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nicolecurlsuptoread 's review for:
The Deal
by Elle Kennedy
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
✦Series: Off Campus #1
Can be read as a standalone, but it’s the start of a series that continues into the next generation.
✦POV: Dual, first person
Hannah and Garrett are college students at Briar University. I started off thinking Garrett was shallow and a stereotypical college hockey jock/ playboy, but he grew on me. He plays off the stereotype despite his intelligence because it’s what people expect from him. There’s a lot of trauma under that façade. Hannah is whip smart and principled; I loved her immediately! She is repulsed by Garrett's popularity, and it was the basis for excellent banter! They were multilayered and relatable characters who had good growth. They were lovable and I wanted to wrap them both in a hug.
✦Spice: Open door, explicit
Hannah's past trauma was handled sensitively while Garrett works with her to take things slow, even when she wants to hit the gas. It was a valiant effort, but their chemistry is too hot to deny for very long.
» One thing that bothered me was [elements of the story that lock it into a specific year or period. There’s mention of Ted Lasso, which places it no earlier than 2020; so, if the next generation (The Graham Effect) is meant to be present day in 2023, that makes their daughter… not old enough to be in university. It grates on me a bit to so specifically age a story. (hide spoiler)]
✩ Found family was a strong feature here. Garrett has his teammates who adopted Hannah as one of their own without treating her like a puck bunny.
♡ I enjoyed this! If you like hockey romances, reformed playboys, fake dating and opposites attract, I think you will too!
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings and read with care.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Can be read as a standalone, but it’s the start of a series that continues into the next generation.
✦POV: Dual, first person
Hannah and Garrett are college students at Briar University. I started off thinking Garrett was shallow and a stereotypical college hockey jock/ playboy, but he grew on me. He plays off the stereotype despite his intelligence because it’s what people expect from him. There’s a lot of trauma under that façade. Hannah is whip smart and principled; I loved her immediately! She is repulsed by Garrett's popularity, and it was the basis for excellent banter! They were multilayered and relatable characters who had good growth. They were lovable and I wanted to wrap them both in a hug.
✦Spice: Open door, explicit
Hannah's past trauma was handled sensitively while Garrett works with her to take things slow, even when she wants to hit the gas. It was a valiant effort, but their chemistry is too hot to deny for very long.
» One thing that bothered me was [elements of the story that lock it into a specific year or period. There’s mention of Ted Lasso, which places it no earlier than 2020; so, if the next generation (The Graham Effect) is meant to be present day in 2023, that makes their daughter… not old enough to be in university. It grates on me a bit to so specifically age a story. (hide spoiler)]
✩ Found family was a strong feature here. Garrett has his teammates who adopted Hannah as one of their own without treating her like a puck bunny.
♡ I enjoyed this! If you like hockey romances, reformed playboys, fake dating and opposites attract, I think you will too!
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings and read with care.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Rape