She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy… 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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Definitely a must read!
I downloaded this read for FREE on Amazon and I’m so glad I did!
While The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a standalone, I’m definitely continuing with The Off-Campus series.
Hilarious character banter, fantastic friends to lovers story line, and Elle Kennedy touches upon sensitive topics in a unique and very realistic way.
Fab read!
This is Book 1 of the Off-Campus Series
1. The Deal
This is the story of Garrett & Hannah. Garrett is the captain of the hockey team and a junior at Briar U. Him and his friends live in an off-campus house. Hannah is a junior at Briar U, and a music major. Garrett has failed his midterm, along with most of the class. Hannah got an A. He sees her test grad by accident, and even though he doesn’t know her, he asks her to tutor him. She refuses. Well, she finally gives in because they make a deal. Make the guy she’s interested in jealous and she will tutor him. It was all Garrett’s idea. The more they see of each other, the more intense things become between them. But, they both are really broken from their pasts. This is a great story, with a lot going on in it. There’s a lot of emotions in this book. It was impossible for me to put this book down once I started it. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Such a great book! Can’t wait to read the others in this series!
I needed a break from my usual action-packed supernatural books and thought I’d switch it up with some entertaining contemporary romance. I definitely was not disappointed when I picked up The Deal by Elle Kennedy!
This was such an entertaining easy read and I devoured it in two days! Don’t get me wrong, the characters without a doubt had their flaws, but they were so cheesy and funny that I couldn’t help but root for our main two, Hannah and Garrett.
Based upon my history of rom-coms and other contemporary romances, I already knew what to expect based upon the synopsis of the book. Despite ultimately knowing what is inevitably bound to happen, I can’t help but love books such as this very one! I loved the type of humor and was kept on the edge of my seat whenever I main protagonists would have a crisis or encounter forces that tried to tear them apart.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and how our “broken” characters were able to find one another and help the other heal. It was a great, funny, steamy, and pretty dang cute!
I don’t think I have ever read a book so entertaining that I have read it again a few times for the feel good feeling it gives. Good book!
Such a funny, emotional and entertaining read. My first experience reading Elle was so pleasing! I’ve always heard lots of praise for this sport romance and yes, DO BELIEVE THE HYPE! Writing is great, the characters have amusing personalities that will make you want to finish this book in one go!
On to the next in this series!
This book had been sitting on my shelves for quite some time, so I finally decided to pick it up and I was happy that it was my cup of tea as I hoped. I read it in English, but since I have the following books in my mothertongue, I just wish that the Italian translation isn’t bad and will make me enjoy them as well. Or else, I might just read the rest in English.
Anyway!
This is the first book I read by Elle Kennedy and it’s one of my favorite genres, new adult college romance. Maybe because I’m still at uni as well, but there is something alluring about campus love stories. This story wasn’t something new, in fact what drew me in were the personalities of the main characters, Hannah and Garrett.
Hannah was one of the few students who aced Ethics, while Garrett failed. The good thing is that the professor allowed him to take the test again, so Garrett must pass because if he doesn’t have a nice grade, he won’t be able to play hockey. Hannah and Garrett don’t know each other, and when he approaches her because he wants her to tutor him since he saw she had a very good grade, she is surprised. I mean, why would Garrett Graham, the captain of the hockey team at Briar, want her as his tutor? So she tells no, because it’s like she doesn’t like him after a few seconds of talking to him. But then, as you may suspect, she changes her mind. Despite not liking Garrett, he may help her with something too, and although she doesn’t seem happy of tutoring him, Hannah slowly sees things in Garrett that pull her towards him.
The first chapter opens with Hannah stating that she is a rape victim. This is a sensible topic and I like how it was handled, and how Garrett handled it. Hannah is a survivor and doesn’t let this event influence her current life, despite she still thinks that she may be broken beyond repair because of what happened to her. She is a music major and very hard-working, and she’s also upfront and doesn’t let anybody tell her what to do. So when Garrett starts bothering her because he wants she tutors him, she is patient but not really, because she doesn’t want anything to do with him. But it’s from the bickering that slowly blossoms affection, and even though Hannah likes another guy when the book starts, she realizes that maybe she’s crushing on the wrong guy.
Garrett is the captain of the hockey team at Briar, and you might guess he is famous. Not only he is a good player, he is also the son of a famous hockey player. He comes off as a jerk, but he isn’t like that as Hannah will soon find out. He is sincere, loyal, and trustworthy. He was also victim of violence because the father everyone idolizes used to beat him up, so he understands perfectly what Hannah went through and he is hella mad that she had to go through it. Garrett doesn’t do girlfriends, but maybe he’ll make an exception for Hannah.
