Synopsis
The first book in the delicious, icy-hot Campus Diaries series, a spinoff of BookTok sensations Off-Campus and Briar U, by New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy.
Gigi Graham has exactly three goals: qualify for the women’s national hockey team, win Olympic gold, and step out of her famous father’s shadow. So far, so good, except for two little things. Fine–a little thing and a big, grumpy thing. She needs to improve her game behind the net, and she needs help from Luke Ryder.
Ryder is six-foot five, built, opinionated, rude…and sexy as hell. But he’s still the enemy.
Briar’s new hockey co-captain has his reasons, though. The men’s team just merged with a rival program, leaving Ryder with an angry roster where everyone hates one another’s guts. To make matters worse, the summer coaching spot he’s angling for with the legendary Garrett Graham is out of reach after he makes the worst possible first impression on his hero. So, really, this compromise with Gigi is win-win. He helps her make the national team, she puts in a good word
with her dad.
The only potential snag? This bone-deep, body-numbing, mind-spinning chemistry they’re trying to ignore. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing, but the risks just might be worth it.
Review
4 stars
I bought that book last week while visiting Bath and am determined for once to actually read the books I bought so here we are!
The Graham Effect reminded me why I loved Elle Kennedy’s books!
In a “I liked/I disliked” review style, I will say that:
I liked:
–Gigi. She is a spitfire yet very dedicated to her hockey game at the same time. Very goal oriented, she wants to win a gold medal in the Olympics. I loved her drive!
–Ryder. He is the epitome of silent and broody hero, shaped by a traumatic past that he is determined to ignore. If you love the “one word” kind of heroes he is your man! It didn’t hurt that he was sexy as well!
–The hockey! Weirdly I have never watched a hockey game but as I cared for these characters I was totally invested in their dreams and they ate, drank and dreamt hockey. So I did too!
–It’s about the kids! I love that Elle Kennedy writes about the kids of her first heroes. Seeing our former crushes (alias Garrett) all grown up, daddies and retired from hockey still with all their glory was truly a treat!
–The romance. Gigi will slowly tear down Ryder’s wall to make him more “human” and it was delightful to see their relationship progressively unfurl and go from “nearly enemies” to allies to lovers.
–The side characters. Ryder’s friends (Shane, Beckett) as well as Gigi’s friends have the potential to become main characters in another “interconnected standalones” series.
I disliked/liked less:
–The number of sex scenes. I know that I will be in the minority here and I also must say that Elle Kennedy didn’t use sex as the main dish (thank you for that) but at some point I could have done with two or three less scenes.
–The lack of epilogue about Gigi’s goal. I won’t say more as don’t wan’t to spoil your fun but if you have read it you’ll know…
Thanks for reading.
Sophie
I gave the same rating as you. Loved the characters and the cameos, but I agree with you. I like more story than sex. Still good. I just skimmed more.
I’ve never read Elle Kennedy but it sounds like her books are really fun