The Deal by Elle Kennedy Summary

The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a contemporary new adult romance about Hannah Wells, a music student who strikes a bargain with Garrett Graham, the cocky captain of her college hockey team. Hannah agrees to tutor Garrett to save his plummeting GPA in exchange for him pretending to be her boyfriend to make another guy jealous. What begins as a fake dating arrangement evolves into genuine romance as both characters confront their emotional baggage and discover unexpected chemistry.

Elle Kennedy is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. She specializes in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, particularly stories set in college environments featuring hockey players and strong character development. Kennedy is best known for her Off-Campus series, Briar U books, and Campus Diaries series, all of which feature witty banter, emotional depth, and spicy romance scenes.

The Deal by Elle Kennedy is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with witty banter, college settings, and emotionally complex characters. Fans of the fake dating trope, hockey romance, and new adult fiction will find this book particularly appealing. The story also resonates with readers interested in narratives about overcoming past trauma, personal growth, and the healing power of genuine connection. Those who appreciate dual POV narration, spicy romance scenes, and slow-burn relationship development will thoroughly enjoy this book.

The Deal by Elle Kennedy is absolutely worth reading for fans of character-driven romance with emotional depth. The book was a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance in 2015 and is praised for its witty dialogue, realistic character development, and thoughtful handling of sensitive themes like trauma and healing. Kennedy masterfully balances humor with emotional intensity, creating a slow-burn romance that feels authentic and satisfying. The chemistry between Hannah and Garrett, combined with the engaging college hockey setting, makes this a memorable and re-readable romance.

The fake dating arrangement in The Deal begins when Hannah Wells agrees to tutor Garrett Graham in philosophy ethics in exchange for him pretending to be her boyfriend to make her crush, Justin, jealous. What makes this trope work effectively is that both characters have clear motivations: Hannah wants to step out of her comfort zone and gain confidence, while Garrett needs academic help to secure his hockey career. The "pretend" relationship quickly becomes complicated when their chemistry proves undeniable, and what started as a transaction transforms into genuine emotional connection and romance.

The Deal explores several powerful themes beyond romance.

• Trauma and healing are central, as both Hannah (dealing with past sexual assault) and Garrett (surviving domestic abuse) learn to share their scars and find acceptance.
• Loyalty and friendship are emphasized through the unwavering support characters provide each other, even during difficult moments.
• The book also addresses self-discovery and independence, particularly through Garrett's journey to reclaim financial independence from his controlling father.
• Kennedy demonstrates that vulnerability strengthens relationships and that genuine connection requires confronting past pain rather than hiding from it.

Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells are compelling because they defy initial stereotypes while carrying authentic emotional depth. Garrett appears to be the typical cocky hockey player but reveals vulnerability, intelligence, and genuine care beneath his confident exterior. Hannah is confident in most areas of her life but carries baggage around intimacy and seduction, making her relatable and multi-dimensional. Their chemistry stems from witty banter, mutual respect, and the way they challenge each other to grow beyond their comfort zones. Both characters demonstrate resilience in overcoming past trauma while supporting each other's healing journeys.

Elle Kennedy employs a dual point-of-view narrative structure in The Deal, alternating between Hannah and Garrett's perspectives to provide insight into both characters' thoughts and emotional development. Her writing is characterized by witty banter and sharp dialogue that creates engaging, realistic interactions laced with sarcasm and humor. Kennedy balances lighthearted romantic comedy moments with emotional intensity and vulnerability, using vivid descriptions and internal monologues to convey characters' emotional states. This combination of humor and depth makes the story both entertaining and emotionally resonant, allowing readers to connect with the characters' experiences.

The Deal addresses trauma with sensitivity and realism, focusing on Hannah's past sexual assault and Garrett's history of domestic abuse. Kennedy emphasizes that speaking out and sharing trauma with trusted people is crucial for healing, showing how both characters find strength in vulnerability rather than shame. The narrative demonstrates that those who love unconditionally will not view you differently after learning about your past, and that sharing emotional burdens makes them easier to carry. The book portrays healing as an ongoing process that requires accepting reality before moving forward, and shows how supportive relationships can facilitate recovery without erasing the scars.

Several quotes from The Deal capture the characters' dynamic and growth.

• "I'm not asking you to take your clothes off, baby. I just want to peek at your midterm" showcases Garrett's initial cocky attitude while foreshadowing the unexpected connection that develops.
• "You're not his type" represents a turning point where Garrett challenges Hannah's perception of her crush Justin, revealing his protectiveness and prompting her self-reflection.
• "I'm not going to try anything, Wellsy. It's just a ride home" demonstrates Garrett's vulnerable side as he works to gain Hannah's trust despite his player reputation, hinting at the genuine relationship to come.

The Deal concludes with Garrett and Hannah triumphing over obstacles that threatened their relationship. Garrett's hockey team wins the championship game, and he reconciles with Hannah after confronting his controlling father and achieving financial independence. The ending emphasizes resilience and fighting for love, showing both characters reaffirming their commitment to each other. They embark on a future together characterized by mutual support, self-discovery, and personal growth. The resolution demonstrates the transformative power of genuine connection and highlights how finding someone who accepts and loves you unconditionally enables healing and forward progress.

The Deal is the first book in Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series, which features five interconnected books following different couples within the Briar University hockey team universe. The series continues with The Mistake (book 2), The Score (book 3), The Goal (book 4), and The Legacy (book 5). Kennedy has also written the related Briar U series (including The Chase, The Risk, and The Play) and the newer Campus Diaries series starting with The Graham Effect. Each book can be read as a standalone romance, but reading in order enhances the experience as characters from previous books make appearances and friendships develop across the series.