The Mistake (Off-Campus, 2)

John Logan, Garrett’s best friend from The Deal, starts off the story dreading his final year in college. His dream to play in the NHL never to be realized, as he’s going to stay home and take care of his alcoholic father and the family business, and he's crushing on his best friend's gal, Hannah (the heroine from The Deal). So he drowns his sorrows in booze and women, not necessarily in that order. Then he meets Grace Ivers, shy freshman. He hooks up with her but manages to screw it up. Thankfully, he’s not a quitter, and yes, romance happens. The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between -Elle Kennedy really has a knack for the sexy-funny: Truly, my favorite type of love story is the sexy and funny, and Ms. Kennedy’s brilliant at it. The ‘verse she’s created at Briar University is fun to visit and I’m intrigued with all the characters, not just the leads in each story. -Logan and Grace bring the heat: The sex scenes start slowly, and build well. There’s no lack of fooling around, so I was surprised when I realized that they didn’t make love until late in the book. I enjoyed that it isn’t perfect from the beginning, but really gets better as they get to know each other, much like a real relationship. Also, I’m not gonna lie - give me a hero who loves his oral, and I’ll show you a keeper. Logan’s love of the downtown was fantastic, and I liked that he was kind and gentle with Grace, never pressuring her to do anything she didn’t want to do. -Logan gives good grovel...and he has to: He screws up, more than once, because while I love him, he’s a bit of a butthead. But it’s the test of a man who gets back up when he falls down, and Logan does. The scenes where he works hard at getting back into Grace’s good...um, graces :), are funny and lead to some of the best moments in the book. Even when he screws up, I didn’t hate it, mostly just felt like nudging the knucklehead and setting him straight. It’s an excellent balance to the serious moments, like... -A bit of serious mixed in with the lighthearted: Logan is the child of an alcoholic and I think this fairly serious issue is handled well. It gives a poignant twist to a generally lighthearted tale. It’s so believable when he’s torn between living the life he’s always dreamed of, and taking care of his father. It gives an unexpected depth to Logan’s character that I enjoyed. I think it’s resolved fairly quickly, but I didn’t mind. -Grace is great: I’ve always enjoy seeing heroines who stand up for themselves, who can go toe to toe with their men and think for themselves. This series has had Hannah and now Grace as excellent examples of how you do strong new adult romantic heroines. Grace doesn’t just roll over for the hot jock and I respected her for it. She’s endearingly awkward, babbles when she’s nervous, but underneath it all, she’s no pushover. She values herself and she’s empathetic to Logan when he needs it, stubborn when he doesn’t. Loved her. -Can’t wait for more: I’m convinced menage is in the future of this series (yeah, I’m looking at you Dean) and if it is? I. Can’t. Wait. Elle Kennedy knows her way around a menage *fans self*, so it should be massively sexy and entertaining. -The only reason it’s not a five star: So I shaved a shade off the top because of a couple things: Logan’s almost hookup and lingering crush on Hannah. I know, he didn’t, but I’m a jealous gal and I didn’t like that he even attempted it. Also, Logan and Grace are sweet but predictable. Doesn’t matter though, I still had fun reading this. The Bottom Line (4.75 stars) I really enjoyed this (slightly bitter but) mostly sweet, funny story, almost as much as I loved the Deal. If you’re in the mood for a good NA romance, look no further than Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series. I highly recommend it. **ARC provided for review**

The Mistake continues the adventures of a group of friends who play for the Briar University hockey team and live in a house off the main campus. The first book featured the team's captain, Graham, and now the focus shifts to his best friend, Logan. The series continues to be strong with it's well-developed characters and mature approach to college relationships. I will admit that I was hesitant at the beginning because Logan starts the story having a crush on his best friend's girlfriend. While I can understand how that could happen, I thought it would be difficult to believe in him feeling the same for someone else. Thankfully, Kennedy provides a good explanation for Logan's predicament and makes it easy to see how he could fall for Grace so smoothly. Logan was my favorite part of the entire book. He has a reputation as a laid-back ladies man which is valid, but there is so much