ARC/ ALC Review

🎧𝐃𝐮𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
𝒯ℯ𝒹𝒹𝓎 ℋ𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓉ℴ𝓃， 𝒮ℯ𝒶𝓃 ℳ𝒶𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈，
𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒫ℯ𝓇𝓈ℯ𝓅𝒽ℴ𝓃ℯ ℒℯℯ🎙️

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬

🏒  𝐌𝐅𝐌 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🤳🏼  𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐝𝐦𝐬
☁️  𝐇𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 “𝒮𝓊𝑔𝒶𝓇 𝒫𝓊𝒻𝒻“
🎀  𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬
🎬  𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
💙  #𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬

✨𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬✨
𝐓𝐡𝐞 moment I picked up this book, I knew it was going to be something special. MFM romance isn't usually my go-to, but when it's written by Elle Kennedy, I couldn't resist. And I have to say, it did not disappoint!

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞 may seem like your typical sorority girl by day, but by night she craves adventure and thrill. When she matches with two guys on a hookup app, Beck and Will, she's in for a surprise. They are all about sharing, and Charlie is about to discover just how much!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 story was not only fun and steamy but also introspective. As the characters questioned their unconventional relationship, I found myself getting attached to them. The dynamics between Charlie, Beck, and Will were so well-developed, it was easy to see why they were drawn to each other. And let's not forget how good the spice was – both Beck and Will had a perfect blend of sweetness and raw passion that had me hooked.

𝐀 bonus treat was catching glimpses of our favorite hockey players from Elle Kennedy's previous series. Coach Hollis made me laugh so much and that dad chat, we need more. The humor and bromance were still as entertaining as ever!

🎧𝐈 also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and it was sizzling! The narrators, Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, and Persephone Lee, did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Their performances were seriously addictive, once you hit play, forget about work or chores!

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, if you're a fan of college hockey romance with a twist, this book is a must-read. And if you're considering the audiobook, go for it – you won't be disappointed. Huge thanks to Elle Kennedy and Hambright PR for this ARC ALC bundle.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟒/𝟓🔥
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝟓/𝟓🎧

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! My favorite of the series so far!

When I started this, I had no clue how the dynamics of this book were going to go. An intentional love triangle without jealousy or a high amount of drama is a new concept for me to read and it made for a relatively relaxing reading experience. I really enjoyed how Elle wrote the characters. The character building brought them off the page and were so easy to picture..they felt incredibly real. Each one had their own issues going on, but they navigated them well and though there was a lot going on at times, it all combined with the main plot in a satisfactory way.

I love a good sports romance and Elle made sure to include multiple hockey scenes to truly add the sport into the story. This isn’t just a romance where some characters happen to play a sport. It is integrated into the story.

As far as the spicy aspect, Elle never disappoints. It’s very believable and the characters are all respectful of each other. It’s not overwhelming and there is plenty of plot..this isn’t smut, though the scenes are descriptive.

The audiobook was very enjoyable and the narrators (Teddy Hamilton, Persephone Lee, & Sean Masters) fit what I envisioned for the characters extremely well. I could feel the emotions in the scenes from them and it brought the characters to life even more.

Another Elle Kennedy romance to add to my forever shelf! Highly recommend this!

Elle Kennedy brings another absolutely incredible installment of the Campus Diaries series with Will, Beckett, and Charlie. These three are super deep and dynamic characters that separately experience so much strife, pain, and happiness throughout these pages. As always, I laughed, cried, kicked my feet, blushed, and absolutely screamed at my phone. This audio was spectacular with Teddy, Persephone, and Sean. I was captivated by their duet performance, and I could not stop listening. This audio is easily the best this month, and possibly the best of the year!

Gosh, the dirty talk in this had me blushing! I highly recommend the audio. The duet narration was so good!! This was such a great way to end the Campus Diaries. I can't wait to see what Elle Kennedy writes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the ARC

I was so excited for book 3 of the Campus Diaries series! I went in totally blind, which was probably for the best because... surprise! It has a why choose trope, which, normally, is not for me. Somehow, this book totally flipped the script. I was invested in all the characters and the storylines. I didn't even mind the multiple love interests!

