The Deal

Elle Kennedy, אל קנדי

  • First published 2015
  • 490 pages
  • French
Hannah Wells, a focused music major, confidently navigates her academic life, yet her past makes romantic connections a significant challenge. Garrett Graham, the charismatic captain of the hockey team, faces a threat to his athletic career as his grades plummet in a crucial philosophy class. His only option is to seek help from the one student who aced the midterm: Hannah.

A deal is proposed: Hannah will tutor Garrett to save his GPA, and in exchange, he will pretend to be her boyfriend to capture the attention of her crush. This strategic arrangement at Briar University soon develops beyond initial expectations, revealing an unforeseen connection and undeniable chemistry. As their fake relationship progresses, both Hannah and Garrett must confront personal histories and vulnerabilities, blurring the lines between their agreement and genuine feelings.
4.17
1.5M ratings across the web
8 in 10 readers loved it
This book has been widely praised by many readers for its highly entertaining and addictive qualities, often leading to quick completion. Reviewers frequently highlighted the strong chemistry and witty banter between the main characters, Hannah and Garrett, as a major draw. The gradual development of their "fake dating" relationship into a genuine connection was a particular favorite. Garrett, despite an initial "bad boy" image, was often described as charming, caring, and sweet, while Hannah was appreciated for her intelligence, confidence, and resilience. Fans enjoyed the book as a fun, sexy, and heartfelt New Adult romance that effectively utilizes popular genre tropes.

Conversely, a significant number of reviews expressed strong criticism regarding problematic themes and character behavior. Garrett's actions were frequently labeled as coercive, disrespectful, and manipulative, especially his persistence in pursuing Hannah and his tendency to objectify women. Critics pointed out instances of cringeworthy and unrealistic dialogue, alongside the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, internalized misogyny, and a "boys will be boys" attitude that the narrative often failed to adequately challenge. Concerns were also raised about the handling of sensitive topics, with some finding the protagonist's past trauma addressed insensitively, particularly through a narrative where a male character is perceived as "fixing" her. One review also highlighted the inclusion of a philosophy paper discussing justifications for deeply controversial historical events as particularly insensitive.

Overall, opinions on this book are sharply divided, reflecting its polarizing nature. While not universally acclaimed for literary depth, it is celebrated by its fans for its fast-paced, trope-filled narrative and engaging romantic connection. The book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy college sports romance, especially the "fake dating" trope, and who prioritize witty banter and a compelling romantic journey, even if it means overlooking some of the more controversial aspects. However, readers sensitive to outdated gender dynamics, coercive male leads, or potentially superficial handling of serious themes may find the book off-putting or frustrating.

No reviews yet. Be the first.

This edition
HUGO POCHE, 2017
ISBN
9782755633832
Language
French
Original edition Originally published in 2015 · English · Lightning Source Incorporated

Other editions (92)