Challenge Corner discussion

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.

17%

(view spoiler)[Jake and brenna definitely have some chemistry. So much angst.

It sucks that Brenna’s dad tries to be so controlling. At least she doesn’t give in to him.

Jake couldn’t get Brenna to break things off with McCarthy so he talked to him instead. He texted Brenna and now she is pissed at Jake. But in al honesty, I would be pissed too. Jake needs to mind his own business.

That sexist interviewer was the worst.

I like that Brenna was bold enough to confront Jake about what he did.

It sucks that Jake’s folks aren’t super involved with his hockey career. But they seem very loving. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1 – 8 : (view spoiler)[Yayyy I am so excited to be back at Briar, it turned out to be a LONG break since I read the first book. I loved Brenna’s personality in The Chase as well so I was excited to read her standalone story and so far, it hasn’t disappointed. Sometimes all I need is a good steamy romance with no mysteries or whatever and Elle Kennedy’s books provide just that.Jake and Brenna’s first kiss and I am screaming!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9 – 17 : (view spoiler)[Their constant to and fro bickering is soooo entertaining! I absolutely love their chemistry and one thing that I am really digging in this book is that they haven’t had sex yet and still I can feel the sizzling hot tension between them. The first time they get together is going to be epic really and I am all here for it (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18 – 24 : (view spoiler)[Brenna not communicating with Jake about Eric is kind of annoying ngl because I felt bad when she ignored him for several days but ran back to him as soon as she got rejected for the internship, seemed like she was taking a little advantage. There’s no doubt that they both are smoking hot together but so far into the book, I would have preferred emotional maturity as well (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25 – 33 : (view spoiler)[Damn, Brenna’s story was painful, I feel bad for her but but but…..she still helps Eric all the time, HOW???He was a douche to her when she needed him the most. I am glad that Jake and Brenna’s relationship is out in the open now but the way it came out…that was damning. The teammates being angry at her is understandable, it would be interesting to see how they forgive her (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Brenna’s the whole dad talk was pretty heavy but good, I liked how they talked it out and resolved all the misunderstandings. Hazel turning out to have feelings for Jake was typical behavior and I felt disappointed. But atleast there was no villainry going on there *eye roll* One issue I had with the whole book was Jake’s career has been talked about a lot as compared to Brenna’s and I just feel they both should have been given equal weightage (hide spoiler)]

44%

(view spoiler)[Haha, OMG, Ruby is great. And she called Hollis and said to pick her up on Thursday for a date? So funny.

OMG, she told the interviewer that Jake is her boyfriend. Probably not the best idea. Even if he pretended to be her boyfriend to get rid of that guy at the bar.

That interviewer is a complete douchebag.

OMG, I am so sad because I don’t think that Hollis and Ruby have a book. I am so loving them. They are cracking me up. (hide spoiler)]

Kira wrote: "

Chapter 1 – 8 : [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Same here. I love the Briar books and Brenna was awesome in The Chase. I love these books for the same reason. I can just whiz through them in no time. And I loved their first kiss. He tried to save her from that guy at the bar. (hide spoiler)]

Kira wrote: "Chapter 9 – 17 : [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I thinks so too. Their chemistry is off the charts so when they seal the deal it will be epic. (hide spoiler)]

67%

(view spoiler)[Hazel most definitely has a thing for Jake. Too bad it isn’t reciprocated. The way that she barged in on Brenna in the coffee shop and gave her the business about Jake was uncalled for. She needs to do what Brenna said and mind her own business.

Eric is in a bad way. I think that I agree with Jake. Sometimes people are toxic and you have to cut them out of your life.

So are they really dating now or not? She was the first person she thought of after she didn’t get the internship. And he helped her with Eric. And then they boned. Seems like things are getting more serious. (hide spoiler)]

Kira wrote: "Chapter 18 – 24 : [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I definitely think that she was running from her problems when she ghosted him. He was the first person that she thought about after she lost the internship and that was what made her call him. (hide spoiler)]

Finished!

(view spoiler)[I can’t believe that Hazel got to Jake and made him question his relationship with Brenna. I can’t believe he broke up with her.

I am glad that Brenna had that talk with her dad. It was so emotional but it was so needed. Now I think that they can move forward without all the hostility.

Well, I guess it’s good to know why her dad and the Harvard coach dislike each other so much. I am actually glad for the reasons because I was so sure that the Harvard coach had raped her mom or that he was somehow Brenna’s biological father. Though, it would have been more dramatic that way.

I loved it so much when Hollis and Fitzy showed up to tell Jake how stupid he was for breaking Brenna’s heart. It was so touching.

It was so good of Brenna to return his bracelet before the game. And I was so pleased when her father said he would go with her.

