Elle Kennedy’s The Mistake, the second book in the Off-Campus series, follows college hockey player John Logan and freshman Grace Ivers. It’s a classic sports romance with a familiar setup: the popular jock, the smart and somewhat insecure heroine, a drunken mistake, and a slow build toward redemption. If you’ve read the first book, The Deal, you’ll recognize the style—banter-heavy, dual-perspective, and set in a glossy version of college life. But this entry has its own quirks and shortcomings.
In real-world usage, this is a book you pick up when you want something light and emotionally safe. It’s not a literary novel, nor does it pretend to be. Readers often turn to it for a quick, satisfying escape—something to read on a weekend or during a commute. The pacing is brisk, with short chapters and a focus on dialogue and internal monologue. The romance develops through a series of awkward encounters, study sessions, and a few steamy scenes. The hockey backdrop adds atmosphere but isn’t essential to the plot; you don’t need to know the sport to follow the story.
Key functional features include the dual point-of-view, which lets you see both Logan’s regret and Grace’s guardedness. The book also tackles themes of insecurity and responsibility, as Logan deals with the fallout of a careless hookup at a party. The writing is straightforward and accessible, with a conversational tone that keeps pages turning. Kennedy includes realistic details about college life—dorm rooms, cafeteria meals, and group projects—that ground the fantasy element.
However, there are limitations. The plot is highly predictable; the “big mistake” is revealed early, and the trajectory toward reconciliation follows a well-worn path. Some readers may find the conflict resolved too neatly, with characters forgiving each other faster than seems believable. The secondary characters, while charming, sometimes feel like cardboard cutouts designed to deliver one-liners. Additionally, the book leans heavily on tropes like the “player with a heart of gold” and the “shy girl who just needs confidence,” which can feel tired if you’ve read many similar stories.
Compared to other new adult sports romances, The Mistake is solid but not exceptional. It’s more focused on character dynamics than, say, the detailed team interactions in a series like Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers. It also has less emotional depth than a book like Losing It by Cora Carmack, which explores similar themes with a bit more nuance. Where it excels is in its easy readability and the chemistry between the leads—though that chemistry sometimes feels more told than shown.
Who is this book for? It’s ideal for readers who enjoy light, predictable romance with a college setting and a happy ending. If you liked the first Off-Campus book, you’ll likely enjoy this one, as it maintains the same tone and style. It’s also a good pick for someone new to the genre who wants a low-stakes introduction. On the other hand, it’s not suitable for readers who want complex plots, deep character arcs, or realistic relationship challenges. If you’re looking for a romance that subverts tropes or offers a fresh take, you might find this one too familiar. The book also includes some casual sexism in dialogue and a few moments where the hero’s behavior is glossed over—something to be aware of if that bothers you.
Overall, The Mistake delivers what it promises: a fun, fast read with a satisfying romantic payoff. It won’t change your life, but it might make a commute or a lazy afternoon more enjoyable. Just don’t expect surprises or deep insights. It’s comfort food for the romance reader—tasty, but not particularly memorable.