The Dare by Elle Kennedy follows the tumultuous journey of college students navigating love, friendship, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of Greek life, the story explores themes of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships. Protagonists Taylor and her friends face challenges that test their bonds and reveal their true selves. This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of new adult fiction and those who enjoy stories filled with humor and heartfelt moments. Readers will find themselves immersed in the vibrant college atmosphere and the ups and downs of young adulthood.

Key Points

  • Explores the dynamics of college life and Greek life culture
  • Follows the romantic entanglements of Taylor and her friends
  • Highlights themes of friendship, love, and personal growth
  • Set in a contemporary university environment with relatable characters
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Elle Kennedy
Edition:2020 Edition
331 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Elle Kennedy
Edition:2020 Edition
331 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Literature
194
/ 331
I
1
TAYLOR
t’s Friday night, and I’m watching the greatest minds of my generation
get destroyed by Jell-O shots and blue concoctions served from ten-
gallon paint buckets. Sweat-beaded bodies writhing half-naked,
frenzied, hypnotized with subliminal waves of electronic arousal. The house
is wall-to-wall psych majors acting out their parental resentment on
unsuspecting future MBAs. Poli-sci students planting the seeds of the
blackmail checks they’ll be writing in ten years.
AKA your typical Greek Row party.
“Have you ever noticed how dance music kind of sounds like listening
to drunk people having sex?” Sasha Lennox remarks. She’s standing beside
me in the corner, where we’ve wedged ourselves between the grandfather
clock and a standing lamp to best blend in with the furniture.
She gets it.
It’s the first weekend back from spring break, and that means the annual
Spring Break Hangover party at our Kappa Chi sorority house. One of the
many events Sasha and I refer to as mandatory fun. As Kappas, we’re
required to attend, even if that means our presence is more decorative than
functional.
“Like it wouldn’t be so offensive if there was a melody, at least. This…”
Sasha crinkles her nose, and her head twitches to a siren wail that blares
through the surround sound system before another shattering bass line
thunders in. “This is some shit the CIA used on doped-out MKUltra test
subjects.”
I cough out a strangled laugh, almost choking on the cup of whatever
YouTube party punch recipe I’ve been nursing for the last hour. Sasha, a
music major, has an almost religious aversion to anything not performed by
live instruments. She’d rather be front row at a concert in some dive bar, the
reverb of a Gibson Les Paul ringing in her ears, than be caught dead under
the flashing techno kaleidoscope of a dance club.
Don’t get me wrong, Sasha and I certainly aren’t fun-averse. We hang
out at the campus bars, we do karaoke in town (well, she does, while I cheer
her on from the safety of the shadows). Hell, we once got lost in Boston
Common at three in the morning while stone-cold sober. It was so dark that
Sasha accidentally fell into the pond and almost got molested by a swan.
Trust me, we know how to hang.
But the ritualistic practice of college kids plying each other with mind-
altering substances until they mistake inebriation for attraction and
inhibition for personality isn’t our fondest idea of a good time.
“Look out.” Sasha nudges me with her elbow at the sound of shouts and
whistles from the foyer. “Here comes trouble.”
A wall of unabashed maleness crashes through the front door to chants
of “Briar! Briar!”
Like Wildlings storming Castle Black, the towering goliaths of the Briar
University hockey team trample through the house, all thick shoulders and
broad chests.
“All hail the conquering heroes,” I say sarcastically, while Sasha
smothers a snide smirk with the side of her thumb.
The hockey team won their game tonight, putting them into the first
round of the national championship. I know this because our Kappa sister
Linley is dating a benchwarmer, so she was at the game snapchatting rather
than here with us cleaning toilets, vacuuming, and mixing drinks for the
party. The privileges of dating royalty. Although a fourth-stringer ain’t
exactly Prince Harry, but maybe somewhere closer to the coke-addict son of
someone prince-adjacent.
Sasha pulls her phone from the waistband of her skin-tight faux leather
leggings and checks the time.
I peer at the screen and groan. Oh man, it’s only eleven p.m.? I already
feel a migraine coming on.
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FAQs

What are the main themes in The Dare by Elle Kennedy?
The Dare delves into themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery among college students. It portrays the challenges of navigating relationships in a vibrant Greek life setting. The characters face personal growth as they confront their fears and insecurities, making the story relatable to young adults. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments enhances the exploration of these themes, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance.
Who are the main characters in The Dare?
The primary characters in The Dare include Taylor, a college student who is navigating her way through love and friendships. Alongside her are her close friends, each with their own unique personalities and challenges. The interactions between these characters drive the plot and highlight the complexities of their relationships. Their growth throughout the story reflects the struggles and triumphs of young adulthood, making them relatable to readers.
What is the setting of The Dare?
The Dare is set in a contemporary college environment, primarily focusing on Greek life and the social dynamics that come with it. The vibrant atmosphere of campus life serves as a backdrop for the characters' experiences, from parties to academic pressures. This setting enhances the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the challenges and joys of college life. The depiction of Greek life adds an additional layer of complexity to the characters' interactions.
What can readers expect from the writing style of Elle Kennedy?
Elle Kennedy's writing style in The Dare is engaging and relatable, characterized by witty dialogue and vivid descriptions. She effectively captures the emotions and experiences of young adults, making the characters' journeys feel authentic. The blend of humor and poignant moments keeps readers invested in the story. Kennedy's ability to create dynamic characters and realistic scenarios makes her work appealing to fans of contemporary romance.
Is The Dare part of a series?
Yes, The Dare is part of the Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy. This series features interconnected stories about different characters, all set within the same college environment. While each book can be read independently, readers will enjoy the recurring characters and themes that tie the series together. The series explores various aspects of college life, making it a favorite among fans of new adult fiction.

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