I recently finished reading The Deal by Elle Kennedy and I have to say, I absolutely loved it! As a fan of contemporary romance novels, especially in the New Adult genre, this book checked all the boxes for me. I was drawn to it after seeing so many glowing reviews online, and I’m happy to report it lived up to the hype.

The story follows Hannah Wells, a college music major, and Garrett Graham, the charming but academically-challenged captain of the hockey team. On paper, these two could not be more different. Hannah is still recovering from a traumatic event in her past and has built up walls around her heart. Garrett is a notorious player both on and off the ice who is used to getting any girl he wants.

When Garrett finds himself in danger of flunking ethics and losing his spot on the team, he strikes an unusual deal with Hannah. She’ll tutor him in exchange for him pretending to be her boyfriend to make her long-time crush jealous. It seems like the perfect arrangement – but neither anticipates the very real feelings that develop as they spend more time together.

One of the biggest strengths of The Deal is the electric chemistry between Hannah and Garrett. From their first meeting, the sexual tension crackles on every page. But it goes deeper than just physical attraction. The playful, witty banter between them made me laugh out loud at times. And as they open up to each other, it’s clear how much they each grow and change for the better through their relationship.

I loved how authentic and relatable both characters felt. Hannah’s mix of vulnerability and strength was so compelling. You could really feel her struggling to move past her trauma. And Garrett is so much more than the one-dimensional jock he first appears. Watching the walls come down for both of them was truly moving.

One of my favorite parts was the absolutely scorching intimate scenes. Elle Kennedy definitely knows how to write steam! But I appreciated that it never felt gratuitous. Each passionate encounter revealed something new about the characters and moved their emotional journey forward.

Here’s one of my favorite swoon-worthy quotes that I think perfectly sums up Garrett’s growing feelings:

“I want to murder the demons from your past. I want to crush anyone who’s ever made you feel like you’re less than the amazing person you are. And I really, really want to kiss you right now.”

In terms of critiques, the fake dating setup is a bit of a well-worn trope in romance. But the depth Kennedy brings to the characters and the story makes it feel fresh. The only other thing is that I would have liked to see a bit more of Hannah’s passion for music worked into the plot. But that’s a minor quibble.

On the whole, I was impressed by the quality of the writing. It’s compulsively readable, with the perfect balance of humor, heart, and heat. Elle Kennedy has a real gift for dialogue and character development. I was sad to say goodbye to Hannah and Garrett when I reached the last page.

This book made me reflect a lot on the walls we all put up in life and love. And how transformative it can be to let the right person in, even when it scares us. It’s a good reminder not to judge people by your first impressions or assumptions about them. You never know what hidden depths they might have.

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Deal to any fans of New Adult romance or anyone who enjoys a well-written love story with plenty of wit, steam, and emotional resonance. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a big smile on your face and a happy sigh when you finish. I know Hannah and Garrett will stick with me for a long time to come. I can’t wait to dive into more of Elle Kennedy’s work!