Book Review: The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) by Elle Kennedy
When I stumbled upon The Deal by Elle Kennedy, I was drawn in by its intriguing premise and the buzz surrounding it in the new adult romance sphere. Something about the combination of college life, romance, and the promise of character growth spoke to the part of me that loves a good story about overcoming challenges—and isn’t that what we all crave? However, diving into this book was a wild ride, filled with moments that made me cringe and reflect deeply on the portrayal of relationships and gender dynamics.
At its core, The Deal follows Hannah, a talented music major struggling to navigate her past trauma and her complicated feelings for Garrett, a charming but often problematic hockey player. The premise suggests potential for a rich exploration of personal growth and romance, but what unfolded was unfortunately marred by a pattern of toxic behavior that detracted from the narrative’s impact.
From the start, I found Garrett’s relentless pursuit of Hannah both troubling and uncomfortable. His repeated insistence that she tutor him—even after she declined numerous times—made me uneasy. It set the tone for what felt like an overuse of stereotypical male behaviors that readers may find all too familiar. And then there are the cringe-worthy comments, like Garrett’s flippant remark that “women aren’t supposed to think.” It’s hard to read lines like that without feeling the weight of their implications. Rather than eliciting empathy or growth, these moments left me shaking my head in disbelief.
The writing style overall mirrored the predictability of the plot—heavy on cheesy dialogue and lacking in nuance. For example, when Hannah rolls her eyes or bites her lip, it could feel like a direct line from a cliché script. Moments that were intended to be funny or charming often landed flat, making the story feel more like fan fiction than a nuanced exploration of young love.
Yet amidst the chaos, there were glimmers of hope. I appreciated the moments when Hannah took charge of her own desires—asking Garrett for sex directly was a strikingly powerful moment, a reminder that consent and agency in our own sexual experiences are paramount. However, this moment was frustratingly countered by Hannah’s troubling belief, later voiced, that she is "broken" and needs Garrett to "fix" her. These warring themes of empowerment and reliance on a romantic partner left me feeling conflicted.
The Deal isn’t devoid of moments that resonate—it confronts serious themes such as trauma and healing, even if the execution falters. There’s a painful irony in that existing amid problematic portrayals of gender dynamics, it touches on real issues worth discussing. But it’s wrapped in a repetitive narrative that often sidesteps a deeper conversation about respect and healthy relationships.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who enjoys college-set romances and can overlook glaring problematic themes, The Deal may still find a place in your reading list. It might resonate with those looking for stories that blend humor with heart, and who appreciate a bit of angst along the way. For me, it was a reading experience that opened up discussions not just about the characters’ paths, but about the broader implications of how relationships can be portrayed. Ultimately, I walked away yearning for a reimagined version of this story—one that could elevate the conversation around consent and respect in relationships while keeping some of the romantic tension enjoyable.
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