The Deal: Soon to be a Streaming Series on Amazon Prime (Off-Campus, 1)

The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a fun, addictive, and emotionally engaging college romance that perfectly combines witty banter, undeniable chemistry, humor, and heartfelt moments. As the first book in the Off-Campus series, it introduces readers to a memorable couple while setting the tone for a series that is easy to get hooked on. One of the book’s greatest strengths is the chemistry between Hannah and Garrett. Their relationship begins with an arrangement that seems simple enough, but watching their connection evolve into something deeper makes the story incredibly entertaining. Their banter brings plenty of humor, while the more vulnerable moments give the romance genuine emotional depth. I especially enjoyed how the story balances the lighter, steamy side of college romance with more serious personal struggles. Both characters have experiences that shape how they approach relationships, and seeing them learn to trust one another adds substance beneath all the flirting and teasing. Garrett’s persistence and Hannah’s determination create a fun push-and-pull dynamic, while their growing friendship makes the romance feel more meaningful. The story isn’t just about attraction—it’s also about learning to open up, support someone, and realize that love can develop in the most unexpected circumstances. Overall, The Deal is exactly the kind of romance that is easy to binge-read. It’s funny, steamy, emotional, and filled with characters who are hard not to root for. Elle Kennedy delivers a fantastic introduction to the Off-Campus world and leaves readers ready to pick up the next book. ~Robin Stingley~

Phew. The Deal is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and college romance. Elle Kennedy captures the reality of college life so well—the frat parties, the friendships, the hockey players who know exactly who they are and aren’t afraid to own it. It’s fun, messy, and completely addictive. After watching the Off-Campus adaptation on Amazon, I decided to dive into the books, and I have to admit, there are several moments I enjoyed far more on the page. Some scenes just hit differently in the book, bringing even more humor, chemistry, and charm to the story. And Garrett Graham? Absolute perfection. His confidence, quick wit, and effortless charisma had me smiling from beginning to end. But what makes him truly shine is that Hannah never lets him get away with it—she gives it right back, creating the perfect dynamic. Their friendship, banter, and slow transition into something more made this story impossible not to love. Now it’s time for John Logan’s story, and if it’s anything like Garrett’s, I’m all in. Thank you, Elle Kennedy, for creating a series that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and completely binge-worthy. 🔥📚

Hannah and Garrett have Ethics together. Hannah has aced the class, while Garrett? Not so much. So he hounds Hannah until she agrees to tutor him. Hannah wants nothing to do with the captain of the hockey team, aka a dumb jock. But Hannah wants Justin, a football player to notice her, so she finally makes a deal with Garrett - help her win Justin, and she’ll tutor him through Ethics. But then so much more happens, and along the way, so does romance. The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between (and honestly, it’s all good) -Excellent writing: I’ve been a fan of Elle Kennedy’s Out of Uniform series, and when I heard about this book, there was no doubt I was going to 1-click this book. It’s got two of my favorite things - hockey and the “boy helps girl get other boy until he realizes he wants her for himself” trope. Nothing’s as satisfying as seeing the player fall in love and this completely lived up to my expectations. I would have devoured this book in one sitting except for that pesky need to sleep and actually go to work, which believe me, ticked me off when all I wanted to do was keep reading. I couldn't seem to stop myself from highlighting the witty banter (as you can tell from my fave quotes), and there is so much more to be found. Ms. Kennedy’s writing style flows so well, and she can create characters that you absolutely adore, but aren’t cookie-cutter perfection. Such as... -Incredibly likeable leads: Hannah and Garrett are fantastic, fully realized characters who have lives outside of this romance. You see them live those lives with friends, and their school lives are explored in detail without weighing down the narrative. Hannah stands up for herself, but not shrewish or unsympathetic. Garrett can be crude and completely full of himself, but he's also loving, loyal and determined. The ‘verse builds slowly and in a believable way and allows you to get to know them, and see them run the gamut of emotions. They aren’t friends at first, but they come together out of necessity, but you truly get to the chance to see them become friends then lovers. -There’s some angst, but not by the bucketful: As fully realized characters, neither have had the ideal pasts. Garrett’s was heartbreaking and Hannah’s in particular, is a difficult but an all too common tale. It’s not fair, and it isn’t wrapped up in a bow, but like life, they move on and they live theirs. Even when things go wrong, and it’s a romance, so it’s bound to happen, they eventually talk it out and act like the young adults they are. They're determined to live, not wallow and I adored that about them. “Well, that’s the best revenge right there, Garrett. Living well and being happy is how we get over the s*** in our past.” MILD SPOILER ALERT -They’re friends at first, so there are other people involved: Fair warning, Garrett does have a random or two but it never detracts from the overall romance. Hannah has a huge crush on Justin and it doesn’t just miraculously disappear but once Hannah and Garrett really connect in a romantic way, there is no one else. END SPOILER ALERT -I even loved the secondary characters: All of Garrett’s teammates intrigued me. From Tucker and his cooking, Logan and his need to acronym the hell out of everything, Dean and his man-hoish ways, I want to get to know these guys better, and I really hope that they get a chance to hook up with Hannah’s friends or meet new girls and let me see their stories play out as well. The Bottom Line I loved it. It's an enjoyable story that I can see myself reading again and again, so I highly recommend it. There’s a full ‘verse just waiting to be explored at Briar and I’m really eager to visit it again.

