Content Warning: *Slight spoilers ahead*
Attention all readers, romance novelist, Elle Kennedy is back, and she’s included her signature drama and humor in her new piece. Readers familiar with Kennedy’s work know that she’s best known for, “Off-Campus” — a hockey-romance series. The drama-filled, sports romance series stole many readers’ hearts and placed Kennedy at the top of their “to-be-read” lists. Her newest book, “Girl Abroad” — released February 13 of this year — may have you considering a move to London…
When the story’s protagonist, Abbey Bly has the chance to study abroad in London and escape her overprotective, former-rockstar dad, she doesn’t hesitate. However, Abbey lands in London and realizes that her roommates, Lee, Jack and Jamie, whom she had been messaging with before her arrival, are boys, not girls; and Abbey’s father would never let her stay if he found out. So, Abbey keeps this fact hidden from him in order to stay in London. The four roommates have one, major rule: no one is allowed to “hook-up” with each other, and this began after a situation of this matter with a previous roommate. Although this rule is in place, Abbey can’t help but develop a crush on her Australian rugby player roommate Jack; along with falling head over heels for Nate, a British musician who is already in a relationship. On top of her love triangle chaos, Abbey finds herself tangled in another scandal stemming from a research project (you’ll have to read the book to find out more)!
Usually, when a book’s trope surrounds a love triangle, I set that book down to save myself the frustration. However, when I noticed that “Girl Abroad” was written by Elle Kennedy, I decided to try it out and see if my reading slump would subside. Even though I was hesitant at first, I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable this book was to read. If you prefer novels with more depth, this book probably isn’t for you. Elle Kennedy is known for writing fun, easy-to-read, angsty, college-kid romances. So, if you read this novel and find yourself upset with its lack of seriousness, I tried to warn you!
With all that said, “Girl Abroad” was a great read. Abbey Bly’s character development is strong and happens quickly throughout the book. Another one of the story’s ‘pros’ is that the love triangle wasn’t the only plot for readers to get lost in. The mystery of Abbey’s research project and the information it uncovered added a unique element to the typical romance storylines seen today. I highly recommend this book for your next adult romance read if you want a fun and fast-paced story — which Elle Kennedy never fails to offer.