Contents
- 1. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
- 2. Mile High by Liz Tomforde
- 3. The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
- 4. The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
- 5. Consider Me by Becka Mack
- 6. Blind Side by Kandi Steiner
- 7. First Down by Grace Reilly
- 8. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- 9. The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan
- 10. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
- 11. Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy
- 12. Powerless by Elsie Silver
Let’s be real for a second. You just finished The Deal by Elle Kennedy, and you are currently staring at your ceiling, wondering how you are supposed to go on with your life. We have all been there. You fell hard for Garrett Graham, the cocky hockey captain with a heart of gold, and Hannah Wells, the music major who takes absolutely none of his nonsense. It is the holy grail of New Adult romance. It has everything we crave: the fake dating trope, the sizzling chemistry, the “I can fix him” energy (even though he is already pretty great), and banter that actually makes you laugh out loud.
Finding a book that hits that same sweet spot is tough. You need that perfect blend of spice, humor, and emotional depth. You want a hero who is obsessed with the heroine and a heroine who is strong enough to handle him. If you are currently in a book slump because nothing compares to the magic of the Off-Campus series, do not panic. I have scoured the shelves (and BookTok) to bring you the freshest, most addictive recommendations.
Here are the best books similar to The Deal that will cure your hangover and probably give you a new fictional obsession.
1. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
The Vibe: The Deal but with figure skating, even more spice, and a grumpy/sunshine dynamic that will melt your Kindle.
If you have been anywhere near the romance community in the last year, you have seen this book. Icebreaker is arguably the spiritual successor to The Deal for the modern generation. It takes place at the University of California, Maple Hills, where the hockey team and the figure skating team are forced to share a rink. This simple premise sets up a rivalry that is absolutely delicious to read.
Anastasia Allen is a competitive figure skater with a strict schedule and zero patience for hockey players. Enter Nathan Hawkins, the captain of the hockey team. He is charming, he is responsible, and he is determined to break down Stassie’s walls. Unlike Garrett Graham, who starts off a bit aloof, Nate is a “golden retriever” boyfriend from the start, but do not let that fool you. The man has a dirty mouth and an obsession with Stassie that rivals any dark romance hero.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: The banter here is top-tier. You get the forced proximity trope that made The Deal so good, but with the added friction of two different ice sports clashing. Stassie is fierce and prickly, much like Hannah, and watching Nate steadily win her over is incredibly satisfying. The friend group dynamics are also fantastic. Just like the boys of Briar U, Nate’s hockey team is a chaotic family that you will want to be part of. Be warned, though: this book is significantly spicier than The Deal. It pulls no punches in the bedroom (or the locker room, or the uber…).
2. Mile High by Liz Tomforde
The Vibe: High-altitude heat with a reformed bad boy and the one woman who refuses to put up with his ego.
Liz Tomforde is quickly becoming a queen of sports romance, and Mile High is her breakout hit. This book introduces us to Evan Zanders, the NHL’s most notorious playboy. He is arrogant, flashy, and assumes every woman wants him. That is, until he meets Stevie Shay. Stevie is a flight attendant on the team’s private plane, and she hates Zanders on sight. She sees right through his charm and has no problem putting him in his place.
The “enemies” phase of this relationship is pure gold. Zanders is baffled by Stevie’s refusal to fall at his feet, which of course only makes him want her more. The book does a fantastic job of peeling back the layers of the “bad boy” persona. We learn that Zanders’ arrogance is a shield, and watching Stevie be the one to lower that shield is emotional and rewarding.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: Zanders gives off major Garrett Graham vibes in how he is perceived by the public versus who he really is. The banter is sharp, witty, and often hilarious. Plus, the “curvy heroine” representation is handled beautifully. Stevie is confident and stylish, and Zanders’ obsession with her is loud and proud. If you loved the way Garrett empowered Hannah, you will adore how Zanders worships Stevie. It also features a “no dating teammates” rule (or in this case, staff), adding that delicious forbidden fruit element to the story.
3. The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
The Vibe: Fake dating meets roommates in a story that might just be better than the first book in the series.
Yes, another Liz Tomforde book, but it is necessary. While Mile High gives you the hockey bad boy, The Right Move (Book 2 in the Windy City series) gives you the specific tropes that made The Deal famous: fake dating and forced proximity. Ryan Shay is the star captain of the NBA team (basketball, not hockey, but stay with me). He is the definition of the “grumpy” hero. He loves order, silence, and his career.
Enter Indy Ivers. She is his sister’s best friend, a chaotic ray of sunshine who needs a place to stay. Ryan reluctantly agrees to let her move in. When Ryan needs a steady girlfriend to improve his public image for the team, he and Indy strike a deal. Sound familiar? It is the classic setup we love, executed to perfection.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: Ryan Shay is the ultimate book boyfriend. He is quiet, protective, and acts like he is annoyed while secretly doing everything to make Indy happy. The domestic intimacy of them living together mirrors the best parts of Hannah and Garrett’s relationship. You get to see them brushing their teeth together, arguing over takeout, and slowly becoming a real couple without realizing it. The “fake dating” aspect is handled with just the right amount of angst. You will be screaming at the book, “JUST KISS ALREADY,” until they finally do, and it is explosive.
