
Based on your book
by Kennedy, Elle
Hannah Wells is tired of playing games, especially when it comes to her love life. Enter Garrett Graham, the cocky hockey captain who needs a passing grade to stay on the ice and a fake girlfriend to satisfy his coach. Their deal starts as a simple transactional arrangement, but the lines blur quickly amidst late-night study sessions and high-stakes campus drama. This book is a masterclass in chemistry, balancing laugh-out-loud banter with moments of genuine vulnerability. You get the classic college experience—partying, sports, and the pressure of the future—layered with a romance that feels both earned and inevitable. If you enjoy smart, sharp-tongued heroines who refuse to be intimidated by a golden-boy jock, this is the perfect read to get lost in over a weekend.
Since you enjoyed the friction and humor of Garrett and Hannah, we have curated a list that leans into the same addictive dynamics. Whether you are chasing that specific fake-dating tension found in The Love Hypothesis or the high-stakes sports environment of Icebreaker, these picks prioritize witty dialogue and the slow-burn payoff that makes New Adult romance so satisfying. We focused on stories where the emotional stakes match the intensity of the banter, ensuring that every recommendation delivers that same blend of lighthearted fun and genuine, heart-fluttering connection you found here.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
by Elle Kennedy
As the second book in the Off-Campus series, this continues the witty, sports-centered atmosphere and emotional depth that fans of The Deal adore. It features another compelling hockey player navigating personal growth and a budding romance that feels just as authentic and steamy as the first.
by Sally Thorne
This book perfectly mirrors the intense chemistry and sharp, witty banter found in The Deal. Readers who loved the tension between Hannah and Garrett will enjoy the delicious friction between two coworkers who despise each other until they don't.
by Hannah Grace
Set in a competitive college sports environment, this novel captures the same vibrant campus energy and high-stakes romance as The Deal. It features a figure skater and a hockey player whose forced proximity leads to an undeniable and heartfelt connection.
This book is a masterclass in the fake dating trope, much like the dynamic that kicks off the plot in The Deal. It combines academic settings with a slow-burn romance that balances humor and genuine emotional stakes beautifully.

Love to read on the go?
Explore Kindle e-readers and take your books with you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you enjoyed the hockey player protagonist and the raunchy, fun dialogue of Elle Kennedy's writing, this series is a perfect match. It offers a similar blend of laugh-out-loud humor and deeply romantic, character-driven relationships.
by Ana Huang
For readers who enjoyed the 'grumpy/sunshine' dynamic and the intensity of the relationships in The Deal, this book delivers a high-stakes, passionate romance. It balances the darker, more protective elements of the hero with a deeply emotional journey.
This is a quintessential New Adult classic that fans of the college romance genre often cite alongside The Deal. It features a volatile, high-intensity relationship that explores themes of personal growth and the magnetic pull of first love.
by Chloe Walsh
While slightly more angst-filled, this story captures the same 'jock meets girl' dynamic with incredible emotional resonance. Readers who loved the protective nature of Garrett Graham will find a similar depth of devotion in the hero of this sports-adjacent romance.
This book shares the sharp, modern, and incredibly witty voice found in Elle Kennedy’s work. It masterfully uses the 'enemies to lovers' trope with a high-concept twist, delivering a romance that is both intellectually engaging and deeply satisfying.
by Elle Kennedy
Serving as a spin-off to the Off-Campus series, this book is essential for fans who want to return to the world of Garrett and Hannah. It captures the same nostalgic, sports-driven atmosphere while introducing a new generation of characters with the same addictive writing style.

Not sure what they've already read?
Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.