The Graham Effect: The addictive, must-read hockey romance from TikTok sensation, Elle Kennedy!

It’s not easy to follow up a beloved series, let alone two. Off-Campus is one of the best college hockey series out there, and Briar U is not far behind. In my humble opinion, but also, based on reviews and social media, the rest of the romance world’s, even though people seem to agree a bit less on Briar U.Anyway, I was super excited to read TGE, was so glad to see Hannah and Garrett again, and possibly the others. I had to manage my expectations though, and accept that this book was not about them. As much as I was craving more time with them and the rest of the gang, this was Gigi’s story, and her parents would be on the sideline.I loved that Gigi is a hockey player, first of all. Finally a female player. She is sweet, kind but can also hold her ground, and she’s funny. I love her relationship with her parents, and it broke my heart to see compare hers to her dad’s achievements and to realise that, as a girl, she won’t have the same opportunities.I also loved how the story slowly progressed between her and Ryder. Not in a boring way. It happened very organically. And in a healthy way, with minimum drama. Sure, there were bumps on the road, but it all went very smoothly and realistically, to me. I’m tired of romances that take place over the course of a week. To me, it’s very telling of the quality of story-telling of an author when they manage to stretch a story over several months without it dragging on. Again, it was all very organic.Ryder was fighting it, but not too much. He took the time to sort out his feelings, opened up little by little, and let her in progressively. He worked on his issues and listened to what she needed. And Gigi knew when to voice her needs but at the same time, knew to accept what he was like. It’s all about compromising, guys. They take care of each other. Sometimes (often) in the romance world, the caregiving is so one-sided, it annoys me. Like, I love a man who puts his woman first, but when it becomes his entire personality and the whole book is about him waiting hand and foot on her, and she does f-all for him? No thank you.But not here. Oh and the smut was good! The perfect amount for me. Some longer steamy scenes and some quicker ones in passing.What am I going to do with myself now? I’m really going to have to reread Off-Campus and Briar U. It’s been almost a year, so I guess it’s time?One caveat: I was hoping for a prologue. Did Stan ever make Team USA??? You cannot leave us hanging like that!!But all in all, Elle, at this stage of my life I’ve read most of your books, and please know that I’ll follow you anywhere.

I loved Off-campus, The Deal in particular, so when I saw that Garrett and Wellsy's daughter was getting a spin off book I was so excited! Gigi was everything I hoped she would be. Not too much like her parents, but her OWN person! She had aspirations, struggles and desires (iykyk) and I really warmed to her straight away.Luke Ryder? LORD THIS MAN! His back story almost killed me but his strength and resilience to keep going despite everything he's been through was admirable. And he has a dirty mouth too? If I wasn't married (and he was real) I would defo slide into his DM's.I thought the story in this was good, I liked the sneaking around and the public spice stuff. And the banter between the hockey players was so reminiscent off the Off-campus series, I loved it! I already know I'm going to love some of the other books in this series (Um, hello Beckett Dunne!)At times, I was a little bit lost in the amount of side characters and all their descriptions but I have no doubt as the series goes on, that I'll get to know them all.Also, seeing Dean DiLaurentis on my Kindle again was one of the best things to happen all year.

Lighthearted, witty and great story. Trigger warning: domestic violence, adoption and sex.Can't recommend enough. Looking for more books from this author

4.5 ⭐️Elle Kennedy proves once again that she is the Queen of writing college hockey romances because if I thought I loved ‘The Deal’ then I was not ready to how much I was gonna love ‘The Graham Effect’.I absolutely loved Ryder and Gigi together. And when he calls her ‘my wife’ I just about died. I don’t make the rules but this book will make you blush. The banter is superior, I was laughing throughout most of the book, either between Ryder or Gigi or just Ryder with anyone really. There is such good development character and I am so happy to see cameo from other favourite couples from Elle Kennedy’s series.This is by no means a slow burn which means we get to see the main characters get together quite early on. While I am all for the buildup, it means we get to see them together for longer so that is a plus. My heart absolutely broke for Ryder’s back story so now I think ‘found family’ is slowly becoming my favourite trope.Overall a fun, fast paced, banter 10/10, spicy hockey rom com must-read if you love Elle Kennedy’s books.Tropes:-grumpy x sunshine-found family-forced proximity-sports romance-2.5 🌶️If you enjoy these tropes, be sure to check out the book! I am so happy that Elle decided to do a ‘next generation’ series and can’t wait for ‘The Dixon rule’ coming out 14/05!

