
The Graham Effect
by Elle Kennedy
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.
- Spice
- 4/5
- Burn
- Medium
- Pages
- ~497
- Ending
- HEA
HEA means happily ever after: they end up together, for good.
How spicy is The Graham Effect?
The Graham Effect is a 4 out of 5 on our spice scale: spicy (explicit). Explicit, detailed scenes and several of them. The famous "perfect 4": real plot, real smut. Spice starts around the middle.
- Steam: Explicit open door
- Burn: Medium burn
- When: Spice starts around the middle
- Pairing: One man, one woman
- POV: Dual POV (both leads)
- Ending: Happily ever after
Content warnings
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Show 4 content warnings
- Child abuse (past or present)
- Domestic / partner abuse
- Death of a loved one
- Murder
Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.
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If you liked The Graham Effect
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The Graham Effect: quick answers
How spicy is The Graham Effect?
The Graham Effect is a 4 out of 5 on our spice scale: spicy (explicit). Explicit, detailed scenes and several of them. The famous "perfect 4": real plot, real smut. Spice starts around the middle.
Is The Graham Effect a standalone?
No. The Graham Effect is book 1 in Campus Diaries. It is the place to start. The series is still ongoing.
What tropes are in The Graham Effect?
The Graham Effect features hockey player, college / university, athlete, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity. It is a medium burn M/F romance that ends with a happily ever after.
Does The Graham Effect have content warnings?
Our notes for The Graham Effect include: child abuse (past or present), domestic / partner abuse, death of a loved one, murder. This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.
What should I read after The Graham Effect?
If you loved The Graham Effect, try Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, The Chase by Elle Kennedy. They share its hockey player and college / university energy at a similar spice level.

















