Latest / Cait & Court's Cozy Corner: Romance Readers / Re-release Let's Talk About: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

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Re-release Let's Talk About: The Deal by Elle Kennedy · Cait & Court's Cozy Corner: Romance Readers

• Caitlin Stryker: Hi, all right. We wanted to pop on and just do a quick intro, fresh intro to our episode about The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Executive producers and hosts, Caitlin Stryker and Courtney Richter, producers, Canasia Ngo and Hollie Lobosky Original music, Cassie De Silva. Courtney: Hi. Court: Hi! Caitlin Stryker: This is a podcast for lovers of romance and romantasy novels who want to go on a deep dive into their favorite genre. Honest discussions and salacious details giving romance books the respect they deserve. We are two friends, actors, moms and romance readers who like a bit of spice and everything nice in their books. Cait: Welcome back to Cait And Court's Cozy Corner Romance Readers. We are so excited to have you back with us today. today, I feel like we are really getting back to where we started. We're doing a romance. This a romance. ⁓ Yeah, this is a full on ⁓ smutty ⁓ And ⁓ actually delightful. ⁓ Today, we're the book called The Deal. ⁓ Court: Mm-hmm. Courtney: Mm-hmm. I look Kennedy. Yes, because we know the series is dropping Prime this month, Off Campus, which looks ⁓ good. I just watched the trailer again before hopping on here and I cannot wait to see all these characters come to life. ⁓ we wanted to make sure we gave you a trigger warning about this episode. ⁓ So Cait if you want to give the trigger warning. Court: Yes. Mm-hmm. Full romance. Caitlin Stryker: You know the drill. Be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to our podcast. You know the drill. Be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to our podcast. Yeah. Courtney: Thanks for tuning in to Cait and Court's Cozy Corner Romance Readers. Court: So good. Caitlin Stryker: less. Court: Bye, dear. Cait: by Elle Kennedy. It is so good that it's actually already being turned into a show, which is filming in Vancouver, which is very cool And exciting. Caitlin Stryker: Yes. So we realized when we were giving the episode a look over and we're like, we're going to drop it again. And we were like, ⁓ we forgot originally to do the trigger warning that the FMC in this book does have a rape in her history that is a large part of the story. Her back. Yeah. Court: Yes, I did audition for it. I didn't get the part that I had auditioned for, which is fine. There'll be more seasons, but ⁓ yes. And when I got the audition for the part, I was just like, ⁓ because I knew what show it was right away. ⁓ But, And I feel like it was kind of like the name was changed or something. And as soon as I read it, I'm like, this is The Deal. I know what this is. going, but yes. And it looks great. I was so excited. ⁓ Side so you guys know, because Cait And I, always dress along with whatever book we're reading. ⁓ Caitlin Stryker: Hi, I'm Cait Courtney: And I'm Court. Welcome to Cait and Court's Cozy Corner Romance Readers. Yes, it's off the page. It's not described. It's in her past, but it is part of her arc and her growth and part of the trust she builds with our main male character. So just as a warning trigger warning that that is talked about in this book, ⁓ along with all the other wonderful things that happen in this book. So if you need a chance to refresh yourself before the show, or if you've just watched the first episode of the show and you're like, I need to know what happens, ⁓ come listen to this episode because you'll find out all the good stuff about the book. Cait: That's so exciting. ⁓ nice. Court: Today we totally surprised each other like two times in a we showed up basically in the same outfits with the same hair. Yes! Hoodie! Yes! Courtney: As we like to say, you don't need spice for a book to be good. Well, you don't need running shoes to run, but they sure do help. Cait: Yes! You were like, yes! We're on the same- This book is this is a college book so this is the college uniform of like hoodie And jeans or hoodie And yoga pants And your hair is in a bun And that is like the look. Hilarious Courtney: and what's going on. So Cait, what are you most excited to see? Caitlin Stryker: Yeah, it's... I mean, I'm so excited to see how they handle... This is a spicy ⁓ hockey romance. So I am very excited to see how they handle that. Yeah. Yeah. Court: Yes, it's college! Yeah, 100%. This is my husband's university sweatshirt. Just to add, I had to go another level And grab Jake's university sweatshirt. Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yes. I'm very excited to see the scene when she kisses Garrett on the bed. Like he's like, let me see your skills. And then she turns around and then kisses Dean right after, cause he walks in cause she's proving herself to both of them. I am so excited for that to happen in this show. It's one of my favorite parts of the book. I'm like, Ooh, how are they going to do this? And make it convincing. So. Cait: This is my husband's sweatshirt, not his university's sweatshirt, but it is. Caitlin Stryker: Yes. Court: You know, we get it. This is why we're doing this, folks, because Cait And I are on the same wavelength with these books. Caitlin Stryker: Yes. Cait: Yep. This is... Yes. We're, I've said before, we are the problem. ⁓ we're here for it. ⁓ Caitlin Stryker: Oh my gosh, absolutely. And just like the guys in their house, you know, like Court: You Yeah. Courtney: yeah, I can't wait for Wellesley, Wellesley to be part of everyday vernacular of everyone just yelling it across from watching this show. It is going to be a fun ride and ⁓ week we'll drop something. Maybe we'll do a little catch up on the show after this episode, too, so we can follow along. Court: And we, the best part is like we don't talk about it before we get on here. We don't make notes. We don't, we just say what we're reading, tell each other to read it, And then we jump on it. Everything happens on here. So we discover what we're reading. We discover our thoughts on the book. Everything's real time. And it's so great. Cait: No. Caitlin Stryker: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, follow us on Instagram. We'll do like a little drop on that. I think there probably, because that'll be like really fun. ⁓ Cait: Yes. Courtney: Yes. Cait: All of it. mean, even even me just saying like, hey, this is a real romance. And then let's be frank, it's smut. Like this one smut. And I love it. Courtney: Yes, enjoy rehashing The Deal with us. We did say it's going to be a show, but when we recorded this, we didn't know the dates of when the show actually was. So now it's actually dropping. Court: Yeah. Caitlin Stryker: Mm-hmm. Yeah, and we're so excited. So, yeah, listen for a refresher and follow along with us on Instagram as we watch the show and like, you know, give you a little snippets on what we think, what we're thinking. All right. That's it for our fresh introduction. Enjoy our episode about The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Court: it's not just I I will say this one has more levels to it than some romance. Like there's a little darkness to it because of the story with him And his dad And her And her history so it has a little bit of that there which Elle Kennedy is very good at but it has the spice. It brings the spice. Courtney: Yeah. Cait: Yeah, yeah, that's true. Yes, yes. Courtney: Yep. Cait: Let's dive into that right away before we do synopsis. I don't think we give a spoiler with like the spice. Where, Court, where does this live for you? your spice meter. How many pumpkins? Courtney: Guess. Court: Okay. Okay. I'm gonna say three And a half three And a half to four that's where I'm gonna put one it's there there's one or two parts I would say that are hard on the bus but it's like it's like a pink cheeks three And a half that's what I would Cait: Okay. Yeah? Okay, all right, it's a four for me. This is a four pumpkin. Court: Yeah, I knew it would be a four for you. Yeah. Not, a wuss. It's just on, ⁓ Yeah. Cait: Let's be clear that when I say that like that's a good thing like I like up for Court: Yes, it's not a bad thing. ⁓ 100%. Cait: I'm very happy with like I'm like, whoo. This is a good time interestingly though, now that we're you know, like we're in we're into this journey And everything And I think when I started when we started reading these And I was kind of like, you know, did the Elsie Silver And she's very slow burn And I was like, ah, give me something soon I want to like hit And quit it right away. And now this one is like opens with like BAM And I was like, I'm not feeling it Court: Yep. No, exactly! But it's not between the two main characters. It's it's side, ⁓ spice. Which, yeah, that's just a different, that's the difference. That's why you need the slow burns. It's not the same. It's not the same. Yeah. Very important. Yes. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You need the slow burn. You need foreplay to get you there. Okay, ⁓ Court, how about you dive in or give us a synopsis? Court: Okay, so The Deal by Elle Kennedy. It's a romance based in university. It's between our main female character is Hannah And our main male character is Garrett. He's a hockey player. She is an artsy music major at the same university. Briar. Is that their school, Briar? Yeah. Cait: Yeah, it's Briar And they're like just outside of Boston. Court: Yes. ⁓ So it basically starts, they're in the same class. The class has just gotten a midterm back, but almost everyone failed except for Hannah. Garrett is one of the people that has failed. She drops her books And he sees that she got a passing grade. In order to maintain his spot on the team as captain, they're doing very well this team this year. He needs to keep his grades above a C average, I want to say, maybe a B. And so he immediately is like, my God, you passed this somehow, like you need to tutor me. Cait: Mm-hmm. Court: And then she's like, no, I don't. I don't have time. I'm very busy with my own life And doing like go to the study groups like everyone else. He's like, no, no, no. Cait: And she's like, And I don't even know you. Court: I don't know you, I don't know who you are. She knows he's some dumb hockey player, but like, actually she knows who his name is. She knows who he is because he's like this well-known person. Everyone knows his name, but she doesn't know him. She's never interacted, never cared. She at the beginning of the book is like, her mind is on this other guy she has a crush on that's also in the class, a football player. So he's like, I need you to tutor me. ⁓ ⁓ then ⁓ she proceeds to like go through a day And all of sudden he gets her phone number from Cait: Everyone knows who he is. Yeah. Court: a sheet saying that of the study group he gets her phone number keeps messaging her like hey, what are you to set up the strings like you're relentless? We're not doing this like yes, we are I need your help to go to study group like she really brushes him off but like what they read like she holds her power. She has boundaries. She has reasons She's like I'm not doing this And then they run into each other at a party that her roommate makes her go to because she's very introverted. She's not a social person. She was raped in high school. ⁓ She was given the party drug And raped so she is very... Yes, sorry. Cait: Sorry, I didn't put the trigger warning at the front of this. Before we go further, I just want to say it's going to come up a lot. It's a central part of the book. So if that is a trigger for you, that is very upsetting, then skip this episode. OK, moving on. OK. Court: You're right. Yes. So yes, sorry to trigger warning. She, you know, it's not like in the present, it happened in high school, but it is obviously a very big part of her makeup. So she knows she was raped. She talks about that at beginning of the book. And so she does not like to go to parties. She doesn't drink at parties. She keeps to herself. But her roommate is like, this year, you promised her senior, like you're going to make more of an effort. You're going to come And her roommate is great about it. Allie, her best friend. She's like, I will stay with you. I will not drink with you. Like we don't have to do that stuff. Let's just get out And talk to people. And so they go to this party. Cait: Yeah. Court: Justin, the guy she has a crush on is there. Garrett is also there. He spots her, comes over And is like, you need to help me. And she's distracted looking at Justin. And he's like, who? Who's the guy you're interested in? And he figures it out pretty quick who it is. And he's like, well, you're not his type. And she's like, okay, thank you. Fuck you very much. I'm out of here. so ⁓ comes out And is like, I'll give you a ride home. let me like, I'm saying you're not his type right now, but that's just because he likes people's status. Like go out on a date with me. You can get status. Cait: Yeah. Court: Help me tutor And we'll call it even. Basically, he proposes the setup. Cait: And he is So arrogant the whole time with like just no qualms. Court: Oh my God, he already offered her, He already offered her a date to tutoring, like already thought that would be a fair trade. She's like, no. And then this time he's like, no, for real though, like the two girls he's dated were like on the cheerleading team And on the hockey team or something. So like he likes status. So if you go on a date with me, it'll give you status because everyone knows me And you can tutor me in return. Like we each get something out of this. And she decides because she hasn't had a crush on anyone in a while. She hasn't pursued things because of what's happened in her past. Cait: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Court: She's gonna do it. She likes Justin enough. Cait: She feels these butterflies when she sees Justin. She's like, could probably have a great sexual connection with him. And she's just