4. The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
The Vibe: Revenge dating that turns into real love, featuring a hockey player who is completely gone for the heroine.
If you want something that feels very current and hits all the BookTok trends, pick up The Fake Out. Hazel Hartley is the physiotherapist for the Vancouver Storm. When her ex-boyfriend (who dumped her) joins the team, she is humiliated. To save face, she needs a fake boyfriend. Enter Rory Miller. He is the team’s star player, her ex’s rival, and the guy she used to tutor in high school.
Rory is not just willing to help; he is enthusiastic about it. He has had a crush on Hazel for years, and he sees this as his chance to finally win her over. The “fake dating for revenge” plot is one of the most fun variations of the trope. It allows for plenty of public displays of affection that blur the lines between performance and reality.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: Rory Miller is a top-tier simp. Unlike the “cool” heroes of the past, he is openly affectionate and supportive. The text messages between the characters are hilarious, reminiscent of the witty digital banter in The Deal. Stephanie Archer writes excellent tension, and the hockey setting feels authentic. The scenes where Rory teaches Hazel to skate are soft, romantic, and reminiscent of Garrett helping Hannah. It is a lighter, funnier read that still packs an emotional punch in the third act.
5. Consider Me by Becka Mack
The Vibe: A playboy who reforms the second he meets the heroine, leading to a swoon-worthy chase.
Carter Beckett is a legend in the NHL, but mostly for his bedroom antics. He is the ultimate player until he meets Olivia Parker. Olivia is a teacher who wants absolutely nothing to do with a hockey player. She knows his reputation, and she is not interested in being another notch on his bedpost.
This book is long, but every page is worth it. It details the relentless pursuit of Olivia by Carter. He is not used to hearing the word “no,” and Olivia’s rejection completely throws him off his game. He decides he is going to prove to her that he can be the man she deserves. This is not a “fake dating” story; it is a “reformed rake” story, which often scratches the same itch.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: Carter Beckett is hilarious. His internal monologue and his interactions with his teammates provide that locker-room camaraderie that Elle Kennedy writes so well. The humor is a huge selling point here. It is laugh-out-loud funny, often bordering on ridiculous, but grounded by the genuine emotional connection between Carter and Olivia. If you loved the “teaching the hero how to date” aspect of The Deal, you will love watching Carter stumble his way into a serious relationship. It is high spice, high humor, and high emotion.
6. Blind Side by Kandi Steiner
The Vibe: Fake dating a football player to make an ex jealous. Classic, effective, and incredibly spicy.
Kandi Steiner knows how to write angst, and Blind Side delivers. Clay Johnson is a top NFL draft prospect who needs to clean up his image. Giana is a PR intern who needs to get her ex’s attention. They are the perfect solution to each other’s problems. They agree to a fake relationship: she helps him look like a steady family man, and he helps her look desirable to her ex.
The setup is almost identical to The Deal, but set in the world of college football. They establish ground rules. They set an expiration date. And naturally, they break every single rule they make. The “lessons” in this book are particularly spicy, with Giana asking Clay to teach her how to be better in bed to impress her ex. You can guess how that turns out.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: This is perhaps the closest direct parallel to The Deal in terms of plot structure. The “tutoring” aspect (sexual tutoring, in this case) creates immediate intimacy and tension. Clay is a fantastic hero who is protective and jealous long before he has the right to be. The transition from “just a deal” to “I cannot live without you” is paced perfectly. It captures that messy, intense college feeling where everything feels like life or death.
7. First Down by Grace Reilly
The Vibe: Academic tutoring meets football in a fresh take on the college sports romance.
James Callahan is the star quarterback who needs to pass a writing class to stay on the team. Beckett Wood is the brilliant student who needs a fake boyfriend to get her ex off her back. Are you sensing a pattern? This trope works because it forces two people who would never interact to become each other’s whole world.
James is a great hero because he is not the typical “dumb jock.” He is dedicated and fierce, but he struggles with school. Beckett is dealing with family issues and a toxic ex. Their arrangement starts as a transaction but quickly becomes a lifeline for both of them.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: The chemistry is instant. Grace Reilly writes with a very modern voice that feels relatable to today’s college experience. James is incredibly supportive of Beckett’s dreams, mirroring the way Garrett supports Hannah’s music. The scene where they negotiate their “terms” is reminiscent of the library scene in The Deal, filled with banter and reluctance that slowly melts away. It is spicy, sweet, and features a great cast of side characters who get their own books later in the series.
8. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Vibe: No sports, but the banter and “enemies-to-lovers” tension is the gold standard for the genre.
I am stepping away from sports for a moment because if you loved The Deal for the banter, you need to read The Hating Game. This is the book that revitalized the rom-com genre a few years ago. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants who sit across from each other and hate each other’s guts. They play games, they trade insults, and they compete for the same promotion.
