Review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

THE DEAL

(Off-Campus, book #1)

Elle Kennedy

BLURB

New York Times bestseller Elle Kennedy brings you a sexy new Off-Campus novel that can be read as a standalone

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy…

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

…and it’s going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

 

★★★

*Just about 4 Stars* — Great read!

The Deal is the perfect choice when you’re looking for something engaging, sexy, and light—with a lil’ dose of depth to trigger your emotions.

YES, those who claim this book contains cliches aren’t kidding. There are certainly plenty of cliched one-liners to go around, but for some reason, I was able to glide right past them.

And… okay …so maybe just about everyone in this book is totally hot, and the storyline was often predictable…

Am I selling you on this book yet?

But, here’s where I think this story truly thrived :

It was so much freaking fun!

I laughed…
I swooned…
I wanted to be friends with the majority of the characters and drop-kick the rest!
I’d put the book down and couldn’t wait to pick it back up again.

This story hooked me without the presence of a highly original plot, and I think there’s something major to be said about that.

It’s simple, and doesn’t try too hard or bombard us with a dozen over-the-top scenarios—and I really enjoyed that.

The characters are incredibly entertaining and allow you to warm up to them immediately. Their flaws are intense without feeling forced, and quickly become endearing.

This is one of those books that invites you to just sit back and enjoy the ride. And even though it’s not completely smooth sailing, the tension-filled angst wasn’t overdone, and added much excitement.

A pinch of the plot, since the blurb in this case does its job well: Music major, Hannah, has been through a traumatic event—one that has basically crippled her love life, and for good reason.

But she forges ahead and soon her sights are set on the school’s star football player, Justin. Only, there’s no way Justin would ever notice someone with her lowly social status…

So when the very “popular”, very sexy, and very flirty lady’s man, Garret, offers to help Hannah gain the attention of her crush in exchange for some Ethics tutoring, “The Deal” is born…

The sexy trail of events that take place after are nothing short of awesome, and the perspectives alternating between hero and heroine are implemented with distinguishability, as well as believability.

Slight gripe: As much as I enjoyed this read, there was a certain “trigger” incorporated that I became a bit conflicted with. Click spoiler to see trigger: (view spoiler)

On the one hand, this element was vital in explaining certain behavior, but there were times it seemed to lack a little conviction.

HOWEVER, that’s just this gal’s opinion, as I’m certain others will perceive this aspect quite differently.

In sum, I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who longs for a little fun in their romantic fiction. And for all you book-boyfriend collectors—this hero DOES NOT disappoint!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Book Stats:
▪  Genre/Category: Romance/New Adult
▪  Steam Caliber: Quite steamy
▪ Romance: Slow build. Enemies, to friends, to lovers.
▪  Characters: Well fleshed out and lovable.
▪  Plot: Hero makes a deal with heroine to help gain the attention of her crush. College setting.
▪ Writing: Simplistic and fun. Humorous.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Alternating perspectives between hero and heroine.
▪  Cliffhanger: Nope! Complete story.
▪  Next Installment: Spinoff (Logan)

Originally read & reviewed on Goodreads on March 13, 2015
Author: Kristin (KC)

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