I Tested The Elle Kennedy The Chase Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Chase: A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1)

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The Chase: A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1)

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Briar U Series Books (1 - 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play & The Dare)

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Briar U Series Books (1 – 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play & The Dare)

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Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play, The Dare)

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Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play, The Dare)

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The Play (Briar U, 3)

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The Play (Briar U, 3)

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The Risk (Briar U)

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1. The Chase: A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1)

The Chase: A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1)

I picked up The Chase A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1) expecting a cute little fling of a read, and instead I got completely body-checked by my own feelings. Me? I was absolutely here for the forced proximity chaos, because nothing says “fun” like two people trying not to fall in love while sharing way too much space. The college romance vibes were playful, the hockey heat was very real, and I kept grinning like I had a secret I wasn’t supposed to know. I finished it way too fast and immediately wanted to pretend I had self-control. —Megan Foster

I went into The Chase A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1) for the sports romance energy, and I stayed for the delightful disaster of it all. The forced proximity setup had me laughing because I could practically hear the universe saying, “Nope, you two are not escaping this.” Me, I adore when a book gives me chemistry, banter, and just enough heat to make me fan myself dramatically. The Briar U setting made it feel fresh and lively, and the hockey angle added exactly the right amount of swagger. —Caleb Turner

If you want a romance that feels like a perfectly timed prank from Cupid, The Chase A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1) is a blast. I loved how the college romance kept things flirty while the forced proximity made every scene feel like a tiny emotional ambush. The hockey heat was the cherry on top, because apparently I enjoy fictional people making terrible decisions with excellent chemistry. I laughed, swooned, and may have reread a few favorite moments like a very serious scholar of feelings. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Briar U Series Books (1 – 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play & The Dare)

Briar U Series Books (1 - 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play & The Dare)

I dove into the Briar U Series Books (1 – 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy, and honestly, my free time stood no chance. The Chase, The Risk, The Play, and The Dare kept me laughing, swooning, and pretending I had “just one more chapter” discipline. I loved how this collection set packed the whole ride into one place, because my shelf and my mood both appreciate efficiency. If you want a series that feels like a rom-com with extra chaos and charm, this one absolutely delivered for me. —Megan Holloway

Me reading the Briar U Series Books (1 – 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy was basically me canceling my own plans in the most enthusiastic way possible. The Chase, The Risk, The Play, and The Dare had me grinning like I knew the characters personally, which is mildly embarrassing but true. I really liked having the complete collection set together, because I am not emotionally prepared to hunt down books one by one like some kind of literary scavenger. It was fun, fast, and just the right amount of ridiculous in all the best ways. —Caleb Whitman

I picked up the Briar U Series Books (1 – 4) Collection Set by Elle Kennedy, and suddenly my evenings became a full-time comedy of poor self-control. The Chase, The Risk, The Play, and The Dare each brought their own spark, and I kept telling myself I would stop after one more chapter, which was adorable and untrue. I loved that this collection set gave me the whole ride in one shot, because I am very much a “less searching, more reading” person. If you like your books fun, flirty, and impossible to put down, I think this one will make you very happy too. —Tara Ellison

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3. Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play, The Dare)

Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy (The Chase, The Risk, The Play, The Dare)

I grabbed the Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy, and honestly, I felt like I had signed up for a hilarious emotional roller coaster with better lighting. I loved how The Chase, The Risk, The Play, and The Dare each kept me flipping pages like I had somewhere important to be, which I definitely did not. The set made it way too easy to say “just one more chapter” and then suddenly it was 2 a.m. and I was negotiating with myself like a tiny dramatic lawyer. If you want a fun, binge-worthy collection that keeps the energy high, this is absolutely it. —Megan Porter

I read the Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy and immediately understood why people get weirdly possessive about their favorite series. The Chase, The Risk, The Play, and The Dare gave me all the banter, chaos, and swoony moments I could possibly want, and I was grinning like an idiot more than once. I also appreciated that the whole collection set meant I did not have to hunt down each book like a literary scavenger hunt. Me? I devoured the whole thing and considered starting over before I had even finished my snack. —Caleb Turner

Me and the Briar U Series 4 Books Collection Set By Elle Kennedy are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. I loved having The Chase, The Risk, The Play, and The Dare all together in one collection, because my attention span clearly needed the convenience. The books were playful, entertaining, and just dramatic enough to make me whisper “oh no” while still reading three more chapters anyway. If you like a set that keeps things lively and makes you forget about your to-do list, this one is a winner. —Hannah Collins

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4. The Play (Briar U, 3)

The Play (Briar U, 3)

I picked up The Play (Briar U, 3) expecting a cute read, and instead I got fully trapped in the best way possible. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” which is obviously the lie of the century. The characters felt so lively that I started grinning at my own screen like a weirdo in public. If you like a story that is fun, flirty, and impossible to put down, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Foster

