The Play Elle Kennedy Vk Updated May 2026

Demi Davis is navigating her junior year at Hester University. Unlike her sister Hunter, Demi is reserved, studies hard, and has a long-term boyfriend. However, her life turns upside down when she discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her.

Enter Jake Connelly. Jake is the arrogant, charming captain of the Harvard hockey team—Briar University's biggest rival. He is strictly anti-relationship and focuses entirely on hockey. Through a series of events (and a convenient need for a place to stay), the two end up as roommates.

What starts as a rivalry and a "fake dating" arrangement to make Demi’s ex jealous quickly turns into a genuine, steamy connection. the play elle kennedy vk updated

1. The "Rivals to Lovers" Trope If you enjoy the trope where two people hate each other and then fall in love, this is executed well. Jake is the "enemy" because he plays for Harvard, and seeing the tension between him and Demi (and eventually the Briar guys) is entertaining.

2. Demi’s Character Growth Demi starts the book as a bit of a doormat—she is people-pleasing and sticks to a safe, boring life. Watching her finally stand up for herself, get the tattoo, and take risks was satisfying. She is relatable for anyone who has ever felt like the "good girl" who wants to break free. Demi Davis is navigating her junior year at

3. Jake is "Book Boyfriend" Material Elle Kennedy excels at writing charming, cocky hockey players who have hidden depths. Jake appears to be a shallow player, but his loyalty to his sister and his hidden struggles with dyslexia/learning disabilities make him endearing. He is supportive of Demi in a way her ex never was.

4. The Steam Level As with all Elle Kennedy books, the spice is high. The chemistry between Jake and Demi is electric, and the "roommates" aspect adds plenty of tension. Enter Jake Connelly

1. Predictability The plot follows a very standard formula. If you have read The Deal (the first book in the Off-Campus series), you will notice similarities: a fake relationship trope and a problematic ex-boyfriend. It doesn't break new ground.

2. The Ex-Boyfriend The villain of the story (Demi’s ex) is cartoonishly evil. He cheats, he’s manipulative, and he is easy to hate. It would have been interesting to see a more nuanced conflict, but he serves his purpose as a catalyst for Demi’s change.