Narrators Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, and Persephone Lee were an absolute dream team! They totally brought this book to life. Teddy Hamilton is always amazing, Sean's accent made me swoon, and Persephone Lee just nailed all of Charlie's emotions.

If you're already a fan of the series, you're gonna love this one. If you're like me and usually avoid why choose books, I'd say give this one a shot. You might just be surprised!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for an ALC of this book. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.

I love the way Elle chose to write this story bringing each character's backstory to light. I could feel the emotions lurking within Beckett, Will, and Charlie struggling to break free, and I liked the way they were discovering their individual paths yet they also completed each other. The chemistry, the sparks, and the spice are all there, but what I really enjoyed was the way they way they were before, and the open discussions and control the guys gave to Charlie in starting their relationship after. Beautifully written and taking on some emotional topics this isn't just a romance, but so much more. I loved the audiobook, the narrators are fantastic, and I highly recommend listening to this love story.

I loved this book because of Beckett, Will, and Charlie. They were sexy, funny, amusing, and felt like real enough people which is something I love from Elle Kennedy. I liked how they went through Charlie's adoption and Will's daddy issues.

Book three in the Campus Diaries series did not disappoint. Charlie, a college senior, is an overachiever and perfectionist, always pushing herself to excel. As an adoptee, she feels the need to prove her worth, but when she’s not chasing perfection, she turns to a dating app for casual hookups. That’s where she meets Will and Beckett, two irresistible hockey players who like to share.

What starts as a casual arrangement soon turns into something deeper, forcing the trio to navigate their growing feelings and what it means for their relationship. The narration by Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, and Persephone Lee brings the characters to life, perfectly capturing their personalities, the emotional tension, and, of course, the sizzling chemistry.

If you love MFM romances, this audiobook is a must listen!


Thank you, Elle Kennedy, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

As a huge fan of the Off Campus- Briar U universe, I was really looking forward to this next instalment of the legacy series. I did enjoy the story, but I did feel like it would have made more sense if one of the love interest was a Briar U alumni’s kid instead of introducing a new character. The legacy characters mostly just had a couple of tiny cameos. Now if John Logan’s daughter was in a throuple, heads would have rolled.
That said, I liked that all three main characters had depth and skeletons in their closets. It wasn’t just a story about college experimentation, they were empowering each other to ask for what they really wanted and needed from their futures. All three needed to address past hurts and confront their parents about their role going forward.
I liked getting to see the vulnerability from all three main characters when you got past their defences and bluster.
I felt like there were a few loose threads in the story that could have made it a 5 star read for me if they were addressed, but all in all, it was a good book.
The side fan fic of the Virgin and the Blade was classic Elle Kennedy humour at its finest.

The Charlie Method was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025. More Will and Beckett? Yes, please! This story had me locked in and I genuinely couldn't put it down. Charlie is a college senior living a double life. She is a perfectionist who is academically competitive and a dedicated sorority member. She is also a girl who likes to have fun and take risks. While using a dating app, Charlie unknowingly connects with Will and Beckect, two Briar U hockey players. Everyone is just looking to have some fun, but end up with much more.

I loved this trio! I didn't have falling madly in love with a throuple on my bingo card, but here we are. I adored Charlie, Will, and Beckett and I'm honestly happy she was not forced to choose. How can one choose between Will with his kind heart and calming nature, and Beckett, our thoughtful and loveable Aussie? It's impossible! Their story had me laughing, tearing up, and kicking my feet. I loved the dynamics of their relationship and how they all take care of each other. They had such amazing chemistry. The spice was SPICIN' in this book! The scenes with two of them together were hot, but the scenes with the three of them were HOT. She is theirs, and they are hers. YES, INDEED.

I love a good, steamy romance story, but I will absolutely eat up a love story with character depth, growth, and emotional subplots. Elle Kennedy does a great job weaving in Charlie being an adoptee struggling a bit with her identity, while also searching for her biological family, Will dealing with forced expectations and the strained relationship between him and his politician father, and Beckett's shocking heartbreak and the impact it has had on how he approaches commitment.

There is so much to love about this book. The fan fiction, dad chat, and the scenes with Coach Hollis had me laughing out loud. I also love how supportive Charlie's family and friends were. The Charlie Method is a bingeable read with a great blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth with multi-faceted characters and an engaging plot. Highly recommended!