really been working on trying to heal herself in that way. Court: Yes. Yes. So they agree. They decide she lets him give her a ride home And they agree that she will tutor him And he is going to start the ball rolling on making Justin jealous essentially. So it's again like a fake dating scenario. They agree to fake date And seem like they're together to get Justin's interest And at the same time she will tutor him. That's the setup of the book. Cait: Yeah. I know, I thought it was kind of funny because We're doing our read-along of Fake Skating ⁓ right now as well And then we're reading this book And I was like, we got hockey players And we have another deal brokered here again And then like, okay, is this a thing? Okay. Court: Right. Yes, exactly. This is a trope. Yes, yes, yes. The fake dating The fake dating trope is a thing that is used in a lot romance books. ⁓ And we all know where always goes. ⁓ Cait: Okay. Yes. Well, because once you get to know somebody, right, And especially if it's fake, then you're you're not putting, weirdly, you're not putting as many pretenses up as you are when you're when you do really like someone And you are Court: I Oh I understand how the relationship develops, but I'm just curious in life how often this happens. Like, ⁓ my point. ⁓ I've done like moments, I've done like helping a friend out pretend to be their girlfriend or something for like a night or at the bar or like the arm around you to like ward off other people. I've done that. Cait: Yeah. Like never. Yeah, yeah, that's like being a wing person or like a guard or whatever. That's not really like a yeah. Court: Yeah. But I don't know anyone that's actually fake dated in real life. Always. If you read romance, it seems like it happens a ⁓ Like this is a common occurrence in People are just like, hmm, to get the two things we want, the only way we can do it is to date each other because clearly we're not attracted. ⁓ That being said, the idea behind it though, like Cait: No, in rom-coms And in like romance books, they're like... Right? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Court: even with Jake, Jake And I were friends before we got together And we adamantly denied to anyone having feelings for each other. Like that protectiveness of like, not into you, just friends. That part's real. Cait: Mmm. Yeah. So I guess maybe Maybe that's what it is more so. Like it's the just friends first. And this is just a way of ⁓ making it a story point faster. Because building a friendship is longer to like be like, like why are you friends? And if you just, have to like put them into a scenario where they click right away. Like where they're kind of forced. Forced proximity. Forced proximity. Yeah. Court: Well, And there's always your force. There's force, intimacy And proximity, force proximity, kissing, hugging, like all of those little things that really add on to the situation. Like it's the scene. Like, so the part when she like when her And Garrett kiss, cause she talks about how she doesn't know if she's a good kisser And she's worried about it. He's like, here, practice on me. And they have this like blowing kiss. So good. ⁓ my God. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yes, you know it's coming. You know by By that by that point. It's like, ⁓ you're because they both expressed in their heads you because you're in both of their heads we get we do the dual viewpoint thing which I love. Yeah. ⁓ Court: I ha- yeah. Yes, I love interromance. Cait: And you're getting this sense of like, he is kind of liking her against his will And she is kind of liking him against her will. You know, like there's a weird thing happening there because they are becoming friends, you know, ⁓ first, which is funny. on the forced proximity thing in real life, I just think, how did Brad And I get together? And we met as like total strangers at a bar, but... ⁓ Court: Yeah. Cait: I was like trying to pick up a guy that night. You know what I mean? Like I had made like a bet with a friend of girlfriend of mine. Like we were like going out to like meet guys. If I hadn't, but I don't know if I would have. So sometimes it's like, guess there are something forces you to like, if it's friendship, cause you work at the same place or you are in the same class or school or like there is like something has to like hold you together at first when you're totally just two randoms. Court: Yeah, I've never done I was just before we both were kind of right for the dating apps And that really exploding Tinder And that so I haven't done really I don't think ever just a date with someone. Maybe, maybe from like a friend from meeting them at a bar with a friend that they knew the friend It was like you guys I but I don't think I've truly ever done. I did I did what a one-day date once I did a one-day date once that we literally had the best time was in Jasper Cait: ⁓ yeah, that wasn't a thing. Yeah. Court: And we met, we went on this big hike. We did all these things, literally like an entire day, nonstop talking, went all the way through to sex, And then literally figured it out at the next day. like, And that's done. Like we talked about everything we could ever talk about. Cait: Oh my gosh. Yes! Court: best one day relationship I think like one day date but then it never needed to go past that like that was it And it was like equally like we both just felt that was wonderful And great And then it was just like And now it's done. Like was no... It's really funny. I forgot about that. Yeah you can have that chemistry for a moment but then the ones that stay like with Jake we were just friends And we met an acting class I was in a relationship he was just coming out of relationship Cait: Yeah, amazing. Oh my gosh. That is so funny. That's so funny. Yeah. Court: Like we were not in a place to be together. And then when we started, when I broke up, when my boyfriend And I broke up And him And I just became best friends, we did those cuddles. We're like, we were just friends hanging out, but like we'd sleep in the same bed And like the arm would grace under the boob, but we'd still pretend that's just normal cuddling that happens when two adults share a bed because that's what you do with friends. Like it was all of that stuff. Cait: which Which is all the stuff that winds up happening in this book. It sneaks up on them. ⁓ Court: Yes. And when we finally When we finally kissed, it felt like this. Like when we both, And we talked, it wasn't like, let's see if you're a good kisser, obviously, like this set up, but it was like building And building And building. And after a night of us finally saying like, I have feelings for you. I have feelings for you. Like, And even that came out when they're like, thinks we're sleeping together. I'm like, but I would never just sleep with you. I wouldn't want to waste our friendship. It's like, I wouldn't either. I'd rather be dating. And like it built into that And then drinking. And then we finally just gave in And kissed each other. And it is like, Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Court: So much like that moment that I was, like it flashed me back to that, of that buildup kiss that you're like, And then she kisses Dean right after. Like that made me laugh so hard. Cait: my God, She was so bold. I did not see that coming. It was great. Especially because he's such a like he's just so full of himself that like she kind of has to like break him down in that way. Yeah. Court: it that like so she's yes Yeah, that she took the power right away. Like They both kissed, he was on it, it was a hot kiss, they're both clearly into it, they're moaning, they're groaning. I love the writing, like when they talk about the groans caught in the throats And that one kissing, I love it when they describe that. I don't know why, it's so hot, so hot. And then Dean interrupts them And she's like, he's like, I didn't mean to interrupt, like, no, no, we're just friends. I was just practicing, so we're not kissing. He's like, sure, And like calls her out on it. She's like, I'll show you. And then he's like Cait: Yeah. Yes. It was so hot. It's so hot. Yeah. Yeah. Court: pretending to like get his fingers ready to do all stuff And then he's like, wait, I was just kidding. You don't have to kiss me. And then she does. And then it's also a really good kiss that he groans. And then they're both like, yeah, I think you're good. And she just leaves both those guys like stupefied And walks out. Cait: Yeah. Yes. Yeah. But She was like, I didn't feel anything with Dean, whereas she did. Yes, so that too was like, ⁓ you're in trouble. Court: No, it was a good kiss, but not the same. Yes. Yes. Which it's so true. Like, listen, this sounds crazy, but it doesn't sound crazy, but it's just, it sounds like my life's more exciting than it was. But with Jake, right before I got with him, a friend, a guy friend of mine, another guy friend, And he's a hot guy, super attractive friend. We were drinking And hanging out And I was like, you know, in that post-breakup mode. And then we made out, ⁓ And it was Cait: you Court: nothing like nothing there. I've been friends with him for a long time too, not as close with Jake or Nick, but it just there was no sizzle there. It's just different. And then within that week, like Jake And I finally got to that point, maybe it was like two weeks later, but it was knight in day. And it's not like he's a bad kisser or doing that. You just don't feel the same connection. And this was such a great example of that. Like it was done so well. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Yes, yes. Sometimes... Sometimes it's weird too, like when you're like, why this person And not that person? Yeah. Court: Yeah, like he was hot too. It wasn't like he was unattractive, not the same level as I was attracted to Jake, but like, like very similar to the Garrett / Dean. Dean Laurentes is hot. She objectively all the hockey players in this house are hot. But there's one person you're drawn to. It's always like, yeah. And for Hannah, it's Garrett. And so yeah, they have this amazing kiss And they're still just friends after it. And they have that party to go to. Cait: Yes. Yeah. are hot. It's... Yeah. Always. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Court: And then she finally starts getting a connection with Justin And Garrett's jealous. ⁓ Cait: Yeah. I know that's what I like is Like he gets so jealous, not in a not And thankfully not in like a weird like, you know, gross possessive way, but he just kind of he's caught off guard by the fact that he cares at all at all, you know, And it's like, ⁓ boy, you are in trouble. Which is very fun, especially because they do And I think you have a lot more experience with like hockey players than I do from like growing up in Ontario. Court: Mm-hmm Yeah. Yes. Yes. Very much a hockey town. Cait: ⁓ in a hockey town, but I have enough to know like they're like, you know, I had always just back then it was like stay away from the hockey players like they're so arrogant And like they have this sort of like way about them that I was just like, I can't hang. Like I just that's too much for me. And in this book, the way that they are I'm like, oh my gosh, this is like what I like they're a lot. Court: Yeah, like. Go to like my university, like there wasn't a big sports team. Like I didn't have that part of it. I had it in high school And university was there was only like the guys soccer team And rugby team. And I played on the girls rugby team. So like we partied with the boys rugby team And they were still, they had a bit of that air to them. Like the rugby players And like that or football or the guys with those, I think those sports bring it even another level because there is something about the athlete. I don't know what it is, but it just ups their hotness in the moment. Cait: Right. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Court: something about it. There's something that's more attractive to the point that at my school we even made like the rugby And ⁓ players the hot guys because like someone has to carry that torch. ⁓ like ⁓ different. Like we come back from games And practice, we'd practice in the same field, walking back to the dorms And like covered in mud both of us And they look like these muscular Trojan ⁓ men all in muck. And then I just look like a wet Cait: Mm-hmm. Yes. Court: rag covered in dirt like in there. There's no glory the other way. It was like, for them they look hot like you want to join them in the shower. And the girls was like, are you going to shower? Cause we think to like. Cait: You need to fix this. Court: Oh no. Cait: ⁓ my gosh. Okay, so. There are a couple of darker ⁓ themes that go on this book. with ⁓ Hannah having been drugged And raped at a party when she was in high school when she was 15 And she was still a virgin And everything. And that's sort of her whole impetus for this is that she's, And she talks a lot too about like how she's been in therapy And what her therapist has told her, you're like one step at a time And you're gonna be okay. But she hasn't been able to orgasm with a man And she's had a couple of relationships And Court: Yes. Yes. Yeah, since then. Cait: You know, talks about the last guy And she he tried his hardest And everything but like it just couldn't happen she wants to fix that And she feels like she's broken ⁓ ⁓ so she likes this Justin guy she gets that fluttery, you know, yummy feeling And she's like, okay I think I could do it with him And then Garrett helps her And then along the way, know, she's like, ⁓ I'm having this feeling with this Garrett guy. And then the way Garrett talks about Justin the whole time I did have this tense feeling like dear god, please. No, not again I was like if she winds up alone with this Justin guy is he gonna try and force himself on Court: Yes. Yes, me too. Cait: her and that's gonna be an issue you know like think Garrett rescues her from or whatever but I was like please no please no please no like just you know ⁓ it was that tension rod was there the whole time and that was like it was a lot it was a through line of the book and I was like ok this is ⁓ Court: It felt like we waiting for something else to drop, which I'm glad it didn't, that it was just him not liking him, and Justin actually was a nice guy, just not the right guy for Hannah. But it did feel like it could go the way. And Elle Kennedy writes, there's always a little trauma to her characters, like there's always, like I said, a little bit of darkness, a little bit of history, but in a very real way, in a way like her, you know, she doesn't go back home because... Cait: Me too. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Mmm. Yeah. Court: that town victim blamed, like the guy that actually raped her got away it. He was someone of importance money, like the old story that happens over and over again when someone's rich and get away with a lot of stuff. And then her parent, they became the pariahs as if they caused him this headache when he in fact did rape her. So Garrett immediately believes her is on her side. Like at first she says it was a friend and even that he's like, okay, I get it, I got you. Like he's there for her. And then when she confesses what actually happened, yeah. Cait: Yeah. Classic. Yeah. Yeah, which was really cool. Yeah, that whole thing was really cool. think that too, the, he's like, listen, I want you come out and like have a drink tonight and let loose and I won't. And I will like be there for you and the whole thing. And then when he's like, all right, you're out of here because you're about to get yourself in trouble, you know. And I just think he was, it was a standup moment, knight in shining armor kind of thing for him that like needed to happen just because of his arrogance. Otherwise. ⁓ Court: Like it. Yeah. Cait: And yeah, and also because yeah, she does deserve to be able to go out and enjoy herself and have a drink and you know, ⁓ because it wasn't her, it's not ever her fault. It wasn't her fault for what she wore, what she drank, what she, you know, that just, that part of the social contract should never be broken. And the fact that it is, is atrocious And... ⁓ Court: Yeah, exactly. Cait: So way that that was all written in Garrett's response and everything like to all of it was really cool. I liked it a lot. It was handled really well. And then the same thing on the flip side with Garrett's dad ⁓ being an abusive husband and father. ⁓ Court: Yes. Cait: And then, you know, when they go back for Thanksgiving and they see the signs that it's still happening with his new girlfriend and everything. And also, you know, when she's like, I love that when she's like, I'm broken. And he's like, you're not broken. And then later on, he realizes, like, you know, I didn't realize that I was a little broken, too. And you helped me and it's like, ⁓ my gosh, they needed each other. Yeah. Court: Yeah, you can both see the trauma. Yeah. Cait: Which is another real thing of like creating a bond with someone. It's, know, that you both have something that you understand and you're there for one another. And he didn't realize how much he had kind of shut himself down and shut himself off from connecting with anyone because he never talked about Court: Yeah. Cait: his trauma and his dad for real to other people because his dad's this NHL superstar, you ⁓ and he kind of felt like nobody would care or believe me You know, it was an interesting mirror. Court: He's dead. Yeah. Well, And that happens a lot with male victims as well. Like it's harder ⁓ to come forward and to see their trauma on the same degree or same level as what women go through. Like a lot of men have a hard time talking ⁓ being abused physically because they feel like they shouldn't have been or they should tough it out. Like it's a different standard and I think this one was handled really well. And brought it to light And it really great way. Cait: Yeah. Court: And what that can look like father and son and the different way that abuse can happen emotionally and physically. And the difficulty of seeing other people in relationships with them and that you can't stop it as much as you want to like grab someone in a physical relationship and pull them out and smarten up and so on. But you can't until they're ready. They have to do it on their own terms and she did. Cait: Yeah. Yeah, which is so hard. Court: It's so hard to watch And so hard to be part of. So with Cindy, like his dad's new girlfriend, and Garrett just immediately recognizing the signs and wanting to like take her by the hair, but she wasn't there yet. She didn't want to. ⁓ And she does eventually leave him too, which is great, but brings him back as a vengeance. then her, okay, so Garrett's dad eventually just sees Hannah as a distraction, blames her, thinks she's gonna take his son off course, who he has paid for all of his schooling. Cait: Yeah. Court: And all his education and his... And he basically threatens Hannah that if she does not break up with him then he's gonna cut Garrett off and he'll be off the team and drop out of school and his whole future will be gone. And in a way that makes it seem very real that he could do this like and as far as she's aware this is what Garrett wants. Yeah And she. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. The way that it is, she's painted into a corner and he is as well. Yeah. Court: 100%. she wrote it, she built the character, she wrote his dad in a way that it was all very believable that this could happen as well. You're in it with him. And she knew Garet well enough at that point to know that he would have sided with her. He would have given it all up for her because he loved her. And so she makes the choice to break up with him. And that's kind of it. You go on the journey of friendship to then finally be together and happy. And then the dad comes in and makes this happen. And it's just heartbreak handlers when she breaks up with him. Like it's so sad. Cait: ⁓ Heartbreaking. It's so sad. And the way the dad corners her and everything too. I mean, that's just another like another... It's so it's so awful. He's so he's so disgusting ⁓ and that was really really really ⁓ to like read but I loved Garrett's Court: to see. Yeah, the intimidation factor, it's just growth. Yeah. Yes. Cait: response ultimately. Like the way that he just wouldn't accept it. Like he does it first of course you know and he goes and he like has this like binge drink moment and he's just you know the you would expect kind of thing. And then ⁓ Court: Yes, I know. Cait: he kinda doesn't let her off the hook. He is such a dog with a bone. Once he wants something and goes after it, he does not relent or give up, you know? And not ⁓ in a pressuring way or anything like that, not in a bad way, just in a, mm, no, you don't really wanna break up with me. What's actually going on here kind of thing. he gives her a space. Yeah, he gives. Court: No. He puts out the hands off. Yeah, he gives her space, he tells everyone no guy to ever like date her or like a hands off policy. He enacts in the entire school. ⁓ yeah. No. Cait: Yeah, which you have no idea until she realizes She's like, wait, everyone was saying hi to me. Why is why is why are these guys are like running away from me? And then she's like, ⁓ and when she corners him she walks into the change, into the hockey change room. And I love the moment she walks in. She's like, penises. There's penis ⁓ Court: No one's talking to me. What did he do? penis! penises everywhere! ⁓ Oh my god it's amazing it is it's truly and it really is like the male change room for these sporting events as go onwards like it is just a of naked guys and it's just good like it's just part of ⁓ it's just there. And like Cait: So funny. ⁓ Which if I walked in on it, I would be like penises! Penises everywhere! You're like trying not to look but you can't. And you're like, just cover yourself so I can look up at you. Court: Oh my god, I would so look. I would look at everything because I can't help it. It's like a car wreck. But but it's also different because penises aren't hot. Like it's not like you just see a bunch of flaccid penises and you're like, like with if it was boobs or something. It's not the same. So you can't not look like you don't. But you're also like, but you have to because it was just a room full of penises. Cait: Yeah, no, same. No, but... No. Yeah. No, it's not the same. Yeah. Yeah. Such a funny moment. Oh my gosh, I died and then when she has him in the shower and she's like get out of here I need to yell at him. Tell all the other guys. It's so good and then the coach comes in and he's like what's going on here because he's thinking you know. And it brought me back to Fake Skating when they got caught like hooking up in the the change room. Court: you Yeah, I can't yell at you naked. Hocking up. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cait: And then he's like, I know it looks like coach, but it's not. It's just my girlfriend. She's yelling at me. I'm trying to win her back. And the coach is like flabbergasted and just leaves. He's like, okay, I don't know what's happening, but I'm out. You kids figure this out. Court: Well, the The change room ⁓ hookups is like a very common thing and trope thing in sports romance. It's a thing that take them back to the locker room or the locker room getting caught. It's always a thing about the locker room that yeah, ⁓ Probably because the main male characters are always naked in the locker room. So it's like got that easy setup of like Cait: It's another thing! it. I like it. I like this locker room trope. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Court: catching someone new. It's always that like, yeah. Cait: I mean. And if you're into the guy, once you see him naked or nearly naked, it's like, whoo. Court: And Jake knows about this moment, but when we were still just friends, and of course I had a crush on him from the moment I saw him. He's that guy, it was like a real life kick in the stomach, like who the fuck is that guy? He's so hot. And anyways, I was at his apartment, we were getting ready to go out for the night to go meet some friends, and he's wearing a sweater, and he's like, does this sweater, does it look a bit douchey? Like that was his worry because it was like this tiny v-neck. And he's like, does it make me look too? I'm like, maybe a little bit. And he's like, okay. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Court: So we went to go switch it because it's very tight on him. Too low. It was just so tight. just, it didn't suit him. Yeah. And so he went to his room to change it. And I remember literally like watching his back was to me, he took it off and I saw his back, like his rippling muscles of his back. And I remember going like, actually like, like I had to turn away. I did because it was too attractive. Like I couldn't. Cait: The V was too low. Too tight. Yeah, too tight. Yeah. Court: He was my friend, wasn't, like we weren't together and I just like actually couldn't watch because it was too hot. Like I saw his back and then like turned away into the kitchen. Like gosh, I'm not moving, it's like I can't focus, I can't. Cait: Mm-hmm. Yeah. You're like indecent feelings. my friend. shouldn't be thinking about him that way. ⁓ Court: Yes, this is not... Yeah, not... ⁓ So it's a great setup. Yeah, it's so true. Like you can't unsee it and do it like you And... Yeah, it makes you react. So that's done very well. I love that that's where she finally confronts him again for the like makeup of the two of them to start. I love how calmly and that that arrogance that is annoying and gawky off the top of the book. Cait: I love it. It's true though. Yes. You can't. Yes. Court: comes back to serve him in such a great way. Yeah, cause that's how he gets her back. Like because he refused to give up and refused to not to believe that she wasn't still into him and just like fix it. Basically what we find out is that all the dad's threats are void because come January 1st, he gets his inheritance from his mom's side of the family, the trust. And the dad doesn't even know about it. Cause the mom always kept it a secret cause she knew he'd use it to manipulate him. And so. Cait: You fall in love with it by the end. Yes. Court: he has all his own money, he can pay for school, the dad actually can't touch him anymore, which is all he was counting down for. That's why he never, he let his dad come to the games and kind of kept him happy for a bit because he knew once it came to January 1st, he'd be free. And he just, it's like bite his tongue until he got there. So he resolves, they're still together. They become kind of like the hero couple. And then like this series goes on for four more books, which will be the seasons. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Okay, but wait, Wait, because there's a couple of things that we skipped over along the way that I'm like, we have to go back to. A when she has her, ⁓ her final her showcase for the scholarship. And she has her moment and she's just pissed because she is not happy being broken up with Garrett. She didn't want to break up with him. She's like, fuck life, fuck the world. Like, she just mad, you know what I mean? And then she goes and she sings a song, she pours all the emotion into that. And it's extraordinary. Court: Yes. Cait: And we're reading that and you know the whole thing. And I started to read so fast at this part Court because I was like, where is he? Where is he? He has to be there. He has to be there. I know they're broken up, but I know he showed up for her big showcase. I know he did. She was like at all of his games. He's got to be there for it guys. And then he shows up. was like, yes! Court: Yes, he has to be there. La La Land moment. Like all know if Ryan had just shown up to her one-woman theater show, they'd be together. Cait: And so like, yes. And so he was there, even though, you know, like they were broken up and the whole thing. But then I love too, when ⁓ she's like, I can't believe you did the hands off thing because we were broken up. He's like, I never considered us broken up. like, I knew it wasn't real. Court: And it couldn't happen. This was fixed. He was there. Cait: I just needed to figure out what it was. And I was like, yes, thank you. Cause like if he had taken it at face value, that would have been it, you know? And it was like, this can't be it. Oh. Court: Thank you. Yes. Well, would have been the whole Ross And Rachel thing that lasted 10 years of the were we Were we or were we broken up because everyone knows like you can't, you can't just dive in. Especially when it's that kind of breakup when it's from something that's been good and it's out of left field. Like you can't dive into another person. That's not the way to deal with a breakup. Cait: Yeah. Yeah. No, no. And then The other satisfaction thing that we got. So Justin doesn't turn out to be a predator, thank God. But, because I couldn't take more. You know, like when someone's re-victimized, it's just too much. I know that it happens ⁓ and that that is a real thing, but I was like, I don't wanna live through it in the romance, you know? ⁓ Court: Not our romance, we don't need it. No, we need the like... Yes. Yeah. Cait: Yeah, I need the fantasy element here and not reality. So then when, but when that guy shows up at the hockey game. From her town who had lied, who perjured himself on the stand and lied and said that this kid that raped her in high school, Aaron, you know, that it was actually like she was slut and all these things and she had wanted him and it wasn't that she was lying. ⁓ He shows up at the hockey game and she sees him and Garrett kind of realizes who it is and then goes and confronts him. And... Court: Yeah, yeah. Cait: This other guy doesn't back down but you can tell that he and then he just he calls her a slut. And he says the thing and then Garrett just like beats the ever living shit of him. I really needed that moment too. I really needed a moment where Garrett beat up a guy for Hannah. I don't know why. ⁓ Court: Violence is not always the answer sometimes. Cait: Sometimes. This one, I was like... Court: This that circumstance when it's someone that lied and got someone off or raping someone. Yeah, they deserve to have the shit kicked at them. Yeah, they fully do a hundred percent Cait: Yeah, they deserve to be beaten to a pulp. And it started. Yeah. And so that was, that was, I was like, ooh. Court: Yes. Yeah, that was very sad. And I was hoping it was going to be a redemption arc. Like I was hoping that guy was going to apologize, like give her something. And he didn't, but then that's also true to reality. people don't, I was just hoping, I just wanted him to like, because he wasn't the actual guy. It was like, it wasn't the right, that guy that raped or I, ⁓ just thought maybe like just to give some like, like to, the way that it also was handled was done very well with Garrett. Cait: You thought so? Yeah, I didn't think he was going to at all. ⁓ That's why I, that's why, right. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Court: And that set up. But like, yes, there's that darkness to these books. Like Elle Kenney does always, like I said, have that kind of story to it where it's not just like the dad that ignored you. It's like the abusive dad and were raped, like real ⁓ reasons for issues in their character's trauma. But she balances it out very well with the romance, with the spice that like the scenes when they were together, when it was on and the full site, all of it and like him helping her to get her first orgasm back, all that was done. Cait: Yes. ⁓ yeah, Can we talk about that scene? ⁓ my gosh, so fucking hot. Court: So well. Yes. So hot. So hot. Like, it was done very well. Cait: I mean, and I did not see it coming, you know, cause I was like, oh, he's gonna just like, be casual and it'd be fine. And then it was so hot. And so also I was like, oh, And how empowering. was like, ooh, what a healthy, what a healthy base for them to build off of. Court: Yeah. Exactly. It was like dominant in a Dominance in an empowering way. Like it just, it was a perfect balance. Yeah. If you need something to like set your mood, that is a good spot to jump into. Cait: Yeah, like you, but I just thought he was like, yeah. Yeah. He was like, you take like, show me how you pleasure yourself. And not like out of the blue. You know what I mean? When it became obvious that like, it was because she was like, you can't the way that you're like looking at me and like me. It's like, ⁓ I'm getting flashbacks to the trauma. And he's like, okay, we need a new approach. He's like, let's make this safe. Court: No, And not in a gross way either. Cait: pleasure myself and you pleasure yourself. He's like, so I'm vulnerable and you're vulnerable. It's not just like you feel vulnerable and like I'm the aggressor. And I was like, ⁓ Oh my God. And I mean, what a level of intimacy. I love how then to she's going to go to her friend like, yeah, no, we're just fooling around. We haven't had sex. I'm like, I think that's probably more intimate than Court: Ugh. Yes. Cait: having sex, like having intercourse, because it is having sex, it's just, you know, not intercourse. ⁓ Court: It's very... Yeah. Not intercourse. Yes. I think honestly, if say you've been even now like in a relationship for long time and you haven't revisited that like bringing yourself to orgasm in front of each other together something really hot about that and really sexy and worth exploring again if you don't because it is it's that vulnerability and that connection and then the timing of it and like the build it's just so many levels to ⁓ that is Cait: Yeah. Yes. Yes. Mm-hmm. Yes. Court: the experience up. Yep, 100%. In real life, like we say, always good to get inspiration from the books or reminders that they're, that's why we love the spice of the books. It ⁓ us of the good things ⁓ brings it back. yeah, no, it's, it's, ⁓ done very well. And it's so satisfying when they finally get together too. Like Cait: Definitely worth trying out. Am I real? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Good ideas. Yes, but again, that delayed gratification, it's a real thing. Also, it is a real thing, in every sense of the word. ⁓ In anything and everything in life, delayed gratification is actually the key to actual ⁓ happiness. ⁓ But. Court: Yeah. Well, yes, but also the stamina. Okay, so look as much as it was like stay away from the hockey players. The reason is because the stamina, the like hip flexibility, the bodies, the build hockey players have is very conducive to great fucking size and they know it. And so usually it's like you're looking for long term relationships. So that's probably not where to go in college life, but for a fun night, a good time. Yeah. Cait: ⁓ huh. YAH! Court: get it done. That's a good way. ⁓ she captures that. Yeah. Strong, strong hands, strong wrists, strong forearms. Good pelvic action. ⁓ a lot to it. Yeah. There's a reason why it works. ⁓ Cait: Yeah. You're in good hands. Mm-hmm. There is. There is. I mean, and this book did kind of ⁓ blow me away because it was the... I say this in a sense of like, okay, time to reclaim the word, but it was definitely the smuttiest one that we have read so far. So far. Yeah. Court: It wasn't for you? Interesting. I don't think it was smuttier than... I'm trying to think now because I blend all the ones I'm reading plus these together, but Mate, just gets... Cait: No, I know, no, but I'm just thinking, yeah, but Mate's a slow build like we build to it. I mean like the fact that like this one, because he's just having like sex with random chicks, like right from jump. So there's sex all over the place right away. It's like constant. I did hate that moment, but it wasn't, it was like even just the first time we meet him or not, or the second, he's with some other girl. She's not even around. You know what I mean? Court: Choo choo. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, you're right. ⁓ yeah, she walks in on him with a guy. I hated that. was like, ugh, gross. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he comes home And she's like just in a bed form waiting to have sex and it's consensual. But I mean, again, it paints him like someone likes to a good time, like sex, but not a dick. He's still honest about it. Cait: Yeah. Yeah, which is great. No, no, no, no. But I just mean like We were getting like, you know, fully written out sex scenes from the beginning of the book, ⁓ which we did have also, I guess, in Dire Bound, but because that was romantasy. I mean like romance. Court: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. No, because I was trying to remember with Wild Card but you're right. Yes. So far, from what we've read on this podcast. Yeah, you're right. The Deal has been the smuttiest so far. Yeah. But I love it. I'm into it. It brings you back to college and all the UTIs that we talked about before. Cait: Mhm. Wild card was a slow build. Yes. Yeah, but I was like, I like it. I love it. It's super fun. It really does. I mean the antics that go on in this book definitely bring you back to Even the like up in a trench coat, you know, ⁓ and, ⁓ I totally did in college. ⁓ Court: ⁓ my gosh. I did it. I guess I was still in college. I did it for like an airport pickup one time. ⁓ Cait: Amazing. I've done it for the airport pickup, too. Yeah Yeah Court: Living it. Yeah, it's the like, you know, it's the fun I think it was something called I can't remember how old it was but It's those things though And in college because you have dorm rooms Cait: I just mean like the first time I did it obviously was in college. I've done it a few times since then, so yeah, it's a good move. Court: Yeah, well, yeah, yeah, yeah. The college, the sex life of college kids, Sex Life of College Girls, if that's why it was a movie, or a TV show. It's when you're free, right? It's the first time that you're not in the constraints of your parents' house or bedroom. So you have your own places, but you have roommates. So there's still like noise barriers, but you're adults. You're allowed to like have sleepovers. And it's new. Cait: Mm-hmm. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, but... And it's new though. It's all still quite new. Court: So there's so many factors that just make it this exploring time that you really get to figure stuff out. And if it's not what you want, like you just move on and it's not that big of a deal. Like people are switching rooms all the time. And so to see it in this way with her and building that trust with someone is a huge player. But then that not being something you have to hold onto, like the power of that, that's what I actually really liked about the way she writes these guys too. Like it doesn't have Cait: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Court: that someone had a lot of sex before male or female and then when they meet the right person that that's an issue either like it's both are okay it's like for consenting adults that are into it. And as long as everyone's honest about it and not leading people on. yeah And sometimes you need that I mean look sometimes you have sex and then you're like wait this is not the connection I thought this was like it can change things the other way too and it's good to to know that Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly, which is like even said. Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. You definitely want to test drive before you purchase. Court: you ⁓ 110 % I can't actually imagine like I that would be the worst I just ⁓ no no it's just not worth it that's the rest of your life that's so much fun fun to be had Cait: Yeah, no. No. Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Court: Fantastic timing. And it doesn't even have to be penetration as we said it. All the other kinds of sex too. All the different ways. Cait: So much, Oh my gosh. Anyways, but yeah, it was really, really fun. I mean, know, Garrett, he annoyed the heck out of me at the very beginning. And then I was absolutely in love with all of his antics and arrogance by the end. So that was fun and cool. And it was cool too. You know what was nice? I liked Hannah. She wasn't annoying. She was really cool. Yeah. Court: Yeah. Yes. Yeah. Yeah, she's great. No. Yeah, she's a great female main character. She kind of becomes like the sweetheart female main character throughout all the stories. She's kind of becomes the high bar as the first one because she's done well. She's doing herself. She's figuring things out. Yeah, the whole series is fantastic. Like it's definitely a series I recommend reading. We'll probably sprinkle them in as we go because they're a great in-between book. We're fleshing out to slowly read all of them. And by the time the series drops, we'll probably have gotten through all of the... Cait: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Right? Court: Books the series. Cait: And Then we can watch it and see how they do. Amazing. Court: Yes, yeah, yeah, it could be. No, it's a great book. I'm so glad that you got to read it and that we got to bring it out on here. I wanted to make sure we got to talk about it since it's being filmed right now. It felt like a good time to bring it out and talk to people about it. Yeah. Cait: Me too. Yes, yes, And this is the perfect season for it too. Like now we're into November and you know hockey season is on and yeah. This was fun. All right well that's it for today's episode of Cait and Court's Cozy Corner Romance Readers reading The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Highly recommend. Excellent smut. Four- Court: Mm-hmm. Yes. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Mm-hmm. So good. Cait: Four spicy pumpkins for Cait, three And a half for Court. Court: I guess we'll stick for it out. But good. A good three and a half. Like I said, rosy cheeks three and a half. It was good. Yeah. Yeah. Cait: No, it's good. Yeah. Absolutely. All right. Well, that's all for today. Thanks for hanging with us and can't wait to hang with you again soon. Bye. Court: Yes. Bye!