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nmfcarney's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
bog223's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Murder and Sexual assault
gemin1reader's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content and Gun violence
Minor: Sexual assault
notamouse's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Gun violence
Moderate: Murder, Abandonment, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexism, Physical abuse, and Infidelity
theheelerbooklife's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm currently in my sports romance era, and I've only read one other book by Elle Kennedy - The Chase from the Briar U series. I loved The Chase, and because of that, I expected to love The Graham Effect too.
The story is about Gigi Graham, the daughter of Garrett Graham from the Off-Campus series. Gigi wants to make her famous hockey dad proud by becoming one of the top female hockey players and making it to the Olympics. Luke Ryder wants to be chosen as one of the coaches for Garrett Graham's summer program. He offers to help Gigi improve her weak spots in hockey, and she agrees to help him get chosen as a coach. But to do that, they must overcome their disdain for each other, which stems from when they first met as teenagers.
As they help each other, sparks fly, and their chemistry becomes intense. They soon can't deny their attraction and let their passion consume them.
The romance between Gigi and Ryder is both sweet and spicy. The book is not just a romance but also deals with the characters' trauma and anxiety. The character development is well done, and both Gigi and Ryder bring out the best in each other. Gigi helps Ryder open up about his feelings, and Ryder helps Gigi become more confident.
I couldn't put the book down and finished it in 3-4 days. The writing is gripping, and the story never lets you go. I appreciate that there's no third-act breakup scene, which is a common trope in romance novels.
If you enjoy sweet/spicy romances, hockey, sports, fast-paced reads, and well-developed characters, you'll love The Graham Effect.
I can't wait to read the sequel, The Dixon Rule, coming out in May.
Graphic: Cursing, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual assault, Infidelity, and Violence
lafe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Murder, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Alcohol, Drug use, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
abidavisf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Graham Effect is a love story but it’s also a tale of trauma and found family, forgiveness and when to choose not to forgive for the benefit of your own sanity, honesty and kindness. I am rooting for Gigi and Ryder all the way.
There was also the perfect amount of hockey in here. Having just finished another book marketed as a hockey romance that barely touched on it, I was ENGROSSED by the amount of hockey drama and detail in The Graham Effect. My only critique is that I wish we had more of Gigi and Ryder training together as their relationship progressed. Did they go from training to hooking up instead or did we just not see it? Surely they can do both!
A great read. Definitely recommend.
P.S. When do I get to hear more about Diana? I’m worried.
Moderate: Abandonment, Murder, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
holee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gigi and Ryder's relationship was very healthy and mature which i was glad to see.
I hope Will and Beck get a book (maybe where they end up together).
I also can't wait for the next book (which i surmise is about Diana and Shane!)
However, i think the guy Gigi kissed before getting with Ryder (not naming who) was hot but a bit unnecessary.
I also think the book was a bit too long which was probably down to the fact they had to keep their relationship a secret from everyone- especially her ex- for such a long time. Gigi's people-pleasing kind of annoyed me in this way but that's one of her flaws she manages to overcome!
Unpopular opinion - I hope that Case does not get his own book because the guy was a bit of a dick and I got quite irritated seeing Garrett give Case a hug despite knowing he cheated on his daughter.
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Child abuse
katharina90's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Sadly the plot got away from the author towards the end, but I still enjoyed it overall.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexism
bakergirlsbooks1999's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Cursing, Death, Child abuse, Abandonment, Death of parent, Alcohol, Drug use, and Sexual content