I am so glad that they made up and that Jake was the first to say that he loved her since he was the one that dumped her. And I liked the epilogue. His parents seemed so happy that he had a girlfriend and Hazel was being nice to her. (hide spoiler)]

Kira wrote: "Chapter 25 – 33 : [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yes, her story was heartbreaking. It was so nice that she felt like she could tell Jake about it when she keeps it so close to the chest and doesn't open up about it with anyone. And yes, the way that their relationship was outed kind of sucked. I can also understand why her friends on the Briar team would be angry with her. But I am also glad that they got over it so quickly. (hide spoiler)]

Kira wrote: "Finished: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[The talk with her father was definitely necessary. I am glad that they seem to be on even ground now and can move forward. Hazel definitely had a thing for Jake. It was good of her to give the bracelet to him in the end. And I guess telling him how she felt was kind of brave. I am glad that she wasn't mean to Brenna after she knew that he loved her. (hide spoiler)]

28%

(view spoiler)[Haha, the semi thing cracked me up.

OMG, the hockey team wants a miniature pet pig. This is hilarious. Especially the coach’s reactions.

I like how easily Demi and Hunter talk with each other. They have a very casual and organic way with each other. Nothing ever seems forced or awkward with them.

It sucks that TJ is so into Demi and she has a boyfriend. And that he is friend-zoned.

Haha, oh lord, dropping Pablo into the pool. Their reactions were great. (hide spoiler)]

57%

(view spoiler)[I think that Hunter saw what he thinks he saw. Nico has given me bad vibes from the start. I think that he is definitely stepping out on Demi.

It’s sad that Demi thinks that she has to please her father by going to med school. Just because he is a doctor doesn’t mean she doesn’t have her own dreams. And it sounds like he wouldn’t approve of her going into psychology instead.

Whoa, Hunter finally told Demi about Nico and it didn’t go over that well. She was so defensive. If that doesn’t ring any bells then I don’t know what would.

Nico certainly sounded defensive when Demi brought up the frat party.

I’m calling it. Nico is cheating with her friend. She was at the party where he might have cheated. And his phone automatically connected to the wifi at her new house? Yeah. Suspish.

Oh yep, I was right! Cheated with Corinne. And probably a bunch of other girls. Poor Demi.

Hunter helping Demi sign up on Tinder was the cutest.

OMG, her date was hilarious! And Hunter spied on the whole thing.

Good god, these two are so meant to be together. They need to realize it already.

Haha, OMG. The phone, the earring, and now they’ve been arrested. This is great. (hide spoiler)]

77%

(view spoiler)[Oh shit. Nico is drunk and he and his friends have hunted down Hunter and their about to get physical. Nico is such a douchebag.

I am surprised that Hunter is sticking to his celibacy thing. Demi is trying so hard to get him to bone her and he is still going strong with the no-sex rule.

Haha, OMG. Thank you, Conor. His display with Demi really affected Hunter. So I guess now she’s getting her rebound. (hide spoiler)]

Finished!

(view spoiler)[Did Demi and Hunter officially become a couple at some point and I missed it? Because he just met her dad and it seems like they are a couple now but I don’t remember them ever saying it in so many words. They have just been sleeping together nonstop.

Okay, I guess they are mentioning now that they haven’t DTRed yet.

Holy shit, is TJ going to jump off the roof? WTF.

Aww, poor TJ. I hope that he gets the help he needs and that their friendship stays strong.

I am glad that things have been smoothed over with Demi’s dad. He showed up to give Hunter the business but he changed gears once he finally saw how much Hunter loves Demi. It was kind of sweet. And Hunter rushing to help her even though he was supposed to play a super important hockey game? Yeah.

Holy shit, Hollis and Rupi got married and eloped! They are the cutest. I can’t believe that she dropped out of school and he quit his job. Those two. I kind of wish that they had gotten their own book.

I think that Hunter and Demi are one of my favorite couples from the Briar and Off-Campus books. (hide spoiler)]

21%

(view spoiler)[It was nice of Conor to go along with the ruse and help Taylor. And they actually seemed to have a nice time together when they were holed up in that room all night. I liked the way that their chemistry felt so natural.

Abigail is a bitch. I am glad that Conor overheard her and made that scene.

Oh wow, Conor wants to fake date Taylor to make her look good to those assholes that were talking about her. And he says it will be fun. It seems like he actually cares about her to go through that. (hide spoiler)]

48%

(view spoiler)[Most of the sorority girls were impressed that Taylor had landed Conor.

I wish that Taylor could believe Conor when he tells her that he thinks she is beautiful. It can be hard for someone to see themselves differently though.

This old friend of Conor’s is bad business. He gives me a bad feeling. What kind of skeletons does Conor have in his closet? (hide spoiler)]

61%

(view spoiler)[Holy shit, her mom is seeing a professor at her college with the name Chad. Is is Conor’s hockey coach. Oh boy, I bet it is!

OMG, it is the hockey coach! And Brenna is there. This is great. And holy hell, there is a fire. This is cracking me up.

OMG, the beach diaper. =P

Kai is a douchebag. He is blackmailing Conor about something from his past. I can’t believe that he said he would get him the money. The smart thing to do would be to just explain what happened to his stepdad and mom and explain what Kai is doing. And probably apologize. I would not want to be beholden to someone like Kai because it will never end. (hide spoiler)]

84%

(view spoiler)[I can’t believe that Conor asked Hunter for the money. I am not surprised that Hunter gave it to him though.

