Sophia Rose

17 de agosto de 2020

Surprise Friendship Blossoms Into More with Fun Banter and Good Chemistry in College Romance

College setting, they come from two different worlds on campus, but past pain and a certain deal lead to something more than a friendship. I love hockey romance and my favorite New Adult trope is a nerd and a jock. This was a variation on that and I already enjoy the author's adult romances so it was an easy choice when I needed just such a book for a pair of reading challenges.The Deal opens with pretty, but quiet music student, Hannah Wells, agreeing to tutor the popular captain of the hockey team, Garrett Graham, in their shared philosophy class so he can stay eligible to play in exchange, he agrees to help her make a Hannah's secret crush, a gorgeous football player, jealous. A surprise friendship forms and then a fake kiss sizzles into something potent and real. But, they both have pasts that can rear ugly heads and future plans that don't involve each other. Will they renegotiate for a new deal?I don't mean this disparagingly, but I've never gravitated toward the New Adult genre. We all have our druthers and this is one of mine. That said, I had no hesitation picking up an Elle Kennedy New Adult. After reading the Him series, I had no doubt this author could write this genre well and make me love the story I was getting. It didn't hurt that she put one of my few favorite college tropes into play and she didn't emo it up though the pair both had deep issues from their past, particularly Hannah who is an abuse survivor. She gave due attention to character background like her music and his hockey, their friend circles, their college lives, and their relationship all equally. It was even paced and evenly developing building from a little hostility to partners in their deal, to friendship, and finally something more.Hannah was raped at a high school party. I don't feel this is a spoiler since it's revealed in the opening chapter. She's getting her life back and has dreams and goals. She is in a place where she's ready to join in some social events and get back to dating with her roomie bud, Allie, as her wing gal. She's already got who she thinks is the perfect guy in her sights even if another guy is distracting her. I thought Hannah's character was fabulous. She's feisty, but also vulnerable. She puts herself out there, but she's still working through stuff. I was impressed that the author went the extra mile in that Hannah had sex with Garrett, but it didn't magically erase her rape and they have to take a step back together and give her time. It's not some dark shadow hovering, but it's there in a realistic way.By the way, Garrett turned out to be one amazing guy. He was finding his way and figuring stuff out, but he was right there for Hannah. He was way more than the persona he wore like armor and it was fun to watch Hannah figure this out and appreciate him. He, too, has demons, but like Hannah, he doesn't let it take over everything.They have their big crisis moment, but even then, the struggle was within bounds and didn't blow up into absurd angst.I was thoroughly entertained by the banter and college antics of their friend groups, engaging with the characters, and rooting hard for the romance. I flew through this book in two sittings. I want all their friends' stories now though I cringe at what Logan's story will be like after his big misstep.In summary, it was better than I was even hoping and I want more Off-Campus series. For those, like me who hesitate to pick up New Adult romance or want to take your first plunge into the genre, I can heartily recommend The Deal. It is still free last I checked if you want to test drive it.Ver más

36 personas la encontraron útil

Tasha

18 de junio de 2026

Binge worthy 🫶🏼

Phew. The Deal is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and college romance. Elle Kennedy captures the reality of college life so well—the frat parties, the friendships, the hockey players who know exactly who they are and aren’t afraid to own it. It’s fun, messy, and completely addictive.After watching the Off-Campus adaptation on Amazon, I decided to dive into the books, and I have to admit, there are several moments I enjoyed far more on the page. Some scenes just hit differently in the book, bringing even more humor, chemistry, and charm to the story.And Garrett Graham? Absolute perfection. His confidence, quick wit, and effortless charisma had me smiling from beginning to end. But what makes him truly shine is that Hannah never lets him get away with it—she gives it right back, creating the perfect dynamic. Their friendship, banter, and slow transition into something more made this story impossible not to love.Now it’s time for John Logan’s story, and if it’s anything like Garrett’s, I’m all in. Thank you, Elle Kennedy, for creating a series that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and completely binge-worthy. 🔥📚Ver más

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Max Alvarado

4 de junio de 2026

The Hype Train Goes 🚂

4.5⭐️ | 4🌶️ | 4🎧I genuinely enjoyed this book! It’s been sitting on my TBR for ages, and with all the buzz surrounding it lately, I finally decided to hop on the hype train. Thankfully, this one absolutely delivered.What surprised me most was how much depth this story had. Beneath the humor, hockey, and romance are some pretty heavy topics, and I thought Elle Kennedy handled them with a lot of care. Hannah’s journey in particular felt incredibly authentic, and I appreciated how thoughtfully the book approached her past trauma. This story felt like a safe space for survivors, never minimizing what she experienced while still allowing her healing and growth to shine through.Garrett and Hannah were such a fun couple to follow. Their banter was hilarious, their chemistry was undeniable, and their relationship developed in a way that kept me completely invested. I loved watching them challenge each other, support each other, and slowly become exactly what the other person needed. The romance was sweet, the spice delivered, and the emotional moments hit when they needed to.As a hockey fan, I also loved the sports aspect of the story. Hockey is one of the few sports I actually watch, so those scenes were especially enjoyable for me. But more than anything, I adored the sense of found family throughout the book. The friendships and team dynamics added so much heart and made the world feel lived in and welcoming.The audiobook was solid overall. Christian Fox and Lorelei Avalon did a good job bringing the characters to life. Christian Fox was a standout for me, while Lorelei Avalon occasionally sounded a little robotic during certain scenes. It wasn’t enough to take away from my enjoyment, but it was distracting at times.Overall, I can definitely see why so many readers love this book. It’s funny, emotional, spicy, and full of heart. I’m excited to continue with the rest of the series and spend more time with this group of characters! 💕⛸️🏒Ver más

