The Deal

Elle Kennedy

Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.5(118,853 Ratings)
Left wheat earsThe New York Times Best SellersRight wheat ears
3 Months Free TrialArrow right
Clock94 Min Reading Time
MicrophoneAudio Version Available
cover backgroundThe Deal

About this book

Hannah Wells has a problem: she's hopelessly drawn to a guy who barely knows she exists. To catch his eye, she needs to step out of her comfort zone, even if it means making a deal with the notoriously cocky hockey captain, Garrett Graham.

Garrett needs a tutor to save his failing GPA and protect his NHL dreams. In exchange for Hannah's help, he'll fake-date her to spark her crush's jealousy. It seems like a win-win...until one unexpected kiss changes everything.

Suddenly, their little charade doesn't feel so fake anymore. But can Garrett convince Hannah that what they have is more than just a deal? Or will their arrangement crash and burn, leaving their hearts on the ice?

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Embracing Vulnerability

    The Power of Vulnerability: Hannah's journey involves overcoming past trauma and learning to trust others. Her willingness to be vulnerable allows her to form genuine connections and ultimately find love. This theme highlights the importance of emotional openness in building strong relationships and healing from past hurts.

  • Beyond Stereotypes

    Breaking Stereotypes: Both Hannah and Garrett challenge preconceived notions. Hannah is a smart, driven music student who defies the 'easy girl' stereotype, while Garrett is an intelligent and caring hockey player who is more than just a jock. Their relationship helps them break free from these limiting labels and discover their true selves.

  • Love's Unpredictability

    The Unexpected Nature of Love: The novel explores how love can blossom in unexpected places and between unlikely people. Hannah and Garrett's initial agreement is purely transactional, but as they spend more time together, they develop genuine feelings for each other, proving that love can arise from the most unconventional circumstances.

  • The Value of Friendship

    Friendship as a Foundation: The importance of strong friendships is highlighted throughout the story. Both Hannah and Garrett rely on their friends for support and guidance. These friendships provide a sense of belonging and help them navigate the challenges of college life and their burgeoning romance.

  • Journey of Self-Discovery

    Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Both Hannah and Garrett undergo significant personal growth throughout the novel. Hannah gains confidence and learns to stand up for herself, while Garrett confronts his own insecurities and takes responsibility for his actions. Their relationship serves as a catalyst for individual development and self-discovery.

  • Healing Through Connection

    The Healing Power of Connection: Hannah's past trauma significantly impacts her life, and her connection with Garrett becomes a crucial part of her healing process. Through their growing intimacy and understanding, Hannah begins to confront her past and find a path towards emotional recovery, highlighting the therapeutic effect of genuine human connection.

Chapter Recap

Chapter 1Hannah finds herself, yet again, captivated by Justin Kohl's striking appearance during Professor Tolbert's lecture. Tolbert, a new professor at Briar University, continues to frustrate her students with her demanding approach to Philosophical Ethics, a stark contrast to her predecessor. Following T
Read MoreArrow right

About The Author

Elle Kennedy

Main Quotes

"Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don't know how you ever lived without them."

"I want you, Dani. That's what I'm trying to tell you. That's what I've been trying to tell you for weeks."

"It's not that I don't trust you," I say. "It's more that I don't trust anyone else."

"Don't be sorry. Just be careful."

"I can't help but smile back. "Because you're not that bad, Garner. In fact, I think you might be one of the best people I know."

"He’s a freaking hockey player. What was I expecting? Intellectual conversation?"

"My best dreams and worst nightmares have the same people in them."

"You're it for me, baby. Only you."

"I need you, Dani."

"I don't want anyone else. I want you, and only you."

Who Should Read This Book

Readers of new adult romance

College romance enthusiasts

Readers who enjoy sports romance, particularly hockey romance

Those who appreciate witty dialogue and humor in romance novels

Readers looking for steamy and emotional stories

Fans of slow-burn romances with heartfelt connections

Readers who enjoy stories with confident female characters and flawed male characters

Book Summaries Like

The Deal
cover backgroundSaving 6

Saving 6

Chloe Walsh

From TikTok sensation and international bestselling author Chloe Walsh comes Saving 6, an unforgettable Irish romance and the next addictive installment in the Boys of Tommen series.

