The Deal (Off-Campus Book 1)

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Garrett climbs on the bed and lies down, resting his head on a mountain of pillows. I’ve never met anyone who sleeps with so many pillows. Maybe he needs them to cradle his massive ego. She stands up for what she wants and isn’t afraid to go head to head with Garrett or anyone else when necessary. I loved how she advocated for herself through the story and adapted to changes thrust upon her by a demanding duet partner (for the Winter Showcase). It was good to see Hannah not just surviving sexual assault, but thriving at college and not letting what happened define her. She still had some rough moments from time to time (of course) and she was very careful about drinking in public and who she hung out with but otherwise was a fully functioning, healthy adult. Except for one thing. She hasn’t been able to have an orgasm with a guy – this is something which bothers her a lot and in the end, she asks for Garrett’s “help”. I suppose some may not like the trope. I would have been prepared to give it the side eye except by then I was so invested in this couple I didn’t care. It does seem that Garrett has remarkable success in that department but I felt the way they approach the situation was not only sexy and hot, it was also sensitive and sensible. I think Hannah was ready and I also think Garrett was right – it was about trust and letting go in orgasm is a very vulnerable space. So, I bought it – but I admit I really wanted to so maybe I’m not the best judge.

Hannah has a crush on Justin Kohl, a recent transfer to the university and the star wideout for the football team. He is not her usual type but he is gorgeous and she can’t help but sigh over him. She even plans to actually talk to him. Eventually. Hannah goes home for Christmas and is all mopey. She calls Garrett on New Year’s to wish him a happy birthday.

The fact that this is a dual POV romance book helps the reader to really understand the characters, as you see a situation from two differing perspectives.

She looks so upset that I feel a pang of sympathy. Nell and I aren’t best pals or anything, but we’ve been sitting next to each other since September so it’s only reasonable that we’ve gotten to know each other. She’s on the pre-med path, and I know she comes from an overachieving family who would tar and feather her if they found out about her midterm grade.

She’s got one of the most interesting faces I’ve ever seen—her cheeks are a little too round, her mouth a little too pouty, but combined with her smooth olive skin, vivid green eyes, and the tiny beauty mark over her top lip, she looks almost exotic. And that body…man, now that I’ve noticed it, I can’t un-notice it. The two form an unlikely alliance when Garrett offers to help Hannah with her music studies in exchange for her helping him pass a philosophy class. Of course not.” I smirk. “I kiss each of my biceps and then point to the ceiling and thank the big man upstairs for creating such a perfect male specimen.” She snorts. “Uh-huh. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, Mr. Perfect, but I’m not interested in dating you.”