prettygirlsreadblog

The synopsis

Hannah Wells wants her crush to notice her. Garrett Graham needs to stop academically flopping before it costs him hockey. So she tutors him, and he fake-dates her to get another guy’s attention.

Except the banter hits, the chemistry is rude, and Garrett apparently missed the memo that this was a group project, not boyfriend auditions.

The Review

The Deal is dangerously bingeable. The writing is easy to get into, the banter actually lands, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and tomorrow’s responsibilities are looking optional.

Hannah and Garrett’s chemistry carries this book. They build an actual friendship, so when things turn romantic, I’m invested. Give me two people who enjoy each other’s company outside the bedroom. The bar should not be underground, but here we are.

Garrett’s ego could use its own parking space, although his charm makes it annoyingly difficult to hold that against him. Hannah gives him shit instead of treating everything he says like breaking news, which makes their dialogue so much more fun.

Some parts have aged better than others. The comparisons between Hannah and other women occasionally give “she’s different from the other girls.” Babe, she can be interesting without the rest of campus catching strays. And the heavier themes could have used more breathing room; romance doesn’t automatically resolve trauma.

Is it predictable? In places, absolutely. Did that stop me wanting to keep reading? Please. Sometimes you know where the book is going and still happily clear your schedule for the journey.

A fun, addictive hockey romance with great banter and a few moments that deserve side-eye. Proceed with caution: your reading list is about to become a team roster.