more to him. His focus is on enjoying the college experience because he has made a deal with his brother that he will return to his hometown and run his father's hardware store. This is a realistic situation that made Logan sympathetic and easy to root for. He does make a major mistake (hence the title) with his relationship with Grace, but I never felt like he did it to be cruel. I really appreciated his willingness to do anything to prove himself to her and truly seemed to understand that he was in the wrong. While Logan was my favorite, I still had a good time reading about Grace. I liked her both before and after Logan's mistake. She is strong-willed and independent while also having some vulnerabilities. I always enjoy a heroine that knows her worth and makes sure that the hero knows it without being a snob. It was also great to see her fight for Logan's future once they did get together. They worked really well as a couple which is what I want in a romance! I also adored getting to see more of Logan's roommates, Tucker and Dean. Dean is especially intriguing to me with his obsession with sleeping around. I don't judge him for it, but I have a feeling that it will cause a stir when he finally falls in love. And Tucker is just so adorable! He is the epitome of a nice guy and I think his story will be really fun as well. The Mistake was an enjoyable read that had me smiling and sighing with happiness. Elle Kennedy does a great job developing her characters and making readers fall in love with them. Plus there is a fun cameo mention of Drew Baylor from Kristen Callihan's amazing romance, The Hook Up. I hope there is a mash-up of these two worlds sometime soon!

This book tells the story of Grace and (Johnny) Logan, a couple who hook up right away and then fall in love as Logan has to make up for the fact that he initially rejects the idea of getting more serious with Grace. The plot is pretty flimsy, although there is decent development of outside conflict, including Logan's alcoholic father and his struggles with his potential hockey career. There are some very steamy scenes--lots of them, actually-- and some cute moments, but in the end, this isn't a particularly memorable story. To be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with this series (I read the first one, too). On one hand, I think Elle Kennedy is a good writer with a flair for dialogue who knows how to script a steamy love scene. She also does a solid job for the most part in fleshing out her main characters, even if supporting characters often seem like walking cliches ("The Overprotective Dad" vs "Alcoholic Dad"; "Rebellious Best Friend" vs. "Straight-Laced Best Friend"). There are a lot of genuinely funny lines, too, even if they're sometimes of the stereotypical frat boy variety (as a lot of the characters are stereotypical frat boys). Speaking of stereotypical frat boys, this dovetails into what I hate about this series. I have to admit to not being a fan of the Greek system in general so that may be a bias that's affecting my reading experience, but there's something over-the-top and a little disconcerting about the way Kennedy depicts both the sex-fueled parties and the conversations between the guys about their sex lives. I'm not saying her portrayal of Greek life is entirely unrealistic, but the scenes have a cliched, obvious feel, and although she means to set a sexy tone, there's something icky about the way these guys get whatever they want, whenever they want it (and it's not just sex on demand, but apparently amazing sex with hot women on demand). All the guys are gorgeous horn dogs who get drunk but never seem to be anything less than smoking hot and cool. Oh, and apparently, all this partying doesn't negatively impact their training regimen). Most of the girls throw themselves at them, either alone or in pairs. Plus, in both books, I had some trouble believing that the heroines really hung out at frat parties and knew the athletes by name. Both Hannah and Grace (and even Ramona, for that matter) struck me as young women more apt to avoid frat parties and maybe hang with the multitude of other non-Greek members who populate a college campus and host off-campus parties. (To that end, how about a hook-up between one of these athletes/frat boys and a young women who has no interest in an athlete/frat boys? I went to a big school, and at least two thirds of the campus probably couldn't identify one athlete by name.) Ultimately, I enjoyed aspects of this book and liked the main characters by the end of the novel (Logan wasn't that appealing for about half of the story, but I warmed to him eventually). And it definitely is more expertly plotted and well written than a lot of other NA novels out there. But if this series is to continue, I'd like to see the formula shaken up. Grade: C+

