BOOKED EVERY NIGHT

I always feel a little sorry for the book I pick up after a particularly engrossing read (in this case, Black Iris) because in suffering from a book hangover, the subsequent title has to be as good, if not better, in order to capture your attention. That, or it has to be something completely different. And The Deal is.

 

I need to preface this review by saying that, of late, I have become frustrated with the college romance genre. I'm bored with the overplayed storylines, the cliché characters, the cringeworthy sex scenes. No offense to anyone who has written one of these titles recently, but reading is personal, and that's how I feel at this point in time. So when a friend suggested this book to me, to say I was a little apprehensive would be a huge understatement. Good job this friend knows what she's talking about, hey?!

I began this book at 05:45 this morning and DID NOT want to put it down at 08:23 when my eldest son informed me that I really needed to get a move on because he was going to be late for school. I am more than a little proud of the fact that I managed to make a sandwich one-handed. Go me! I was not expecting it to be so hard to put this book down, and here's why:

 

Hannah is a likeable character. Yes, she's a nerd (a music nerd at that) but she also has a past, one that causes her to be cautious, but not cautious enough that she doesn't find herself attracted to one of the college's star football players. Her problem? He doesn't know she exists. Cue Garrett, the star hockey player. Garrett is by no means stupid, but a recent change in professor means his GPA has taken a hit; a hot which may cost him his place on the hockey team. Having an ex-professional hockey player for a father, and intentionals of playing professionally himself, he cannot afford for this to happen. So they strike a deal (get it? The Deal?): Garrett will help Hannah attract the attention of said football jock, if she helps him ace his midterm.

 

>> Insert "Nerd Helps Jock" storyline here <<

 

Yes, it sound cheesy, but here's the kicker: it isn't AT ALL. The pace at which Elle Kennedy develops the relationship between the two main characters is spot on, and her ability to create angst and UST is thoroughly commendable. Seriously, it's REALLY good. The supporting cast are also well written, with jocks mixed in with nerds in a very authentic manner. Sub-plots surrounding Garrett's own history, school problems, and that elusive O (you'll see what I mean when you read it!) are wonderfully integrated and completely relatable. 

If I HAD to pick one thing to nitpick about, it would be that I felt the closure at the end came a little too quickly; although, that being said, that is preferable to a long, drawn out resolution merely for the sake of bumping up a word count. And that really is if I was pressured to pick something to improve upon.

This is the first book I have read by Elle Kennedy, but I can safely say it won't be my last as I've already one-clicked three books from her back catalogue to add to my never-ending TBR.

Congratulations on a very well written book, Elle. You've done yourself and the college romance genre extremely proud.