I recently re-read The Deal and I’m reminded of how good the book is. The first instalment in the Off-Campus series is a contemporary romance with a compelling blend of romance, wit, and emotional depth.
The story centres around Hannah Wells, a talented and driven college student who excels academically but struggles with her self-confidence in love due to a traumatic past. Enter Garrett Graham, the charming and cocky captain of the college hockey team, who needs to improve his grades to stay on the team. When Garrett discovers that Hannah aced a test he bombed, he proposes a deal: he will help her win the affection of her crush if she tutors him.
Hannah and Garrett’s chemistry is electric from the get-go. Their interactions are filled with sharp banter, humorous exchanges, and moments of genuine connection that slowly build their relationship from a simple agreement to something much deeper. I love how we get to see how both characters develop individually while also fleshing out their evolving relationship. Hannah’s journey of overcoming her past and learning to trust again is particularly moving and you can’t help but to root for her. Meanwhile, Garrett’s transformation from a seemingly shallow athlete to a supportive and loving partner is equally compelling. He is also dealing with his problem and I love seeing how there is just so much love and support between Hannah and Garrett.
The writing is engaging and effortlessly readable, characterised by its humorous dialogue. Elle Kennedy manages to balance light-hearted moments with heavier, more emotional scenes. I’m also a big of the dual POV as it allows us to gain insights into both Hannah and Garrett’s thoughts and feelings. I find it adds depth to their characters and the overall story.
When I picked up The Deal all those years ago, I wasn’t expecting a book that portrays the complexities of navigating college life. From academic pressures and social dynamics to addressing more serious issues such as sexual assault and its aftermath with sensitivity and care, Elle Kennedy manages to write a story with layers that not only focus on romance but also the personal growth of the characters. I think the fact that I still pick up the book occasionally after 8 years shows that The Deal is a must-read.
Other books in this series:
The Score (Off-Campus #3)
The Goal (Off-Campus #4)
The Deal (Off-Campus #1) by Elle Kennedy
Title: The Deal
Series: Off-Campus
Author: Elle Kennedy
Release Date: 24/02/2015
Synopsis
She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy…
Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.
…and it’s going to be oh so good
All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.
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