The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) by Elle Kennedy: A Tumultuous Encounter
When I first picked up The Deal, the idea of a college romance penned by Elle Kennedy intrigued me. I had heard whispers about the series and the enchanting pull of the campus setting. Little did I know that this story would plunge me into a whirlpool of problematic tropes and discomforting themes that would leave me reeling.
The book follows Hannah Wells, a music major with a traumatic past, and Garrett Graham, a confident hockey player. On the surface, their romance is the classic student-athlete narrative, but as I delved deeper, I found myself grappling with the numerous issues that overshadowed any potential for a captivating read.
One of the most glaring themes is how the novel perpetuates gender stereotypes and internalized misogyny. It was incredibly disheartening to see moments like Garrett’s statement, “Women aren’t supposed to think, Wellsy. That’s why your brains are smaller. Science proves it,” presented as a joke. While humor can sometimes serve as a vehicle for critique, here it felt like a casual dismissal of serious issues. Throughout the narrative, I took note of 147 lines that made me cringe or feel uneasy—an indication that the book suffers from a lack of rigorous editing, and a missed opportunity for a nuanced feminist perspective.
The pacing of the story felt disjointed, at times dragging due to repetitive behaviors, like Hannah’s constant eye-rolling and lip-biting. Much of the dialogue felt unrealistic, characterized by cringe-worthy exchanges that left me shaking my head. Consider this gem: “Just out of curiosity… after you wake up in the morning, do you admire yourself in the mirror for one hour or two?” Who talks like that? This kind of banter detracted from character development and instead leaned into the cliché.
Yet, amid the overwhelming negativity, there were moments that shone through. When Hannah assertively asks Garrett if he wants to have sex, it sets a powerful precedent for discussions around consent, echoing the sentiment that intimacy can be initiated with desire and confidence. Moments like these offered a glimpse of what The Deal could have been if it had escaped the trappings of toxic masculinity and misogyny.
Despite its shortcomings, I believe some readers might connect with Garrett’s attentive nature, especially when he discovers Hannah’s past. His protective streak, though sometimes overwhelming, suggests a potential for growth—an essential component for a love story that, if developed further, could tackle deeper emotional themes.
In conclusion, while The Deal may find its audience in those who enjoy lighthearted college romances—or who identify with the characters’ struggles—it ultimately left me dissatisfied. For anyone seeking an engaging feminist read that challenges societal norms, this may be a miss. However, if you are looking for a book that pairs light tension with an exploration of the complexities of young love (no matter how problematic), it might be worth a shot. Just be ready to navigate some choppy waters along the way.
Would I recommend it? Only if you have a tolerance for triggering themes and are willing to sift through the clichés for those fleeting moments of clarity. Happy reading!
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