Reviews tagging 'Classism'

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

4 reviews

abidavisf's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Elle Kennedy has the ability to write about incredibly harrowing topics in such an empathetic and real way. How she can weave topics such as sexual assault and domestic violence into a gorgeous love story is truly admirable. The Deal is hard-hitting and definitely do not expect a happy-go-lucky romance, but it is beautiful and I would highly recommend this book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Cancer, Classism, Violence, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship

codicheyenne's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

I read these books entirely out of order and in hindsight, I wish I'd stuck to the order the author intended, but I originally skipped this one because of the fake dating trope. Somehow, Elle Kennedy can make me, not just read even my most hated trope, but enjoy it immensely. I can't decide if I like this one or The Goal better.

I really enjoyed Hannah as a FMC. Her journey is relatable and she's so easy to like and feel for. She's also pretty badass and so strong. I don't know that I would be as capable of being a good person as she is after what she went through. I appreciate that while she was "Not Like Other Girls", it wasn't written in a way that put other women down for being "Like Other Girls," it was only used as a means in which to describe how Hannah just didn't fall for Garrett's charms. I also liked how Hannah had a whole journey outside of Garrett & her past - the upcoming showcase, her parents' money struggles, etc.

I also love how Elle can write men and be so true to who they are in essence. None of these boys feel "too good to be true" because they're all written like... well... boys. They're hockey players. They're horny. They're cocky and full of themselves. There's locker room talk and suppressed emotions and tempers and messiness and too much testosterone at times. But they're still so lovable. As the reader, you can almost feel yourself falling for their dimpled grins in the same way the FMCs eventually do (despite the fights they put up.)

I'm excited to finish the series - I literally only have The Legacy left - and then revisit the world with the Briar U series and The Graham Effect

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content

Moderate: Classism, Sexual assault, Violence, Rape, Child abuse, Alcohol, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Blood, Body shaming, and Panic attacks/disorders

culzean's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Death of parent, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Cancer, Classism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Blood, Body horror, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Torture, and Violence

alainareading's review

tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

Please carefully read through the TWs in this review. 

This was honestly such an uncomfortable read that I have to write down my thoughts. I couldn’t believe the casual misogyny, slut-shaming, and degradation throughout the book from both MCs. Like, Hannah labels the women that Garrett has hooked up with as “floozies” and puts herself way above every single woman since she’s just sooo different — her “panties” don’t “melt away” every time she looks at him. And Garrett isn’t any better! He says the grossest things about women, like how Hannah will be seen as “higher status” if she sleeps with him or if people think she’s sleeping with him, and therefore more desirable to men.

Also I couldn’t get over how no one talks like these characters, let alone college juniors. Who says “douchecanoe” and “tough cookie” and thinks those terms are hilarious?! I’d also like to share this excerpt that I cringed at while reading:

“I happen to be a fantastic kisser. Sadly, you will never get to find out.”
“Never say never,” he answers in a singsong voice.
“Thanks for that, Justin Bieber.”

Like, in what world would any twenty year old say that??

I genuinely thought this book was written in the 2000s or early 2010s but then the MC mentions the show Ted Lasso.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Bullying, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Grief, Body shaming, Classism, and Cursing