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tourbiezreads 's review for:
The Deal
by Elle Kennedy
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25 Stars✨
3 Spices🌶️
3 Spices🌶️
“Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.” - Garrett Graham
The Deal is the debut novel in Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus International Sensation series. The narrative delves into the subjects of university life, camaraderie, and the effects of prior abuse and trauma.
Garett Graham, a handsome and popular captain of a hockey team, and Hannah Wells, an excellent student and Garett's classmate and tutor, are the main characters of the book.
Their desire for one another intensifies as they study together more frequently. Garett finds that one passionate kiss is not enough, and he becomes enamoured with Hannah, even tearing down her barriers and winning her trust. Their relationship and newfound love appear to be going well, but how long will it endure, given that Garett's cunning father has already planned his son's future?
“And the most important lesson I learned is that I’m not a victim—I’m a survivor.” - Hannah Wells
CHARACTER
Garrett and Hannah are both incredibly sarcastic characters, and they have some pretty hilarious conversations throughout the story.
They do learn a few things from each other, and it was great to see the build-up of their relationship evolve gracefully from enemies to reluctant allies, to friends, and then to lovers.
Hannah and Garett, on the other hand, suffer from trauma, abuse, and vulnerabilities. Garett's resilience in conquering and getting away from his father's totalitarian control over his life, as well as Hannah's remarkable fortitude in facing her past and her will to go on, are all remarkable, motivational, and thrilling to witness. A well-written character development, in my opinion.
CHEMISTRY
It was fascinating to see how their relationship developed, moving from adversaries to reluctant allies, friends, and then lovers.
In addition to their passionate and spicily charged moments, I found Garrett and Hannah's chemistry to be particularly captivating because of their mounting physical attraction and emotional bond throughout the narrative. Additionally, it was more intriguing as they attempted to heal each other from their vulnerabilities and troubled pasts because of their support and protectiveness of one another.
PLOT
The Deal seems to have a traditional fake dating plot at first look. It may seem inevitable with its cliched setup: a rich, man-whoring, sexy athlete would fall for the witty, sardonic, intelligent girl no one would have imagined a jock would ever respect. However, the contrary occurs.
The fake dating cliché is expertly carried out, providing a story that seems plausible and credible. Seeing a romance that didn't feel forced and gave the characters time to nurture their bond was wonderful.
One aspect of the novel that I found disappointing was the miscommunication that occurred near the end. However, that was tolerable because it didn't drag too much, and the pair handled it better than I had anticipated.
With its heartfelt storytelling, emotional depth, and witty humour, The Deal is a poignant, relatable, and masterfully done exploration of growing up, introspection, resiliency and accepting the love they never anticipated. Making it an ideal starting point for the Off-Campus Series.
Garrett and Hannah are both incredibly sarcastic characters, and they have some pretty hilarious conversations throughout the story.
They do learn a few things from each other, and it was great to see the build-up of their relationship evolve gracefully from enemies to reluctant allies, to friends, and then to lovers.
Hannah and Garett, on the other hand, suffer from trauma, abuse, and vulnerabilities. Garett's resilience in conquering and getting away from his father's totalitarian control over his life, as well as Hannah's remarkable fortitude in facing her past and her will to go on, are all remarkable, motivational, and thrilling to witness. A well-written character development, in my opinion.
CHEMISTRY
It was fascinating to see how their relationship developed, moving from adversaries to reluctant allies, friends, and then lovers.
In addition to their passionate and spicily charged moments, I found Garrett and Hannah's chemistry to be particularly captivating because of their mounting physical attraction and emotional bond throughout the narrative. Additionally, it was more intriguing as they attempted to heal each other from their vulnerabilities and troubled pasts because of their support and protectiveness of one another.
PLOT
The Deal seems to have a traditional fake dating plot at first look. It may seem inevitable with its cliched setup: a rich, man-whoring, sexy athlete would fall for the witty, sardonic, intelligent girl no one would have imagined a jock would ever respect. However, the contrary occurs.
The fake dating cliché is expertly carried out, providing a story that seems plausible and credible. Seeing a romance that didn't feel forced and gave the characters time to nurture their bond was wonderful.
One aspect of the novel that I found disappointing was the miscommunication that occurred near the end. However, that was tolerable because it didn't drag too much, and the pair handled it better than I had anticipated.
With its heartfelt storytelling, emotional depth, and witty humour, The Deal is a poignant, relatable, and masterfully done exploration of growing up, introspection, resiliency and accepting the love they never anticipated. Making it an ideal starting point for the Off-Campus Series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape