The Deal by Elle Kennedy is the first book in the Off-Campus series, a popular new adult romance that follows hockey player Garrett Graham and music student Hannah Wells. It’s a story that leans heavily on the ‘fake relationship’ trope, where Garrett needs Hannah’s help to pass a class, and Hannah agrees in exchange for help getting another guy’s attention. While the premise isn’t groundbreaking, the execution offers a mix of lighthearted banter and more serious undertones, making it a decent pick for fans of the genre.
In real-world usage, this book is often read as a quick, entertaining escape—something to pick up for a weekend read or during a commute. Readers who enjoy college settings, sports romances, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics will find it familiar. The narrative alternates between Garrett and Hannah’s perspectives, which helps build a more rounded view of their relationship. The humor is one of its stronger points, with Garrett’s cocky charm and Hannah’s sarcastic wit creating some genuinely funny exchanges. However, the book doesn’t shy away from heavier topics, including sexual assault and emotional trauma, which are handled with varying degrees of sensitivity.
Key functional features include the dual point-of-view structure, which allows for deeper character development, and the slow-burn romance that builds over the course of the story. The hockey backdrop adds a layer of athletic culture that fans of sports romance will appreciate, though it’s not overly detailed. The writing style is straightforward and accessible, with dialogue that feels natural for college-aged characters. The pacing is generally steady, though the final third feels slightly rushed, with conflicts resolving a bit too neatly.
One limitation worth noting is the character development. While Garrett and Hannah have distinct personalities, some of their growth feels forced. Garrett’s transformation from a carefree jock to a more emotionally available partner happens quickly, and Hannah’s journey from a guarded musician to someone willing to trust again isn’t always fully fleshed out. The supporting characters, while entertaining, often serve as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. Additionally, the book’s treatment of serious themes can feel uneven—some moments are handled with care, while others come across as simplistic or even trivialized. For example, the subplot involving Hannah’s past trauma is introduced early but isn’t given consistent weight throughout the narrative.
Compared to other new adult romances like those by Colleen Hoover or Jamie McGuire, The Deal is lighter in tone but shares similar tropes. Hoover’s books, for instance, often delve deeper into emotional complexity, while Kennedy’s work leans more toward entertainment and wish-fulfillment. If you’re looking for a story that challenges you emotionally, this might not hit the mark. But if you want a fun, engaging read with a few deeper moments, it’s a solid choice.
- Who it is for: Readers who enjoy college sports romances with humor and a slow-burn relationship. Fans of the fake dating trope will find this satisfying. It’s also a good entry point for new adult fiction if you’re new to the genre.
- Who it is not for: Those looking for deep, nuanced explorations of trauma or complex character arcs. Readers who prefer literary fiction or avoid predictable plot structures may be disappointed. If you dislike alpha male leads or explicit content, this book likely isn’t for you.
Overall, The Deal is a competent start to a series that knows its audience. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivers what it promises: a fun, steamy romance with a few emotional beats. The writing is engaging enough to keep you turning pages, even when the plot takes predictable turns. It’s not a must-read, but for fans of the genre, it’s a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf.