The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

Campus Diaries #1

I love this book so much. It’s one of the very few hockey romances where the FMC is also a hockey player, and I trust no one more than Elle Kennedy to make reading it worth my while.

As I’ve been reading a TON of hockey romances in the last two years as I write my own, this is kicking off my celebration of them. The next couple weeks’ posts will primarily feature books from this genre.

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Synopsis

From the Publisher Marketing:
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.

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You should be prepared,” Owen eventually says, glancing over to grin at me.

“For what?”

“You’re gonna marry that girl.”

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A Hat Trick of Humor, Heart, and Hockey

Elle Kennedy delivers another winning play with The Graham Effect, the electrifying kickoff to her Campus Diaries series. A spinoff of her beloved Off-Campus and Briar U books, The Graham Effect brings us right back into the heart of Kennedy’s hockey-filled world—but this time with fresh faces, bold ambitions, and a romance that’s as fiery as it is heartfelt. Its the perfect mix of witty banter, emotional depth, and sports-fueled drama.

At the center of it all is Gigi Graham, a rising hockey star determined to prove she’s more than just her father’s daughter. As the offspring of hockey legend Garrett Graham (cue the fan squeals), Gigi is no stranger to the pressure of greatness. But she’s not content to ride on her dad’s legacy—her sights are set on Olympic gold and carving her own path. Kennedy paints Gigi as fiercely independent, refreshingly relatable, and utterly compelling as she tackles the challenges of elite sports, familial expectations, and, of course, matters of the heart.

Enter Luke Ryder, Briar’s brooding, no-nonsense men’s hockey co-captain. Ryder is dealing with his own set of struggles: a turbulent team merger, the pressures of leadership, and an uneasy dynamic with Gigi’s dad. Their initial meetings? Pure friction. Ryder’s gruff demeanor clashes with Gigi’s fiery resolve, creating sparks that are impossible to ignore. But Kennedy doesn’t rush their romance. Instead, she builds it layer by layer, letting their initial misunderstandings evolve into a connection that’s equal parts tender and electric.

Kennedy’s ability to craft multidimensional characters shines in The Graham Effect. Gigi’s struggle to step out of her father’s shadow mirrors Ryder’s desire to prove his worth, both on and off the ice. Their parallel journeys of personal growth add depth to their romance, making it feel as much about self-discovery as it is about love. Ryder, with his mix of toughness and vulnerability, is the perfect foil for Gigi, and their dynamic brims with tension, humor, and heart.

The backdrop of collegiate hockey is as vivid and authentic as ever. Kennedy captures the intensity of the sport—both the physicality and the politics—without overshadowing the characters’ emotional journeys. Whether it’s a high-stakes game or a heartfelt conversation in the locker room, every scene pulses with energy and purpose.

And, of course, Kennedy’s signature humor and sharp dialogue are in full play here. From the banter that will have you laughing out loud to the swoon-worthy moments of vulnerability, every interaction feels alive and authentic. The pacing is impeccable, blending romance, humor, and drama in a way that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

The Graham Effect isn’t just a romance; it’s a testament to the power of finding your own voice and the beauty of connection. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Kennedy’s hockey universe or diving in for the first time, this book is a total score. Dynamic characters, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt themes make it a standout read—and a perfect start to a new chapter in Kennedy’s world. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Rating: 10 out of 10

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If you’ve already read and enjoyed The Graham Effect, check out the following books:

• Consider Me (Playing for Keeps #1) by Becka Mack – A hockey romance with a bad-boy player who meets his match in a woman who isn’t interested in being another notch on his belt.
• The Deal (Off-Campus #1) by Elle Kennedy – A college hockey romance featuring a witty, independent heroine and a cocky yet charming hockey player who strike up a tutoring deal that turns into something more.
• Offside by Avery Keelan – A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance with a strong, ambitious heroine and a cocky player who can’t seem to stay away from her.
• Always Only You (Bergman Brothers #2) by Chloe Liese – A swoon-worthy grumpy-sunshine hockey romance featuring a cinnamon-roll hero and a fiercely independent heroine with autism and rheumatoid arthritis. He’s a patient, hopeless romantic; she’s guarded and off-limits as the team’s social media manager—but some rules are meant to be broken.
• Unsteady by Peyton Corinne – A gripping college hockey romance where a broken captain and a fiery figure skater find unexpected solace in each other, but with secrets between them, they’re skating on thin ice.