Briar U Book Series in Order: Hockey Romance by Elle Kennedy
Elle Kennedy’s Briar U Series: A Complete Guide to Hockey Romance
The Briar U series by Elle Kennedy is a captivating collection of contemporary romance novels that seamlessly blend humor, drama, and heartwarming love stories. Set in the lively world of college hockey at Briar University, these books delve into the lives of young athletes navigating love, friendships, and personal challenges. Fans of witty dialogue and swoon-worthy romances will find this series impossible to put down. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to Kennedy’s work, this guide will take you through the Briar U books in order, giving you everything you need to dive into this enthralling world.
Elle Kennedy is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times bestselling author known for her compelling characters and sharp storytelling. With a talent for blending steamy romance with emotional depth, Kennedy is one of my favorite authors and has garnered a massive following in the romance genre. In addition to the Briar U series, her catalog includes other popular works like the Off-Campus series, Killer Instincts series, and collaborations such as Him and Us. Her writing often explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, making her a favorite among romance readers. Keep reading to find out who the hottest new hockey player in this page turning series is going to be.
The Briar U series by Elle Kennedy is written for adult readers, primarily targeting those who enjoy contemporary romance novels. The series falls under the new adult and college romance categories, which typically appeal to readers aged 18 and older.
While the stories focus on college-aged characters and their experiences, including friendships, relationships, and self-discovery, they also feature mature themes such as explicit romance, language, and discussions of personal struggles. These elements make the books more suitable for adult readers rather than younger teens. Fans of Kennedy's work often include readers in their late teens, 20s, and beyond who enjoy witty, heartfelt, and steamy romance novels.
Hockey romance books have been steadily rising in popularity, capturing the hearts of readers with their unique blend of athletic intensity, emotional depth, and swoon-worthy love stories. These novels often feature strong, charismatic hockey players paired with equally compelling protagonists, creating dynamic and engaging relationships. The appeal lies in the backdrop of the high-stakes, fast-paced world of hockey, which adds excitement and drama to the stories. Additionally, the genre often explores themes like teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth, making the characters relatable and inspiring. With authors like Elle Kennedy, Helena Hunting, and Sarina Bowen leading the charge, hockey romance has become a favorite subgenre within contemporary romance. Its growing fanbase is drawn to the combination of heartwarming moments, steamy romance, and the thrill of sports, proving that hockey is not just for the rink—it’s perfect for the page too.
The Briar U Book Series: Books in Order
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Main Characters in Elle Kennedy's Briar U Series
The Chase
Summer Di Laurentis: A bold, fashionable, and outspoken young woman with a big personality and a kind heart.
Colin "Fitz" Fitzgerald: A reserved, tattooed hockey player with a passion for video games and art.
The Risk
Brenna Jensen: The confident and feisty daughter of Briar’s hockey coach, unafraid to speak her mind.
Jake Connelly: The charming and competitive new team captain of Briar’s rival hockey team.
The Play
Hunter Davenport: A fun-loving hockey player determined to stay single after a series of romantic mistakes.
Demi Davis: A smart and independent psychology student with a strong personality.
The Dare
Taylor Marsh: A shy and insecure student struggling with self-confidence and body image.
Conor Edwards: A charismatic and outgoing hockey player with surprising depth.
1. The Chase
The Chase introduces Summer Di Laurentis, a lively and fashionable young woman seeking a fresh start at new school, Briar U after being expelled from her previous college. Moving into a house full of hockey players, she’s immediately drawn to her new housemate, Colin Fitzgerald, a brooding and reserved gamer. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Fitz’s reluctance to get involved with Summer and his own insecurities create tension. As Summer navigates academic challenges and her own self-worth, their slow-burn romance unfolds with humor and heartfelt moments. Along the way, readers are treated to witty banter, steamy encounters, and an exploration of self-acceptance. The Chase masterfully blends lighthearted moments with deeper themes of confidence and resilience. This book is a perfect start to the Briar U series, setting the tone for the romances and friendships to come.
2. The Risk
Brenna Jensen, the confident and bold daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, takes center stage in The Risk. Brenna is determined to land a coveted internship, and to stand out, she concocts a plan to pretend she’s dating Jake Connelly, the arrogant yet undeniably attractive captain of Briar’s rival team. What starts as a fake relationship for professional gain quickly spirals into a sizzling connection neither expected. Jake’s cocky charm and Brenna’s fiery personality make for electric chemistry, but their romance is complicated by the rivalry between their teams. The book explores themes of ambition, family expectations, and taking risks for love. With witty dialogue, plenty of steamy moments, and heartfelt vulnerability, The Risk is a story about pushing boundaries and embracing vulnerability in the name of love.
