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The Graham Effect (Campus Diaries Book 1) Kindle Edition
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.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateOctober 31, 2023
- File size3546 KB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
- Publishers Weekly starred review
"Utterly adorable, completely charming, and sexy as hell, The Graham Effect has everything you'd want in a college romance—a grumpy/sunshine pairing, a very steamy "steam room" scene, and a hockey-playing heroine!"
- Meghan Quinn, USA Today bestselling author
"Sexy hockey player? Check! Brand new series from Elle Kennedy? Check! The Graham Effect is a sexy, fun, delicious read, don't miss it!"
- Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"The Graham Effect is peak Elle Kennedy writing—magnetic banter, intoxicating chemistry, and plenty of spice. I devoured this book in one sitting."
- K.A. Tucker, International bestselling author of The Simple Wild
"(The) chemistry ignites the pages... This is a standout story among the very popular hockey romance trend. Fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips may also enjoy Kennedy's smart love stories."
- Booklist starred review
"I'm so happy to be back in the Briar Universe! This book is everything."
- Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author
"The Graham Effect was like coming home and I couldn't be happier! I only meant to read one page and of course I accidentally stayed up past midnight to finish. It's been a long time since I've kicked my feet and giggled in glee while reading a book and The Graham Effect did that to me! Intense emotions, loveable and growly characters, and hockey I love, The Graham Effect is one of my new favorite Elle books!"
— New York Times Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan
About the Author
Julio Maxwell is an in-demand narrator with a background in film and stage acting.
A soldier, an athlete, a comedian, and a softer kind of soul, Teddy Hamilton is the guy to fill any need. Known best for his work in the Him series by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, and the Mister series by JA Huss, Teddy has lent his voice to over eighty titles, some sweet and some salty, always with a lot of passion and heart.
Elle Kennedy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Killer Instincts novels, featuring Midnight Revenge and Midnight Captive, and the Outlaws series, including Ruled and Addicted. She also wrote the Off-Campus series, featuring The Score and The Mistake. She grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines, alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Stefanie Kay is an Audie Award-nominated narrator with a background in musical theater. She began narrating audiobooks in 2018. It is such an incredible honor every time an author entrusts her with their stories, and she makes sure that each one is told with truth, emotion, and warmth. She loves stories that make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel something!
Product details
- ASIN : B0BYKSTDNB
- Publisher : EKI (October 31, 2023)
- Publication date : October 31, 2023
- Language : English
- File size : 3546 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
- Print length : 498 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #282 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She is the author of more than 50 titles of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, including the global sensation Off-Campus series.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story and plot delightful, well thought out, and easy to read. They also find the humor hilarious and sharp. Customers describe the characters as well developed, engaging, and beautiful. They appreciate the spiciness, illustrations, tone, and pacing. Overall, customers describe the book as an absolute delight, well written, and an easy read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the story an absolute delight, with banter galore, passion, and plenty of love. They also say the dynamic is fun, tactful, spicy, and well thought out. Customers also say that the things in their life is precious and they want to protect them at all. They appreciate the great hockey writing, memorable characters, and fantastic Easter eggs.
"...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..." Read more
"...But, I was still living for it. It’s was cute and fun, and made me smile. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds. Consider me hooked!" Read more
"“The Graham Effect” by Elle Kennedy is an absolute delight!..." Read more
"The Graham Effect is a fun and engaging book that combines sports, romance, and personal growth...." Read more
Customers find the story and plot to be realistic but still romantic. They say the book is an easy and quick hockey romance read with steamy scenes. They also appreciate the depth of the characters and the relationship that evolves nicely. Customers also mention that the book has great banter and complements each other well.
"...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..." Read more
"...They had such great banter and complement each other so well even when they’re being rude...." Read more
"...If you love a good mix of humor, drama, and steamy romance, this book is a must-read. Can’t wait to see what happens next!" Read more
"...story has great banter, laughs galore, sadness, betrayal, happiness, love, growth, beautiful support. You name it, it’s in this story...." Read more
Customers find the characters well developed, engaging, and level-headed. They also appreciate the scenes with Hannah and Garrett that are well placed and just enough to give insight. Readers also say the story is beautifully written and blends flawlessly. They mention the book is funny, with a bit of drama, spicy, and a whole lot of love.
"...This story was so good...." Read more
"...The characters in general were just so fun...." Read more
"...The characters feel real, their banter is hilarious, and the romance is swoon-worthy...." Read more
"...Sometimes, the story moves a bit slowly, but the interesting characters and engaging plot make up for it...." Read more
Customers find the humor in the book captivating, funny, and fun. They also appreciate the sharp dialogue, unexpected turns, and love the author and writing style.