Narration:
Persephone Lee, Teddy Hamilton, and Sean Masters nailed this one. I had so much fun listening to this audiobook. Their performances were super entertaining, and I loved having all the characters' points of view. I could honestly listen to their voices all day. Persephone Lee fully embodied Charlie and made me fall for her from the start. I could feel the push and push as she navigated finding a balance between her desires and her worries about how the outside world saw her. Teddy Hamilton is the perfect voice for Will. There truly is nobody else who could have voiced this charming, calming, warm, and supportive character. Sean...oh, Sean. His Australian accent is perfection. Sean really brought the emotional vulnerability, bedroom dominance, and ultimately Beckett's hopefulness to life. Persephone, Teddy, and Sean's phenomenal performances create an amazing immersive listening experience.

Man do I love being back at Briar with this second generation so much. And when I heard this was gonna be a why choose MFM…I said SIGN ME UP. I’m an Elle Kennedy Stan and I was so so so excited for Charlotte.

This was super entertaining. I love a good college age romance to just take me out of my mundane SAHM life. Elle is perfect for that.. The spice was fantastic even if I want a bit more. I’ve read some SPOICY why choose so I wanted this to be a little more naughty.

I adored Charlie’s path to finding herself here. I feel that it’s so relatable to want to try and please everyone and not being able to be your true self. I related so hard. Our boys as well, had great character growth.

The audio as well was fantastic! Perfect narration. The narrators fit their characters to a T and with that accent…yessir. Yessir.

We also get cameos from our faves. I was cackling at our new assistant coach.


I docked a star because of a few things. I won’t spoil. But I just got real angry in the last 15 or so percent.
These books are a little thick though. There were things that I felt could have been left out *cough cough* fan fic saga. Even though I’d probably read that entire novel if Elle wrote it. It just seems out of left field here.

Elle Kennedy continues to be an auto buy for me. I adore these entire series both this, the Briar U and off-campus.

Thank you to the author, Hambright PR (for the e arc) and Dreamscape for the ALC.

3.5 stars

The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy centres on Charlotte Kingston, a college senior who leads a double life—an accomplished sorority girl and biomedical engineering student by day, and a daring, anonymous risk-taker named Charlie by night, engaging with two mysterious guys on a dating app. Will Larsen, the laid-back son of a politician, and Beckett Dunne, a carefree Aussie, each have their own secrets, including sharing romantic interests. When Charlotte meets them in person, their intense chemistry is undeniable, but their hidden truths add complexity to their growing bond. What begins as a physical attraction slowly transforms into something deeper and more meaningful.

➸ This book was a fun surprise, blending romance, humour, and emotional depth. While I wasn’t expecting to be so invested in the characters, the dynamic between the leads kept me engaged. I don’t usually gravitate toward MFM romance, and I didn’t love Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series (though I did enjoy Briar U), but I’m really liking this Campus Diaries series, and this book reinforced that.

I loved Charlie’s character. She’s confident, knows what she wants, and is unapologetically herself. At the same time, she’s dealing with more complex struggles, particularly around her identity as a Korean-American and adopted child. Her journey to figure out who she truly is, especially as she searches for her biological roots, added a poignant layer to the story that I really appreciated.

Charlie’s character is also relatable, especially for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be a people pleaser. She often bends to the expectations of others, constantly shifting her personality to fit the roles people want her to play. Watching her realise this and understand that it’s not sustainable was a meaningful part of the story. I think a lot of readers will see themselves in Charlie as she starts embracing her true self.

Beckett—He has such golden retriever energy. At first, he comes across as the carefree, fun-loving guy who’s always joking around. But as the story unfolds, we realise there’s so much more to him. Beckett is carrying some heavy emotional baggage, especially from a past heartbreak. This added depth to his character, making him even more endearing. The way he struggles to open up emotionally only makes you root for him even more. On the surface, he may seem laid-back, but underneath, he’s dealing with real pain and trauma.

Will is quiet and reserved, with a calm, controlled exterior that conceals a lot of complexity, particularly regarding his family. His father, a politician, places heavy expectations on him, which creates tension between them. I loved how Will served as the emotional anchor of the group. He’s the calm in the storm, and while he’s reserved, there are moments where his strength and decisiveness truly shine. He’s the glue that holds the trio together.

