Yeah, okay... college sports romance can be good. The first of the spin-off series starts us off with some fraternizing between the womens' and mens' teams - our female all-star MC is dating the hotshot player on the men's team. Figure an easy story.

Enter the hulking, brooding star of the rival team - whose school shut down and forced their players to combine with the rival local college. Suddenly there's tension, flirting, and two characters who challenge each other to be better on and off the ice.

4 ⭐️
2.5 🔥
College Romance
Hockey Players MMC & FMC
Second Generation
Tons of References to First Generation
Spicer than First Generation
No Third Act Break Up
Rivals to Lovers
Teammates Ex
Grumpy MMC
Traumatic Past for MMC
⚠️ Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
These characters seemed more mature than the first generation. I really enjoyed the first book of the second generation. It took some time for me to warm up to the MMC because he was so grumpy, but once GiGi broke down some of those barriers, he was so sweet to her. I LOVED GiGi! She was a baddy female hockey player, that had this sweet and quirky side to her. This book was also spicier than the first generation and I can see the other books being spicier as well! I loved seeing the first generation and where they were now, while getting to know some of their kids. I can’t wait for the next books in the series!

Thank you Sourcebooks Bloom Books, Elle Kennedy and NetGalley for the eARC. This review is of my own thoughts and opinions.

The writing is much better than the original off campus series (at least in my opinion), and Ryder and Gigi were SOOOOO cute. I was scared they wouldn’t live up to Hannah and Garrett, but they’re giving me a hard time right now so I guess I was wrong. They were so adorable and fun in their own way, and I was having a blast the entire time. I need my own Ryder like that man is so big and sexy. Ryder is a little opinionated, maybe rude, but he’s built and sexy as all can be. Too bad he’s from the rival team that has just merged with Briar and everyone hates his guts. When he makes a horrible impression on Garrett Graham, Gigi’s father, she offers to help her in exchange for a good word. The only potential snag with this plan is the chemistry that oozes from the pair. Will they be able to focus on the game long enough to get what they want? This book was amazing! I loved it so much that I ended up binging it in 2 days. I had to take some breaks because of chores, but when I could I got lost in these pages.

I haven't read the Off Campus Series, but this definitely worked as a standalone without it. Although, I will likely go back and catch up with that one.

Gigi is a strong, baddie female college hockey player with a famous hockey playing father.
She wants to pave her own path and not always be in his shadow. I really liked her.

Luke "Don't call me Luke" Ryder is a hockey player from a rival school that is merging with the men's team at Gigi's school. He has a sad past that we don't immediately know. He seems tough but we eventually see that he has a softer side.

The banter and chemistry between Gigi and Ryder was amazing. They come to an arrangement and you immediately know they will fall for each other for real.

Looking forward to the remainder of the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks/Bloom Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was over the top phenomenal!!! This book exceeded all of my expectations. I love the little moments and all of the people who care about Gigi. This book will definitely be in my top 3 of 2023. I am so excited to post about it on pub day.

It's an understatement when I say that you guys are not ready for this book or Luke Ryder!!
To be honest I was hesitant about this book because I mean who can compare to Garrett Graham he was the ultimate boyfriend but damn Elle Kennedy knocked this book out of the park. It was perfect and phenomenal!
Ryder and Gigi are totally opposites and didn't gel the fist time they met as teenagers. Now they both are in Briar university and only have one thing in common - hockey. Still not on good terms but they realize they both need each others help. She needs some hockey pointers to improve her game and he needs her to put in a good word about him to her dad - Our beloved Garrett Graham.
Soon as they spend time together, sparks are flying and thier chemistry is off the charts. I loved how monosyllabic Ryder was and still whenever they were together it was magic. I couldn't get enough of them and seriously can't wait for the next book in the series.
It's definitely a must read! And hands down my favorite book of Elle Kennedy ❤️Loved it !!

THE GRAHAM EFFECT – Elle Kennedy
Bloom Books
ISBN: 978-1-7282-8327-2
October 31, 2023
New Adult Romance

Briar College – Present Day

Gigi Graham and Luke Ryder are both top hockey players at Briar College. Ryder (he prefers to be called this rather than his first name) and some of his teammates used to attend Eastmont but the school shut down and the men’s hockey team merged with Briar’s. Gigi is well aware of Ryder because she had a run-in with him years ago when he mistook her for a figure skater. Of course, he didn’t know at the time that Gigi was the daughter of superstar pro hockey player Garrett Graham.

