Elle Kennedy’s The Deal is the first book in the Off-Campus series, and it’s one of those novels that gets passed around among friends or recommended in online book clubs. It’s a contemporary romance set in a college hockey environment, and it’s often picked up by readers looking for a light, steamy read with a touch of emotional depth. In practice, people tend to read it in a few sittings—on a weekend afternoon or during a commute—because the pacing keeps things moving, even if the plot isn’t particularly groundbreaking.
The story follows Hannah Wells, a music student who needs to improve her grades to keep her scholarship, and Garrett Graham, the star hockey player who needs help passing a history class. They strike a deal: Garrett tutors Hannah, and she pretends to be his girlfriend to boost his image. Predictably, fake dating leads to real feelings, and the narrative unfolds from there. The key functional features here are the dual point of view (alternating chapters between Hannah and Garrett), which gives insight into both characters’ motivations, and the slow-burn romance that builds through their tutoring sessions and shared vulnerabilities. The book also tackles some heavier themes, like past trauma and consent, but it does so in a way that feels integrated rather than preachy.
However, the book has clear limitations. The plot is highly formulaic—anyone familiar with the fake-dating trope will see every twist coming from the start. The college setting feels somewhat idealized, with characters who seem a bit too mature and articulate for their age. Additionally, while the humor lands in places, some of the banter can feel forced, and the supporting characters are often one-dimensional, serving mainly as props to advance the main couple’s story. The hockey aspect is present but not deeply detailed; it’s more of a backdrop than a core part of the narrative, which might disappoint readers hoping for a strong sports element.
Compared to other new adult romances like the Beautiful Disaster series by Jamie McGuire, The Deal is less dramatic and more grounded. McGuire’s book leans into intense, borderline toxic relationships, whereas Kennedy keeps the couple’s conflicts more relatable and resolved through communication. That said, if you’re looking for something with more emotional complexity or realistic college struggles, you might find The Deal too neat. It’s a comfort read, not a challenging one.
Who is this for? It’s suitable for readers who enjoy predictable romance with a guaranteed happy ending, particularly fans of the enemies-to-lovers or fake-dating tropes. It’s a good pick for someone new to romance who wants a low-stakes introduction to the genre. On the other hand, it’s not for readers who want deep character development, unpredictable plots, or a strong focus on sports. If you’re tired of the “jock meets brainy girl” setup, this won’t change your mind. Also, the book contains explicit sexual content, so it’s best suited for adult readers.
In terms of real-world usage, people often read The Deal as a palate cleanser between heavier books or as a quick escape. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t demand much from you—you can skim through the predictable parts and still enjoy the emotional beats. The writing is accessible, with short chapters that make it easy to put down and pick up later. But if you’re looking for a romance that breaks the mold or offers surprising narrative choices, this isn’t it. It’s a solid entry in the genre, but it doesn’t aim higher than that.
Overall, The Deal works well for what it is: a dependable, feel-good romance with a few serious moments. It’s not a book that will stick with you for long after you finish it, but it fulfills its purpose as entertainment. If you go in expecting a standard college romance with a hockey backdrop, you’ll likely be satisfied. Just don’t expect anything more than that.
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