3. The Play
In The Play, Hunter Davenport, a charming hockey player, swears off relationships after a series of heartbreaks and personal mistakes. Determined to focus on hockey and self-improvement, he’s thrown for a loop when he meets Demi Davis, a psychology student with a strong personality and no-nonsense attitude. Demi and Hunter develop a close friendship, with Hunter struggling to keep his feelings in check. When circumstances force them to confront their emotions, their journey from friends to lovers is both heartfelt and hilarious. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, emotional growth, and what it means to truly trust someone. Kennedy’s signature humor and character depth shine through in this installment, creating a romance that’s as sweet as it is steamy.
4. The Dare
The Dare follows Taylor Marsh, a shy and curvy student, who struggles with self-confidence and fitting in. During a party, a cruel dare forces her into a fake hookup with Conor Edwards, a charming and outgoing hockey player. To Taylor’s surprise, Conor is kind and willing to play along, and their fake relationship begins to blossom into something real. As Taylor learns to embrace her true self and overcome insecurities, Conor reveals layers beneath his flirty exterior, including his own fears and vulnerabilities. Their relationship is filled with moments of humor, tenderness, and growth, making it a deeply relatable and empowering read. The Dare explores themes of body positivity, self-acceptance, and finding love when you least expect it. This final book in the Briar U series leaves readers with a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion to the hockey-filled world of Briar University.
Each book in the Briar U series is a standalone romance, yet together they create a rich tapestry of interconnected friendships and relationships. Kennedy masterfully balances humor and emotion, ensuring every story offers both laughter and depth. The Briar U books delve into relatable themes like self-acceptance, overcoming insecurities, and navigating college life, making them resonate deeply with readers.
Elle Kennedy has another hockey-focused series called the Off-Campus series book, which is set in the same universe as the Briar U series and serves as its predecessor. This series is wildly popular and features four books, each focusing on a different college hockey player at Briar University:
Off Campus Series by Elle Kennedy
1. The Deal
In the first book The Deal, Hannah Wells is a confident college student who excels in academics but struggles to get the attention of her crush. Enter Garrett Graham, the cocky and determined captain of the Briar University hockey team, who needs a tutor to maintain his eligibility to play. When Garrett discovers Hannah's unreciprocated crush, he proposes a deal: if she tutors him, he’ll help her get noticed. Their partnership leads to a fake relationship, but as they spend more time together, their connection grows deeper and more genuine. Hannah helps Garrett confront his troubled family life, while Garrett helps Hannah heal from a traumatic past. Their chemistry is electric, their banter sharp, and their journey both romantic and heartwarming. This book is a masterclass in balancing humor, emotional depth, and sizzling romance.
2. The Mistake
The Mistake follows Logan, a charming hockey player who’s secretly in love with his best friend’s girlfriend, Hannah. Feeling trapped by his unrequited feelings, Logan begins a casual relationship with Grace Ivers, a witty and self-assured freshman. However, Logan’s emotional baggage and an ill-timed mistake push Grace away. Determined to win her back, Logan embarks on a mission to prove his sincerity and redeem himself. Grace’s growth into a confident woman who stands up for her worth adds depth to the story. Their journey is filled with heartfelt moments, laughter, and steamy romance. The book delves into themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the courage to pursue love despite past mistakes.
3. The Score
In The Score, Dean Di Laurentis is the epitome of a carefree playboy who thrives on charm and confidence—until he meets Allie Hayes, an aspiring actress recovering from a painful breakup. What starts as a one-night stand turns into a connection neither of them expected. Dean's cocky exterior hides a more vulnerable side, and Allie’s no-nonsense attitude forces him to reevaluate his priorities. Their relationship faces challenges, including Dean’s fear of commitment and personal tragedy that forces him to grow emotionally. This book is a rollercoaster of humor, heat, and heartfelt moments. It showcases Elle Kennedy’s ability to balance lighthearted romance with deeper, more emotional themes.
