The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a new adult sports romance novel that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Published in 2015 as the first book in the popular Off-Campus series, this book delivers the perfect blend of witty banter, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry. Whether you’re a college romance fan or just looking for your next great read, this guide covers everything you need to know about The Deal.
Book Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Deal |
| Author | Elle Kennedy |
| Genre | New Adult, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance |
| Published | February 24, 2015 |
| Series | Off-Campus, Book 1 |
| Pages | Approximately 350 pages |
| Publisher | Self-published |
| Setting | Briar University (New England) |
| POV | Dual first-person (Hannah & Garrett) |
| Rating | 4.3/5 (Goodreads – 500K+ ratings) |
Detailed Plot Summary
The Setup
The story takes place at Briar University in New England. Hannah Wells is a music major who has finally found someone who turns her on – a popular football player named Justin Kohl. But Hannah carries emotional baggage from a traumatic past that makes her hesitant when it comes to relationships. She lacks the confidence to approach Justin and doesn’t know how to get his attention.
Garrett Graham is the cocky, charming captain of the Briar University hockey team. He’s dreaming of going pro after graduation, but his grades are plummeting. After failing his midterm in an ethics class, he risks being barred from the team if his GPA falls below the required threshold. When he notices that Hannah aced the same exam, he begs her to tutor him.
The Deal
Hannah repeatedly refuses Garrett’s requests. She’s unimpressed by his looks and reputation. But Garrett is persistent. He eventually proposes a deal:
- Hannah tutors Garrett in philosophy/ethics to help him pass the class and stay on the hockey team
- Garrett pretends to date Hannah on campus so that Justin Kohl will notice her and become jealous
Hannah reluctantly agrees. What begins as a purely transactional arrangement quickly becomes something neither of them expected.
The Fake Relationship
As Garrett and Hannah spend more time together – tutoring sessions, fake dates, group hangouts – they develop a genuine friendship. Hannah meets Garrett’s close friends: Dean, Tucker, and Logan. They share personal details about their lives. Garrett reveals that his mother has passed away and hints at the emotional distance between him and his father, Phil Graham, a famous hockey legend who is controlling and abusive.
Their chemistry becomes undeniable. One unexpected kiss leads to the wildest night of both their lives, and the line between pretend and real completely blurs.
The Complications
Several obstacles stand in their way:
- Hannah’s past trauma: Five years before the story begins, Hannah was raped. She has struggled with intimacy and social anxiety ever since. She must learn to trust again.
- Garrett’s controlling father: Phil Graham controls Garrett financially. When Phil discovers the relationship, he gives Hannah an ultimatum – break up with Garrett or Phil will cut off his funds, forcing him to drop out of college and hockey.
- Misunderstandings: Hannah breaks up with Garrett without explaining why, leaving him confused and heartbroken.
The Resolution
When Hannah returns to campus after winter break, she finds that Garrett has warned every man on campus not to date her. She storms to the locker room to confront him and finally reveals the truth about Phil’s ultimatum. Garrett is both amused and relieved – he explains that on his 21st birthday, he received a trust fund from his maternal grandparents. He’s now completely financially independent from his father. Phil’s leverage was always an illusion.
The two reconcile, reaffirm their love, and the novel ends with Garrett’s hockey team winning the Frozen Four championship. Garrett and Hannah are happily together, both having found the courage to heal and move forward.
Main Characters
Hannah Wells
Hannah is a music major at Briar University. She’s smart, determined, and refreshingly realistic. Despite her past struggles with sexual assault, she remains independent and knows her worth. She’s not the typical romance heroine – she’s sarcastic, witty, and unafraid to stand up for herself. Her journey is about reclaiming her confidence and learning to trust again.
Garrett Graham
Garrett is the captain of the hockey team – charming, cocky, and confident. But beneath the surface, he’s dealing with an abusive father and the loss of his mother. He’s more emotionally perceptive than his jock reputation suggests. He’s patient, loyal, and protective of Hannah. He’s widely considered one of the best book boyfriends in the romance genre.
Justin Kohl
A football star at Briar University and Hannah’s initial crush. He’s popular and attractive but ultimately not the right match for Hannah.
Devon
Hannah’s ex-boyfriend who appears briefly and forces her to confront ongoing anxieties about her sexuality and past.
Phil Graham
Garrett’s father – a famous hockey legend who is controlling, abusive, and manipulative. He uses money as leverage to control Garrett’s life.
Dean, Tucker, and Logan
Garrett’s close friends and teammates. They provide comic relief and loyalty throughout the story. Logan develops an unrequited crush on Hannah.
Major Themes
Healing from Trauma
Both Hannah and Garrett carry deep emotional scars. Hannah is a sexual assault survivor learning to trust again, while Garrett survived domestic abuse at the hands of his father. Their relationship becomes a safe space for both of them to heal. The book portrays healing as a gradual, non-linear process – and it does so with sensitivity and respect.
Fake Dating to Real Love
The fake dating trope is executed brilliantly. What starts as a transaction evolves naturally into genuine emotional connection. Both characters have clear motivations for the arrangement, and the transition from pretend to real feels authentic and earned.
