ect.

This is my first Elle Kennedy book and I have to say she absolutely lived up to the hype! Firstly the prologue just completely drew me in. I loved that the characters had a little bit of history!
Secondly the characters! What's not to love. The FMC was great. Strong and sure of herself with enough vulnerability that you were routing for her.
Thirdly the MMC was awesome what is not to love about Luke Ryder. Elle has managed to make these characters real, relevant backstories that made sense and flowed within the story.
I absolutely loved this! Sometime a book with spice can just become how to get between one spicy scene and another as quick as possible. But the Graham effect has lots of plot to follow. I was concerned for the first couple of chapters that it was going to be difficult to follow all the hockey related talk and the great many background characters. But you end up so invested in each individual that you remember everyone.
I have heard lots of good things about Elle's books and will most definitely be reading her back list! Thank you for giving me the chance to read and review this book and I look forward to reading more from Elle in future!

Review posted to Goodreads also.

I had been looking forward to this books release and had heard so much about it that when the opportunity to read and review came through I was eager to start reading and I am glad I did!
I definitely think it helps that I was a fan and familiar with the Off Campus series although not required to have been read to enjoy this.
I felt comforted by cameos from the characters from the original series and was enamoured by our two main characters for this book, their humour, banter and build up in their relationship all kept me turning pages and not wanting it to end but of course racing to that final page.
I can’t wait to buy a copy!

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for and honest review

Absolutely loved this novel - honestly, I read it twice, I enjoyed it that much. This is the story of Gigi Graham and her trials and tribulations of college life & living in the shadow of a famous Dad. Beautifully written, one chapter from the female perspective and then one.chapter from the male perspective. I am looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks to Net Galley for this opportunity.

3.5⭐️

I really enjoyed this book! It felt like an extension of the briar series whilst still being its own story which I was happy about. The romance was super cute and I loved seeing Garret and Hannah as parents. I really liked how you got to see hockey from a women’s and men’s player’s POVs, it was interesting to see the differences between the two. My main issue, and the reason why it didn’t get 4/5 stars was one of the plot points near the end. I don’t want to spoil it, but it felt so out of place and random; there was no mention of it or lead up to it at all. It made the romance feel less authentic and I felt like it ruined how much I loved the book which is sad. Apart from that it was a good book!

Thank you so much to Little Brown for the ARC of this book!

I absolutely adored this read from start to finish.

This was the first hockey romance I had ever read and it most certainly won't be the last. From the moment we met the protagonists, I absolutely loved their dynamic and how much they were willing to work together. Gigi and Ryder were such likeable characters and it made me root for their relationship even more.

I liked the exploration of family pressure within sport and this was obviously prevalent in Gigi's situation. It made the narrative feel very raw and honest.

A wonderful, spicy romance read for all lovers of slow burn.

Who doesn’t love a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers with added spice please?
Elle Kennedy can write a sports romance can’t she?! For me this was the perfect balance of character development, plot and spice. Gigi and Ryder are both attending Briar College and both have a passion for hockey, being the best in their respective teams and hoping to make it even further. However, things get in the way such as ex boyfriends, families and the merging of two hockey teams that need to put their differences aside in order to win.

The main characters are so fleshed out, we learn so much about Gigi and Ryder and this creates an amazing slow burn that leaves you wanting more, particularly with it being written in dual POV. This isn’t just an easy read sport romance, there are some triggering situations in this book so please do look at content warnings. I do think these parts were well written and paced perfectly.

My only gripe is the title, given that this book does contain quite a lot of sexual content it irked me a little bit that the title is the link between father and daughter. There is a lot of hockey based language as well which to some people I can see may put them off, for me it was difficult to visualise as Hockey isn’t a sport I’m overly familiar with, but it didn’t necessarily bother me.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this, I got on so well with the author’s writing style and immediately want to pick up something else of hers! Side note - I love it when authors include texting as well, it breaks up chunky sections of the book and it’s so fun and current.