4. The Goal
The Goal focuses on John Tucker, the steady and reliable member of the hockey team, and Sabrina James, an ambitious law student determined to leave her difficult past behind. Their fling unexpectedly leads to pregnancy, throwing both of their lives into chaos. Tucker’s unwavering support and patience contrast beautifully with Sabrina’s fierce independence and fear of being vulnerable. As they navigate the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy, they discover an undeniable love and build a future together. The story explores themes of responsibility, resilience, and the power of unconditional love. With its tender moments and emotional depth, The Goal offers a satisfying conclusion to the Off-Campus series, leaving readers deeply invested in Tucker and Sabrina’s journey.
Main Characters in Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus Series
The Deal
Hannah Wells: A talented singer and student with a traumatic past she’s working to overcome.
Garrett Graham: The determined and confident captain of the Briar University hockey team.
The Mistake
John Logan: A charming hockey player struggling with unrequited love and finding his direction.
Grace Ivers: A witty and kind freshman learning to stand up for herself and embrace her worth.
The Score
Dean Di Laurentis: A cocky and carefree playboy who hides a more vulnerable side.
Allie Hayes: A strong and ambitious aspiring actress recovering from a tough breakup.
The Goal
John Tucker: The reliable and steady member of the hockey team, known for his calm demeanor.
Sabrina James: A fiercely independent and driven law student determined to rise above her challenging upbringing.
Both series feature interwoven friendships and relationships, creating a rich, interconnected world of relatable and dynamic characters.
Both the Off-Campus and Briar U series are fan favorites in the hockey romance genre, showcasing Elle Kennedy’s talent for creating compelling characters and engaging, emotionally rich love stories. Fans of one series often enjoy the other, as they feature overlapping characters and settings.
Elle Kennedy’s Briar U series is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance, offering unforgettable characters, witty banter, and heartfelt love stories. Whether you're a hockey romance enthusiast or simply love tales of personal growth and connection, this series delivers on every front. Dive into the world of Briar U, and get ready to laugh, swoon, and fall in love with these charming characters.
After the success of her Briar U and Off-Campus series, she has expanded her hockey-themed novels with new books. One of her latest works is The Graham Effect, the first book in her Campus Diaries series, which is a second-generation spin-off from her earlier works. This new series introduces Gigi Graham, the daughter of Garrett Graham from The Off-Campus Series, and Ryder, a rival player who becomes her love interest. The book delves into their complex relationship, with plenty of tension, humor, and steamy moments, all set against the backdrop of college hockey.
So, fans of Elle Kennedy’s hockey romances can look forward to more engaging stories set in the world of ice hockey, featuring both new and familiar characters.
Ice hockey romance novels combine the exhilarating, fast-paced action of the sport with heartwarming and often steamy romantic plots. These stories are set against the backdrop of icy rinks, intense games, and the high-stakes world of professional or collegiate hockey. They offer readers a chance to delve into the lives of rugged and talented athletes who find love amidst the challenges and triumphs of their demanding careers. After the Stanley Cup has been won, and hockey isn't on television every day, I have major withdrawals! But, these hockey sports romance books get me through the break until hockey season begins again! Whether you're a hockey fan or simply enjoy a good love story, ice hockey romance books offer a perfect blend of passion, drama, and heartfelt moments.
The Beartown trilogy, written by Fredrik Backman, consists of three books: Beartown, Us Against You, and The Winners. This series delves into the lives of the residents of a small, hockey-obsessed town, exploring themes of community, loyalty, and the impact of secrets on an uncertain future of a hockey town. Readers do not need to be hockey fanatics to appreciate the engrossing page-turners in a story of a hockey community and its inhabitants. The Beartown Triology is one of my favorite book series of all times with threads of story of revenge and a love of hockey and you can find an entire season of the books turned HBO show as well.
Hockey isn't just a sport; it's a passion that transcends the rink, capturing the hearts of kids everywhere. For young fans eager to dive into the world of slapshots, hat tricks, and heart-stopping saves, there's no better way to ignite their love for the game than through books. Whether they dream of scoring the winning goal or just want to feel the rush of the ice, these 35 best hockey book options for kids promise to inspire, entertain, and educate. Between the Elle Kennedy series and the new book options I provided above, you will be busy diving in to the love lives of on and ice hockey romances for the foreseeable future!
we'll explore a variety of ice hockey books for children that cater to different age groups and interests. From picture books for the youngest readers to chapter books for older kids, each title provides a unique perspective on the excitement and challenges of the game. Let's dive into the world of ice hockey through these wonderful children's books. Build your hockey children's book collection for young fans!