Overall rating: 4.5/5 Spice: 4/5 Narrator: 4/5 Cliffhanger: 1/5 Age: 18+ Full disclosure, I usually find contemporary romance boring, and I hate sports. I picked this up looking for something fluffier than my usual fare, something that didn’t need as much of my focus. I got that and more. 21 books later and I can confidently say Elle Kennedy has a talent for creating characters with extremely relatable, entertaining inner monologues and weaving them into stories with just enough angst to make the fun stories stick with you. I listened to this book before I saw the tv show and I definitely prefer the book. It feels more genuine. I’ve always loved when romance novels interweave the spicy scenes with the plot and this was done beautifully in the book, over multiple scenes and days/weeks (instead of the one scene in the tv show that everything is fixed). Like the tv show, the banter is great. The characters are flawed, but lovable. The love story is believable and the characters are just the right age to believe it when they act like idiots. I think I love a college rom-com. I can remember the roller-coaster ride that stage of life was and be glad I’m off it. Cautions: History of sexual abuse and of child abuse. Underage drinking and marijuana usage. Violence. Profanity. Explicit sexual situations. I absolutely recommend this for those who loved the show or for people who are just looking for a fun spicy time. I’ve now read/listened to all 13 books in the Universe. Twice. Since April. If that doesn’t say how much I enjoyed it, I don’t know what does.

Garrett Graham is on the track to becoming a professional hocley player, but his grades are plummeting. In order to stay on the team, he needs to get a tutor to up his GPA. It seems like the most genius plan to seek out the only girl that didn't fail the class everyone else failed, and ask her for help. Hannah Wells is music student andn an aspiring singer-songwriter, so she doesn't have time for tutoring egomaniac hockey-players. However, Garrett offers to help her conquer her secret crush - a deal she can't help but accept. But as she and Garrett spend more and more time together, it seems like her crush suddenly comes second place... What I loved about this book: The great chemistry between the characters The great side-characters The humour What I felt needed improvement: The predictable storyline I read so many stellar reviews for The Deal on Goodreads, so I thought I could give it a try. Although I found it a nice read overall, I wasn't so convinced by the storyline. It was nice, but it was probably a tad predictable. The general storyline actually felt A LOT like Four Years Later by Monica Murphy (jock needs tutoring from geek) coupled with the usual pygmalion-twist (guy helps girl to get noticed by her crush, and ultimately falls for her, like in M.K. Schiller's The Do Over). But thank god there was one really great thing to The Deal which would drag my rating up again: the really great and convincing characters. Hannah and Garrett are complete opposites at the beginning of the book. He's the popular jock, and she's one of the outsiders who hangs out with the artsy music crew. And sure enough, as the story goes, Hannah has preconceived ideas around Garrett. She actually turns Garrett call for help down a number of times, proudly standing her ground. That is until he comes up with the proposal of helping her get noticed by her crush Justin... "He's probably sending telepathic orders for me to tutor him. Well, too bad for him. There's no way I'm wasting the little spare time I have on a college hockey player who thinks he's a rock star." And even while it is true that he likes to have fun with girls, he's also a very nice and charming guy, who turns out to be a real great friend and accomplice to Hannah. He managed to break through her walls even if he had issues of his own to deal with. I usually don't tend to like male heroines who turn from man-ho to caring book boyfriend overnight, but in Garrett's case it was different: he wasn't an arrogant, conceited player. "I've never met anyone who is so repulsed by my popularity, and I have no idea what to make of it. I think I might like it." And other than the fact that the two main characters have nothing in common at first glance, they have an undeniable chemistry at all times. I just loved how they interacted, and I loved their funny banter. "I want to murder him in his sleep. No, I want to murder him when he's awake so he can see the joy on my face when I do it." And then there's a third dimension to this book, which was so cliché it was probably bordering on "too much". Indeed, Hannah went through some tough times in her past, which made it difficult for her to really enjoy sex. So to prepare for when that special moment happens with her crush Justin, she wants to get it on with Garret to see if he could potentially help her enjoy sex again (in other words: fix her up for Justin). So yeah, with all those things lined up, you can't avoid the inevitable anymore! Because as you can imagine, this "arrangement" will lead to all kinds of... feelings. "As insane as it sounds, a test run with Garrett might be just what I need to work through my issues. He said so himself - he doesn't date girls, he sleeps with them. There's no risk of him falling for me or demanding a relationship." Yet, in summary, it was a very nice standard New Adult college read which I enjoyed reading, and since I also very much liked the side characters (especially Garrett's housemates), I will definitely be looking forward to reading the next books in the Off-Campus series.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and the perfect balance of romance, humor, and emotional depth. Garrett and Hannah are such well-developed characters, and watching their relationship grow from a fake arrangement into something real felt natural and incredibly satisfying. What really stood out to me was how the story wasn’t just about romance. Both characters had their own struggles and personal growth, which made them feel authentic and relatable. The dialogue was sharp and funny, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the chemistry between the main characters was off the charts. If you’re a fan of college sports romances with lovable characters, plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and a swoon-worthy love story, this book is a must-read.