‘Use me’ will have me in a chokehold forever.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely love a hockey romance and this one is one of the best I have read so far! This book centres on Gigi Graham the daughter of world famous NHL star Garrett Graham and she wants to step out from his shadow. To do this she needs help from Luke Ryder who is the new co-captain of the male ice hockey team, he's grumpy and not very talkative but he's gorgeous and extremely talented on the ice.

This book is enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine with a serious dose of sexual chemistry!! If you love a spicy hockey romance you will not be disappointed!!!

A few things I loved about this book is that this includes female ice hockey, I've not seen that anywhere before and this book also contained actual hockey scenes. This book is also next generation from the off campus and briar U series so if you have read those you are in for a treat!

Overall I would rate this book 5/5 and 4 chilli spices. I hope there is going to be further books in this series as I loved some of the side characters and would love for them to have their moment to shine!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

✨️Sports romance
✨️Gigi's a hockey player
✨️Briar U cameos
✨️Spicy

Going back to the Off-Campus world is amazing. In this story, besides getting to know new lovely characters, we get to see the one we all love so much.

Gigi and Ryder are two characters who grab your attention right from the start, and I loved how they met. Gigi reminded me a lot of Garrett, and I have to say I saw a bit of Hannah in Ryder. Despite comparing the characters in some aspects, they have their own story, and I loved every moment.

Gigi and Ryder have undeniable chemistry, and one of the things I loved the most was how honest and communicative they are. Ryder starts off as that grumpy guy who hardly speaks, but as he gets involved with Gigi, he starts to open up, and it's heartwarming to watch. They come from very different worlds, but I think they end up complementing each other.

And I have to say, Garrett Daddy is *chef's kiss*. Seeing Gigi with the uncles is hilarious.

Just like in the Off-Campus series, the secondary characters are wonderful, and I can't wait to see more of them. Beckett reminded me so much of Dean.

This book is the sequel I didn't know I needed. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few hours. Elle Kennedy nailed it again; "The Graham Effect" has the perfect mix of laughter, cameos of the other Briar couples, sweet and spicy moments.

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. But all opinions are my own.*

Thank you so much, NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group, for sending me this ARC.

This book is full of nostalgia for the original series, seeing Garrett and Hannah as parents was so cute and I think Hannah’s appearances are some of my favourite moments of the book. Gigi and Ryder start off as unexpected friends but their relationship matured into something so sweet and healthy that it surprised me, like I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Overall I really liked this book and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes!

It was fun to dive back into the world that Elle Kennedy created. I liked the romance and characters but I thought the author could have expanded more on some topics (e.g. being a woman in hockey). I definitely think the book is worth reading (as a cute palate cleanser) if you enjoyed her other series (Off-campus and Briar U). Characters from the previous series are mentioned and I absolutely loved those parts!

Get ready to be swept away into Gigi& Ryder's world 🔥♥️🔥♥️🔥.

Gigi Graham's ultimate dream is to make Team USA and win Olympic gold since she was a little girl but for that to happen she needs to improve a little thing in her game.
Luke Ryder is the co-captain of the Briar team he plays hockey like Gigi and he excels in it. The only problem is that Garrett Graham (his idol) doesn't like his attitude so much and he needs to change that. Therefore, he came up with an idea. He will help Gigi in one-on-one sessions in exchange she will put a good word for him to her father.
Soon they become friends everything is good but the mind-blowing chemistry between them  they cant keep ignoring it  anymore. Will they surrender to it or will they keep their guard???

First book by #ElleKennedy and surely won't be the last I enjoyed every minute of it. It felt like watching my favorite rom-com movie hilarious, sweet, romantic, sexy, and emotional.
Loved seeing the relationship between Ryder and Gigi and how it blossomed.
The guys were super funny.
The book was like a very close-up look into the world of college, hockey, guys and their problems and raging hormones, the same goes for girls.
In a nutshell, it was superb and I can't wait for everyone else to read it.
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #TheGrahamEffect in exchange for my honest review.