Meeting again now that they are both attending the same school, Gigi lets Ryder know that she thinks he’s a self-entitled prick. He thinks she is a spoiled rotten kid who only got where she was because of her father. Despite their differences, there is a common denominator between them: both want to play their best and get a chance to play on the USA Olympics team. They run in the same circles, and lo and behold, they end up in the same parties. But Gigi and Ryder want to be the best and that means deciding to work out together to sharpen their skills. One thing leads to another, and they are soon attracted to each other. But with Gigi’s ex (who wants her back) being on the same team as Ryder means that they have to tread lightly before it all blows up in their faces.

Gigi wants to be the best even if she rarely gets her famous father’s approval. In THE GRAHAM EFFECT, she sees Ryder as helping her achieve her goal while he sees her assistance as possibly cleaning up a bad reputation after he slugged a teammate at Worlds last year. He had a reason to be angry at his teammate and he would do it again if he had the same thing happen. Garrett Graham has a lot of pull in hockey, so Ryder must walk the line getting close to Gigi while not offending her father. Gigi doesn’t like Ryder at first, but she soon realizes that he is a lot like her.

In THE GRAHAM EFFECT, we meet Gigi and Ryder’s fellow colleagues at Briar. They are a lot like other college students in that sex and drinking occupy a lot of their downtime. Co-mingling with the various hockey players and cheerleaders means there is always fun to be had. Gigi and Ryder are dedicated and being good players, students, and statesmen are at the top of their plans. Yet, both realize getting involved with each other—even if they are perfect together—comes with its challenges. Will they overcome them? First up is training and practicing to help make their respective teams, then playing and winning games. Will there be a championship brought home by either the men’s or women’s team? Will Gigi and Ryder’s relationship go to the next level, and can they forge a future together?

It's all about a couple of college athletes wanting to be their best while finding love together. Don’t miss the intriguing THE GRAHAM EFFECT.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Elle Kennedy does not miss. The off-campus series holds a special place in my heart and this next-generation book made my heart so freaking happy. The og characters don’t over shine Gigi and Ryder.

Since reading all the original hockey books Elle Kennedy wrote I loved to hear there would be a spin-off with their children. I love Elle Kennedy's writing and how she builds her characters. This book was a great read and gave off the "new adult" vibe. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves hockey romances.

I didn't realize this book was in the same universe as the Off Campus Series and I can't wait to go back and read those books! Gigi is a really fun character and I like how she and Ryder get under each others skin. I also liked the tension that was created by the rival schools having to merge to create one hockey team with a new lineup. Gigi's ex boyfriend being a member of the team also doesn't help matters. Gigi needs help with her own hockey skills behind the net and she asks Luke Ryder for help. The two find themselves using each other for "stress relief." What was supposed to be a fun, no strings attached, fling quickly develops into something more. Gigi and Ryder's chemistry is off the charts and the way they care for and support each other is just wonderful.

A great read for the hockey romance fans out there!

Elle Kennedy is an author that is a booksta made me do it author and I have enjoyed some of her earlier books with the Avalon Bay series. I really enjoyed this new start of The Campus Diaries series as well.

Elle Kennedy always brings in some steam but also characters that are relatable, real world, and navigating a range of relationships and self growth experiences. I love the chemistry between Ryder and Gigi and it was great to read about Gigi as being a strong, athletic and goal oriented female student. It's nice to see the sports romance genre opening up space for women to be the athletes too, to celebrate their physical strength as well as their passions and talents.

Thank you to GetREDpr for arranging a review copy of The Graham Effect from Elle Kennedy and thank you to Sourcebooks/Bloom for the access as well.

The Off-Campus series is high on the list for sports romance and this next installment is no exception.
I enjoyed revisiting old characters and getting to know the new ones. While there always is a little similarity, The Graham Effect had enough originality to be interesting and engaging. If you've ever read and enjoyed any of her other titles or enjoy a sports romance, definitely don't skip out on this one!

