The Chase by Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

Summer arrives at Briar University, her heart pounding with the promise of a fresh start and a coveted spot in a prestigious sorority. But her reputation precedes her, slamming the door shut on her dreams and leaving her adrift. With no home and no plan, an unexpected lifeline emerges: a room in a chaotic hockey house, shared with her brother's best friend and her own secret crush, the brooding and tattooed Fitzy. Living under the same roof, their unspoken connection ignites, creating a dangerous dance of desire and denial.

As their worlds collide, a New Year's Eve kiss with another hockey player sends ripples through their carefully constructed defenses, only for Summer to overhear devastating words that confirm her deepest fears about her worth. Heartbroken and determined not to chase someone who deems her superficial, Summer erects her own walls, turning the shared house into a minefield of unspoken tension and careful avoidance. The air crackles with unspoken feelings, as both struggle with their pride and the undeniable pull between them.

Through academic struggles, unexpected acts of heroism, and the persistent advances of a rival, Fitzy and Summer are forced to confront the true nature of their feelings. Can two people so stubbornly guarded break down the emotional barriers they've built, or will past hurts and misunderstanding keep them forever locked in a silent chase, denying a connection that could change everything?