One of the things that stood out to me in this book was the theme of identity. Each of the main characters is wrestling with their own sense of self. Charlie’s quest to find her biological parents leads to an emotional journey. Alongside Charlie’s story, Beckett’s struggles with opening up about his past and Will’s relationship with his father added further layers to their emotional journeys. I loved how this book shows how everyone is shaped by their past and their family, and how difficult it can be to find your own identity amidst all of that.

The romance—The chemistry between Charlie, Will, and Beckett is undeniably spicy—and I’m not just talking about the heat between them, although that’s definitely present. What made the romance stand out to me was how it evolved emotionally. The trio doesn’t just dive straight into physical passion; they each work through their personal issues and growth before they can fully come together. The intimacy that develops isn’t just about lust; it’s about learning how to be vulnerable and trust one another. And while the romance is certainly steamy, it’s the emotional journey of all three characters that made it feel authentic and meaningful.

That said, I didn’t give this a higher rating because the pacing didn’t always work for me. Some sections dragged, and I found myself getting a little bored at times—the writing didn’t always keep me fully engaged, and certain moments felt flat. And while this is a long book, the ending still felt rushed. After all the buildup, I wanted a more satisfying resolution, but everything wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking.

Overall, I didn’t think this was perfect, but I had a lot of fun! This book balances spice, humour, and emotional depth in a way that kept me interested from start to finish. It’s not just about the romance (though the spice is definitely there), but also about personal growth, identity, and navigating the complexities of relationships. The Graham Effect is still my favourite in this series, but this was a solid addition. Elle Kennedy is great at delivering fun, bingeable reads, and while this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I still enjoyed the experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the ARC.

Will, Beckett, and Charlie's story is here! I have been chomping at the bit waiting for Will and Beckett's story to be here and they met their match with Charlie.

Will and Beckett have been close this entire series, but seeing them in action sharing Charlie was a whole new level of HOTNESS! But this book was so much more than a romance - I actually felt at times that the romance was secondary to the story.

Charlie - this is one of the most complex characters that I have ever read. She has a perfect, intelligent, good girl persona that she shows the world, but in secret, she is a freak in the sheets who just wants a good bang (we listen and we want to be her!). But throughout this book, we see Charlie go through so much - from a terrible ex, to dating two men in private, to having the best sex of her life, and to finding out so much more about where she came from.

Will - my darling Will. He is the cinnamon roll of the group and the safe place for all of them to land. I loved his sternness in standing up to his father.

Beckett - he has had trauma in the past that affects his relationships now. And we definitely see that. I loved his LOVE for both Will (platonically) and Charlie (romantically) and how sweet the three of them were together.

The narrators in this book truly made this book. Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, and Persephone Lee were the perfect trio for them. Teddy is always great in his college man roles. Sean, which I didn't even realize was Sean at first, had the most delicious accent that had me salivating. And Persephone brought out all of the feelings for Charlie.

I truly enjoyed this book - my only qualm was the ending and how it came out of absolutely nowhere and I felt that it was rushed.

Thank you to Elle and Dreamscape for the advanced copy.

I think I should start off by saying that I haven’t read any of the other Briar U books. I personally think that being the second generation, you should read the first one because I didn’t feel connected like I should have. The characters in here, I'll really appreciate more when I've reread it after completing the rest of the Briar U!

Also, a huge shoutout to GetRedPR! It was an honor to be able to get an eARC and an ALC for it! I loved the narration! (It definitely got me into Audiobooks!)

A few things that I've noticed.. There wasn't a lot of hockey in this book. As a hockey lover myself, I wish that there was more hockey incorporated into it. It felt very driven around Charlie and her sorority life. I sat here for a moment after finishing it trying to see if I could draft a review because my brain couldn't fully understand what happened. I liked it enough to continue BUT, the drama at the end.. I didn't find it really needed. I also personally don't like drama in the last 25%..

Overall: 4/5
Spice: 2.5/5

The story delves into complex relationships and emotional growth, weaving themes of love, trust, and vulnerability. The protagonist, a bright college student, forms deep connections with two men who embrace a rare dynamic—choosing to share their love rather than compete for her affection. This unique approach to relationships made the story feel fresh and engaging, highlighting how much more fulfilling connections can be when built on understanding and trust, instead of jealousy and insecurity.