However, beneath the hostility is a layer of attraction so thick you could cut it with a knife. When the elevator scene happens (you will know it when you get there), the shift from enemies to lovers hits you like a freight train.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: Garrett and Hannah’s relationship is built on verbal sparring. They challenge each other. Lucy and Josh are the masters of this. Their dialogue is sharp, intelligent, and hilarious. While it lacks the hockey element, it captures the feeling of falling for the person who annoys you the most. It explores the idea that the line between love and hate is very thin. If you want a book that makes you smile at the pages, this is the one.
9. The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan
The Vibe: A hookup turns into a complicated, angsty, and beautiful relationship.
Drew Baylor is the quarterback. Anna Jones is the girl who wants nothing to do with his status. They meet in a class, and the attraction is undeniable. However, Anna refuses to date him publicly. She does not want the drama of being a “football girlfriend.” They agree to a hookup arrangement, but Drew wants more.
This book flips the script slightly. The hero is the one chasing the commitment while the heroine is the one holding back. Drew is one of the best heroes in the genre because he is emotionally mature and unafraid to ask for what he wants.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: The classroom setting and the “normal girl meets superstar athlete” dynamic are front and center. But The Hook Up offers a slightly more serious tone. It deals with the realities of interracial relationships, the pressure of the NFL draft, and the insecurities that come with college life. It is angstier than The Deal, but the payoff is incredible. The friendship that builds between them before they fully commit is beautiful to watch.
10. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
The Vibe: The slow-burn queen gives us a marriage of convenience story that pays off in a big way.
Mariana Zapata is famous for her “slow burn” romances, where the characters might not kiss until the 80% mark. Do not let that scare you. The tension is excruciating in the best way. Vanessa assumes the role of assistant/housekeeper/manager for Aiden Graves, the best defensive end in football. Aiden is grumpy, silent, and seemingly robotic.
When Aiden needs a green card to stay in the country, he asks Vanessa to marry him. She agrees, for a price. What follows is a slow, meticulous dismantling of Aiden’s walls. We watch him go from a man who barely speaks to her to a man who would burn the world down for her.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: If you liked the “transactional relationship” aspect of The Deal, this is the ultimate version of that. It is a marriage of convenience, which raises the stakes significantly. Aiden Graves is the ultimate grump to Garrett’s charm, but watching him fall is just as satisfying. The domestic scenes cooking dinner, watching TV, training build a foundation of intimacy that feels incredibly real. When the romance finally hits, it feels earned.
11. Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy
The Vibe: Emotional damage, a love triangle, and a “book boyfriend” who sets the bar impossibly high.
This book took BookTok by storm, and for good reason. It is a college romance that follows Arianna, who has been in love with her brother’s best friend for years. But when that situation gets messy, she finds comfort in Noah Riley. Noah is the captain of the football team, and he is… perfect. There is no other word for him.
Noah is patient, kind, and observant. He sees Arianna when she feels invisible. He steps up when her heart is broken and offers to help her heal. The catch? He waits. He does not pressure her. He simply exists as a safe haven until she is ready.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: While The Deal is largely a comedy with emotional moments, Say You Swear is an emotional journey with moments of lightness. It captures the intensity of first love and heartbreak in a college setting. Noah Riley is often cited alongside Garrett Graham as the best book boyfriend of all time. If you want a hero who is less “cocky playboy” and more “stable protector,” this is your next read. Have tissues ready.
12. Powerless by Elsie Silver
The Vibe: Childhood friends to lovers with a hockey twist and plenty of road trip forced proximity.
Elsie Silver is another author dominating the cowboy/sports romance niche. Powerless features Jasper Gervais, a hockey player who has been friend-zoned by Sloane all his life. Sloane is his cousin’s best friend (and his best friend’s cousin), making her strictly off-limits. But when Sloane’s fiancé leaves her at the altar, Jasper steps in to “rescue” her.
They go on a road trip together, and years of suppressed feelings come bubbling to the surface. Jasper is quiet, intense, and has been pining for Sloane for literal years.
Why it works for Elle Kennedy fans: The banter between childhood friends is effortless. They know each other’s secrets, which adds a layer of depth to the romance. The “road trip” element provides the forced proximity we crave. Jasper is a hockey player, so you get that sports atmosphere, but the focus is heavily on their interpersonal history. It is spicy, angsty, and features a hero who has loved the heroine from afar for a long time.
Why The Deal Remains a Classic
Even with all these amazing new releases, The Deal remains a staple because it balances its elements perfectly. It respects the intelligence of its characters. Hannah is not a prop; she is a fully realized person with trauma, goals, and a sharp wit. Garrett is not just a jersey chaser; he is a young man dealing with the pressure of an abusive father and a demanding career.
The books listed above all capture a piece of that magic. Whether you are looking for the humor (Icebreaker, The Fake Out), the fake dating trope (The Right Move, Blind Side), or the emotional depth (Say You Swear, Mile High), there is something here to fill the void left by Briar U.
So, grab your blanket, pour a glass of wine , and dive into your next obsession. The fictional sports world is waiting for you.