I could not be more grateful to Kennedy for revisiting the Briar Universe with her Campus Diaries series!

“The Graham Effect” follows Gigi Graham, the daughter of the legendary hockey player Garrett Graham, as she tries to make a name for herself by qualifying for the women’s national hockey team. In order to improve her game behind the net, she makes a deal with Luke Ryder, Briar’s new hockey co-captain. In exchange for a few practice sections, Gigi agrees to put in a good word for him with her dad so that he can get the summer coaching spot he so desperately wants. The only snag? The chemistry between them that is impossible to ignore.

If I’m being honest, I don’t normally reach for “next generation” stories. I find that they don’t live up to the stories that paved the way for them and they lack a certain something. All this being said, “The Graham Effect” is THE exception. I found myself loving this book just as much as I loved the Off-Campus series and it’s all thanks to the addictive quality I’ve come to associate with Kennedy’s writing.

Gigi and Luke are my new favorite couple. Alternating between their perspectives deepened their romantic tension and mutual pining, making my heart race. Most of all, I loved that they could be vulnerable with and push each to be better.

I would be remiss if I did not touch on the cameos made by the characters that started it all! I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Garrett, Hannah, Logan, Dean, and Jake. Their brief appearances are memorable without taking away from Gigi and Luke’s love story.

I cannot wait to see which child of this new generation will be the protagonist of book 2!

I love Elle Kennedy's writing and how she builds her characters. This book was a great read and gave off the "new adult" vibe. I would recommend this book for 20-26 year olds.

Gigi Graham, daughter of famous hockey player Garrett Graham, has her heart set on Olympic women’s hockey gold, but her challenges playing behind the net threaten to squash this dream. The Briar University men’s hockey team has just merged with a rival team, which is causing disputes amongst the new teammates including the co-captain Ryder, who is hoping to earn a summer coaching job with his idol Garrett Graham. When Gigi approaches Ryder with a proposition, Ryder will help Gigi improve her skills behind the net while Gigi talks Ryder up to her father, it seems like a win-win. When their chemistry becomes too hot to ignore, Gigi and Ryder begin a secret relationship to avoid the wrath of Gigi’s ex, who is also Ryder’s co-captain.

The Graham Effect is a spicy new adult hockey romance perfect for fans of books like Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, Iced Out by Veronica Eden, Shutout by Avery Keelan, the Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack, the Red Zone Rivals series by Kandi Steiner, and the Bergman Brothers series by Chloe Liese. Even though it could be read as a standalone, for the best reading experience, The Graham Effect is ideally suited for readers who are already fans of Kennedy’s Off-Campus and BriarU series as The Graham Effect takes place after these series and includes many characters from these series. Themes and topics present in The Graham Effect include secrets and lies, love and heartbreak, parenthood and family, trust and forgiveness, friendship, social media, criminal justice, fame, communication, and appearance versus reality. Some potential trigger warnings include domestic abuse, foster care, attempted assault, and cheating.

I love the Briar University universe from Kennedy’s Off-Campus and BriarU series, so I was very excited to read The Graham Effect, which takes place in the same universe and contains the descendants of the Off-Campus and BriarU characters (namely Gigi Graham, daughter of Garrett and Hannah). The Graham Effect definitely exceeded my expectations and fellow fans will also enjoy the newest instalment in the Briar University universe, especially Gigi and Ryder’s spicy “friends with benefits” and “good girl with bad boy” relationship. “Bad boy” Ryder ended up being very swoonworthy, such as when he finds excuses to bring Gigi flowers and he plans a charming opera date! I also appreciated that there wasn’t really a miscommunication trope (even though Ryder is quiet, Gigi and Ryder learn to communicate with each other throughout the book) and enjoyed the unanticipated twists and drama in Gigi and Ryder’s story. Lastly, being a huge lover of butterflies myself, I really connected to Gigi’s love of butterflies and very much enjoyed reading about her visits to “her happy place” a.k.a. the local butterfly gardens.

There wasn’t much about this book not to like, but perhaps there wasn’t overly the need for the inclusion of the transcripts from Garrett’s hockey broadcast nor the transcripts from Gigi’s beloved soundscapes? It was also disheartening to read about how women’s hockey players, like Gigi, have less opportunities in the sport than their male counterparts.

I cannot wait to read more of this series and maybe the next book will be about one of Gigi or Ryder’s teammates (like the Off-Campus and BriarU series) or if it will be about another descendant of the Off-Campus or BriarU characters? Guess we’ll have to wait and see! Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read and this would be perfect for fellow fans of spicy sports romances!

I’m just obsessed with Elle Kennedy. I want to live in her brain.

The Off Campus series was one of my FAVORITES and this one is no exception. 10/10

Elle Kennedy does it again with her new Campus Diaries Series! I absolutely loved The Graham Effect and adored Gigi and Ryder. The chemistry and spice in this book was perfect. Definitely one of the best college sports romance novels out there!

Gigi Graham has big ambitions: she wants to qualify for the women's national hockey team, win an Olympic gold medal, and step out of her famous father's shadow. Everything seems to be on track, except for a couple of challenges. She needs to improve her game behind the net, so she turns to Luke Ryder. Ryder is a six-foot-five, built, opinionated, and sexy hockey player. The catch is that he's on the men's team, making him the enemy. Ryder is facing his own issues with a roster full of players who hate each other after a merger with a rival program. To make matters more complicated, Ryder's chances of landing a summer coaching spot with the legendary Garrett Graham are in jeopardy after a disastrous first impression.

Gigi and Ryder struck a compromise, he helps her improve her skills to make the national team, and she puts in a good word with her father. However, the chemistry between them is undeniable and electrifying. They're trying to ignore their intense attraction, but it's a dangerous game they're playing, and the risks might just be worth it.

It is a sizzling contemporary romance that combines the thrill of sports with a passionate love story. Kennedy is known for her engaging characters and steamy chemistry, and this book is no exception. Gigi and Ryder's complex relationship, filled with tension and undeniable attraction, keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story also explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and the challenges of pursuing one's dreams. If you're a fan of sports romance and intense, emotional connections, "The Graham Effect" is a must-read. Elle Kennedy's writing and storytelling are as captivating as ever, making this book a delightful addition to the Campus Diaries series.

The book is set in collegiate ice hockey, offering an authentic backdrop that sports romance fans will appreciate. Kennedy created relatable, and multidimensional characters. Gigi is determined and focused on her hockey career, and her journey to achieve her goals is both inspiring and heartwarming. The dynamic between Gigi and Ryder they start as adversaries due to their respective positions on different teams, but their interactions are charged with tension and chemistry. The slow burn of their romance is a delightful aspect of the book, and readers will find themselves rooting for this unlikely pair.

The writing style is known for its wit, humour, and emotional depth. "The Graham Effect" is no exception, blending steamy romance with poignant character development. The book explores themes of ambition, family expectations, and the sacrifices people make to pursue their passions. It's a story that delves into the complexities of personal and professional relationships, offering more than just a typical sports romance.

It is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes in the world of sports romances.

Thank you to Elle Kennedy & Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really love Elle Kennedy and I have been a huge fan of the Briar U and Off-Campus series from very early on and I have to say I have a few mixed feelings of this one. First off, most of the book this the BU and OC series can get pretty repetitive and this one felt the same except now we are diving into a whole new generation of Grahams. I enjoyed the new twist with Gigi also having her own goals to be on Team USA and I loved the little call-backs to her dad and his friends from the other series but some of it felt a little out of place. This book is a good quick read but I don't think I really enjoy series' with generations (that's definetly more of a personal preference and I don't think it is a reflection of the book or authors writing) - I just want to hear more about Garrett & Hannah and our original people haha (I think I just have a special place in my heart for that book) I do wish that we heard from other families in the original series more but I anticipate this Campus Diaries series will continue on with the other kids/families.

I think if you enjoyed Kennedy's other books in OC or BU then you will probably enjoy this one, it has all of the components that people loved in the first series but now everyone is grown up and their kids are re-living their parents' experiences. Overall a good quick, easy read - nothing really not to like.

An EXCELLENT addition to the Briar Universe. The relationship between Gigi and Ryder demonstrated a new maturity I haven’t yet seen in Elle Kennedy’s characters. I cannot wait to see what’s next from the Campus Diaries series.