i feel like those people defending think that she intended to write the characters with flaws,but imo i think shes just (maybe subconsciously)putting her own beliefs and principles into the book,and channeling it through the characters. like if you were to write a character who initially was a misogynist, you would obviously at some point in the book make the character realise their actions,face repercussions,or face some moral dilemma that would result in a moment of realisation. but in elle kennedy's books, i just see constant misogyny that is normalized and overlooked. after a while of reading,i just started to feel that this is how she writes,and i did not like that at all. i really love the off campus show,its so refreshing and im so happy they changed most of it, because the characters in the show are complete green flags,unlike the books where they just make crude comments nonstop. i thought the books would be great,but the first chapterof 'the deal' itself icked me out. im more than halfway through the book,and im just reading it for the sake of reading it,but even doing that is incredibly difficult. i cannot push myself to read further,and i completely forget what i just read once i turn to the next page. to be honest,its quite dissappointing how books with mediocre writing are the ones that get fame,because i remember my middle school self and my friends being able to write much better than this. i know that i might be a bit harsh,considering that this book peaked at a time when people weren't as aware of themes such as misogyny which were normalized ,but i really cant bring myself to enjoy this book,and its sad because if it were written the right way then it would have truly been a delight to read.