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quietmarki'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? No
3.0
Graphic: Cursing, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
larajoye'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
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Murder
meganpbennett's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder
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, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Violence
tyche_fortuna'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? No
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
unicornofthesea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder
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, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
gracepapiez07's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Bullying
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: Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
hzjana's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
Moderate: Gun violence and Grief
Minor: Alcohol