The Deal (Off-Campus # 1)
I couldn't put "The Deal" by Elle Kennedy down - seriously, I may have missed a few meals getting lost in this one! This college romance had me completely hooked from the first exchange between Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham.
Their deal is simple: she helps the hot hockey captain pass his class, and he helps her catch another guy's eye. But their chemistry jumps off the page from their first study session. What I loved most was how these characters felt like real people dealing with actual struggles. Hannah's working through past trauma, while Garrett's family drama adds depth to his charming-jock persona.
Kennedy nails the college atmosphere - those late-night study sessions and rowdy hockey games brought me right back to campus life. The romance builds at the perfect pace, with banter that had me literally laughing out loud (and getting weird looks at the coffee shop).
Fair warning: this book definitely brings the steam! But what makes it special is how it handles the intimate scenes with care and respect. The focus on consent and emotional connection elevated it above your typical NA romance.
The side characters are fantastic too - I'm already diving into the next Off-Campus book because I need more of this friend group in my life.
Perfect for romance readers who want their swoony moments balanced with genuine emotion and character growth. Just maybe don't leave it on your coffee table when your parents visit!
Rating: 5/5 Hockey pucks✨
