The Deal by Elle Kennedy is your typical college story. Troubled girl meets hardcore player and wants him, but nice, dreamy boy sweeps oblivious girl off her feet. Et cetera, et cetera.

However, for some reason, I just really disliked this book. And I really hate reviewing books that I didn't like, because I don't want to sound like a know-it-all bitch. But this is my blog, and this is my personal opinion, so let's just go with it.

So this book starts off with Hannah, a typical straight-A college student with a troubled past. She's head over heels with a guy she's never even talked to before, but anyway, Justin Kohl is always on her mind. He's hot, and she thinks he's a good guy, so that's all she cares about. Hannah is this awkward music student, and she's the type of girl guys don't glance at twice.

Then there's Garrett, famous jock who needs to fight for his grades if he wants to stay on the hockey team. His GPA just took a massive plunge because of one bad grade, and when he accidentally sees Hannah's grade to the same test – an A, of course – he asks her to tutor him. Begs, even. Texts her and stalks her at work, and even offers money. But what gets her on board is when Garrett suggests that they pretend to date so Justin Kohl would finally notice her.

So yeah, that's "The Deal." Hadn't guessed it, right? Thought so.

The story is so predictable that it gives me a headache to even think about it. Of course Garrett and Hannah fall in love, and of course he's the first one she'll tell about her troubled past. And he's her knight in shining armor. That just rubbed me the wrong way. At least try to be original, Kennedy.

Another thing that really turned me off is the writing. Especially in Garrett's point of view, the writing is just awful. Very immature. Very first grade. And Garrett is a douche, so he thinks like a douche and speaks like a douche. I don't even understand how girls can be interested in that type of guy. Bravo to Elle Kennedy, though, for representing hockey players so well.

Just kidding, I know hockey players aren't all that dumb.

I still rated the book 3 stars on Goodreads, but that's mostly for the author's effort. I just don't really recommend this book to anyone who likes to read. There are many, many other books on the market with much better content.

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