Independence and Self-Discovery
Garrett’s journey to financial independence from his controlling father is a major arc. Hannah’s journey is about reclaiming her agency and confidence after trauma. Both characters grow significantly throughout the story.
Loyalty and Friendship
The friendship between Garrett, Dean, Tucker, and Logan is one of the highlights. They support each other unconditionally, even during difficult moments. This loyalty extends to how Garrett supports Hannah through her darkest moments.
Consent and Respect
The book handles intimate scenes with remarkable care. Garrett is patient with Hannah, always prioritizing her comfort and boundaries. Their physical relationship is portrayed as an act of healing and trust – not just romantic escalation.
Popular Tropes
- Sports Romance – Hockey player hero
- Fake Dating – The core premise of the story
- Tutor/Tutee – Academic arrangement turns romantic
- Bad Boy / Player – Garrett’s reputation
- Hurt/Comfort – Both characters heal together
- College/University Setting – Briar University
- Dual POV – Alternating perspectives
- Slow Burn – Feelings develop gradually
Book Review
What Works
Witty Banter and Fun Dialogue – The back-and-forth between Hannah and Garrett is perfection. Their dynamic is full of hilarious one-liners, flirty teasing, and genuine conversations that make you fall in love with them.
Relatable Characters – Hannah is a strong, realistic heroine who’s easy to root for. Garrett starts as the typical arrogant athlete but reveals depth and vulnerability that make him irresistible.
Emotional Depth – This isn’t just a fluffy romance. The book tackles serious topics like sexual assault, domestic abuse, and financial control with sensitivity and care.
Authentic Romance – Unlike many fake dating romances, Hannah and Garrett’s relationship evolves naturally. The transition from pretend to real feels earned and genuine.
Supporting Cast – Dean, Tucker, and Logan add humor and heart. You’ll want to read their stories next.
What Could Be Better
Pacing in the Middle – Some readers find the middle section slightly slow before the conflict intensifies.
Repetitive Conflicts – The misunderstanding-based breakup could feel frustrating for some readers.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Deal is one of the best college romance novels out there. It’s funny, emotional, steamy, and deeply satisfying. If you love sports romance with heart, this is a must-read.
The Off-Campus Series
The Deal is the first book in the Off-Campus series. Each book follows a different hockey player at Briar University:
| Book | Title | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Deal | Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham |
| 2 | The Mistake | Grace Ivers and Logan Rerek |
| 3 | The Score | Allie Hayes and Dean Di Laurentis |
| 4 | The Goal | Sabrina James and Tucker Jones |
Each book can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order gives you the best experience as characters appear across the series.
Why You Should Read This Book
- If you love college romance with authentic characters
- If you enjoy fake dating tropes done right
- If you want a hockey romance with depth
- If you appreciate books that handle serious topics with care
- If you want a book boyfriend who is patient, loyal, and protective
- If you love witty banter and great dialogue
- If you want a feel-good ending that earns its happiness
Best Quotes from The Deal
“I’m not going to hurt you, Hannah. I’m going to take care of you.”
“You’re the only thing that makes sense to me.”
“I don’t want to be just friends. I want to be everything.”
“Sometimes the best deals are the ones we never planned to make.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Deal by Elle Kennedy free to read?
The Deal is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. However, many websites offer free PDF downloads for reading purposes. Check the download section below.
Is The Deal a standalone book?
Yes! While it’s part of the Off-Campus series, each book follows a different couple and can be read independently.
Is The Deal appropriate for all ages?
The Deal is a new adult romance with mature content. It’s recommended for readers aged 17+ due to explicit scenes and themes of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
What is the Off-Campus series about?
The Off-Campus series follows the love lives of hockey players at Briar University. Each book features a different couple and can be read as a standalone.
Is there a movie or TV adaptation?
As of 2026, there is no official movie or TV adaptation announced for The Deal. However, the book has a massive fanbase and is frequently discussed as a potential adaptation.
What makes The Deal different from other romance novels?
The Deal stands out because of its emotional depth, well-developed characters, and respectful handling of serious topics like trauma and abuse. The banter between Hannah and Garrett is also widely praised.
Which book in the series is the best?
Fans are divided! Many love The Deal for its emotional depth, while others prefer The Score for its steaminess. Each book has its own charm.
How long does it take to read The Deal?
Most readers finish The Deal in 4-6 hours. It’s a fast-paced, engaging read that’s hard to put down.
Free PDF Download
The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a copyrighted work. We recommend purchasing the book to support the author. However, if you’d like a free copy for reading purposes, you can find it on various online platforms. Always respect copyright laws in your region.
You can find The Deal by Elle Kennedy on:
- Amazon Kindle – Often available for $0.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited
- Goodreads – Check for giveaways and promotions
- Your local library – Many libraries offer free digital lending through apps like Libby or OverDrive
- PDFGozar – Free PDF download available on our website
Key Takeaways
- The Deal is a must-read sports romance with emotional depth
- Features the beloved fake dating trope executed perfectly
- Deals with serious themes like trauma and healing with sensitivity
- Garrett Graham is one of the best book boyfriends in romance
- First book in the Off-Campus series – 4 books total
- Perfect for fans of college romance, witty banter, and slow burn