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A review by theheelerbooklife
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- 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
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Violence