A Closer Look at ‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy: New Adult Sports Romance with College Setting
Elle Kennedy’s ‘The Deal’ is the first book in the Off-Campus series, and it has been a popular title in the new adult and sports romance categories for several years. The story follows Hannah Wells, a music student with a crush on a popular athlete, and she makes a deal with hockey player Garrett Graham to pose as his girlfriend in exchange for help winning over the object of her affections. This setup is classic for the genre, but how does it hold up in terms of actual reading experience?
In real-world usage, this book is often read by people looking for an easy, entertaining romance with some emotional depth and a bit of steam. It’s the kind of novel you might pick up for a weekend read, a long flight, or a break from heavier literary fiction. Many readers report finishing it in a day or two because the pacing is brisk and the chapters are short, which keeps the story moving. The dual point-of-view narrative lets you see both Hannah and Garrett’s perspectives, which is a feature that helps build investment in their relationship.
Key functional features include a well-defined enemies-to-lovers arc, a strong focus on character development for both protagonists, and a subplot involving Hannah’s past trauma that adds weight beyond the typical romance. The banter between the leads is often cited as a highlight, and Kennedy does a decent job of balancing humor with more serious moments. The hockey setting is present but not overwhelming; you don’t need to be a sports fan to follow the story, as the games mostly serve as a backdrop for social dynamics and character interactions.
However, there are some limitations worth noting. The plot follows a very predictable template. If you’ve read other new adult romances, you’ll likely see the major beats coming from a distance. The secondary characters, while present, can feel a bit one-dimensional, especially the friends and rivals. Additionally, some readers might find the level of explicit content surprising if they’re not familiar with the subgenre; this is not a closed-door romance. The way Garrett pursues Hannah can also feel a bit intense at times, and the power dynamics of their ‘deal’ might not sit well with everyone.
Compared to other new adult college romances like those by Colleen Hoover or Jamie McGuire, ‘The Deal’ is generally lighter in tone despite dealing with heavier themes. Hoover’s work often leans more into emotional devastation, while McGuire’s ‘Beautiful Disaster’ has a more volatile central relationship. Kennedy’s book strikes a middle ground, offering a more playful dynamic even when addressing serious issues like consent and recovery from assault. It’s less angsty than some of its contemporaries, which can be a strength or a weakness depending on your mood.
Who is this book suitable for? It’s a good match for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance with a lot of dialogue and internal monologue, and who don’t mind explicit language and sexual content. It appeals to fans of college settings, sports-adjacent stories, and character arcs that involve personal growth and overcoming past trauma. It is less suitable for those who prefer literary fiction, complex multi-layered plots, or romances where the conflict is external rather than internal. Readers who dislike alpha male characters or find the ‘jock falling for the shy girl’ trope overused may want to skip it.
Overall, ‘The Deal’ delivers on its promises within the new adult romance genre. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s competently written and provides a satisfying emotional payoff for its target audience. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging read that doesn’t demand too much from you intellectually, this is a solid choice. Just go in with realistic expectations about its formulaic nature and the tropes it leans on.
