Go ahead…take my money. If it’s a book by Elle Kennedy, sold! She just writes what I like.

Looking for an alpha hockey player? Look no more, Ryder has entered the room. Closed off, man of few words, broken…with hockey being his only passion. Gigi needs his help with a ice hockey weakness of her own, and she can help him in return by putting in a good word with her father for him. Can you see where this is going?

The build up…even with the secondary characters (hello, Beckett) is 🔥. This book does not disappoint and I can’t wait for more in this series. So thankful and fortunate to have received this ARC.

I received this book from the publisher & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

It's been a while since I read the first book that started this whole series, "The Deal" with our main character's father Graham and mother Hannah, and just like that book I really became invested in the characters and romance. For some reason, while reading this book it reminded me a little of the movie Dirty Dancing, which is a good movie, but I couldn't help finding some underlining similarities. We have a great father and daughter relationship with GiGi wanting to make her dad proud, the forbidden bad boy, Ryder, who also wants to make GiGi's dad proud, but Graham can't stand him. Graham would rather GiGi get back with her ex-boyfriend who he thinks is the better fit, but doesn't know what really broke them up. Okay, so it's not exactly like Dirty Dancing, and probably a lot like many other romance stories, but like I said, underlining similarities. I liked the love that GiGi and Ryder had for each other and how they tore down their walls to better understand one another. I really enjoyed my time reading The Graham Effect and I can't wait for additional stories to come from this series! Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is absolutely awesome. I loved everything about it from the characters, the plot and the romance. Seriously I loved every second and I could not put it down. It also gave me all the feels from laughing at the characters to even shedding a few tears, I LOVED this so much.

I have had read Hannah and Garrett's original story and its where I fell in love with the authors world. This book was even better than that series. Its a long book but I loved that its long. I loved getting to see Hannah and Garrett being such a big part of Gigi and Ryders story and I loved Garrett in this book so very much.

AHHHHH! I have been so excited to read this that I actually waited a couple days after getting it on NetGalley so I could savor it. When I realized I was 95% through the book and it would be ending soon I was so sad I almost teared up.
This is my first 5 star review for the Briar universe since The Chase. I absolutely adored Gigi and Ryder and there were so many references and updates about the OG crew that made me smile. I feel that G and Ryder's story was one of the more fought for love stories in the Briar universe. I really appreciated the complexities they had in their motives for how they behaved and their backgrounds. I could see where it could have been easy to write flat characters knowing there would be an eager audience for the next chapter of this saga but Elle really shaped the characters well. I'm so happy to have the next generation of Briar hockey stories coming down the pike. I've already fallen in love with some of the teammates and can't wait to hear their stories.
A must-read for fans of The Off Campus series.

This was a great, comforting fall read. While Kennedy falls into some of her trusted tropes and plot lines, there was enough originality that readers will enjoy. However, readers will immediately notice the inspiration drawn from Gigi's parent's book, The Deal. But that was expected. I was especially happy about the third act in this book. This felt like a fresh direction from the author, whereas the Off-Campus/Briar U books all had similar endings. I think Kennedy's writing the Prep series also helped when creating this new series in terms of characters and their relationships. Very excited for this series to continue... especially the potential of one couple...

I liked that this was about a female hockey player and set in the world of women's hockey, which you never get to read about. The story is well done and the characters are people you root for, though I think the pacing and conclusion at the end is a bit rushed. That won't put me off from recommending this to fans of sports romances.

The Graham Effect was a solid read! I liked all of the characters, especially Beckett and Shane. They really added a fun and comedic layer to the story. Kennedy always does a fantastic job of writing relatable characters. I liked how Gigi and Ryder's relationship progressed. It was nice to see their friendship grow. The only critique I have for this book is the number of characters to keep track of. I was overwhelmed at the beginning when all of the hockey players were introduced. Once I got over the fact that I'll never be able to keep up with all of the hockey players, I enjoyed my read. Readers who haven't followed Kennedy's hockey series (me😅) will not have a problem hopping into this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book since next generation books/series can be hit or miss but I loved this book. Revisiting old characters from the Off-Campus and Briar-U series' was awesome and I found the new characters in this book to be intriguing and lovable. I liked getting to see Garrett and Hannah as parents to the twins we briefly met in The Legacy as well as hints at traditions and relationships that have been maintained from the original group. I think Gigi was a fun heroine and I liked her overall attitude. I think her relationship with Ryder was sweet and grew organically. Ryder was an interesting hero and his backstory was so sad but also gave his character a lot of depth. Once I learned his story I had no issues with his constant secrecy. The side characters were also awesome and I can't wait for the other books in this series.

