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A review by mrselaineskinner
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
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? It's complicated
3.5
I've read this series multiple times. It's sort of like comfort food for me. Is the writing stellar? No, but it's better than most NA college romances that I have tried. Is it super unique? No, but I really like the characters. Hannah is smart and driven. Garrett is a good guy who happens to be hot. They make me laugh and I can totally see them together. Their romance is sweet and fun. My only issue was Garret's opinion that Hannah's music taste was eclectic (implying it's unique and therefore Hannah is unique) and then listing a bunch of well known bands and singers. I felt embarrassed for both of them.
Sometimes NA and YA authors try to hard to make their characters cool and unique. I call that the "I'm different than other girls/guys" trope. Luckily Elle Kennedy doesn't fall victim to this to much and that's why I like her books so much. Her characters are believable men and women with a few quirks. You just have to overlook the whole "she's plain and hot at the same time! Why didn't I notice until now!" trope.
These are somethings that I have minor issues with but A LOT of other readers seem to hate:
Lots of comments like “Again, because I’m a guy". Apparently that means a naked woman in your bed means you have no option but to have sex. Hannah is described as pretty but not “Victoria Secret model” material but everyone starts to notice how hot she is as soon as Garrett does. How does that work exactly? Garret won’t take no for answer when Hannah says she won’t tutor him. He actually think “It’s time to turn up the pressure.” He pesters her endlessly, shows up at her work, and just badgers her. In real life that shit is toxic and not romantic. Fictional Garett would have been horrified if a woman had told him “Your behavior isn’t appropriate and you’re scaring me.” I have no doubt he would never bother her again unless it was to apologize one more time. Knowing that he was indeed a good guy acting stupid made it easy for me to let it go. Seriously though, stop portraying men as romantic and sexy when they won’t take no for an answer! Romanticizing toxic behavior that needs to stop for the sake of both men and women.
Sometimes NA and YA authors try to hard to make their characters cool and unique. I call that the "I'm different than other girls/guys" trope. Luckily Elle Kennedy doesn't fall victim to this to much and that's why I like her books so much. Her characters are believable men and women with a few quirks. You just have to overlook the whole "she's plain and hot at the same time! Why didn't I notice until now!" trope.
These are somethings that I have minor issues with but A LOT of other readers seem to hate:
Lots of comments like “Again, because I’m a guy". Apparently that means a naked woman in your bed means you have no option but to have sex. Hannah is described as pretty but not “Victoria Secret model” material but everyone starts to notice how hot she is as soon as Garrett does. How does that work exactly? Garret won’t take no for answer when Hannah says she won’t tutor him. He actually think “It’s time to turn up the pressure.” He pesters her endlessly, shows up at her work, and just badgers her. In real life that shit is toxic and not romantic. Fictional Garett would have been horrified if a woman had told him “Your behavior isn’t appropriate and you’re scaring me.” I have no doubt he would never bother her again unless it was to apologize one more time. Knowing that he was indeed a good guy acting stupid made it easy for me to let it go. Seriously though, stop portraying men as romantic and sexy when they won’t take no for an answer! Romanticizing toxic behavior that needs to stop for the sake of both men and women.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Child abuse, Rape, and Domestic abuse