14 personas la encontraron útil

DarkandEroticreads4me

24 de febrero de 2019

🏒🏒🏒 I THINK I JUST BECAME A HOCKEY FAN! 🏒🏒🏒

I'm going to quickly start with this cover since its what attracted me to grab this book in the first place. Truthfully NA-SPORTS themes aren't really my jam but come on now, this is 🔥🔥🔥 and so was this story!Not sure what I had gotten myself in for because I hate to admit but this was my first Elle Kennedy read... hey, you have to start somewhere though right? Totally up my alley, great writing, plot, characters, plus it tactfully covered some serious topics, giving awareness without being over-the-top in your face. So well done to Kennedy for not going off on some tangent i have had to endure many times (by other authors)👊Garrett - captain of Briar's Ice Hockey team, player extraordinaire, flunking his grades...Hannah - A-grade student, has a crush on the football star, made a deal with the hockey star...They met by chance or perhaps things happen for a reason? Either way Hannah was the one who could help him pass his ethics test because if he didn't, his failing grade was going to have him cut from the team and that just wasn't an option... now he just had to find a way to get her to agree? Driving Hannah insane with his persistence to tutor him, she was starting to hate him more and more by the minute. Hannah's main focus was rehearsing and winning the upcoming winter singing contest, and the five thousand dollar prize that would pay for next semesters board and meal fees.Then Garrett found something Hannah couldn't refuse? THE DEAL was done and so the start of their story begins...Garrett and Hannah couldn't be more different but throughout their tutoring sessions an unlikely friendship forms without them even realising it. As much as Garett's cocky attitude and playboy ways irk the hell out of her, she finds herself wanting to spend time with him, plus, he is her way in to the "cool kids" crowd and finally getting her crush to notice her.Garrett does PUCK BUNNIES not relationships, yet he finds himself wanting to be with Hannah, even if it is just hanging out and bonding over Breaking Bad. He made a deal with her in exchange to help him pass his test, yet why all of a sudden does he regret it?Hannah left her hometown after she was raped. Although her few years of counselling has helped her get through it and in no way is she a victim, there are still some things she struggles with... e.g. drinking at parties, actually, drinking anything she didn't get herself is an issue and do is orgasming unless done solo. Garrett has his own internal struggles. His father is/was a famous Hockey star and expects nothing less when it comes to his son and family, no matter what means he resorts to?Garrett and Hannah's friendship goes from strength to strength until Garrett offers to help Hannah with her "issue" and hey, it's not for his own selfish reasons either! We watch Hannah grow in her confidence but still remain true to her kind nature. Garrett although he will always be his cocky self, does start to show a more mature and softer side. Although totally opposite they live up to the saying "opposites attract" in true form.The story continues revolving around hockey, singing, personal issues, friends, jealous puck-bunnies (Love that!) crushes and even enemies. We see two of the main issues at hand get some main focus for a minute - and this is where I applaud Kennedy - she was able to highlight such issues but in such a way it was woven into the story naturally but still making a point. Great work!I really, really enjoyed this story. I also liked Hannah and Garrett's characters and together they still had that younger persons fun and innocence, great banter...but still had that good ole hot chemistry, attraction and sex that I demand from my reads!All the supporting characters were just as likable and I see some go on to get their own story. I would really like to know more about what was going on in Logan's head re Hannah and hope this is highlighted in his book?Overall, as a reader who doesn't really do sports themes, I may have just been swayed slightly? I will go on to read the next installment from this series and as a new reader to Elle Kennedy, I can say her writing style and competencies are just what makes a reader a fan! The ONLY negative (and some may call me crazy, I can't believe I'm saying this myself) is the length, a little too long.Highly recommend 😍

Angie

16 de mayo de 2026

Good Start

This was the first book in the "Off-Campus" series. Hannah Wells, a focused and reserved music student, and Garrett Graham, the confident captain of the college hockey team whose academic struggles threaten his future. When their paths cross through an unexpected agreement, a friendship begins that gradually deepens into something more meaningful. I normally read YA but I found that I liked both of these characters I also liked the secondary characters as well. This was a pretty good read and I see why it's a good series on prime. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.Ver más

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Bew

20 de julio de 2026

Sometimes You Don't Need Dragons. You Just Need Garrett Graham. 🏒💙

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️This was exactly the kind of book I needed.Garrett and Hannah completely won me over. Their banter was effortless, their chemistry felt natural, and I couldn't stop smiling and giggling like a 5 years old while reading. Garrett is the definition of a golden retriever MMC—funny, charming, protective, and secretly carrying far more emotional weight than he lets on. Hannah was equally lovable: kind, sarcastic, intelligent, and someone I rooted for from beginning to end.What surprised me most was how well the story balanced humor with heavier topics. Watching both characters slowly heal from their pasts made their relationship feel genuine, and every romantic moment felt earned because it was built on trust, friendship, and vulnerability.The only thing I wished for was a little more justice for one particular character, but that's a very minor complaint.Overall, this was funny, heartfelt, romantic, and incredibly bingeable. It left me smiling long after I turned the final page, and it's exactly the kind of romance I'll happily revisit whenever I need something comforting.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️Ver más

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