Warning: there might be spoilers ahead!
Gigi and Ryder had such a great relationship and I loved how devoted he was with her. Once he decided that she was it for him, he was all in and I absolutely loved it. My biggest issue was how Gigi kept trying to protect Case's feelings. He's a grown man, it's not your fault he doesn't get that when you say you don't want to get back together, that you mean it. I think Gigi protecting Case's feelings went on a tad too long. I would've preferred if she decided to make her relationship with Ryder public sooner without the revelation at the fundraiser. Ryder had the patience of a saint but I loved how he never got upset with her and even when she admitted she was being a bit petty, he took it in stride and was just happy she was honest with him. Their entire relationship was based on honesty and I loved it. That's why when we got the surprise about their Vegas outing, I wasn't upset or felt like it was unnecessary. It read like two mature adults making a decision that they knew was best for them. Related, I think the way Garrett grew to understand and respect Ryder and his relationship with Gigi was very on-brand for his character and made sense given everything that happened. I also love how Hannah decided she was going to do her best to be Ryder's pseudo mom, it was precious.

I also love how all the issues with Ryder and Gigi's pasts that were brought up got a tidy resolution. Emma got what was coming to her and Ryder getting to clear his name from the fight at the World Juniors was perfect. I also have to say that I am so desperately hoping that the next book is Will and Beck's book. Those two need a book and I will be very sad if they don't get one. I'm also very on board for a Shane and Diana enemies-to-lovers book. I'm totally hooked on this series and am ready to read more. My hope is that the lack of epilogue in this book will be because the next book will pick right up where this one left off.

All-around, a great book. 5 stars and I would highly recommend for any fans of Elle Kennedy!

I frickin loved this story. First off, I wasn't sure how I'd like the second-gen element, but knowing Gigi is Hannah's daughter just makes Gigi even cooler and more interesting, not to mention that when it comes to her hockey skills she's her father's daughter.

Ryder managed to be a wounded, kind of a jerk type of hero I actually like, which is rare for me. I LOVED that his ulterior motive for befriending Gigi was out in the open; there were many trope pits I expected Kennedy to bring these characters straight into that she deftly avoided. And the steamy moments are awesome; the shower and library scenes are up there for some of my favorite Kennedy steam scenes. There are moments when especially the side male characters use words or phrases that sound really writerly to me and not super realistic, but that is truly my only criticism. I loved this book and didn't want their story to end (though I really like the way it ended; the Vegas twist was brilliant!).

Four strong stars.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited for this book. I enjoy that she is going back to this characters who are such comfort characters to the fans. Especially since these are the parents of so many hockey romances. It was nice seeing the effects of what having a famous parent is like, and especially how the female main character discusses how she feels guilty about talking about her troubles because she has a good support system. Both of the characters had a good backstory. Overall, such a fun read.

Compulsively readable, it brings Elle Kennedy’s usual charm. I liked Ryder and Gigi, and I actively found myself rooting for them to get their happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

Gigi Graham has dreams of winning Olympic gold so she can step outside her famous father’s shadow. But in order to grab the scout’s attention she needs to hammer out a few details of her game, so she turns to the best there is, grumpy Luke Ryder.

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 a day. I had to take some breaks because of chores, but when I could I got lost in these pages. I haven’t read many hockey romances, but the few I have read I really enjoyed, and this one was no different. I loved the added twist of Gigi being a hockey player as well. I don’t think I’ve ever read about a female hockey player, so this was a nice touch. The writing is fantastic, as you would expect, and like you’d expect, the spice is amazing. Once we got into the spice it was delicious and often, and the build up was worth it. Grumpy/Sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and it was a lot of fun in this book.

