Although the Briar U books do not need to be read in order, readers would get the fullest experience by reading them in publication order, by following this sequence:⁠[1]⁠[7]

Order Cover Title First published Notes
1 Book cover of The Chase. The Chase 2018⁠[8] Establishes Briar University, the hockey house, and the first romance.
2 Book cover of The Risk. The Risk 2019⁠[9] Shifts to Brenna and Jake and continues the Briar-Harvard hockey rivalry.
3 Book cover of The Play. The Play 2019⁠[5] Follows Hunter after earlier hockey and relationship complications.
4 Book cover of The Dare. The Dare 2020⁠[10] Centers on Conor while keeping Briar hockey and campus life in view.
5 Book cover of Bad Idea. Bad Idea 2026⁠[7] The forthcoming fifth book in the series.
Reading order of the Briar U books.
Reading order of the Briar U books.

1. The Chase

Main bookRecommended reading
Book cover of The Chase.
Book cover of The Chase.

The Chase (2018)⁠[8] introduces Briar University and follows Summer Heyward-Di Laurentis as she grapples with a housing issue that leads her to live with several hockey players. This novel not only establishes the setting but also introduces the team household and several recurring characters.⁠[3]

This story follows Summer’s growing relationship with Colin “Fitz” Fitzgerald and her experiences managing academic challenges, campus hostility, and judgment.⁠[3]

2. The Risk

Main bookRecommended reading
Book cover of The Risk.
Book cover of The Risk.

The Risk (2019)⁠[9] centers on Brenna Jensen, the coach’s daughter, and Jake Connelly, captain of the rival Harvard hockey team. Their tale is a stand-alone romance infused with rivalry, ambition, and family conflict.⁠[4]

It expands the hockey community by making the Briar-Harvard competition and Coach Jensen’s family life central to the series.⁠[4]

3. The Play

Main bookRecommended reading
Book cover of The Play.
Book cover of The Play.

The Play (2019)⁠[5] centers on Hunter Davenport, who enters the story determined to take responsibility for his behavior following earlier consequences from the hockey season. Paired with psychology student Demi Davis for a class project, Hunter’s book combines a separate campus romance.⁠[5]

Furthermore, it continues to spotlight Briar hockey, team leadership, and the established friendships formed both around the household and the rink.⁠[5]

4. The Dare

Main bookRecommended reading
Book cover of The Dare.
Book cover of The Dare.

The Dare (2020)⁠[10] follows Conor Edwards and Taylor Marsh after a sorority dare leads to a fake relationship. Their romance unfolds independently within the series.⁠[6]

The narrative incorporates the ongoing Briar hockey environment, including teammates, Coach Jensen, campus social groups, and the interconnected relationships among them.⁠[6]

5. Bad Idea

Main bookRecommended reading
Book cover of Bad Idea.
Book cover of Bad Idea.

Bad Idea, the fifth Briar U book, will be published on November 3, 2026.⁠[7]

References

  1. Briar U. Elle Kennedy.
  2. Bad Idea. Elle Kennedy.
  3. The Chase. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781775293972.
  4. The Risk. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781775293989.
  5. The Play. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781999549763.
  6. The Dare. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781728281292.
  7. Off Campus is now LIVE on Prime! Plus: check out what’s coming next! Elle Kennedy.
  8. The Chase. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781775293972.
  9. The Risk. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781775293989.
  10. The Dare. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728281292.