College setting, they come from two different worlds on campus, but past pain and a certain deal lead to something more than a friendship. I love hockey romance and my favorite New Adult trope is a nerd and a jock. This was a variation on that and I already enjoy the author's adult romances so it was an easy choice when I needed just such a book for a pair of reading challenges. The Deal opens with pretty, but quiet music student, Hannah Wells, agreeing to tutor the popular captain of the hockey team, Garrett Graham, in their shared philosophy class so he can stay eligible to play in exchange, he agrees to help her make a Hannah's secret crush, a gorgeous football player, jealous. A surprise friendship forms and then a fake kiss sizzles into something potent and real. But, they both have pasts that can rear ugly heads and future plans that don't involve each other. Will they renegotiate for a new deal? I don't mean this disparagingly, but I've never gravitated toward the New Adult genre. We all have our druthers and this is one of mine. That said, I had no hesitation picking up an Elle Kennedy New Adult. After reading the Him series, I had no doubt this author could write this genre well and make me love the story I was getting. It didn't hurt that she put one of my few favorite college tropes into play and she didn't emo it up though the pair both had deep issues from their past, particularly Hannah who is an abuse survivor. She gave due attention to character background like her music and his hockey, their friend circles, their college lives, and their relationship all equally. It was even paced and evenly developing building from a little hostility to partners in their deal, to friendship, and finally something more. Hannah was raped at a high school party. I don't feel this is a spoiler since it's revealed in the opening chapter. She's getting her life back and has dreams and goals. She is in a place where she's ready to join in some social events and get back to dating with her roomie bud, Allie, as her wing gal. She's already got who she thinks is the perfect guy in her sights even if another guy is distracting her. I thought Hannah's character was fabulous. She's feisty, but also vulnerable. She puts herself out there, but she's still working through stuff. I was impressed that the author went the extra mile in that Hannah had sex with Garrett, but it didn't magically erase her rape and they have to take a step back together and give her time. It's not some dark shadow hovering, but it's there in a realistic way. By the way, Garrett turned out to be one amazing guy. He was finding his way and figuring stuff out, but he was right there for Hannah. He was way more than the persona he wore like armor and it was fun to watch Hannah figure this out and appreciate him. He, too, has demons, but like Hannah, he doesn't let it take over everything. They have their big crisis moment, but even then, the struggle was within bounds and didn't blow up into absurd angst. I was thoroughly entertained by the banter and college antics of their friend groups, engaging with the characters, and rooting hard for the romance. I flew through this book in two sittings. I want all their friends' stories now though I cringe at what Logan's story will be like after his big misstep. In summary, it was better than I was even hoping and I want more Off-Campus series. For those, like me who hesitate to pick up New Adult romance or want to take your first plunge into the genre, I can heartily recommend The Deal. It is still free last I checked if you want to test drive it.

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 bull It’s a gift.” “Well, I want your gift. Please, master, teach me how to bull.” I absolutely adored this story from the start. Elle pulls you right in with prose and storyline 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 gosh darn 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. 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!!!

