Deep End
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
〰️
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 〰️
🌶️ Open Door Spice 🏊 Sports Romance 🧬 Women in Stem
⚠️ High Stakes 🧠 Mental Health Representation 🔐 Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn 🙊 Secret Relationship 💕 Friends with Benefits
Synopsis
Scarlett, an elite diver at Stanford University, is currently recovering from a sports injury while working vigorously toward med school. On top of her busy schedule, she finds herself in quite the “arrangement” with the hot Olympic swimmer on campus. Their originally transactional relationship becomes more as they navigate their emotions, mental health struggles, personal relationships, high career stakes, and so much more.
“Confidence is showing up, and trying, and not giving up because deep in your heart you know who you are and what you’re capable of.”
Favorites
The first thing I noticed and loved about Scarlett was how “relatably awkward” she was. In many novels, the awkward main character is made to be cringe AF, barely tolerable, and totally unrealistic. I thought that Scarlett was a realistically nervous college student who had no idea what she was doing. She was unsure what to do with awkward silences or how to comfort people, but she never caused harm, inconvenience, or embarrassment.
I was initially intimidated by the “science” aspect of Ali’s book but was pleasantly surprised! One of my girl friends is in medical school and I am always so lost when she discusses her job or classes. Ali did a fantastic job at adding in these pieces for those who wouldn’t understand. You can tell that she is either well-versed in the field or did her research.
One of the things I had heard about Ali Hazelwood’s books was how well she writes in the spicy scenes. Let me tell you, this book did not disappoint! The sexual tension throughout the entire book was phenomenal, but the actual spicy scenes were chef’s kiss. Nicknaming this one, “WHET”, was absolutely a fitting choice.
“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.”
ICKS
Honestly, the only part of this novel that bothered me was Pen’s character. She is an amazing friend to Scarlett and I really enjoyed their friendship. I struggled getting through Pen’s obnoxious outbursts regarding Scarlett and Lukas’ sexual preferences. The first time she was drunk as a skunk, so that is excused - but every other time she exposed Scarlett and Lukas, I was so uncomfortable! I understand this was a vital piece to the plot, making Lukas seem “untouchable” because he was her ex, but I definitely feel it could have been done a bit differently, and perhaps, less cringe.
“It has to be love. It’s expansive and all-consuming and full and joyous. Hungry. Thick. At once heavy and light. Everywhere and golden. It’s him and me and the myriad of little strings that tangle us together.”
Final Thoughts
Being my first Ali Hazelwood read, I am definitely going to continue reading her books! She certainly knows how to write romance and spice - this book lacked neither of those things. I feel this book was worth a lot of the hype prior to it’s release and would recommend it to my fellow romance lovers! I hope you guys enjoy this one and can’t wait to share my next reads.
