The Deal: Now an Original Series on Amazon Prime (Off-Campus, 1)

The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a fun, addictive, and emotionally engaging college romance that perfectly combines witty banter, undeniable chemistry, humor, and heartfelt moments. As the first book in the Off-Campus series, it introduces readers to a memorable couple while setting the tone for a series that is easy to get hooked on. One of the book’s greatest strengths is the chemistry between Hannah and Garrett. Their relationship begins with an arrangement that seems simple enough, but watching their connection evolve into something deeper makes the story incredibly entertaining. Their banter brings plenty of humor, while the more vulnerable moments give the romance genuine emotional depth. I especially enjoyed how the story balances the lighter, steamy side of college romance with more serious personal struggles. Both characters have experiences that shape how they approach relationships, and seeing them learn to trust one another adds substance beneath all the flirting and teasing. Garrett’s persistence and Hannah’s determination create a fun push-and-pull dynamic, while their growing friendship makes the romance feel more meaningful. The story isn’t just about attraction—it’s also about learning to open up, support someone, and realize that love can develop in the most unexpected circumstances. Overall, The Deal is exactly the kind of romance that is easy to binge-read. It’s funny, steamy, emotional, and filled with characters who are hard not to root for. Elle Kennedy delivers a fantastic introduction to the Off-Campus world and leaves readers ready to pick up the next book. ~Robin Stingley~

The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a college romance that fully delivers on its reputation. With engaging characters, steady emotional growth, and a relationship that develops naturally, it’s easy to see why this book remains so popular. The story follows Hannah Wells, a focused and reserved music student, and Garrett Graham, the confident captain of the college hockey team whose academic struggles threaten his future. When their paths cross through an unexpected agreement, a friendship begins that gradually deepens into something more meaningful. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pacing. The relationship doesn’t rush or rely on instant attraction alone. Instead, it builds through shared experiences, honest conversations, and growing trust. This approach makes the connection between the characters feel believable and emotionally grounded. Both Hannah and Garrett face personal challenges that shape their decisions and growth throughout the story. These elements add depth without overwhelming the romance, keeping the focus on character development and mutual support. The dialogue is lively, the humour is well-placed, and the emotional moments are balanced with lighter scenes that keep the story moving. While some plot elements may feel familiar to readers of the genre, the overall execution is strong. The conflicts fit naturally within the story, and the resolution is satisfying without feeling overextended. The Deal is an enjoyable, well-written romance that blends heart, humour, and character-driven storytelling. A solid choice for readers who enjoy college settings, slow-burn relationships, and emotionally engaging narratives.

