A Lazy Reader's Review of "The Mistake" by Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

    He's a player in more ways than one . . .

    College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hookups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance.

    Now he's going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat, and she plans on driving him wild.

Review

    Elle Kennedy's The Mistake, the second book in the Off-Campus series, is another fun and easy college sports romance, though it doesn't quite reach the same level as The Deal, in my opinion. While the book has strong moments – particularly with its humor, chemistry, and character growth – it also has some pacing issues and character choices that didn't fully work for me. Even though I enjoyed it, I found myself wishing for a little more depth, particularly in how the romance developed after the central conflict.

    John Logan, is the quintessential hockey bad boy – charming, confident, and effortlessly attractive – but beneath the surface, he's struggling with a future he doesn't want. His sense of obligation to his family, particularly his brother, adds depth to his character and gives him more emotional weight than just being the team's flirt. His personal arc, figuring out what he truly wants in life rather than settling out of guilt, was one of the strongest elements of the book.

    That said, Logan's initial fixation on Hannah dragged on for too long, making his interest in Grace feel like an afterthought at first. It wasn't until later in the book that his feelings for her truly started to feel authentic. And, of course, we have the mistake  his major screw-up that drives a wedge between them. While I understand that his self-sabotaging tendencies played into this, the way it was handled felt frustrating, and I wasn't completely satisfied with how quickly Grace forgave him. I wanted more groveling!

    Grace is a likable heroine, though she starts ogg a little reserved and naive. She's sweet, funny, and easy to root for, but for much of the first half of the book, she doesn't fully stand out. However,  her character arc is one of the book's highlights. After Logan's mistake, she doesn't just sit around waiting for him to win her back – she grows, gains confidence, and sets clear boundaries, which I really respected. By the end of the book, she felt like a much stronger and more self-assured character.

    However, I wish we had seen more of Grace outside of her relationship with Logan. Compared to Hannah in The Deal, who had a solid sense of self with her music and friendships, Grace's world felt a little less fleshed out. Her friendship with Ramona had potential but wasn't fully developed enough, like Ramona legit just vanished after she was rescued by Logan and Grace. I also would have liked to see more moments that focused on her personal ambitions and growth beyond her romance.

    Logan and Grace have great chemistry, and their early interaction are filled with Kennedy's signature witty banter and flirty tension. Their dynamic is playful, and I genuinely enjoyed their moments together before Logan inevitably messed things up. Some of the cutest parts of the book happen in these early chapter, when they're just getting to know each other without the pressure of a relationship.

    However, the pacing of their relationship felt uneven. The first half of the book is engaging, but once Logan makes his mistake, the second half feels rushed. His redemption arc – while sweet – didn't have enough build-up for me. Grace was initially reluctant to forgive him, which made sense given what happened, but I wanted to see more effort on Logan's part to prove himself to her. A few more meaningful interaction, rather than one grand gesture, would have made their reunion feel more earned.

    While The Mistake is an enjoyable read with a charming romance, it doesn't quite live up to The Deal. Logan's personal struggles add emotional depth to the story, and Grace's growth throughout the book is satisfying, but certain aspects – like Logan's lingering feelings for Hannah, the rushed redemption arc, and Grace's somewhat underdeveloped personal life – kept it from being a standout. That being said, I still found myself invested in their story and appreciated the humor, chemistry, and heartwarming moments scattered throughout.

    Overall, The Mistake is a solid addition to the Off-Campus series, even if it doesn't fully stick the landing. Fans of sports romance and college romance will likely still enjoy it, but it lacks the same tight pacing and emotional depth that made The Deal such an enjoyable read for me. If you’re reading the series, it’s definitely worth picking up, but be prepared for some frustration along the way.

Feb. 5, 2025 – Feb. 7, 2025

★★★⭑⭑☆☆