Thank you so much to GetRedPR, @getredpr, the publisher Bloom Books and Netgalley, @netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Gigi Graham is at the top of her game when it comes to dominating in the world of women’s hockey. The daughter of one of the greatest hockey players to live, she is focused on reaching her goal of making the USA Olympic team. In a world that consists of hockey, it’s not surprising when she finds herself tempted by the new bad boy athlete on campus, Ryder. After his own college dissolves, he finds himself merged onto her school’s men’s hockey team and fighting to gain the respect and playing time he’s worked so hard for. It’s a romantic store of two powerhouse athletes caught in the storm of competitive sports and love as they grow and learn together.

GiGi gets by without using her father's last name, in fact she'd been trying to achieve her own fame by aiming for the Olympic Gold. Ryder is running from a past that keeps calling him when his college hocket teams ends up intermeshing with their rivals. What happens when these two hockey players meet again and find themselves in need of one another? Can they deny the fire building between them?

I picked up this book needing a lift, needing something light and lovely.

This book was light hearted but emotional, lovely AND spicy. This was perfection.

Elle Kennedy writes the kind of stories that immediately suck you in. I find that she gets right into the characters and brings them to life in the best way possible. Not to mention, they are fiery and they grow and the chemistry! I loved everyone of these creations and was thrilled to find Hannah and Garrett as parents.

The romance held out just long enough, filling the space with tension and flirting and such heat! Not to mention, once they do start to kindle that flame, it gets HOT.

I think this might be Elle Kennedy’s best book so far! Loved this addition to the Off Campus universe and I found the characters and the motivations compelling. In the past, I’ve had to really suspend my disbelief while reading Elle Kennedy’s work, but the way that these two characters interact and behave felt organic and genuine. I also loved the various references to characters and aspects of the other books (both Off Campus and Brair U). Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Elle Kennedy knows how to write an AMAZING hockey romance and she did not disappoint! I was so thrilled to see that we were going to get a second generation book, and I LOVED it!! It was so great to see cameos from the original cast of characters but also to get this spitfire of a daughter, Gigi, and the enemies-to-lovers romance. I absolutely enjoyed this book, I wish it had MORE spice, but regardless, it is excellent and I want more from this series!!

As someone who has never read the Off Campus series I cannot express how much I loved this book.

Gigi is the daughter of a world famous hockey player (Garret Graham) and is determined to meet her goals on her own NOT because of who her dad is. She's determined, hard working and hella funny.

Ryder didn't have the best childhood growing up and has an attitude because of it. He's cocaptain of the team and he can't out run his past anymore. He's 6'5", attractive and the definition of grumpy.

Their chemistry is unmatched. I'm a sucker for funny side characters (Beckett) and funny interactions. This book has spice, sports and moments that make you laugh? Sign me up all day.

If you read and loved The Deal, get ready for this bingey, addictive hockey romance that follows Hannah and Garrett’s daughter Gigi at Briar U. She is a female hockey player who has one main goal: to make the women’s national hockey team. To do this, she needs to improve her game behind the net and has no option but to seek out support from Luke Ryder. Luke is the co-caption of the men’s team and in turn for helping Gigi, Luke wants her to put in a good word with Garrett, so he can get the summer coaching spot he has been aiming for. Sounds like a win-win for both of them until neither can avoid the budding chemistry.

This is my new favorite Elle Kennedy book!! The banter and humor was top notch, the cast of characters and setting brought all the nostalgia and the communication between Gigi and Luke was open and honest. I LOVED that Gigi was a female hockey player with ambitious goals.

Read if you like:
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Forbidden love
-Found family
-Women and men’s ice hockey
-New England setting
-References to Off Campus and Briar U series

I received an arc of this in return for an honest review - thanks Netgalley.

Honestly, Elle Kennedy could write a hockey romance on the back of a cereal box and I'd probably read it at this point. They have some sort of chokehold on me and I can't pass them up.

I adore Ryder and Gigi. They're no Hannah and Garrett, but they are a close second. Reading their story was a lot of fun and honestly I'm glad to be back in the world of Briar. Kennedy manages to keep it fun and fresh - I never feel like I'm continually reading the same story despite the setting and the hockey aspect.

I loved a lot of the new characters and seeing snippets of the OGs was a bonus. I'm very excited to see all the stories that come out of this new generation.

Crushed this! I was so excited, and a little nervous, to jump back into this world. I love all of Elle Kennedy's college hockey romances; they are favorites of mine to reread. This did not disappoint! A fun, steamy, and heartfelt read. Gigi and Ryder were easy to get invested in!