"...The way their relationship unfolds is spicy, funny, heartwarming and surprising in the best ways...." Read more
"...Gigi and Ryder are an excellent pair. They had such great banter and complement each other so well even when they’re being rude...." Read more
"...Kennedy’s writing is sharp, funny, and full of heart, making it easy to get lost in the story...." Read more
"...This story has great banter, laughs galore, sadness, betrayal, happiness, love, growth, beautiful support. You name it, it’s in this story...." Read more
Customers find the tone of the book emotional, relatable, caring, lighthearted, and fun. They also say the book gives off strong Off-Campus vibes. Readers also mention that the author's way of describing childhood trauma was well written and mirrors better choices and coping strategies within the context of a healthy relationship.
"...Both Luke and Gigi's individual arcs are also so captivating and emotional, I really enjoyed seeing their development...." Read more
"...But, I was still living for it. It’s was cute and fun, and made me smile. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds. Consider me hooked!" Read more
"...Kennedy’s writing is sharp, funny, and full of heart, making it easy to get lost in the story...." Read more
"...This story has great banter, laughs galore, sadness, betrayal, happiness, love, growth, beautiful support. You name it, it’s in this story...." Read more
Customers find the illustrations in the book adorable, beautifully put together, and steamy. They also appreciate the background provided.
"...they can't deny their feelings for each other, it's just squeal-worthy beautiful...." Read more
"...But, I was still living for it. It’s was cute and fun, and made me smile. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds. Consider me hooked!" Read more
"...The witty banter between characters is both entertaining and endearing...." Read more
"Cute rom-com with college athlete center. Honestly left me wanting to know more about how GiGi and Ryder’s lives end up." Read more
Customers like the pacing. They mention it's a wonderful change of pace, well developed, and given time to grow on them. They appreciate the steamy scenes and timely interaction with the first generation. Overall, customers say the book is off to an amazing start and has plenty of room for development.
"...Gigi is so hardworking and ambitious. And I love the way her character and Ryder were portrayed...." Read more
"...has great banter, laughs galore, sadness, betrayal, happiness, love, growth, beautiful support. You name it, it’s in this story...." Read more
"...Sometimes, the story moves a bit slowly, but the interesting characters and engaging plot make up for it...." Read more
"...If you enjoy romance novels with a quick pace, sharp dialogue, unexpected turns, and characters who learn and grow, The Graham Effect is a must-read." Read more
Customers find the book has the spiciness they expect from Elle Kennedy.
"...have to have read them to enjoy this wonderfully delightful, spicy and overall joy of a college hockey romance...." Read more
"...I love it so much. And the spice is great too!Just have to say - I knew it! That Coach Fairlee was so rotten! I know but still...." Read more
"...ex-boyfriend hiding stuff, but other than that this book brought the feels and the spice, a perfect combination...." Read more
"...writing, a cast of memorable characters I can’t wait to build on, solid spice - it had it all...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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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 POV
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐️
Gigi Graham is destined for greatness. She has her sight set on joining the National Team so she can win Olympic Gold, but there’s one giant hurdle standing in her way: She’s struggling to handle the puck when she gets stuck behind the net, and the coaches have taken notice. Determined to overcome this set back she turns to the only person she can trust to give her honest feedback and up her game. He’s kind of a jerk, but there’s no denying that he’s an incredible hockey player.
Ryder is navigating the merger of two rival hockey teams, his new position as co-captain, and a horrible first impression with THE Garrett Graham and he needs Gigi’s help. He’ll agree to teach her how to keep her cool under pressure behind the net, but only if she’ll do him a favor of his own. He’s aiming for a summer coaching job with her legendary father which seems impossible after they got off on the wrong foot. Now she’s the only one that can change her dad’s poor opinion of him.
Normally next gen series are cringey because they feel like beating a dead horse but gosh dang, if this wasn’t the most fun way to continue the series. I love the direction Elle took with this! Making Gigi the hockey star was just chef’s kiss!!! It can feel so redundant when it’s a son falling in his fathers footsteps with just slightly different tropes, but this book was so different & UGH, THE GIRL POWER!!!!! Gigi is so hardworking and ambitious. And I love the way her character and Ryder were portrayed. Strong characters don’t have to be tough 100% of the time, and true strength is knowing when to lean on others.
I laughed, I cried, and laughed again. This book had so much heart and I don’t know how to properly convey how cute it was. Gigi and Ryder are an excellent pair. They had such great banter and complement each other so well even when they’re being rude. I think the part of I loved most about this book was how things didn’t always work out for them. Instead, there was a healthy dose of reality. Things aren’t always going to be shiny and wonderful and seeing the way the characters handled those struggles was awesome. The characters in general were just so fun. There are a million new side characters that I want books for, and I hope Elle Kennedy delivers all of them.
That’s not to say it was PERFECT. If we’re being completely honest here I lost the plot about mid way through. And when it finally wrapped up at the end I definitely had a moment of OH YEAH. That WAS the whole point of this book. But, I was still living for it. It’s was cute and fun, and made me smile. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds. Consider me hooked!
Top reviews from other countries
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+
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
✨️Spicy
Going 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.