The Deal

Hannah Wells is a music student who wants to catch the attention of her crush but lacks dating confidence. She strikes a deal with hockey team captain Garrett Graham - she'll tutor him in philosophy if he helps her learn how to date successfully. Despite their initial friction, Hannah and Garrett develop an understanding as they spend time together. Their arrangement reveals hidden depths in both characters as they navigate college life, personal demons, and their growing connection. The story follows their journey from reluctant partners to something more, set against the backdrop of college hockey, academic pressure, and the social dynamics of campus life. Beyond the romance, The Deal explores themes of healing from trauma, the masks people wear in public versus private, and how unexpected connections can lead to personal growth.

Readers describe The Deal as a college romance that rises above typical new adult tropes. The chemistry between Hannah and Garrett drives positive reviews, with many highlighting their witty banter and gradual relationship development. What readers liked: - Balance of humor and serious themes - Supporting characters feel distinct and well-developed - Consent and boundaries are clearly addressed - Female lead has agency and personality beyond the romance What readers disliked: - Some found the premise unrealistic - Hockey scenes lack technical accuracy - Secondary plot conflicts resolve too easily - A few reviewers noted overused college romance scenarios Ratings: Goodreads: 4.31/5 (226,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (5,800+ ratings) BookBub: 4.6/5 (2,900+ ratings) Sample review: "The character development felt natural rather than forced. Hannah and Garrett actually got to know each other instead of instantly falling in love." - Goodreads reviewer

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🏒 "The Deal" was published independently by Elle Kennedy in 2015 and became a huge success, helping pave the way for more self-published New Adult romance novels. 📚 The book is part of the "Off-Campus" series, which follows different hockey players at the fictional Briar University, but each book can be read as a standalone story. 💝 The main character Hannah Wells is a survivor of sexual assault, and Kennedy received praise for her sensitive handling of this subject matter while still creating a hopeful romance story. 🎭 Hannah's passion for musical theater was inspired by Kennedy's own love of performing arts and her background in drama during her school years. 🏆 The novel won multiple reader-voted awards, including Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Romance (2015) and has maintained a rating above 4 stars on Goodreads with over 200,000 ratings.