Xoxo💋

Garrett Graham as a father… Yes, please!

The Deal was on of the first books that really got me back into reading so let’s just say I was highly invested going into this book. I loved being back at Briar, the cameos of the characters from both series especially Hannah and Garrett as well as Gigi’s Uncles and Aunties.

Gigi and Ryder’s story is scorching throughout, their banter, chemistry, and the way they open up to one another- especially Ryder who starts as a closed book after a horrendous childhood- is just something else. Favourite creative choice was that both Ryder and Gigi are hockey players and the reference to Briar’s female Hockey team in this series. Let’s not forget that girls can and do play hockey and although Elle always writes strong female characters this is something I have previously been disappointed about.

Really enjoyed this book, I was hooked throughout, and I am so ready for more stories from the children of the off-campus series.

Adorable, easy romance, as is Kennedy's usual. Character's were very likeable and 3 dimensional, though a little too forgiving. Plot was smooth and interesting enough to keep me reading, but nothing show stopping. Just what I was in the mood for - a perfect little palette cleanser

4.5/5\
Elle Kennedy, the queen of hockey romance strikes again!! I love the Briar-verse and this did not disappoint. I’ve said before that a 500 page romance book cannot be good but this took me by surprise. I loved the characters, the plot had great substance, THE SPICE was 🔥🔥🔥. I was constantly hooked throughout and I just really enjoyed seeing the Off Campus cameos to be honest. I truly loved that series and it has a special place in my heart as it was one of the first series that I read. I will read any hockey romance this woman writes.

For full disclosure, I received this book as an ARC from the publisher on NetGallery.

The Graham Effect (Campus Diaries Book 1)' by Elle Kennedy is such an enjoyable read.
Gigi is a determined woman with ambitious hockey dreams. Her unwavering pursuit to step out of her father's shadow was so admirable. Gigi's kindness and determination shined through, making her a relatable and inspiring character.
The introduction of Luke Ryder, a tall and opinionated hockey player from a rival school, brought a delightful element of tension and development to the story. Ryder's journey from being at odds with Gigi to a deep connection was beautifully portrayed. Their chemistry and shared love for hockey created captivating and tender moments.
The story's pacing was excellent, with engaging scenes that showcased Gigi and Ryder's growth as individuals and as a couple. Elle Kennedy's writing skillfully weaves together passion, rivalry, and romance, making for a compelling and satisfying read.
'The Graham Effect' is a great read for anyone seeking an exciting and heartwarming contemporary , new adult , romance story.

Very grateful to the publisher @yourswithlovex for my review copy through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

rating: 3.5 stars

I loved being back in this world again! The off campus books, especially Hannah and Garrett are very nostalgic for me so seeing everyone again and where they ended up — loved it. Gigi and Ryder were so adorable and I loved reading about them. Also my favourite part — NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP. Definitely would’ve rated it higher if not for the Vegas of it all but oh well. I just feel like these books are so easy to read and quick to get through so if you’re looking for a cute and spicy sports romance to read I’d definitely recommend this one.

The Off-Campus series is one of my favorite series ever, so I was super excited when The Graham Effect was announced, but also a little bit scared, because my expectations were really high. At the end of the reading I can say that Elle Kennedy did it again! She brought us back to a beloved world, with our beloved characters and gave us new informations and new people to love.

The story follows Gigi Graham, the daughter of Garrett and Hannah, the protagonists of The Deal. And if you read the original series, you know why she is called like this. She not only took her name from her father, but also the love for hockey and she plays in the Briar women's hockey team. Her dream is to play for the US national team, but even though she is one of the best players she is having problems to enter the team. For this she asks the help of Ryder, the new co-capitan of the men's hockey team. He will not help her for free, in fact he wants that she puts a good word with her dad in his behalf, so that he can work with his legend Garrett Graham during the summer.
A win-win for both of them... but they have to fight against their mind-spinning chemistry.

Gigi is definitely Garrett's daughter. She is strong, passionate and always keeps her eyes on the goal. I saw parts of her parents in her personality, but she is also her own person. It is interesting also seeing a good and healthy relationship between a daughter and her parents.