At the same time, family plays a key role in shaping the protagonist’s journey. She was adopted into a supportive, loving home, while her brother faced a much more difficult life. This contrast between their experiences brought additional emotional depth to the story, underscoring the importance of family and its impact on personal growth.

Though the ending felt somewhat rushed, not allowing certain moments to fully develop, the emotional weight of the story stayed with me. This audiobook explores themes that resonate long after listening, leaving me reflecting on love, trust, and the complexities of human connection.

I have never rooted for main characters so much before. I was instantly drawn into this story. I did not feel like the first two books needed to be read to understand this one but I will be circling back to read the first two because I enjoyed this one so much. This book was so well written. Not only did Charlotte have love problems, she had real life issues to deal with and navigate sharing with her family. I was just as interested in learning the outcome of her college project and the development of her interpersonal relationships with family. The ending was perfect and exactly what I was hoping for. The three audiobook narrators all sounded like exactly what I’m picturing for each character. I got wrapped up into each narrator’s portion of the book. I truly enjoyed this book and will revisit this author.

Audio

Oh my god so good! I loved the story! And now actually hearing it?! And their voices?! Damn 🌶️🔥🔥 Elle Kennedy is the queen of ice hockey!

Thank you to Dreamscape for my ALC of The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy.

I adored The Charlie Method. Elle Kennedy was one of my first "college hockey romance" authors when I picked up The Deal years ago, and she remains a favorite author today. This second-generation series was so much fun, and The Charlie Method was a perfect way to wrap up this trilogy. Charlotte is a perfect daughter, sister, and student--but she also has a daredevil side that comes out at night, at the racetrack and in the bedroom. When she matches with two guys on one profile on a dating app, she has to wrestle with how the reality of a poly relationship differs from the fantasy. The guys in question? Two Briar U hockey players--Will and Beckett. A hockey player sandwich? Yes, please.

Honestly, I loved it. The journey Charlie takes, rejecting her internalized shame and fear and embracing what truly makes her happy, was a joy to watch, and I loved how supportive and encouraging both Will and Beckett were as she figured things out. Books like this one help me to challenge my own preconceived notions about relationships and how things are "supposed" to be. Btw, this one is MFM, which means no sword cross, folks.

The audiobook was so well done. Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, and Persephone Lee all delivered incredible performances, and having the two male narrators really helped me tell the two men apart.

Elle Kennedy absolutely delivered with The Charlie Method, and the audiobook narration made it even better! Charlie, Will, and Beckett are such a dynamic trio—I loved their banter, chemistry, and the way they supported each other. Charlie was a standout FMC—smart, driven, and unapologetically herself, and I adored how Will and Beckett balanced her with their charm and depth. The mix of humor, steam, and emotional moments kept me hooked, and the cameo appearances from past Briar U characters were such a treat. If you love hockey romance, strong heroines, and a little extra spice, this is a must-read!

This audiobook was so well done - the voices were perfect for the characters and really made me visualize them in my head.

Charlie, Will & Beckett - my new favorite trio ❤️

You know when you love a book so much, you feel kind of sad knowing you have finished it & can’t ever read it again for the very first time? That’s me right now 🥹

This has been my most anticipated read since I finished The Dixon Rule (in other words I’ve waited 265 days on this book, but who is counting 😂) & it still exceeded my expectations!

I was already in love with Beckett & Will from previous books, and I fell in love with Charlie on page one. She’s smart, a go-getter, fun, loyal and vulnerable. While this is, in my opinion, definitely the spiciest Kennedy book to date, it also has an emotional depth discussing important topics such as learning how to love & accept yourself when you don’t live according to the “norm” and that is ok to go after what you want in life.

While I’m so sad to say goodbye to the Campus Diaries series, I have loved every page of these books & I can’t wait to see where Elle takes us to next 🥰

Thank you so much @getredprbooks for the arc! ♥️

The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy will be available on February 25! This book is for you if you love to read:

🏒 MFM
🎀 Girl boss in STEM
🏒 Super spicy texts
🎀 Sorority girl w/ secrets
🏒 Hockey Romance
🎀 “Our Girl”