If you like Elle Kennedy’s sports romances I’m sure you’ll love this.

I can’t tell you how much I love Elle Kennedy books they are hilarious and so well written. This one didn’t match up to the others. The story felt too jam packed “spoiler alert”… the marriage was completely unnecessary to the story. Then Luke’s story with his dad was wrapped up too quickly almost like the book ran out of steam and went a little off trackI hope the next few books can live up to the stories that lead the way. Elle is a incredible writer but this sadly missed the mark

With the second book, The Dixon Rule, coming out on May 14th, I wanted to binge this one and was successful in two days (i blame being sick and needing nap breaks for not finishing this quicker). This story was so good. If you are a fan of @ellekennedy33 Off-Campus and Briar U series, the easter eggs are fantastic but you don't necessarily have to have read them to enjoy this wonderfully delightful, spicy and overall joy of a college hockey romance.Gigi Graham and Luke Ryder, both star hockey players, start spending more time together to help each other with their goals but their chemistry is undeniable. The way their relationship unfolds is spicy, funny, heartwarming and surprising in the best ways. I absolutely love the way their relationship is written and how they both complement each other. Both Luke and Gigi's individual arcs are also so captivating and emotional, I really enjoyed seeing their development. Gigi is a powerhouse, strong and stubborn. She always says what is on her mind. Luke is more reserved, opinionated and says a lot with few words. The way Gigi pulls Luke out of his shell and the way Luke creates a safe space for Gigi was written so delicately and just lovely.I don't like giving spoilers so I will just say that this is a unique college hockey love story with two people who respond differently to similar emotions and when they realize they can't deny their feelings for each other, it's just squeal-worthy beautiful. Sweet and sexy and just pure joy is how I would describe this first book. Gigi's and Luke's friends, who we meet in this first book, are also so fun and I can't wait to read how their stories unfold starting with Shane and Diana in book 2 coming out soon!Tropes & Elements:🏒 College Hockey Romance⚡️ Forbidden Romance➶ Enemies-to-Lovers☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine🏡 Found Family✌🏻 Dual POVMy rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐️

Hands-down this is my favourite Elle Kennedy book I have read! To say I couldn’t put this down is an understatement. I haven’t stayed up as late reading as I did with this book in a very long time.I was instantly hooked and connected to both Gigi and Ryder from the prologue. I smiled and laughed so much while reading. The found family vibes between all the friends was amazing, it was such an wonderful collection of characters. Although the guys started out rough after Briar and Eastwood merged colleges, and men’s hockey teams, this really added to the character arc of Ryder in a beautiful way.Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about this story, Gigi or Ryder; I loved it all. The progression of their friendship and relationship was organic, addictive and beyond sweet. Let’s not forget the delicious tension and playful banter between these two. They did not lack in the spicy department and their chemistry was off the charts, and they had no problem showing that with one another.Gigi is hilarious, I enjoyed her inner thoughts so much. She is strong, fun, hardworking and determined. Ryder is quiet, stern, comes across his grumpy and closed off man is he so much more than meets the eye. What they both brought out of each other was real and the connection showed was easy to feel-there was support, care, understanding and no judgment ever, they truly made each other and their lives better. Not just with their respective hockey careers, but finding someone to trust with all the things they kept locked inside.There was even a couple fun twists in this read and I loved every second of it!It was so great getting to see a few of the ‘Off-Campus’ characters, especially Garrett and Hannah. The introduction of new characters leading into the next book, I am beyond excited to continue this series.5+

4.25 ⭐️I absolutely ENJOYED this book. This universe is one of my favorites! Garret Graham and his family are everything I like, and updates about Jake Connelly are MY FAVE!Gigi was really funny and her dynamic with Ryder was entertaining, charming and adorable. I loved their connection, their story and felt pretty happy with everything that happened in their lives.I’m loving the new gen of Briar hockey players and I’m waiting for amazing stories with Beck, Shane, Colson and everyone else!Shipping Shane and Diana obvs! And would love to read a novella about Alex and Owen. I liked that.Also, Colson’s story is promising!It was a pleasure to come back to these family, and the new additions are perfect. 🩵🩷

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶✨️Sports romance✨️Gigi's a hockey player✨️Briar U cameos✨️SpicyGoing 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 loved the book! Idk why I put off reading it until now. I was expecting a bad breakup from page 350 onward and damn if my heart didn't soar when it d9dnt happen and with the conflicts, drama unfolding, Garrett Graham, Wellsy, GG, Ryder, could not have been better