Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Graham Effect

The Graham Effect is a fun, grumpy x sunshine, enemies-to-lovers romance novel.

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.

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lafe's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

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abidavisf's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

Yes. This is everything I want in a book: lovable characters who are actually kind even if/when they’re grumpy, tension, communication, and romance!

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.

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holee's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad fast-paced

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

I love the 'next generation' concept of the book. Although I do wish i read 'the deal' to get a backstory of all the characters. I think if I read the deal I'd have liked it even more.

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.

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katharina90's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

Cute, hilarious, moderately spicy hockey romance.

Sadly the plot got away from the author towards the end, but I still enjoyed it overall.

I did appreciate that there was no unnecessary third act breakup.

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bakergirlsbooks1999's review

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

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