Hannah and Garrett have Ethics together. Hannah has aced the class, while Garrett? Not so much. So he hounds Hannah until she agrees to tutor him. Hannah wants nothing to do with the captain of the hockey team, aka a dumb jock. But Hannah wants Justin, a football player to notice her, so she finally makes a deal with Garrett - help her win Justin, and she’ll tutor him through Ethics. But then so much more happens, and along the way, so does romance. The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between (and honestly, it’s all good) -Excellent writing: I’ve been a fan of Elle Kennedy’s Out of Uniform series, and when I heard about this book, there was no doubt I was going to 1-click this book. It’s got two of my favorite things - hockey and the “boy helps girl get other boy until he realizes he wants her for himself” trope. Nothing’s as satisfying as seeing the player fall in love and this completely lived up to my expectations. I would have devoured this book in one sitting except for that pesky need to sleep and actually go to work, which believe me, ticked me off when all I wanted to do was keep reading. I couldn't seem to stop myself from highlighting the witty banter (as you can tell from my fave quotes), and there is so much more to be found. Ms. Kennedy’s writing style flows so well, and she can create characters that you absolutely adore, but aren’t cookie-cutter perfection. Such as... -Incredibly likeable leads: Hannah and Garrett are fantastic, fully realized characters who have lives outside of this romance. You see them live those lives with friends, and their school lives are explored in detail without weighing down the narrative. Hannah stands up for herself, but not shrewish or unsympathetic. Garrett can be crude and completely full of himself, but he's also loving, loyal and determined. The ‘verse builds slowly and in a believable way and allows you to get to know them, and see them run the gamut of emotions. They aren’t friends at first, but they come together out of necessity, but you truly get to the chance to see them become friends then lovers. -There’s some angst, but not by the bucketful: As fully realized characters, neither have had the ideal pasts. Garrett’s was heartbreaking and Hannah’s in particular, is a difficult but an all too common tale. It’s not fair, and it isn’t wrapped up in a bow, but like life, they move on and they live theirs. Even when things go wrong, and it’s a romance, so it’s bound to happen, they eventually talk it out and act like the young adults they are. They're determined to live, not wallow and I adored that about them. “Well, that’s the best revenge right there, Garrett. Living well and being happy is how we get over the s*** in our past.” MILD SPOILER ALERT -They’re friends at first, so there are other people involved: Fair warning, Garrett does have a random or two but it never detracts from the overall romance. Hannah has a huge crush on Justin and it doesn’t just miraculously disappear but once Hannah and Garrett really connect in a romantic way, there is no one else. END SPOILER ALERT -I even loved the secondary characters: All of Garrett’s teammates intrigued me. From Tucker and his cooking, Logan and his need to acronym the hell out of everything, Dean and his man-hoish ways, I want to get to know these guys better, and I really hope that they get a chance to hook up with Hannah’s friends or meet new girls and let me see their stories play out as well. The Bottom Line I loved it. It's an enjoyable story that I can see myself reading again and again, so I highly recommend it. There’s a full ‘verse just waiting to be explored at Briar and I’m really eager to visit it again.

College setting, they come from two different worlds on campus, but past pain and a certain deal lead to something more than a friendship. I love hockey romance and my favorite New Adult trope is a nerd and a jock. This was a variation on that and I already enjoy the author's adult romances so it was an easy choice when I needed just such a book for a pair of reading challenges. The Deal opens with pretty, but quiet music student, Hannah Wells, agreeing to tutor the popular captain of the hockey team, Garrett Graham, in their shared philosophy class so he can stay eligible to play in exchange, he agrees to help her make a Hannah's secret crush, a gorgeous football player, jealous. A surprise friendship forms and then a fake kiss sizzles into something potent and real. But, they both have pasts that can rear ugly heads and future plans that don't involve each other. Will they renegotiate for a new deal? I don't mean this disparagingly, but I've never gravitated toward the New Adult genre. We all have our druthers and this is one of mine. That said, I had no hesitation picking up an Elle Kennedy New Adult. After reading the Him series, I had no doubt this author could write this genre well and make me love the story I was getting. It didn't hurt that she put one of my few favorite college tropes into play and she didn't emo it up though the pair both had deep issues from their past, particularly Hannah who is an abuse survivor. She gave due attention to character background like her music and his hockey, their friend circles, their college lives, and their relationship all equally. It was even paced and evenly developing building from a little hostility to partners in their deal, to friendship, and finally something more. Hannah was raped at a high school party. I don't feel this is a spoiler since it's revealed in the opening chapter. She's getting her life back and has dreams and goals. She is in a place where she's ready to join in some social events and get back to dating with her roomie bud, Allie, as her wing gal. She's already got who she thinks is the perfect guy in her sights even if another guy is distracting her. I thought Hannah's character was fabulous. She's feisty, but also vulnerable. She puts herself out there, but she's still working through stuff. I was impressed that the author went the extra mile in that Hannah had sex with Garrett, but it didn't magically erase her rape and they have to take a step back together and give her time. It's not some dark shadow hovering, but it's there in a realistic way. By the way, Garrett turned out to be one amazing guy. He was finding his way and figuring stuff out, but he was right there for Hannah. He was way more than the persona he wore like armor and it was fun to watch Hannah figure this out and appreciate him. He, too, has demons, but like Hannah, he doesn't let it take over everything. They have their big crisis moment, but even then, the struggle was within bounds and didn't blow up into absurd angst. I was thoroughly entertained by the banter and college antics of their friend groups, engaging with the characters, and rooting hard for the romance. I flew through this book in two sittings. I want all their friends' stories now though I cringe at what Logan's story will be like after his big misstep. In summary, it was better than I was even hoping and I want more Off-Campus series. For those, like me who hesitate to pick up New Adult romance or want to take your first plunge into the genre, I can heartily recommend The Deal. It is still free last I checked if you want to test drive it.