The Mistake is the second book in Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series, following a new couple while maintaining the humor, steamy romance, and emotional depth that made The Deal so popular. This installment focuses on Logan, Garrett’s best friend and fellow hockey player, and Grace, a quiet but strong-willed freshman, as they navigate second chances and personal growth. John Logan – Logan is charming, funny, and a ladies' man, but beneath his confident exterior, he struggles with deep-seated family issues and a sense of being trapped by his circumstances. His development throughout the book makes him more than just the stereotypical player. Grace Ivers – A freshman who starts off shy but proves to be independent and assertive. She isn’t easily won over, and her ability to stand her ground makes her a refreshing and likable heroine. Familiar faces from The Deal, including Garrett and Hannah, return, while new side characters add to the college setting’s energy and humor. Kennedy’s writing is engaging, with a mix of humor, emotional moments, and steamy romance. The alternating perspectives between Logan and Grace allow for a well-rounded view of their relationship and personal struggles. The book delivers plenty of humor and flirty banter while also tackling deeper themes of family responsibility, self-worth, and making tough life choices. The chemistry between Logan and Grace is strong, and their romance is a blend of fun, tension, and genuine emotional connection. Strengths ✔ Strong Character Growth – Both Logan and Grace undergo realistic, satisfying development. ✔ Second-Chance Romance Done Right – Logan’s journey to making up for his mistake feels earned, and Grace doesn’t immediately forgive him, which adds authenticity. ✔ Engaging Writing & Humor – The witty dialogue and college setting keep the story entertaining. ✔ Balanced Romance & Personal Struggles – The love story is front and center, but each character also has their own challenges to overcome. The Mistake is a fun, emotional, and steamy addition to the Off-Campus series. While it follows a familiar formula, the engaging characters and well-paced romance make it a standout. Fans of The Deal and other college sports romances like The Chase by Elle Kennedy or The Score (book 3 in the series) will love this one.

Received in exchange for a honest review. This is a great continuation in the series. The humor is awesome and Logan is hysterical. He starts this book as a idiot than he becomes the lovable idiot and he was just to fun to read about. The story shows how Grace learns to become a confident strong woman and Logan learns that there are other ways to deal with situations. That not everything is as they seem and that there are those who support and love you no matter what. We have two complex stories. Grace who begins shy and mousey. She doesn’t stand up for herself and feels she is a doormat. Logan who wants what his best friend has but not in the way he thinks. He wants a future he doesn’t believe he can have due to a promise made to his brother, he wants a relationship but thinks it’s the girl that he wants. He doesn’t realize until it may be to late that he want Grace and the relationship his best friend has and not the girl that is his friend. When he tries to be a good guy because he is truly lost and confused he messes up. This though brings a new reality to Grace and she begins to learn something about life. She toughens up and changes. When the fall begins and logan pursues her in earnest the fun begins. this is where her snarky side comes out and Logan becomes a puppy. She gives him a list of things he must do. The red velvet couch was hysterical and the poem really so bad. Him becoming friends with her date classic. They bond over video games how classic. He even endorses logan to Grace. This is a fun romance. There are serious sides. The look at Logan’s home life and the effects of alcoholism is really hard to see. He gives up everything so that his brother who gave up a few years of his future can get a break. Logan is a great hockey player and is willing to give it all up for a promise. I was glad to see his coach step in and his dad step up in the end though. This is just one aspect that shows the impact of our family on our lives. Grace has her dad who is always there for her and Logan has his brother but his brother doesn’t really get him. The writing draws you in and the adventure of logan just to get the date is hysterical. The hoops he goes through are too much. Each character has you enjoying the ride that is the getting together of Logan and Grace. I look forward to see who is next in the series to fall in love.