. 10/5 stars 🌟 . Neuzugang zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern! 🥹 . Wie kann es sein, dass ich erst die Ankündigung einer Serienadaption gebraucht habe, um mir dieses Buch zu kaufen!? Wie kann es sein, dass dieses Buch mir bis vor einem Monat noch nicht die Welt bedeutet hat? . Ich hab mir die Collector's Edition gekauft, obwohl ich ohne Erwartungen ans Buch rangegangen bin. Was soll ich sagen? Als hätte ich gewusst, wie sehr ich es lieben würde! . Das YEARNING in diesem Buch? OH. MEIN. GOTT. I was giggling and kicking my feet all the time! 😍 Am Ende konnte ich gar nicht mehr aufhören! Der Banter war sooo perfekt! Die Anziehung war Chef's Kiss!!! Wie er sie angesehen hat!? Behandelt hat!? Geliebt hat!? Und wie sie bei ihm endlich loslassen konnte!? Ahhh 🫠 Und der Spice? 🔥🔥🔥 . Die Handlung war on point. Ich habe jede einzelne Szene geliebt, es war zu 0% langweilig, es hat alles perfekt gepasst, alles war ON POINT! . Und die TIEFGRÜNDIGKEIT in diesem Buch!? Hannahs und Garrets Vergangenheit, aber auch ihre Liebe zueinander habe ich soooo tief in mir gefühlt! . Und die CHARAKTERE!? Hannah ist eine meiner absoluten Lieblingsprotagonisten! Sie ist so unglaublich stark, aber auch so süß. Sie ist so originell und ich liebe ihre Art einfach!!!! Garrett!? Perfecttttt. Looks? ✔️ The way he talks? ✔️ Humor? ✔️ Hottness? ✔️ Personality? ✔️ Aber auch die Nebencharaktere! Logan 🥹 dean 🔥 Allie 😍! . Der Schreibstil war auch so bombastisch gut! Wow! Das war auch erst mein 2. Buch auf Englisch (abgesehen von 2 Graphic Novels) und es hat sich gelesen, als wäre es Deutsch, als wär es meine Muttersprache. Es war so ein easy English, aber auch so tiefgründig und jedes einzelne Wort ruft auch jetzt noch ALLE Emotionen in mir hervor!!! 🥹 . Es war sogar so gut, dass ich sofort nach Beenden teil 2 bestellt und gelesen habe, das mache ich sonst NIE!!!! . Die Serie dazu lieb ich auch, bin komplett obsessed, obwohl außer Dean literally niemand aussieht wie im Buch 😭 . Fazit: Was zur Hölle machst du noch hier? Lies dieses Buch SOFORT!!!!!

I have had this series on my tbr for as long as I can remember and since a TV series has been made I thought it was about time I read what is considered the OG of hockey romance series. I was hooked instantly, addicted to finding out how Garrett and Hannah would eventually come around and be a couple. This author definitely made it hurt along the way before they got their happily ever after. Garrett is such an amazing guy and will be going on my list of top book boyfriends for sure! He's so kind and patient, the captain of the hockey team falls for the quiet singing prodigy who has such a trauma to overcome. Their love and connection develop naturally and completely out of the blue, neither of them are looking for anything serious but the sizzlingly attraction grows at an unprecedented rate and takes them by surprise. Hannah Wells is a force to be reckoned with and seeing the hockey guys slightly waring of her was absolutely hilarious! Her musical ability is a gift, she's destined for stardom and absolutely knows what she's talking about, despite her musical partner being an arrogant, conceited p****! The side characters are also what make this book, Garrett's hockey friends are hilarious and the bond the team has is so heartwarming, and Hannah's ride or die bestie is the BFF every girl deserves! The banter between all the characters had me in fits of laughter and the camaraderie and sense of family and loyalty between the hockey team was on of the main reasons I love hockey romance. Overall, despite the simplish plot it was incredibly well-developed. This story will go on my list of top hockey romance reads and probably one of my top reads of the year! It has everything steamy scenes, overwhelming chemistry, wonderful characters, and I have to say hockey romances are my favourite sports romances.

Producto que cumple con las expectativas.

Toppen skick!

I’ve decided to read the books after watching off campus S1 on Amazon, and I just couldn’t get this world and the characters out of my head. Im obsessed. The book was different from the series but I still loved it a lot. I really love how they merged things in the series. The book was really nice and I am going to read the next one immediately. I read this whole book in one day. I breezed through it.