THE RISK by Elle Kennedy [★★★★☆ – 4.5/5]

Let me start off by saying that I’ve been a fan of Elle Kennedy’s books for a few years now so last week when I found out I was one of the lucky few who received an ARC of The Risk I went sort of crazy with excitement. The wait for it was a #struggle to be honest (seriously I have never experienced this feeling in anticipation for a book before).

I had pretty high expectations for this book not gonna lie. The setup for Brenna and Jake’s story in The Chase (Briar U #1) was so intriguing. Especially because ever since The Risk was announced as Brenna’s book for the first 6 months we didn’t even know if her love interest would be Jake or not! But alas EK put us #brennelly shippers out of our misery over a month before the release date by confirming it in her newsletter. (Sign up for that here btw for all the latest updates, you will not regret it!)

After reading it I can honestly say that The Risk is probably one of the best sports romances I have read so far. EK definitely has the title for “New Adult Sports Romance Queen”. I loved how she can take a trope as overdone as “enemies/rivals-to-lovers” and still put a unique twist on it. It’s what I love about all her books actually.

Brenna and Jake’s relationship was so fun to see develop. These two characters were so independent and so interesting on their own and seeing their development was the best part of the book. They are definitely the most mature of all the Off-Campus/Briar U characters, and this fact made them so intriguing.

For Jake, it was nice to see a character so focused and passionate about hockey to the point that he felt he would never have time for a serious girlfriend. It was nice to see that him learning that he doesn’t need to give up one thing for the other but rather learn how to make time for both. Brenna was bad ass as usual and her take-no-shit/unapologetic attitude was so refreshing to read.

Another part I really enjoyed were the subplots in the book. One thing I love about the Off-campus/Briar U books is how realistically the college environment is portrayed. The fun banter between friends and the pranks were so much fun to read. I love how EK can stay unbiased with all her characters – good or bad they’re her characters and it really seems like she can’t hate on any of them. A character that I surprisingly really liked was Brooks Weston. He has a lot of issues that’s for sure but that’s what made him so captivating (here’s hoping he gets a book in the future!)

The only problem I had with the book was the pacing. The beginning and especially the end seemed to go too fast. The ending especially seemed too abrupt and I feel the book would have benefitted with maybe another scene or two with our main couple. The epilogue could have been better too, it seemed like it was written very last minute and felt rushed.

All that said I’m not lying when I say I read this book in one sitting (but is that really surprising considering how much I was looking forward to this book?). It’s fun, exciting, and just overall a great read. I feel as if this couple has ruined me for all other book couples – I don’t know how I will ever get over them. Is it too early to petition for a #Brennelly sequel? I can’t wait to see more of Brenna and Jake, but for now I guess I will go re-read The Risk.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, refreshing new adult read then this book is definitely for you. Check it out on February 18th you will not be disappointed!

xo – Silver Grace