The Mistake is the second book on the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy. The Mistake is Logan’s book and I can honestly say that when I read The Deal, I fell head over heels for this character from the moment I met him. How can you not love John Logan and his cocky grin? John Logan is a player a fact that he makes no excuses for. He is a very well-known member of the Briar University hockey team and because of this; he has no problems getting the female students attention. In fact he has no issues getting any females attention, at all. But lately Logan has realized that he has been hooking up even more frequently than usual, even by his own standards. In fact his friends are noticing it as well, but what they do not know, is that he has a reason for his behavior. He is just not willing to admit it or even consider dealing with it because he is far more comfortable with running away from the problem, then facing it head on. “This obsession with Hannah Wells is really starting to mess with my head. I need to get laid. ASAP.” Grace Ivers is a freshman at Briar University and she is well aware of who John Logan is. Her best friend has been chasing Dean, one of Logan’s teammates for quite some time now with no success. When she bumps into Logan at a party on campus one night, immediately following one of his many hook ups she is struck by his hotness and cocky attitude, but quickly pulls herself out of the lustful fog. John Logan is a player and there is no way he would ever be interested in her, the freshman virgin. Grace also has no interest in being yet another notch on Logan’s seemingly never ending belt loop. When Logan randomly knocks on Grace’s dorm room door one evening looking for a party, she is shocked. What could he possibly want with her? It has to be a mistake… and it is, he has the wrong room but, what happens next as they say is history. Grace and Logan are attracted to one and other and the sexual tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Lust prevails and they do hook up that night, but Logan gets freaked out and leaves Grace “hanging” immediately afterwards. She is confused and hurt. Logan is totally clueless; he does this all the time, hooks up and runs, but then it hits him, Grace deserves better than that. Grace is better than that. “I made the guy come last night and he didn’t even stick around long enough to kiss me goodbye. So yeah, I have to face the facts: I’m just another girl on a long list of John Logan’s conquests.” “Leaving a girl wanting isn’t just embarrassing. It’s unacceptable.” Grace is not a puck bunny, in fact she doesn’t even like hockey, she prefers football. Logan doesn’t do relationships; he has no time, between Hockey and dealing with his troubled family life. When Logan is finally realizes he has feelings for Grace he doesn’t handle it well at all. He wants what Garrett has with Hannah. He is lonely and the never ending line of hook ups no longer interests him, he’s thinking constantly of Grace, other women no longer interest him at all. But he has screwed up royally; can he ever win Grace back? “It's a damn shame that duels don't play a role in the modern world anymore.” The Deal was the first book I had ever read by this author and I loved it, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Mistake. It then got buried on my kindle and I just realized I hadn’t yet gotten to read it and I moved up the list. I’m so very glad that I did, I love Elle Kennedy’s style of writing and being a Canadian I have a real soft spot for handsome, cocky, hockey players. I love that this book was a fabulous balance of sexy and steamy, sweet and sassy, funny and emotional. I love the characters, every single one of them. I especially love that the female main characters are spunky and sassy. The story line was great and I thought that the banter between characters was very amusing. I love that each book has a happily ever after and I’m really excited now to begin reading The Score. I hope that each and every one of the crew is given their own story in this series before it ends, because now I’m addicted. I’m reading The Score next; I’m excited to read Ali and Dean’s story. If you have not yet begun to read this series, I highly recommend it; I am loving this series by this fabulous Canadian author. “This guy continues to surprise me. To awe me. He’s a better person than I am, better than he gives himself credit for, and if I wasn’t sure about it before, then I’m damn well sure of it now. I love him.” “I need you. I can’t stand the thought of being without you.” He releases a shaky breath. “You’re the last person I think about before I go to sleep, and the first person I think about when I open my eyes in the morning. You’re it for me, baby.”

