Since its release, The Deal has spawned a massive following. It introduced readers to the other members of the Briar U hockey team, leading to three subsequent books in the Off-Campus series (The Mistake, The Score, and The Goal), as well as a spin-off series, Briar U.
The book is often credited with revitalizing the sports romance sub-genre for the 2010s and 2020s. It paved the way for the "Hockey Romance" trend that currently dominates social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Unlike the dark romance anti-heroes that dominate the market (think Haunting Adeline or Corrupt), Garrett is not a morally gray character. He is a funny, horny, occasionally stupid jock who is a virgin at emotional vulnerability. He falls for Hannah because she challenges him. When he discovers her trauma, he doesn't get angry or possessive in a toxic way; he gets gentle. The scene where he asks for consent before touching her—making sure she is "in the room" with him—is legendary for a reason.
Hannah Wells is a music major recovering from a past sexual assault. She wants to make her ex jealous, but the guy she likes doesn’t notice her.
Garrett Graham is the cocky, struggling hockey captain who needs to pass a philosophy class to stay on the team.
Their solution? A deal: Garrett tutors Hannah in philosophy; Hannah pretends to be Garrett’s girlfriend.
What starts as transactional becomes real as they confront their pasts, vulnerabilities, and undeniable chemistry.
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| Method | Price | Quality | Safety | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | VKontakte (Piracy) | Free | Low (OCR errors, missing pages) | Risky (Malware) | | Amazon Kindle Unlimited | $11.99/mo (First month free) | High (Whispersync, X-Ray) | 100% Safe | | Audible (Audiobook) | 1 Credit ( ~$15) | High (Professional actors) | 100% Safe | | Local Library (Libby/Hoopla) | Free | High (Official ebooks) | 100% Safe | | Used Paperback | $4-$8 | Medium (Physical wear) | 100% Safe |
Pro Tip: If you cannot afford the book, request that your local library purchase a digital copy. Libby and Hoopla are free apps that let you borrow The Deal instantly if your library has a license.
What sets The Deal apart from standard college romances is the depth of its protagonists. Elle Kennedy refuses to write two-dimensional stereotypes.
Hannah Wells is not a damsel in distress. While she carries the weight of her trauma, the narrative focuses on her resilience. She is snarky, sexually confident in her own way, and fiercely protective of her heart. Her journey isn’t about being "saved" by a man; it's about reclaiming her autonomy and learning to trust again. Since its release, The Deal has spawned a
Garrett Graham could have easily been written as the typical "jock jerk." Instead, Kennedy gives him layers. Beneath the cocky, playboy exterior lies a young man battling his own demons—specifically, an abusive father. Garrett’s protectiveness over Hannah feels earned, not controlling. Watching him fall for her is a masterclass in the "slow burn" trope, as he moves from annoyance to obsession.
| Book | Author | Why it fits | |------|--------|--------------| | The Mistake (Off-Campus #2) | Elle Kennedy | Logan’s story – lighter, but same world. | | Icebreaker | Hannah Grace | Collegiate sports romance with similar banter & emotional depth. | | The Wall of Winnipeg and Me | Mariana Zapata | Slow-burn, fake relationship, athlete MMC. | | Punk 57 | Penelope Douglas | Darker, but same raw, sexual tension + letters trope. |
The story is set at the prestigious Briar University, where the lines between the jocks and the scholars are clearly drawn.
Hannah Wells is a survivor. After a traumatic past that left her emotionally scarred, she has focused entirely on her music and her studies. She is finally ready to dip her toe into the dating pool, but she has a problem: she wants to catch the eye of her crush, the nice-guy football player, Justin. However, Hannah is rusty in the art of flirting and isn't sure how to make him notice her. What sets The Deal apart from standard college
Garrett Graham is the captain of the hockey team, a campus legend, and a man under immense pressure. He is failing a class that is vital to his eligibility to play hockey. If he doesn’t pass, his NHL dreams could go up in smoke.
The solution? A trade.
Garrett needs a tutor to pass history. Hannah needs a "fake boyfriend" to make her crush jealous. The two strike a deal: Garrett will tutor Hannah in the art of seduction, and in return, Hannah will help Garrett salvage his grades. It’s a business transaction, plain and simple—until the lines between fake and real begin to blur.
"VK the Deal" is a short fanfiction/novel concept referencing characters and tropes common to Elle Kennedy’s contemporary New Adult romances (not an official Elle Kennedy title). If you meant a specific Elle Kennedy book, the closest official works are the Off-Campus or Briar U series (sports/college romances) and the Campus Kings or The Bachelor-style titles. I’ll assume you want guidance for finding or enjoying a fanfic-style story inspired by Elle Kennedy’s style called “vk the deal.”