A review by amanda_reads13
The Deal by Elle Kennedy

emotional funny lighthearted 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

Re-read

Garrett, just flunked an exam that could find him benched for the season. He finds out that Hannah got an A and tries to convince her to tutor him.

Originally I read this on 2022 and gave it 2.75⭐, why? I can't remember. I decided to re-read it so that I can finish the series and couldn't remember much. I want to smack my 2022 self because this is not a 2.75⭐ read. Here's why:

At the beginning of the story we find out that Hannah was raped when she was 15. We learned that she has been through therapy and is continuing to heal. This experience informs many of her social choices, which makes so much sense considering what she went through. For example, when she goes out she will not drink anything at the location and she has a really hard time trusting intimate partners. Throughout the book as she learns to trust Garrett, we see her opening up and allowing herself to let down her guard.

I really love how Garrett's character is developed to the story. When we meet him, he is a playboy who bounces from women to women, so we expect him to be this egotistical meathead. Yes, he's definitely egotistical, but he's also empathetic, kind, and thoughtful. He could have been a total asshole when Hannah literally offers herself to him, instead, knowing her past, he researches and works to earn her trust. He makes sure she feels safe with him. 

We could say this should be the bare minimum, but we all know it's not, especially for a college boy.

Through their connection, not only does she learn to trust and open up but so does he. He opens up to her about his
the abuse he endured and continues to endure from his father.


I did find the miscommunication/third act breakup to be annoying because
with some simple communication, she would have found out that he's about to come into his inheritance, and there's no backing to the father's threat. When she breaks up with him, he knows her so well, that he knows something else is going on. The campus-wide ban is hilarious and their confrontation in the locker room even more so.


I really enjoyed all the friendships within this book and I'm excited to follow along on their stories. 

Tropes: opposites attract, college, sports (hockey), tutoring, singer/hockey player, fake dating, found family
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