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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
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
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
tiffscozynook's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I loved the balance between spicy romance and heartfelt moments. Hannah and Garrett navigate their personal baggage while falling for each other was both heartwarming and relatable. I loved Garrett's determination to build trust in their relationship. This book was an easy, quick read offering just the right mix of depth and fun. If you're looking for a swoon-worthy hockey romance that'll leave you smiling!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
junieburns's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Rape, and Sexual assault
forgetmenotreads's review against another edition
2.0
Caved to the longtime hype and read The Deal. I don't enjoy reading spice, so I had to skip some sections of quite a few chapters, this affected my rating. However, I loved reading about Hannah and Garrett growing relationship, from "enemies" to friends to partners. I thought it was beautiful how they trusted each other with their trauma and helped each other heal from it. As of right now, I personally will not continue the series because I feel uncomfortable with the level of spice in the books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
kamreher's review
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
my only spreadsheet note:
ffs
i was so for real for that.
ffs
i was so for real for that.
spice 🌶 - a 4 🌶 spicy (romance.io scale)
length - just right
reading speed - read in 3 days
did it make me cry? - .. yeah
did it make me cry? - .. yeah
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse and Sexual assault
mandiemarie's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
Such a good read to break up the fantasy books I've been reading. Good spicy book, I read the whole book in less than 24 hrs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Child abuse, Rape, and Emotional abuse
rubisbooknook's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book because I knew I would love it and I was right. And I don’t just love it, I’m obsessed with Garrett and Hannah. Even after finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about them and it’s making it hard to focus on other books. That’s the sign of a great book! An all time favorite for sure!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Rape
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
graceemark's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
the stereotypes aint it... no
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
myescapeformymind's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book had really good spicy scenes and the love interests are definitely likeable. I did like this book a lot, and it was super easy to read as it didn’t have that much of a plot. If you want to read a romance and dont want to think too much this is definitely a great book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
saraah07's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Okay. First book in the Off Campus Series. It took me longer than I would've liked for me to finish the book. And i almost didn't go back to it. But i'm glad did.
As the first book of the series it did not disappoint. I actually really enjoyed it. The wit and humour in it is just me. Like i relate to it so much.
But this book had a lot of layers. Loads of trauma and broken teenagers trying to find peace in each other. This is somewhat relatable in the sense where we've all been through something and we hope to be lucky enough to find someone who could help you through that. And i hope everyone finds that one day because I know I have.
This book follows Garrett a star hockey player and Hannah a music major through the journey of love. It's kind of ironic that they got together since she had a crush on another guy when they first started talking. But that changed really quick. Them getting together was unexpected for them since she was just supposed to be helping him with a paper. But i think that just makes it better.
But the way Garrett and Hannah support each other through their struggles is really inspiring. I do think this book is an amazing read.
Make sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings though. At some parts it can get quite heavy emotinally. But it is written so well and it builds the perfect foundation for the rest of the series.
As the first book of the series it did not disappoint. I actually really enjoyed it. The wit and humour in it is just me. Like i relate to it so much.
But this book had a lot of layers. Loads of trauma and broken teenagers trying to find peace in each other. This is somewhat relatable in the sense where we've all been through something and we hope to be lucky enough to find someone who could help you through that. And i hope everyone finds that one day because I know I have.
This book follows Garrett a star hockey player and Hannah a music major through the journey of love. It's kind of ironic that they got together since she had a crush on another guy when they first started talking. But that changed really quick. Them getting together was unexpected for them since she was just supposed to be helping him with a paper. But i think that just makes it better.
But the way Garrett and Hannah support each other through their struggles is really inspiring. I do think this book is an amazing read.
Make sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings though. At some parts it can get quite heavy emotinally. But it is written so well and it builds the perfect foundation for the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault