Find this review and more on my blog, After Hours at Lilybloombooks 
 Heading into The Deal was nerve-wracking as hell. I had just read a book that came highly recommended that I didn't really care for, and many of my friends have been pushing this hard-core. Needless to say, I was worried about either hating it and being the black sheep; which happens more often than not. Or loving it, and kicking myself for putting it off for so long. 
 What happened was... somewhere in between. 
 I have to give credit where credit is due - this book was addicting. I sat and read it in one day. It's not original in its plot, or troupes, but there is something about Elle's writing that pulls you in. It's engaging, fast pace and wholly entertaining. 
 That being said, I had a few issues with the book. From Hannah's background, to Garrett's ass holeness & man whoring ways that are cured by the GIRL, to the lack of communication on the couples part. I would be excited and happy for the couple, only to be sitting glaring at my kindle and DMing a good friend about all the WTFs. 
 Let's elaborate. I don't mind cocky, confident or even "arrogant" male leads. But good grief, Garrett takes it to new levels. There is growth there, because I did end up liking him in the end. Which IS why I felt that Hannah was, from that aspect, good for him. She had the spunk and no-nonsense attitude to put up with him. I think had she been shy or a "door mat" it would have been worse. I guess he was just TOO much for me to find "swoony" or even wholly likeable. 
 Hannah, I liked. Like I said, she is funny, spunky and like, my soul sister. But I had a hard time understanding her logic when it came to her sex life. Now, I am not one to judge how people deal with trauma, or the after effects of said trauma. But I didn't understand it. So, that created some disconnect there. 
 Now Hannah and Garrett together, was just flat-out fun. Their banter is hilarious, and their scenes together were nothing short of hot. But, communication. I was so disappointed with the direction everything went in the end. I mean, there could have been 101 other things to use as the conflict for the story, simply because what happened, didn't FIT. In a conversation with my friend, we both discussed how much trust is put into a relationship, especially when it came to sex & intimacy and THEIR relationship.. I felt like with everything that they went through - their whole relationship was building up that trust and communication - it was essential for them to communicate and Hannah dropped the ball. It was aggravating. 
 All in all - I did like The Deal. I didn't hate it - but it's not favorite. So the question now is, will I continue the series? Probably. However, I am not rushing to snag up the books. Unless of course, Jessica picks The Mistake as the next Rec it to Me. *smirks*