Phew. The Deal is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and college romance. Elle Kennedy captures the reality of college life so well—the frat parties, the friendships, the hockey players who know exactly who they are and aren’t afraid to own it. It’s fun, messy, and completely addictive. After watching the Off-Campus adaptation on Amazon, I decided to dive into the books, and I have to admit, there are several moments I enjoyed far more on the page. Some scenes just hit differently in the book, bringing even more humor, chemistry, and charm to the story. And Garrett Graham? Absolute perfection. His confidence, quick wit, and effortless charisma had me smiling from beginning to end. But what makes him truly shine is that Hannah never lets him get away with it—she gives it right back, creating the perfect dynamic. Their friendship, banter, and slow transition into something more made this story impossible not to love. Now it’s time for John Logan’s story, and if it’s anything like Garrett’s, I’m all in. Thank you, Elle Kennedy, for creating a series that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and completely binge-worthy. 🔥📚

I bought the book after watching the TV series, assuming it would provide more depth to the story. Instead, I found that the adaptation does a substantially better job of building character depth and balancing light romance with complex trauma. In the book, the characters are nothing more than tropes, and the trauma healing is a watered-down, fast-tracked story arc. Yes, the steamy romance scenes are captivating and packed with the kind of creative detail that makes a book hard to put down. But the reason I did put it down was the flat writing style that reduces archetypes to clichés. The plot development surrounding the sex scenes is ultimately nothing more than a fantasy about the 'right guy' showing up to heal all wounds and restore trust. It is so unrealistic and naive that it feels dismissive of the real, painful process required for trauma recovery—and borderline insulting to the awareness efforts of the last decade.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars The Deal by Elle Kennedy As someone who almost always reaches for thrillers, this was definitely outside of my normal comfort zone but I ended up really enjoying it! The storyline was interesting and kept me invested throughout the book. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their story develop. The writing was also very easy to read and visualize, which made it easy for me to get into the story even though romance isn’t my usual genre. Overall, I’m really glad I stepped outside of my thriller bubble for this one! It was an easy, enjoyable read with an interesting storyline, and definitely deserving of 4 stars from me.

Overall rating: 4.5/5 Spice: 4/5 Narrator: 4/5 Cliffhanger: 1/5 Age: 18+ Full disclosure, I usually find contemporary romance boring, and I hate sports. I picked this up looking for something fluffier than my usual fare, something that didn’t need as much of my focus. I got that and more. 21 books later and I can confidently say Elle Kennedy has a talent for creating characters with extremely relatable, entertaining inner monologues and weaving them into stories with just enough angst to make the fun stories stick with you. I listened to this book before I saw the tv show and I definitely prefer the book. It feels more genuine. I’ve always loved when romance novels interweave the spicy scenes with the plot and this was done beautifully in the book, over multiple scenes and days/weeks (instead of the one scene in the tv show that everything is fixed). Like the tv show, the banter is great. The characters are flawed, but lovable. The love story is believable and the characters are just the right age to believe it when they act like idiots. I think I love a college rom-com. I can remember the roller-coaster ride that stage of life was and be glad I’m off it. Cautions: History of sexual abuse and of child abuse. Underage drinking and marijuana usage. Violence. Profanity. Explicit sexual situations. I absolutely recommend this for those who loved the show or for people who are just looking for a fun spicy time. I’ve now read/listened to all 13 books in the Universe. Twice. Since April. If that doesn’t say how much I enjoyed it, I don’t know what does.

