Because of this grassroots movement, The Deal became for Russian readers into the New Adult genre. To this day, when a VK user searches for a top-tier college romance, they type: "vk the deal elle kennedy best" —meaning, "On VK, show me why The Deal by Elle Kennedy is considered the best."

The phrase “vk the deal elle kennedy best” correctly identifies that the of Elle Kennedy’s The Deal is the most highly regarded physical version of what many consider her best novel.

, the first installment in her Off-Campus series , has cemented its place as a cornerstone of the "New Adult" sports romance genre. Since its self-publication in 2015 , it has grown from a cult favorite on platforms like into a global phenomenon. The novel’s success lies in its ability to balance lighthearted college tropes with profound emotional depth. A Mutual Arrangement