I get that Conor is not in a good place right now but why is he pretty much ghosting Taylor? She doesn’t have anything to do with the money he’s getting for Kai. And honestly, he could just tell her the truth, tell her he needs some time, tell her something instead of stringing her along. Conor is better than that deep down even if he thinks that he isn’t.

I am glad that Conor and his stepdad cleared the air between them. I was worried that he really was an asshole. Their reuinion was actually touching.

Holy hell, a video of Rebecca and Taylor’s pledge where they are hardcore making out while naked was uploaded to a porn site and everyone is looking at it. I bet it was Abigail. That girl is a right piece of work. Please, tell me this book won’t end without that girl getting her comeuppance.

Aww, poor Rebecca. She has super conservative parents and she’s gay. What she described was awful. (hide spoiler)]

Finished!

(view spoiler)[Wow, it wasn’t Abigail after all. It was Jules.

Well, if I were Taylor I wouldn’t want to forgive Abigail either. But at the same time it’s big of her to apologize the way she did and support Taylor.

I guess Abigail isn’t so bad after all. It was good of her to talk to Conor to try and help Taylor.

Haha, OMG. Conor is prancing outside naked to level the playing field for Taylor. He is such a sweetheart. And when his coach and her mom pulled up with Brenna in the backseat? OMG, hilarious.

I am glad that they decided to go to the police.

Everything ended kind of perfectly. I’m not complaining. (hide spoiler)]

I'll read the third book either tomorrow or the day after that!

Kira wrote: "I'll read the third book either tomorrow or the day after that!"

Sounds good!

20% : (view spoiler)[ The number of times these people talk about sex in a day is highly alarming ngl, I didn’t know people in their 20s could be so obsessed about sex. I don’t know what changed because I loved the first book in the series but going through this one, i find it very problematic. Hunter being aroused by his roommates is just fucked up in my eyes. And everyone treats it like it’s no big deal, i cant get my head around it (hide spoiler)]

41% : (view spoiler)[ The characters are kinda growing on me now escpecially because this segment dealt with some pretty stuff in both Hunter and Demi’s life. The little outburst that Hunter has during the session with Demi was the best part of the book so far. It really helped me understand him better as a character. Nico was looking suspicious right from the start so I was not really surprised by him cheating but Corinne’s betrayal hurt (hide spoiler)]

61% : (view spoiler)[ I am glad that Hunter and Demi started their full on flirting AFTER the breakup or else it would have been really weird. Nico is such a prick for messing with Hunter just because he spends time with Demi. I enjoyed Demi and Hunter’s back and forth flirting right up until Demi texts that she wanted Hunter to be her rebound. At every point after that I feel like Demi is being way too clingy and pushy ugh (hide spoiler)]

80% : (view spoiler)[ I was NOT expecting Demi to go to such lengths in order to seduce Hunter but I also liked what followed after. It was hot no doubt. But Why is Demi’s dad so hell bent on believing that Nico is a good guy, i am getting so irritated by him. Well, atleast her mom showed some genuine interest in getting to know about Hunter. One little thing I loved here was how Demi always ends up helping people through her passion (hide spoiler)]

Finished : (view spoiler)[ Awww TJ, i honestly didn’t see that coming. Everyone did keep saying that he was in love with her but I did not expect for him to be suicidal to such an extent. I am glad that everything was resolved towards the end and even Demi’s dad had a semi decent moment, imagine my shock! But oh the epilogue, if that wasn’t the best one I’ve read in so long. I kinda want a Mike and Rupi book now tvh, those guys are amazing! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1 – 7 : (view spoiler)[Yayy! Fake dating trope…one of my favourites. Also I liked Colin in the other book so I am really excited to read his story. Not feeling Taylor yet but she’ll come around probably. I liked the way they gradually eased into the fake dating idea and they both seem to have built a liking for each other (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 – 16 : (view spoiler)[It is kind of understandable that Taylor isn’t ready to believe that Conor is genuinely interested in her, she has self confidence issues and I wholly relate with her on that level. I wish Conor stays patient and tries to understand where these issues stem from (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 – 26 : (view spoiler)[Kai is involved in such dangerous business and now that he’s blackmailing Conor for money, misunderstandings are bound to pop up between him and Taylor. I feel like he won’t talk to Taylor about all this and their growing relationship would sour because of this (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27 – 36 : (view spoiler)[Kudos to Taylor for giving really sensible advice to Conor, I was angry at him at first for blowing out on her but he quickly mended his ways and listened to her. Taylor would be proud indeed, he did sort things out with Max in an amazing way (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[This whole porn scenario was so fucking unnecessary and it made me really uncomfortable as well. So I am just going to ignore that portion and focus on Taylor and Conor who btw are absolute sweethearts. I loved the ending with surfboarding, it was simple with no deep promises about the future yet so hopeful (hide spoiler)]