. 10/5 stars 🌟 . Neuzugang zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern! 🥹 . Wie kann es sein, dass ich erst die Ankündigung einer Serienadaption gebraucht habe, um mir dieses Buch zu kaufen!? Wie kann es sein, dass dieses Buch mir bis vor einem Monat noch nicht die Welt bedeutet hat? . Ich hab mir die Collector's Edition gekauft, obwohl ich ohne Erwartungen ans Buch rangegangen bin. Was soll ich sagen? Als hätte ich gewusst, wie sehr ich es lieben würde! . Das YEARNING in diesem Buch? OH. MEIN. GOTT. I was giggling and kicking my feet all the time! 😍 Am Ende konnte ich gar nicht mehr aufhören! Der Banter war sooo perfekt! Die Anziehung war Chef's Kiss!!! Wie er sie angesehen hat!? Behandelt hat!? Geliebt hat!? Und wie sie bei ihm endlich loslassen konnte!? Ahhh 🫠 Und der Spice? 🔥🔥🔥 . Die Handlung war on point. Ich habe jede einzelne Szene geliebt, es war zu 0% langweilig, es hat alles perfekt gepasst, alles war ON POINT! . Und die TIEFGRÜNDIGKEIT in diesem Buch!? Hannahs und Garrets Vergangenheit, aber auch ihre Liebe zueinander habe ich soooo tief in mir gefühlt! . Und die CHARAKTERE!? Hannah ist eine meiner absoluten Lieblingsprotagonisten! Sie ist so unglaublich stark, aber auch so süß. Sie ist so originell und ich liebe ihre Art einfach!!!! Garrett!? Perfecttttt. Looks? ✔️ The way he talks? ✔️ Humor? ✔️ Hottness? ✔️ Personality? ✔️ Aber auch die Nebencharaktere! Logan 🥹 dean 🔥 Allie 😍! . Der Schreibstil war auch so bombastisch gut! Wow! Das war auch erst mein 2. Buch auf Englisch (abgesehen von 2 Graphic Novels) und es hat sich gelesen, als wäre es Deutsch, als wär es meine Muttersprache. Es war so ein easy English, aber auch so tiefgründig und jedes einzelne Wort ruft auch jetzt noch ALLE Emotionen in mir hervor!!! 🥹 . Es war sogar so gut, dass ich sofort nach Beenden teil 2 bestellt und gelesen habe, das mache ich sonst NIE!!!! . Die Serie dazu lieb ich auch, bin komplett obsessed, obwohl außer Dean literally niemand aussieht wie im Buch 😭 . Fazit: Was zur Hölle machst du noch hier? Lies dieses Buch SOFORT!!!!!

I have had this series on my tbr for as long as I can remember and since a TV series has been made I thought it was about time I read what is considered the OG of hockey romance series. I was hooked instantly, addicted to finding out how Garrett and Hannah would eventually come around and be a couple. This author definitely made it hurt along the way before they got their happily ever after. Garrett is such an amazing guy and will be going on my list of top book boyfriends for sure! He's so kind and patient, the captain of the hockey team falls for the quiet singing prodigy who has such a trauma to overcome. Their love and connection develop naturally and completely out of the blue, neither of them are looking for anything serious but the sizzlingly attraction grows at an unprecedented rate and takes them by surprise. Hannah Wells is a force to be reckoned with and seeing the hockey guys slightly waring of her was absolutely hilarious! Her musical ability is a gift, she's destined for stardom and absolutely knows what she's talking about, despite her musical partner being an arrogant, conceited p****! The side characters are also what make this book, Garrett's hockey friends are hilarious and the bond the team has is so heartwarming, and Hannah's ride or die bestie is the BFF every girl deserves! The banter between all the characters had me in fits of laughter and the camaraderie and sense of family and loyalty between the hockey team was on of the main reasons I love hockey romance. Overall, despite the simplish plot it was incredibly well-developed. This story will go on my list of top hockey romance reads and probably one of my top reads of the year! It has everything steamy scenes, overwhelming chemistry, wonderful characters, and I have to say hockey romances are my favourite sports romances.

After watching the series, I immediately felt tempted to read the books. I really enjoyed them, and this one is my favorite in the series.

Toppen skick!

I’ve decided to read the books after watching off campus S1 on Amazon, and I just couldn’t get this world and the characters out of my head. Im obsessed. The book was different from the series but I still loved it a lot. I really love how they merged things in the series. The book was really nice and I am going to read the next one immediately. I read this whole book in one day. I breezed through it.