I liked Hannah and Garrett and loved their banter, because they were funny. They started off as semi-enemies and then the hate gradually turned into something more, and I felt like the pace of it all was right. If there is one thing I didn’t like, was Hannah’s noble idiocy at some point towards the end (I saw it coming tbh) but it was understandable and everything turned out right, so I forgive her.
Now I’m excited to read Logan’s story because he is the other character that drew me in among Garrett’s roommates.
Loved this book!!! It had me laughing and crying!! I had to read it in one day.
I absolutely loved this wonderful college romance. The story centers around a hockey jock and a fellow student that he needs to tutor him. The characters develop and build their relationship over time in a very natural way. This is such a refreshing change from the frequent one night together and committed love interest in the next breath. Their relationship and banter had you rooting for them from the start. Throw in some challenges and steam and what’s not to love?
This book was loads of fun. Smiling and laughing for 80% of the book, blushing 60% of the book. I felt the storyline was perfect and the characters were such a hoot! Definitely a great read.
The sassy bickering between Hannah and Garrett is hilarious! Hannah has a traumatic past, and Garrett is the right guy to help her start trusting and living life without second guessing some of her cautious decisions. Garrett was never looking for love, and he certain wasn’t until looking for Hannah, until one day he needed to – too bad Hannah didn’t want to have anything to do with him. I love a good story that has just the right amount steam, drama, sentimentality, and humor. It was very easy to get invested into these two, and their friends!
5 Beautifully Broken Crowns
So, this is the first book by Elle that I have read. I was seeing this floating around Facebook for free and thought why not I’ll give it a try. So, I clicked the link only to find out I had bought this book ages ago (Don’t judge me). Anyways, I decided that now was the time to actually read it seeing as I’ve had it for ages. And I am so freaking glad I did, this book is stellar!!! I happen to love College romances and this one hit every single one of the marks for me.
“I can’t help it. Tolbert seems to respond to my brand of bullshit. It’s a gift.” “Well, I want your gift. Please, master, teach me how to bullshit.”
I absolutely adored this story from the start. Elle pulls you right in with prose and story-line and holds you captive until the last word. Garrett and Hannah are freaking amazing together and their banter is off the charts. I loved every single moment they were together in this book. You could feel their connection bleed from the pages and rush over your skin, keeping you utterly entertained as they bicker and throw sarcastic remarks at each other non-stop.
“She darts out the door, leaving me staring after her in frustration. Unbelievable. Every girl at this college would cut her frickin’ arm off to help me out. But this one? Runs away like I just asked her to murder a cat so we could sacrifice it to Satan.”
Garrett is the bad boy hockey captain on campus, so he’s probably just as you’d imagine. He’s got a huge ego and plows through Puck Bunnies regularly. That’s why when he asks Hannah for her help with the class he’s failing, he doesn’t take No for an answer, his ego won’t allow it. And Hannah tells him No often. Eventually though he wears her down and finds what it takes to make her say yes. At first, she’s hesitant to tutor Garrett because she thinks of him like other’s do, that he’s a dumb jock. But as they start to spend more time together, they become friends. And as their friendship grows you see that he too has demons that he’s trying to overcome.
“I’ve never seen anyone who sleeps with so many pillows. Maybe he needs them to cradle his massive ego.”
Hannah is this sweet, smart girl who has some issues she’s trying to work through. I loved the way Elle handled the mental health aspect in such a realistic way that it causes a visceral reaction. You feel for this girl who went through something so heartbreaking it would scar anyone. Watching as Hannah grows more comfortable with herself and battles her demons to be a more relaxed and open person was so satisfying to see.
“With that one teeny tiny word, my heart inflates like a goddamn helium balloon. Hannah’s trust, meet Garrett’s hands.”
The care with which Garrett handles Hannah makes your heart ache in your chest with how unbelievably sweet it is. You have this huge hulk of a man taking the time to research and make sure that everything he does is at a slow pace and just perfect, so Hannah doesn’t have a meltdown. I could watch the way he cares for her everyday and never get tired of it. Garrett had me falling head over heels for him in that moment. This beautifully broken couple will give you all the feels. It’s as if each of their broken pieces was looking, searching for a place to call home, and they found it in each other.
“I burst into the locker room and – Penises! Sweet Jesus. Penises everywhere. Horror slams into me as I register what I’m seeing. Oh. God. I’ve stumbled onto a penis convention. Big penises and small penises and fat penises and penis- shaped penises. It doesn’t matter which direction I move my head because everywhere I look, I see penises.”
This may have been the first book I’ve read by Elle but most certainly won’t be the last. She has created such a wonderful series with these character’s you can’t help but fall madly in love with. Her humor interlaced with the intensity of the story-line, keeps you laughing one minute and has your heart aching in your chest the next. I was left emotionally wrung out but with my heart so utterly happy. I can’t wait to jump into the next story in line with this series, because it’s that addicting!!!
