How? Let me count the ways:
- Both main characters have ‘issues’ and a troubling past. BUT, they know it. They’ve worked through them. They had help or other coping mechanism. Oh, and it’s not a secret. Hannah has a supporting and loving family. Garrett has learn to rely on himself and his friends.
- Hannah and Garrett talk to each other, they communicate, they grow to like each other and be friends before anything happens. They are mostly honest with each other.
- When this awesome couple briefly separates because of a misunderstanding, it takes Garrett two minutes to figure out something is not right. It doesn’t drag forever and they don’t have to sleep with 20 other people to know they love each other.
Now, I’ve read a lot of books in my life and I assure you that Garrett will remain in my list of favorite male characters ever. I’m not exaggerating either. Garrett is truly an amazing character, he’s loyal, level headed, pragmatic, loving, understanding, patient, trustworthy, and a bit conceited. He’s gorgeous and he knows it. I just adored him and how well he got along with Hannah, with his family life, and any other situation. He's matured and knows his limits. Oh, and his major is history, he knows a lot about it and loves to watch documentaries. How cute is that? LOVE HIM!
"I've never met anyone who sleeps with so many pillows. Maybe he needs them to cradle his massive ego."
Hannah is another incredible character. She's a music major with an incredible voice. She dismisses Garrett as a dumb jock, and he's anything but. She quickly realizes her mistake when she agrees to tutor him. Hannah went to a traumatic event when she was 15 and has worked very hard to overcome it. She's open about it and has plenty of support and I applaud her for this. She's loving, loyal, smart, beautiful, and talented.
"Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don't know how you ever lived without them."
The story is really good. You can get a good idea by reading the blurb, except that Garrett is not exactly a "bad boy". He is a jock, captain of the hockey team, and he lives off-campus with three other equally gorgeous friends and he's not exactly celibate. However, he's always honest with Hannah and they get along so well together. The banter and dialogue between them is priceless. I also loved the writing, it's fluid and easy to read. The host of characters was outstanding!
I’m not a fan of the cover though. I have nothing against any male that looks like that (far from it!), but it doesn’t do the book justice at all.
Overall, The Deal was an amazing read that doesn’t rely of clichés, but instead creates a great story with even better characters. I’m not sure when The Mistake, the next book in the Off-Campus series will be published , but I do know that it is about Logan (yay!), you can bet that I will be first in line to read it!
This review was originally posted on Reading With ABC