Release date: March 17, 2026
Publisher: Bloom Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns with her signature heat and humor for a Briar universe standalone romance featuring the next generation Off-Campus characters―where one unforgettable summer changes everything.
After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family’s lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a “bad idea,” and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen.
With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He’s spent years keeping his distance, convinced he’s all wrong for her, but she’s no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She’s confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It’s catching fire fast.
They both know this can’t last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they’re tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces.
But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance…or the final verse.
Review:
There are certain fictional worlds I will never, ever get tired of visiting, and the Briar universe is at the very top of that list. With Love Song, Elle Kennedy delivers everything longtime fans could possibly want — nostalgia, next gen chaos, swoony romance, and emotional depth — and somehow still makes it feel fresh. Being reunited with this crew (plus watching the older generation interact with the next?) was pure serotonin. The group chats alone had me snort laughing, and the dad chat? Elite. Absolute elite content.
Wyatt and Blake were so obviously meant to be, but watching them actually get there was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The angst? Perfection. The chemistry? Off the charts undeniable. I tried so hard not to devour this book because I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to live in that Lake Tahoe summer bubble forever, but it was impossible to pace myself because it was just so freaking good. Blake’s post breakup resolve and Wyatt’s long simmering feelings created the kind of slow burn tension that aches in your chest in the most satisfying way.
And while this book is wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight. Elle Kennedy doesn’t shy away from serious topics, and she handles them with her usual care and tenderness, adding layers of depth to what already felt like a perfect romance. For me, the Lake Tahoe setting added an extra layer of comfort — it’s a place that holds special family memories, and seeing it come alive on the page made this story feel even more personal. Fans of this series are going to be absolutely delighted. It’s everything we’ve been waiting for and more. I’m fully obsessed.
Overall rating: 5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
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