The Graham Effect (Campus Diaries Book 1)

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 35,079 ratings

Price: 5.99

Last update: 11-28-2024


About this item

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER


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.

Top reviews from the United States

justbookedup
5.0 out of 5 stars New Favorite Series from Elle Kennedy
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
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 POV

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐️
Gabrielle (BookishandBallgowns)
4.0 out of 5 stars Me? Obsessed with Gisele and the Prom King? Yes.
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2023
I unabashedly love Elle Kennedy’s books. She’s writing for the feral little 20 year old inside of me and nearly 30 year old me is still living for it.

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!

Best Sellers in

 
 

Brush of Wings: A Novel (Angels Walking Book 3)

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4219
0.99
 
 

Timeline: A Novel

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 10827
1.99
 
 

State of Suspense (First Family Series Book 7)

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 46
6.99
 
 

Darling Girls: A Novel

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 22260
14.99
 
 

Camino Ghosts: A Novel

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 20856
14.99
 
 

Think Twice (Myron Bolitar)

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 19422
15.99
 
 

Twisted Games: A Forbidden Royal Bodyguard Romance

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 79944
5.99
 
 

The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 141028
3.99