The first book in the Off Campus series, The Deal, was crazy addictive. I was sucked into that book from the first page. So when I saw it was a series and The Mistake was book two I preordered immediately. Was it that same as my feelings on The Deal? No. Did I still love it? Absolutely! I may not have loved The Mistake or been as addicted to The Mistake as I was to The Deal, but it was book crack all the same. The Mistake essentially takes places right after The Deal ends. (To be honest It was hard for me to tell how much time passed between the two books.) The story is about John Logan and Grace Ivers. Logan is a hot shot hockey star that walk around campus like a sports god. While Grace on the other had in a quiet freshman that is a little naïve and keeps to herself. When a chance meeting happens between the two a friendship and immediate sparks start up. But when Logan does something stupid Grace washes her hands of the hot hockey player. Now a year later Logan wants Grace back in his life but Grace doesn’t know if she should let him. She isn’t the same girl she was anymore. With persistence Logan convinces Grace to give him a chance to woo her. But with Grace now running the show just how far will Logan be willing to go to get her back in his life? Action There were things I loves about this plot and story and things that I didn’t hate but I wasn’t crazy about. I didn’t love the whole “Logan is in love with Wellsy” story. I just didn’t get that he was that kind of guy from his personality and I didn’t like the choices he made because of that. But I did love his though process on this when Grace was in the picture and then not in the picture. I loved seeing Logan woo Grace because she knew she deserved it and he knew she deserved. And I loved her not being easy to woo back after he screwed up like he did. That was the best part of the story for me. Backdrop I love Briar University. I can’t help it. I know it is a made up college but I always like to picture my alma mater when I think about it. It wasn’t even close to the same but the campus feels like it could be similar so my mind goes there. Seriously though there is just something about books that take place on college campuses that makes me wish I was college age again. Then you throw sports into the mix and forget about it. Characters John Logan. What can I say about John Logan? He is arrogant and knows he can get what he wants but is also charming and adorable and a hot hockey player. What is there not to love? All of that and he is human. He makes mistakes and feels bad about it and has insane crazy emotions that he knows aren’t right. He is real. And Grace was his perfect counterpart. She didn’t really let him get away with anything. She started out naïve but grew and became someone that knew what she was worth. She was strong and just want Logan needed to keep him in his place. Basically I loved them! Final Thoughts In the end I may not have been as addicted as I was to the first book, but I did really love it. I wanted more when all was said and done. It was well written and had a great group of characters. It was everything I hoped for for a follow-up and it made me really look forward to book 3. So book 3, where are you? Wait, why are there no more words???? I need more words. That was ridiculously fun and addictive. Review to come.

I was a little wearing of reading Logan's story after how absolutely amazing The Deal (Garrett's story) was, but I should have know this book was going to be as amazing as the first book was! I was definitely interested in seeing what Logan's deal was after getting to know him a little in the Deal, and his story did not disappoint. His back story is powerful yet sad, and my heart went out for his character and the things he was going to have to do once he graduated college. If you've read The Deal, then you know that Logan was a little hung up on Hannah, Garrett's girlfriend. In his way of trying to block her and Garrett out, he becomes somewhat of a man whore around campus. A chance meeting with Grace changes everything for John Logan. Grace is a freshman, she's a tad OCD, and rambles like crazy when she's nervous. Her first conversation with Logan was quite hilarious and definitely will make you laugh and feel bad for her crazy ramblings. Things start to heat up between these two until Logan does something stupid and ruins everything between them. I loved watching Logan try to get Grace back and the things she made him go through to show he was serious this time. I also loved how much Grace grew during this book, from being quiet and mousy to really learning how to stand up for herself, and go after what she wants. Grace and Logan are definitely perfect for one another, but it was hard for them to come to the conclusion at the same time. It was definitely back and forth between these two, and there are some definite laugh out moments where these two are involved. Their relationship is not easy, and requires a lot of work to get them on the right track, but I loved how they had to work for what they had, it made their story seem more believable. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Logan, but once the story started progress, I fell in love with his character. He's dirty, funny, sweet, kind, and everything in between. He's the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. I definitely loved him, hated him, and then fell harder in love with his character during this book. You don't have to read The Deal prior to reading The Mistake, but there will be some spoilers if you read The Mistake first. Elle Kennedy has don an amazing job of writing these stories and making you fall in love with these hockey players and the girls who stole their hearts. The epilogue.. OMG absolutely freaking wonderful!!! Now I will be impatiently waiting for Dean's story to see if there is a girl who can capture this man whore's heart! Definitely pick this book up if you're looking for a book that will have you laughing, screaming, and falling in love. The Mistake is one book you do not want to pass up on!