Books Like The Deal by Elle Kennedy (For Readers Who Love Fake Dating + Hockey Romance)
If you loved The Deal by Elle Kennedy, it probably wasn’t just because Garrett Graham plays hockey.
It’s the fake dating that turns real. The “I’ll help you… but I’m catching feelings” dynamic. The bedroom lessons that blur every line. And that perfect mix of cocky athlete + genuinely caring hero that makes you fly through the pages.
If you’re chasing that same combination—fake relationships, tutoring, jealousy-fueled tension, and athletes who fall first—these are the books actually worth your time.
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⭐ Start Here: Books Most Like The Deal
My quick picks for books like The Deal that you don’t want to pass up:
- The Risk by Elle Kennedy – Fake dating + hockey + elite banter
- The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy – Tutor dynamic + hockey + “we need each other”
- Blind Side by Kandi Steiner – Fake relationship + relationship lessons
- Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger – Jealousy plot + coaching dynamic
The Best Books Like The Deal
The Risk
by Elle Kennedy
Fake Dating, Hockey Romance, Enemies to Lovers
If you’re chasing the exact energy of The Deal, this is where to start – same world, same addictive writing, just with a sharper enemies-to-lovers edge.
The fake relationship is fueled by rivalry, which makes every interaction feel charged from the start. The banter is effortless, the chemistry is instant, and Jake gives that same confident, all-in energy that made Garrett so hard to resist.
The Graham Effect
by Elle Kennedy
College Hockey, Tutor Dynamic, “We Need Each Other”
This is the closest you’ll get to that The Deal dynamic in a newer Elle Kennedy book—same college hockey world, but with a slightly different emotional angle.
Instead of fake dating, this leans into a mutual “we both need something” setup, where their connection starts out practical and slowly turns into something neither of them planned for. It has that same addictive pacing, strong character chemistry, and just enough vulnerability underneath the banter to hook you.
It feels familiar in all the right ways—without feeling like a repeat.
Blind Side
by Kandi Steiner
Fake Dating, Relationship Coach, Football Romance
This leans hard into the “I’ll help you get someone else” setup—and does it so well.
The coaching aspect gives you those lesson-style moments that made The Deal so fun, except here they’re more intentional, more drawn out, and honestly… hotter. Watching him fall while trying to help her win someone else is exactly the kind of tension you want.
Melt for You
by J.T. Geissinger
Make Him Jealous, Neighbor Romance, Coach Dynamic
This is one of my all-time favorites for a reason.
She wants another man to finally notice her, so her hot, confident neighbor steps in to “help”—but what makes this one hit is how naturally that coaching turns into something real. He sees her before she sees herself, and that emotional shift sneaks up on you in the best way.
Pitcher Perfect
by Tessa Bailey
Fake Dating, He Falls First, Bedroom Lessons
This hits multiple The Deal tropes and somehow still feels fresh.
The fake relationship is meant to get another guy’s attention, but Robbie is all in from the start—and watching him fall fast while trying to “play it cool” is half the fun. Add in the bedroom coaching, and the tension builds quickly.
And yes, the dirty talk delivers.
The Failing Hours
by Sara Ney
Tutor Romance, College Athlete, Opposites Attract
If the tutoring dynamic was your favorite part of The Deal, this gives you that same setup with a completely different emotional feel.
Zeke is rougher, moodier, and harder to crack than Garrett, which makes his slow shift toward Violet that much more satisfying. Their relationship builds through small, meaningful moments instead of big gestures.
It’s quieter, but it sticks with you.
Not Fooling Anyone
by Allie Winters
Fake Dating, College Romance, Forced Proximity
This one feels like a fresh take on the college fake relationship trope.
The psychology study setup forces them into vulnerability in a way that naturally deepens their connection, so the relationship progression feels earned instead of rushed. It’s one of those stories that sneaks up on you.
Right Man, Right Time
by Meghan Quinn
Fake Dating, Hockey Romance, Age Gap
This brings back the hockey element but adds a slightly more mature dynamic.
The heroine is confident and self-aware, and the hero’s past gives the relationship more emotional weight. It still has that fun, bingeable feel, but with just enough depth to keep you invested.
Endurance
by Amy Daws
Fake Dating, Athlete in Trouble, Image Fix
Instead of tutoring, this leans into the “athlete needs help” angle in a different way—his reputation is on the line.
The fake relationship starts as damage control, but the pressure around them makes the shift to something real feel more intense. It’s a great pick if you want higher stakes with your sports romance.
The Hook Up
by Kristen Callihan
College Football, High Heat, Strong Heroine
If you loved Garrett’s confidence, this gives you that same bold, magnetic hero energy.
The chemistry is immediate, the pacing is addictive, and the emotional layers build underneath all that tension. It’s one of those books you pick up “just to try” and suddenly you’re halfway through.
💕 More Books Like The Deal
- Play With Me by Becka Mack – Starts as no-strings “lessons” between a hockey player and his captain’s sister, but the emotional shift sneaks up on you in the best way
- Breakaway by Grace Reilly – A secret arrangement built around a “things to try” list that turns way more emotional than expected
- Unloved by Peyton Corinne – A quieter, emotional hockey romance where tutoring and trust slowly turn into something deeper. → Read My Full Review
- Nothing But Wild by P. Dangelico – College athlete + “help me figure this out” dynamic with stronger character growth than you’d expect → Read My Full Review
How to Pick Your Next Read
Want more fake dating + jealousy tension?
→ Melt for You or Pitcher Perfect
Want more tutoring / “help me” dynamics?
→ The Failing Hours or Blind Side
Want more hockey specifically?
→ The Risk or Right Man, Right Time
Want the bedroom lessons turned up?
→ Blind Side or Pitcher Perfect
Want something more emotional?
→ Unloved
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