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A review by alainareading
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Please carefully read through the TWs in this review.
This was honestly such an uncomfortable read that I have to write down my thoughts. I couldn’t believe the casual misogyny, slut-shaming, and degradation throughout the book from both MCs. Like, Hannah labels the women that Garrett has hooked up with as “floozies” and puts herself way above every single woman since she’s just sooo different — her “panties” don’t “melt away” every time she looks at him. And Garrett isn’t any better! He says the grossest things about women, like how Hannah will be seen as “higher status” if she sleeps with him or if people think she’s sleeping with him, and therefore more desirable to men.
Also I couldn’t get over how no one talks like these characters, let alone college juniors. Who says “douchecanoe” and “tough cookie” and thinks those terms are hilarious?! I’d also like to share this excerpt that I cringed at while reading:
“I happen to be a fantastic kisser. Sadly, you will never get to find out.”
“Never say never,” he answers in a singsong voice.
“Thanks for that, Justin Bieber.”
Like, in what world would any twenty year old say that??
I genuinely thought this book was written in the 2000s or early 2010s but then the MC mentions the show Ted Lasso.
This was honestly such an uncomfortable read that I have to write down my thoughts. I couldn’t believe the casual misogyny, slut-shaming, and degradation throughout the book from both MCs. Like, Hannah labels the women that Garrett has hooked up with as “floozies” and puts herself way above every single woman since she’s just sooo different — her “panties” don’t “melt away” every time she looks at him. And Garrett isn’t any better! He says the grossest things about women, like how Hannah will be seen as “higher status” if she sleeps with him or if people think she’s sleeping with him, and therefore more desirable to men.
Also I couldn’t get over how no one talks like these characters, let alone college juniors. Who says “douchecanoe” and “tough cookie” and thinks those terms are hilarious?! I’d also like to share this excerpt that I cringed at while reading:
“I happen to be a fantastic kisser. Sadly, you will never get to find out.”
“Never say never,” he answers in a singsong voice.
“Thanks for that, Justin Bieber.”
Like, in what world would any twenty year old say that??
I genuinely thought this book was written in the 2000s or early 2010s but then the MC mentions the show Ted Lasso.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Bullying, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief, Body shaming, Classism, and Cursing