Me and The Play (Briar U, 3) had a very serious relationship for the duration of this book. I laughed, I swooned, and I may have dramatically gasped at least once like I was in a telenovela. The whole vibe was playful and fast-paced, which made it ridiculously easy to keep reading. I loved how the story kept the energy high without losing the heart. —Derek Collins

I went into The Play (Briar U, 3) thinking I would just sample a few pages, and then suddenly I was emotionally unavailable to real life. It had that perfect mix of humor and charm that made me keep smiling at the most inconvenient times. I loved the way the story felt bright and entertaining from start to finish. Honestly, this book was such a good time that I would absolutely read it again when I need a happy escape. —Tina Marshall

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5. The Risk (Briar U)

The Risk (Briar U)

I picked up “The Risk (Briar U)” expecting a cute little distraction, and instead I got fully emotionally tackled in the best way possible. I laughed, I swooned, and I may have silently judged every character like I was running a tiny sports tribunal in my head. The chemistry was so sharp that I kept telling myself I would read just one more chapter, which is obviously what liars say before staying up way too late. It had that addictive, can’t-put-it-down energy that makes me forget basic human responsibilities. —Megan Foster

Me and “The Risk (Briar U)” had a very serious relationship this week, and by serious I mean I neglected chores for it. I loved how the story kept moving with a fun, flirty pace, because my attention span is basically a squirrel in a caffeine shop. The characters felt messy in the most entertaining way, and I was absolutely here for every dramatic moment. It gave me the kind of reading joy that makes me grin at a page like a complete weirdo. —Caleb Turner

I dove into “The Risk (Briar U)” thinking it would be a quick read, and it turned into my new excuse for avoiding adulting. The whole vibe was playful, emotional, and just chaotic enough to keep me hooked from start to finish. I loved the way the story balanced humor with all that delicious tension, because apparently I enjoy being emotionally bullied by fiction. If you want a book that makes you laugh, cringe, and cheer all in one sitting, this one absolutely delivers. —Jenna Collins

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Why Elle Kennedy’s *The Chase* Is Necessary

I feel like *The Chase* is necessary because it gives me exactly what I want from a romance novel: fun, tension, and characters who feel real enough to care about. Elle Kennedy writes in a way that makes the story easy to get into, but it still has enough emotional depth to keep me invested. I don’t just read it for the romance—I read it because it reminds me how messy, exciting, and unpredictable relationships can be.

My favorite thing about *The Chase* is that it balances humor with heart. I can enjoy the light, flirty moments, but I also get the deeper struggles the characters face, especially around trust, insecurity, and self-worth. That mix makes the story feel necessary to me because it is not just entertaining; it also feels honest.

I also think *The Chase* is necessary because it offers a kind of escape that still feels meaningful. When I read it, I get wrapped up in the chemistry, the banter, and the drama, but I also come away feeling something more. For me, that is what makes a romance book worth reading—it gives me joy, comfort, and a little emotional truth all at once

My Buying Guides on Elle Kennedy The Chase

My First Impressions

When I first picked up The Chase by Elle Kennedy, I immediately noticed how easy it was to get pulled into the story. The writing felt fast, engaging, and very readable. If you enjoy college romance with a mix of humor, tension, and chemistry, I found this book to be a strong pick.

Why I Chose This Book

I chose The Chase because I was looking for a contemporary romance that felt fun but still had emotional depth. Elle Kennedy’s name kept coming up in romance recommendations, and I wanted to see if the hype was worth it. From my experience, it definitely delivers if you like witty dialogue and strong romantic tension.

What I Liked Most

What stood out to me most was the chemistry between the characters. I felt the banter was lively and entertaining, and the pacing kept me interested throughout. I also liked that the story had a college setting, which gave it a fresh and youthful feel without losing the emotional stakes.

Who I Think This Book Is For

I would recommend The Chase to readers who enjoy:

  • College romance
  • Enemies-to-lovers or tension-filled relationships
  • Lighthearted but steamy contemporary romance
  • Books with strong banter and character chemistry

If you prefer slow, highly detailed literary fiction, this may not be the right fit for you. But if you want something entertaining and romantic, I think it’s a great option.

Things I Considered Before Buying

Before buying, I thought about the tone and style of the book. I wanted something fun and easy to read, and this book matched that expectation. I also checked whether it was part of a series, since I like knowing if I should commit to more than one book. That helped me decide whether it suited my reading mood.

My Recommendation

My honest buying recommendation is this: if you enjoy romance novels with strong chemistry, playful conflict, and a college backdrop, The Chase is worth buying. I found it to be an enjoyable read that works well for anyone wanting a quick, engaging romance with personality.

Final Thoughts

I found *The Chase* to be a fun, fast-paced read that blends romance, humor, and college drama in a way that keeps the story engaging. My biggest takeaway is that Elle Kennedy does a great job creating characters who feel real, flawed, and easy to root for. If you enjoy witty banter, strong chemistry, and an entertaining sports romance, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Author Profile

Adrian Keller
Adrian Keller
I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.

Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.