How Does 'The Deal' Compare To Other Elle Kennedy Books?

I just finished 'The Deal' last night, and yes, it absolutely has a happy ending! The main couple goes through some intense drama—misunderstandings, family interference, even a temporary breakup—but the resolution is satisfying. They reconcile in a way that feels earned, not rushed. The epilogue is particularly sweet, showing them years later, still deeply in love and building a life together. If you're worried about a bittersweet or open ending, don't be. This one wraps up with all the warmth and fuzziness you'd hope for from a romance novel. The author nails the balance between conflict and payoff.

I recently finished 'The Deal of a Lifetime' and was struck by how deeply emotional the story is. The character who dies is Fredrik, the protagonist's estranged son. His death isn't just a plot point—it's the heart of the entire narrative. The book explores grief, regret, and the choices we make in life through Fredrik's passing. What makes it so poignant is how his father, a successful but distant businessman, is forced to confront their fractured relationship only after it's too late. The story flips between past and present, showing Fredrik as a lively, creative child and later as a troubled young man who never found his place in the world. His death from illness is quiet but devastating, especially when contrasted with his father's frantic attempts to 'buy' more time through a supernatural deal. The real tragedy isn't just Fredrik's death, but all the lost moments between them—the conversations they never had, the love that went unexpressed. It's a reminder of how fragile life is and how easily we take our relationships for granted. What sets this apart from other death-centric stories is the magical realism element. The father's desperate bargain with a mysterious figure adds a layer of surreal tension, making Fredrik's death feel even more inevitable and heartbreaking. The book doesn't shy away from showing how death affects those left behind—the guilt, the 'what ifs,' and the slow acceptance that some wounds never fully heal. Fredrik's absence lingers on every page, shaping his father's journey toward redemption.

The romance in 'The Deal' hits all the classic tropes but with fresh energy. Enemies-to-lovers is front and center—college hockey star Garrett and studious Hannah start off hating each other but sparks fly when he offers to help her pass a class in exchange for fake dating. Forced proximity amps up the tension as they spend more time together, and there’s a delicious slow burn as their chemistry builds. The 'popular guy falls for the nerdy girl' dynamic gets a modern twist with Hannah’s sharp wit balancing Garrett’s alpha charm. Secret vulnerability tropes shine too—Garrett’s hidden trauma and Hannah’s past bullying add layers to their connection. The fake dating feels organic, not gimmicky, because their emotional stakes keep escalating. Bonus points for the 'who hurt you?' moment when Garrett confronts Hannah’s ex—it’s cathartic without being overly dramatic.

As a hobbyist writer, my best advice would be,first lengthen your portfolio. You can opt for self-publishing in the beginning or getting published in magazines. Based on the feedback, polish your work. After you've built a strong portfolio, write an eye-catching proposal. It should include a catchy title, a summary of your book, a detailed chapter-by-chapter breakdown, target audience, and a sample chapter. To increase your chances to be noticed, network at literary events or online platforms to grab attention of editors who could guide you to the next step. You can also hire a literary agent who can help you navigate the process.

I've been obsessed with 'A Deal with the Devil' since the first chapter dropped, and that ending? Pure emotional whiplash in the best way possible. The final arc revolves around the protagonist, who's spent the whole story bargaining with a demon for power, finally realizing the cost isn’t just her soul—it’s the people she loves. The demon, who’s been this charming, manipulative force, reveals his true goal: he doesn’t want her soul; he wants her to *replace* him. The contract was never about ownership; it was about finding a successor. The climax is this brutal showdown where she has to choose between saving her family or inheriting the demon’s throne, and the way she outsmarts him? Chills. She rewrites the terms mid-duel, using a loophole about 'unconditional loyalty' buried in the fine print, and forces him to *serve* her instead. The last scene shows her walking away with her loved ones, the demon trailing behind like a shadow, his smirk finally wiped clean. It’s a victory, but the lingering shot of her eyes flickering with his power hints that the corruption might not be gone—just dormant. The epilogue is where the story really sticks the landing. Fast forward five years, and she’s rebuilt her life, but there’s this eerie normalcy to everything. Her little sister, who was the reason she made the deal in the first place, is now a teenager with no memory of the supernatural horrors. The demon’s presence is reduced to a whisper—a cold breeze, a misplaced shadow. But then, in the very last frame, she’s alone in her kitchen, and her reflection *winks* at her with his eyes. The implication is genius: the deal didn’t end; it evolved. She won, but the devil always gets his due. It’s the kind of ending that makes you immediately flip back to chapter one to spot the foreshadowing. The author nailed the balance between closure and lingering dread, and I’ve lost count of how many forum threads are still dissecting that final shot.

Reading 'The Deal of a Lifetime' was such a moving experience, especially with its bittersweet ending. The story follows a father who makes a supernatural deal to give his remaining years to a terminally ill girl, hoping to redeem himself for past mistakes. The final chapters reveal the profound impact of his sacrifice. As he fades away, the girl gets a second chance at life, growing up to achieve dreams she never thought possible. The beauty lies in the quiet moments—the father watching her from afar, unseen but content, knowing his time wasn’t wasted. It’s not a flashy ending, but one that lingers, making you reflect on what truly matters—love, regret, and the choices that define us. The author doesn’t spell out every detail, leaving room for interpretation. Does the girl ever sense his presence? Does she inherit his memories? The ambiguity adds depth. The final scene, where she looks up at the sky, hints at a connection beyond the tangible. It’s a story about the invisible threads between people and how even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through lifetimes. The ending doesn’t tie everything neatly, but it doesn’t need to. It’s perfect in its quiet, heartbreaking way.

The romance in 'The Deal' hits like a jalapeño—sharp, intense, but not overwhelming. It’s slow-burn at first, with delicious tension between the main characters. Their banter crackles, and when they finally give in, the chemistry is explosive. The steamy scenes are frequent but balanced with emotional depth, making it feel earned rather than gratuitous. The author doesn’t shy away from desire, but it’s always tied to character growth. For comparison, it’s spicier than 'The Love Hypothesis' but less explicit than 'Neon Gods'. Perfect if you crave heat with heart. If you enjoy this, try 'Beautiful Bastard' for similar enemies-to-lovers vibes with extra sass.

I stumbled upon 'The Deal' during one of my late-night reading binges. Legally, free options are limited, but some platforms offer trial periods or promotional access. Kindle Unlimited occasionally includes it in their rotating catalog—worth checking their current lineup. Public libraries often provide free digital loans via apps like Libby or OverDrive; just need a library card. Alternatively, author newsletters sometimes share free chapters or limited-time deals as a teaser. Remember, piracy hurts creators, so sticking to legal routes supports the stories we love. For deeper digging, sites like Project Gutenberg focus on classics, but newer romances like 'The Deal' rarely appear there. Scribd’s free trial could be a temporary solution, though their selection varies by region. Following the author on social media is smart—they often announce giveaways or freebie events. If you’re patient, secondhand book exchanges or community groups might have physical copies floating around. Passionate readers find ways without breaking the bank—or the law.