Deep End Review
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood’s steamy college sports romance dives deep into anxiety, injury, and expectations.
Summary:
Competitive Diver Scarlett “Vandy” Vandermeer is making a comeback. Or at least she’s trying to… Since her diving injury, Scarlett is just trying to keep her head above water. Get into med school, get her head back in the game, and dive again. However, going back to what she’s best at is proving to be much harder than it seems.
The appearance of Lukas Blomqvist, the golden boy of swimming, shakes Scarlett up. His complicated relationship with her best friend, the secret shared between them, and his stare get to Scarlett. Lukas is the definition of control, something Scarlett feels like she’s lost completely.
The waters get warm as Scarlett and Lukas agree to a no-strings-attached relationship to blow off steam until the Olympics.
Review:
Ali Hazelwood is one of my favorite authors. As the master of humor and tension, it’s no surprise to me that this book was another hit. I found myself laughing at this book, blushing over it, and even shedding tears. Hazelwood dives in headfirst with her steamiest novel yet, as Scarlett and Lukas explore kinks together in their casual arrangement. But with more time spent together, the harder it becomes to deny that what’s going on between Scarlett and Lukas is much more than sexual chemistry.
While Deep End has the reputation of being super spicy (and it is) it also has substance. Hazelwood’s novel explores the weight of expectation and the complexities of anxiety and injury. Post-injury, Scarlett struggles to get past her mental block and dive again. With the Stanford Swim team gearing up for the Olympics, the pressure is on. Between academics and her diving career, Scarlett feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. As she works to overcome her mental block, Scarlett must learn to not let perfection and fear control her.
Part of what made this book such a good read was watching Scarlett’s shield come down, and watching her learn to be vulnerable. As a reader, I felt seen in Scarlett’s struggle with expectations. Seeing growth of this character made this read much more than just another spicy book. Furthermore, Scarlett’s challenges felt real, not like a half-cooked subplot.
“I’m afraid of the unpredictability of existing. I’m afraid of not being able to control the direction of my life. I’m afraid that no matter how much I plan, I won’t be able to avoid hurtful and sad things. But above all…” I take a deep breath and laugh softly, because what I’m about to say is ridiculous, even if it’s true. Even if it’s me. “Mostly, I’m afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it.”
Deep End also shines a spotlight on the mental implications of sports injuries and student athlete careers. It’s not always pretty to fail, and Hazelwood shows us that. After her debilitating injury the prior season, Scarlett finds herself unable to dive how she used to. Therapy and training and failure are difficult for Scarlett. However, demanding athletics don’t allow much room for struggle. With the bar set so high, by her coaches and herself, being anything but perfect feels wrong. Navigating these new waters alongside Scarlett makes Deep End a meaningful read.
The chemistry between Lukas and Scarlett was really engaging. As steamy as Deep End is, what really had me blushing during this read was the unwavering confidence and tender-heartedness of Lukas Blomqvist. Scarlett wants to be reserved, yet finds herself opening up to Lukas, and maybe just catching feelings…
“But the way he looked at you . . . I don’t think he’s ever wanted anything or anyone the way he wants you.”
Would I Recommend?
Deep End was a solid read. It was romantic, sporty, and steamy. If you don’t read spice/ open-door romances, this book likely wouldn’t be for you. Otherwise, if a spicy sports romance strikes your fancy, Deep End should be added to your TBR. A non-hockey sports romance was refreshing, and the Swimming and Diving content was thoroughly engaging.
If you’ve never read anything by Ali Hazelwood, heres a run down: a lot of her books follow a structure, and have similar plots. Smart STEM girl, hot brooding guy, humorous conflict ensues. Yet each book feels unique and enjoyable. Deep End was no exception to this. While there aren’t exactly revolutionary plot twists left and right, Hazelwood writes an exceptionally good romance.
To sum up, Deep End was sexy, sporty, and sassy. To any experienced romance readers, this book is a must.
