One of the most beloved heroines in contemporary romance. She is not your stereotypical "broken" girl. She has gone to therapy, she is strong, she is focused on her career (she wants to be a music producer), and she refuses to be defined by her trauma. She is a survivor, not a victim.
Garrett overhears Hannah crushing on a hot theater guy. He offers Hannah a deal: he will pretend to be her boyfriend to make the theater guy jealous if she agrees to tutor him in philosophy.
Hannah agrees to tutor Garrett, helping him raise his grades to stay on the team. In exchange, Garrett agrees to a "pretend date" with her to make her crush jealous and help her gain confidence. vk the deal elle kennedy
If you are joining these communities, you’ll find a passionate group of fans who have translated the book’s themes into various languages, proving that the appeal of a "reformed playboy" and a "smart girl" is universal. Final Thoughts: Should You Read It?
The hockey players are protective but emotional and vulnerable. Witty Banter: The dialogue keeps readers hooked. Where to Buy The Deal (2026) One of the most beloved heroines in contemporary romance
★★★★★ (5/5) Heat Level: High Tropes: Fake Dating, Jock/Scholar, Forced Proximity, He Falls First.
Published originally in 2015, The Deal is the foundational first installment of Elle Kennedy’s acclaimed Off-Campus series. It establishes the gold standard for contemporary college sports romance. She is a survivor, not a victim
He tutors Hannah’s crush to make him jealous and notice her.
If you want a character with VK’s quiet, loyal, understated energy, you might enjoy:
While overwhelmingly popular, The Deal is not without its critics. Some have pointed to certain characterizations and language as problematic. For instance, the use of the term "puck bunnies" has been criticized as reinforcing a sexist trope. Some readers feel the series relies on certain stereotypes of female characters within the college sports culture. Others have pointed to a specific scene where Garrett tries to dictate who Hannah can spend time with, a moment that some argue removes Hannah's agency.
Though published in 2015, TikTok's reading community (BookTok) completely revitalized the book's popularity in the 2020s. This viral success directly mirrored over to VK book clubs, driving a massive wave of new, younger readers to the series. Critical Reception and Legacy