Joey Lynch has always been a protector, piecing together his broken family after his older brother's departure. Burdened by responsibility and battling self-loathing, he teeters on the edge of addiction, finding solace only in Aoife Molloy, his boss’s vibrant daughter. She sees past his tough exterior, offering a light in his shadowed world that he desperately tries to resist.

Aoife Molloy is unapologetically herself. Her bubbly and self-assured nature is challenged when she meets a hot-headed, guarded Joey, sparking a burning curiosity within her. Drawn to the secrets he fights to conceal, Aoife is determined to break through his walls and offer him a home he never thought possible.

As their complicated friendship deepens, can Aoife save Joey from himself, or will his demons ultimately tear them apart? Get ready to be swept away by this angsty, friends-to-lovers romance set in the heart of the Boys of Tommen universe, where the power and pain of first love will leave you breathless.

cover backgroundBeautiful Venom (Deluxe Edition)

Beautiful Venom (Deluxe Edition)

Rina Kent

In a world of privilege, power, and deadly secrets, revenge is the sweetest venom.

Dahlia Halsten isn't supposed to be here. As an outsider, she's an anomaly among the elite, a scholarship student swimming with sharks in a school ruled by ruthless Vipers. To survive, she needs allies, but trust is a luxury she can't afford.

Kane Van Allen is a king in this viper's nest. хоккей royalty, gorgeous, lethal, and heir to a legacy of darkness. He sees Dahlia as a pawn in his twisted games, a means to an end. But the more he watches her, the more intrigued he becomes.

Their attraction is undeniable, their games dangerous. As Dahlia gets closer to the truth of this glamorous, secretive world, she discovers that some secrets are better left buried. And Kane might be the most venomous of them all.

This Deluxe Edition includes exclusive bonus content.

cover backgroundBoys of Tommen

Boys of Tommen

Chloe Walsh

In the heart of Ireland, amidst the camaraderie of a close-knit group of friends, unfolds a story of undeniable chemistry and hidden pain. Welcome to the Boys of Tommen series, where teenage dreams collide with harsh realities, and love battles against the odds.

He's Johnny Kavanagh, the revered rugby star, a natural leader both on and off the field. Driven and determined, he appears to have it all. She's Shannon Lynch, a girl shrouded in secrets, longing to escape a past that haunts her every move.

When their worlds unexpectedly intertwine, an epic and unforgettable connection ignites. As they navigate the complexities of friendship, desire, and the trials of adolescence, hidden wounds and complicated secrets threaten to tear them apart. Can Johnny break through Shannon's walls and offer her the sanctuary she craves? Or will the darkness that shadows her past consume their chance at a future?

Prepare to be captivated by this emotionally charged tale of first love, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. Binding 13 is more than just a story; it's an experience that will leave you breathless, craving more from the Boys of Tommen.

Please be advised: This novel contains mature themes and is intended for readers 18+.

cover backgroundMaybe Someday

Maybe Someday

Colleen Hoover

From Colleen Hoover, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends With Us, comes a captivating novel of shattered dreams, forbidden desires, and the healing power of music.

Sydney, a twenty-two-year-old college student, believes she has it all: a loving boyfriend, a supportive roommate, and a bright future. But her idyllic world implodes when she uncovers a devastating betrayal. Lost and heartbroken, she finds herself drawn to Ridge, her enigmatic neighbor whose music floats across the courtyard each night.

There's something about Ridge's passionate guitar melodies that speaks to Sydney's soul, and she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. As they begin to write music together, their connection deepens, blurring the lines of friendship and igniting a forbidden attraction. But Ridge carries secrets of his own, and their bond is tested by impossible choices. Can Sydney and Ridge find solace in each other, or will their connection be forever silenced by the complexities of life and love?

Maybe Someday is a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and the transformative power of music, featuring original songs by Griffin Peterson woven throughout the story.

FAQ