Ryder is also concentrate on his goal: play hockey professionally. He doesn't have a good family situation and this made him really a grumpy character, but also stoic. I think this differentiates him from the author's other male characters.

Their relationship doesn't start in the best ways, some miscommunication, enemy of a friend and then it arrives the pact. When their bond becomes something more, at the beginning is only physical, so prepare yourself for a lot of spicy. Fortunately, we later get to see how their relationship grows and how they open up about their past, worries and hopes for the future. They started out as friends with benefits and then we see a more emotional connection, and that it's what I like in romance books. So I am pretty satisfied on this. I loved how Ryder is so stoic and grumpy at first and then becomes super sweet with Gigi. I really enjoyed the things that he did for her, I couldn't stop smiling.

I also appreciated how the protagonists take something from past characters, while remaining original. They didn't seem like a copycat of Garrett and Hannah or another couple. On the other hand, some of the secondary characters reminded me a little too much of other characters from the original series.

Writing a book that is the return of beloved characters without them been protagonists is really difficult, because too much and it is another book about them, not enough in a second generation book and the characters that you loved are terrible parents. Elle Kennedy managed to give us back these characters without stealing the place of the protagonists. Hannah and Garrett are there as Gigi's parents, we see them only in this light. And also the others characters from Off-Campus and Briar U did some cameos that I really liked. It made the book more familiar and they were hilarious as always.

I think that this book for now will be the only second generation of this series. The others will probably concentrate on Gigi and Ryder's friends who were introduced in this one. At the end of the book you have some ideas on what will happened to them and I am really interested to see especially how one of the relationship will continue.

Even thought I really appreciated the book there are some aspect that didn't convince me. Some points could have been more detailed, especially the ending which is a little too fast. Personally I didn't also like a narration choice of the author, but this is totally a subjective thing.
Some of the initial dialogues between Ryder and his friends didn't feel right to me. They are definitely realistic, but I didn't want reality. I want the fictional part because the men treat women better here. Ryder had the chance to prove himself later and he won my affection, but sometimes at the start I was not really totally on board.

The Graham Effect is a good book, with charming characters, a sexy and emotional love story and it also has Garrett Graham in his DILF era. So what more can we ask? If you loved the original series, you would definitely love Gigi and Ryder too.

I enjoyed reading another of Elle Kennedy's books having read the Deal when it first came out and enjoying her subsequent books and can see why they have become so popular on TikTok.
I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down as you got to read Gigi and Ryders relationship unfold with fun glimpses into previous characters and their friends setting out some possible main characters for future books. There were some character decisions, most notable the Vegas plot line, that made this feel a bit too cliche and unrealistic but then again many of these type of romance books are normally like this. It balances the spice and fluffy romance aspects well with good dialogue and banter between Gigi and Ryder and those around them whilst feeling as if it were a natural glimpse into their lives.

There were some formatting issues but I am assuming this is due to me reading it as an ARC on my Kindle. Though I could look over these to continue reading it.

I give it a 3.5 rounded down as it is a good cheesy, ,fully college sports romance but the Vegas plotline really brought it down for me and tipped the ending third into being more cliche and cringe than I would typically like to read with such young characters.

My first Elle Kennedy book. I’ve seen a lot of good press for Elle Kennedys books in the romance community, so I’ve been intrigued to try something by her.
Written really well, engaging and I loved loved the romance!

I have to be honest, i didn't expect to like this book so much. I've read the deal so many years ago, and these characters are still in my mind and heart all the time. Gigi's and Ryder story was different from all the ones I've read by Elle Kennedy in the past. I really loved their dynamic, and i really really really loved Ryder character.
Gigi was a super fun FMC.
Ryder was super adorable, his backstory litterally crushed me, and i wanted to hug him like 100% of the time.
If I have to be honest the last part was a bit rushed, but still worth it for me. Go grab it as soon as it come out. 😭💌