Author Elle Kennedy discusses 'slow burn' romance in 'Off Campus' and Prime Video adaptation

Elle Kennedy is celebrating the screen adaptation of her bestselling The Deal, saying the slow-building relationship between Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham was essential to telling their story with care.

Prime Video’s new series Off Campus, based on Kennedy’s popular book universe, follows music student Hannah Wells and hockey captain Garrett Graham as a fake dating arrangement develops into a genuine romance.

Speaking to Deadline, Kennedy explained that the couple’s emotional journey was crucial because both characters are dealing with serious trauma from their pasts.

“Because the issues were so heavy for Hannah and for Garrett, you can’t just have them suddenly jumping into bed in chapter one,” Kennedy said. “It was really important for me to have them have this friendship that was rooted in trust.”

Kennedy, who serves as a producer on the series, said her top priority was preserving the emotional tone of the books, including the characters’ relationships, humor, and sense of found family.

“I wanted people who watch the show to feel like they are at Briar U and they are friends with these people,” she said.

The author praised several updates made for television, including transforming Justin from a football player in the novel into a musician in the series. She said the change strengthened the romantic tension between Hannah, Garrett, and Justin.

Kennedy also expressed excitement about the future of the adaptation and hinted that more beloved characters from the Off Campus and Briar U universe could eventually take center stage.

The author confirmed she was involved in conversations about the series’ story arcs and visited the set, calling it surreal to see locations such as Malone’s pub and the off-campus house brought to life.

Beyond the romance, Kennedy emphasized that her books explore themes of trauma, healing, and personal growth.

“I do hope that people start to take romance a little more seriously,” she said. “There’s so much more heart to these stories.”

Originally published in 2015, “The Deal” was intended as a standalone novel but became the foundation for a successful interconnected series that continues to expand.

Kennedy’s next release, “Bad Idea,” set in the Off Campus and Briar U universe, is scheduled for publication in November.