I totally devoured this book. I seriously couldn’t get enough. This was my first book from this author but I can assure you that it will not be my last. I am so hooked now.
The most jaw-droppingly amazing thing about this book is how intense the characters are. The reader gets a very intimate look into their lives and personalities with plenty of backstory for each character and distinct character building. I loved that Hannah and Garrett were both so intricately developed characters. The reader really steps into their shoes as they read their story. I also really loved all the side characters that we meet along the way. All of Garrett’s friends and Hannah’s friends were a delight and I can’t wait to get to know Garrett’s friends with the other books in the series. I can only hope that Kennedy feels compelled to write books for Hannah’s friends as well.
The chemistry between Hannah and Garrett was immediate. Garrett is trying to talk her into helping him with his midterm and she is rebuking him for it and trying to brush him off. But Garrett isn’t a quitter and Hannah finally relents. Once they start spending time together the attraction that they both feel towards the other is obvious as can be. I really like how their gradual coming together to form a friendship and then a relationship felt very natural. Nothing felt forced or convoluted when it came to them falling in love.
As far as the plot goes, I liked everything. This has some common tropes, a guy and a girl making a deal for separate goals but they end up falling in love and a bit of fake relationship, but the tropes didn’t feel shoved down the reader’s throat. There was a very natural flow to the story and I feel like Kennedy really made these tropes work beautifully. The storytelling is fantastic as well. I instantly connected with her writing style and I love her writing voice.
Overall, this book was magnificent and I am so ready and jazzed to read the rest of the books in this series as well as the spin-off series at Briar U. Kennedy writes characters that you can’t help but fall madly in love with and I am totally here for it.
The Deal is the first book in the Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy.
“Something’s happening to me, I can’t stop kissing him. He’s too addictive.”
After reading the Out of Uniform by Elle Kennedy, I had expectations to be honest because she raised the bar so high, I couldn’t expect anything else. The Deal was everything I hoped more and plus more. This book will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself because it got so hot, and swooning because of all the sweetness.
“Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”
Hannah Wells has a huge crush on a football player and she is hoping to get on his radar so she can get his attention. Garret Graham is a star hockey plater with a playboy reputation on campus. After a major fail in class, he notices that Hannah could help him by tutoring him so he starts his quest into talking her into tutoring him. And while his efforts were futile at first, he finally wears her down by suggesting that he can help her by getting the attention of her crush. The more time they spend, the closer they get. Garret realizes this easily and makes it his mission to show her that he’s the guy for her.
“Tiny butterflies of happiness take flight in my stomach and dance around my heart.”
This was the cutest! I love sports romances and this was top notch. I loved the banter between Garret and Hannah. They were absolutely fantastic together. Their chemistry was awesome. Please give me more!
“I know you’re into me… and I’m definitely into you. Would it really be so bad if we made this thing official?”
Loved it, wonderful book
This is the first book I read by Elle and I was not disappointed. This book is SO good!! I loved the their banter and enjoyed the laughs. Their connection was so real. It had all the feels! Hannah is so strong and I love how outspoken she is. Garrett is such a jock but has his sweet side, too.
This book was so good! For real. I’m starting book 2 now!
Title: The Deal (Off- Campus #1)
Author: Elle Kennedy
Publisher: Elle Kennedy INC
Edition:Kindle
Amount of Pages: 342
Genre: Sports, Romance, New Adult
Date Read: 02-07-2019
Favorite Quote: “Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”
Review:
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but I was a bit hesitant going in because I was afraid it would be a sea of cliche’s. The book was well written, there was banter, good chemistry, great main and sportive characters. There was more to the story than meets the eye and I’m happy about that. Yes some things where predictable but it didn’t ruin the story for me.
I really liked Garret, I thought he was really funny and charming. He seemed like a goofy nice guy so I didn’t really agree with how Hannah portrayed him in her mind.
I liked Hannah but I felt like she was a bit to judgy at times and a bit mean. Like it’s good that she doesn’t let herself be pushed around and stuff but she sometimes was a bit to hostile in a situation that didn’t warrent it, in my opinion.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Rating:
4 I really enjoyed it Stars
I was in a book rut. I couldn’t find anything to read. Every book I started, I couldn’t get into, as I’m patiently waiting for The Play to come out. I remembered I hadn’t read her other series. So I jumped in, and I’m glad I did.
Garrett and Hannah’s story is one of those that you can’t help but love. In ways, they are both broken and need to feel whole again. I don’t feel like either of them changed who they were for each other, but they grew. Realizing all the good that their relationship provides.
There are some heavy topics in this story. But it’s about overcoming them and doing what’s best. There are funny moments as well; the secondary characters were just as fun as the main ones and can’t wait to read their stories.
Overall, Five Boundless Stars
Practice and pretend can explode and make a makebelieve date turn into sizzling chemistry!