The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

The Mistake by Elle Kennedy follows Logan, a college student grappling with unrequited love for his best friend's girlfriend, Hannah. Set in a lively campus environment, the story explores themes of friendship, jealousy, and self-discovery. As Logan navigates his feelings, he faces the awkwardness of living with Hannah and his best friend Garrett, who are in a relationship. This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of new adult fiction and those who enjoy stories about love triangles and personal growth. Readers will find humor and emotional depth as Logan embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and unexpected connections.

Key Points

  • Explores the complexities of unrequited love and friendship dynamics
  • Follows Logan's internal struggle with his feelings for Hannah
  • Set against the backdrop of college life and hockey culture
  • Features themes of jealousy, self-discovery, and personal growth
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The Mistake
An Off-Campus Novel
Elle Kennedy
1
Logan
April
L   best friend’s girlfriend sucks.
First off, there’s the awkward factor. As in, it’s really fucking
awkward. I can’t speak for all men, but I’m pretty sure that no guy
wants to leave his bedroom and bump into the girl of his dreams
after she’s just spent the whole night in his best friend’s arms.
Then there’s the self-loathing element. This one’s a given,
because it’s kind of hard not to hate yourself when you’re fantasizing
about the love of your best friend’s life.
At the moment, the awkwardness is definitely winning out. See, I
live in a house with very thin walls, which means I can hear every
breathy moan that leaves Hannah’s mouth. Every gasp and sigh.
Every thump of the headboard smacking the wall as someone else
screws the girl I can’t stop thinking about.
Fun times.
I’m on my bed, flat on my back and staring up at the ceiling. I’m
not even pretending to scroll through my iPod library anymore. I
popped the ear buds in with the intention of drowning out the sounds
of Garrett and Hannah in the other room, but I still haven’t pressed
play. I guess I’m in the mood to torture myself tonight.
Look, I’m not an idiot. I know she’s in love with Garrett. I see the
way she looks at him, and I see how they are together. They’ve been
a couple for six months now, and not even I, the worst friend on the
planet, can deny they’re perfect for each other.
And hell, Garrett deserves to be happy. He plays it off like he’s a
cocky sonofabitch, but truth is, he’s a goddamn saint. The best
center I’ve ever skated with and the best person I’ve ever known,
and I’m comfortable enough with my hetero status to say that if I did
play for the other team? I wouldn’t just fuck Garrett Graham, I’d
marry him.
That’s what makes this a trillion times harder. I can’t even hate
the dude who’s tapping the chick I want. No revenge fantasies to be
had, because I don’t hate Garrett, not in the slightest.
A door creaks open and footsteps echo in the hallway, and I pray
to God that Garrett or Hannah doesn’t knock on my door. Or open
their mouths, for that matter, because hearing either of their voices
right now will only bum me out even more.
Luckily, the loud knock that rattles my doorframe comes from my
other roommate, Dean, who waltzes inside without waiting for an
invitation. “Party at Omega Phi tonight. You down?”
I dive off my bed faster than you can say pathetic, because a
party sounds like a fan-fucking-tastic idea right about now. Getting
wasted is a surefire way to stop myself from thinking about Hannah.
Actually, no—I want to get wasted and screw someone’s brains out.
That way if one of those activities doesn’t help me with my don’t-
think-about-Hannah goal, the other can serve as backup.
“Hell yeah,” I answer, already fumbling around for a shirt.
I slip a clean T-shirt over my head and ignore the twinge of pain
in my left arm, which is still sore as shit from the bone-jarring body
check I took at the championship game last week. But the hit was
totally worth it—for the third consecutive year, Briar’s hockey team
secured another Frozen Four victory. I guess you can call it the
ultimate hat trick, and all the players, myself included, are still
reaping the rewards of being three-time national champions.
Dean, one of my fellow defensemen, calls it the Three P’s of
Victory: parties, praise and pussy.
It’s a pretty fair assessment of the situation, because I’ve been on
the receiving end of all three since our big win.
“You gonna be the DD?” I ask as I throw a black hoodie over my
T-shirt and zip it up.
My buddy snorts. “Did you really just ask me that?”
I roll my eyes. “Right. What ever was I thinking?”
/ 291
End of Document
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FAQs of The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

What is the main conflict in The Mistake?
The main conflict in The Mistake revolves around Logan's feelings for Hannah, his best friend's girlfriend. As he grapples with his attraction to her, he faces the challenge of maintaining his friendship with Garrett while dealing with the emotional turmoil of wanting someone he cannot have. This internal struggle creates tension and awkwardness, especially as he lives in close proximity to them. The story delves into themes of loyalty, desire, and the complexities of love in a college setting.
How does Logan cope with his feelings for Hannah?
Logan copes with his feelings for Hannah by trying to distract himself through parties and casual encounters. He initially attempts to drown his sorrows in alcohol and the company of others, hoping to forget about his unrequited love. However, as the story progresses, he begins to confront his emotions more directly, leading to moments of self-reflection and growth. This journey highlights his struggle between wanting to respect his friendship with Garrett and acknowledging his own desires.
What themes are explored in The Mistake?
The Mistake explores several themes, including unrequited love, friendship, and the challenges of navigating romantic feelings within a close-knit group. It also addresses the importance of self-discovery and personal growth, as Logan learns to understand his emotions and make choices that align with his true self. The story balances humor and emotional depth, showcasing the complexities of young adult relationships and the impact of choices on friendships.
Who are the main characters in The Mistake?
The main characters in The Mistake include Logan, the protagonist who struggles with his feelings for Hannah, and Garrett, Logan's best friend and Hannah's boyfriend. Hannah is a key figure in the love triangle, representing the object of Logan's affection. Other supporting characters, such as Dean, add to the dynamics of college life and friendship, contributing to the overall narrative of love, loyalty, and self-acceptance.
What is the setting of The Mistake?
The Mistake is set in a contemporary college environment, primarily focusing on the lives of students at Briar University. The backdrop includes the vibrant social scene of campus life, with parties, hockey games, and the challenges of academic pressures. This setting enhances the themes of young adult relationships and the complexities of navigating love and friendship during formative years.

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